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| HEADLINES
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| Australian Idol star injured in accident... Concert For Slim released on DVD... Something For Kate celebrate 10th anniversary... Scribe brings New Zealand's finest to Oz... Keith Urban sets new Aussie record... Hayes breaks the drought with Popular... Aussie artists unite against Liberal government... Love Aussie bands? Challenge them on XBox!... Missy Higgins debuts at #1!... Austereo Vs Frenzal Rhomb: the saga continues... Fans decide new MGF single...Butterfly Effect captivate Europe... Platinum rockers return to Oz...more news. |
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| TOURING
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Australasian artists touring internationally include Scribe, Frankenbok, The Cat Empire, Toy Death, Ben Lee, Butterfly Boucher, The Finn Brothers and The Panics. New dates announced for The Datsuns, Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds and Kasey Chambers.
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National tours include Jebediah, Dallas Crane, Gyroscope, Unpaid Debt, 28 Days and Kasey Chambers. New dates for The Cat Empire, Stronger Than Hate, The Celibate Rifles, The Go Set, Jet, The Living End, Hirst and Green, The Datsuns and Devolved ...more tours. |
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| ENCYCLOPEDIA
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| Author Ian McFarlane is a genuine veteran of the Australian music industry, with a long history in many facets including music journalism. His Encyclopedia of Australian Rock & Pop is the essential home for all lovers of Oz music. The book is legendary in music circles and covers the broadest range of artists imaginable - from the most mainstream to the genuinely obscure. To browse through the artist listings, simply click here. |
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MISSY HIGGINS
SCAR EP, THE (4 TRX)
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cd extended player
Here's a singer/songwriter that deserves her reputation as a rising star; part of the new wave of rootsy acoustic crooners bumping TV-powered pop acts off the charts. Let's hope they completely succeed because, let's face it, if you like beautiful approachable and original music, a television will never be useful. Turn on your radio. Missy will be all over that medium within a few days with these finely tuned compositions, produced by John Porter (Ryan Adams, The Smiths, Los Lonely Boys) and mixed by Jay Newland (Norah Jones). The production is a major step up for Higgins, who's previous EP provided a warts and all introduction to her talents but lacked the polish of this effort. From brass to silky harmonies, the Scar EP shows the advantage of a top-shelf support cast and as for the songs, the title track is an absolute killer, closely matched by a consistent collection of b-sides. It's true that Missy's more colloquial moments - when the accent seems overdone - left me cringing, but that's what the Australian accent actually sounds like and it's time for us to accept it/embrace it instead of applauding wannabe-American parrots. Missy will be a massive and enduring star on the Australian scene and I'm guessing that her style - which swings between jazz, country and folk - will create a large and diverse audience; the type of fan base that is already leading to sold-out performances as she tours the country. |
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FINN BROTHERS
WON'T GIVE IN (3 TRX)
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cd single
I don't think I've met anyone who is willing to disrespect New Zealand's royal music family: the Finns. Even the haters, cynics and jaded have some inkling of the Finn Brothers' contribution to our region's rich and diverse musical heritage. It's been a long time since Crowded House wooed the world with soft harmonies and unforgettable hooks. It's been even longer since Split Enz' radical cabaret-infused art rock made them the most innovative act of their era. But both acts retain their credibility with ease, especially the radical Enz, spearheaded by a young Tim Finn, long before either of the brothers mellowed. Now, in what most would concede is the twilight of their careers, two things remain unchanged: the ability to pen amazing songs and, of course, the Finn family inheritance: great voices. At times the combination of the two brothers seemed contrived. Firstly, there was Neil's inclusion in Split Enz, then there was the token returning of the favour when Tim mysteriously turned up on Neil's projects. Now, it seems the slate is clean and the brothers are presented as equal partners on Won't Give In, an uplifting gem that seems to automatically attract an epic atmosphere, thanks to the calibre of these fine talents. The light rock flavour of this track attests to the fact that vocals are all-important. The days of unnerving their audience are long-gone. When Neil and Tim strain their pipes to create a euphoric crescendo, it's goose-bump material. I'm sure acts hate it when I do this, but I must say that my favourite track on the disc is Sunset Swim. Sure, it's a b-side, but when the extra tracks on a single are strong, it usually indicates that a great album is on the way. As for the title track, don't take my word for it, take listen for yourself:
Won't Give In (Real Player: Dial-up)
Won't Give In (Real Player: Broadband)
Won't Give In (Windows Media: Dial-up)
Won't Give In (Windows Media: Broadband) |
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JOHN BUTLER TRIO
WHAT YOU WANT
Add to basket. Normally ships within 10 days $6.95 ($US 4.30) (£UK 2.40)
cd extended player
For John Butler, the step up from live drawcard to #1 charting artist has been powered by much-improved songs like What You Want, presented with all the pomp and frills of a creative studio environment, including a rich layering of strings and backing vocals. It's the type of song that lures the listener, not with any obvious hook, but a slowly building sense of dramatics and intensity. It didn't take John long to attract a massive following for his brilliant live performances and while the same popularity for his studio records took a few years, his recent success attests to, not only the popularity of this fine artist, but also the growing love for acoustic and roots music. The What You Want EP is a fantastic sampler for those who have balked at investing their hard-earned dollars on previous efforts. Featuring past favourites like Treat Your Mama and Betterman, the disc also boasts an added treat for fans of The Beatles, with Across The Universe getting the rural treatment. John Butler may not have re-invented the wheel, but with consistent releases like the What You Want EP, he's definitely keeping it rolling. |
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DAVID MCCORMACK
TRUTH ABOUT LOVE, THE
Add to basket. Normally ships within 10 days $21.95 ($US 13.57) (£UK 7.58)
cd
At first I was a little perplexed by David McCormack and the Polaroids' new album, The Truth About Love. I was not only expecting some furious doses of fuzzy rock; I was demanding it. But there's only one decision maker when it comes to the ex-Custard singer's musical direction and that is the man himself. On closer scrutiny, you begin to ascertain the difference between this album and its predecessor, Candy, and once you understand the thrust of The Truth About Love (pardon the pun), its appeal begins to grow. This collection of tunes is not a departure; it's a step forward, offering a more creative interpretation in the studio, partly thanks to in-form producer, Wayne Conolly. Some of the more percussive sounds add an extra dimension to tracks like If You Leave Me (I Will Hunt You Down And Kill You) adding texture and a few rough edges to sweeter songs. David either wears his heart on his sleeve or does a damn fine job of giving that impression, so The Truth About Love is presented as a sober slap in the face to lovers, possibly giving us a taste of disillusionment. The title track, complete with a string section, presents a rich and dramatic sound, but contradicts that beauty with a little lyrical cynicism. On I'm Going To Execute Yr Ex-Boyfriend, another progression becomes clear; powerful dynamic bursts giving way to subtle minimalism, providing a real roller coaster ride. Another plus is the contribution of The Polaroids. Shane Melder, Cameron Bruce and Dylan McCormack have mastered that psychic bond that good players develop and The Truth About Love certainly benefits from their experience and energy. If Candy was instantly likeable, The Truth About Love takes a little longer to make its mark, slowly wooing the listener. Then again, all good things take time. |
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JET
COLD HARD BITCH (5 TRX)
Add to basket. Normally ships within 10 days $4.95 ($US 3.06) (£UK 1.71)
cd single
It's not like Jet needs the approval of Whammo; they've already captured the hearts of rock lovers in the US, UK, Europe and their homeland, Australia. But I have to say that I appreciate their tunes more and more with each new release. Here's the album favourite, Cold Hard Bitch, released as the 4th single from Get Born. It's catchy, irreverent and uncompromising; Jet at their best. There's also an impressive list of b-sides on the disc including a live version of the title track and a demo of You Don't Look The Same, but the best track is a cover of The Loved One's Everlovin' Man. It's pretty tough to top the original version - an undisputed classic - but the boys give the old rock standard a decent shake and manage to capture much of the snarling sentiment that has always made this tune a fave here at Whammo. The best thing about Everlovin' Man's inclusion is the hope that Jet fans will get interested in the acts that inspired the Melbourne 4-piece. All up, Cold Hard Bitch continues the impressive evolution of this international success story. |
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| WHAT'S NEW! |
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New releases this week include singles from the Darren Hayes, Infusion and Peter Andre and new albums by Something For Kate, The Finn Brothers, Goodshirt and Kevin Bloody Wilson. All the big-name forthcoming titles are now available for pre-order from artists like Darren Hayes, Missy Higgins, Keith Urban, Powderfinger, Rocket Science, Grinspoon, Killing Heidi, The Sunnyboys and . Make sure you secure your copies. Check our Recommended section for special offers and features. *To receive all the weekly new release info in your in-box, subscribe to Whammo's Weekly Newsletter (it's free!) 10,000 subscribers can't be wrong! Just click here. |
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| ARTIST OF THE WEEK |
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| JEBEDIAH |
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| Jebediah is burning a trail across the Aussie continent, armed with a fresh set of typically infectious tunes in the form of Braxton Hicks. We recently caught up with Chris (guitar) to discuss independence, overseas plans, fans and the Jebs' latest national tour...click here. |
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| GUARANTEE |
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Whammo ensures secure shopping online. Australian prices are inclusive of GST. Overseas prices are an estimate and may differ slightly from the final price. Whammo does not pass on customer details or email addresses. If you have any concerns please email us at help@whammo.com.au
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