Out of the Dust - Lead me through [Review]

I actually don't know how I came across Out of the Dust.  I have a feeling it was on a compilation I downloaded from Noisetrade.  Out of the Dust are a husband and wife duo, that remind me of 'All Sons and Daughters' and 'Jenny & Tyler'. Their music features beautiful harmonies, and brilliantly encouraging and challenging lyrics.

What has really spoken to me about their music is how honest it is. The album has six songs, which powerfully remind the listener that God is with us in our darkest nights guiding and leading us.  God is restoring us to himself and each other.

You can read the story of how God worked in their lives here, and their trust and reliance on God is clearly evident in their songs.  The songwriting is the clear highlight of the album.  Each song builds on that message. My favourite is 'How to Love', which is a prayer that God would teach them to love. My favourite line is  'Even though we're broken hope is rising // From humility // Hand-in-hand we face this we are not A strand of two but three // We will overcome this  // Love is never too lost to redeem'.

2014 Cricinfo Awards

I look forward to the Cricinfo Awards each year. The awards are a reminder of the standout individual performances through the year. Between six and ten performances are nominated for both batting and bowling in each format of the game. Here are my picks, you can see the full list here. I've picked one that's not on the list, (and I'd love to see add best performances in Women's international cricket to the list).

Test Batting:
Brendan McCallum - 302 (v India). For me, the easiest to pick. When he came in NZ were 3/52, in there second innings still 194 behind India, (they slipped to 5/94 soon after).  He became NZs first triple-century maker, sharing a record partnership with Watling along the way. I remember riding every ball on the fourth day while he moved 281 to 302.

Test Bowling
It'd be nice to pick Mark Craig the NZ off-spinner who took 7-94 against Pakistan to bring NZ back into the match, but Mitchell Johnson's spell against South Africa is probably the stand-out. The other honorable mention is the Bangladeshi Taijul Islam (who took 8 for 39 v Zimbabwe). These are the best figures by a Bangladeshi bowler and turned a very even test Bangladesh's way.

ODI Batting
No contest, Rohit Sharma who made 264 (173 balls) against Sri Lanka. Sharma scored more than Sri Lanka. Sharma is the only man to score two double-hundreds in international One-Day Cricket.

The honorable mention, is Corey Anderson, who made 131 (from 47 balls, the hundred came in 36 balls)

ODI Bowling
Binny's 6/4 would be my choice.  When he came on Bangladesh were 2/58 chasing 105. Binny picked off the batsman one by one.

T-20 Batting
Stephan Myburgh (Netherlands) for his 63 (off 23 balls). The Netherlands needed to make 190 in 14.2 overs to qualify for the World T20 Cup. With Myburgh on fire, they made them in 13.5 overs. Chantelle Edwards' 92* against Australia, would be my second pick.

T-20 Bowling
Rangana Herath's 5/3 enabled Sri Lanka to defend 120 against NZ at the World T20.

Covers - Christa Wells [EP] - Review

I was pretty excited when Christa Wells posted that she was preparing an EP of cover songs from the 1980s & 1990s. The 80s & 90s was when I really got into music, and the bands I discovered during those years became the soundtrack to my life.

What I was looking forward to in Christa's project was being reintroduced to some of my own 'friends', and being introduced to some of the 'friends' she has shared her journey with.

The cover art for the EP beautifully echoes this point. The cover created the impression of Christa taking you for a walk through her memories and pointing out a few key ones in the gallery. Christa was sharing the sooundtrack to parts of her life, so openly and honestly. 

The five songs on the EP are - Last Night I Dreamt That Somebody Loved Me (The Smiths), Come as You Are (Nirvana), One (U2), Waiting for the Night (Depeche Mode), Tonight, Tonight (The Smashing Pumpkins). Prior to hearing the EP, I hadn't much from The Smiths or Depeche Mode before. I'll be checking more of their music out.

My highlight is the recording of 'One'. Just love the harmony between Christa and Kaleb Jones. As you will know from reading this blog I am a big U2 fan, and this certainly has to be one of the best U2 covers I've heard. Waiting for the Night, will become one of my new favourite songs.

I recommend taking the time to listen to the EP, through headphones, in the dark.

On the sporting field - 2014

The two standout moments from the year were Brendan McCallum’s innings of 302 against India. When he came in, NZ were in real trouble; his innings enabled NZ to save the game.

McCallum’s had a great year - his innings against Pakistan in November turned that test too. It’s hard to fault his leadership on (and off) the field too.  For mine, he'd captain the test team of the year.

It's easily the best year I can remember for NZ Cricket, since Hadlee and Crowe were playing. Hoping that its a good omen for the World Cup. Here's Cricinfo's take on NZ's year in cricket - which mentions a number of details I forgot. (Chloe Saltau's Test team of 2014 is pretty well on the money)

The second, was Auckland FC, who finished third in December’s World Club Championship (beating the Moroccan champions, the African champions, the Mexican champions, and a gallant 2-1 loss (after extra time) to the South American champions.  Maybe there are good things on the horizon for NZ soccer. ;)

The year ended with the tragic death of Phillip Hughes, Martin Crowe's comments are worthwhile reading.

Other notes on the year:

The Football World Cup --  Germany became the first European team to win the world cup in South America. A world cup of surprises, specifically with Brazil and defending champions Spain no doing so well. The first half of the Germany-Brazil game was unforgettable. On the flipside was how well Colombia, Chile did. (Australia were courageous… but still have work to do, and the Asian Cup will be a big test for them).

The Swans had a great season, the only sour note was their performance in the Grand Final. Hopefully better things in 2015.  The Rabbits won their first premiership in my life-time.  I can hardly believe it, but NSW won the State of Origin.  NZ’s performance in the Four Nations was pretty impressive (they are on a two game winning streak against the Kangaroos).

The Winter Olympics & Commonwealth games were held this year too, but I can’t remember much of either, aside from the fact that the Diamond's dominance over the Silver Ferns continued, and the NZ Seven's team lost ;) The Hockey World Cups were held this year too, with Netherlands winning the Women's and Australia the Men's. (As an aside, would love to see the Men's and Women's Football World Cups held simultaneously like for the Hockey).

On to 2015... 
Looking forward to a few World Cup’s next year, the Men’s Cricket World Cup, the Rugby Union World Cup , the Women’s Football World Cup and the Netball World Cup.; not to mention the AFL & NRL. At least the Swan's Grand Final loss is now last year, and April is not too far away ;)  On the NRL, all I want for 2015 is a consistently good Warriors' team.

It’s going to be a great year.

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.

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.

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. 

Songs of Innocence - U2

Was so stoked when I heard you could download the new U2 album for free from the i-tunes store. Given the response I had to their 2009 album, 'No Line on the Horizon', I was a little bit nervous before I listened to the new album for the first time. 

A few observations, 

• it is Adam and Larry's album, they really drive the songs. 

• The album is a tour of the Dublin they grew up in, and perhaps the most personal album they have recorded to date.  Songs on Bono's mother, their musical influences, and growing up in Ireland. 

• The lyrics are certainly among the strongest Bono has written. 

• It will be interesting to see the form the tour takes, its seem certain that it will more intimate than the last few.  Would love to hear these songs, played with in orchestra. 

Will be interesting to see how Songs of Experience compliments the album, when (yes I am an optimist) it is released).  On that point, U2 have recorded a musical version of the introduction to Blake's 'Songs of Experience collection', and you can find it on the deluxe edition of the remaster of 'The Joshua Tree'. (Would love to see it being played as the intro or outro on the tour, but I suspect that's unlikely). 

My favourite songs:

Every Breaking Wave, Song for Someone, The Troubles (ft's Swedish singer Lykke Li), Raised by Wolves. 

X-Factor 2014 - review...

I have  been meaning to post this for a while, but now we've got to the Grand Final, I realised I should post about the show. 

This isn't really news to anyone, but its not a music show. First and foremost it is a popularity content, with the added bonus of singing.  

The three acts competing in the final are Marlisa, Dean Ray & Brothers 3. In my opinion (and the i-tunes sales) Dean Ray should win next week.  But given it is decided by a public vote, I won't be surprised if Brothers 3 win. Would be intrigued to see how the rankings would have changed if i-tunes sales were included. 

Reigan Derry, was my favourite in the show, and while I am sad to see her out. I will be buying her album when it comes out (hopefully soon). Have a listen to her original 'Ink on Skin' here.  

My favourite performances from the show were: Reigan's performances of 'Hallelujah'; 'Creep' and 'Burn for You' and Dean Ray's performances of 'Hurt', 'Reckless' and 'Mr Brightside. 

Here's the video of Hallelujah. 

Will still watch the final to see how it all ends. :) 

Book review - The Fictional Woman - Tara Moss

Last year the Lieutenant General David Morrison give a speech about the investigation into the Australian Army - one line especially resonated with me - 'the standard you walk past is the standard you set'. It has certainly given me pause to think about the world in which we live, and especially how our society portrays woman. Coupled with this, is that I am now raising a son, and it matters what I say and how I behave. The greatest influences will be what I do and what I leave unsaid (implicit approval).

I think I first heard Tara Moss on ABC's Q&A program during 2012, and my recollection is that she was one of the more articulate panelists - bringing a great perspective to the issues. The work she did to bring to light what was happening on Manus Island earlier this year was impressive.

With both those points in mind, when I heard she was writing her first non-fiction book, I was intrigued and looking forward to reading the book. Even more when I hear her on QandA & at Stanton Library recently.

Her book, The Fictional Woman begins with a series of powerful statistics, about the number of women in parliament, in cabinet, number of female story-tellers, in our papers and in popular culture (books, films, art). I don't recall the book talking about music, but I suspect similar stats would be found (any top 100 list, music hall of fame of inductees).

These statistics matter, because they are the voices we hear, and the voices that shape how we understand the world. It is sad to read the stats around the number of female characters in film, novels, and TV who are in positions of influence and power.

That 80 % of working characters in G rated films are males matters, that not one had a female working in medical science, law or politics matters.  One show, I was put onto recently, which challenges this, is the Danish TV show Borgen, I suspect West Wing (and Newsroom) would too.

In summary, I can't recommend this book highly enough, for everybody to read. In some ways, there's nothing new in this book, but sadly, it does reflect the world we are living in, and understanding this point is the first step to change.

Page-tuners.

Taking a break from sport & music to write a little about the books on my reading lists.

Just finished: 
Victoria Williamson - You are the music
Great book about how music reveals our humanity. Dr Vicky Williamson's book highlights the power of music through the lifecourse - beginning in-utero.  Apparently listening to Mozart doesn't make you smarter (sorry). The book talks about music and health, music and memory, our old friend the 'ear-worm' aka the 'song stuck in your head', and much more.  Really enjoyable read - her website is great too.

Nick Cater - The Lucky Culture
A fascinating point of view about Australian History & culture.I did find it worthwhile reading though I didn't agree with everything (his view on the ABC; and the environmental movement being two examples).

Reading:
Tara Moss - The Fictional Woman (most of the way through this now, and will write more of my thoughts in a separate post once I've finished).
Phil Rees - Dining with Terrorists

To Read
Kerry-Anne Walsh - The Stalking of Julia Gillard - another take on the PM'ship of Gilliard.
Mark Isaacs - The Undesirables (Inside Nauru) 
Les Murray - The World Game
Jang Jin-Sung - Dear Leader
Fiona Scott-Norman (ed) - Bully for them. (some famous Australians talk about their experiences in school).
Rob Oakeshott - The Independent Member for Lyne

Talking sport...

Super XV

• Congrats to the Waratahs reaching their first(?) Super Rugby Final - to be played in Sydney next Saturday night. Sadly - they're playing at Homebush. Would be better off to play at SFS, yep smaller crowd but definitely a better atmosphere. Their opponents are the Crusaders who eliminated the Sharks with a 38-6 win.  The Waratahs deserve to start favourites, and have handled that tag reasonably well. 

AFL

• So, the order of the top four is definitely not certain; given Sydney play Port Adelaide (Essendon is another danger game for them); Hawthorn to play Geelong & Fremantle; Geelong tackle Fremantle & Hawthorn, Port Adelaide play Sydney & Fremantle. Fremantle have the toughest run playing Hawthorn, Geelong and Port Adelaide. The game (& margin) between Fremantle & Port Adelaide is most likely going to determine who finishes fourth. 
• My top eight prediction is (in order) Sydney, Geelong, Hawthorn, Port Adelaide, Fremantle, Essendon, Adelaide, North Melbourne.
• It's just as tough at the bottom with five teams, North Melbourne, Essendon, Adelaide, Collingwood, & Gold Coast battling for the three spots in the eight. I think you can now draw a line through the Gold Coast after their last two losses. 
• After the game between Sydney & Hawthorn, they are now the favourites to win the flag - I lean slightly to Hawthorn, but I'm hoping the Swans learn the lessons from last nights game and reverse the result. If Hawthorn win the flag, it will be one of their best given the events of the season. 

NRL

• Great win by Newcastle against the Roosters - one of their best in recent years. 
• Warriors are out of the eight on percentage - was always going to be hard without Johnson. 
• Sea Eagles are clear favourites for the title now. Top of the table, second best differential (+130). 

The Voice - Finale...

So, the winner of 'The Voice, 2014' was Anja Nissen.  Always felt it would be one of the singers from Team Will or Team Ricky. My pick was Jackson though. That said, the there were some great singers on the show this year - I can't wait to hear more from each of them.  Did they ditch the performance of the winners single?

My favourite moments from the show, were, Clown sung by Thando & Candice, I Know Him So Well sung by Megan & Brittanie; Strong sung by Robbie & Jackson.  Anja's version of His Eye Is On The Sparrow, John Lingaird's I Will Follow You into Dark, Jackson's When the War is Over, Gabriel & Cecilia's I Dreamed a Dream & Smells Like Teen Spirit.

Now changing the channel and jumping to the X-Factor :) 

Talking sport...

AFL (First half of round 18)

• Fascinating round - North's inconsistency hurts them, Geelong and Power survive big scares.  But the upset of the season was the Saints thumping Fremantle. Hard to know what to make of that game. 
• Looking forward to the Swan's game against Hawthorn next Saturday.  Sydney would be favourites for the Minor Premiership if they win this game. I think the two danger games they have left are against Essendon & Port Adelaide. Though perhaps the lesson from this weekend is that every game is a danger game. 
• AFL is an international game - with the International Cup Tournament being played during August. Should be fascinating to keep an eye on. The Men's Final is being played at the MCG prior to the Geelong-Hawthorn game; and the Women's Final is at Punt Road (both on Aug 23).

NRL

• Warriors lost a close & exciting game to Brisbane this weekend - still in the eight & a win from the top four. 
• The Titan's didn't read the script for the weekend. 
• Barring major surprises - only three teams are out of the running for the finals - Newcastle, Cronulla & Canberra. Though a number of teams need to keep winning big to make up their points differential. 
• Looking at the ladder - I think suspect Manly, the Roosters & the Rabbitohs are the front-runners for the competition. With eight rounds to go a lot can happen. 

Super XV

• Gallant performances from the Highlanders & Chiefs this weekend, but ultimately both are eliminated. The finals next weekend are Waratahs v Brumbies & Crusaders v Sharks.

Talking sport

A little late, but I've got there...

AFL

• Not a fan of the split round.  
• Given their big win over the Magpies, Essendon are keeping the pressure up on the Gold Coast.  The Round 22 match between Essendon and Gold Coast will likely determine which of them makes the eight. The pressure is on the Suns to learn how to win without Ablett. Would be a shame if the Suns play their first final without Ablett.
• Collingwood is also in danger of slipping out of the eight if they can't find their form. Maxwell's retirement may just push them on.
• If the Swans beat the Hawks at the MCG (next weekend) it will be a club record 13th win in a row. 
• Fremantle will be happy with the focus & talk centered on the Swans.  At the beginning of the year they were my pick and with their draw, I'm predicting them to finish 1st or 2nd.   

NRL

• Really impressive win by the Warriors - given the tightness of the competition at the moment I am hoping they can put pressure on the teams above them and secure a top 4 finish.
• Penrith are equal first with Manly, and may be top come the end of the season. With the ladder as it stands, the loser in week 1 of the finals, won't really want to play any of the winners from the other games (a lot of the favourites are down the bottom of the eight). 

SuperXV

• The NSW Waratahs topped the table and play the lower ranked winner from this weekend's matches between the Brumbies (4th) & Chiefs (5th) and the Sharks (3rd) & Highlanders (6th). While the Crusaders play the higher ranked winner. Suspect the Waratahs will play the Brumbies next weekend, while the Sharks will travel to Christchurch - but anything can happen :)

Ten from Jars of Clay

It is now over 20 years since Jars of Clay's first self-titled album.  Jars of Clay are one of my favourite bands.. Dan Haseltine has a unique voice, and a gift for songwriting. They are also a band that has been growing and evolving.  Though lots of people loved their first album, they haven't tried to replicate it, they've moved & grown.  Thought I'd write about my favourite 10 Jars of Clay songs. If you haven't heard them, have a listen.

(1) World's Apart (Jars of Clay)
Not only my favourite Jars of Clay song, but close to my favourite song. The words & music work perfectly together. The phrase "All said and done I stand alone,  Amongst remains of a life I should not own, It takes all I am to believe, In the mercy that covers me", resonates to the core of my soul. The way the song builds both lyrically and musically is amazing.

(2) Shelter (Shelter)
This song says everything you need to know about what it means to be in a community -"And the tears aren't ours alone / Let them fall into the hands that hold us".  We live in the Shelter of each other. The Christian is not called to running solo but called into community.

(3) Faith Enough (Who We Are Instead)
Perhaps inspired by the Ernest Hemingway story Farewell to Arms. The quote goes “The world breaks everyone and afterward many are strong at the broken places. But those that will not break it kills. It kills the very good and the very gentle and the very brave impartially. If you are none of these you can be sure it will kill you too but there will be no special hurry.” A reminder, that while our world (and our lives) are broken, we often become stronger through these experiences.

(3) Light Gives Heat (Good Monsters)
Love the children's voices at the beginning, and its another song with a powerful message highlighting that love is linked with action, like light & heat. One of my favourite lines - 'Heroes from the west
We don't know you, we know best'. Reminiscent of the line from Miss Saigon - 'I'm an Westerner, [sic], how could I fail to do good'.  The West often looks at the world and jumps in to solve problems it doesn't understand.

(4) Headphones (The Long Fall Back to Earth)
Perhaps one of the sadder songs Jars of Clay has written, touching on our disconnection with the world (and each other). Features another of my favourite singers - Katie Herzig. Love the line - 'We watch television...but the sound is something else, Just a song played against the drama, so the hurt is never felt'.  We'll just leave the world and disappear into our 'sugar-coated' music.

(5) Boys (Lesson One) (The Long Fall Back to Earth)
Since I have become a father, this song has taken on so much more to me.  The song is advice from a father to his son. Lesson One - being do not hide, face the consequences. The section which hits me is  'And there will be liars, And thieves who take from you, Not to undermine the consequence, But you are not what you do, And when you need it most, I have a hundred reasons why I love you'.

(6) Oh My God (Good Monsters)
Oh My God is one of Haseltine's best lyrics. This song is about how we call out to God, and how God is not afraid of questions, in fact He wants us to call on Him. This is what Job does and what the Psalmist does - crying out to God from where they are.

(7) Needful Hands (Furthermore)
One of my favourites from their album Furthermore, featuring songs recorded live or acoustically in the studio. It is another song which recognises our position before God.

(8) The Edge of Water (The Eleventh Hour)
Love the lyrics to this - its a song about longing. Longing for restoration, longing for everything to make sense, longing to understand God. The song highlights the authenticity of Haseltine's lyrics. He asks his questions and reflects his prayers and doubts.

(9) Frail (Much Afraid)
Authentic is the word to use about Jars of Clay.  Frail is another beautifully authentic song. I love the acoustic version found on Furthermore too. The acoustic recording underlines the lyric.

(10) Love in the Hard Times (Inland)
Love in Hard Times expresses beautifully the tension within relationships. Powerful and human lyric. The album is one of Jar's best lyrically.

The Voice Lives #3

So the five in the final are,  Jackson, Frank, ZK, Johnny and Anja (who was the Home-Coach save).

Mind you listening to all of the performances last night - wow, there wasn't much between any of them. It's been said many times, each of these artists are taking the next step of their journey, there's only going to be winner this year, but each of the artists, have gained exposure during the show.

Last night, I loved the performances from Jackson, Kat & Holly. My favourite duet was Holly with Frank and Jackson with Sabrina.

Finding it hard to pick a winner - but I'm leaning to Jackson. (Take a bow Kylie, who was the only one to turn around for him).  All of these artists left would be great winners. Beyond that, I'm looking forward to seeing their shows & listening to their albums.

And that was that...

Yesterday morning Germany was crowned as the World Champions defeating Argentina in the final.  Now the dust has settled, the best team for the tournament won. While Messi didn't set the final alight, he certainly carried Argentina to the final. Probably a fair choice for the Golden Ball winner. Though the stage at the final is probably not the place to award the Golden Ball & Golden Glove.

Still find the size of Germany's win over Brazil hard to believe. Was also disappointed with Holland. Felt that if they played like they did in the third place play-off they would have won their Semis. Can't believe that Holland with Van Persie, Robben & Schneider could not manage a goal in two hours of football against Costa Rica & Argentina, even allowing for some goalkeeping heroics.

For me, Rodriguez's goal v Uruguay is the Goal of the Tournament, inching out Cahill.

Bring on the Women's World Cup in 2015.

Hooked on some new sounds.

Two new EPs  which I've been hooked on - Andrew Osenga's Soul EP & Lizzie Marvelly's Collisions.

I just received Andrew Osenga's new EP - Soul and I'm hooked. Just beautiful songs, Andrew is a super talented musician, love both is guitar playing & his lyrical expression.  Looking forward to his remaining three EPs (Flesh, Bone & the an EP of covers).

I'd already heard two songs, from Lizzie Marvelly's Collisions - My Own Hero & Generation Young which are songs about empowerment - both videos powerfully bring the message home.  I think my favourite song is 'Glory Days'.  What I love is the authenticity in both her voice and her songwriting. I'm looking forward for the video (for Collisions), and hopefully down the track a visit to Australia.

The Voice 2014 - Lives Wk 2&3

Two weeks to go... 

The final eight are: Sabrina, Jackson (Team Ricky);  Anja / ZK (Team Will), Holly / Frank (Team Joel), and Kat / Johnny (Team Kylie).

Really sad to Gabriel and Cecilia & Robbie Balmer go.  Gabriel & Cecilia 's arrangements of I Dreamed a Dream & Smells Like Teen Spirit were stunning.

But, as I've said, at the moment it's all about taste. I'm predicting the final four to be Sabrina, Frank, Kat & Anja.  I suspect the winner is going to be either Jackson or Sabrina (the surprise could be Kat). We'll see though.

I haven't got into the Kids version yet.  Not sure why, but something about it doesn't sit right with me.