Album of the Week - ALLDAY {Drinking With My Smoking Friends}

Hits of Autumn 2021

20 - Olivia Rodrigo - good 4 u 

19 - Lil Tjay - Calling my Phone {Feat. 6lack} 

18 - Dom Dolla - Pump the Breaks

17 - Regard x Troye Sivan x Tate McRae - You

16 -  Billie Eilish - Your Power

15 - Saweetie - Best Friend {Feat. Doja Cat} 

14 - Billie Eilish - Therefore I Am

13 - Doja Cat - Kiss Me More {Feat. SZA} 

12 - Olivia Rodrigo - deja vu

11 - Cardi B - Up

10 - Joel Corry - Head & Heart {Feat. MNEK} 

9 - Tones And I - Fly Away

8 - The Weeknd - Save Your Tears

7 - Travis Scott & HVME - Goosebumps (Remix)

6 - Dean Lewis - Falling Up

5 - Glass Animals - Heat Waves

4 - Amy Shark - Love Songs Ain't for Us {Feat. Keith Urban}

3 - The Kid LAROI - WITHOUT YOU

2 - Riton & Nightcrawlers - Friday {Feat. Mufasa & Hypeman}

1 - Tiësto & Ty Dolla $ign - The Business, Pt. II

Streaming... NOW! | Key Releases, Friday 28 May, 2021

First up, meet next week's feature album, Allday with his genre bending album, Drinking With My Smoking Friends.

Texas is back, remember Say What You Want? Well her new album is streaming now, it's simply called Hi

Touring next month, Allday's mate The Veronicas release their first album of two in 2021, it's GODZILLA. With some free press as well this week the duo made headlines after appearing in a reality series. I look forward to seeing the pair live next month.

Moby has given us a compilation of sorts with Reprise.

Oliver Tree has re-released his recent album, with a deluxe version, Ugly Is Beautiful : Shorter, Thicker & Uglier.

A couple of new local EP's this week. With Triple J darlings the Teenage Joans up first followed by Peking Duk's mate, Nicole Millar .

Teenage Joans – Taste Of Me

Nicole Millar – Are You Kidding? 

A big bag of local new singles this week. This includes dance heavy hitters, KLP + Stace Cadets sequel to Energy, Pnau whilst Isabella Manfredi has gone solo and G Flip has another tasty new track.

G Flip feat. Thomas Headon - Not Even in Vegas 

Children Collide – Uh Oh

Andrew De Silva – Find Me In The Grey

Tommy Genesis – peppermint

I Know Leopard – Lover Automatic

Julia Jacklin x RVG – Army Of Me

KLP & Stace Cadet – People Happy

Ladyhawke – Mixed Emotions

Isabella Manfredi – Jealousy

Marshmello x Carnage – Back In Time

Hayley Mary – The Drip

Sloan Peterson – Parasite

Pnau feat. Budjerah – Stranger Love

Sleater-Kinney – High In The Grass

Timmy Trumpet feat. Smashmouth – Camelot

Ziggy Ramo feat. Paul Kelly - Little Things 

Fresh Friday Countdown #261 - Friday 28 May, 2021

20 - Baker Boy - Ride {Feat. Yirrmal}
19 - Cardi B - Up
18 - Billie Eilish - Your Power
17 - Olivia Rodrigo - traitor
15 - Tones And I - Fly Away
14 - Joel Corry - Head & Heart {Feat. MNEK} 
13 - Eminem, Jack Harlow & Cordae - Killer (Remix)
12 - Olivia Rodrigo - deja vu
11 - Travis Scott & HVME - Goosebumps (Remix)
10 - Doja Cat - Kiss Me More {Feat. SZA}
9 - The Weeknd - Save Your Tears
8 - Glass Animals - Heat Waves
7 - Vance Joy - Missing Piece
6 - Dean Lewis - Falling Up
5 - Amy Shark - Love Songs Ain't for Us {Feat. Keith Urban}
4 - The Kid LAROI - WITHOUT YOU
3 - Olivia Rodrigo - good 4 u
2 - Tiësto & Ty Dolla $ign - The Business, Pt. II
1 - Riton & Nightcrawlers - Friday {Feat. Mufasa & Hypeman}

Album of the Year Nomination #2 - Olivia Rodrigo - SOUR

The Album of the Year for 2021 kicked off on May the Fourth with Amy Shark, now at the end of the month it's time to welcome nomination #2.

It's Sour (stylized in all caps) the debut album by American singer-songwriter Olivia Rodrigo.

The album by 18 year old Rodrigo features the massive smash hit Drivers License as well as preview singles Deja Vu and Good 4 U.

It's been an exciting start to 2021 for new music, with artists like Olivia Rodrigo and albums like Sour, it's a good time to be a music lover.

I listened to a large chunk of this album Saturday morning and instantly I knew this album would be huge. Clocking in at just under 35 minutes this is an easy AF listen.

Here are the lead singles now from the album, which is not only an Album of The Year Nomination but this week's feature record.

Album of the Week - OLIVIA RODRIGO {Sour}

Sunday Spotlight: You Am I

Debuting at number two on the ARIA charts You Am I's 11th studio The Live of Others proves the Sydney group are still popular.

You Am I lead by Tim Rogers, formed in December 1989. They are the first Australian band to have released three successive albums that have each debuted at the number-one position on the ARIA Albums Chart. Hi Fi Way (February 1995), Hourly, Daily (July 1996) and #4 Record (April 1998). 

You Am I have supported international touring acts like The Who, The Rolling Stones, Sonic Youth and Oasis.

Tim Rogers has also had a success solo career along the way, whilst also presenting a weekly radio show on digital station Double J. 

Joining Rogers to make u p the Sydney four piece are Andy Kent, Russell Hopkinson and Davey Lane.

So on this fine, almost winter Sunday, soak up some classic Australian rock below. Their new album is worth a stream whilst some of their biggest singles are also here for a listen.

Next week the Sunday Spotlight will take a brief break to make way for the biggest songs of Autumn's list. Like all music lovers, I love a list! See you then.

Streaming... NOW! | Key Releases, Friday 21 May, 2021

Japanese all stars CHAI kick off this weeks key releases with their third record, Wink.

Sinead Harnett has delivered solid, smooth record in time for the cooler months, Ready Is Always Too Late streams now.

Tyne-James Organ releases his debut record through Dew Process/Universal, Necessary Evil.

Meet next week's feature album, it's the debut from Olivia Rodrigo, SOUR. Come back for many more exciting features on SOUR all next week.

A few EP's to report this week. Most importantly we have loads of local new EP's.

Vetta Borne – Emilia

Clews – Loveluck Omens

Nerve – The Australian Horror Story

Gordi – Refracted – Live At Phoenix Central Park

Zoe Wees – Golden Wings

Huge week of new singles this week. Last week was light, this week is heavy AF. From South Korea's pop kings BTS to veteran rockers Garbage, Vance Joy got his new tune on Grey's Anatomy and Polish Club from Sydney are back with more new music.

BTS – Butter

Garbage – Wolves

Hauskey – Cream Shirt

Holly Humberstone – The Walls Are Way Too Thin

Japanese Wallpaper – Leave A Light On

Vance Joy – Missing Piece

K.Flay feat. Tom Morello – TGIF

Ngaiire – Closer

Oneohtrix Point Never feat. ROSALÍA – Nothing’s Special

Polish Club – No Heaven

Pond – America’s Cup

Sycco – Time’s Up

The Veronicas – Sugar Daddy

Wave Racer – What Are We Waiting For?

Years & Years feat. Kylie Minogue – Starstruck

Fresh Friday Countdown #260 - Friday 21 May, 2021

20 - Tones And I - Won't Sleep
19 - Catnip Kaiser - Pull Me Down
18 - Lana Del Rey - Text Book
17 - Lana Del Rey - Wildflower Wildfire
16 - Lana Del Rey - Blue Banisters
15 - Coldplay - Higher Power
14 - Joel Corry - Head & Heart {Feat. MNEK} 
13 - Olivia Rodrigo - deja vu
12 - Vance Joy - Missing Piece
11 - Travis Scott & HVME - Goosebumps (Remix)
10 - Tones And I - Fly Away
9 - Doja Cat - Kiss Me More {Feat. SZA}
8 - The Weeknd - Save Your Tears
7 - Dean Lewis - Falling Up
6 - Glass Animals - Heat Waves
5 - Olivia Rodrigo - good 4 u
4 - Amy Shark - Love Songs Ain't for Us {Feat. Keith Urban}
3 - Tiësto & Ty Dolla $ign - The Business, Pt. II
2 - The Kid LAROI - WITHOUT YOU
1 - Riton & Nightcrawlers - Friday {Feat. Mufasa & Hypeman}

Album of the Week - Offical Music Videos

Album of the Week - GLADES {Planetarium}

 

Sunday Spotlight: Morcheeba

Morcheeba are the perfect group to see in Sydney's plunge into late autumn/winter. As winter nears  English electronic band Morcheeba, a warm cup of tea with some candlelit mood lightening, perfect winters night in. Morcheeba were the soundtrack to me wrapping up my schooling years. In 2021 they have released the perfect chill album, Blackest Blue.

Forming in the mid-1990s vocalist Skye Edwards and the brothers Paul and Ross Godfrey, mixed influences from trip hop, rock, folk rock and downtempo, and have produced ten studio albums since 1995.

Edwards left the band in 2003, after which the brothers used a number of singers before she rejoined in 2009. 

In 2014 Paul Godfrey resigned from the band. Edwards and Ross Godfrey later formed Skye | Ross and released a self-titled album in September 2016.

With hits like The Sea, Rome Wasn't Built in a Day and Otherwise, Morcheeba are bona-fined chilled musical icons. So Sunday night, boil the kettle, put on your comfy clothes and chill to the max.

Streaming... NOW! | Key Friday 14 May, 2021

Let's kick things off with The Black Keys releasing their tenth studio album, Delta Kream. The album celebrates the band's roots, featuring Mississippi hill country blues standards that they have loved since they were teenagers, including songs by R.L Burnside and Junior Kimbrough, among others. 

Galleons turn it up to eleven on their self titled record, Galleons hitting the big streaming giants yesterday.

Morcheeba have been quiet for a while. Yesterday they returned with Blackest Blue.

Jorja Smith gives us an 8 track wonder, Be Right Back. The eight track release release includes Bussdown, Addicted and Gone.

St Vincent was featured on Double J yesterday, aligning with her new record, Daddy’s Home streaming now.

You Am I, the quartet who have been kicking around for more than 30 years. Fronted by Tim Rogers, with Davey Lane on guitar, Andy Kent on bass and Rusty Hopkinson behind the kit. Now it's time for their new record, The Lives Of Others.

One EP this week, Daya with The Difference.

Not many new singles this week, however Tones and I will lead the pack. Now with more than 2.2 billion streams for Dance Monkey, let's see if Won't Sleep is another smash hit.

Crowded House – Playing With Fire

DZ Deathrays – Make Yourself Mad

Sleater-Kinney – Worry With You

Tones And I – Won’t Sleep

Fresh Friday Countdown #259 - Friday 14 May, 2021

20 - The Veronica - Life of the Party {Feat. Allday} 
19 - Tones And I - Won't Sleep
18 - Regard, Troye Sivan & Tate McRae - You
17 - Saweetie - Best Friend {Feat. Doja Cat} 
16 - Olivia Rodrigo - deja vu
15 - Olivia Rodrigo - good 4 u
14 - Cardi B - Up 
13 - Billie Eilish - Your Power
12 - Joel Corry - Head & Heart {Feat. MNEK} 
11 - Doja Cat - Kiss Me More {Feat. SZA}
10 - Travis Scott & HVME - Goosebumps (Remix)
9 - Tones And I - Fly Away
8 - Coldplay - Higher Power
7 - The Weeknd - Save Your Tears
6 - Dean Lewis - Falling Up
5 - Glass Animals - Heat Waves
4 - Amy Shark - Love Songs Ain't for Us {Feat. Keith Urban}
3 - Tiësto & Ty Dolla $ign - The Business, Pt. II
2 - Riton & Nightcrawlers - Friday {Feat. Mufasa & Hypeman}
1 - The Kid LAROI - WITHOUT YOU

Classic Kučka Team Ups

Album of the Week - Offical Music Videos

Streaming... NOW! | Key Friday 7 May, 2021

Let's kick off last Friday's killer new releases with The Bamboos. They are back with their tenth studio album, Hard Up. Yes this is album number ten for the Melbourne nine piece! Hells bells, ten albums, nine band members!

Dodie release her debut album, Build A Problem. The UK singer/songwriter has finally given us her 22 (yes 22) track release. You can check out an in-depth article about the release HERE.

Bebe Rexha's second album Better Mistakes contains guest features from Travis Barker, Ty Dolla Sign, Trevor Daniel, Lil Uzi Vert, Doja Cat, Pink Sweats, Lunay and Rick Ross.

Alfie Templeman gives us Forever Isn’t Long Enough, a mini album. Alfie is a music releasing machine. With loads of familiar tunes on the mini album, this is a fan favourite.

Weezer have outdone The Bamboos by releasing their 15th studio record this past week. It's Van Weezer featuring the singles  The End of the Game, Hero, Beginning of the End and I Need Some of That. 

A fairly jam packed few high impact singles this week. Coldplay, Flight Facilities and Eves Karydas are all back with new tunes whilst Nerve teams up with JK47.

Coldplay – Higher Power

CXLOE – Cry & Drive

Daya – Montana

Flight Facilities feat. Channel Tres – Lights Up

Folamour feat. SG Lewis – Lost In Space

Eves Karydas – Freckles

Nerve feat. JK47 – One In A Million

Joe Turner feat. Tom Dunne – Noir

Wavves – Help Is On The Way

Album of the Week - KUČKA {Wrestling}

Sunday Spotlight: Royal Blood

Happy Mother's Day to all the mums out there. It's time to celebrate with Royal Blood.

Mike Kerr and Ben Thatcher make up the English duo, Royal Blood. Forming in Brighton in 2011, the group recently released their third album Typhoons. This follows their self-titled debut album in 2014, followed by How Did We Get So Dark? in 2017.

Along with their three albums, the duo have released two EPs, thirteen singles and fifteen music videos.

Royal Blood's self-titled debut album topped the UK Albums Chart, Irish Albums Chart and Scottish Albums Chart.

How Did We Get So Dark? debuted at number one on the UK Albums Chart upon its release. Whilst a total of ten tracks from the album reached the top 20 of the UK Rock & Metal Singles Chart.

Ahead of the release of Typhoons, we received three catchy singles. Trouble's Coming (also remixed by Purple Disco Machine), Typhoons and Limbo. Take a listen to the album below as well as some choices cuts below. If you haven't discovered Royal Blood yet. Get amongst them now.

Fresh Friday Countdown #258 - Friday 7 May, 2021

20 - Billie Eilish - Therefore I Am
19 - Flight Facilities - Lights Up {Feat. Channel Tres}
18 - Hayden James, Gorgon City & Nat Dunn - Foolproof
17 - Dom Dolla - Pump the Brakes
16 - HEALTH & Nine Inch Nails - Isn't Everyone
15 - Cardi B - Up 
14 - Joel Corry - Head & Heart {Feat. MNEK} 
13 - Olivia Rodrigo - deja vu
12 - Billie Eilish - Your Power
11 - Tones And I - Fly Away
10 - The Weeknd - Save Your Tears
9 - Doja Cat - Kiss Me More {Feat. SZA}
8 - Travis Scott & HVME - Goosebumps (Remix)
7 - Dean Lewis - Falling Up
6 - Glass Animals - Heat Waves
5 - Coldplay - Higher Power
4 - The Kid LAROI - WITHOUT YOU
3 - Tiësto & Ty Dolla $ign - The Business, Pt. II
2 - Riton & Nightcrawlers - Friday {Feat. Mufasa & Hypeman}
1 - Amy Shark - Love Songs Ain't for Us {Feat. Keith Urban}

Album of the Year Nomination #1 - Amy Shark - Cry Forever

The Album of the Year race is back on again for 2021! With Nomination #1 going to the incredible Amy Shark with her second album, Cry Forever.

Already featuring the ARIA Award winning single Everybody Rise, this will be an album to reckon with at this years ARIA's. Featuring Keith Urban, Love Songs Ain't for Us is already one of the biggest songs of 2021.

Travis Barker is also the second Blink 182 band member to feature on one of Shark's tunes. He features on the second single C'mon. The album is already a bit of a greatest hits featuring the singles/tracks below.

A live performance already on Triple J's iconic Like a Version segment as well as a monster national tour happening soon. It's Amy Shark's year, wait it's only May though! Shark already took out my Album of the Year for 2018, will Shark make it two from two?

I am so happy the Album of the Year race is back on. Last Friday was a real return to an avalanche of new music Friday's with this album, Julia Stone, Glades, Big Scary and KUČKA's long awaited debut album all landing.

The Album of The Year will be revealed as usual on Boxing Day, 2021.

Album of the Week - AMY SHARK {Cry Forver}

Sunday Spotlight: Julia Stone

Julia Natasha Stone is one half of Angus & Julia Stone whilst also having a strong solo career.

Her debut solo album, The Memory Machine, was released all the way back in September 2010. As a solo star for well over a decade now, Julia Stone is a true national treasure.

Her second solo album, By the Horns, was released in 2012, peaking at No. 11 on the ARIA Chart. Stone on Friday released her third studio album, Sixty Summers (which you can stream below).

Originally released in 2010, Julia's cover version of You're the One That I Want has been featured on UK and Irish TV channel, Sky's identification ad. A decade later another covered from Stone was released a Beds Are Burning, this time covering Midnight Oil. The song was the lead single from the collaborative album Songs for Australia.

Along with collaborating with her brother Angus, Julia as paired up with Aussie songwriter Jarryd James in 2015 on Regardless. The single peaked at number 48 on the singles chart.

So after the wonderful Big Scary last week, it's another local effort this week. Discover one of Australia's favourite singers below. Not only has Julia Stone been on your radio for over a decade, she topped a Hottest 100 with Angus, remember Big Jet Plane.

Until next week, happy listening...

Streaming... NOW! | Key Friday 30 April, 2021

Kicking off this week it's last week's Sunday Spotlight stars Big Scary, with Daisy. Check out my full Big Scary post here.

The debut album for girl in red dropped yesterday, if i could make it go quiet. Check out Norway's best new(ish) artist.

Glades are back with their second album Planetarium. Just in time for May the Fourth week.

KUČKA has finally dropped her debut record. It's called Wrestling featuring a number of pre release singles.

Manchester Orchestra return with The Million Masks Of God.

Róisín Murphy is a machine, Crooked Machine is the accompanying remix album to Róisín Machine.

Royal Blood release Typhoons their third studio album. The album features Trouble's Coming and ten more rock tunes.

Meet next week's feature star, its Amy Shark with her second record, Cry Forever. Guests include Keith Urban and Blink 182's Travis Barker. Marking her second collab with a Blink 182 member. Remember Mark Hoppus on Psycho.

                                          

Julia Stone is officially tomorrow's Sunday Spotlight. You'll be able to stream Sixty Summers as well as some older tunes including one or two Angus and Julia Stone hits.

Liz Stringer has released a total of eight albums (including a live and a collaboration album) with First Time Really Feeling.

Only one EP this week it's Ali Barter with Chocolate Cake.

Wow! From Jessie Ware back with more new music to local favourites like Allday, CLEWS, Kinder and The Jungle Giants. Big hitters like Garbage and The Jungle Giants are also back with new music. Get amongst it now!

Allday – Stolen Cars

CLEWS – Overluck

CLYPSO – On Our Way

Garbage – No Gods No Masters

Hiatus Kaiyote – Red Room

The Jungle Giants – Treat You Right

Kinder – Bus Stop

Jessie Ware – Please

What So Not & DMA’s – The Change