Music Snobs

I am so over music snobs. You know the type...everybody knows at least one, most of us know more than one.

They are the people who smirk at you when you tell them you like Britney Spears; the ones who shudder when you admit that 'Elephunk' is your favourite Black Eyed Peas album; the people who incessantly complain about commercial radio and the state of the music charts. I would like to alert these people to a fact that seem to elude them..

I DON'T CARE!!!!

I don't care if you don't like what I like; I don't care if what I like is looked down upon by you, or is something that you consider "inferior"; I don't care if it is "criminal" in your eyes to not want to listen to The Beatles/Led Zeppelin/The Clash/Bob Dylan, etc., etc, etc. in my spare time.

I think these people have missed the point. In all their complaining about the state of music these days they have forgotten that it is about what the individual gets out of it that matters. We listen to what we like because we identify with it, because it makes you feel something or identify with something.

Plus - why is your opinion more important than mine? Why do you know better? Who died and made you the music guru?

No amount of condescending comments, bullying or anything else will change what I enjoy.

Let's put an end to the waste of time that is the attempted re-education of the Pop Princess...news flash is that she doesn't want to "learn". I am happy liking what I like (and apparently so are hundreds and thousands of others who are buying similar titles to me, according to the charts).

Thank you very much.

Over and out.

APRA Award Winners

2007 APRA Award Winners:

Song of the year:
'One Crowded Hour', performed by Augie March, written by Glenn Richards.

Songwriter of the year:
Andrew Stockdale, Myles Heskett, Christopher Ross (Wolfmother).

Breakthrough songwriter of the year:
Glenn Richards (Augie March).

Ted Albert Award For Outstanding Service to Australian Music:
Michael McMartin.

Most performed Australian work:
'Lift', performed by Shannon Noll, written by Adam Reily, Bryon Jones, Shannon Noll and Andrew Roachford.

Most performed Australian work overseas:
'Are You Gonna Be My Girl', performed by Jet, written by Nic Cester and Cameron Muncey.

Most performed foreign work:
'Feel Better' performed by Santana featuring Steven Tyler.

Most performed jazz work:
'Love Me For The Cool', performed and written by Mark Sholtez.

Most performed country work:
'Nothing At All', performed and written by Kasey Chambers.

Most performed dance work:
'Flaunt It', performed by TV Rock, written by Sean Berchik, Ivan Gough and Grant Smillie.

Most performed urban work:
'Get Up Outta The Dirt' performed by Butterfingers, written by Eddie Jacobson.

Most performed blues and roots work:
'Songbird', performed and written by Bernard Fanning.

I Am Finished With You-oooooo

Does anyone else think that Avril Lavigne’s ‘Girlfriend’ was written with the intention of being the ‘Mickey’ of the naughties? It is sooo similar! She may as well have done the cheer leader clip to go with it – if you are going to rip off someone else’s idea, you may as well go the whole hog.

Silverchair at the Metro last week totally blew my mind. It was magic. The band, Daniel in particular, looked more comfortable than any of the previous times that I have seen them (which would sit at around 6 or so times, the first being for $12 on a Sunday afternoon at the Palace when I was around 13) – and seem to look more like they are enjoying it than ever before. Perhaps the seven-odd year hiatus was just what this band needed.

Although, with regards to the whole Paul Mac "thing", I wish they would either make him an official part of the band, or not. He is practically a permanent fixture anyway; why not just make it official??? Clearly he is Daniel’s source of inspiration, his muse – for want of a better term. I wonder how Ben and Chris feel – basically they are now a percussion section that is told what to do by Daniel and non-band member Paul Mac, surely if he was at least part of the band that would be easier to take. However, the band is still together, so they must be OK with it.

The 30 Seconds to Mars gig was in a league of its own. I can honestly say that I was speechless throughout. I have never seen a more perfectly executed, well though-out and completely emotionless performance in my life. Merely another role for Jared Leto to play, or so it would seem to the non-emo, over 14 year old members of the audience – of which there were only a handful of. To the majority though, it was approximately 1 hour (yes, the equivalent of $1.00 a minute) of heaven. Festival Hall resembled what I imagine a cult ritual may be like – with Mr. Leto at the helm, his disciples feeling thoroughly unworthy of his greatness. There was no attempts to pretend that the rest of the band was anything but added props (along with the Chinese screens, characters and tassels that decorated the stage). There was only one person on that stage that mattered - one person who was in the spot light (literally). Not what you would expect when seeing a band, I wouldn't have though. I guess I missed something – or maybe I am just getting old :o)

Pop Princess x

Missy does it again

The word on the street is that Missy Higgins new album has been ready for some time – but she, and her management, felt that after the success of ‘Sound of White’ the Australian public needed sometime to miss her before a new album was on the market. This may or may not be true – but in light of what happened with Delta Goodrem- if that was their way of thinking – Good on them! A very clever move. The public are now more than ready – and practically salivating in anticipation of 'On a Clear Night'. So…was it worth the wait???

Missy Higgins 'On a Clear Night' is not completely 'Sound of White' Part 2 – but it is the logical direction for her to go following a 9 x Platinum album. It is removed from the sound of her first album, but not very far. There is less piano, and more guitar sounds for a start.

There are certainly tracks that stood out to me from the first listen, for different reasons – those being:- “Where I Stood” – A heart-breaking and honest track, her vocals are superb. This is a heavenly opening track; “Steer” - A gorgeously upbeat and thoroughly addictive, feel-good track. Let’s hope it debuts at #1 on the ARIA Charts this week; “Warm Whispers” – A creamy ballad that is satisfying from start until finish and will make you smile; “Angela” – This is one of the only songs on this album that I am not a fan of…I can’t put my finger on what I don’t like about it – I just don’t; “Peachy” – I am sure I heard Missy play this live at some stage? Perhaps on her tour with Ben Lee? I recognised it straight away. A slightly aggressive and angry side of Missy is exposed here – and it is brilliant!

In conclusion, "On a Clear Night" has a sound that may well win Missy some new fans, without being different enough to alienate her old ones. You go girl!!!

I’m off to see Paul Stanley (Kiss) tonight – and I can’t wait!!!

Pop Princess xo

Confused, Brighton

Wow…someone likes my posts…

Printed in Herald Sun’s ‘Hit’ today:-

“Dear Hit,

Why is the word goddamn: removed from Fall Out Boy’s 'This Ain’t a Scene, It’s an Arms Race'?

It was OK to hear the word in Panic at The Disco’s 'I Write Sins Not Tragedies' when they sang of “closing the goddamn door”.

Surely “goddamn” is less offensive than Pink’s ode to masturbation in 'U + Ur Hand' or Akon’s 'Smack That'?

Confused, Brighton”

Well, Confused – I am too; mostly as to why you didn’t at least source your own comparisons or change the order I listed them or ANYTHING!!!

Diet Coke & a Pizza Please :o)

I didn’t ramble on nearly enough on my last blog post about Mika and the album ‘Life in Cartoon Motion’. It is brilliant, and apart from Silverchair’s ‘Young Modern’ (please see below), which you can’t really compare anyway – as they are so totally different, it is my favourite album at the moment.

It is so nice to hear such a HAPPY and blatantly POP album. My favourite song changes every time I listen to this album – but at this very second ‘Big Girl You Are Beautiful’ would have to take the cake (no pun intended). Mika will be here in June, I hope there is a show case or something – I would love to see how he goes live.

Another thing! RE: My last post and the weird Canberra/Panic at the Disco censorship…What is with the Fall Out Boy song? Why is “Haven’t you people ever heard of closing a God-damn door" not offensive, yet "This ain’t a scene, it’s a God-damn arms race" is??? Personally, I don’t find either offensive – but surely there should be some uniformity about what they will and will not sensor? The Black Eyed Peas had to change "Let’s Get Retarded" to "Let’s Get it Started" – but Pink can sing about "U & Ur Hand"; The Pussycat Dolls can sing about wanting someone to ‘Loosen up my buttons’ and Akon about wanting to "Smack That" – but this is all acceptable, just as long as you don’t say the word damn!?! Bitch seems to be alright some times and not others; as does arse/ass. It is so confusing!!! Can anyone clarify this for me?

Silverchair’s ‘Young Modern’ album is the most inspired and interesting thing that they have ever done. I adore it and discover something magical with every single listen. Much has been made of Daniel Johns taking the creative reins and collaborating with numerous artists over the years– each and every decision that led to the creation of this master piece was, in my opinion the correct one. I am pumped that the band is playing a smaller gig at The Metro to showcase this album – it will truly be a magical performance, I have no doubt.

‘Straight Lines’ is not a reflection of the entire album; accept in the sense that it is a different sound for the band – a theme which is frequent though out the entire album. John’s seems to have become a real man in the making of this album. He is looking amazing and trying new things with his voice – things that I believe take this band to a new level. Don’t get me wrong – you young angst-y John’s voice creeps in, as does the crooning lost soul sound of Diorama, particularly in "Those Theiving Birds" and "Reflections of a Sound" – but there is also so much more! I love the falsetta in 'Straight Lines' - sexy rawness of "Man Who Knew Too Much" and almost ranting on "If You Keep Loosing Sleep".

You can easily identify the influences of Paul Mac, The Presets and Luke Steele (Sleepy Jackson) in this album – and each has clearly provided John’s with the inspiration to record what may go down as one of the greatest albums of our time.

I can’t give a much better wrap than that!!!

Pop Princess xoxox

P.S. Missy Higgins ‘On a Clear Night’ will be my next review. I have only listened four times, and think I need to live with it a little longer before I write about it.

Why Don't You Like Me? Why Don't You Like Yourself?

Too long since my last blog - I know, and I am sorry. Life seems to be getting busier, and time goes faster - the result is I seem to get less done :o)

I love Mika’s 'Grace Kelly’- so what is the album ‘Life In a Cartoon Motion’ like? Well, my best description is a gorgeous blend of Queen, The Darkness and Scissor Sisters; which may sound like an odd mix. The truth is, this albumin theory probably should’t work – but it does. I have read, and heard, some pretty scathing reviews for this album – throw them in the bin and don’t listen. Judge the album for yourself – I think it is brilliant!!!

Shattered that Take That were in Melbourne yesterday, and I didn't get to see them :o( They were so close, yet so far away. Hopefully the promo tour will go well and we will get them back here for a proper tour! The more nice things they say about Robbie - the sadder and more futile the bands break-up and subsequent media war between Williams and Barlow becomes, even10 years on. The band seem super confident that Robbie will rejoin Take That, in some capacity ,at some stage in the future -it will be interesting to see if they are right.

I was in Canberra for the long weekend. Yes, Canberra. Why? I have a very dear friend there. But that is beside the point....we were listening to the radio and the totally painful Panic at the Disco's 'I Write Sins, Not Tragedies' or whatever it is called came on - and Canberra radio stations cut out the God!!! So it says 'I chimed in with a haven't you people ever heard of closing a *blank* damn door'. If you are going to go to the extreme of taking God out, why leave the damn? Is damn not more offensive than God? Are either offensive? What is wrong with Canberra???

Which leads me to Lily Allen's latest (and justified) beef - this time with MTV. The Lil-sters new track is banned because it drops the f-bomb (which they can edit out) - MTV gave the explanation (allegedly) that the word is offensive, and not for children. MTV also made a reference to the f* word as causing children to grow up too quickly. Miss L has not refuted this, but pointed out that if MTV are programming for children perhaps the semi-clad Paris Hilton and Pussy Cat Dolls gyrating against anyone and anything is not the wisest of decisions...Fair call.

Pop Princess xo

Late Brit listing!

Sorry...totally forgot to post this for the Brit Awards...

British male solo artist: James Morrison
Also nominated: Jarvis Cocker, Lemar, Paolo Nutini, Thom Yorke
British female solo artist: Amy Winehouse
Also nominated: Corinne Bailey Rae, Jamelia, Lily Allen, Nerina Pallot
British album: Arctic Monkeys - 'Whatever People Say I Am, That's What I'm Not'
Also nominated: Amy Winehouse - 'Back to Black', Lily Allen - 'Alright Still', Muse - 'Black Holes & Revelations', Snow Patrol - 'Eyes Open'
British group: Arctic Monkeys
Also nominated: Kasabian, Muse, Razorlight, Snow Patrol
British breakthrough act: The Fratellis
Also nominated: Corinne Bailey Rae, James Morrison, The Kooks, Lily Allen (Winner chosen by BBC Radio 1 listeners)
International breakthrough act: Orson
Also nominated: Gnarls Barkley, The Raconteurs, Ray Lamontagne, Wolfmother (Winner chosen by MTV viewers)
British live act: Muse
Also nominated: George Michael, Guillemots, Kasabian, Robbie Williams (Winner chosen by BBC Radio 2 listeners)
British single: Take That - 'Patience'
Also nominated: The Feeling - 'Fill My Little World', Razorlight - 'America', Snow Patrol - 'Chasing Cars', Will Young - 'All Time Love' (A live public vote will decide the winner on the night)
International male solo artist: Justin Timberlake
Also nominated: Beck, Bob Dylan, Damien Rice, Jack Johnson
International female solo artist: Nelly Furtado
Also nominated: Beyonce, Cat Power, Christina Aguilera, Pink
International group: The Killers
Also nominated: The Flaming Lips, Gnarls Barkley, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Scissor Sisters
International album: The Killers - 'Sam's Town'
Also nominated: Bob Dylan - 'Modern Times', Gnarls Barkley - 'St Elsewhere', Justin Timberlake - 'Future Sex/Love Sounds', Scissor Sisters - 'Ta-Dah'
Outstanding contribution to music: Oasis

Celebrity Obsession

Best of lucky to Britney Spears, who has reportedly re-checked herself into rehab. This move follows on from the media frenzy after her bizarre head shaving incident.

Britney is just another addition to the growing list of celebrities cracking under the pressure of their own, and the public’s expectations, following on from amazing and inspirational careers. In the last few weeks Lindsay Lohan and Robbie Williams have also entered themselves into rehab for addictions of varying kinds – brought on by the pressures of their day to day existence.

The cynical side of us is quick to make remarks such as “what do they have to worry about” and “Gee, I wish my life was as horrible as theirs – full of money, fame and success”.

The reality is, however, that our ‘normal’ lives are something that these celebrities grow to crave. It is impossible for us to imagine what it is like having your every move judged on a world wide scale. It is impossible to know how it feels to never have a moment of privacy, and not be able to do ‘normal’ things like go shopping. We will never understand things like having our relationship break-ups as hot topics of conversation everywhere we go.

So are we to blame? Does out interest in these celebrities feed the media frenzy to get exclusives??? Quite possibly to some extend yes. However once these stars have the success and fortunes, they forfeit their right to privacy and a normal life. It goes with the job. The unfortunate thing is by the time they realize the consequences, and decide it is not for them – it is already too late.

The media is a celebrity’s best friend and worst enemy…and the stars can’t have it both ways.

Just my thoughts today!

Pop Princess xo

She's My Man

The Scissor Sisters at Vodafone Arena were fantastic on Friday night. I was a little concerned about seeing them in such a big venue, after being lucky enough to see their intimate performance at the Prince of Wales for their last show.

Jake and Ana-Matronic are the perfect front duo. He has unstoppable, boundless, bouncy energy, and she has amazingly slinky, sexy moves. They compliment each other perfectly, vocally, in performance styles, and personality wise with their interaction with the crowd. You feel wrong standing still watching this band!

This is the type of shoe that you can go and enjoy, whether you are familiar with, or even like their music or not. Their version of ‘Candle in the Wind’ - Dedicated to Anna Nicole Smith - was sensational! The sets and lighting were show enough, even without Jake’s tiny glittered shorts! Has he been raiding Kylie’s wardrobe?

I haven’t had a chance to see any of the televised bits of the Grammys yet, but please enjoy (for your reading pleasure) an edited winners list below…Congratulation to Australia’s own Wolfmother on their win!!!

Grammy Winners – Highlights:-
Album of the Year: 'Taking the Long Way' Dixie Chicks
Record of the Year: 'Not Ready to Make Nice' Dixie Chicks
Song of the Year: 'Not Ready to Make Nice' Dixie Chicks
New Artist: Carrie Underwood
Female R&B Vocal Performance: 'Be Without You' Mary J Blige
Pop Vocal Album: 'Continuum' John Mayer
Country Album: 'Taking the Long Way' Dixie Chicks
Rap Album: 'Release Therapy' Ludacris
Rock Album: 'Stadium Arcadium' Red Hot Chili Peppers
R&B Album: 'The Breakthrough' Mary J Blige
Female Pop Vocal Performance: 'Ain't No Other Man' Christina Aguilera
Male Pop Vocal Performance: 'Waiting on the World to Change' John Mayer
Pop Performance by a Duo or Group With Vocal: 'My Humps' Black Eyed Peas
Rock Song: 'Dani California' Red Hot Chili Peppers
Solo Rock Vocal Performance: 'Someday Baby' Bob Dylan
Rock Performance by a Duo or Group With Vocal: 'Dani California' Red Hot Chili Peppers
Hard Rock Performance: 'Woman' Wolfmother
Metal Performance: 'Eyes of the Insane' Slayer
Alternative Music Album: 'St Elsewhere' Gnarls Barkley
Dance Recording: 'Sexy Back' Justin Timberlake and Timbaland
Electronic/Dance Album: 'Confessions on a Dance Floor' Madonna
Rap/Sung Collaboration: 'My Love' Justin Timberlake featuring TI
Rap Song: 'Money Maker' Christopher Bridges and Pharrell Williams (Ludacris featuring Pharrell)
Urban/Alternative Performance: 'Crazy' Gnarls Barkley
Male R&B Vocal Performance: 'Heaven' John Legend
R&B Performance by a Duo or Group With Vocals: 'Family Affair' (Sly and the Family Stone), John Legend, Joss Stone With Van Hunt
Contemporary R&B Album: 'B'Day' Beyonce
Country Performance by a Duo or Group With Vocal: 'Not Ready to Make Nice' Dixie Chicks Short Form Music Video: 'Here It Goes Again' OK Go
Long Form Music Video: 'Wings for Wheels: The Making of Born to Run' Bruce Springsteen

Tit Bits:-
Take That are here in Australia for a Promotional tour in March – no word yet on if there will be a show case…fingers crossed!
The new Silverchair single ‘Straight Lines’ is their best yet – can’t wait for the release of 'Young Modern’ on March 31. Listen to the track on their My Space sight and see what you think… http://www.myspace.com/silverchair
I hope Tristan wins ‘So You Think You Can Dance’ on Sunday! Love him!!! It probably ended six months ago in America already.
I don’t care what anyone else thinks/says – I LOVE the Hinder album :o)

Pop Princess xoxox

My half-arsed Day Out

Sooo, at the ripe old age of 26, I was feeling old and tired at the Big Day Out this year. The day seemed too long; too many kids in fairy wings, pajama pants or Australian flags (not because they are proud Aussies - but because they are rebels that were asked not to). I don't do drugs, and I wasn't interested in drinking - so I was one of probably, what 10 people who were actually there for the music???

Other than the Aussie bands/artists (all of whom I pretty much missed due to early or conflicting times/stages) - my only real interest was in The Killers. Thank God they did not disappoint. Shattered that I missed out on side show tickets. ONLY criticism was the absence of 'Uncle Johnny', other than that they were flawless. 'Bones', Mr. Brightside', 'Somebody Told Me' and 'Jenny Was a Friend of Mine' were particularly special.

Eskimo Joe, Jet, Sleepy Jackson, Evermore and Little Birdy were all impressive. You Am I were unreal. I found what I saw of Muse and Tool utterly boring and uninspiring. As much as I am not a fan, My Chemical Romance was better than both Muse and Tool put together.

Again, could be my newly found Nanna-ness, but I was appalled that when the singer from My Chemical Romance stopped performing to check that someone who fell in the mosh pit was alright - that I heard shouts of "poof" and"gee - that's rock n roll". Ummm, since when is someone hurting themselves, or dying (which has happened at a BDO, lets not forget). People are there to have fun, not get tramped on. I applaud the band for caring and being aware. If only Limp Bizkit has been as concerned...

I missed the lovely Miss. Lily Allen - but all was not lost as I went to the side show the following night. She was buggered, and it was obvious. But it was still a great gig. Met her briefly, for about 5 minutes, in which time she showed me her new tattoo and took her top off (she was bra-less). Not a shy girl!!!

So, will I BDO next year? Probably. Every year I was I will not go so early or stay so late; every year I say I might have next year off. But then I see the line up. I won;t make promises I can;t keep. If the line up is decent I will be there...and lets face it - the line up is always stellar.

Off to see Scissor Sisters strut their stuff on Friday night -c an;t wait. BRING IT ON!!!

Pop Princess xoxox

So, how did I go???

Top 10:-

1 Augie March - 'One Crowded Hour '
2 Eskimo Joe - 'Black Fingernails, Red Wine'
3 Hilltop Hoods - 'The Hard Road'
4 Killers - 'When You Were Young'
5 Scissor Sisters - 'I Don't Feel Like Dancing'
6 Gnarls Barkley - 'Crazy'
7 Snow Patrol - 'Chasing Cars'
8 Gotye - 'Hearts A Mess '
9 Muse - 'Starlight'
10 Grates - '19-20-20 '

I picked Gnarls Barkley, Snow Patrol, The Killers, Scissor Sisters and Augie March – so I was half way there!!!
Lily Allen - 'Smile' and/or 'LDN' – scored well at # 15 & #35
Camille – came in at # 26
RHCP - 'Dani California’ - came in at #34
Youth Group - 'Forever Young' – came in at # 21

Top 20 Tips:-

11 Little Birdy - 'Come On Come On'
12 John Butler Trio - 'Funky Tonight'
13 My Chemical Romance - 'Welcome To The Black Parade'
14 OK GO - 'Here It Goes Again'
15 Lily Allen - 'Smile'
16 Peter Bjorn & John - 'Young Folks'
17 Grates - 'Science Is Golden'
18 Muse - 'Supermassive Black Hole'
19 Lupe Fiasco - 'Kick Push'
20 Regina Spektor - 'Fidelity'

Well, I got Lily, because I actually had her down for Top 10…I'll claim that one, because other than that Little Birdy was my only correct one. :o(
Bob Evans - 'Don't You Think it's Time' – secured the # 37 for this track & # 36 for ‘Nowhere Without You’. Go Bobby!!!
The Sleepy Jackson - 'God Lead Your Soul', 'Devil Was In My Yard' and 'I Understand What You Want (But I Just Don't Agree)' - Did not rate at all – devastating and criminal!!!
Angus & Julia Stone – Grabbed the # 43 spot for ‘Paper Aeroplane’ – watch out for these guys debut album this year – will be HUGE!!!

Beyond the Top 20:-

Something with Numbers - # 64; Sarah Blasko - # 79; Kate Miller-Heidke – Did not get in; Ben Harper - # 87, Jet - # 72 & # 76; Hot Chip - # 60; OK Go - # 14; My Chemical Romance - # 13.

So, my yearly wrap up of the Top 20...

1 Augie March - 'One Crowded Hour'
I am thrilled with this result. An awesome track, from an awesome album that was pretty much overlooked at the ARIA's, despite several nominations.
2 Eskimo Joe - 'Black Fingernails, Red Wine'
Got 'Single of the Year' at the ARIA's. You can;t win everything, and lets face it - # 2 is still a great result!
3 Hilltop Hoods - 'The Hard Road'
I am a little embarrassed that I didn't think of these guys - for some reason I thought this songs was in last years...I was wrong. Great track with a killer clip. If you get the chance to see these guys live DO IT!
4 Killers - 'When You Were Young'
I am tipping this band will be the highlight of my Big Day Out experience tomorrow - LOVING them!
5 Scissor Sisters - 'I Don't Feel Like Dancing'
Great track - great position. Bring on the concert in a few weeks :o)
6 Gnarls Barkley - 'Crazy'
If this track had not been out for so long it would have been a strong contender for the # 1 spot.
7 Snow Patrol - 'Chasing Cars'
Glad this band is doing so well at the moment (because they deserve it) - shattered that it is because of Grey's Anatomy.
8 Gotye - 'Hearts A Mess'
Sorry, don't know it...
9 Muse - 'Starlight'
Not a Muse fan, but this track is a corker. Looking forward to checking them out at the Big Day Out tomorrow.
10 Grates - '19-20-20'
This band supported the Arctic Monekeys tour to Australia. Lucky to have two songs rating so high - the poor old Monkeys got a little bit forgotten towards the business end of the countdown. Patriotism in the lead up to Australia Day maybe??? Another band that is fantastic live...boundless energy!
11 Little Birdy - 'Come On Come On'
Whoo Hoo! Well deserved from this kick ass band! Check out the new single 'Bodies', it rocks.
12 John Butler Trio - 'Funky Tonight'
So this song got to # 12 having only been out for 3 weeks!?! I didn't even know that it was eligible. Surely with those sort of votes it could have gone # 1 for next years if he had have held off on the release!
13 My Chemical Romance - 'Welcome To The Black Parade'
I don't do Emo, so I will not comment. I'd rather not when I don't know what I am talking about. Shocking hair cut though...
14 OK GO - 'Here It Goes Again'
Who would have thought a treadmill video would generate so much talk! Catchy track...but would it have got this high without the clip???
15 Lily Allen - 'Smile'
A little robbed, 'Smile' should have ranked higher :o(
16 Peter Bjorn & John - 'Young Folks'
This band is developing quite the underground following, will be interesting to see if it leads to any sort of main stream success...
17 Grates - 'Science Is Golden'
Please see comments at # 10.
18 Muse - 'Supermassive Black Hole'
Please see comments at # 9.
19 Lupe Fiasco - 'Kick Push'
Who? Huh?
20 Regina Spektor - 'Fidelity'
Album is selling really well. Described as a more alternative Norah Jones???

To view the complete listing for Triple J (JJJ) Hottest 100 go to:-

http://www.abc.net.au/triplej/hottest100/countdown/

Cheers,

Pop Princess xoxoxo

The Hottest 100 - Hot Australia Day tips!

OK, so I am preparing myself for the traditional Aussie Day BBQ, complete with ice cold beers, plenty of sausages...and of course - JJJ's Hottest 100 countdown.

Have to post my tips now, before it starts! So, the below are my expert opinion on who will rate well. I will post the actual 100 later and see how wrong I got it! :o)

Top 10 Tips:
Lily Allen - 'Smile' and/or 'LDN'
Gnarls Barkley - 'Crazy'
Eskimo Joe - 'Black Fingernails, Red Wine' - if it doesn't win (because Aussie's usually do), it is a Top 3 certainty. 'Sarah' will get a look
Camille - Can't pronounce or spell the names of any of her songs! But think she will feature more than once in the 100
Snow Patrol - 'Chasing Cars' will go Top 5, they will have at least one or two other tracks in the count down. (I would like to take this opportunity to thank all Grey's Anatomy fans for ruining what was a magnificent song - by associating it directly with a lame TV show, inciting ludicrous air play from the major radio stations. I urge all of you guilty of this to listen to this album in its entirety, then go and buy 'Final Straw' and try to understand the success this band deserves for their genius - totally SEPARATE for Grey's bloody Anatomy!!!)
The Killers - 'When You Were Young' - hope that 'Uncle Johnny' and 'Bones' also rate.
Scissor Sisters - 'I Don't Feel Like Dancin' - best song they have done yet!!!
RHCP - 'Dani California'!
Arctic Monkeys - Should give the Top 5 a nudge, and will have multiple entries.
Augie March - 'One Crowded Hour', should do well today in general.
Youth Group - 'Forever Young' - If it is still eligible this year...

Top 20 Tips:
Bob Evans - 'Don't You Think it's Time'; another artist who is likely to have multiple appearances today.
Little Birdy - 'Come On, Come On' - Will feature more than once also.
The Sleepy Jackson - 'God Lead Your Soul' - 'Devil Was In My Yard' and 'I Understand What You Want (But I Just Don't Agree)' should also get a look in.
Angus & Julia Stone - Deserve to feature.

Beyond the Top 20:
Something with Numbers; Sarah Blasko; Kate Miller-Heidke; Ben Harper, Jet; Hot Chip; OK Go; My Chemical Romance.

Happy Australia Day!!!

Pop Princess xo

Concert cancellations, festivals and heroin

Wow, sad moment for the punk rocker - with flowers in her hair. Frontier touring have released a statement saying that due to “Last minute promotional commitments in the UK ” Sandi Thom has cancelled her Australian tour. Is “last minute promotional commitments in the UK ” the new translation for “because she is a one hit wonder and no body cares, and no tickets were sold”??? Surely these promotional commitments could be rescheduled if this was the true reason…

It has been ages since I have been REALLY excited about a movie – but Pans Labyrinth looks amazing! I can’t wait. Trailer is here:

http://www.apple.com/trailers/picturehouse/panslabyrinth/trailer/

Pink has announced a 5th show for Melbourne! Keep 'em coming baby!!!

Can anyone explain to me why Pete Doherty is so famous? Is it one of those "Brit" things we don't get here- like Girls Aloud and Busted? I heard the new Babyshambles EP the other day and it is foul. A newspaper on the weekend was comparing him to John Lennon. Why? From my limited knowledge on the guy he has only released two albums (one with Babyshambles and one with The Libertines), neither of which were much. He is in the news every other minute for doing heroine or boning Kate Moss. Is that what being famous and talented is these days? Being a smaky and rooting a model???? Yawn.

The Big Day Out times and stages have been confirmed. Check them out here...

http://www.bigdayout.com/documents/File/time_melbourne.pdf

I have to honest and say I am a little dismayed at some of the time-tabling decisions. WHY would Lily Allen not be on a main stage, instead playing in The Boiler Room??? Not to mention the fact that she is on at 2:30! Her sold out side show at The Metro is proofthat this is a mistake!

As much as I enjoy Something for Kate and You Am I - how are they on at 5:15 and 7:00 and Evermore on at 1:30??? Even The Killers copped an early 5:30 time slot...suppose it is hard to please everyone - but some of these decisions seem down right bizarre!

Pop Princess xoxox

R.I.P the relationship of Cameron Diaz and Justin Timberlake. Get in their Britney!!!! You were awesome when you were with Justin....would he go back there now though? Only time will tell...

Happy New Year!!!

Happy New Year to all!!! Welcome to 2007 - I think it is going to be a great one for music!!!

The data has been analyzed and ARIA has released the Top 100 selling singles and albums for 2006.

The cringe-worthy, but high selling ditty from Sandi Thom ‘I Wish I was a Punk Rocker (with flowers in my hair)' was officially the highest selling single of the year. How many punk rockers wore flowers in their hair anyway???

TV Rock’s ‘Flaunt It’ was a close second. Funny story about that one – apparently when Jesse McCartney was in Australia for the ARIAs and this song kept getting nominated, and winning; he was in awe. When he first heard the song he thought it was a joke…Unfortunately, no – it was serious! He then proceeded to add the line 'shake what your Mamma gave you' into at least one of his songs at each of his in-store performances in Sydney and Melbourne.

Damien Leith’s ‘Night of My Life’ did alright coming in at the # 11 spot, especially considering it was only released in December!

Nice to see that a quarter of the the Top 20 are Australian bands/artists. But why does the horrible Rhianna have two songs in the Top 20??? She can't sing!!!

List of Top 20 Selling Singles for 2006

1. 'I Wish I Was a Punk Rocker (With Flowers in My Hair)' - Sandi Thom
2. 'Flaunt It' - TV Rock Feat. Seany B
3. 'Hips Don't Lie' - Shakira Feat. Wyclef Jean
4. 'SexyBack' - Justin Timberlake
5. 'I Don't Feel Like Dancin' - Scissor Sisters
6. 'This Time I Know It's For Real' - Young Divas
7. 'Forever Young' - Youth Group
8. 'Wasabi' - Lee Harding
9. 'Who Knew' - Pink
10. 'Promiscuous' - Nelly Furtado
11. 'Night Of My Life' - Damien Leith
12. 'Love Generation' - Bob Sinclar
13. 'SOS' - Rihanna
14. 'You Raise Me Up' - Westlife
15. 'Goodbye Me Lover' - James Blunt
16. 'Crazy' - Gnarls Barkley
17. 'Buttons' - The Pussycat Dolls feat. Snoop Dogg
18. 'Black Fingernails, Red Wine' - Eskimo Joe
19. 'Unfaithful' - Rihanna
20. 'Run It!' - Chris Brown

For a complete list of Singles:

http://www.news.com.au/heraldsun/story/0,21811,21014185-2902,00.html

James Blunt’s ‘Back to Bedlam’ took the honors for highest selling album of the year. This surprised me, as I thought the majority of his sales would have been in 2005 on the back of 'Your Beautiful’. Obviously still a lot of fans buying throughout the year and following the success of ‘Goodbye My Lover’, which also scored the # 15 spot for highest selling single.

Nice to see Pink’s ‘I’m Not Dead’ sitting in the # 2 position – such a great album! I am sure this album will continue to sell for quite awhile yet, especially considering the great reaction from radio to next single ‘Nobody Knows’ and the tour in April.

Half of the Top 20 albums are Australian bands/artists! That is so fantastic! Again, Damien Leith and the 12th Man would have to be happy to sit at # 5 and # 9 – as both were released in December!

List of Top 20 Selling Albums for 2006

1. 'Back to Bedlam' - James Blunt
2. 'I'm Not Dead' - Pink
3. 'Reach Out: The Motown Record' - Human Nature
4. 'Wolfmother' - Wolfmother
5. 'The Winners Journey' - Damien Leith
6. 'Here Come the Drums' - Rogue Traders
7. 'Black Fingernails, Red Wine' - Eskimo Joe
8. 'Stadium Arcadium' - Red Hot Chili Peppers
9. 'Boned!' - The 12th Man
10. 'The Secret Life Of...' - The Veronicas
11. 'All The Right Reasons' - Nickelback
12. 'U218 Singles' - U2
13. 'Tea and Sympathy' - Bernard Fanning
14. 'Dancing In The Street: The Songs of Motown II' - Human Nature
15. 'Eyes Open' - Snow Patrol
16. 'Best Of' - Chris Isaak
17. 'PCD' - The Pussycat Dolls
18. 'See The Sun' - Pete Murray
19. 'Monkey Business' - Black Eyed Peas
20. 'Taking the Long Way' - Dixie Chicks

For a complete list of Albums:

http://www.news.com.au/heraldsun/story/0,21811,21014183-2902,00.html

I’ve got my gig shoes on and ready to go – it is going to be a busy month or so!!!

Love Pop Princess xo