Month: June 2009

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Southern Sons Gets a Rerelease

In news that’s a little out of left field, Sony Music has decided Southern Sons‘ debut self-titled disc is worthy of a re-release!

The 1990 album launched the band, which consisted of Jack Jones (aka Irwin Thomas), Virgil Donati, Phil Buckle, Geoff Cain, and Peter Bowman. It featured the hits “Heart in Danger,” “Always and Ever,” and the tearjerker “Hold Me In Your Arms.”

The band released two more albums before breaking up in 1995. They seem to have well and truly moved on, with Irwin Thomas now playing in the rock outfit Electric Mary. They’ll support Alice Cooper on his August tour, a gig that couldn’t be more different than the Southern Sons shows of the 90s.

If, like me, you preferred the big haired heart-throb to the edgy new image, you can pick up the Southern Sons CD from June 22. Just thinking about it I had to fire up YouTube and see what I could see. I unearthed this old performance of “Hold Me In Your Arms” on Steve Vizard’s show. I think I just fell in love all over again!

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Human Nature Take Motown to Las Vegas

Human Nature have landed in Las Vegas! The Aussie lads unveiled their new show, “Smokey Robinson Presents Australia’s Human Nature, The Ultimate Celebration of the Motown Sound,” in star-studded fashion on Wednesday night.

Celebs to walk the red carpet with our boys included Motown legend Smokey Robinson, The Supremes’ Mary Wilson, comedian George Wallace, violin-playing siblings The Alizma Triplets, and hypnotist Anthony Cools.

Human Nature recently signed a one-year contract to entertain crowds with their Motown show six nights a week at the Imperial Theater. We’re sure to miss them here, but wish them every success!

Image source: image.net

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Gallows Ready to Tour Oz

British punksters Gallows promise to bring a genuine slab of working class anarchy to Australia, when they tour the country later this year.

Rockworld.tv says the band delivers “a live performance that, in terms of sheer energy and passion, outstrips any band you care to mention.”

That’s some high praise! Find out if they’re worth the hype when they touch down in September. Tickets to all shows go on sale on Thursday 2 July.

22 September 2009 – Fowlers, Adelaide (All Ages)
24 September 2009 – The Hi Fi, Melbourne (under 18)
25 September 2009 – The Hi Fi, Melbourne (18+)
26 September 2009 – UNSW Roundhouse, Sydney (All Ages)
27 September 2009 – The Hi Fi, Brisbane (18+)

Image used with permission from Warner Music Australia

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Chaos Loves CD Singles

Just days ago I was lamenting JB Hi-Fi’s decision to ditch CD singles. Well it seems there’s a savior in the form of Chaos, an online retailer who is proud to admit it loves CD singles too.

The site has all the latest top 40 hits, plus limited stocks of a few old favourites too.

JB’s decision may well sound the death knell for the short-play format, but in the meantime it’s lovely to see local retailers like Chaos fighting back!

Image source: Mateusz Atroszko @ Stock.xchng

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

It's Official: New Kids on the Block Cancel Aussie Tour

It seemed pretty apparent yesterday, but now it’s official: the New Kids on the Block tour is off.

Promoter Andrew McManus released a statement today which reads “Due to circumstances beyond their control, the New Kids On The Block have been forced to cancel their upcoming Australian tour dates. The group is incredibly disappointed and very sorry they won’t be able to perform in Australia at this time. The guys are very grateful for all the love and support from their Australian fans.”

Yet not so grateful as to continue with the tour despite lagging ticket sales. Those kind of platitudes seem a little hollow right now, don’t they? Anyway, refunds are available for all ticket holders from their point of purchase or Ticketek outlets.

Image source: INF

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

The Deer Republic, Foxx on Fire, and Hot Little Hands Make uncharTED Grand Final

After months of voting and showcase performances, just three bands remain in the running for this year’s Tooheys Extra Dry uncharTED title.

Sydney band The Deer Republic will take on Melbourne’s Foxx on Fire and Hot Little Hands at the grand final, to be held at Sydney’s Oxford Arts Factory on July 9. The winner will play this year’s Splendour in the Grass festival, and take home an artist development package worth $25, 000.

“Being in the top 3 for uncharTED is just so great,” enthused James Harvey from Hot Little Hands. “It’s like there’s a party in our favourite dancing shoes and everyone’s invited!”

“We have never felt so happy in our entire lives!” added Geno Carrapetta from Foxx On Fire.

“Reaching the final is like building castles in the sky and there will be one hell of a party at the Grand Final!” Mike Andrijic from The Deer Republic assures us.

Congratulations to all the bands for making it this far!

Image source: Reinn @ Flickr

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

New Kids on the Block Tour Gets Canned

In a move that’s sure to devastate ladies of my vintage, it looks like the New Kids on the Block tour is off.

While the event is still showing on the websites for the Burswood Dome and entertainment centres in Newcastle, Wollongong, and Brisbane, the concert has disappeared from the listings for both Rod Laver Arena in Melbourne and Acer Arena in Sydney.

The Adelaide Entertainment Centre website confirms what the other sites point to, with a statement reading “The New Kids On The Block Tour has been cancelled. Patrons who have purchased tickets for the concert will have their ticket refunded.”

It’s rumoured that poor ticket sales are behind the cancellation. Confirmation from the promoter Andrew McManus Presents is expected tomorrow.

Image source: Flynet

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

JB Hi-Fi Cans CD Single Sales

In a move which sounds awfully like a dirge for singles, JB Hi-Fi will cease to stock the short-play CDs from the start of July.

“The sales for this format have declined steadily over the last 12 months to a level where it no longer makes sense from a business perspective or customer service perspective to continue with the format,” the music retailer said in a statement.

I can’t say that I blame them. The Black Eyed Peas are sitting at the top of the charts with “Boom Boom Pow,” but they sold less than 1000 physical CDs last week. That’s quite frankly, pitiful. Yet as a child of the 80s, I’m a bit sad to see the format go the way of the dinosaur. Where will all those awesome B-sides turn up now?

Image source: Maebmij @ Flickr

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Sneaky Sound System Top UK Club Charts

It’s been a little quiet on the Sneaky Sound System front for some time, but don’t think the Aussie dance band are sitting idle. In fact, they have the number one song on the UK Club Chart!

“It’s Not My Problem” has leapt from number eight to take the top spot this week. But it’s little wonder. With the band playing dates around the United Kingdom, the Brits are discovering exactly what the band is all about.

Here are the rest of their international dates!

17 June 2009 – Liv @ Fontainebleau, Miami, USA
18 June 2009 – The Church, Denver, USA
19 June 2009 – Celebrities, Vancouver, Canada
20 June 2009 – Spin, San Diego, USA
23 June 2009 – Cinespace, Los Angeles, USA
24 June 2009 – Abbey Pub, Chicago, USA
25 June 2009 – Tattoo, Toronto, Canada
26 June 2009 – Webster Hall, NYC, USA
28 June 2009 – TOAST Festival, London, UK
1 July 2009 – Marquee, Cork, Ireland (supporting Lady GaGa)
4 July 2009 – Wireless Festival, London, UK
5 July 2009 – Paradise Club, Mykonos, Greece
11 July 2009 – Oxegen Festival, Dublin, Ireland
15 July 2009 – Pacha, Ibiza, Spain
18 July 2009 – Paradise Club, Mykonos, Greece
25 July 2009 – Global Gathering, Statford-Upon-Avon, UK
5 Aug 2009 – Pacha, Ibiza, Spain
19 Aug 2009 – Islington Academy, UK
22 Aug 2009 – V Festival, Stafford, UK
23 Aug 2009 – V Festival, Chelmsford, UK
26 Aug 2009 – Pacha, Ibiza, Spain
30 Aug 2009 – Get Loaded in the Park, London, UK
30 Sept 2009 – Pacha, Ibiza, Spain

Image source: Foraggio Fotographic @ Flickr

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

The Veronicas Enjoy Irish Number One

The Veronicas are sitting pretty at the top of the Irish singles charts with “Untouched.” The song that just won’t quit knocked off Tinchy Stryder’s single, ironically called “Number 1.” Not anymore it’s not!

Meanwhile, the song reached number 8 in the UK last week, and it’s still selling well in the US. Not bad for two girls from Queensland! I can only imagine the hysteria when the twins hit Europe later this year!

Image source: ZUMA Press