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ADULT CONTEMPORARY |
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 THE BASICS
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The name says it all. The Basics don't require a flashy image or to be in vogue. There's no need to don black t-shirts and grow a bad attitude. Instead, the focus is 100% aimed at delivering classically styled songs with minimal instrumentation that highlight the use of very smooth vocal harmonies. This trio love crooning and their combined voices are reminiscent of a classic 50s period, representing both the older American solo crooners and the invading rock bands that replaced them. Garnished with blues, powered by an ceaseless optimism; Get Back is exactly what music has lost. The lovechild of Donovan, The Beatles and Perry Como? Quite possibly.
1. Hey C'mon!
2. You're Already Gone
3. Did I Ever Stand A Chance?
4. I Could Go On
5. Lovin' Man
6. What Have You Done?
7. Can You Trust Me?
8. She's Gonna B. Late
9. I Don't Need Another
10. Gone... Gone... Gone.
11. It's Over
12. Karolina
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 CHRIS ABRAHAMS
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How do you push the limits of one of the oldest and most popular instruments in the world? I wonder how many people have sat at a piano and felt lost while looking at those same white and black keys that have been mastered and butchered by millions. There are only so many notes and chords. As each year passes, surely it's less likely that a new voice will emerge. That's why Chris Abrahams is inspiring; because his interpretation of feelings, emotions, faces and places, through those same white and black keys, somehow leaves the instrument sounding not only fresh but also unmistakably Chris Abrahams. Glow, his previous LP, instantly opened my eyes to the world of contemporary piano, but it couldn't possibly prepare me for the intense studies on Streaming. Once again, he reveals himself as an explorer of soundscapes all emerging from one piano, dutifully recorded without overdubs. It's a case of 'what you hear is what you get' and what you get is a double dose (2CD) of unique works like the first track Room; another delicate but intense epic. Streaming is for lovers of piano and virtually every fan of escapism.
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 DHA
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You don't often see a traditional Indian Tabla player at 5am in a dingy nightclub but that's where I was introduced to Bobby Singh, internationally renowned classical player and lynchpin of Australia's fusion collective, Dha. In what seems to have been a fair swap of creativity, Singh was rocking the old DCM dancefloor, adding his unique brilliance to a set by long-standing electronic pioneers The Bird. Ben Walsh from said band returns the favour with his contribution to Dha's self titled debut. Fronted by Bobby's brother, Sukhi, on vocals this stunning 7 track introduction at first sounds more 'traditional' than 'groundbreaking' until you realise that the structure and much of the compositional elements are quite western. Yes, it sounds Indian, as you would expect with the Singh brothers at the helm, yet Dha goes beyond a truly eastern sound and its epic soundscapes, like the hauntingly beautiful Mujh Ko, put the 'world' back into world music. If I'm ever in the position to actually buy a motor vehicle, this will be the album I play as I speed through the desert or the rolling hills of the NSW north coast. I can imagine it fitting perfectly. Then again, Dha are doing a fine job of adding a mystical element to my daily grind at the office.
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 VARIOUS ARTISTS
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To the majority of youngsters, ABC Radio doesn't exist unless you're talking about the teenagers' own youth network, Triple J, but the huge national audience of ABC Radio are fundamentally no different to those younger music fans; they still want rarities and hard-to-find tracks that they've heard on their favourite bandwidth. Luckily, the ABC know how to cater for their audience and ABC Airplay, now in its 6th edition, has collected more notable tracks for their audience. This one starts with a rare live recording of Nina Simone and aptly ends with homegrown talent in the form of Melbourne's Mayfly. It's not without some appeal to a younger audience, with tracks by Genevieve Maynard and Women In Docs, hotly tipped to be the next Waifs.
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IT'S ABOUT TIME (CD & DVD PACK)
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 MARK TREVORROW
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CD AND DVD Region:TBA Format:TBA
As his ultra-camp/cocktail-crooning character, Bob Downe, Mark Trevorrow has become a household name, but for every performer who reaches notoriety through a fake persona, there's a time when you just want to be recognised for who you are. Listening to It's About Time - a collection of standards and jazzed up contemporary tunes - you can see the musical history that gave birth to Trevorrow's famous character; there's a well-nurtured love of swinging grooves and classics. Included in the pack is a bonus DVD for diehard fans, which should satisfy any curiosity with backstage scenes, interviews and performances. It takes a little while to get used to the real Mark Trevorrow but his re-workings of tracks like The Windmills Of Your Mind and I'll Be Seeing You benefit from a fine backing band and his obvious love for the classics.
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 THINGS OF STONE AND WOOD
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I thought Things Of Stone And Wood were long gone and forgotten. The folksy, melodic four piece have been absent since 1996 and to be truthful their endearing and sweet brand of music gained notoriety while I was in a punk phase. In other words, I would never have explored their repertoire when they were constantly appearing in the Aria Top 50 but now, at the helm of Whammo, it was my duty to give Rollercoaster a listen. It was a surprising session of headphone listening. I now understand why this act appeared from nowhere to record 2 Top 10 albums and 6 Top 50 singles. Greg Arnold has the ability to write and sing tunes that approach the listener like an old friend. It's an ability that won Arnold an APRA 'songwriter of the year' award in 1993. Richard Tankard joins the band on Rollercoaster and his drifting Hammond keys add a whimsical atmosphere to the rustling beats and light acoustics. Any act that would like to criticise Things Of Stone And Wood should first check that they are communicating an Australian sound because this combo certainly does 'keep it real': a distinctively Aussie accent and constant local imagery throughout the quirky lyrical content. Low-key moments like Foldaway Heart won me over; great analogies and honest admissions. I think there is a place for Things Of Stone And Wood in the current musical environment. Their sound seems as valid in 2003 as it was in 1993 and it says good things about an act to consider that a whole decade has failed to age their brand of acoustic pop.
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 THE CAT EMPIRE
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At first I thought 'oh no, here's another wannabe world music/jazz hybrid' but in reality this is like no other CD released this year. The Cat Empire is special. The musicianship is ridiculously good, the ideas are innovative, and the flow is superb. So, how do I describe The Cat Empire? How's this: Combine Ian Dury, Ricky Martin, Madness and Bob Marley, then add Aussie accents waxing lyrical with creative timing and fantastic rhythm. Latin and jazz rhythms dominate but ska is always ever-present on the brilliant self-titled debut LP from this intelligent Melbourne combo. And the sound? Big Band walls of brass, keyboards, beats and percussion keep the energy sky-high but when trying to find the distinctive defining edge that The Cat Empire have over other big-band combos, you can't go past the percussive, quirky and intimate nature of the vocals. All arrangements seem geared to the fickle 2003 music market with tempo changes and complete genre transitions that always seem coherent and suited to the songs. It's not just the up-tempo brass-powered party flavours that entertain; the low-key laments are my favourite moments; tunes like Lost Song, The Crowd and All That Talking are used strategically to give this album its necessary chilled moments. It doesn't matter if this album fails to please Australia's rock snobs because The Cat Empire is already a sort-after live drawcard overseas after appearances at the Edinburgh Festival and Reading. One listen to The Cat Empire is enough to explain that popularity. This music is beyond genre, attitude or age. Outstanding.
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I GET UP (3 TRX + ENHANCED COMPUTER GAME)
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 INXS
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cd single
INXS have attempted to reinvent themselves and reinvigorate their fan base a few times since the tragic death of legendary frontman Michael Hutchence. We all know that Michael's charisma and distinctive voice was a major contributing factor to their success but so was the band's sound and ability to write chart-loving tunes. For that reason I think we've all secretly been willing to give the lads another chance. Now, after finally deciding on Jon Stevens as a suitable replacement as vocalist and their return to charts via Rogue Traders' One Of My Kind, the time is ripe for new tunes. I Get Up is the first hint at the vibe of their forthcoming Squared album and loyal INXS fans will love it. It reminds us of the unique style these guys have always possessed and Stevens' vocals are...can I say it...Hutchence-like? It's an up-tempo tune that definitely has chart potential and guess who gets the honour of remixing the single? You guessed it, Rogue Traders are back to work with another INXS tune. The UK ex-pats have created another raw, powerful dose of House beats in their Melbourne studio. In fact, there's an epic 80s-style remix (over 6 minutes long) that will work its way into commercial DJs' record boxes over the long, hot summer.
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 MELANIE OXLEY & CHRIS ABRAHAMS
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Here's a combination of two artists regarded as elite in their chosen forms of musical expression. Melanie Oxley is an instantly identifiable vocalist; you can't mistake that stylised hushed resonance. As for Chris Abrahams (of The Necks fame), just grab yourself one of his solo contemporary piano releases and prepare to feel your jaw unhinge as he intensely studies sounds with single-mindedness of Monet labouring over his famous waterlilies. As a duet, the style of Oxley and Abrahams is a study in pop and the result is a credible work that retains the instant desirability of the genre while adding the sophistication of their advanced talents. Abrahams may have written most of the album but the mutual respect between these two musicians allows an accurate 2-way expression: Abrahams purposely allowing Oxley's voice to command attention while the gifted singer perfectly transmits the emotion of the songwriter's lyrics. Ironically, it's Melanie's downbeat contribution to the writing, Ladder, that caught my attention but the consistency of this LP doesn't allow for weak moments - only highlights - and Abrahams' compositional shining moment comes in the form of Animals. It's a shame that when we think of pop we instantly imagine talentless youngsters and cheesy choreography. Perhaps Blood Oranges could be the start of a slow metamorphosis that allows adults to enjoy catchy tunes without feeling immature. It may be the final step in the adult contemporary phenomenon.
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ONE VOICE: THE GREATEST HITS
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 THE HAMPDENS
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This talented four-piece - originally from Melbourne, now based in Perth - released their debut EP Brightness Falls in early 2002. The initial run of the EP sold out across Australia. The first single from that release, Croupier, is an indication of why.
Beginning with soothing ambient sounds, a lilting piano hook and lush female vocals, Croupier builds to a chorus complete with piano, violins and acoustic guitars that rival even the most beautiful of George compositions. The highlight of the song is undoubtedly the vocal performance of 19 year-old Susannah Legge. With a voice as soothing and lovely as Morcheeba’s Skye Edwards, but with the same melancholic cool quality of Wicked Beat’s Linda Jannsen, it is both compelling and comforting...(review by Christine K).
As the world pins all its musical hopes on the sandpaper stubble and leather jackets of the garage rock revolution, The Hampdens revive the self-conscious attention to detail that became synonymous with the neu-romantic era. It's more than ironic that this despicably attractive quartet seems more rebellious than the current swarm of snot-nosed kids picking up guitars and pretending that they recently invented rock n roll. The Hampdens' smooth as silk melodies initially inspired a yawn from this reviewer but it didn't take long for Croupier's elated chorus to pickle my senses and tracks like Ambre Solaire and 4Real soon followed its example. The alternating vocal contributions of Andrew McDonald and Susannah Legge provide a beautiful diversity. Susannah, still a teen, lacks the full quota of confidence expected in mainstream music but in reality her voice is so naturally stunning and memorable that the slight nervous accents add to the appeal of this EP. She could be the youngest vocalist from this country to achieve a truly spiritual essence in her delivery since Renee Geyer. Brightness Falls, with its strings, acoustics and sweet harmonies, is the perfect organic rebuttal to the constant barrage of heartless chill-out compilations and hopefully The Hampdens will be rewarded with a similar level of popularity...(review by GM)
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BONDI CALLING - A SURFSIDE SOUNDTRACK
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 VARIOUS ARTISTS
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I have to admit that I’m more than inclined to give a big thumbs up to just about anything that Andy Glitre is involved with, being that he’s been quite an influence on the development of my music tastes. During those formative teen years – when I’d grown bored of Top 40 pop, but was still too young to discover the pleasures of nightclubs - many a night doing ‘homework’ was spent in front of the radio, listening to and diligently taping Glitre’s Groove Train show on Triple J. Andy Glitre has been part of the Australian dance music landscape for around 20 years, and although the Groove Train flame has long-since been passed onto Sharif Galal, Glitre’s name has been connected to many a compilation and groove-oriented radio show over the years. Covering hip hop, nu-jazz, reggae, deep house and almost everything in between, Bondi Calling is a sparkling collection of summer tunes and showcases fresh local talent with Australian artists contributing the bulk of the material. Opener Neighbourhood, the debut track by unsigned Bondi resident Declan Kelly, is sublime street soul and a kind of ode to the country’s most famous beachside suburb. Other homegrown highlights include Trey showcasing her impressive MC and singing skills on Take Time Out, Tracky Dax’s slow-burning electronic soul on Buddha Child and electronic it-boy Meem’s excellent glitchy-funk remix of Sydney band Entropic’s S.T.H.M.C.S.H.P.. Well-established local acts Wicked Beat Sound System, Rockmelons and Melanie Oxley & Chris Abrahams also feature and international flavour is contributed by the UK’s Quantic (the quirkily funky Transatlantic), Germany’s Micatone, and Jamaica’s Mighty Diamonds. This compilation is quality, so grab a tall frosty one, find a nice spot in the sun and let this be your soundtrack for the season.
(review by Christine K)
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 NOCTORUM
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One of the beauties of creativity is its ability to morph with the style of others to form a unique blend: a new voice, a new sound. The travel-weary Marty Wilson-Piper has combined forces with Dare Mason and the result is a whimsical journey, both geographically and musically. Sparks Lane has no fixed address - its lyrics drift across countries and seas - but cohesion is achieved with the subtle arrangements, the respect for dynamics and the ability to communicate the wandering subject matter. Wilson-Piper's voice is so clean and true, only retaining the odd imperfection to prove its personality and the conversational tone adds to the 'thereness' achieved on Sparks Lane. The towering layers of melody on My Museum provide a highlight but this LP rarely demands attention, preferring instead to wait for you to join in. Musically, the focus is cruisy and country paced but instrumentally, Sparks Lane successfully combines classical, electronic and folk elements without sounding contrived: every instrument finds its perfect place within each track. It may be in the form of the shuffling beats found on Ask Again or the distorted build-up of Things To Do And Be but diversity simply adds colour to the music of Noctorum, never distracting the listener from the strength of this release: the songs.
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 RENEE GEYER
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Renee Geyer has done the impossible for an Australian vocalist: to be considered a world-class soul diva and living legend of the most human of crafts. 3 decades of highly emotive and touching renditions have deservedly placed her on a pedestal and Tenderland can only add to her status as the finest female voice in Australia. From the opener, Thieves In the Temple (Prince), Geyer's voice communicates pure soul with a bluesy backdrop of sparse instruments which always remain respectful, complimenting that voice and never overpowering the lady in the spotlight. This self-produced LP is the culmination of 30 years in the music industry and one listen immediately proves that Renee has continually grown as an artist, collecting plaudits and respect from the industry's finest players, many of whom appear on Tenderland: Steve Hadley (bass/drums), Bruce Haymes (keyboards), Ross Hannaford (guitar), Vika and Linda (backing vocals). If you love R&B-styles; grooves in your soul, Tenderland will satisfy and occasionally surprise with its eclectic choice of composition ranging from classic standards to forgotten contemporary gems.
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25 YEAR REUNION CELEBRATION & FUTURE ROAD
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 VARIOUS ARTISTS
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From the internet radio station of the same name comes Dig, a 19 track compilation that is so eclectic it borders on bizarre. The only binding factor of this selection is the demographic it aims at; obviously an adult contemporary market. Using the term ‘adult contemporary’ doesn't attract the sneers and laughter that may have plagued the genre ten years ago. Now it's one of the most influential and profitable factors in the global music market and the popularity of the veteran's curcuit in the US proves that fact. You can listen to Dig any time at abc.net.au/dig and hear the classics but you'll also hear the modern artists that are catering for the desires of Dig's audience. That explains why Vika and Linda claim a spot on this compilation with Elvis Costello, Archie Roach as well as Van Morrison, Wicket Beat Sound System and Gare Du Nord. The only pre-requisite for entry is an obvious appeal to a mature audience. Dig fulfils the demand of the many thousands who refuse to leave contemporary music to the kids. Why stop listening to good music? It simply doesn't make sense. Personally, as I approach the big 'four-oh!' I’m glad the ground work has been done by the folks at Dig; I won't have to sell my ghetto-blaster and take up lawn bowls.
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 SAM HAWKSLEY
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Here's a fresh addition to the local 'adult contemporary' phenomenon. Sam Hawksley, like an increasing amount of his peers, is skipping the stacks of marshals, the bad hair, the studded wristbands and the bad attitude to simply write sweet songs and deliver them clearly with crisp production. Sam's voice is on show, exposed and raw, in order to capitalize on the emotive essence of his delivery. The tunes are strong and honest, hand crafted for lovers of mellow melodies and Hawksley gets plenty of help from Matt Fell (Butterfly 9) who provides skills as a musician, mixer and producer. On Any Other Day is a apt representation of an adult philosophy toward the music market; an album crafted for discerning ears and mature tastes. When Sam presented a recent showcase in Sydney I noticed that couples seemed to shuffle closer to each other as songs like Some Kind Of Miracle instantly renewed vows. On Any Other Day is a celebration of Sam's songs, stripped down to core instruments and delivered with precision to lovers and dreamers alike.
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 PETE MURRAY
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Pete Murray conjures an image of the lone drifter, guitar in hand, experiencing the highs and lows of a transient existence and telling stories of those experiences through song. He's the modern balladeer, combining blues and folk to arrive at his own distinctive sound. You can file Murray with Jack Johnson and the many acoustic-powered crooners gaining exposure in the current market. All energy is devoted to the songs rather than individual performances, even on up-tempo tracks like Lines. The album's title track flags the singer/songwriter's intentions: to create an intimate bond with the listener. It works, there's no doubt about that. With so many CDs piled high on the Whammo desk, songs really need to reach out to be heard and Feeler did that several times as I listened. Feeler, Lines, Freedom, Tonic and Ten Ft Tall are all fine tunes. As for the performance, Pete Murray may have presented the best example of emotive vocals since Shane Nicholson's It's A Movie was released in 2002. There's no need to wait for Murray to develop as an artist- Feeler proves that the evolution is complete.
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 JOHN FARNHAM
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DVD Region:ALL Format:PAL
Is it really The Last Time? As John Farnham prepared for his last show at Rod Laver Arena in Melbourne, the veteran performer was actually nervous. It was the last show of a tour that traveled to capital cities and regional areas across Australia over the last 8 months; a way of saying thank you to Farnham's many loyal fans. Only a day before the finale, John received the news that - during his illustrious career - he'd officially performed for over one million people at the Melbourne arena. What the crowd saw at that last memorable concert was a brave star overcoming his emotions for the sake of emotional fans. But what did the cameras see? Finally, the ultimate souvenir of Farnham's Last Time Tour is available, including performances and back-stage footage. This is an absolute must for die-hard fans and if John is determined to walk away from the stage for good...well, it really will be The Last Time.
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GIMME TED - THE TED MULRY BENEFIT CONCERTS
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 VARIOUS ARTISTS
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DVD Region:4 Format:PAL
Ted Mulry's 'rags to riches' story is like a musical version of Paul Hogan's rise to fame. Ted, a bulldozer driver from England, wasn't interested in performing; he considered himself to be a songwriter. Industry folks had other ideas and the rest is history. Ted had hits as a solo artist but it wasn't until he strapped on a bass guitar and renamed his outfit (Ted Mulry Gang or TMG) that he cemented his place in Australian rock history. His part in the evolution of our sound and his respect among peers is easily gauged when you check the line-up of the benefit concerts organised after the legendary performer was diagnosed with cancer in 2001: INXS, Rose Tattoo, Tim Freedman (The Whitlams), Mental As Anything, Billy Thorpe, Russel Morris and many more. With two discs packed with highlights from the shows, Gimme Ted is a fitting farewell for one of the fathers of Oz Rock.
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 STEPHEN CUMMINGS
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Australia has produced many find vocal talents and Stephen Cummings would figure close to the top of the list. His unique vocal stylings helped The Sports become a household name and Cummings has never stopped releasing great albums as a solo performer. Firecracker is another crossroad in the long journey; a time to reflect the revolving trends that have brought rockabilly and 60s rock into focus. Of course, having decided to concentrate on a musical study of those styles, Cummings has enlisted the experts; Ross Hannaford (Daddy Cool) and Chris Cheney (The Living End). You’ll find a few more surprises in the liner notes but the music is the important thing and Stephen has finally provided a quality, upbeat album in Firecracker.
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AN AUDIENCE WITH JOHN FARNHAM
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 JOHN FARNHAM
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DVD Region:TBA Format:TBA
Have you ever heard John Farnham talk extensively about his private life? No, I can’t remember him ever allowing his many fans a journey through his life, loves and dreams. An Audience With John Farnham may have amazing live performances of Farnham’s hits and a glittering array of Australian guest performers, but it also has candid conversations and an insight into the life of one of Australia’s greatest singers. You’ll find prominent personalities from Australian sport and entertainment joining John in Melbourne for this intimate concert and guest spots from Olivia Newton John, Marcia Hines, Deborah Byrne, Ross Wilson and Christine Anu. As John travels regional Australia, paying his respects to his hordes of loyal fans, it’s time to ask the obvious question: is this The Last Time? If so, there could be no better souvenir of a career, which has dominated the Australian charts for four decades. (Important: this DVD has no zone restrictions but is PAL format. Your Television and DVD player must be PAL compatible.)- thanks.
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MORNINGTOWN RIDE TO CHRISTMAS
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Adult Contemporary Features On Whammo
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*just click on the artist of your choice
DURHAM, JUDITH
ELIXIR |
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Welcome to our new Adult Contemporary section. If you'd like to make any suggestions to improve this page, please send your e-mails to glenn@whammo.com.au
