Sunday, December 21, 2014

Page-turners for 2014...

So, I actually haven't read a whole lot this year, but what I did read packed a punch.  The most influential book I read was Tara Moss' debut non-fiction book 'The Fictional Woman'. (It's challenged me to read more books with strong female lead characters, and looking to read more books written by women. Who tells the story matters. The book has also made me think critically about the books I'm reading my son.

Mark Isaacs book about what is/has been happening on Nauru made for depressing (but essential) reading.  

Two very different books were Victoria Williamson on the Psychology of Music, and Addie Zierman's 'When We Were on Fire' (just a brilliant memoir about growing up in the church). 

Bully for them - ed Fiona Scott-Norman, was a fascinating collection of stories from famous Australian's about ther experience of being bullied at school. 

I have read a few books highlighting the 'Gillard years' - Bewitched & bedevilled: women write the Gillard years - ed Samantha Trenoweth, and The Stalking of Julia Gillard - Kerry Anne Walsh. I highly recommend reading both, whatever you thought of Prime Minister Gillard at the time.

Friday, December 12, 2014

All of the Pieces (EP) - Reigan

It is no secret that my favourite performer during the X-Factor this year was Reigan Derry. During the show, I felt that she would be someone we would hear more of, no matter where she finished in the show.

Today she released her EP 'All of the pieces', featuring one of her own songs, and some of her favourites from among the songs she performed on the show. The four covers on the EP are, 'Dog Days are Over'. 'Only Girl (in the World), 'Stay with Me', and (my favourite) Hallelujah. These are full versions as distinct from the performances during the show, and arranged slightly differently to the show.

I really love how All of the Pieces highlights her voice, and it does fit beautifully with the other songs on the EP. I think her version of Hallelujah is close to my favourite. She has such a beautiful and authentic voice, which comes across throughout the EP, and I'm looking forward to hearing more, from her.

She performed Hallelujah & All of the Pieces on 'The Morning Show' and Sunrise this morning, and its worth checking out both.

Thursday, December 04, 2014

Favourite music for the year

Taking some time to think about the music which I've been listening to this year.  The albums which have been played a lot were - U2's Songs of Innocence, Dan & Lauren Smith, Marketa Irglova, The Likes of Us, Alison Brook, Coldplay and Gemma Hayes.

A couple of other albums I bought this year, excluded from my favourite list were the recording of INXS' Wembley show (from 1991) and Coldplay's live recording of their new album 'Ghost Stories'.

I've also heard some really great EPs - the ones that stood out Lizzie Marvelly, Andrew Osenga, Kyler England, Cassie, Glen Hansard and I'm looking forward to hearing Reigan Derry's EP. 

So, here's my top five..

(1) Gemma Hayes - Bones & Longing
Beautifully haunting and melancholy. Songs that linger in your mind. Hayes' music demands a greater audience. Go and get a copy (and then explore her other CDs.) 

(2) U2 - Songs of Innocence
I've written about this one elsewhere, but I'm getting more from it each time I listen. Given the recently announced tour is called iNNOCENCE & eXPERIENCE I'm guessing there's a Songs of Experience coming out soon (or at least before the tour starts next May (in Vancouver).

(3) Dan & Lauren Smith - All my hope
One of my favourite Christian CDs of the year. 

(4) Marketa Irglova - Muna
Just a gorgeous voice.  My favourite song 'Without a Map', features her singing the Lord's Prayer. Lovely.

(5) Coldplay - Ghost Stories
One of the bands I haven't seen in concert yet that I would like to. If you don't like Coldplay I'm not sure the album will change that.  'True Love' is one of the best songs Martin has written. The live album & film is great too, hoping for a tour in 2015, but we'll see.

Lizzie Marvelly & Kyler England's EPs are also favourites for the year. Though I don't usually count EPs in my top 5, but both have been on fairly heavy rotation. And looking forward to hearing more from them both.