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.