Wow, it's been a long time since I've updated this. Really, I've settled down into a routine consisting of working, sleeping and occasionally defecating. I know, you're all jealous of this paradise in which I live.
Between bursts of excitement and adventure, I've been looking for some Aussie music to toss around to folks back home who have probably never heard of the artists, much less the songs themselves. As a public service, I'll pass along some of the more popular songs (via YouTube links) and you can decide whether you like them, hate them, or couldn't give a toss. Here are the nominees in no particular order.
The Presets - My People : Their new album, Apocolypso, is tearing up the charts here in Australia. This is the first single, and it's a real cracker. The video's pretty.... well... odd. But a good tune indeed. The rest of the album is pretty good too, kind of electronic rock type stuff. Give it a listen. Now!
Gabriella Cilmi - Sweet About Me : Sort of a Amy Winehouse sort of sound, but (in my opinion) far more interesting. Oh, and by the way, she's 16, so keep your thoughts Disney-rated.
The Veronicas - Hook Me Up : Twins from just outside of Brisbane, they've actually had a few top 10 hits, this being the one I like the most. "Untouched", "4Rver" and "Revolution" are also pretty good. You'll also notice that they *always* stand together almost kissing in all of their videos. It's creepy, but in a good way.
The Potbelleez - Don't Hold Back : Despite the ridiculous name, this is one of the more popular dance groups to come out of Sydney (even though they're actually Irish, they just recorded their album here and continue to live here somewhere). This video was made in the Moulin Rouge in King's Cross, the centre for strip joints and pokie machines in Sydney. And really, who doesn't want a TV for a head?
Cold Chisel - Khe Sahn : This is actually a song out in 1978 about the Vietnam War. Honestly, it's one of the only songs that I hear that will forever remind me of Australia, and really, Cold Chisel is one of the true Australian rock bands. Basically how he came back from the war, aimless and with a different perspective on life in civilization after being through hell. Heavy stuff in a jaunty tune.
Hilltop Hoods - Clown Prince : Now this is real Aussie hip-hop. The accents are very pronounced while they sing along. Isn't it odd how most musicians when they sing sound American? Anyhow, this song doesn't actually have a video to go along with it, so some dude made a video of people doing tricks on bikes. For another great song by the Hoods, check out "Nosebleed Section", or really, any of the other links on YouTube.
Flight of the Conchordes - Hiphopopotamus vs. Rhymenoceros : More hip-hoppy music, but this duo actually makes funny, goofy songs. They're from New Zealand, and they've got a TV show, which is where most of the clips are from. Another one I like is "Foux Da Fa Fa" which is them just saying random French words to a bouncy beat. "Baguette, haw haw haw!"
Sneaky Sound System - Pictures : Another dance song that I hear all the time, mostly because I work in a club, but also because it's a good dance tune. Their other popular tracks, "UFO", "Goodbye", and "I Love It" are OK too, but this is another one that will remind me of the late-night dance-offs in Sidebar.
Bernard Fanning - Wish You Well : Those of you that have heard of Powderfinger, Bernard Fanning is the frontman who had a few songs on his own. Those of you who have never heard of Powderfinger...
Powderfinger - (Baby I've Got You) On My Mind : This song isn't originally theirs, but they do a really good job I think. They're not my favourite band, but they've got a good sound, and apparently Bernie is a legend at songwriting.
Well, that's 10 tracks, and that should do you for now. I've got heaps more bands and I'll post a few when... well, really, when I feel like it. Though that will probably be never.
Cheers!
Not the best picture of me, by far, but the only one I could take when I remembered I needed to take this picture :)
