Having witnessed an energetic show from local Wollongong band Sunday Waits, who supported the Sundance Kids on their 'Burn So Bright' tour at The Harp, Wollongong, I picked up a copy of their 6 track EP, after being impressed with the talent displayed by their live show.
The self titled EP, displays the talented song writing from band members Emily Fedele, Dylan Peters and Holly Peters. The EP is a carefully put together mix of catchy pop songs, and more mellow, soulful sounding ballads.
What Sunday Waits have achieved in the creation of the EP, is inventive and toe tapping music, that flows together seamlessly with the thoughtful and poignant lyrics.
Highlight songs include 'The Other Side', 'Home' and 'As I Did.' With all members displaying great talent both instrumentally and vocally, Sunday Waits are a band to keep an eye on. I would definetely recommend giving them a listen, or checking them out at a live show when the opportunity calls. Highly recommended for fans of artists like Ben Lee and Brooke Fraser.
www.myspace.com/sundaywaits
Sunday, March 14, 2010
Monday, March 8, 2010
Celebrity Spotlight - Suri Cruise
Okay even I feel ridiculous putting a 'celebrity' spotlight on a 3 year old girl. But something has got to give here.
As I google the name Suri Cruise, it shows to have about 1, 610, 000 results pop up. For a three year old girl. She has her own fashion blog written about her. She has youtube videos. She has thousands of photos. She has her own wikipedia page.
What is the fascination here? Sure, she's a cute kid. Yes her parents are famous. Yes she is paraded around, and probably the most fashionable three year old around. But how did this happen? Is it her parents fault for constantly having her in the public eye? But then how can they avoid that as they themselves are also in the public eye? But then AGAIN, other parents manage to keep their kids out of the media and papparazzi craziness - not completely, but to a certain extent.
Everytime I open up the latest Womans Day, New Idea etc, there is always an article with a photo of young Suri cruise. Even if the article isn't specifically about her, and more aimed at her parents (divorce, another baby, scientology battles, you name it, it's written) somehow, a photo of Suri is always managed to be snuck in there.
Many people disagree over TomKats parenting style for Suri. Remember the controversy when she was out and about wearing high heels? Many people were disturbed. Others claimed 'who didn't play dress up's when they were younger?' Sure dress ups is one thing, but constantly being snapped by papparazzi wherever you go wearing little high heels made for a 3 year old is a whole different ballgame.
I'm just simply curious to see what happens to Suri as she matures and gets older. At the moment, the publicity around her is annoying, because there are only so many things you can constantly say about a three year old girl who is oblivious to the fact she is already a celebrity. However judging by the majority of the photos splashed around magazines and the web, Suri seems like quite a happy and cheerful child. Only time will tell if the fame game has hit her to early...
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
Two songs;
Ever heard a song, one you can never get sick of, one that reaches down right into you, makes you want to cry or laugh, makes you feel happy, makes you feel complete, gives something purpose, or just for that simple 4 minutes, you cannot focus on anything else but that song/music flowing through your veins?
It may sound weird, but this is the effect I have on me when I listen to two certain songs.
1) Strings - The Getaway Plan
As soon as I hear Matthews vocals on the opening 'Draw these strings tight' there is no point in talking to me. I am completely lost within myself. Every chord, every lyric, every vocal I am in a transfixed daze as I listen to it. Sometimes I want to cry. Sometimes I just want to play it so loud so that the whole world can hear it. I sit and wait for the climax of the song, listening to it build up. (Okay I realise now it sounds like I'm talking about sex. But yes my ears do orgasm)
My favourite line 'Words exploding just like poems, carve them in stone so that our love can't be torn apart'
Then that slight pause before Matthews vocals burst out with 'And I...will wait...for nothing...for you' reaches right down inside me, like it's touching my soul. I know how completely ridiculous this could sound, but it's the effect this song has on me. For that 4 minutes, I am not thinking of any life dramas, of anyone, of anything, but the sheer brilliance of the song. Sometimes when it finishes I play it again, just to have another 4 minutes of being completely lost within the music, so that the rest of the world fades away.
2) Famous Last Words - My Chemical Romance
What this song does to me is slightly different. It has more meaning to my life. I remember one day, age 16/17 just being so absolutely desparate. I had no idea who I was, where I was going. Dragging myself out of bed was almost too much effort. Life was shit so to say.
One day I snapped myself out of it. Then another day, not to long after I got myself together I listened to this song. Sure I had heard it before, but I had never really listened. This time I really listened. The defiance in the song, the passion and the strong message and anthem of 'I am not afraid to keep on living, I am not afraid to walk this world alone' became my motto and lifted me up. Everytime from then on, when I've felt annoyed, pissed off, scared, angry with life, I blast this song, and for some reason it clears my head, and gives me direction. Not only that, it energises me again. By the end of the song, I feel I can take on the world and win. From then on, Famous Last Words, and the lyrics and message behind the song has been my life motto.
I understand to some, who aren't as passionate about music and what it can give us are going to find this a) Stupid or b) hard to understand.
But the one thing I love about music, is what else it can give some of us. Sure it's easy just to listen to a song and enjoy it. But when you REALLY listen to a song, it can bring out so much more. Love, hope, passion, awe, hidden messsages and strength.
So at the end of the day, no matter how tough life gets, I have music to get me through. And especially these two songs.
It may sound weird, but this is the effect I have on me when I listen to two certain songs.
1) Strings - The Getaway Plan
As soon as I hear Matthews vocals on the opening 'Draw these strings tight' there is no point in talking to me. I am completely lost within myself. Every chord, every lyric, every vocal I am in a transfixed daze as I listen to it. Sometimes I want to cry. Sometimes I just want to play it so loud so that the whole world can hear it. I sit and wait for the climax of the song, listening to it build up. (Okay I realise now it sounds like I'm talking about sex. But yes my ears do orgasm)
My favourite line 'Words exploding just like poems, carve them in stone so that our love can't be torn apart'
Then that slight pause before Matthews vocals burst out with 'And I...will wait...for nothing...for you' reaches right down inside me, like it's touching my soul. I know how completely ridiculous this could sound, but it's the effect this song has on me. For that 4 minutes, I am not thinking of any life dramas, of anyone, of anything, but the sheer brilliance of the song. Sometimes when it finishes I play it again, just to have another 4 minutes of being completely lost within the music, so that the rest of the world fades away.
2) Famous Last Words - My Chemical Romance
What this song does to me is slightly different. It has more meaning to my life. I remember one day, age 16/17 just being so absolutely desparate. I had no idea who I was, where I was going. Dragging myself out of bed was almost too much effort. Life was shit so to say.
One day I snapped myself out of it. Then another day, not to long after I got myself together I listened to this song. Sure I had heard it before, but I had never really listened. This time I really listened. The defiance in the song, the passion and the strong message and anthem of 'I am not afraid to keep on living, I am not afraid to walk this world alone' became my motto and lifted me up. Everytime from then on, when I've felt annoyed, pissed off, scared, angry with life, I blast this song, and for some reason it clears my head, and gives me direction. Not only that, it energises me again. By the end of the song, I feel I can take on the world and win. From then on, Famous Last Words, and the lyrics and message behind the song has been my life motto.
I understand to some, who aren't as passionate about music and what it can give us are going to find this a) Stupid or b) hard to understand.
But the one thing I love about music, is what else it can give some of us. Sure it's easy just to listen to a song and enjoy it. But when you REALLY listen to a song, it can bring out so much more. Love, hope, passion, awe, hidden messsages and strength.
So at the end of the day, no matter how tough life gets, I have music to get me through. And especially these two songs.
Friday, February 5, 2010
I think I have found love...
Hunter Parrish. Weeds = awesome show. Can act. Can Dance. Clearly likes musicals (Broadway). Good looking. Sense of Humour.
Oh I just want to find one!
Monday, February 1, 2010
Grammy's fashion critic.
PART ONE:
The most noteworthy - Lady GaGa.
Okay, I'm not a fan of hers, I'll just put it out there. But I have to say, Kudo's to her. That lady is clever, and has managed her career very smartly indeed. She could have been about a one hit wonder, but through her kooky ways, outrageous outfits, crazy performances and controversy (man, woman, both?) surrounding her career, she has kept herself in the public eye. And - mostly out of the papparazzi's sneaky shots of celebs stumbling out of clubs, outside looking tired and haggard without their make up etc...the shots they don't want us to see. So something I never thought I'd say - Congrats Lady GaGa. You are a clever woman.
Katy Perry -
I think she is so so beautiful. But the outfit (minus the back) is just doing nothing for me. She's young, gorgeous, fit....why wear something so Nanna like? Oh Katy. This one's a bit cold rather than hot.
Beyonce:
Okay, kudos to Beyonce for showing off her curves, and not looking like the usual stick thin, cliche celeb. But really? That dress? Not bootylicious at all. The colour is so blah. I'd choose that colour for my carpet, not my dress.
Rihanna -
Can't say that this does a lot for me. A good choice of shoes, to tone down the outrageous dress, but the dress or maybe the colours are just way too much. Teamed with the dirty blonde hair, it only makes Rihanna look about 10 years older than she actually is.
Thursday, December 17, 2009
The Betrayed - Lostprophets (Album review)
The fourth studio album from Welsh band Lostprophets has been some time coming, but the wait was well worth it. ‘The Betrayed’ due for release in January 2010, takes us through a combination of musical styles – with some songs reminiscent of the progressive rock style of the first album ‘The Fake Sound Of Progress’ combined with more radio friendly songs (A Better Nothing, Where We Belong) that are similar style to hugely popular 2006 release ‘Liberation Transmission.’
What Ian Watkins and co. have accomplished in the making of this album, is finding a happy medium, and a happy balance between keeping new and old fans happy (think to 2nd album, ‘Start Something’)
The album opens on the crashing drums, introducing us to the first song cleverly titled ‘If It Wasn’t For Hate, We’d Be Dead By Now.’ After the first minute, Ian Watkins vocals reach that soaring level we are so accustomed to. Not quite Liberation Transmission, not quite Fake Sound of Progress.
The first obvious thing is the heavy emphasis and focus on some solid drums and clever guitar work. Where for the majority of Liberation Transmission, Watkins vocals had a more focal role, with the odd guitar solo thrown in (‘4AM forever etc.), in The Betrayed you can’t help but notice the obvious emphasis being placed on the instruments, creating a heavier sound, not un-similar to their original style.
The second track ‘Dstryr and Dstryr’ has a similarity to song ‘Burn Burn’ (‘Start Something’) with midpoint in the song Ian’s soft vocals building up to become louder, making it the sort of song you just want to chant along to.
The lyrics and build up in this one – ‘Destroyer, destroyer we live inside of you’ is in a very similar style to the point in Burn Burn – ‘Burn Burn, for us, for them, for you.’ The defiance in this song and in ultimately in the album is that trademark Lostprophets style that had been previously missing from Liberation Transmission.
Track ‘It’s Not The End Of The World But I can See it From Here’ may as well been stamped with ‘Lostprophets.’ It is the Lostprophets we are accustomed too, whether they are leaning towards progressive rock, or being more mainstream – catchy lyrics and tune, awesome guitar solo, and Ian’s distinctive vocals.
‘Where We Belong’ is an obvious single choice for the band, with the lyrics portraying the journey taken towards the making of the album.
Personal favourites and stand out tracks from the CD, would probably have to be ‘Dstryr Dstryr, If It Wasn’t For Hate We’d Be Dead Right Now,’ ‘Streets Of Nowhere’ (the boys at their mainstream best- try not singing along to this song) and ‘Next Stop Atro City’ (An awesomely fast paced song, catchy lyrics and because who doesn’t like a song that showcases Ian Watkins screaming vocals.)
Overall, I would recommend picking up a copy of this CD. Lostprophets have made a real effort to keep older and newer fans happy, and it has paid off for them. After a 3 year gap between CDs it’s great to hear some fresh tunes from the boys. As guitarist Stuart Richardson states, the album is ‘No bullshit, no tricks; raw, pissed off, and catchy as f***.’ And if you’re anything like me, you couldn’t ask for anything better or anything more from Lostprophets. Except maybe an Australian tour sometime in the future...
8/10
What Ian Watkins and co. have accomplished in the making of this album, is finding a happy medium, and a happy balance between keeping new and old fans happy (think to 2nd album, ‘Start Something’)
The album opens on the crashing drums, introducing us to the first song cleverly titled ‘If It Wasn’t For Hate, We’d Be Dead By Now.’ After the first minute, Ian Watkins vocals reach that soaring level we are so accustomed to. Not quite Liberation Transmission, not quite Fake Sound of Progress.
The first obvious thing is the heavy emphasis and focus on some solid drums and clever guitar work. Where for the majority of Liberation Transmission, Watkins vocals had a more focal role, with the odd guitar solo thrown in (‘4AM forever etc.), in The Betrayed you can’t help but notice the obvious emphasis being placed on the instruments, creating a heavier sound, not un-similar to their original style.
The second track ‘Dstryr and Dstryr’ has a similarity to song ‘Burn Burn’ (‘Start Something’) with midpoint in the song Ian’s soft vocals building up to become louder, making it the sort of song you just want to chant along to.
The lyrics and build up in this one – ‘Destroyer, destroyer we live inside of you’ is in a very similar style to the point in Burn Burn – ‘Burn Burn, for us, for them, for you.’ The defiance in this song and in ultimately in the album is that trademark Lostprophets style that had been previously missing from Liberation Transmission.
Track ‘It’s Not The End Of The World But I can See it From Here’ may as well been stamped with ‘Lostprophets.’ It is the Lostprophets we are accustomed too, whether they are leaning towards progressive rock, or being more mainstream – catchy lyrics and tune, awesome guitar solo, and Ian’s distinctive vocals.
‘Where We Belong’ is an obvious single choice for the band, with the lyrics portraying the journey taken towards the making of the album.
Personal favourites and stand out tracks from the CD, would probably have to be ‘Dstryr Dstryr, If It Wasn’t For Hate We’d Be Dead Right Now,’ ‘Streets Of Nowhere’ (the boys at their mainstream best- try not singing along to this song) and ‘Next Stop Atro City’ (An awesomely fast paced song, catchy lyrics and because who doesn’t like a song that showcases Ian Watkins screaming vocals.)
Overall, I would recommend picking up a copy of this CD. Lostprophets have made a real effort to keep older and newer fans happy, and it has paid off for them. After a 3 year gap between CDs it’s great to hear some fresh tunes from the boys. As guitarist Stuart Richardson states, the album is ‘No bullshit, no tricks; raw, pissed off, and catchy as f***.’ And if you’re anything like me, you couldn’t ask for anything better or anything more from Lostprophets. Except maybe an Australian tour sometime in the future...
8/10
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
Top 5 Albums of 2009;
2009 was a year of some great music, and breakthrough artists as well as highlighting the promise of just how good 2010 will be music wise.
1) My number one spot goes to The Getaway Plan for the 'Best of The Getaway Plan (2005-2009.) If you are anything like me, and were absolutely gutted when these incredibly talented Melbourne lads broke up, then you'll understand my choice. From featuring their hit singles off the successful album 'Other Voices, Other Rooms' as well as including all the tracks from their first demo and their first EP 'Hold Conversation', with b-sides from singles also thrown in, it is a perfect mix of The Getaway Plan, showcasing the versatility they had. Whether it's the passion displayed in with the screaming vocals in 'The New Year' or the soft, haunting piano and vocals on 'Melophobia', the boys never fail to disappoint. RIP.
2) The Dreamers EP - Young Heretics
Wow. Is the first word I expressed after hearing the opening track 'Bones Of A Rabbit.' Kitty Hart and Matthew Wright aka Young Heretics have wowed fans and critics alike with their 4 song EP, just a teaser of what to expect on their album due out in 2010. If it's anything like the EP displays, this will be one act to watch in 2010. Whether their vocals are soaring over the top of a full orchestra or softly blending in with acoustic guitar, the duo has showcased their amazing musicianship and vocal range in this EP. For only $5, I would recommend anyone to get it.
3) First Temple - Closure In Moscow
The debut album from Aussie band Closure In Moscow, didn't fail to disappoint. The CD starts with a bang, and doesn't fail to disappoint, showcasing the bands ear for melody, crazy instrumentals and the amazing voice of Chris de Cinque. The CD also showcases the bands versatility with punk driven tracks they became known for, as well as mixing in more diverse sounds, such as song 'A Night at the Spleen.' Ever heard a punk type song that you can just get up and dance to? - (yes dance, not mosh). The chorus is ridiciulously catchy with Chris' falsetto vocals 'dance with me through the night, we'll feel alright, we'll make it last all night' will guarantee you'll walk around singing it for the next couple days. A promising first release from the boys - excited to see how well they can develop and extend on their sound on their sophmore album.
4) Hot Mess - Cobra Starship
Who can deliver cheesy, catchy electro pop-rock songs and still remain cool? Cobra Starship can. Gabe Saporta's charisma mixed in with his clever, cutting and most of the time highly amusing lyrics, make for great, catchy songs to get up and dance to. The band shows that they are in it for the fun of it, and don't take life to seriously, a breath of fresh air in the power hungry music scene. I mean how can you not (secretly) love lyrics such as 'Yo give it up, cause I know what you've got, you can ride to the top, but you can't ride on my cock' followed by 'I'm not street but I do what I gotta do, so what? you got a crew? I got a crew too'
While it's not lyrics to make you think, or make you feel the power of music, sometimes we all need a bit of plain fun and dance time.
1) My number one spot goes to The Getaway Plan for the 'Best of The Getaway Plan (2005-2009.) If you are anything like me, and were absolutely gutted when these incredibly talented Melbourne lads broke up, then you'll understand my choice. From featuring their hit singles off the successful album 'Other Voices, Other Rooms' as well as including all the tracks from their first demo and their first EP 'Hold Conversation', with b-sides from singles also thrown in, it is a perfect mix of The Getaway Plan, showcasing the versatility they had. Whether it's the passion displayed in with the screaming vocals in 'The New Year' or the soft, haunting piano and vocals on 'Melophobia', the boys never fail to disappoint. RIP.
2) The Dreamers EP - Young Heretics
Wow. Is the first word I expressed after hearing the opening track 'Bones Of A Rabbit.' Kitty Hart and Matthew Wright aka Young Heretics have wowed fans and critics alike with their 4 song EP, just a teaser of what to expect on their album due out in 2010. If it's anything like the EP displays, this will be one act to watch in 2010. Whether their vocals are soaring over the top of a full orchestra or softly blending in with acoustic guitar, the duo has showcased their amazing musicianship and vocal range in this EP. For only $5, I would recommend anyone to get it.
3) First Temple - Closure In Moscow
The debut album from Aussie band Closure In Moscow, didn't fail to disappoint. The CD starts with a bang, and doesn't fail to disappoint, showcasing the bands ear for melody, crazy instrumentals and the amazing voice of Chris de Cinque. The CD also showcases the bands versatility with punk driven tracks they became known for, as well as mixing in more diverse sounds, such as song 'A Night at the Spleen.' Ever heard a punk type song that you can just get up and dance to? - (yes dance, not mosh). The chorus is ridiciulously catchy with Chris' falsetto vocals 'dance with me through the night, we'll feel alright, we'll make it last all night' will guarantee you'll walk around singing it for the next couple days. A promising first release from the boys - excited to see how well they can develop and extend on their sound on their sophmore album.
4) Hot Mess - Cobra Starship
Who can deliver cheesy, catchy electro pop-rock songs and still remain cool? Cobra Starship can. Gabe Saporta's charisma mixed in with his clever, cutting and most of the time highly amusing lyrics, make for great, catchy songs to get up and dance to. The band shows that they are in it for the fun of it, and don't take life to seriously, a breath of fresh air in the power hungry music scene. I mean how can you not (secretly) love lyrics such as 'Yo give it up, cause I know what you've got, you can ride to the top, but you can't ride on my cock' followed by 'I'm not street but I do what I gotta do, so what? you got a crew? I got a crew too'
While it's not lyrics to make you think, or make you feel the power of music, sometimes we all need a bit of plain fun and dance time.
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