Hands Like Houses Cover Natalie Imbruglia

When I heard that Canberran six-piece Hands Like Houses had recorded a cover of Natalie Imbruglia’s “Torn” for the Punk Goes 90s Vol 2 compilation album, I expected a frenetic rendition of the Aussie classic. However, this is actually a surprisingly tender, powerful version of the iconic song. It seems I’m not the only one that thinks so, because since the album’s digital release it’s become the most downloaded song. That’s some feat considering that the compilation also features international heavyweights like Yellowcard and Falling in Reverse.

Hands Like Houses are attracting a legion of international fans at the moment. They’re currently headlining shows in the United Kingdom, and then they’ll be off to the United States to support Chiodos and play their own shows. Never fear though Aussie music lovers; they’ll be gigging back on home soil later this year.

New Natalie Imbruglia Album Almost Ready

It sounds like that new Natalie Imbruglia album is well on its way.

“We have reached the really exciting stage of choosing singles, putting a great team together to create the artwork, photos and videos, and are thinking of exciting ways to get the music out there,” she wrote recently on her website.

With some amazing collaborations, this is going to be one album to look out for. Nat’s worked with some massive names, including Dave A. Stewart (Eurythmics), producer Ben Hillier (The Doves, Blur, Elbow), Gary Clark, songwriter Jamie Hartman (Emma Bunton, Will Young), and ex-husband Daniel Johns.

Image source: Newscom

Natalie Imbruglia Stars in PETA Anti-Fur Ad


Natalie Imbruglia is the latest star to pose in a provocative new ad for People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA).

The Australian singer and actor took time out from her busy schedule to highlight the still common use of fur in the fashion industry.

“There is no kind way to rip the skin off animals’ backs,” the passionate Aussie said. “Anyone who wears any fur shares the blame for the torture and gruesome deaths of millions of animals each year.”

How true! And with so many gorgeous animal-friendly fashions on the market, why would you dress yourself in anything else?

Image source: PETA

Is Natalie Imbruglia Dating will.i.am?

The music industry is buzzing with the news Natalie Imbruglia is romancing will.i.am. The Black Eyed Peas frontman was seen smooching the gorgeous Aussie singer in London last week.

Reports say the couple was oblivious to onlookers, including Sienna Miller and Jesse Metcalfe, as they canoodled at Monroe’s nightclub at No. 5 Cavendish Square.

“It was a very drunken night in one of the private VIP rooms. A few models and the stars got through a number of magnums of champagne and vodka,” reported an unnamed source.

“Natalie and Will were getting on really well, and there were some surprised looks when they started kissing. Sienna made her excuses and left fairly early, but the others stayed until 7am.”

I never feel comfortable trusting those anonymous sources, but if the reports are true it would be some powerful music match!

Image source: Newscom

Natalie Imbruglia Readies New Release

It’s been some time since we’ve heard any new music from Natalie Imbruglia. Sure, there were a couple of bonus tracks on her greatest hits album in 2007, but I’m talking about a brand new release. Thankfully, one is on the horizon.

A lot has happened since the Aussie expat released Counting Down the Days. Nat’s split with her husband Daniel Johns, and she says she’s even mellowed a bit in her old age. It should make this album an interesting listen!

“This record I wanted to be more light-hearted,” Natalie wrote on her website.

“It reflects how I’m feeling now. I’ve chilled out a lot. Maybe it’s just my age. I don’t take it all as seriously as I used to and I don’t feel I have to prove myself anymore.”

Another drawcard for the yet to be titled release is Natalie’s work with Dave A. Stewart. She’s collaborated with the Eurythmics singer-songwriter on several tracks, and I can’t wait to hear them!

Natalie Imbruglia’s fourth album will be released in the UK next March, with the rest of the world to follow.

Image source: Barry Peele/Wikimedia Commons

Nat and Kylie’s Girly Getaway

Natalie Imbruglia and Kylie Minogue have both been unlucky in love recently, but don’t think the Aussie pop princesses will let it get them down. According to AZ Central, the pair recently flew to Mauritius for a girls-only getaway.

The former Neighbours costars stayed at the exclusive Shanti Ananda resort.

“Natalie is heartbroken after splitting from husband Daniel Johns and Kylie thought a sunshine break would cheer her up. They are both trying to put their relationship troubles behind them and think this holiday will do the job,” an unnamed source said.

We know how reliable those unnamed sources are, but if anything’s going to mend a broken heart it’s staying at the Shanti Ananda.

The privilege doesn’t come cheap, with villas costing around $4,700 a night. Relaxation is the order of the day, with the resort offering yoga lessons, meditation sessions, and massages. It sounds absolutely heavenly!

Image source: Tim Parkinson @ Flickr

Natalie Imbruglia’s Big Screen Dreams

Natalie Imbruglia may be the next superhero or supervillain, after she auditioned for a role in Hugh Jackman’s Wolverine.

The Daily Telegraph revealed the Aussie songstress tried out for a part in the Hugh Jackman blockbuster two weeks ago.

There’s no word yet on whether Nat plans to put singing on the backburner to pursue an acting career, but she’s certainly been doing more of it these days. She wrapped up filming the local indie flick Elise in Adelaide earlier this month.

“Shooting (Elise) and getting to play such an interesting character was a dream come true,” Imbruglia said. “I am still pinching myself about the whole experience and I definitely want to do more film.”

Natalie Imbruglia’s Back With "Glorious" New Sound

In the late 90s, Natalie Imbruglia made a big impression on the global music scene with her debut album Left of the Middle. You’d be forgiven for thinking the doe-eyed Aussie songstress had given up the music game altogether, but nothing could be further from the truth.

Nat will release her latest album, Glorious, on September 8. The album will feature some of her greatest hits and five new tracks.

But don’t expect these songs to show any of the angst that made her famous. After all, with a solid marriage to Silverchair singer Daniel Johns, Natalie doesn’t have a lot to grizzle about.

“I got bored with being miserable,” she told The Daily Telegraph. “It was time to lighten up. I care less in a good way and it’s the best thing that’s happened for my work.”

She’s lived in London for the last few years, but Nat will return to Australia in October to star in the indie film Elise. Natalie says she’s relishing the opportunity to come home.

“I’m so excited about it but I can’t think about it yet,” she said. “I can’t wait to come back to Australia but I have a terrible feeling Daniel will be on tour in Europe then. We’ll see.”

Image source: Georges Biard @ Wikimedia Commons