COUNTDOWN TO EUROVISION : Poland

MAGDALENA TUL : Jestem

As we go live with this post, young Polish singer Magdalena Tul is in the throws of celebrating her 21st birthday. In less than two weeks time, however, it will be down to business as she takes the stage in the first semi final for Eurovision 2011 in Dusseldorf.
The singer polled almost 45% of the vote at Poland's Krajowe Eliminacje with a song she self-composed called 'Jestem', meaning 'I Am' in English.
The track itself is up-tempo, high energy polished pop that the singer delivers with an assured confidence - and a little bit of spice, especially in the official video (below). She looks incredibly comfortable in front of the camera and could shine given the right performance on May 10.

www.eurovision.tv

LOVE WINNERS

Don't you just love a Good Friday giveaway? We do - and so, it would seem, does the saucy team from Universal Music, who threw five copies of this brand new compilation album called 'It's All About Love' our way over the Easter long weekend!
We mentioned that the new double disc compile featured plenty of pop royalty - from the likes of Cheryl Cole, Rihanna, Britney, Jessica Mauboy and Christina Aguilera, through to Delta Goodrem, Kelly Clarkson, Pink, Vanessa Amorosi - and even Lady Gaga!
But alas, alack, sadly there can only be five winners. But winners are grinners.
So, grinning widely this week will be;

Joanna from Mount Waverley in Victoria, Jannette from Glebe in New South Wales, Gordon from Sydney in New South Wales, Lina from Aspendale in Victoria and Dylan from Cameron Park in New South Wales.

Congratulations, fine auspOp readers! You've picked up a copy of the 'It's All About Love' album with thanks to the peeps at Universal Music. As always, however, a very big 'thankyou' to everyone who entered this week's comp!

JENNIFER RUSHED

We just can't keep track these days. Sony Music had originally slated Jennifer Hudson's album 'I Remember Me' for an April 29 release. Then, on servicing the title track to Aussie radio less than two weeks ago, they had altered the in-store date to Friday May 20.
So imagine our surprise today to find the album in-store, containing the bonus tracks 'Spotlight' and 'Love Is Your Colour' - the duet with Leona Lewis - for the Australian edition.
Sony's latest schedule, sent out earlier today, also notes the amendment to the originally planned release date of Friday April 29.
Jennifer is due in Australia late next month for a promotional visit.

VIVA HAVANA

She's been seducing Australians for years with her popular 'Crave' compilation albums and celebrated DJ sets, but now it's time for DJ Havana Brown to step into the spotlight in her own right with her first artist single 'We Run The Night'.
Serviced to media this morning by Universal Music, the track has already been catching the ear of us Aussies - as part of her set supporting Chris Brown on his current tour of the country (he's in Brisbane tonight before wrapping up in Perth on Tuesday).
The track is available digitally as of this morning.

AT RETAIL ON FRIDAY APRIL 29, 2011

The Airborne Toxic Event – All At Once
An Horse – Walls
Beastie Boys – Hot Sauce Committee Pt.2
Patsy Cline – ICON
Ry Cuming – Ry Cuming
Designer Drugs – Hardcore Softcore
Caro Emerald – Deleted Scenes From The Cutting Room Floor
Emmylou Harris – Hard Bargain
Mick Harvey – Sketches From The Book Of The Dead
Enrique Iglesias – Euphoria (Repackage)
Jennifer Lopez – Love?
Sara MacLiver – Seraphim
OST – Get Low
OST – Thor
Sade – The Ultimate Collection
Skrillex – Scary Monsters & Nice Sprites EP
Various – 100 Best Hardcore
Various – 100 Best Hardstyle Ever!
Various – 100 Crazy Dutch Anthems

TOURING : Brian McKnight

Frontier Touring yesterday announced the first Australian visit for more than a decade for US soul/R&B star Brian McKnight.
His singles like 'Back At One', the sublime 'When We Were Kings' with Diana King and 'Anytime' still stand up years on as examples of some of the finest soul ever recorded.
Brian's tour will kick off in Perth on Thursday June 23 before visiting Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane.
General public tickets are on sale on Friday May 06.

June 23 : Perth (Astor Theatre)
June 24 : Melbourne (Trak Lounge Bar)
June 25 : Sydney (Metro Theatre)
June 26 : Brisbane (The Arena)

COUNTDOWN TO EUROVISION : Greece

LOUCAS YIORKAS FTG. STEREO MIKE : Watch My Dance

There seems to be quite a number of reality show contestants coming up through the ranks of Eurovision this year - and Greece's entrant Loucas Yiorkas is no exception, winning his country's first ever The X Factor competition.
Here he teams up with fellow countryman and hip hop artist Stereo Mike for a track that's pretty much following the global trend of having hip hop/rap artists guesting. However... Mike's a little less Eminem and a bit more MC Sar and the Real McCoy.
Mike's bits are performed in English, Loucas' in Greek. There's no denying that Loucas has a pretty extraordinary voice, but we're not sure this is working for us as much as the rest of the contestants.

www.eurovision.tv

BIEBER GO AHEAD TONIGHT

Fears that Justin Bieber's Sydney concerts may have had to be postponed or cancelled and been allayed, with Frontier Touring confirming late today that the singer's shows tonight and tomorrow night will go ahead as planned.
The star's health had been called into question following an injury to his back during his time down under. He had been advised against performing, but after treatment is well enough to proceed with the shows as planned.
Justin's remaining shows - in Melbourne, Adelaide and Perth - will also proceed as planned.

April 28 : Sydney (Acer Arena)
April 29 : Sydney (Acer Arena)
May 02 : Melbourne (Rod Laver Arena)
May 03 : Melbourne (Rod Laver Arena)
May 05 : Adelaide (Entertainment Centre)
May 07 : Perth (Burswood Dome)

STAN TO GET LOUD

Sony Music has late this afternoon sent out the cover image for his forthcoming new single 'Loud'.
'Loud' is the first new material from the former Idol star since the release of his debut studio album 'From The Inside Out', which spawned the singles 'Unbroken', 'Choose You' and 'Homesick'.
It's due at radio soon.

UPDATE April 29, 2011 : Stan's single is due at digital retail on Friday May 06.

THE AUSTRALIAN CD NEW RELEASE SCHEDULE

May 06
Katy B – On A Mission
The Cars – Move Like This
Ray Charles – Live In Concert
Crossfade – We All Bleed
Cults – Cults
Dengue Fever – Cannibal Courtship
Pluto Jonze – Pluto Jonze EP
John Kane – The Ukulele
Hugh Laurie – Let Them Talk
Jennifer Lopez – Love? (Collectors Edition)
Manchester Orchestra – Simple Math
Ian McNamara – Gumboots (CD single)
Metronomy – English Riviera
Matthew Morrison – Matthew Morrison
My Goodness McGuiness – Insular Peninsula
Stevie Nicks – In Your Dreams
OST – Fast & Furious 5
Sixx AM – This Is Gonna Hurt
Bruce Springsteen – The Promise (DVD)
Various – The Royal Wedding Album
Various – Under The Covers
Wagons – Rumble, Shake & Tumble
Matt Walters – Farewell Youth
Jamie Woon – Mirrorwriting
Young Guns – All Our Kings Are Dead

May 13
Abba – Super Trouper (CD/DVD)
AC/DC – Live At River Plate
Austra – Feel It Break
Kate Bush – Director’s Cut
Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds – The Boatman’s Call (Collectors Edition)
Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds – Let Love In (Collectors Edition)
Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds – Murder Ballads (Collectors Edition)
Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds – No More Shall We Part (Collectors Edition)
Danger Mouse & Daniele Luppi – Rome
Guillemots – Walk The River
Ben Harper – Give Till It’s Gone
Bruce Hornsby & The Noise – Bride Of The Noisemakers
Miles Kane – Colour Of The Trap
Lil’ Wayne – The Carter IV
The Lonely Island – Turtleneck And Chain (CD/DVD)
Sarah McKenzie – Don’t Tempt Me
Moby – Destroyed
Poison – Double Dose : Greatest Hits
The Reels – Quasimodos Dream
Sam Roberts Band – Collider
Sade – The Ultimate Collection
Seether – Holding Onto Strings Better Left To Fray
Tiny Ruins – Some Were Meant For Sea
Various – Essential R&B 2011
Various – Floorfillers : 90s Dance Hits
Various – Ministry Of Sound Sessions Eight
Various – Solid Gold
Various – Ultimate NRG Vol.5
Vents – Marked For Death
Wild Beasts – Smother

May 20
Adalita – Adalita (Jewel Case version)
Aerosmith – Tough Love : Best Of The Ballads
Danny Byrd – Rave Digger
Ema – Past Life Martyred Saints
Foster The People – Torches
Jennifer Hudson – I Remember Me
Icehouse – Flowers : 20th Anniversary Edition
Jessica Lea-Mayfield – Tell Me
Lenka – Two
London Elektricity – Yikes!
Mercury Rev – Deserters Songs (Deluxe Edition)
New Boyz – Too Cool To Care
Ozzy Osbourne – Blizzard Of Ozz (Deluxe Edition)
Ozzy Osbourne – Diary Of A Madman (Deluxe Edition)
OST – Lemonade Mouth
OST – Paper To Giants : The Birth Of Cleo
OST – Pirates Of The Caribbean : On Stranger Tides
PNC – Man On Wire
Simply Red – Farewell : Live At The Sydney Opera House (CD/DVD)
Tame Impala – Innerspeaker (Collectors Edition)
Various – High Tea
Various – NOW : Dance 2011
Various – Pop Princesses

May 23
Lady Gaga – Born This Way
Lady Gaga – Born This Way (Collectors Edition)

May 27
Death Cab For Cutie – Codes And Keys
The Go-Gos – Beauty & The Beat
Kitty, Daisy & Lewis – Smoking In Heaven
Mona – Mona
My Morning Jacket – Circuital
Papa VS Pretty – United In Isolation
The Potbelleez – Destination Now
The Prodigy – Worlds On Fire (CD/DVD)
Andre Rieu – Fiesta Mexicana (DVD)
Mark Seymour & The Undertow – Undertow
Various – 100% Hits : Best Of Winter 2011
Various – Big Hair Rox
Eddie Vedder – Ukulele Songs
Wim – Wim EP

June 03
Agnes Obel – Philharmonic
The Angels – Greatest Hits Live
Arctic Monkeys – Suck It And See
Joe Cocker – Greatest Hits Live
Depeche Mode – Remixes 2 : 81-11
Diesel – Greatest Hits Live
Hunters And Collectors – Greatest Hits Live
Iron Maiden – From Fear To Eternity : Best Of 1990 – 2010
NKOTBSB – NKOTBSB
OST – Transformers 3
Other Lives – Tamer Animals
Playing For Change – Songs Around The World 2
Joshua Radin – The Rock And The Tide
Screaming Jets – Greatest Hits Live
Seasick Steve – You Can’t Teach An Old Dog New Tricks
Sebastian – Total
Various – Hit Country #1s
The Vines – Future Primitive

June 10
All Time Low – Dirty Work
Cults – Cults
Liam Finn – FOMO
The Japanese Popstars – Controlling Your Allegiance
Queen – Deep Cuts Vol.2
Queen – Flash Gordon (Deluxe Edition)
Queen – The Game (Deluxe Edition)
Queen – Hot Space (Deluxe Edition)
Queen – Jazz (Deluxe Edition)
Queen – News Of The World (Deluxe Edition)
Savvy – The Wannabes
Nicole Scherzinger – Killer Love
Sons & Daughters – Mirror, Mirror
Various – Songbird
Tom Vek – Leisure Seizure
Neil Young – A Treasure

June 17
Dead Letter Chorus - Yearlings
Emerson Drive – Decade Of Drive : Greatest Hits
Vince Gill – Title TBA
Gomez – Whatever’s On Your Mind
The Grates – Secret Rituals
Joy Division & New Order – Ultimate : Best Of
Junior Boys – It’s All True
Owl City – All Things Bright & Beautiful
Simple Plan – TBC
Suede – Best Of
Various – Rage : Let’s Dance

June 24
LMFAO – Sorry For Party Rocking
Pendulum – Immersion (Tour Edition)
Taking Back Sunday – Taking Back Sunday
Various – Australia’s Best Acoustic Songs
Various – Australia’s Greatest Songs
Various – Ministry Of Sound : Running Trax Winter 2011
Yuksek – Living On The Edge

July 08
George Thorogood & The Destroyers – 2120 South Michigan Avenue

All release dates subject to change & list is updated weekly.

KIMBRA : Cameo Lover

Just when you thought pop music in Australia couldn't be interesting, up and coming singer Kimbra (resplendent in hot pink frock with yellow pom poms and overly coiffured hair) blasts onto the scene with her hot new single 'Cameo Lover'.
The song wavers between a '60s-esque stomper and an oh-so-now electro anthem, with a simple cute-as-a-button clip that never gets boring and just begs to be watched.
It's joyous.
Now all this girl needs is for people in a high places within commercial radio stations to give her a goddamn break and the world would be a happier, shinier, more colourful place to be.

COUNTDOWN TO EUROVISION : Belgium

WITLOOF BAY : With Love Baby

Oooh now here's something altogether different for Eurovision. Will six piece Belgian outfit Witloof Bay take home the prize at Eurovision 2011? They've certainly got an act that will get the judges talking.
Witloof Bay has been around since 2005, thought it's a band with a difference - they use no instruments, preferring instead to let their mouths, throats and lips do all the action.
The acapella and beatboxing six piece will perform the English language single 'With Love Baby' as part of the second semi-final - and we love it. Completely organic, totally original, incredibly tight vocal harmonies - and a key change thrown in for good measure? All adds up to a special little three minute package that should get through to the grand final.

www.eurovision.tv

NICOLE'S BACK (AGAIN)

We know this sounds like a complete dizzying merry-go-round - and to be frank, we'll believe it when we see it, but as from today Nicole Scherzinger's album 'Killer Love' (pictured) is once again back on the Universal Music Australia release schedule.
Originally slated for a March 18 release, then pulled, then re-scheduled for April 15, then pulled again, the album is now once again back on the horizon for insatiable Aussies on Friday June 10.
Her latest single 'Don't Hold Your Breath' is currently riding high on the ARIA singles chart - this week up seven spots to No.20.

SEVEN CONFIRMS SCARY X

It's official. Melanie B is the third judge on the 2011 Australian version of The X Factor.
The former Scary Spice, who appeared in a mentoring role on last year's series, is naturally thrilled to be joining the panel, which currently comprises of Ronan Keating and Guy Sebastian.
"I'm thrilled to be a part of The X Factor Australia,” she said in a statement. “I love Australia and can't wait to see all the amazing talent the country has to offer.”
Natalie Imbruglia and Kyle Sandilands will not take part this year.
According to this morning press release, the fourth and final judge will be revealed in the coming weeks, though it's been widely reported elsewhere that former Rogue Trader and 'So You Think You Can Dance' host Natalie Bassingthwaighte will take on the role.
The X Factor is due to premiere on Channel 7 later this year.

BUCHANAN TO BURST THROUGH

Though we'll always question how a 47 year old is the music director at a "youth radio station", there's no denying Richard Kingsmill's ear for a great track. He's found another one here in up and coming Melbourne outfit Buchanan.
'Teachers' (Soundcloud link below) was the band's breakthrough single - released towards the end of 2010. It impressed the Triple J MD so much that he gave it a five star rating. There's no denying the song's appeal.
Great news for fans of the four piece is that they'll release their debut EP entitled 'No Photo' via independent label Inertia this Friday.
Find out more about them HERE.

COUNTDOWN TO EUROVISION : Austria

NADINE BEILER : The Secret Is Love

With the lack of Idol competition in Austria, it was left to their version 'Starmania' to unearth a then bright eyed 16 year old Nadine Beiler. She went on to win the competition and subsequently released her debut single 'Alles Was Du Willst', which gave her top five success.
Four years later, she's on the competition stage again - this time in the second semi final at the Eurovison Song Contest - and she'll be performing the English language single 'The Secret Is Love'.
The track itself is a rather lovely ballad that speaks about the human race coming together with a greater humanity and living together with mutual respect, tolerance and love.
Great message, incredible money note, amazing voice, awesome key change. One to warm the very cockles of your heart.

www.eurovision.tv

INTERVIEW : Damien Leith

Seems that us Aussies just like former Australian Idol Damien Leith in covers mode. Following on from the disappointing chart performance of his previous originals album 'Remember June', Damien has headed back into the studio to craft a brand new album - and this time around, it's full of cover versions of Roy Orbison songs. It debuted at No.5 on this week's ARIA albums chart.
We plonked down for a chat with Damien and discover that the foundations for 'Roy' the LP were laid more than three years ago.

"Roy’s always been there for me," he says. "He was a big reason that we did ‘Catch The Wind’ (Damien’s songwriters covers album from 2008). Roy was meant to be a big factor on that album, but when we started picking through songs and which Roy should actually be on it, we got to the point where we decided that if we were to do any Roy stuff, we’d do it as an entirely separate project.

"That, then coupled with the connection to (Roy's widow) Barbara Orbison. She’d been in touch with me around four years ago and after we got in touch again last year, she jumped at the chance to executive produce the album. She organised everything in Nashville from the studios to the producers and really brought a whole new level of strength to the project. So once all that was in place, I couldn’t pass up the opportunity," he says.

Damien first rose to national prominence through the fourth season of Australian Idol in 2006, winning the competition ahead of fellow Sony Music signing Jessica Mauboy. Five years on, he's found that some people still readily connect him to the now defunct show.

"There was a patch there where I thought the Idol tag had been shaken off," he admits. "It wasn’t an intentional shake like I didn’t want to have anything to do with the show anymore. I was just gradually moving away from it. But as time’s gone on, Idol comes up quite a bit. A couple of months back, I just decided that it is what it is. You’ve got to be true to where you came from, so I’m kinda happy to have the tag still linked there in a way.

"Without it, everything that’s happened since would never have happened. I know that and I’m totally realistic about it. It’s given me all the different possibilities and options that have come to me since. Without those I would have just been pursuing the chemistry. There’d still have been the love of music, but I wouldn’t have been able to chase the industry anymore," he says.

He adds that Idol has brought him so many more incredible live experiences than he could have ever dared to imagine, with one in particular standing out more than any other.

"I did the State Theatre (Sydney) last year," he enthuses. "I know that some acts go in there and do 50 nights in a row, but for me personally to be standing on that stage looking out into that theatre, I was quite blown away. So it’s things like that that remind me of the opportunity that I’ve been given. Five years ago, there was no way that I’d have been on that stage."

Damien released his last album in 2009. It was the criminally ignored 'Remember June' (left), which spawned the singles 'To Get To You' and 'Forgive, Forget'. Though naturally disappointed that the project didn't gel with radio station music directors who would ultimately decide its fate, he remains humble and philosophical.

"It was just one of those things," he admits. "When you spend so much time on something and then it goes out, it’s kinda out of your hands. You can do as much promo or whatever else, but if it just doesn’t get picked up, it doesn’t get picked up. And you’re just left scratching your head wondering what was wrong with it."

He says it could be one of any number of factors that caused it not to fire.

"I understand that different networks have different demographics and I suppose that my album history to date has varied between covers and originals, covers and originals, and I think when people see that you’re doing so many covers, it puts you into a certain demographic that doesn’t suit a lot of stations," Damien admits. "I can understand that. I understand the way they work. I don’t particularly like it.

"U2 had ‘No Line On The Horizon’ out around the same time, and even they struggled too. At the end of the day it just goes to show that it’s across the board. Sometimes things just don’t reach people for whatever reason. You’ve just got to pick up your feet and go onto the next project."

'Roy' is the next project. The album brings together cover versions of 14 different songs from throughout Roy Orbison's career. It's a career, Damien says, that he was introduced to as a young boy.

"‘In Green’ was the first track I'd ever heard of his when I was about eight years of age. My auntie used to sing it all the time. I didn’t even know it was Roy Orbison back then – I just knew of this song. And then a couple of years later I started listening to his music and clicked that I recognised it," he says.

Damien is also at pains to point out that there was an incredibly fine line to be tread between recording a straight out covers album and one where he had the opportunity to apply his own special touch on the final product.

"You’ve just got to be so careful. We just had to tread so softly on it. These are classic songs by a classic artist. It was really important for me to have people listen and understand that it’s me doing all these songs. We didn’t want people thinking it was me trying to sound like Roy. There are a couple of interpretations and little variations to the songs that make them uniquely mine, but at the end of the day, it doesn’t take anything away from the original song either, so yes, the line is very delicate.

"I was worried about ‘Pretty Woman’ right from the start. Everyone knows it and I felt that we couldn’t do too much with it. I think if you go too far with ‘Pretty Woman’, it could be sacrilege. We managed to just give it a little edge. It still has that old sound, but it’s got a little bit of rock in there and trumpets and the like, so I’m thrilled with how that went," he says, continuing that he has a soft spot for one of the album's other songs.



"My favourite is ‘She’s A Mystery To Me’," he says. "I love that song, I love the way we did it. We went with a Buckley-esque guitar line towards the end which is very different to the Bono version."

Damien has also roped in a swag of other talent to appear alongside him on the LP. A sublime version of the country-tinged 'Blue Bayou' features Aussie siblings The McClymonts, while fellow Idol contestant Bobby Flynn joins The Choirboys' Mark Gable and The Potbelleez' Ilhan Kidron on Traveling Wilburys' 'Handle With Care'.
Damien says it was pretty easy getting them all involved with the project.

"Barbara told me that the only thing Roy wanted as a writer was for people to cover his songs. He loved to hear other peoples voices on them. We said to Barbara right from the start that we wanted to have some other voices on there too. Cover his songs, but add our own little flair as a tribute. It just separates the album nicely," he says.

"They’re all friends actually," he admits readily. "I love The McClymonts – they’re incredible. They’re really making their mark and setting the bar in the country music scene. They have beautiful harmonies, so they were an immediate, definite choice for that song. Then with the other lads, Mark, Ilhan and Bobby… I’ve known them all at different points for a long time now and it was just a case of ‘this is meant to be’. A bunch of friends all singing on the one song and that’s exactly what we did."

Damien will hit the road in July for a slew of live theatre dates in support of the new LP, adding to his incredible list of achievements, both personal and professional. A trained chemist, a father, an author of two books, a musician, a one-time TV show host - is there anything this man can't do?

"Well I can’t dance!" he laughs, alluding to his upcoming appearance on Dancing With The Stars. "Dance is my Achilles heel – literally! I was actually going to do it two years ago. It’s come up a few times for me and unfortunately I’ve never been able to do it. But this year I was going to be in the country. I signed on the dotted line before I realised how difficult it was going to be. You’re going to get a nice surprise when the series starts."

Damien's new album 'Roy' is available physically and digitally now.
Damien kicks off a national theatre tour in Melbourne on July 08. Dates HERE.

COUNTDOWN TO EUROVISION : Belarus

ANASTASIYA VINNIKOVA : I Love Belarus

There are plenty of rules and regulations governing the Eurovision Song Contest every year. One of those is that "the entries must not have been performed or published before a certain date". Sadly, Belarus' original entry - 'I Am Belarusian' was performed in the middle of last year, long before the Eurovision cut-off date. So 20 year old Anastasiya Vinnikova will instead perform the track 'I Love Belarus' in the second semi final, to be held on May 12.
The track is everything we love about Eurovison - hokey lyrics, dance/pop beats, a joyous chorus, interesting instrumentation, a chord change... It left us with a big cheesy grin. And though we don't see any of Belarus within the video clip below, we can't help but like Belarus too.

www.eurovision.tv

DIGGERS DEBUT

They were on the local release schedule, then after disagreements between their record company Warner and the Australian Army, the planned album release for new three piece vocal group The Diggers was pulled.
Thankfully the two parties have been able to come to an agreement and The Diggers finally made their long-awaited live debut as part of a special Anzac Day AFL game in Melbourne today.
The three soldiers have been revealed as Corporal Troy Rooney from Townsville, Captain James McGarrigle from Enoggera and Sergeant David Fiu from the New Zealand Army. All are currently serving members of the Australia and New Zealand alliance.
The track is now available to purchase through THIS SITE with all proceeds benefiting Legacy.
An album is due later in the year.

PARRALOX'S TRIBUTE

Aussie outfit Parralox have shown themselves to be big Doctor Who fans - releasing this brand new track 'Companion' in tribute to actress Elisabeth Sladen, who passed away last week aged 63.
She played the role of Sarah Jane Smith throughout the early '70s and again in later years via not only the main show, but also her own spin-off series 'The Sarah Jane Adventures'.
'Companion' is a low-tempo electro number, with plenty of space-like musical effects and lyricism.
And good news for you is that simply by signing up to the Parralox mailing list (via their OFFICIAL FACEBOOK), you can download the track free.
Listen below.

RIDE SOLO, SIR LANCELOT!

We must admit to being a little upset to receive an email recently from a chap called Duncan letting us know that the band Aeons (we'd written about them and their brilliant pop HERE and HERE and HERE) had gone their separate ways for the time being. Naturally, we were devastated, 'cause we really enjoyed what the boys (Josh and Lance) brought to us musically. It was sparkly and good. It even made our top ten honourable mentions for the best pop of 2010 (HERE).
But the cloud has a silver lining of sorts with Lance from the band branching out on his own and creating the alter ego 'Lancelot', with the promise of "a lot more amazing tunes to come".
Turns out Lancelot's been remixing a number of tracks of late - for the likes of Sparkadia and Penguin Prison. But it's his remix of West Australian duo Tim & Jean's track 'I Can Show You' that's been brought to our attention.
Still electro, still with sparkle, still very polished.
Brilliantly too - you can download it completely free of charge by clicking the little arrow in the Soundcloud bar below!
Catch up with Lancelot at his OFFICIAL FACEBOOK page.

COUNTDOWN TO EUROVISION : United Kingdom

BLUE : I Can

It was a sad day for boy band fans the world over when the boys from Blue decided to go their separate ways back in 2005. They'd even achieved top five success here in Australia with their first two singles 'All Rise' and 'Too Close'.
But after a four year absence (and perhaps spurred on by the renewed interest in Take That in their homeland), Blue returned to the music scene two years ago. Their Eurovision entry 'I Can', however, represents their first new music since reforming.
As one of the 'big five' countries, the UK gets an automatic green light to the grand final on May 14, so can Blue do what so many others have failed to for Ol' Blighty throughout the past decade and a bit and get them over the line?
It's incredibly radio friendly and the clip features the boys atop a building with the London skyline as the backgroup.
BUT, it'll be a case of delivering a stellar performance for a live audience (will Lee be able to hit those high notes?) that will help them translate. We shall wait and see.

www.eurovision.tv

LOOKBACK

VANESSA AMOROSI : Absolutely Everybody

We first saw Vanessa Amorosi performing live in Melbourne when she was about 12 years of age. Even back then, we could tell that there was something rather special about this young girl from the outskirts of the Victorian capital. Signing to the now defunct Transistor Music, she burst onto the charts with the angst-ridden rock of her debut single 'Have A Look', but it was her second single that she achieved success both here and in Europe.
'Absolutely Everybody' was a complete departure stylistically from her debut, dancefloor-ready pop that took everyone by surprise. A top ten platinum-selling hit here in Australia, the track also hit the top ten in many countries throughout Europe including the UK and Germany.
So popular was the track that it ended up having four different video clips, this the European version.
Still an Aussie pop classic.

JESUS REBORN

It's hard to believe that it's almost 22 years since Depeche Mode released the original version of their iconic tune 'Personal Jesus'. The lead single from the band's album 'Violator', the track narrowly missed a top ten placing on the UK singles chart, but fared better in other countries throughout Europe, achieving top five success.
But whether the team at EMI decided that Easter Sunday's religious significance (Jesus rising from the dead) would coincide perfectly with the servicing of the new version of the song to radio ('Personal Jesus' rising again) or that it was just part of their regular Sunday servicing of new music, the synergism certainly wasn't lost on us.
'Personal Jesus 2011' is now at Australian radio, with remixes of the track coming courtesy of Stargate and Alex Metric.
Depeche Mode's new remix album 'Remixes 2: 81–11' will be released in Australia on Friday June 03.

KYLIE ADDS SYDNEY, MELBOURNE

Good news for Kyliephiles in both Sydney and Melbourne, with word through this morning that the pop princess is adding third shows to her 'Aphrodite : Les Folies' tour schedule in both cities.
The official announcement has literally JUST come through from Frontier Touring that Kylie has added a third Sydney Entertainment Centre date on Saturday June 11 and a third Rod Laver Arena date on Thursday June 16 in Melbourne.
Described by friends of the site who've seen the show in London as her "best concert ever - hands down", 'Les Folies' brings together hits from Kylie's career, along with plenty of action from her latest album 'Aphrodite'.
Tickets for the new shows are on sale to the general public on Monday May 02, with pre-sale kicking off at noon on Wednesday.

June 03 : Brisbane (Entertainment Centre)
June 04 : Brisbane (Entertainment Centre)
June 07 : Sydney (Entertainment Centre)
June 08 : Sydney (Entertainment Centre)
June 11 : Sydney (Entertainment Centre) NEW SHOW
June 14 : Melbourne (Rod Laver Arena)
June 15 : Melbourne (Rod Laver Arena)
June 16 : Melbourne (Rod Laver Arena) NEW SHOW
June 18 : Adelaide (Entertainment Centre)
June 22 : Perth (Burswood Dome)

THE auspOp DIARY

WEEK COMMENCING APRIL 25, 2011

TICKETS ON SALE
Monday : The Cat Empire (Melbourne)

Apr 25 : BYRON BAY – Bluesfest 2011
Apr 25 : MELBOURNE – Creamfields (Melbourne Showgrounds)
Apr 25 : NEWCASTLE – Grinspoon (Panthers)
Apr 25 : PERTH – Children Collide (Capitol)
Apr 25 : SYDNEY – Disturbed (Acer Arena)
Apr 25 : SYDNEY – John Legend (State Theatre)
Apr 25 : SYDNEY – Aaron Neville (Opera House)
Apr 26 : BRISBANE – Justin Bieber (Entertainment Centre)
Apr 26 : MELBOURNE – John Legend (Palais Theatre)
Apr 26 : SYDNEY – Chris Brown (Acer Arena)
Apr 27 : HOBART – Washington/Lissie (Wrestpoint Showroom)
Apr 27 : MELBOURNE – Eli Paperboy Reed (East Brunswick Club)
Apr 27 : SYDNEY – Bob Dylan (Entertainment Centre)
Apr 27 : WAGGA WAGGA – Hungry Kids Of Hungary (Charles Sturt University)
Apr 28 : ADELAIDE – The Cat Empire (The Crown & Sceptre)
Apr 28 : ALICE SPRINGS – Bone Thugs-N-Harmony (Gap View Hotel)
Apr 28 : BALLARAT – Hungry Kids Of Hungary (Karova Lounge)
Apr 28 : BRISBANE – Herbie Hancock (QPAC Concert Hall)
Apr 28 : GOLD COAST – Tim & Jean (Coolangatta Hotel)
Apr 28 : LAUNCESTON – The Little Stevies (The Royal Oak)
Apr 28 : MELBOURNE – Katy Perry (Rod Laver Arena)
Apr 28 : MELBOURNE – Skrillex (Prince Bandroom)
Apr 28 : MELBOURNE – Washington/Lissie (Ormond Hall)
Apr 28 : MINGARA – The McClymonts (Recreation Club)
Apr 28 : NEWCASTLE – Disturbed (Entertainment Centre)
Apr 28 : PERTH – The Holidays (Amplifier Bar)
Apr 28 : SYDNEY – Justin Bieber (Acer Arena)
Apr 28 : SYDNEY – Eli Paperboy Reed (Oxford Art Factory)
Apr 29 : ADELAIDE – The Cat Empire (Jive Bar)
Apr 29 : ADELAIDE – The Holidays (Fowlers Live)
Apr 29 : ADELAIDE – Hungry Kids Of Hungary (Governor Hindmarsh)
Apr 29 : BRISBANE – Chris Brown (Entertainment Centre)
Apr 29 : BRISBANE – Tim & Jean (The Globe)
Apr 29 : CAIRNS – Bone Thugs-N-Harmony (The Heritage)
Apr 29 : MELBOURNE – Katy Perry (Rod Laver Arena)
Apr 29 : MELBOURNE – Washington/Lissie (Forum Theatre)
Apr 29 : NEWCASTLE – Diesel (Lizotte’s)
Apr 29 : NEWCASTLE – The McClymonts (Civic Theatre)
Apr 29 : SYDNEY – Justin Bieber (Acer Arena)
Apr 29 : SYDNEY – Skrillex (Oxford Art Factory)
Apr 29 : TOOWOOMBA – Joe Nichols (Empire Theatre)
Apr 30 : ADELAIDE – The Cat Empire (Thebarton Theatre)
Apr 30 : BENDIGO – Groovin The Moo Festival
Apr 30 : BRISBANE – Disturbed (Entertainment Centre)
Apr 30 : CABOOLTURE – Urban Country Festival
Apr 30 : DARWIN – Bone Thugs-N-Harmony (Convention Centre)
Apr 30 : HOBART – The Little Stevies (Republic Bar)
Apr 30 : MELBOURNE – Herbie Hancock (Palais Theatre)
Apr 30 : MELBOURNE – Hungry Kids Of Hungary (The HiFi)
Apr 30 : NEWCASTLE – Diesel (Lizotte’s)
Apr 30 : PERTH – Oh Mercy (Amplifier Bar)
Apr 30 : SYDNEY – Creamfields (Showring, Hordern Pavilion)
Apr 30 : SYDNEY – Tim & Jean (Oxford Art Factory)
May 01 : BRISBANE – Creamfields (RNA Showgrounds)
May 01 : FREMANTLE – Oh Mercy (Mojo’s)
May 01 : ROCKHAMPTON – Joe Nichols (Pilbeam Theatre)
May 01 : SYDNEY – Bob Geldof (Lyric Theatre)
May 01 : SYDNEY – Herbie Hancock (Opera House)
May 01 : TOWNSVILLE – Groovin The Moo Festival

COUNTDOWN TO EUROVISION : Denmark

A FRIEND IN LONDON : New Tomorrow

Though Danish four piece A Friend In London has been around for near on six years, they've yet to release a single album. That will come later this year, presumably off the back of what they hope will be Eurovision glory for Denmark.
After winning national selection through the Dansk Melodi Grand Prix, they'll be gracing the stage during the second semi-final on May 12.
They've battled plagiarism claims with 'New Tomorrow', but after tweaking the track prior to the competition, they hope to have alleviated those concerns. The track itself is a low-tempo march with a great sing-along chorus that's no doubt aimed at getting hands in the air and people singing along right across the continent. Lead singer Tim looks like he's trying to compete with Irish entrants Jedward in the high hair department.

www.eurovision.tv

EASTER SATURDAY NEWS WRAP (#49)

• The Cat Empire is living it up at the East Coast Blues & Roots Festival this weekend, performing the second date on their ten year birthday tour. The tour continues with three dates in Adelaide next week before moving to Melbourne and Sydney.
12 of the 14 shows have already completely sold out, forcing the band to add a late show at Melbourne's Bennetts Lane on May 04. Tickets for the new show are on sale this Monday.
• Speaking of The Cat Empire, EMI will digitally release 'Official Video Clips 2003-2010' (pictured) this Friday. The collection will be available exclusively through the iTunes store.
• Sony Music has announced the local release of the sixth studio album by Incubus. Entitled 'If Not Now, When?', the album will drop on July 15, with a song called 'Adolescents' chosen as the first single.
• Gorillaz has released a brand new app for the iPad. Entitled 'iElectribe', the app (developed in conjunction with Korg) features Gorillaz stems and samples, enabling users to remix the band's latest album 'The Fall'. More details HERE.

• British dance outfit Above & Beyond (pictured) will bring their 'Group Therapy' world tour to Australia in September this year. They're possibly best known locally for their brilliant remix of Madonna's 'What It Feels Like For A Girl', but trance aficionados know the depths of their talent go much, much deeper. Dates, venues and other information regarding the band's first ever solo tour of Australia is due to be released to media on Thursday May 05.
• The boys from Linkin Park will contribute to the forthcoming third installment in the successful Transformers movie franchise 'Dark Of The Moon'. The band's single 'Iridescent' will be featured in the flick, which is set to open in cinemas nationally on Thursday June 30.
• In the US, it would appear that two pop stars are better than one, with Rihanna & Britney's version of 'S&M' overtaking Katy Perry's 'E.T.' at the top of the Billboard singles chart. Jeremih's new single 'Down On Me' continues to find favour - moving up to No.4, so too Adele's 'Rolling In The Deep' which moves up to No.6. Lady Gaga debuts in the No.10 position with her new single 'Judas'.
• And the Foo Fighters are celebrating their first ever US No.1 album with 'Wasting Light'. The group's new LP sold more than 235,000 copies in its first week on sale, easily trumping Adele's '21' in position No.2 with 93,000 sales.
Elsewhere there are debuts at positions three, four and five from Alison Krauss & Union Station, Paul Simon and Mana respectively, while UK singer Jessie J makes an impressive debut at No.11 with her LP 'Who You Are'.

COUNTDOWN TO EUROVISION : Iceland

SJONNI'S FRIENDS : Coming Home

Iceland's entry for Eurovision 2011 is sadly tinged with tragedy. The track 'Aftur heim' ('Coming Home') was written by - and to be performed by - local artist Sigurjón Brink. However on January 17, less than one month shy of the national Eurovision selection show 'Söngvakeppni Sjónvarpsins', the singer passed away in his home after suffering a stroke.
Sigurjón's family decided that it would be a fitting tribute for his song to remain in the competition, so the group Sigurjón's Friends (Sjonni's Friends) was given the honour of performing it for Iceland in the first semi-final, to be held on May 10.
Tragedy aside, the track itself is a heartfelt tale of emotions in the journey home to a loved one. Plenty of warmth to be found here.

www.eurovision.tv

ELI PAPERBOY REED WINNERS

Eli Paperboy Reed is about to arrive in the country for his performance at the East Coast Blues & Roots Festival in Byron Bay. He'll also play shows in Sydney and Melbourne, tickets to which we gave away on the site last week.
And thanks to his Aussie tour publicists, we have three lucky winners who'll each receive a double pass to go and see him this week at his shows in Sydney and Melbourne!
So without further ado, congratulations go to Michael in Ascot Vale in Victoria, who's scored himself a double pass to the Melbourne show and to Andy from Brisbane, Queensland and Andrew from Greystanes in New South Wales who are both off to see Eli's Sydney show.

Don't forget - we have another giveaway live on the site as we speak - your chance to win one of five copies of the new 'It's All About Love' compilation, with thanks to Universal Music. Link in the sidebar!

AT RETAIL ON FRIDAY APRIL 22, 2011

About Group – Start & Complete
Dom – Sun Bronzed Greek Gods EP
Drive-By Truckers – Go-Go Boots
Morrissey – Best Of (Limited Edition)
My Friend The Chocolate Cake – Fiasco
OST – Glee : The Warblers
Steve Parkin – Mighty Big Light
Various – 80 From The 90s
Various – CMAA Mothers Day
Various – Eurovision Song Contest 2011
Various – Hallelujah
Various – The Lady Loves Soul Vol.3
Various – Ministry Of Sound : Sound Of Dubstep
Various – OneLove : RAW2011
Various – When I First Met Your Ma
Various – Wild Nights 2011
The Wombats – This Modern Glitch

COUNTDOWN TO EUROVISION : Slovenia

MAJA KEUC : No One

The pressure is most certainly resting squarely on the shoulders of 19 year old singer Maja Keuc. She only rose to fame last year as the runner-up of the TV show 'Slovenija Ima Talent' - Slovenia's version of Australia's Got Talent.
So after winning national selection via Evrovizijska Melodija, it's off to Eurovision for her, where she'll compete in the second semi final with the English language song 'No One'.
The track itself is a dramatic ballad, with some big vocals that in parts reminds us of 'Stripped'-era Christina Aguilera. The clip is a whole lotta 'Twilight', with the singer meandering through the woods, microphone in hand, while a bevy of zombie-fied males stalk (and dance around) her. It's big, it's epic and we reckon it's in with a real shot.

www.eurovision.tv

GOOD FRIDAY GIVEAWAY

What a very Good Friday indeed! Yes indeed, there'll no doubt be a little bit of a lull in conversation on the site over the next few days while us Aussies treat ourselves to a five day long weekend. But we couldn't let you head away on holidays without at least giving you something to pop in your little basket now could we?
'It's All About Love' is a brand new compilation album from the team at Universal Music which brings together 40 fab tunes that most of us know and love. And sure, the two disc compile may be all about love, but heck it's also all about pop, with tunes from Cheryl Cole, Rihanna, Britney, Jessica Mauboy, Christina Aguilera, Delta Goodrem, Kelly Clarkson, Pink, Vanessa Amorosi - even Gaga.
Released a couple of weekends ago, the gang at Universal has generously granted us five copies of this compile to give away to you! So eyes on the prize, 'cause here's how to win;

Send us an email containing your name and postal address to auspOp@ymail.com with the subject line "I love to love - and win!" and we'll whack your entry into the draw! Bing!

Competition closes at 11:59pm EST on Thursday April 28, 2011. One entry per household. Winners drawn totally at random using our famous raffle tickets in a tub technique. Five lucky winners will each receive a copy of the new two disc compilation album 'It's All About Love', with thanks to the super troupers at Universal Music. Winners' first names, suburbs/towns and state will be published on the site on Friday April 29, 2011. And as always, your details are never passed onto any third parties unless previously advised and are used solely for the purpose of prize distribution to the winners. That is all. Happy Easter (and Passover for our Jewish readers) and good luck!

THIS COMPETITION IS NOW CLOSED.

DEADMAU5 HEADS INSTORE

Canadian dance music god Deadmau5 is, of course, on Australian soil for the Creamfields dance music events, kicking off in Adelaide tomorrow night.
We all know him for some rather awesome dancefloor anthems, including the current single 'Sofie Needs A Ladder', but what we may not know is that he's also branched out into a huge range of other merchandise, all bearing the Deadmau5 stamp.
A new collection of Deadmau5 t-shirts has just been released exclusively into Footlocker stores throughout Australia, and to celebrate, Joel will head into the Foot Locker store in George Street Sydney next Friday April 29 from 4:30pm to 5:00pm to meet with his adoring public and perhaps to plonk a little signature where it's most appreciated.
Deadmau5's latest album '4X4=12' is out now.

B HITS TONIGHT

Beyonce's brand new single 'Run The World (Girls)' will be rush-released to global digital retail tonight.
The move comes after the track leaked to the net within the past 48 hours, forcing her global record company Epic to bring forward the project.
Co-penned by Terius Nash, 'Run The World (Girls)' will also hit Australian radio at 10pm EST.
It's the first track lifted from Beyonce's highly anticipated fourth studio album, due to drop in June.

THE AUSTRALIAN CD NEW RELEASE SCHEDULE

April 29
The Airborne Toxic Event – All At Once
An Horse – Walls
Beastie Boys – Hot Sauce Committee Pt.2
Patsy Cline – ICON
Ry Cuming – Ry Cuming
Designer Drugs – Hardcore Softcore
Caro Emerald – Deleted Scenes From The Cutting Room Floor
Emmylou Harris – Hard Bargain
Mick Harvey – Sketches From The Book Of The Dead
Enrique Iglesias – Euphoria (Repackage)
Jennifer Lopez – Love?
Sara MacLiver – Seraphim
OST – Get Low
OST – Thor
Sade – The Ultimate Collection
Skrillex – Scary Monsters & Nice Sprites EP
Various – 100 Best Hardcore
Various – 100 Best Hardstyle Ever!
Various – 100 Crazy Dutch Anthems

May 06
Katy B – On A Mission
The Cars – Move Like This
Ray Charles – Live In Concert
Crossfade – We All Bleed
Cults – Cults
Dengue Fever – Cannibal Courtship
Pluto Jonze – Pluto Jonze EP
John Kane – The Ukulele
Hugh Laurie – Let Them Talk
Jennifer Lopez – Love? (Collectors Edition)
Manchester Orchestra – Simple Math
Metronomy – English Riviera
Matthew Morrison – Matthew Morrison
My Goodness McGuiness – Insular Peninsula
Stevie Nicks – In Your Dreams
OST – Fast & Furious 5
Sixx AM – This Is Gonna Hurt
Bruce Springsteen – The Promise (DVD)
Various – The Royal Wedding Album
Various – Under The Covers
Wagons – Rumble, Shake & Tumble
Matt Walters – Farewell Youth
Jamie Woon – Mirrorwriting
Young Guns – All Our Kings Are Dead

May 13
Abba – Super Trouper (CD/DVD)
AC/DC – Live At River Plate
Austra – Feel It Break
Kate Bush – Director’s Cut
Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds – The Boatman’s Call (Collectors Edition)
Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds – Let Love In (Collectors Edition)
Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds – Murder Ballads (Collectors Edition)
Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds – No More Shall We Part (Collectors Edition)
Danger Mouse & Daniele Luppi – Rome
Guillemots – Walk The River
Ben Harper – Give Till It’s Gone
Bruce Hornsby & The Noise – Bride Of The Noisemakers
Miles Kane – Colour Of The Trap
Lil’ Wayne – The Carter IV
The Lonely Island – Turtleneck And Chain (CD/DVD)
Sarah McKenzie – Don’t Tempt Me
Moby – Destroyed
Poison – Double Dose : Greatest Hits
The Reels – Quasimodos Dream
Sam Roberts Band – Collider
Sade – The Ultimate Collection
Seether – Holding Onto Strings Better Left To Fray
Tiny Ruins – Some Were Meant For Sea
Various – Essential R&B 2011
Various – Floorfillers : 90s Dance Hits
Various – Ministry Of Sound : Sessions 8
Various – Solid Gold
Various – Ultimate NRG Vol.5
Vents – Marked For Death
Wild Beasts – Smother

May 20
Adalita – Adalita (Jewel Case version)
Danny Byrd – Rave Digger
Ema – Past Life Martyred Saints
Foster The People – Torches
Jennifer Hudson – I Remember Me
Icehouse – Flowers : 20th Anniversary Edition
Jessica Lea-Mayfield – Tell Me
Lenka – Two
London Elektricity – Yikes!
Mercury Rev – Deserters Songs (Deluxe Edition)
New Boyz – Too Cool To Care
Ozzy Osbourne – Blizzard Of Ozz (Deluxe Edition)
Ozzy Osbourne – Diary Of A Madman (Deluxe Edition)
OST – Lemonade Mouth
OST – Pirates Of The Caribbean : On Stranger Tides
Savvy – The Wannabes
Simply Red – Farewell : Live At The Sydney Opera House (CD/DVD)
Tame Impala – Innerspeaker (Collectors Edition)
Various – High Tea
Various – NOW : Dance 2011

May 23
Lady Gaga – Born This Way
Lady Gaga – Born This Way (Collectors Edition)

May 27
Death Cab For Cutie – Codes And Keys
The Go-Gos – Beauty & The Beat
Kitty, Daisy & Lewis – Smoking In Heaven
Mona – Mona
My Morning Jacket – Circuital
Agnes Obel – Philharmonics
Papa VS Pretty – United In Isolation
The Potbelleez – Destination Now
The Prodigy – Worlds On Fire (CD/DVD)
Andre Rieu – Fiesta Mexicana (DVD)
Mark Seymour & The Undertow – Undertow
Various – 100% Hits : Best Of Winter 2011
Various – Big Hair Rox
Eddie Vedder – Ukulele Songs
Wim – Wim EP

June 03
The Angels – Greatest Hits Live
Arctic Monkeys – Suck It And See
Depeche Mode – Remixes 2 : 81-11
Diesel – Greatest Hits Live
Hunters And Collectors – Greatest Hits Live
Iron Maiden – From Fear To Eternity : Best Of 1990 – 2010
NKOTBSB – NKOTBSB
OST – Transformers 3
Other Lives – Tamer Animals
Playing For Change – Songs Around The World 2
Joshua Radin – The Rock And The Tide
Seasick Steve – You Can’t Teach An Old Dog New Tricks
Sebastian – Total
The Vines – Future Primitive

June 10
All Time Low – Dirty Work
Cults – Cults
Liam Finn – FOMO
The Japanese Popstars – Controlling Your Allegiance
Queen – Deep Cuts Vol.2
Queen – Flash Gordon (Deluxe Edition)
Queen – The Game (Deluxe Edition)
Queen – Hot Space (Deluxe Edition)
Queen – Jazz (Deluxe Edition)
Queen – News Of The World (Deluxe Edition)
Sons & Daughters – Mirror, Mirror
Various – Songbird
Neil Young – A Treasure

June 17
Vince Gill – Title TBA
Gomez – Whatever’s On Your Mind
Joy Division & New Order – Ultimate : Best Of
Junior Boys – It’s All True
Owl City – All Things Bright & Beautiful
Simple Plan – TBC
Suede – Best Of

June 24
Pendulum – Immersion (Tour Edition)
Taking Back Sunday – Taking Back Sunday
Various – Australia’s Best Acoustic Songs

July 08
George Thorogood & The Destroyers – 2120 South Michigan Avenue

All release dates subject to change & list is updated weekly.

COUNTDOWN TO EUROVISION : Lithuania

EVELINA SASENKO : C'est Ma Vie

After blitzing the competition through Lithuania's Eurovision selection process 'Eurovizija 2011' back in February, 23 year old jazz chanteuse Evelina Sašenko will compete on behalf of her country in the first semi final of Eurovision 2011.
No stranger to the competition stage, having won a number of contests in her homeland, Evelina will perform 'C'est Ma Vie' - an English language track that also contains a selection of French lines (including the title 'It's My Life').
The track feels to us like it belongs to the soundtrack of a musical theatre production, with sweeping dramatic strings and an impressive, almost operatic performance. We think she looks older than 23.

www.eurovision.tv

LOVERS LEAP

We don't quite know what the devil happened to Adelaide duo Lovers Electric. By the middle of 2010, Eden and David had parted ways with Sony Music and had already begun slaving away on what was to be their second album entitled 'Impossible Dream'.
Then they moved to London. And now, it seems, they've moved to Germany - where they've been touring alongside brilliant UK duo Hurts, have inked a deal with Universal Music and where they're preparing to release their brand new single 'Love Can Save Us' (pictured).
Although we've heard nothing from the local arm of Universal with regards new Lovers Electric tunes for Australia just yet, you can satisfy your LE cravings by checking out the clip for the new single over at their newly updated OFFICIAL WEBSITE.

VINES TO ROCK THE CHAPEL

As you're probably aware by now, The Vines will return at the beginning of June with their brand new LP entitled 'Future Primitive'.
As the excitement slowly builds in the lead-up to the album's release, the gang from Live At The Chapel have this afternoon confirmed that the band will be the first to grace the stage for the 2011 series of 'LATC' events.
The boys are locked and loaded to rock the night at St Stephen’s Anglican Church in Newtown on Thursday May 26.
Frontman Craig Nicholls couldn't contain his excitement at the prospect of playing the new LP in a live setting. "We’re stoked to play Live At The Chapel, following in the footsteps of some bands that we really admire, like Foo Fighters and Coldplay."
As always, you have the chance to win tickets to the one-off show (starting tomorrow) via the OFFICIAL WEBSITE.

MM V EJ

The forthcoming Matthew Morrison album (due for release here early next month) seems to be taking on a gleefully familiar pattern. He's roped in a few top name performers to guest on the long player - first a recording of 'Somewhere Over The Rainbow' with Glee guest star and Mrs. Martin - Gwyneth Paltrow, and now a duet with Sir Elton John on a mash-up of Elton's tracks 'Mona Lisas And Mad Hatters' and 'Rocket Man'.
Mash-ups? Guest stars? Sounding familiar? Even Sting drops by for a cover of his 'Let Me Be Your Soul Pilot'.
The new EJ/MM recording has already been released digitally in the US and will be available here when Matthew's self-titled debut drops to retail on Friday May 06.

MORE SESSIONS FROM MOS

They keep banging them out. We keep lapping them up.
Presenting the eighth in the series of Ministry Of Sound's awesome 'Sessions' compilations. To be released in the middle of next month, the two disc set contains a swag of huge anthems including latest cuts from TV Rock, Ian Carey, Afrojack, Ou Est Le Swimming Pool, Tommy Trash, The Potbelleez, Pnau and more.
It also includes the stomping new single for Alex Gaudino - the amazing hands-in-the-air inducing Kelly Rowland-featuring 'What A Feeling'.
42 tracks have been carefully packaged onto the double disc set, mixed by Sam La More and Tommy Trash.
It drops on Friday May 13.

SHINE 2009 FTG. PAULA ABDUL : So Free

It pays to have friends in high places. Finnish duo Shine 2009 certainly do - through their label Cascine, they've enlisted the high profile vocal services of pop songstress Paula Abdul for their first Aussie single release 'So Free'.
And on first listen, it's easy to understand why the presser for the track mentions the likes of Pet Shop Boys and Happy Mondays with its decidedly '80s electro vibe.
If you like what Shine 2009 has to offer, you'll be thrilled to know that they have an album coming early next month.
It's entitled 'Realism' and you'll find it at all good digital retail outlets from May 03.

WILD FOR WINTER

It still remains one of the best-selling dance/pop music compilation series in Australian history and the Wild franchise just keeps on keeping on, with the impending release of the latest in the 'Wild Nights' series.
Mixed by Sydney DJ Punk Ninja and Perth up and comers Bombs Away, the three disc compilation features a swag of name artists bringing you some of the biggest hits of the year.
There's Flo Rida, Rihanna, Zoe Badwi, September and Sophie Ellis-Bextor. Heck there's even Wynter Gordon, Martin Solveig, Bag Raiders, La Roux and Afrojack.
There's a cover version of Gaga's 'Born This Way' (presumably she wasn't too forthcoming with licensing the original just yet) and some tasty local treats from Tommy Trash & Tom Piper, P Money, Sgt. Slick and Bombs Away themselves.
'Wild Nights' 2011 is set to drop this Friday.

COUNTDOWN TO EUROVISION : Russia

ALEXEJ VOROBJOV : Get You

Another artist who's tried, tried and tried again when it comes to the Eurovision Song Contest, 23 year old Russian singer and actor Alexej Vorobjov finally gets his chance to shine for Russia in the first semi-final in this year's competition. And his song 'Get You' comes with an altogether amazing pop pedigree because it's been written by the one and only RedOne.
To that end, you know that the track's going to be rather pop in its orientation. You know it's going to be rather slick and polished. And you know that it's certainly got to stand some skerrick of a chance of making it through to the grand final on May 14.
Must admit though - we don't like the camera work on this live performance one icky bit.

www.eurovision.tv