Goodbye my friends

Hey guys!

Unfortunately, I have decided to close the blog for good. I simply don't have the time to put in the effort that such a blog deserves. For those who have visited on a regular basis, thanks for reading. I hope you enjoyed it. I will keep the archives online as it would be a waste to delete all the posts. But don't expect any updates from now on.

I strongly recommend the fantastic auspOp blog for all the latest information regarding the Australian music industry.

Love to you all...
x

New music videos from Pink and Vanessa

Pink's "So What" is an absolutely hilarious video, a true feast for the eyes. And it features her ex-hubby, for whom the song is about (sarcastic of cause)! Damn this girl rocks! Especially love the part when she's flashing in front of the paps haha. Watch it here (they won't let me embed the video argh!).

And Vanessa Amorosi has revealed the video for her new single "The Simple Things (Something Emotional)". A nice simple video which reflects the song perfectly, and she looks amazing.

In praise of Alanis

"In Praise Of The Vulnerable Man" has been released as a digital single in the UK and Ireland this week. The iTunes format features a brand new b-side titled "Break".

Here is a performance of the track on Jimmy Kimmel Live:


According to an Italian fan site, the second single in the US will be "Not As We" (as stated during her appearance on Jay Leno) while Europe will get "In Praise Of The Vulnerable Man". Why they haven't already released the brilliant "Versions Of Violence" is beyond me. It should have been the album's first single.

The marketing of "Flavors Of Entanglement" has been quite dismal. The terrible choice of first single "Underneath" (my least favourite off the album) killed the album before it was even released. "Flavours" has managed to sell just below half a million copies worldwide since its release three months ago. In the US, it currently sits at #146 with total sales of 177,252. Unfortunately, the album looks to become Alanis' lowest selling international studio album yet - a continuing trend with each release since her peak in the mid-90s with the classic, 30 million selling "Jagged Little Pill".

P!nk's funhouse

Pink has revealed the title of her fifth album, and it's called "Funhouse"! The album hits stores in Australia on October 25, and the US on October 28.

The music video for the first single "So What" premiers this Friday, August 22nd. Reception to the single has been overwhelming positive. In the US, it is the #1 most added song at two radio formats (Pop and Adult Contemporary), and it's also the #1 greatest gainer at radio. In Australia, it's sitting comfortable at #1 on iTunes. Will "So What" become Pink's third Australian solo #1 since 2000's "Most Girls" and 2002's "Get The Party Started"?

Female stars gather for charity single

The likes of Mariah Carey, Beyoncé, Mary J. Blige, Rihanna, Fergie, Sheryl Crow, Miley Cyrus, Melissa Etheridge, Ashanti, Natasha Bedingfield, Keyshia Cole, Ciara, Leona Lewis, LeAnn Rimes and Carrie Underwood are gathering together for the "Stand Up To Cancer" campaign, each contributing vocals to the single "Just Stand Up".

Produced by Kenny "Babyface" Edmonds and Antonio "L.A." Reid, the track will be available to download on iTunes from September 2nd. The singers will share the stage to perform the single on the "Stand Up To Cancer" television special, airing on September 5th simultaneously on ABC, NBC and CBS.

Flashback: Unique II "Break My Stride"

Does this take you back or what? In 1996, dance duo Unique II released a cover of the 1983 Matthew Wilder classic "Break My Stride". The single was hugely popular in Australia, peaking at #2 and accredited Platinum status, and was a #1 hit in New Zealand and Austria. Although they remain one hit wonders here in Australia with no other releases ever charting in the Top 50, the duo achieved several Top 10 singles and albums in their Austrian homeland.

Listen to Shannon's "Summertime"

The first single from Shannon's new greatest hits album "No Turning Back: The Story So Far" (out September 27th) is a big rock ballad. Listen to it here. Apparently, it will be a digital only single.

Next month, Shannon will be embarking on the biggest tour of his career, with already 32 dates set, and more to be added. Tickets are on sale now. For details check the tour section of his official site.

Delta on Rove and Melbourne instore

Performing her latest single "I Can't Break It To My Heart", an absolutely beautiful performance.


An exclusive performance of "In This Life" which was not aired.


An absolutely hilarious interview in which Delta talks of her experiences in the US (including bribing people with food to watch her perform!), plus the classic "Win $20 in 20 seconds".

Now to the Melbourne instore which occurred on Saturday! There was an enormous turn-out for Delta, this being her first Melbourne instore in around 3 years. Delta came out and performed acoustic versions of "I Can't Break It To My Heart" and "In This Life", and then began signing CDs for the thousands of fans who spent hours lining up. If there's one thing you could never fault Delta, it's the way she treats her fans. She is extremely friendly, has conversations and takes photos with everyone. She has the ability to make all her fans feel loved and appreciated. I spoke to Delta about the tour - she's completed the set list and it will include my favourite track "Angels In The Room" as I requested! Below is a couple of photos I took and a my signed copy of the new single.

Madonna turns 50

The Queen of Pop is now half a century old! Happy Birthday Madonna!

News on upcoming U2 releases

The boys from Ireland are in the midst of completing their 12th studio album, the follow-up to 2004's "How to Dismantle an Atomic Bomb" which sold 10 million copies worldwide and picked up eight Grammy Awards. According to fansite @U2, the new album title is believed to be "No Line On The Horizon", with the release date on November 14, 2008. Song titles include "Moment of Surrender," "For Your Love," "Love Is All We Have Left" and "One Bird", "If I Could Live My Life Again," "The Cedars of Lebanon" and the title track.

A few of U2's early albums - Boy (1980), October (1981), War (1983), The Joshua Tree (1987) - have been remastered and re-issued over the past few months. Next up is the remastering of U2's first live album "Under a Blood Red Sky" (1983), while their first concert video "Live At Red Rocks" will be released on DVD for the very first time. The DVD will feature five previously unreleased songs, a director’s commentary, digitally re-graded pictures and a 5.1 mix. A deluxe edition will include both CD and DVD in the one package.

"Under a Blood Red Sky" CD track listing:
1. Gloria
2. 11 O’Clock Tick Tock
3. I Will Follow
4. Party Girl
5. Sunday Bloody Sunday
6. The Electric Co.
7. New Year’s Day
8. “40”

"Live At Red Rocks" DVD track listing:
1. Out Of Control
2. Twilight
3. An Cat Dubh
4. Into The Heart
5. Surrender
6. Two Hearts Beat As One
7. Seconds
8. Sunday Bloody Sunday
9. Cry
10. The Electric Co.
11. October
12. New Year’s Day
13. I Threw A Brick Through A Window
14. A Day Without Me
15. Gloria
16. Party Girl
17. 11 O’Clock Tick Tock
18. I Will Follow
19. “40”

Both DVD and remastered album, will be released on 29th September 2008.

Take me on the floor!

Here is the video for The Veronicas' new single "Take Me On The Floor", the fourth single from their currently 2x platinum album "Hook Me Up". The song is bloody ace, and the clip is sure to raise a few eyebrows with its lezbian action.

The girls have been through a rough couple of weeks. Jess called off her engagement to former Australian Idol contestant-turned "Neighbours" star Dean Geyer, and nude photos of Lisa were posted on the internet by an ex-boyfriend.

Musically, they've been kicking goals with all three singles from this album having reached Top 10. I doubt "Take Me On The Floor" will be an exception. They've completely won me over with this album. If you haven't heard it, get it!

Britney's back and looking AMAZING!

Here are the ads starring Britney Spears, promoting the 25th annual MTV Video Music Awards, and WOW, isn't she looking amazing?! You could be forgiven for thinking these clips were shot three years ago before Britney's private life turned into absolute hell. But it seems safe to say that the worst is finally behind her, and that her proper "comeback" will be a great joy to watch. Brit is currently working on her fifth studio album, the follow-up to last year's "Blackout" (which performed well considering it received virtually zero promotion from Britney who was still battling her inner demons).

It was at last year's VMAs that she stole the show (for all the wrong reasons), with her ironically now iconic, disastrous performance of "Gimme More". It makes me so genuinely happy to see Britney look the best she has in years, happy and relaxed. In years to come, hopefully people will look back on that troubled period of her life, and honor Britney as a TRUE survivor.

Kylie's "The One" video!

Here it is!!! Let us know what you think.

Keys down under

Soul diva Alicia Keys is coming to Australia in December for her first major tour in four years. It will include arena and winery shows. 2007 American Idol winner Jordin Sparks will be supporting Alicia at all shows. Tickets go on sale August 22.

December 10:
Brisbane, Entertainment Centre
December 12:
Sydney, Acer Arena
December 13:
Hunter Valley, Bimbadgen Estate
December 14:
Bowral, Centennial Vineyards
December 17:
Melbourne, Rod Laver Arena
December 18:
Adelaide, Entertainment Centre
December 20:
Swan Valley, Sandalford Wines

Delta promo dates

Delta is back in Australia this week to promote her new single "I Can't Break It To My Heart", which is out August 16th (this Saturday!). She'll be doing three instore appearances and a few TV performances, so keep an eye out!

Saturday 16th August:
Melbourne instore, Westfield Plenty Valley 1pm
Sunday 17th August:
Rove performance
Tuesday 19th August:
Brisbane instore, Westfield Carindale 4pm
Thursday 21st August:
Sydney instore, Westfield Parramatta 5pm
Wednesday 27th August:
Sunrise performance and CD signing

I'll be going to the Melbourne instore, so stay tuned for plenty of photos!

This week 10 years ago: Australia's #1 single

There are some songs that remain absolutely timeless, and "Iris" by the Goo Goo Dolls is no exception. Taken from the phenomenally successful "City of Angels" soundtrack (which spent two weeks at #1 in Australia), the song became their biggest and most memorable hit worldwide.

It spent five consecutive weeks at #1 and a total of 33 weeks in the ARIA Top 50, and was accredited 2x platinum for sales of more than 140,000 copies. Unfortunately, the Goo Goo Dolls have remained "one hit wonders" in Australia, with further singles failing to make an impact on the charts. But you'll still here "Iris" on the radio every now and again.

Rogue Traders update

Since the departure of lead singer Natalie Bassingthwaighte a couple of months ago, a dark cloud has been hanging over the future of the Rogue Traders. Recently, Rogue Traders co-founder/member James Ash cleared up a few questions on their official forum and gave some insight into the new phase of the band. You can read the whole thing here.

But to summarise his main points:
- There will be no fourth single from their latest album "Better In The Dark". This was not a decision of the band, but the record company. Had there been a new single, "On Your Way To The Disco" would have been chosen.
- A live DVD will not be happening anytime soon. Although the band has footage of their live shows, it is not of DVD quality. They originally had plans to film one of their shows from their latest tour for a DVD release, but SonyBMG were stingy and didn't give them money to do it.
- They will begin writing material for the fourth album over the next couple of months, but will release it when it's ready to be released. Expect the new album sometime next year.
- They will be looking for a new lead singer, but have not begun searching just yet.
- Although he is unsure of what the new material will sound like, he suspects it will be more dancier and less rock.

So there you have it. It'll be particularly interesting to see who is selected as the new lead singer, and how they'll transform the Rogue Traders sound which Natalie trully created with her distinct, attitude-filled vocals.

Here's the proposed, now cancelled, fourth single "On Your Way To The Disco".

Lennox gets reflective

The "Best of" collections just keep on rolling in! The legendary Annie Lennox is set to release a compilation spanning her entire solo career, featuring singles from the albums "Diva" (1992), "Medusa" (1995), "Bare" (2003) and last year's "Songs Of Mass Destruction" (2007).

Unfortunately all her music videos on YouTube have been disabled. But here's Annie's two biggest solo hits.

"Why", possibly one of the saddest songs ever recorded.


"No More I Love You's", which earned her a Grammy award for Best Female Pop Vocal Performance.


And a more recent track, "Dark Road", the first single from her fourth studio album "Songs of Mass Destruction".


The 14-track album is composed of 12 singles and two new tracks, recorded specifically for this collection.

1. Little Bird
2. Walking on Broken Glass
3. Why
4. No More I Love You's
5. Precious
6. Love Song for a Vampire
7. A Thousand Beautiful Things
8. Sing
9. Pavement Cracks
10. A Whiter Shade of Pale
11. Cold
13. Dark Road
14. Pattern of My Life
15. Shining Light

"The Annie Lennox Collection" is out September 15, 2008.

Ness goes simple on new single

After the massive success of her #1 radio, Top 5 ARIA, gold smash hit "Perfect", Vanessa Amorosi is preparing for the third single from her latest album "Somewhere In The Real World" called "The Simple Things (Something Emotional)".

I admit, this choice of single has puzzled me. Of all the tracks on the album, this laid-back ballad never screamed "single material" to me so I'm not sure how it'll be received. I personally would have gone with the rockin', hair-raising "19 Turning Point". I guess we can only wait and see how it goes. A remix, titled the Paolos San Terenzo Mix, has been promo'd out to radio stations, and I'm assuming will be the official "radio mix". It revamps the track into a electro-trancy number - me likes alot! You can listen to it here.

Track list:
1. The Simple Things (Something Emotional) (Radio version)
2. The Simple Things (Something Emotional) (Album version)
3. Hello
4. Perfect (T-Funk remix)
5. The Simple Things (Something Emotional) (Instrumental)

Also loving the single cover. "The Simple Things (Something Emotional)" is out digitally and physically on September 6th 2008.

Kylie confirms: "The One" will get a video

Kylie fans, let us rejoice! "The One" is getting a music video. The hysteria surrounding the release of "The One" has been a frustrating and tiring one. The track, which quite simply should have been THE comeback single for Kylie, has been treated dismally by Parlophone, releasing it as a lame digital single.

As a consequence, with no music video to support it, "The One" debuted at #36 on the UK charts last week, becoming Kylie's lowest-charting single since...well forever. Ridiculous when you consider Kylie was touring the UK at the time, and being the fan-favourite off the album, a physical single would have most likely secured her a Top 10 position. Since then, rumours have been flying around that Parlophone are indeed releasing it physically (god only knows if and when!), but the question of a music video ever happening has been finally answered by Kylie herself! AMEN.

From Kylie's official site:

Now that the European tour has finished I really wanted to thank you all for making it such an incredible experience for me. It has been (such) a joy to perform this show in so many cities, both familiar and new. The audience reactions have been overwhelming and I find myself peaceful, a little tired but overall energized and ecstatic about this tour... professionally and personally! Log on to Kylie.com for some more exciting tour news and, yes, I have made a video for "The One" which will premiere on Kylie.com very soon!!!! Kylie x

Let's hope "The One" is given a full Australian release, maybe with a tour announcement attached to it!

Is Hilary "so yesterday"?

Times are tough for the Duffster. Her latest album "Dignity" (2007), which showcased a more mature Hilary moving into the electro-pop genre, scared off the kiddie fanbase who once bought her albums in the millions. As a result, Hollywood Records is pulling the plug on the former Lizzie McGuire star.

With current Disney golden girl Miley Cyrus taking the pre-teen world by storm with her Hannah Montana television series and subsequent music career, it appears Hilary has become what her signature tune suggests - so yesterday! What's worse is the fact Hollywood Records, without Hilary's support, have decided to release a "Best Of" compilation to cash-in on her greater-selling back catalogue, and to make up for the financial loss of "Dignity" (which struggled to shift 400,000 units in the US, and less than a million units worldwide).

Word is Hollywood Records wanted a brand new studio album out by the end of the year, but as Hilary refused to be rushed, this new compilation is the solution to complete her 6 album deal. What's so ridiculous about this release is not only Hilary's lack of notable hits (and I use that term "hits" very lightly), but the fact this will now be her second(!) worldwide singles collection. In 2005, Hilary released "Most Wanted", a compilation of all her singles up that point. This is from a girl who's only released three studio albums in her entire career people!

BUT on the bright side, sources say Hilary has wanted out of her Hollywood Records contract for over a year now in order to make music in which she has greater "artistic" control. She's said to be in talks with several labels. Good luck to her.

"The Best Of Hilary Duff" is due for release on September 23, 2008 (pre-order on Amazon.) The pitiful track list consists of a lazy twelve tracks: eight "hits", two new tracks and two remixes of the two new tracks.

1. Reach Out
2. Holiday
3. Stranger
4. With Love
5. Play With Fire
6. Wake Up
7. Fly
8. Come Clean
9. So Yesterday
10. Why Not
11. Reach Out (Remix)
12. Holiday (Remix)

Surely they could have added some unreleased crap in order to please the few die-hards she has left? Notable singles "Beat Of My Heart" and "Our Lips Are Sealed" aren't even included. Even though the album cover (above) uses a year old photo, damn she looks hot with dark hair. My advise? Give up the music career and do some modelling.

So what?!

The world's favourite dyke Pink is back with her rockin' new single "So What", the first to be released from her fourthcoming fifth studio album. It's everything we have come to love from Pink, filled with guts, attitude and humorous sarcasm. I especially love the start of the second verse which goes "The waiter just took my table and gave it to Jessica Simpson, SHIT!" LOL!



The track is very similar to past hits "U and Ur Hand" and "Cuz I Can" - not surprisingly, the producer behind those two Pink classics is also behind "So What". The man in question, Max Martin, continually proves that when it comes to pop, he knows what the people want. There's no official word of when the single will be released, but the album - which has yet to be titled - will be out October 25 2008.

Meanwhile, a couple of weeks ago, the never-dieing "I'm Not Dead" passed it's 100th week in the ARIA Top 50!

Wiggle It!

Yeah baby, Ricki's back! The boobilicious former Young Diva (who are they again?!?) is back with a brand spankin' new single called "Wiggle It", a sexy R&B-pop anthem that's sure to continue her string of Top 10 hits. Listen to it on YouTube here.

This release has appeared completely out of the blue as I don't believe Ricki has even begun working on her third album. I'm assuming its purpose is to capitalise on her new role as co-host of the upcoming sixth season of Australian Idol, which begins airing on August 24th. "Wiggle It" was originally intended for her second album "Brand New Day". As Ricki states, "I was disappointed when "Wiggle It" didn’t work on my last album, so I’m beyond THRILLED to be finally getting this single out to my fans!".

The single is due for physical release on September 13th, 2008 with a digital release on September 16th, 2008.

Darren Hayes on "Hard Candy"

Dissapointing. I like one or two songs. Madonna's always the best when she's leading the pack. When she works with someone at the end of a trend, like she did with Babyface, it sounds like their record, not hers. (Herald Sun, August 7 2008)

Agree or disagree with Darren's views? Let us know!

Idol runner-up to release "Best Of"

Shannon Noll, the first Australian Idol runner-up, is also the first Australian Idol contestant to release a Greatest Hits collection. Since coming to fame in 2003, Shannon has released three successful albums - the multi-platinum #1s "That's What I'm Taking About" (2004), "Lift" (2005) and his latest platinum record "Turn It Up" (2007). Now the most successful of the whole Idol bunch is doing a "Natalie Imbruglia" by releasing a singles collection with an additional five new tracks. Premature? Yes. But rumours suggest there's tension between Shannon and Sony BMG and that this compilation could be a way out of his contract. These are however only RUMOURS and could be totally false.

Unlike Natalie Imbruglia, each of the ten singles that make up "No Turning Back: The Story So Far" have ALL been big hits on the Australian charts and radio alike. Shannon has achieved ten consective Top 10 singles, 3 of which have reached #1. All of these apart from "C'mon Aussie C'mon", a charity single released in 2004, are present. A wise move as "C'mon" remains the most embarassing song of his career.

The track list will include the following, but the orderering of tracks has not been confirmed:

1. What About Me
2. Drive
3. Learn to Fly
4. Shine
5. Lift
6. Now I Run
7. Lonely
8. Don't Give Up (with Natalie Bassingthwaighte)
9. Loud
10. In Pieces
11. Summertime*
12. You're Never Alone*
13. Crash*
14. Tomorrow*
15. No Turning Back*
(*= new track)

Hopefully a limited edition will come with a bonus DVD of all the music videos. It seems to be the trend these days! "No Turning Back: The Story So Far" is released September 27, 2008. The first single "Summertime" will go to radio later this month.

Delta: New single and tour news

After finally releasing her debut US album last month - which gained itself a place in the Billboard 200 at #116 - Delta is back in Australia for the fourth single from her 3x platinum album "Delta" and its called "I Can't Break It To My Heart". The singles off this album have showcased a diverse range of styles, from the rock-pop of "In This Life" to the dance, string-fuelled ballad "Believe Again" to the quirky raggae-pop of "You Will Only Break My Heart". "I Can't Break It" is an epic ballad about being in denial over the breakup of a relationship. The music video is a collection of behind the scenes footage intertwined with Delta performing the track earler this year at one of her Sydney shows. Watch it here.

Track listing:
1. I Can't Break It To My Heart
2. In This Life (Diamond Cut Remix)
3. Burn For You (Live At The Chappel)

Unfortunately, the CD single features no new b-sides. In fact, it doesn't offer much new at all. Keen fans will have heard the Diamond Cut remix of "In This Life" on the Diamond Cut MySpace page, while the live "Burn For You" (a John Farnham cover) has been floating around the net for months. But hey, better than no single at all! And as the two previous Diamond Cut mixes were much fun, this "In This Life" mix is also a real gem. Australian fans can pre-order limited edition artwork. To do this, visit the official site.

The single is in stores August 16th.



But for the MOST EXCITING NEWS IN AGES! Delta is embarking on her second national tour of Australia in January 2009. Considering The Visualise Tour took place in mid-2005, this is LONG overdue, but will be worth the wait I'm sure. The 9 date "Believe Again" tour stops off in Canberra, Perth, Adelaide, Brisbane, Newcastle with 2 shows each in Melbourne and Sydney. Tickets go on sale August 21 through Ticketmaster.

Dates are as follows:
January 09 - Civic Theatre, Newcastle
January 12 - State Theatre, Sydney
January 13 - State Theatre, Sydney
January 16 - Hamer Hall, Melbourne
January 17 - Hamer Hall, Melbourne
January 24 - Royal Theatre, Canberra
January 27 - Convention Centre, Brisbane
January 30 - Adelaide Entertainment Centre
February 3 - Perth Kings Park

For the UK and European fans who still remember Delta (I don't blame you if you've given up hope since she hasn't released anything for you guys in 4 years!), it appears she will be releasing "Delta" later this year, once US promo is complete. So stay tuned for updates on that!