It's been a while since I did one of my musical lists, so I thought today was a good time to get something up - it's good to take a break from blabbing about books for a change, and music has always had a big impact on my writing. I'm always trying to write a story which is like a great pop song - one that makes you perk up and listen, and makes you feel happy for a good while afterwards.
So with this in mind, here are a bunch of what I reckon are fantastic songs which do exactly that. I've chosen a list of Australian artists that probably aren't so well known overseas. Who knows, maybe you'll find a new favourite here.
The Hoodoos were always one of the funnest bands ever. This was the first song of theirs I heard, from their classic "Stoneage Romeos" album, and it caught my ear from the very opening. How great is this dodgy old filmclip? How great are those animated dinosaurs? How great is Dave Faulkner's hair?
The kings of sweaty Aussie pub rock show they can turn out a beautiful sparkling pop song when they set their minds to it. I love the jazzy drums and I especially love Ian Moss's guitarwork - the end solo when the notes just come cascading out is a gem.
If Chisel can do it, then the Hunnas, Chisel's successors as the rulers of the pub rock circuit, show they can do just as well. The accoustic guitar break in the middle, as the rest of the band, especially the Hunna's amazing horn section, slowly come in, still sends a tingle down my spine.
I remember watching a not very good Australian move (based on an even worse Australian book) on telly when this came on and just lit everything up. Enough said.
A band it was impossible to categorise playing a song it's impossible to categorise. Is it a pop song? Is it a sea shanty? Is it something else entirely? Dunno, I just reckon it's amazing. I love the instrumental break, where it goes from something kind of quaint and rustic into something that really rocks. And I love the daggy shipboard video as well.
So with this in mind, here are a bunch of what I reckon are fantastic songs which do exactly that. I've chosen a list of Australian artists that probably aren't so well known overseas. Who knows, maybe you'll find a new favourite here.
I Want You Back - Hoodoo Gurus
The Hoodoos were always one of the funnest bands ever. This was the first song of theirs I heard, from their classic "Stoneage Romeos" album, and it caught my ear from the very opening. How great is this dodgy old filmclip? How great are those animated dinosaurs? How great is Dave Faulkner's hair?
Forever Now - Cold Chisel
The kings of sweaty Aussie pub rock show they can turn out a beautiful sparkling pop song when they set their minds to it. I love the jazzy drums and I especially love Ian Moss's guitarwork - the end solo when the notes just come cascading out is a gem.
Blind Eye - Hunters and Collectors
If Chisel can do it, then the Hunnas, Chisel's successors as the rulers of the pub rock circuit, show they can do just as well. The accoustic guitar break in the middle, as the rest of the band, especially the Hunna's amazing horn section, slowly come in, still sends a tingle down my spine.
Always on this Line - Sarah Blasko
I remember watching a not very good Australian move (based on an even worse Australian book) on telly when this came on and just lit everything up. Enough said.
Heartbeats and Sails - Augie March
A band it was impossible to categorise playing a song it's impossible to categorise. Is it a pop song? Is it a sea shanty? Is it something else entirely? Dunno, I just reckon it's amazing. I love the instrumental break, where it goes from something kind of quaint and rustic into something that really rocks. And I love the daggy shipboard video as well.
