The album’s still some time away, but this video from Thirsty Merc’s forthcoming release Mousetrap Heart has me wanting more. The classic grooves and quirky lyrics of the title track seem like a bit of a return for the Aussie lads, although even in this raw mode I can tell we’re in for something a bit slicker. That should come as no surprise as the Aussies are currently in Los Angeles working with producer Matt Wallace, the man behind Maroon 5’s sound. I can definitely hear his influence in this hooky tune. More please!
Category: Live Performances
Acoustic Goodness from Juke Kartel
My readers have been at it again, recommending some of Australia’s best up and coming bands. Keep your e-mails coming! I love to hear what you’re listening to, and what you think I should be!
Yesterday I heard from Denise who told me I needed to check out Juke Kartel. I remembered the band’s single “Save Me” released a couple of years back, but I thought they’d dropped off the radar. Silly me; I just wasn’t looking hard enough.
Denise pointed me to this video for “My Baby,” one of the non-single tracks from Juke Kartel’s debut album Nowhere Left to Hide. When songs like this aren’t released, you start realizing how strong an album is. I’m always partial to an acoustic performance because it shows us what talented musicians a band are. I like “Save Me,” but I love this.
Juke Kartel played a few shows in Hollywood last month; hopefully we’ll see them back on home soil real soon.
The Veronicas Duet with Michael Paynter
I love it when people write to tell me the artists I simply must hear. This afternoon I received one of these lovely e-mails pointing me to this video, and introducing me to the exceptional talents of Michael Paynter.
This vid was filmed last week when Lisa and Jess Origliasso of The Veronicas joined Michael on stage for his song “Novocaine.” What an incredible track, and a sign of things to come it seems because Michael will release his debut album later this year through Sony.
If you like what you hear and are lucky enough to live in Melbourne make sure you check out Michael’s set every Wednesday night this month at Revolver. I don’t think you’re going to be disappointed!
Australian Idols Go Their Own Way
This week the Australian Idol contestants were allowed to sing the songs they felt represented them best. The open-ended theme was designed to showcase the best in them, but it also gave the contestants just enough rope to hang themselves.
But before all that, it was time to send one hopeful home. This week Kate Cook, Stan Walker, and James Johnston found themselves in the bottom three, but it was Kate’s turn to go. It was a close call, but I saw this one coming. It hurts to see her go, but we’re at that point where we have to lose people that we love. I just hope this isn’t the last we see of her.
James Johnston opened the show with Duffy’s “Mercy.” As always, he sang this well, but James didn’t do enough with it to make it really special. My biggest complaint was with the delivery. It seems he didn’t connect with the lyrics at all. Begging for mercy? With all that smiling and bounce, it didn’t seem like James was begging for anything!
Toby Moulton returned to his Brit Pop love with Oasis’ “Don’t Look Back in Anger.” I love Toby, but I hated this. It felt like karaoke, and bad karaoke at that. It didn’t showcase his voice, or deliver any emotional punch at all. I could have picked a million better songs for him.
Nathan Brake took on Maroon 5’s” Makes Me Wonder” and completely nailed it. I wasn’t sure about the song choice at first, but he really pulled it off. He’s got that lovely pop sensibility combined with such an incredible voice. He’s really hitting his stride right now, and I’m thrilled.
Australian Idols Take on Stage and Screen
I don’t mind admitting that I’ve anticipated tonight’s episode of Australian Idol like none other this season. I’ve been bemoaning the lack of showtunes for seasons, and now we got to do it with Liza Minnelli. She opened the show with “Cabaret” and was brilliant. It just simply doesn’t get any better.
The men escaped the bottom three, leaving Kate Cook, Kim Cooper, and Hayley Warner in the bottom three. Kim’s been a perpetual member of the bottom three, so it wasn’t a great surprise that she left us. I’ll miss her though!
Toby Moulton opened the show with “Somebody To Love.” Taking on a Queen song is always a tall order, because quite frankly you’re never going to be Freddie Mercury. But despite that, I think he did really well. He didn’t let the song scare him, and that confidence really made it.
Stan Walker was right in the pocket for “Circle of Life.” It was the perfect song for him, and he didn’t put a foot wrong. I was wowed. This is why he hasn’t been in the bottom three; he’s just that good.
Kate Cook did a little Dusty with “Son of a Preacher Man,” but honestly she looked a little lost. She got lost in the lyrics and fell off them all over the place. There was no sex here, and with a song like this there should be. It was a big disappointment for me, because I really like Kate.
Hayley Warner took on Powderfinger’s “These Days.” I couldn’t fault the way she sang it, but it didn’t jump off the page. It’s a little scary considering she was in the bottom three last week. She needed to do better.
Australian Idol Brings Back Big Band
I have really missed Big Band night on Australian Idol. I’m so glad that now Kyle has gone, it’s made a reappearance. But before we could hear the old standards, it was time to give someone the boot. It was another all-male bottom three this week, with Nathan Brake, Scott Newnham, and James Johnston all facing the chop. It seems Scott’s fans couldn’t forgive a few weeks of subpar performances. It was definitely his time.
Kate Cook kicked off the show with Ray Charles’ “Hit The Road Jack.” I loved the way she built this, starting it slow and then upping the tempo. I also loved the Australian quip at the end. This was a great way to kick off the show.
Beyonce’s “Single Ladies” was always an unlikely choice, but Stan Walker pulled it off and then some. I was incredibly impressed by this. I was unsure whether he’d suit big band, but he showed he can apply himself to any genre. This was a highlight not just of the night, but the series.
Kim Cooper got slammed for her rendition of “The Man I Love,” but I actually loved it. Kim continues to impress me with her genuine interpretations and poise. Her voice may not be the strongest in the competition, but I her honest performances cut through that. She also looked stunning; not that it matters in terms of performance but as a girl I’ve got to admit that I loved the look.
Australian Idol Does Pink
I’m a little late with my Australian Idol recap this week. Blame the heady excitement, then crushing defeat of the NRL grand final. When you’ve waited 23 years for your team to taste victory, it takes a few beverages to ease the pain of loss. But I digress.
Last night was Pink night on Idol, which may very well be the lamest excuse for a theme ever. That’s particularly true when the colourful one herself is nowhere to be seen. I think there should be a rule that there can’t be a performer-centric Idol theme until that person or band has notched up at least 15 years in the biz. But again, I digress.
Before we were saturated with Pinkness it was time to send one Idol packing. With all the girls safe, we were left with an all-male bottom three. Those unlucky lads in for a nervous wait were Scott Newnham, James Johnston, and Tim Johnson. I really didn’t mind who left us, although I felt James had definitely done enough to stay. As it turned out, we said goodbye to Mr Bland, Tim Johnson. I’ll probably miss his generically handsome face, but that’s about all.
Nathan Brake lived up to his early promise with an incredible performance of “Just Like a Pill.” I love Nathan more than any other Idol, so I may be a little biased, but I thought this was brilliant. He stripped back the layers and allowed himself to be raw, vulnerable and beautiful. He seemed on the verge of tears through most of it, and that was compelling. I haven’t been wowed by Nathan in recent weeks, and that was making me nervous. This was just what I needed to hear from him.
After tonight’s stint in the bottom three, Scott Newnham needed to pull out something special. “So What” may have been the worst possible song choice for him. This is where experience comes in. The song isn’t dynamic enough to really showcase what he can do. It’s a lot of fun to belt out in the car, but that’s about all. The result was something that felt incredibly karaoke. I also didn’t see him connecting with the lyric, which was the only thing that could have saved it. Far too much joy, not enough venom.
Stan Walker reminded me a little of my Parramatta Eels this week. It was clear that something was wrong in the first section of the song. He could have so easily have fallen in a heap. But he picked himself up and kept going to create something that, in the end, he could be proud of. His performance of “Dear Mr President” wasn’t the best of the night because of its early flaws. But it was wonderful and moving nonetheless.
Australian Idol Does 80s
80s night is always my favourite night of Australian Idol. These are the songs I grew up with, unashamedly daggy, flamboyant, and fun. But before we could get into the good stuff, we had to say goodbye to one our Idol hopefuls. Kim Cooper, Sabrina Batshon, and Nathan Brake found themselves in the bottom three. It was understandable I suppose, but hard to hear that one of my faves would be leaving the comp. Sadly that person was Sabrina. I guess her big personality was just a little much for some. It’s a shame; I was really hoping to see her bust out something amazing this week.
I was very concerned when I heard Nathan Brake was taking on Bon Jovi’s rock anthem “Livin’ on a Prayer.” It’s one of my favourites, and I doubted whether Nathan had the grit to really deliver it. He really didn’t. He hit all the right notes, but it just didn’t feel believable to me. There is so much 80s stuff that would have suited him a lot better.
Scott Newnham took on “Let’s Groove.” I couldn’t fault the vocals, but the delivery was a little bland for me. His “dance moves” were also really awkward. Honestly I wanted Gary Pinto to take the microphone from him and finish the song.
Hayley Warner busted out a little Bruce Springsteen with “Dancing in the Dark.” I really enjoyed this. It wasn’t deep or meaningful, but neither was the 80s. It was incredibly fun, and exactly what she needed to do. It felt like this was the first time someone actually “got” the decade.
Toby Moulton went for a little Foreigner with “I Want to Know What Love Is.” I’ve always said that more Idols need to sing power ballads, but not like this. This was completely devoid of the passion that you need in a power ballad. Did he even listen to the lyrics? They go something along the lines of “In my life there’s been heartache and pain, I don’t know if I can face it again.” I heard none of that desperation. This was more Mariah than Foreigner, and it was much poorer for it.
Jet Announce More Shows for Aussie Return
Jet are currently Stateside spruiking their new album Shaka Kula, but the band hasn’t forgotten about their fans back home.
Since Homebake sold out, the band will also perform sideshows in Sydney and Melbourne in December. They’ll play The Metro on December 4, the day before Homebake, before hitting Melbourne’s The Palace on December 9.
While visiting the US of A the band recently performed “She’s a Genius” on Late Night with David Letterman. Here’s the performance for those of you who were sleeping soundly when it aired!