Friday Flash(back) - Pearl Jam - Dark Matter

(Pre) Friday Flash(back)

Last week I explained why Jebediah were the first first in the new series, Friday Flash(back). Spoiler alert tomorrow will focus on 90's rock legends, Pearl Jam's record, Dark Matter.

This is the twelfth studio album by the rock band. Pearl Jam. Dark Matter was recorded over three weeks in 2023 at Shangri-La in Malibu, California.

The album’s packaging features light painting art by Alexandr Gnezdilov. The album cover art was crafted using a large self-made kaleidoscope. Each letter visible on the cover was individually captured and handwritten midair with a specially designed flashlight to create the pearlescent effect.

In the 90's Pear Jam were everywhere. Their debut album, Ten was iconic! In the years to come the group released hit record, after hit record. Vs. in 1993, Vitalogy a year later, No Code in 1996 and Yield in 1998.

The group have embarked on many world tours. This year will be no different with the Dark Matter World Tour coming to Australia.

All the tour dates can be found here, with the group set to arrive in November.

So tomorrow the second Friday Flash(back) will land focusing on Dark Matter, from Seattle's finest. Until then here are a few Pearl Jam classics.

Album of the Week - Offical Music Videos

The Tortured Poets Department: The Anthology - Guests

Album of the Week - TAYLOR SWIFT - {The Tortured Poets Department: The Anthology}

Friday Flash(back) - What is it?

So after a long early 2024 break, I decided to launch into a new blog series. One looking at acts that have been releasing music for years, that finally decide to give us new music. Or if there is a new music drought, nostalgia is in. Well since the COVID years. So I will then shine the spotlight on arecord you may have forgotten or discover foe the first time?

So first up, it's a local act, Jebediah. Can I just say, my first EVER concert was Prince. My first all ages local gig was, Jebediah, Bodyjar and Red Jezebel. It was a great gig at Sutherland Entertainment Centre. I even tried my first (and last) cigarette that day. Yes it was a daytime gig, a triple bill, with great music from three excellent local bands.

Jebediah and Bodyjar went on to be regular fixtures, while Red Jezebel came later with a radio hit, Kicking Deadly Sins.

So to Jebediah and the origins of their album Oiks. Last September, Jebediah released Gum Up the Bearings, their first new single in over a decade.

Following a national tour in support of Gum Up the Bearings, the band announced their sixth studio album OIKS. 

Released on 12 April 2024 via Cooking Vinyl Australia, it is great seeing/hearing Jebediah on the radio again. They were Double J's feature record all this week too.

So each Friday, come back hear some new music from a band that might not still be on your radar. Like the other day Vampire Weekend released a new album. I hadn't heard from them in years. They were also one of the best live acts I have ever seen at Sydney's Metro Theatre.

So here is a look back/look at Jebediah, then and now!

Friday Flash(back) - Jebediah - Oiks

Album of the Year Nomination #3 - TYLA - Tyla

It's exciting the Album of the Year Nomination's keep coming, however first up, reminder to come back tomorrow for a brand new blog series. It will be loads of fun. I promise.

Now joining the brilliant PNAU and Beyoncé, it's time for the third Album of the Year Nomination.

Tyla recently gave us her debut self-titled album, the album joins the Album of the Year race for 2024!

The South African singer Tyla, released the record on 22 March 2024. Following the international breakthrough single Water.

The record is loaded with guests Kelvin Momo, Tems, Gunna, Skillibeng, Becky G, and Travis Scott. 

Recording for the debut, took place in seven countries over two and a half years as Epic Records focused on fostering the singer's formal studio experience. 

Production and songwriting on the album was from Tyla, herself, Ari PenSmith, Mocha Bands, Believve and Sammy SoSo. They are also known as the Fantastic Four" 

Water, Truth or Dare & Art have all been released as singles. I am still totally obsessed with Water whilst also loving Jump with Gunna and Skillibeng.

This is a classy, fun, sexy record. One you should all get across in 2024. So stream the album below right now. 2024 is really turning out to be a great year for music!

Album of the Week - Offical Music Videos

Album of the Week - NIA ARCHIVES - {Silence Is Loud}

Album(s) of the Week (you might have missed) - Guests

Album(s) of the Week (you might have missed) - Offical Music Videos

Album(s) of the Week (you might have missed) - DOJA CAT - {Scarlet 2 Claude}

Album(s) of the Week (you might have missed) - LOGIC1000- {Mother}

Album(s) of the Week (you might have missed) - TYLA- {Tyla}

Cowboy Carter - Guests

Album of the Year Nomination #2 - Beyoncé - Cowboy Carter

Beyoncé is back baby! Almost a month before the new Tay-Tay record, Beyoncé came through with the country goods. Cowboy Carter (also referred to as Act II: Cowboy Carter) is the eighth studio album by the queen. Landing on Good Friday following two blockbuster singles Texas Hold 'Em & 16 Carriages.

Cowboy Carter is the second installment of Beyoncé's trilogy project conceived during the COVID-19 pandemic, following Renaissance (2022). 

Following the Renaissance smash hits, that were slightly more dance floor friendly, Cowboy Carter has taken Beyoncé in a whole new direction. There is no Cuff It or Break My Soul here.

We do get alongside Beyoncé, some  Dolly Parton, Linda Martell, Willie Nelson, Tanner Adell, Brittney Spencer, Tiera Kennedy, Reyna Roberts, Shaboozey and Willie Jones, Miley Cyrus, Post Malone, Rhiannon Giddens, Stevie Wonder, Nile Rodgers, Raye, Ryan Beatty and Jon Batiste. 

Yep its a fully stacked record with guests. At a first listen II Most Wanted with Miley Cyrus is my favourite tune following my love affair with Texas Hold 'Em.

Upon release, Cowboy Carter was met with critical acclaim for Beyoncé's embrace of country music in context of celebrating the genre's Black roots with emphasis on the vocal performance and lyrics. 

Of course Beyoncé fans, know she was born and raised in Houston, Texas. This is a city rich with cowboy heritage and country and zydeco music played a role in her upbringing.

This record was over five years in the making, with Beyoncé beginning to write the album in 2019 and continuing its recording throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.

So Beyoncé now joins PNAU in the race to the Album of 2024. No doubt there are more nominations to come in the race, so stay tuned.

Of course the Album of 2024 will be announced later in December 2024.

Album of the Week - Offical (Lyric) Music Videos

Album of the Week - Beyoncé - {COWBOY CARTER}

Album of the Year Nomination #1 - PNAU - Hyperbolic

Kicking off way earlier than last year, it's time to start the Album of the Year Nominations for 2024! The race is on!

Like G Flip last year, we are off to a local start to the Album of the Year Nomination race. With the Album of the Year for 2024 to be announced in December, expect another nomination ahead of our next April public holiday.

Hyperbolic is the sixth studio album by local trio PNAU.

Released on late March, it was the feature record prior to the Easter madness. This is PNAU's first album in seven years since 2017's Changa.

Featuring collaborations with Empire of the Sun, Khalid, Kira Divine, Marques Toliver, Bebe Rexha, Ozuna, Troye Sivan, Ladyhawke, and Emily Wurramara. The album has a stacked guest list!

The record is all killer, dance floor filler!

PNAU have been killing it since the late 90's. This album is more a collection of killer songs that date back to 2019's Solid Gold. They are the comeback kings, the comeback with Changa after the less than successful Soft Universe, following their blockbuster self-titled release.

The Elton John Good Morning to the Night was a bit of a random side step too.

So it is great to have the trio back with the terrific Hyperbolic. Jack Tregoning's review from The Guardian sums up the album perfectly "What's immediately obvious about Hyperbolic is that it's prefabbed for the Spotify age, with six of its ten songs previously released, leaving just four for fans to discover anew. It's not so much an album with a deeply considered build, but rather a neat container for playlistable songs." Tregoning also said "Pnau just wants to feel good all the time – subtlety be damned."

It is great to have the album of the year race on post Easter, along with this blog returning back with multiple posts per week. So treat yo-self and stream the new album below, it really is the ultimate long weekend record!

Young in Love - Guests

Album of the Weekend - Offical Music Videos

You can find this weekend's feature album - https://randyandy24.blogspot.com/

With all posts moving over HERE for a few more days! Stream the new record right HERE

Music will be loud and proud, back here from Tuesday! 

Hyperbolic - Guests

Album of the Week - Offical Music Videos

You can find this weeks feature album - https://randyandy24.blogspot.com/

With all posts moving over HERE until around Easter 2024. Meaning this is the last post of this nature for a bit. So much new music right now. Easter incoming. New PNAU, let's GOOOOOOOOO!

Stream the new record right HERE

Album of the Week - Offical Music Videos

P!nk

I was never a huge fan of Alecia Beth Moore (born professionally as P!nk), however after doing enough Les Mills Pump and RPM classes, I hear at least one to five P!nk songs per week.

With a big weekend of live music for this old duck. It was two very different gigs. P!nk Saturday night, Fred Again.. Sunday afternoon, a perfect St Patricks Day combo!

I still remember being in year 12, doing the HSC when Can't Take Me Home (2000) was released to moderate success. I feel she was more popular in Australia than the US at this point.

Pink linked up a year later with  Christina Aguilera, Lil' Kim and Mýa on Lady Marmalade.

P!nk shifted her sound to pop rock with her second studio album, Missundaztood (2001). And yes back in my first years of study outside of high school, I danced away to Get the Party Started. The album then went on to sell over 13 million copies worldwide. 

Pink's third studio album, Try This (2003), sold significantly less than her second studio album, but won her second Grammy Award for Best Female Rock Performance. 

Her fourth and fifth studio albums, I'm Not Dead (2006) and Funhouse (2008), saw a commercial rebound and spawned the top-ten singles Who Knew (Les Mills Pump song) and U + Ur Hand, as well as the number-one single So What. 

Pink's sixth album, The Truth About Love (2012), became her first Billboard 200 number-one album and spawned her fourth US number-one single, Just Give Me a Reason (featuring Nate Ruess). 

Her following albums, Beautiful Trauma (2017) and Hurts 2B Human (2019), saw continued success and likewise debuted atop the Billboard 200 chart, with the former becoming the third best-selling album of that year worldwide. 

Her ninth and latest studio album, Trustfall (2023), peaked at number two on the chart. With the lead single being an RPM warm up, while being co-writtern and produced by Fred Again..

P!nk did mention she saw Fred Again.. during the week, while he was playing multiple arena shows, secret gigs, finishing at the Domain.

The audience interaction along with aerial stunts at the gig were incredible. P!nk definitely is one of a kind. The crowd loved every minute of the (now veteran) performer. Over 20 years in the game while still being able to sell out Accor Stadium. Yes that's Sydney Olympic Park my Sydney-siders. She did play at the closer Sydney Football Stadium earlier in the tour.

Unlike Taylor Swift, this tour (Summer Carnival) has gone on and on and on. Even visiting cities like Newcastle and Townsville.

Her distinctive raspy voice and acrobatic stage presence, makes P!nk a must see in concert!

She has sold over 135 million records worldwide (60 million albums and 75 million singles).

P!nk was also the second-most-played female solo artist in the United Kingdom during the 2000s decade, behind only Madonna, while Billboard named P!nk the Pop Songs Artist of the 2000s Decade. 

Her accolades include three Grammy Awards, two Brit Awards (including Outstanding Contribution to Music), a Daytime Emmy Award and seven MTV Video Music Awards and two MTV Europe Music Awards. 

Here were a couple of highlights from the stacked 20 plus song set! Incredible. I may not be a mega fan, but I at least finally get the P!nk impact!

You can find this weeks feature album - https://randyandy24.blogspot.com/

With all posts moving over HERE until around Easter 2024. Stream the new record right HERE

Live Music Weekend Wrap coming...

Sydney has delivered LIVE music gold this weekend. P!nk and Fred Again.. Posts incoming here or from my other blog next week. What a vibe Sydney!

You can find this weeks feature album - https://randyandy24.blogspot.com/

With all posts moving over HERE until around Easter 2024. Stream the new record right HERE

You can find this weeks feature album - https://randyandy24.blogspot.com/

With all posts moving over HERE until around Easter 2024. Stream the new record right HERE

Album of the Week - Offical Music Videos

Taylor Swift

The Tortured Poets Department is the next album from Taylor Swift (her 11th record) is set for release on April 19.

This follows the 66th Annual Grammy Awards, after winning Best Pop Vocal Album for her record from 2022, Midnights.

The album consists of sixteen songs, including collaborations with Post Malone and Florence and the Machine. Why am I hyping up the next Swift record while this blog is on break? Because I was lucky enough to attend the Eras Tour (2023–2024), the biggest tour to date.

Yes I attended the tour post a flight in from Saigon, however the show was FIRE! Taylor really is a super slayer on stage. The crowd was just in the palm of her hand from the opening number. Even in the Ice Spice/Lady Gaga intro. The crowd was wild. Full of Swifties young and old, Sydney Olympic Park had its biggest moment since the 2000 Olympic Games.

Not long till Easter, so until then here are my highlights from the Era gig. Brilliant!

You can find this weeks feature album - https://randyandy24.blogspot.com/

With all posts moving over HERE until around Easter 2024. Stream the new record right HERE

You can find this weeks feature album - https://randyandy24.blogspot.com/

With all posts moving over HERE until around Easter 2024. Stream the new record right HERE

You can find this weeks feature album - https://randyandy24.blogspot.com/

With all posts moving over HERE until around Easter 2024. Stream the new record right HERE

It's that time of the year...

Happy Lunar New Year y'all! I'll be back here around Easter. For now limited posts (including the feature record posts) HERE

Grammys 2024 MixTape

My predictions were HERE, the winners can be found HERE. So let's celebrate some of the BIG winners here. Including our very own Kylie's Padam Padam!

Album of the Week - Offical Music Videos

Album of (NEXT) Week - THE LAST DINNER PARTY {Prelude to Ecstasy}

Last week till Q1 shutdown, returning Easter

Last year I shut this blog down for a break mid-March for a lengthy break. This year I am only off for a brief Lunar New Year trip to Vietnam, to ring in the year of the Dragon.

So from Monday you will have this blog for another few days, before returning to normal programming early April. Can you believe it, by then Easter will be done and dusted!

You will still be able to keep across the feature albums, as I'm moving the feature album and selected music posts to my other blog.

Randy Andy's Weak in Review contains piles of TV and film reviews, which you can check out here.

I'll leave you with a live version of a track from next week's feature record.

Orquídeas - Guests

Album of the Week - Offical Music Videos

Rudimental

Back to our new feature album tomorrow, for now back to the long weekend at the Australian Open Finals Festival with Rudimental.

DJ's Latifa Tee, Cooper Smith and a set from Groove Armada closed out the Sunday night session. There was a Pride session along with a more rock based Saturday with DMA's, Ruel and The Jungle Giants.

However for me, Rudimental, the British drum and bass group really tore the pushed back roof of John Cain Arena.

The group have been nominated for a Mercury Prize (2013), whilst winning several awards including the Brit Award, and the MOBO Award for Best Album.

I remember hearing them first in 2012, with the BIG single Feel the Love. Originally featuring singer John Newman, the track just went off alongside fellow John Newman track, Not Giving In. Dancing is Healing was also a vibe. A recent UK top hit, while These Days was a fun sing a long.

They also brought some Aussie pride with a cover of Torn.

Sydney has a lot of catching up to do, to bring the vibes of the Australian Open, plus its finals festival. Great vibe, great energy, great crowd along with all being so close to the CBD.

Here are some Rudimental favourites to get us through this long working week!

Album of the Week - KALI UCHIS - {Orquídeas}

Nostalgia Singles of 2023 - Summer Music Lists Special - Part Four

1. Taylor Swift - Anti-Hero
2. The Weeknd - Die For You
3. Taylor Swift - Cruel Summer
4. RAYE & 070 Shake - Escapism
5. Glass Animals - Heatwaves
6. Tiësto - 10:35 {Feat. Tate McRae}
7. Elton John, Dua Lipa - Cold Heart (PNAU Remix)
8. The Killers - Mr Brightside
9. The Weeknd - Save Your Tears
10. Fleetwood Mac - Dreams
11. The Kid LAROI & Justin Bieber - Stay
12. Post Malone and Swae Lee - Sunflower
13. J.Cole - No Role Models
14. Oliver Tree & Robin Schulz  - Miss You
15. Dua Lipa - Levitating
16. Vance Joy - Riptide
17. Steve Lacy - Bad Habit
18. The Weeknd - Blinding Lights
19.The Weeknd/Daft Punk - Starboy
20. Taylor Swift - Blank Space

Club Trax of 2023 - Summer Music Lists Special - Part Three

1. Peggy Gou - (It Goes Like) Nanana
2. MK/Dom Dolla - Rhyme Dust
3. Dom Dolla/Nelly Furtado - Eat Your Man
4. Fisher/Kita Alexander - Atomsphere
5. Fisher/Aatig - Take it Off
6. Dom Dolla - Saving Up
7. Dave Winnel - Alergia
8. Calvin Harris/Ellie Goulding - Miracle
9. Jack Traunt/Oggie - Good Vibes
10. Jamie Jones - Lose My Mind
11. Dave Winnel - Bamboleo
12. LO'99 - Bumpin'
13. Cassö, D-Block Europe, & RAYE - Prada
14. Sonny Fodera & MK - Asking {Feat. Clementine Douglas}
15. Riva Starr - How it Feels
16. Troye Sivan - Rush
17.Odd Mob - XTC
18. Odd Mob & OMNOM - Losing Control
19. John Summit & Hayla - Where You Are
20. Kenya Grace - Strangers

Summer Music Lists - Return on the LONG Weekend

Not long to wait for the final two Summer Music Lists for the 2024 summer. We go to the club and back in time. Something new for the first time on my Summer Music List journey. To get you ready here are some current club tunes to bring in the long weekend.

Midnight Highlight - Guests

Album of the Week - Offical (Lyric) Music Videos

Becky Hill

Rebecca Hill or simply Becky Hill rose to prominence after appearing on the first series of The Voice UK, auditioning with John Legend's Ordinary People. 

In June 2014 she became the first (and only thus far) The Voice UK contestant to score a UK number 1 single when the song Gecko (Overdrive) (with Oliver Heldens).

Back in 2022, she received two Brit Awards nominations, including British Song of the Year for Remember with David Guetta, and Best Dance Act, which she won two years in a row in 2022 and 2023.

Becky's upcoming second studio album; is confirmed to be released this year, so no better time for her first (sold out) visit to Australia.

Last year, my favourite Hill release Disconnect landed. Another collaboration for Hill, with English DJ duo Chase & Status. This will serve as the second single from her upcoming second album. Disconnect became her sixth top ten hit in the UK.

I was so happy to be in the crowd for her first Sydney show. With collobrations with MK, David Guetta, Sigala, Meduza, Tiësto and Sonny Fodera, Hill is on the top of her dance game.

I look forward to this second release from Hill.

I know it's early in the week, however it's never to early to Disconnect and DANCE baby!

Album of (NEXT) Week - BOO SEEKA {Midnight Highlight}

Album of Next Week - Returns Sunday

Who is the second feature star of the week? It's Ben "Boo" Gumbleton, AKA Boo Seeka. The first Australian feature record of 2024! Check out a couple of older Boo Seeka favourites below. Happy Friday!

Where else have you seen/heard Scott Ramon Seguro Mescudi?

Your feature star this week is not just a music legend, Scott Mescudi AKA Kid Cudi can be found starring in... 

The hit HBO series How to Make It in America (2010), along with feature films: Goodbye World (2013), Need for Speed (2014), Entourage (2015), Bill & Ted Face the Music (2020), Don't Look Up (2021), and X (2022). 

Whilst also making appearances on TV shows like, One Tree Hill, The Cleveland Show, Brooklyn Nine-Nine, and Westworld. 

Cudi returned to HBO in  2020 for the excellent mini-series, We Are Who We Are. Take a look at some of the trailers below.