I just picked up the third release by Australia’s best selling female artist EVER, Delta Goodrem’s amazing CD titled simply Delta, from Best Buy. It came out earlier this week, and I wanted to welcome Delta to the US (finally), and I wish her all of the success here that she has had down under. Delta is one of a slew of amazing artists that we don’t get to hear about over here, even though they are major in their home country of Australia. If you remember, the CD made my top 31 CDs of 2007 (it was number 6), and it is definitely worth picking up. In other music related stuff, I saw Jennifer Hudson’s video for Spotlight (which I featured in the 5SF on June 6th), and I am going to solidly say, that a diva has been BORN! She was flawless in Dreamgirls, and now she is strutting (and singing) the shit out of that video/song and looking fantastic while doing it. I can’t wait for her record.
Also, I don’t know how many of you are on Facebook’s iLike application, but I decided to head over to their website and check out the “full” deal today. My iLike profile name is duanecmoody, so feel free to add me if you are a part of that business.
Not much else is going on with me, other than trying to wrangle transcripts together in order to apply for nursing programs (I’ve already applied to one), and other such mess. I am still hacking from this head cold, but it seems like it is moving on, albeit, slowly. Speaking of slowly, I am still sorting my MANY NYC pictures, and I will be uploading them on flickr in small batches, as to prevent one massive picture dump that no one will pay any attention to.
Oh yeah, one more thing, speaking of flickr, James is now on flickr, so go over and add him, because all of his pictures are for friends/family only. (not sure why, but it isn’t my account, so it isn’t up to me). Hope everyone is having a great Thursday; I am just looking forward to the weekend!
As the list gets closer and closer to number one, it gets harder and harder not to just foam at the mouth, and gush incessantly about how great these CDs are; but for the most part, just understand that I am trying. Up today, at number 6, is the fabulous third album by Aussie bombshell, Delta Goodrem, titled simply, Delta.Having been a fan of Delta’s for some time now, I was eager to hear her new album when read that it would be coming out late this year. What I didn’t expect, was that it would be so amazingly good. While I have liked her records in the past, they have lacked an overall consistency that Delta totally delivers this time around. She molds a pristine pop record, and gives herself completely in each track.
The likeness in voice to Celine Dion may be apparent, but Delta definitely has something Celine is majorly lacking; the talent behind the voice. Delta writes her songs and plays piano beautifully, and doesn’t come across as egotistical or shallow with her powerhouse vocals; in fact, she has a sincerity to her that Celine could learn from. With this album, Delta has clearly taken her music to a new level, and made a greatly crafted, and well produced pop record.
While many of the songs are upbeat, and have sunny disposition, it is clear that she has been through, and continues to struggle with, many different issues in her life. The girl beat cancer on her last album, and on this one, she talks about her struggles with relationships, and the divorce of her parents. Regardless of the topic in these songs, there is no denying that Delta has been able to tap into the best that she has to offer, and for this album, has trimmed away the fat (albeit, it was only a little bit of fat; the other records are quite good) that slow down her previous two efforts. It is still a surprise to me that such a talented artist is practically unheard of here in America; but at least I can say that I am one American that has got my ears pointed towards the land down under. Delta is definitely a treat, and the entire album is a great listen. You will find yourself listening to it over and over again; which is exactly why it made it this high up on my list… I can’t get enough of Delta!
Favorites from Delta:
Woman
[audio:http://www.duanemoody.com/audio/fsf_1026_woman.mp3]
Brave Face
[audio:http://www.duanemoody.com/audio/fsf_1102_braveface.mp3]
The Guardian
[audio:http://www.duanemoody.com/audio/delta-theguardian.mp3] In This Life, I Can’t Break It To My Heart, and One Day (link for youtube video, as always).
Thank goodness it is Friday… it has been “one of those weeks”, if you know what I mean. Time to lull it away with the sweet sounds of music; specifically, the five tracks I have selected for this week’s five song Friday. I hope everyone’s week was better than mine (not that mine was “horrible”, per se), and if not, here’s hoping a jolt from the music offered today will brighten you up in time for the weekend.
This will be the first video free 5SF, so buckle up, because the music is about to begin…
The Cardigans – And Then You Kissed Me
[audio:http://www.duanemoody.com/audio/fsf_1102_thenyoukissed.mp3]
Since I chose the Cardigans as my Monday music suggestion for my flickr group, I thought that I would share one of my all time favorite Cardigans songs from the record Long Gone Before Daylight. The song, And Then You Kissed Me, shows the dark, and very emotionally driven, direction that the Cardigans went with their most recent albums, and in my opinion, marks the most impressive work of their career. This song represents why they are one of my favorite bands. The record from which this song comes from, came after the experimental Gran Turismo, and is probably my favorite Cardigans record of all. If you enjoy this track, be sure to check out the rest of Long Gone Before Daylight, as it has a similar feel. Also, be sure to check out Super Extra Gravity, because it is another great step in that same artistic direction.
Metro Station – Kelsey
[audio:http://www.duanemoody.com/audio/fsf_1102_kelsey.mp3]
This is from Metro Station’s self titled debut, which I discovered when iTunes offered one of their songs (Shake It) as a free download of the week. After listening to that initial track, I figured I would give the record a go, and I was glad that I did; as it is good. This track is probably my favorite from the CD, and really highlights the feel that I got from the group. My first impression of Metro Station, was that they really reminded me of Hellogoodbye and Shiny Toy Guns, two bands I really love, and after listening to the whole CD, I couldn’t have been more correct. If you like Hellogoodbye or Shiny Toy Guns, chances are, Metro Station will be a good listen for you as well; while I must say, they are more like a younger, less experienced Hellogoodbye. While they don’t really nail either band’s sound as well as those bands do (because let’s face it, those are two pretty amazing groups), they do a pretty decent job of creating something pleasant to listen to, with a few tracks being more standout than others (the aforementioned being my favorite). Overall, I am definitely glad to have discovered them, and recommend them to you as well.
Delta Goodrem – Brave Face
[audio:http://www.duanemoody.com/audio/fsf_1102_braveface.mp3]
Last week, I brought you a track from Delta Goodrem’s newest album, Delta, and even threatened to do a whole 5SF composed of nothing but tracks from her amazing new release; but I opted to steer away from that “Delta-overload” at the last minute (not really, but you get where I am going here). However, I did decide that I had not praised Delta enough, so here is another amazing track from her new self-titled release, Brave Face. I can’t tell you how much I have been enjoying this album; I just hope that Delta shows up in the US at some time in the future; it would be a shame to have this talent stay down under.
Aqualung – Glimmer
[audio:http://www.duanemoody.com/audio/fsf_1102_glimmer.mp3]
I had never heard of Aqualung before my friends Barry and Rebekah invited me to go and see them perform, and after seeing them live, I have to say, I am glad I went. I absolutely love their (it is really Matt Hale with a band, but it seems weird to refer to Aqualung as a singular person, so I will keep with the pronoun game, cool?) sound, and had to get the CD once the show was over. The result, was finding one of the best CDs of 2007; seriously, Memory Man is amazing. With a little bit of a Radiohead feel, Aqualung really delivers, and I am so glad that I was introduced to this amazing band. If you enjoy this song, you should definitely check out their other stuff, as I have all of their music on my ipod, and I can tell you; it is all good stuff.
Smashing Pumpkins – That’s The Way (My Love Is)
[audio:http://www.duanemoody.com/audio/fsf_1102_thatstheway.mp3]
Finally today, last but not least, we have a track from the most recent Smashing Pumpkins CD, Zeitgeist. I have to say, I was a little apprehensive when I heard that Smashing Pumpkins were coming back out with new music, especially considering what they released before they bowed out as a band. However, after hearing the first track from this album, I figured I would give it a listen. What I got, was a nice surprise, as much of the album sounds a lot like the Smashing Pumpkins that I fell in love with back in the mid-90s. Hard rocking, guitar driven tracks that really I enjoy. Overall, the album is quite good, and it was nice to see that Billy Corgan still has some of what I fell in love with him for in the beginning. This is one of my favorite tracks from the new album, and I felt it appropriate to put it in this week’s selection because of one of my favorite songs of all time being featured in GHIII, which was released earlier this week (Cherub Rock). Overall, I am glad to see the Pumpkins back and rocking hard…
Well kids, there it is… another 5SF; I hope you enjoyed it. There are some amazingly talented artists represented this week, and I hope that you found something you will enjoy. Let me know, won’t you?!?!
Welcome to another installment of the fabulous Five Song Friday!!! This week, we are all about the ladies! I have always had a thing for female singers, and according to my listening tastes, it is clear they represent the majority; perhaps that hearkens back to a childhood/lifelong obsession with Karen Carpenter?… who knows… but that’s a different story for a different day!
Now, on with the show!
Avril Lavigne – Hot
And that is exactly what this song is… HOT. I have to say, when her CD came out, I really tried to resist liking Girlfriend, because of how obnoxious is can be, but it turns out, that it was more catchy and fun than obnoxious. About the time I fell in love with Girlfriend a couple weeks ago, BAM, Hot hit me right between the ears, and I have been addicted to this song ever since. It is not what I remember about Avirl’s earlier stuff, and I definitely like this direction that she is going. Pop is much more suited to her than the angry little “emo punk” chick that she was (IMHO) trying too hard to be. Keep the look; ditch the attitude… win/win as far as I am concerned. Also, this video is a little treat to my buddy dave, who I know loves the punk/emo girls… as Avirl is looking quite “hot” herself in this video.
Missy Higgins – Where I Stood
Now to switch MAJOR directions, I bring you one of the most beautiful songs I have heard in a long time (man, I say that WAY too much… oh well, right?); Where I Stood, by Missy Higgins. I was watching Smallville last week, and this is the song that they played over a particularly “emotional” moment in the show, and I was like, “I MUST have that song!”. As such, I got Missy’s album, and have been playing this song a lot (as well as the rest of the CD) ever since. Turns out, Missy is pretty huge down under, which is something she has in common with another artist I am featuring this week; Miss Delta Goodrem. I am glad to see some Aussie love coming this way, and hope that this trend increases. If you enjoyed this song, be sure to check out the rest of her CD, which is quite good, by the way.
Now… on with the video-less portion of our show!
Delta Goodrem – Woman
[audio:http://www.duanemoody.com/audio/fsf_1026_woman.mp3]
Now is time to make good with my earlier mention of bringing more Australian artists on board this week’s 5SF, and I’m doing so in a big way. This song, Woman, by Delta Goodrem, is off of her newly released, amazing third album, titled simply, Delta. I got the album earlier this week when it was released, and I promise you, it has not left my CD player. In fact, it was really hard not to just feature five songs by Delta this week, because her new album is amazing. If you have never heard of this Aussie beauty, welcome to the show, because you are sure to be impressed. Delta is a very talented musician, and has an amazing voice; which can be easily compared to Celine Dion. Before you launch a protest because I mentioned Celine, realize that Delta isn’t as “cheesy” as Celine, and has more edge to her, and in my opinion, more talent. I have liked Delta for a quite a while, and I am so pleased to hear such amazing music coming from her. This is a must have CD, and one of the best of the year so far. As my buddy Stu mentioned, it is the album Celine WISHES she could make… but she can’t, because Delta did! If you like this song, be sure to get the rest of the album… you won’t be sorry.
Sugababes – Surprise
[audio:http://www.duanemoody.com/audio/fsf_1026_surprise.mp3]
A few weeks back, I featured About You Now, the lead single off of the Sugababes’ newly released album, Change, and this week, I am going to build on my love for the Sugababes. I am still surprised that this girl group has as yet to break the US market substantially, because they really have got it going on. This song is also from their new release, which I have been slow to get into for whatever reason. It is, however, aptly titled, because when I heard it, I was like, WOW! What a surprise! It is fantastic!!! If you are fan of the Sugababes, you should love this song, because it is easily the best from the new album. The Sugababes prove (yet again) that there is still great pop music being made out there… you just have to go to other countries sometimes to get it! If you enjoy this song, make sure you check out the rest of their new CD, which I am enjoying more and more with each listen!
Britney Spears – Heaven On Earth
[audio:http://www.duanemoody.com/audio/fsf_1026_heaven.mp3]
As I mentioned yesterday, I am pretty excited about Britney’s new album, and will be picking it up on Tuesday after hearing leaked tracks, like this one; Heaven On Earth. Honestly, this song shows Britney doing what she does best, and that is being a pop diva. Whatever you think about Britney doesn’t really matter, because she really does have the music to back it up; she is, and always will be, a pop princess… and her new album PROVES it… regardless of what is going on in her life, the music is really, really good. Honestly, I am elated that she made so many good decisions with regards to the songs she is releasing on Blackout, and I hope that it gets the attention that it deserves. Seriously, there are people saying that this may be the best record of her career, and I think they may be right. Britney, bravo. You have got major applause from me for this one, and I can’t wait to get the record. If you like Britney, pop, and fun music, you should love this track… if not, then perhaps another one of the songs featured today will work for you! Either way, we all have something to enjoy. I just hope that this record is a solid foot in the right direction for dear old Brit. I am routing for you, girl!
I hope everyone is having a great Friday… thanks for tuning in to another Five Song Friday! I hope that you enjoyed the songs, and as always, if you have suggestions for me, let me know!!! I have been really enjoying this weekly feature here at duanemoody.com, and I am sure that I will only get better with time! Have a great weekend everyone, and enjoy the music!
…Where the weather starts to FINALLY cool off. It’s also that time of year where there tends to be a surge of music releases, usually from the heavy hitters; which I always look forward to.
Just recently, we have had great releases from Melissa Etheridge, Annie Lennox, The Pipettes, the Sugababes, Radiohead, among others. I am also certain that there are tons of other great releases out there that I am still waiting to discover; whether they were recent releases or not.
I am also riding high, because just this week, one of my favorite artists from the other side of the world (Australia) released her amazing 3rd album: Delta. I seriously don’t know how Delta Goodrem isn’t huge here, because she is amazing, and given her new album, it is a shame that more people don’t know about this talented singer. I am just glad that I was introduced to her a while back by my buddy Stu… Her new CD is on steady repeat for me right now. Seriously, it is wonderful. She will be featured this week on five song friday, so stay tuned for an introduction to the amazing Delta Goodrem!
There is also so much to look forward to as the rest of year marches on… Not surprisingly, the next release most on the “radar” for me, is Britney’s new CD, which drops Tuesday. While I know there are plenty of people wanting this CD to fail miserably, I have to say, I have heard most of the tracks from the new CD, and, well, I am completely blown away. Britney has done what she needed to do with her music; regardless of what is going on with her life. I for one will be getting it right away, because from what I have heard, it is one of the best pop CDs of the year; and definitely of her career. This new release blows her last CD out of the water. If you like pop music as much as I do, I highly suggest you give it a whirl. If she isn’t your style, then you probably won’t become a fan because of her new stuff… but if she is, you will probably really like what you hear.
Other than that, there are new releases coming from Westlife, Shayne Ward, potentially Girls Aloud, Alicia Keyes, and many others I am sure that I don’t know about yet… But what are you most looking forward to? There have been some amazing releases this year, as evidenced by the growing list of favorites I have, which you can see on my ongoing favorites list page here. I swear, I fell so far out of music just a year or so ago, and coming back in and discovering so much great music to listen to has been amazing. I love exploring new music and new artists, and look forward to the next few months on that life long journey. There really isn’t much in life like experiencing an amazing song, or album. It really is a feeling that can’t be described.
Also, I didn’t really say anything on the main blog, but I have “sort of” gotten into last.fm. I added a link to my profile on the “more than just a blog” link list, so feel free to go and add me as a friend (or just click here). I have to say, that currently, it doesn’t really represent what I really listen to, so I hope that with time, and with some more “scrobbling”, it will eventually get more in tune with what I am listening to. Either way, another neat web app to play around with, right?
Let me know what you are listening to, and what I should be checking out…. I am always looking for the next music selection!!!
Finally, I am also SUPER EXCITED about the release of Guitar Hero III on Monday. I think that I am going to take the day off and shred all afternoon… I LOVE Guitar Hero, and I can’t wait to get my hands on these new songs. I am also excited to get to play it on the Wii! If you are into GH, we should totally get together and jam!
As the list gets closer and closer to number one, it gets harder and harder not to just foam at the mouth, and gush incessantly about how great these CDs are; but for the most part, just understand that I am trying. Up today, at number 6, is the fabulous third album by Aussie bombshell, Delta Goodrem, titled simply, 
Having been a fan of Delta’s for some time now, I was eager to hear her new album when read that it would be coming out late this year. What I didn’t expect, was that it would be so amazingly good. While I have liked her records in the past, they have lacked an overall consistency that Delta totally delivers this time around. She molds a pristine pop record, and gives herself completely in each track. 