Gotta love a yellow t-shirt!

A short one from me today…I am busy preparing myself for the Backstreet Boys concert this Thursday. I've been waiting years for this...literally!

It was a hot one at this year’s Big Day Out. Not a peep out of that supposed looming cool change until long after I was tucked into bed at home!

The new venue for Melbourne seemed to work quite well (despite reports to the contrary in the paper). There were a few blending sound issues, but that was standard even at the show grounds. I wouldn’t be devastated if they were to hold it there again.

Festival highlights:- Wolfmother; End of Fashion; The Living End and my bright yellow Arctic Monkeys t-shirt!!!

Speaking of the Monkeys, I’m sure you all already know that the amazing ‘Whatever People Say I Am, That’s What I Am Not’ is now officially the UK’s highest selling album first week of release. Can’t wait to see Australia’s reaction to this phenomenal band…please let it be good so they have an excuse to come here!!!

Upcoming releases that are damn exciting: Train ‘For Me, It’s You’; Pink ‘I’m Not Dead’; Red Hot Chili peppers ‘Stadium Arcadium’ (2CD); Prince ‘3121’; Richard Ashcroft ‘Keys to the World’; Placebo ‘Meds’; Live ‘Black Mountain’…yep 2006 is set to be big year for music.

Bring it on!

Pop Princess xo

Triple J's annual Hottest 100

Well, another Australia Day, another Triple J’s Hottest 100. It was fantastic to see so many Aussies featuring again, doing us proud!

Aussie Aussie Aussie…Oi Oi Oi!

Please see my wrap up of the Top 20 below…

#1. Bernard Fanning – Wish You Well:
Ah yes, Mr. Fanning. We should not be surprised, and yet I was. Yes, it is a great song, it is catchy. But was it THE best song of 2005? Also, if it were a personality concert Bernard would be lucky to crack the hundred…not that personality comes into it…but worth throwing a little zinger in there.

#2. Ben Lee – Catch My Disease:
Wow, Ben Lee must be shirty he missed out on the #1 spot; particularly to Mr. Fanning. It is no secret that there is no love lost between the two of them. I think Ben was a little unlucky. He was my pick (see post from 11/1). Don’t worry Ben…I’ve caught it!

#3. Gorillaz – Feel Good Inc.:
Go the Gorillaz!!! Not one but TWO songs in the top five! Gotta love that. Good luck to Damon Alban with his solo project this year; same with Blur’s newie…it will be hard to compete with the success the Gorillaz have had in the past 12 months.

#4. Foo Fighters – Best of You:
In my humble opinion this is the best song the Fooies have ever done. Love the song, love the lyrics, love the clip, love the band, loved their gig…just LOVE everything about them!

#5. Gorillaz – Dare:
Personally I prefer this song to Feel Good Inc. Both are killer tracks though. Amazing film clip too :0)

#6. Wolfmother – Mind’s Eye:
This song was widely tipped to take out the #1 spot. Still, three songs in the Top 20 and a total of SIX in the hundred. Boys must be happy with that ?!?

#7. The White Stripes – My Doorbell:
OK, anyone who knows me is aware that I hate the White Stripes and I think they are tremendously overrated. But even I quite like this song. Maybe their performance at the Big Day Out might be enough to turn me…only time will tell.

#8. End of Fashion – O Yeah:
Nice effort from the Perth boys. This song had to make an appearance, I am actually surprised it did not crack the Top 5. Still not a bad result at all. Can’t wait for the new Sleepy Jackson album this year.

#9. Wolfmother – Joker and the Thief:
Congratulations to lead singer Andrew Stockdale who has just become another celebrity Daddy (according tot he rest of the band during a Triple J interview)! Can’t wait to see the little ones hair do!

#10. Franz Ferdinand – Do You Want To:
These guys have a knack for head-bopping anthems that make you tap your feet without even realizing you are doing it. Another feel good track, antoher classic album. Can;t wait to see them live.

#11. Butterfingers – Fig Jam:
I don’t understand this band, but boy to they have a following! This is probably the best of their songs.

#12. Datarock – Computer Camp Love:
One of three songs in the Top 20 that I have never heard (from a band I have never heard of). Am I completely out of touch?

#13. Kanye West – Gold Digger:
Ah Kanye, what a year. Will be interesting to see how Mr. West goes down as U2’s support act for their Australian tour in March. An interesting combination. Can’t wait for Jamie Foxx’s album to be released here too! Another very well earned position here.

#14. Bernard Fanning – Songbird:
Nice song, but that is as far as I would go…nice. What will be the third single? Should be an interesting decision as the two most radio friendly songs are now tapped resources.

#15. Sarah Blasko – Flame Trees:
Beautiful cover by Sarah. Glad to see she made her presence known in this years Hottest 100. Very much deserved.

#16. Wolfmother – Apple Tree:
Anyone noticed that most of the Australian acts in the Top 20 have featured in my blog in the past month or two???

#17. The White Stripes – Blue Orchid:
Hmmm,yep, don’t like this one. But again, speak to me after Sunday…I may yet be a born again fan (but I doubt it). I had to giggle at Oasis' Noel Gallagher decribing Jack White's current look as 'a fat Zorro meets Johnny Depp'.

#18. The Herd – I Was Only 19:
No, 18 actually. This should have been traded for position #22 (Kisschasy – Do-Do’s and Whoa-oh’s).

#19. Josh Pyke – Middle of the Hill:
Josh who? Sorry…not digging it. This should be swapped with Faker ‘Hurricane’ (#21)

#20. Foo Fighters – DOA:
Please see notes at #4.

Another Hottest 100 over for the year!

A special mention has to go to The Living End who have made the 100 the past 9 years running…an amazing effort!

Til’ next time!

Pop Princess xo

Australian Music Rocks!!! - Guest Blog on About.com

Considering Australia’s location and apparent remoteness from the rest of the world, it is no wonder that Australian artists have struggled to impact overseas. Sure, there have been some exceptions to that rule: AC/DC and INXS for example. But up until recently, very few bands have been able to convert their local success into international recognition…and then there was Jet!

Suddenly the flood gates have opened and overseas A&R managers are taking notice of Australian talent. And not before time!!! Australia offers some of the greatest new talents the music industry has seen in years.

Prepare yourselves! A large chunk of this talent is heading over to the States to perform at the SxSW Music Festival (March 15-20). Here are some performances that you will be kicking yourself if you miss!!!


Airbourne:
Pure old school rock! This band managed so secure the support spot for Motley Crue’s intimate gig in Melbourne, and had an amazing response from the audience. There is phenomenal hype building for this band, similar to the hype surrounding Jet before their debut release, the hugely successful ‘Get Born’.
Airbourne has been touted the next AC/DC, quite a rap for the young band (not to mention a lot to live up to).
Their debut album is due for release in Australia early next year… One thing is certain, it will be met with thunderous applause from those who appreciate air guitar, tight jeans and beer.

Sarah Blasko:
Sarah Blasko’s debut album ‘The Overture and the Underscore’ superbly infuses mellow vocals with soaring harmonies; and the result is breathtaking.
Blasko is a unique and refreshingly original artist who is gathering a cult following within the indie music scene in Australia. Fans of PJ Harvey will adore Sarah Blasko.

End of Fashion:
Infectious, addictive and just damn fun! I challenge anyone to stand still when they hear this band. End of Fashion is the perfect blend of pop and rock, with catchy lyrics and a spunky front man! There is an element of cheekiness with this band that is irresistible. You should particularly listen out for their first single ‘O Yeah’, it has a killer film clip too.

Faker:
Faker has an unmistakable energy, an energy that they have the ability to channel into a stark, sexy ballad or a frenzied rock explosion. It is this quality that makes them comparable to the likes of Blur (the band name Blur and The Cure as major musical influences), Editors or The Bravery (whom they supported on their Australian tour). This is just the beginning for Faker.

Missy Higgins:
Australia’s darling, Missy has the voice of an angel. Her songs are pure and honest, and you cannot help but be swept away by her modest charm. All Missy needs on stage is a piano and she can transport you to another place, and what a place it is.
Tom-boy Missy has had a busy year. ‘The Sound of White’ was Australia’s biggest selling album of 2005; Missy also won a massive 5 ARIA awards (Australian equivalent of the Grammys). There is nothing left for Missy to achieve in Australia, so the time has come to take her music to the world, and Australia is behind her 100% of the way!

Kisschasey:
This is Pop/Punk in its modern form. It is feel good music combined with playful lyrics that you can jump around to. Throw in some rocking guitars for good measure and you have Kisschasey.
These guys supported the Dandy Warhols for a free gig in Melbourne and rocked Simple Plan fans as their national tour support!
Their debut album ‘United Paper People’ debuted in the Top 15 on the ARIA Charts and the boys managed 2 ARIA award nominations…not a bad start really!

Xavier Rudd:
There is an organic edge to Xavier Rudd’s music. This makes it both unusual and unmistakably raw, yet overflowing with spirituality that resonates from Rudd’s adoration of all natural beauty.
A one-man band Xavier sits amongst his numerous instruments (which includes a stomp box, guitar and didgeridoo) with his bare feet and creates magic… there is not one else quite like Xavier Rudd.

Wolfmother:
How does one explain the music of Wolfmother? Power-filled stoner rock, with its roots firmly planted in the 70’s hard rock scene. Wolfmother will no doubt be drawing comparisons to the likes of Led Zeppelin and Black Sabbath from reviews of their self-titled debut. Classic rock updated for a new generation.

For more information on the amazing talent Australian will be showcasing check out the Australian Music Collective (http://www.australianmusiccollective.com/).

Pop Princess xo

Guest Post...Part 2

Hey all,

The second part of my guest post on About.com is up....

http://top40.about.com/

Check it out!!!!

Luv Pop Princess xo

Breeding the Stars of Tomorrow!

What is in the water in Hollywood at the moment??? Is it just me or do all the celebrities seem to be breeding?

In recent times we have had Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie announce they are expecting; Dave Grohl (Foo Fighters) and Jordyn Blum confirm have a bun in the oven (thanks to band-mate Taylor Hawkins fo the heads up!); Josh Homme (Queens of the Stone Age) and Brody Dalle (The Distillers) are in the family way; Jack White’s (The White Stripes) Mrs. is up the duff and Chris Martin (Coldplay) and Gwyneth Paltrow are knocked up (please let them call this one Black Current).

Who could forget about Katie Holmes and Tom Cruise, that little bundle of joy can’t be too far away now; oh….and our very own Russell Crowe and Danielle Spencer (let’s hope there are no phones in the delivery room). Gwen Stefani (No Doubt) and Gavin Rossdale (Bush) are waiting for a visit from the stalk; Matt Damon and Luciana Barroso have been hunting the cabbage patch and Jordan and Peter Andre have conceived (after that wedding can you imagine the baby shower???).

Perhaps a baby is the new mini-dog…you know like Paris Hilton and all of them had. They dressed them up and put them in handbags. It is the new fad. EVERYBODY is doing it. Just think of all the celebs that have recently had: Heath Ledger and Michelle Williams; Britney and K-Fed; Chris Cheney (The Living End) and his wife; Beck and Leighton Hewitt…the list goes on. hold the phone - Holly Hunter just had twins today!

Other celebrities RUMOURED to be preggers include Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban and Geri Halliwell (with an unnamed gentleman…which means she is not sure who the Father is).

I would like to offer big congratulations to the lot of them!!! It will be interesting to see what career paths these little ones chose; and how their parent’s careers will go trying to combine parenthood with fame. It is not an enviable situation.

To the future!!!

Pop Princess xo

Special Guest Blog...

Hi all,

I am doing a two part special guest blog on About.com....

Part one is up now, and part two will be up tomorrow.

Check it out:-

http://top40.about.com/

I will upload the complete article early next week.

Enjoy!

Pop Princess xo

Best of 2005!

Hey, hey all in Pop land,

Well, it seems I am a bit behind the times as this has all been done and dusted on other sites….but I am a bit slow and have never professed not to be. Besides, this is the ultimate list you have all been waiting for anyway (right?). So please grab a cold beverage, make yourself comfortable and prepare to indulge in what is my Top list for 2005….enjoy!


Top 10 Singles:-

1. Ben Lee - Catch My Disease:
This song made me like the guy. Before its release I thought he was an arrogant, cocky little turd. Now I think he is a little cutie (that was once a turd) that has done some growing up and some reassessing of his life and his attitude. Besides all that, it just makes you feel good. You can’t stay sad after listening to this song!

2. Shannon Noll – Shine:
This song silenced the critics. The man can sing, and this song is proof. This song converted haters to toleraters (not fans yet, but in time they will come. Baby steps). He makes me proud to be an Aussie!

3. Kanye West - Gold Digger:
This song took ages to grow on me. I couldn’t understand it for months; then it hit me like a tidal wave…so damn funky! You can’t stand still when you hear this.

4. Gwen Stefani - What You Waiting For?:
Hello Ms. Stefani, hello solo career; hello hugely successful solo album, not to mention a kick ass film clip. Gwen at her best…

5. Rogue Traders - Voodoo Child:
Who would have thought that Izzy from Neighbours had it in her?!? You go girl! Baby, baby, baby!

6. Backstreet Boys - Incomplete:
The boys prove they’ve still got it! Then follow it up with a piss-take film clip…it’s about time they got some of their own back! Respect!!!

7. Jesse McCartney – Beautiful Soul:
Don’t laugh, you have to admit you have sung along to it in your car! Don’t deny it. Yes, he is about 15, yes, it is wrong…but I love it!

8. Foo Fighters – Best of You:
This song gives me goose bumps. Dave Grohl was born to create the Foo Fighters, God bless him!

9. Snoop Dogg – Signs:
JT and tha Dowg…hell yeah! Great on the dance floor! When will JT stop collaboration on other peoples’ songs and get some new solo stuff out??? Let it be soon…

10. The Wrights – Evie (Parts 1, 2 & 3):
This song makes me proud to be Australian. All versions rock and are an amazing show case of the talent we have hidden here! Crack open a VB and sing/air guitar along with pride!

Top 10 Albums:-

Foo Fighters – In You Honor:
One word…Wow. This is the album they were destined to make, this is spectacular. Dave Grohl could never be JUST a drummer and this proves it. It is the perfect mix of rock, pop and ballads. It doesn’t get much better than this!

Robbie Williams – Intensive Care:
Criminal not to put him #1, but at least you know this means I am being extremely honest! It is no ‘Escapology’, far from it, but it is fantastic in a way that Robbie has never been fantastic before. He seems to be enjoying things more and I cannot wait to see these unique songs performed live. It is the sort of album that grows on you with every listen.

Shannon Noll – Lift:
Please see comments regarding ‘Shine’ for starters. Shannon is given more creative control to make am album that is truly his…and what an album! Key moment on this album is ‘Now I Run’, I believe this is the next single and I believe it has the potential to take this album to another place altogether and win him more new fans, again.

Alex Lloyd – Alex Lloyd:
There had never been any doubt that Alex is an amazing artist and song writer. This album is a return to form, not that there was anything wrong with his last album, but this one is better. It feels more comfortable, there is an unexplainable continuance between the tracks. The songs convert well live, and he seems more comfortable within himself performing them. Go Alex!

Coldplay – X&Y:
Another album that takes a few listens. It is like discovering a new treasure with every listen. This is not a background album by any stretch of the imagination…Again, I will be interested to see how these songs go live; I expect they will be brilliant.

Gorillaz – Demon Days:
RIP Blur, they were past their used by date anyway…they peaked at ‘The Great Escape’. Long live the Gorillaz! Love 'Demon Days' and 'Dare' was unlucky not to make my Top 10 Singles.

U2 – How to Dismantle an Atomic Bomb:
Does this band ever make a mistake? Even in their darkest hour (‘Zooropa’) they are better than most bands could ever hope to be. The songs in this album relating to Bono’s Father strike a chord with me. It amazes me how they drift from Rock Gods to bone tingling ballads that haunt you. Big tip for gig of 2006!

End of Fashion – End of Fashion:
Oh Yeah! Love it. Feel good soft rock, not complicated, just damn good. Nothing like the Sleepy Jackson; the world is better off to have both bands.

Live – Awake: The Best Of:
Hats off to Live. They have lasted a bloody long time, and there are few that can do it like they do. New album out early next year. Will let you know a date ASAP.

Top 5 Gigs:-

Foo Fighters – Rod Laver Arena:
Blew my mind. Dave Grohl is witty, funny and a captivating performer/front man. Throw in their countless hits; the perve factor of Taylor and a wicked lighting show (not to mention Kaiser Chiefs as support) and there is not much more you can ask for in a gig.

Missy Higgins (Ben Lee) – Myer Music Bowl:
What a show. Perfect Summers night, amazing music in the aftermath of several ARIA award wins and superb music. Ben is recharged and upbeat; Missy is modest and amazing. Unforgettable.

Rob Thomas – Mercury Lounge:
I practically had to kill to get a ticket for this. Mr. Thomas is quite the performer and seemed to be thoroughly enjoying himself. This is probably the most intimate setting you will get to see him in….it was worth it!

Brian Adams – Rod Laver Arena:
Again, a bit daggy I know, but let’s face it the man has had more hits than you can poke a stick at; and he duets with Shannon Noll and Brian McFadden. I don’t care if I get teased. My Mum and I went and had the time of our lives…Bring it on!!!

End of Fashion – The Corner:
I love seeing a band play when you know they are on the verge of cracking the scene…there is anticipation, a hunger and an unexplainable excitement. These guys have only just begun; they are amazing live and love their music. Stay tuned for big thing.

Top 5 Favourite TV Shows:-

1. Lost:
The most frustrating, yet intriguing show on television. Hot cast, amazing story lines, twist after twist…bring on February when it comes back! My hot tip is aliens…but that doesn’t explain the Polar Bears?

2. Desperate Housewives:
The new Sex in the City. Hotties, gossip, bitchiness…a girls dream!

3. Veronica Mars:
Love a good mystery, this show is the only shining light in the non-rating Summer!

4. Home and Away:
An oldie, but a goodie. God bless the writers of this show…they have it all. I love Amanda and the old duck... Can Beth save him (queue dramatic music)?

5. Big Brother:
Sluts, bastards, liars and cheats. The rewards room, a sauna and majority singles. People we love to hate. Every year I swear not to watch it, every year it hooks me in!

Well that’s t kids. Sure I have made some surprising choices!

‘Til next time!

Pop Princess

Age old arguments!

Happy New Year all! I hope you had a safe and thoroughly good one! I know I did :0)

OK, it has not been very long since I last wrote, but an email I got from someone who had been reading my blog, and it inspired a response from me, and a public one at that.

My post that initiated the email: “Oh, and I have to mention The Editors, what a band! Sound a bit like The Killers, but not in a "let's rip them off and jump on the whole 80's revival bandwagon" sort of way. Anyway, their album The Back Room is magic!”

Here is the email I got in response: “The Editors ripping off the Killers??? It's Interpol they sound like, and it's Interpol, Hot Hot Heat, French Kicks and others that preceeded the Killers' not-so-original sound.”

So in response…I said they sound a bit like The Killers, not that they are ripping them off. I think The Editors are amazing (and I wish they had more support in Australia). I have never tried to pretend that The Killers have a particularly original sound, however, I must note that there is a very big difference in merely mimicking a particular sound or band that you admire; and taking inspiration from the style and making it your own. I firmly believe that The Killers are a band that have worn their influences clearly on their sleeve, but have contributed their own elements to their influence to advance the music to a new place.

I have to be honest and say that I have never heard French Kicks, however I have seen Interpol and Hot Hot Heat live; and they are brilliant. I am not denying that in any way. Though given the choice I would prefer to watch The Killers or listen to their CD, but that is just a personal taste thing.

Anyway, all of this got me thinking about all the drunken arguments I have had over the years about which bands rip off which other bands; who was the “original” band that started a particular trend; and of course which bands do and do not have “cred”.

This argument is one I hold very close to my heart, and one that gets me very fired up…I am sure a lot of people feel the same. My biggest point is that ALL bands (and I mean ALL) have drawn influences from other artists. Why is this a bad thing, and something that is looked down on? After all, it is the biggest form of flattery is it not? I guess at the end of the day, it boils down to the point I made above. There is nothing wrong with an influence, as long as you have added your own flavour to it.

Music is no different to fashion, film or any other form of pop culture, it goes in circles. It ebbs and flows. Very rarely does something truly “new” or “original” come along, and when it does, it is a mutation or merging of other styles.

I hope I have explained myself more clearly with the above. I would love to know what others think, do you agree???

Oh, and another pet hate of mine. I loath it when someone loves a band, but once they get commercial airplay, or some sort of major success they have “sold out”. Can someone explain this concept to me, as I seem to have missed something? Is it not the very ambition of a band or artist to get their songs heard by as many people as possible? Is it not the point to be the best at what you do? Why is this selling out? I honestly do not see the difference between a band progressing and growing their audience, and someone in an office going for a promotion at a major company.

The Black Eyed Peas are a band that gets a lot of grief on this topic. They are more successful than they have ever been since including Fergie in the band, and yes, their albums have taken on much more of a pop feel. Why is this “selling out”? They have kept their Hip Hop roots, and taken their music to a whole new audience. Their songs (other than ‘My Humps’) often have strong messages contained in them and their music is making hundreds of thousands of people happy. To some fans, this is a crime.

Can anyone explain to my why success is “selling out”? I really want to understand…

Pop Princess xo