CD Reviews
Seasons
The Verses
Warner
Remember Killing Heidi? Brother sister duo Jesse and Ella Hooper are back and have reinvented themselves as The Verses. Gone are the rock electric guitars and catchy as hell hooks that embodied their youthful energy of that time. This is a more mature, acoustic, country-tinged offering. Very easy listening and still catchy with a Fleetwood Mac, Ryan Adams kinda feel. - Nat Ripepi (more…)
CD Reviews
Christina Aguilera
Bionic
RCA / Sony
In 2002, when Christina told you she was ‘dirrty’, she wasn’t kidding. Marriage and motherhood haven’t extinguished the sassiness of this songstress. This bizarre collection of tracks left me a little confused. Woohoo is all about eating out. Nope, not at a fancy restaurant. She sells it with ‘you don’t even need a plate, just your face ha!’ But wait! A few tracks in and she’s singing about her son Max. The sex laced album is even dedicated to her son! That said, I liked it. Her unique voice is undoubtedly bold and clean, unlike the album, which is filth. – Ollie Pincott (more…)
CD Reviews
Jónsi
Go
EMI
Instantly recognisable, Jónsi’s voice is the fuel that has made Icelandic band Sigur Ros, one of the most beloved groups heralding from the frozen tundra of Northern Europe. Here, Jónsi – an openly gay artist – is venturing out on his own, throwing some rugs on the sleigh for a sonic journey through the landscape of his angelic voice. He soars, lilts, twists, plays, falls in love and tinges at melancholia, highlighting the evocative scope and beguiling majesty of his singing. This is the album you should by this year if you want to imbue your life with magic. – Scott-Patrick Mitchell (more…)
CD Reviews - May
Glee – The Power of Madonna
Various
Sony
I hate musicals. Wait… no. I’ll correct that: I loathe musicals. I secretly, however, like Glee and think it is quite possibly one of the most awesome emotionally uplifting shows on television at the moment. Phew… sorry, I need to lie down after that compliment. Anyway, it’s a ‘like’ that manifests into genuine admiration here. These kids have produced a mini-album that is equal parts clever, cute and well produced. Highlights include the audacious 4 minutes and the dry charmer Vogue, delivered by deadpan sardonic wicked bitch Jane Lynch. Now… this review never happened!
Scott-Patrick Mitchell (more…)
CD Reviews - March
Down the Way
Angus & Julia Stone, Capitol/EMI
The glorious melodies and soulful songwriting of this brother-sister duo will sweep you up and rock you like a gentle ocean tide. Heralding from Sydney’s northern beaches, the pair has received broad airplay on Triple-J since their debut success in 2007 and rightly so. Down the Way plays to their collaborative strengths, with Julia’s little-girl voice set to a string symphony and interlaced with Angus’s soothing acoustic guitar and folk-rock offerings. It is heartbreakingly beautiful yet, at times, grips you with rock-based rigour, especially Hold On, Black Crow, For You, Big Jet Plane and And The Boys.
Aja Styles. (more…)
Begginners Guide To Jazz - Looking The Part
Jazz music. Depending on your point of view, this can be the ultimate interpretation and display of skill of a musician…or it can be the antithesis of the core of music. You’ll never please a purist.
Love it or hate it, there aren’t many parts of the world where there isn’t access to good jazz in even better venues. Even here in little old Perth. But for jazz virgins everywhere, what happens when you get that phone call from that muso friend inviting you out for the night – ‘artist X is playing, want to go…?’ and in a moment of weakness, you agree. And as you put down the phone, that cold grip reaches down your throat into the pit of your stomach and squeezes, as you realize that you are entering a world you know nothing about. Are you expected to start smoking cigars? Drinking neat scotch from highball glasses? Wear bow ties? Or feather boas? Or comment on how that girl’s improvisational scat really lent itself to the syncopation underneath? And have no idea if that even makes sense? (more…)
CD Reviews #98
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Nick Cave & Warren Ellis
White Lunar
EMI
This is a masterpiece. Here, Nick Cave and Dirty Three’s Warren Ellis join forces to deliver a double disc compilation of soundtrack delights to create an album that is robust, melancholic and heart-breaking in its beauty. With songs from the likes of The Assassination of Jesse James, The Proposition, The English Surgeons, The Girls of Phnom Penh and new motion picture epic The Road, this collection of songs will delight and stir the soul. You don’t need to be a fan of Nick Cave to enjoy this, just a lover of cinematic music. – Scott-Patrick Mitchell (more…)
CD Reviews #97
The Transients
Crossfades EP
Independent/MGM
This electro pop outfit from Perth has created a well crafted and catchy CD. All 5 tracks grab you instantly and are easily likeable. Lead single One Day, with its dirty bass line and indie rock vocal, is a highlight, as is Can’t Let You Be Lonely, featuring vocals by ex Halogen singer Jasmine Lee. This CD got the double thumbs from my UK dance loving friends, which definitely says something! Co-produced and mixed by Lee Groves of Goldfrapp, Depeche Mode and Bertie Blackman fame, this is definitely worth a listen. – Nat Ripepi (more…)
CD Reviews #95
Abbe May and The Rockin Pneumonia
Hawaiian Disease
Independent/MGM
A special limited edition EP from Perth’s own blues-rock siren, Abbe May, and her band. It’s a taste of what’s to come from their forthcoming album Sexorcism, due out later this year. Six tracks of ballsy, blues infused rock with an eccentric twist that is a fine showcase of May’s powerfully sexy vocals and her band’s equally as powerful, and sometimes quirky, accompaniment. The title track has a distinct Concrete Blonde vibe about it and there is a great cover version of the Tom Waits classic Jesus Gonna Be Here. – Nat Ripepi (more…)
CD Reviews #92
Living Things
Habeas Corpus
Jive/Sony
Habeas Corpus is the sophomore album from Missouri band, Living Things. Influenced by the state of the global economy and the American political environment, their lyrics are politically charged with attacks on capitalism, war and the ‘dumbing down’ of society, hidden behind anthemic funk rock melodies and guitar/synth based glam rock. Superbly produced and well crafted. This is rock-n-roll with a conscience that will also have you up and dancing with your fists in the air. – Nat Ripepi (more…)
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