Lady Gaga
The Fame Monster
Universal
I wish Nicola Formichetti was MY stylist. Then I’d look as kick ass as Gaga. Here she delivers up 8 new tracks, including swamp stomping Teeth, ’80s-esque Dance in the Dark, totally awesome Beyonce duet Telephone and horrendous Bad Romance. We heart you Gaga, even when you’re covered in talcum powder!
Scott-Patrick Mitchell
Lily Allen
It’s Not Me, It’s You (Special Edition)
EMI
Re-packaged just in time for Christmas comes the second instalment of Lily Allen’s plan for world domination and how to get drunk doing it. A bonus DVD takes you live on stage with Ms Allen and proves why she’s such a star. Infectious, opinionated yet strangely sweet, Allen’s got the world at her feet.
Scott-Patrick Mitchell
Artic Monkeys
Humbug
EMI
Finally I get what all the rage is about this band! Artic Monkeys have a certain arrogance that infectiously translates with kicking force on this album. There’s a lot strutting sounds here, including Potion Approaching and My Propeller. Ah, Brit Pop sounds good again. Sure to invoke your stereo’s inner hooligan.
Scott-Patrick Mitchell
Various
The 2010 Annual
Ministry of Sound
The selection range is impressive and there’s bound to be something you like here. Disc one improves towards the tail end after a rather commercial start and parts of disc two are repetitive to the point of hypnosis and a little irritating, perhaps catering to those who feast on disco treats. Fine, but not amazing.
Brett Dias
Air
Love 2
EMI
The masters of synth-pop thrash it out for another fine album. Air have a strangely romantic, oddly nostalgic sound which is perfected to mastery here. If heaven were a disco lounge, it’d sound exactly like this. Aromatic with a dash of timelessness. Sigh.
Scott-Patrick Mitchell
Vanessa Amorosi
This Is Who I Am
Universal
After the recent success of her latest hit single I can’t help but feel the album falls short of high expectations and gets a little tiring towards the end. Having said that though this is possibly Vanessa’s most mature release to date and her voice is bigger and better then ever.
DJ Feminem
Robbie Williams
Reality Killed The Video Star
EMI
The original bad boy of pop is back with a dusty road trip of an album. It has the same soaring intensity that Williams is known for, the songs crisp and full of strut. He might be getting on a bit, but there’s something still endearing about him that fans will love.
Scott-Patrick Mitchell
Michael Jackson
This Is It
Sony
Paint him as the abusive monster or tortured victim it hardly matters now and there’s no denying that Michael Jackson is still one of the most important artists in pop music. His posthumous album has a baffling selection of tracks that seems a little sad considering this is the faded star’s swan song.
Brett Dias
Backstreet Boys
This Is Us
Sony
So I guess you could call this a ‘comeback’ album although they never really went anywhere. It’s a far cry from their once superstar status but then again it’s not a complete waste of space either. Filled with mostly mid tempo pop ballads the boys are sounding just as good as ever.
DJ Feminem
Guy Sebastian
Like It Like That
Sony
This album has a distinct Motown feel but will have no problem fitting into any radio station’s high rotation list. Second single to be released from the album is a duet with American Idol winner Jordin Spark. Will we see Sebastian break it in the US? We sure hope so.
DJ Feminem
Michael Jackson
The Remix Suite
Universal/Motown
I held my breath while listening to this expecting it to be nothing more then a cash cow following MJ’s passing. However I was pleasantly surprised. It brings new life to many of MJ’s early solo hits (Ben) and some classic Jackson 5. A must have for any MJ fan.
DJ Feminem
Stéphane Pompougnac
hôtel costes 12
Wagram/Brumby
Here, Parisian DJ Stéphane Pompougnac gives us this little stroll through the world of lounge music. This new album is an enjoyable listen, very languorous and relaxing, while Latin rhythms in parts pump up the tempo and give it an exotic touch. Perfect for a little cocktail between friends.
Vivi Del Boca
Tiësto
Kaleidoscope
Musical Freedom
Tiësto is not referred to as the best DJ in the world by chance. The album’s lead single is a clever collaboration with Australian band Sneaky Sound System. This is a cool mix of songs, perfect for listening to at home or mixing in the club. A must-listen!
Vivi Del Boca
Damien Leith
Remember June
Sony
This would be my pick for one of the best Australian male albums of 2009: it is a treasure! Leith’s robust and clear Irish voice soars high above the melody. This is Leith’s third foray into the studio and his best to date, fitting well into the pop/contemporary framework.
Terry Larder
DJ Havana Brown
Crave
Universal
If you are a looking for a great party album that should have been played last New Years Eve then this is it. Other than that its nothing more then a cheap ploy for record companies to cash in on songs that are a little passed their used by dates. The mixing is clean and simple and most likely done digitally.
DJ Feminem
ANJULIE
Anjulie
Universal
As fantastic as her song writing talent is, I would like to hear Anjulie do some cover versions of differing styles, as her voice can certainly cope with the range. Although a slightly patchy first album, Anjulie definitively has a unique talent and is an artist worth watching out for in the future.
Terry Larder
Jonathan Boulet
Jonathan Boulet
Modular
This is a very surprising gem. Sydney based Boulet serves up an array of infectious indie pop. At times melancholic and others driven with rhythm, this album has all the swagger and sophistication of someone far older and wiser than 21 years old Boulet. Intriguing and incredibly romantic.
Scott-Patrick Mitchell
ZOOT WOMAN
Things are way they used to be
Band Room Records
Synths shimmer, atmospheres haunt and nag and the words evoke that lonely-on-a-dancefloor moment. They haven’t fallen short with their tunes. More Than Ever wraps undying love up in big keyboard stabs, Witness is an effective moody stomp, and Lonely By Your Side, a three-minute existential crisis.
Stuart Miles
Rod Stewart
Soulbook
Sony
Some say that Rod Stewart’s voice is like fingernails let loose on a chalk board… I beg to differ. In fact ever since he rode the waves of good taste with his American Songbook CDs, I’ve been hooked. He is still recording with panache and style. A classic.
Terry Larder
Tori Amos
Midwinter Graces
Universal
Tori releases her first ever seasonal album choc-full of Christmas cheer and majestic, soaring arrangements. There’s also some originals, all dosed up on big band styling, making for an enchanting album, perfect for the festive season. A must have
Scott-Patrick Mitchell
Jessica Mauboy
Been Waiting
Sony
Mauboy’s style is a cross between Winehouse and Houston without all the baggage. Powerhouse delivery plus a soaring vocal range puts this ARIA nominated album in a class of its own. The shelf life is furthered with a DVD of her standout live performances, most notable 2008’s AFL grand final. Terry Larder
Various
New Moon
Warner
If you can get past the lovelorn film then you’ll find some really awesome songs on here. Among them Death Cab for Cutie’s brooding Meet Me On The Equinox and the sheer brilliance of Thom Yorke’s Hearing Damage. Atmospheric? Yes. Compelling? At times. Worth it? For sure.
Scott-Patrick Mitchell
Julian Casablancas
Phrazes For The Young
Sony
This interesting album is incredibly short but completely psychedelic. Reminiscent of Beck meets the lysergic ’60s, it’s at times a little contrived but at others a sheer explosion of proficient sound. Very ‘now’, Casablancas will certainly have the hipsters votes, particularly with his more compelling and uplifting tracks, including the single 11th Dimension.
Scott-Patrick Mitchell
Glee
The Music Vol 1
Sony
Gays take to musical theatre like overly flamboyant ducks to only the finest sparkling water, and this show doesn’t disappoint. With musical numbers as diverse as its members – from the dork-pop of Bust a Move to Broadway greats like Defying Gravity – there’s something to please even the pickiest of listeners.
Mikey James
Bird
Girl With A Cello
Music For Dreams
Slightly skewed pop is perhaps the best way to describe this. Simple, stripped back and with a lo-fi jazz sound, Bird has created an album of covers that’s enigmatic, intelligent and incredibly easy. The odd touch and dash of strings adds to Bird’s voice, although at times a little too produced.
Scott-Patrick Mitchell
***
