It’s official: Axle Whitehead isn’t just the sexiest man in Aussie music, but the sexiest bachelor in Oz.
Was it those baby blues, the velvety voice, or Axle’s dazzling wit that saw Cleo readers everywhere swooning? My money’s on all three.
Axle said it was “wonderful” to win, but he’s already planning to lose his bachelor crown!
“One of my brothers is about to have a kid and the other had a kid the other day,” he said. “I’m a little off kids yet, but I’d love to find love.”
Any takers girls?
I lapped up Axle Whitehead’s singles “I Don’t Do Surprises” and “Anywhere,” so my expectations of his debut album Losing Sleep were pretty high. I’m thrilled to say it didn’t disappoint. In fact, I’ve listened to very little else since its release.
What keeps me coming back time and time again is the sheer variety of material. My first introduction to Axle was as an Australian Idol contestant way back in season one. His jazz leanings alienated the voting audience, who didn’t even send him through to the top 12. Perhaps he’s learned something from that, or perhaps he’s just developed to appreciate a wider collection of sounds. Either way, the eclectic mix here is fantastic.
Losing Sleep opens with a flurry of energy in the form of the “Satellite.” He downshifts a little in the cruisy radio hit “I Don’t Do Surprises,” before slowing it right down with the romantic “You.” Funk, soul, pop, electronica, and even a dash of country grace the recording, and it’s so much richer for it.
This lush album should put to rest talk of Axle simply being a poor man’s Chris Martin. There are vocal similarities – both have pure voices which can sell a lyric. But Axle’s songs are much more vibrant and considerably more accessible than much of Coldplay’s work.
This album will come as a revelation to those who’ve only seen Axle as a disgraced television host or karaoke singer on the first season of Australian Idol. It’s a superb debut, and well worth a listen.
Image source: Axle Whitehead MySpace
Axle Whitehead’s proved he’s no one hit wonder with his new single “Anywhere,” the follow-up to the massive “I Don’t Do Surprises.” His lush vocals are in fine form again, but the unique sound should be enough to silence those critics who say he’s just another Chris Martin. Great to see him churning out more fine music like this!
When I interviewed Gyroscope’s Zoran Trivic last month about their new album Breed Obsession he said “We have a feeling that this could possibly be the most important record of our music careers.” That prediction’s turned out to be true with the album grabbing the top spot in its first week on the ARIA album chart.
The band knocked Jack Johnson from the number one possie, an amazing feat considering the American singer songwriter is currently touring the country.
Gyroscope are so excited about their new material they’re taking it on the road in May with the Breed Obsession tour. Tickets to all the shows go on sale on April 3 from the usual outlets.
2 May 2008 – Bar 388, Brisbane (18+)
8 May 2008 – Settler’s Tavern, Margaret River (18+)
9 May 2008 – The Prince of Wales, Bunbury (18+)
10 May 2008 – The Capitol, Perth (18+)
14 May 2008 – The Governor Hindmarsh, Adelaide (Licensed all ages)
16 May 2008 – The Metro, Sydney (Licensed all ages)
17 May 2008 – The Hi-Fi Bar & Ballroom, Melbourne (18+)
18 May 2008 – The Hi-Fi Bar & Ballroom, Melbourne (Under 18s only, doors 1 pm)
Speaking of the charts, Gyroscope aren’t the only Aussies to taste ARIA glory this week. Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds’ newie may have slipped a few places, but Dig, Lazurus, Dig!!! is still sitting at a very respectable number 5. The singing Christians from Hillsong United have leapt into the charts with their new album With Hearts as One debuting at number 8. The Veronicas round out the top 10 with their double platinum disc Hook Me Up.
Axle Whitehead’s debuted at number 8 with his brilliant first single “I Don’t Do Surprises.” But he was pipped to the number 7 spot by Chris Lilley’s alias Mr G and his novelty song “Naughty Girl.”
Here’s the complete top 10!
Australian Albums Chart
1. Breed Obsession – Gyroscope
2. Sleep Through the Static – Jack Johnson
3. Thriller – Michael Jackson
4. Good Girl Gone Bad – Rihanna
5. Dig, Lazarus, Dig!!! – Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds
6. The Story So Far: The Very Best Of … – Rod Stewart
7. Back to Black – Amy Winehouse
8. With Hearts as One – Hillsong United
9. Exile on Mainstream – Matchbox Twenty
10. Hook Me Up – The Veronicas
Australian Singles Chart
1. “Don’t Stop the Music” – Rihanna
2. “Low” – Flo Rida feat. T-Pain
3. “Bleeding Love” – Leona Lewis
4. “Pictures of You” – The Last Goodnight
5. “Crank That” – Soulja Boy
6. “Tattoo” – Jordin Sparks
7. “Naughty Girl” – Mr G
8. “I Don’t Do Surprises” – Axle Whitehead
9. “Piece of Me” – Britney Spears
10. “Work” – Kelly Rowland
I’m absolutely loving Axle Whitehead’s comeback single, “I Don’t Do Surprises.” The last time we saw Axle he was flashing his penis at the ARIA Awards. He was promptly fired from his Video Hits hosting gig, and I thought it may be the last we’d hear of him. But he’s returned to his musical roots (remember we all saw him first on Australian Idol?), and it’s paid off.
Even Channel Ten seems to have forgiven him, as they’re using this catchy song to promote their Women’s Murder Club series. Axle’s cruisy voice reminds me a lot of Chris Martin’s, but it’s a lot less dreary. If this is any indication, I can’t wait to hear Axle’s debut album.