I can barely believe that 2010 is nearly upon us. As we look forward to the next year, and the next decade for that matter, I wanted to look back at the top 10 Australian musos that impressed and intrigued me this year.
1. Empire of the Sun – Luke Steele and Nick Littlemore seem to have impressed everyone this year with their electropop sounds. What I love most about the band is that they’ve brought theatre back into music. Finally!
2. Jessica Mauboy – With her monster album Right Here Jessica proved herself to be one of the break-out artists from the Australian Idol franchise. The songs are every bit as slick as the tunes Rihanna and Beyonce are producing, and it’s only a matter of time before the world takes notice.
3. Lisa Mitchell – Another Idol graduate, but one that’s taken a far different path. She’s been this year’s quiet achiever. Who needs the awards or airplay when you can produce an album as amazing as Wonder?
4. Jimmy Barnes – He never really went away, but this Aussie rock stalwart found himself back at the top of the charts this year with The Rhythm and the Blues. While he went old school on us here, he also deserves props for bringing back Cold Chisel.
5. The Verses – Thank goodness we have Ella and Jesse Hooper back. In their newest incarnation, the sister-brother duo perfectly blends modern pop sensibilities with classic rock.
6. The Galvatrons – This band are so much fun, and deserve to be applauded for keeping the 80s alive. With so many musicians taking themselves seriously, it’s wonderful to find an outfit willing to embrace big chords and corny lyrics.
7. Kate Miller-Heidke – She’s always been intriguing, but it took a little song called “Last Day on Earth” for Kate to really break into the mainstream. 2009 was her year to shine, but with recent shows in the United States it looks like 2010 could be even brighter for this stunner.
8. Gin Wigmore – My favourite adopted Australian. Ladyhawke may have scored all the awards, but the unique rasp and rocking edge of Kiwi Gin Wigmore has really stolen my heart.
9. Tinpan Orange – I love this band for bringing something different to the Australian musical landscape. They might be doing it under the radar, but they’re captivating those of us who are in the know.
10. Georgia Fair – I’m expecting big things from this Sydney duo next year. “Picture Frames”hooked me in from the first listen, and they impressed me with their live show. These guys were my favourite new discovery.
So how about you, dear readers? Who floated your boat in 2009?
Image sources: Premier Artists, ZUMA Press