There are quite a few festive things that, right at home in the depth of a northern hemisphere winter, are almost comically out of place in a southern hemisphere summery Christmas. Take chestnuts roasting on an open fire. Or walking in a winter wonderland perhaps? Or even dashing through the Continue Reading
Music
Now this is Christmas music: 10 favourite festive tracks + 5 fab indie covers
When you’re a Christmas tragic such as myself, one of the key ingredients to falling headfirst, and utterly, completely and absolutely so into the festive spirit – it begins sometime around the end of November, ending only on Boxing Day or in my case, considerably after that – is music, Continue Reading
On 9th day of Christmas … I listened to Gwen Stefani’s “You Make it Feel Like Christmas”
As a recording artist, it makes sense that you’d be tempted to go Full Throttle Retro Festive when it comes to putting together a Christmas album. After all, consumers of festive tunes know what they like, and what they generally like is for your album of Christmas songs to Continue Reading
On 4th day of Christmas … I listened to Sia’s Everyday is Christmas
Let’s be honest – when it comes to Christmas albums, and I will be the first to admit that I am a slave to these expectations more often than not, there are two major rules that must be followed. 1. The album must feel Christmassy. Granted this is a Continue Reading
Now this is music: Festive chill – SYML, JW Ridley, Liyv, Hundred Waters, Shells
The “Silly Season”, as it’s fondly known in Australia, is well underway, and with it, the swirl of festive fun that is Christmas. Now even if you love the most wonderful time of the year, you’ll have to admit that it can be stressful, busy and bereft of any Continue Reading
Now this is music #100: LANY, Novo Amor and Ed Tullett, Jacob Banks, RYD, Tom Ronsenthal
Our hearts and souls are often filled with so mnay emotions, it can sometimes (or often) feel like you’ll never be able to express them all. And if we do feel like the power to articulate them all lies within us, finding the words, especially when the emotions are Continue Reading
Musicals review: Muriel’s Wedding
Have you ever wished ABBA could be your life guides, there in the tough times with words of advice, leaping out of your bedroom wardrobe to give you company when you’re all alone, and, of course, singing you into a better frame of mind with songs like “Dancing Queen”, Continue Reading
Now this is upbeat fun music: Dagny, Isador, Blonde Maze, Saints of Valory, Striking Matches
It’s my birthday! Well. really my birthday eve since the big day is actually tomorrow when I shall be an age that I shall not reveal, but close enough. And of course, being a birthday, that means there must be joy, celebration and some thoughtful rumination on life’s great Continue Reading
Now these are beguiling beats: Millie Turner, BAYNK, Oliver, Satin Jackets, RAYE
Let’s face it – life gets knda boring with just the one beat keeping you company all day everyday. It’s good to mix things up, keeping a multitude of beats coming and going – and no, before any of you go that way, this is not an encouraging to Continue Reading
Now this is music #99: Charlotte Gainsbourg, Chela, Rae Morris, Butter, Noah Slee
Ever have those moments in life where you feel like a good song would not only soundtrack things perfectly but add immeasurably to what you’re going to? Or at least emote or articulate better than you’re managing at that point? You’re not alone, and these five artists have not Continue Reading