Classic Album Review: Rhythm Nation 1814 - Janet Jackson

Another classic album from my childhood, and you don't get more classic than this! Janet Jackson's "Rhythm Nation 1812" holds the record for having the most US Top Five singles from one album, an amazing seven. When she achieved this, she beat her brother's record, six top 5 hits from the "Thriller" album. This great album turned 25 this year, another amazing album from my favourite year in music, 1989. So long ago, but such an amazing year for music.

This is a great album, and it's obvious why it's called a classic. A dance pop album with an R&B edge and social message. After Janet hit big with her third album, "Control", her record company wanted more of the same but this time with pop songs about her family. They wanted to call the album, "Scandal". Wisely Janet said "no thanks". She had something important to say. Janet had been affected by a school shooting at the time and wanted a message about stamping out hatred, violence and inequality. Isn't it sad that 25 years later, we still have the same problems?

The album is filled with great singles. Single number 1, "Miss You Much" is probably my favourite. An awesome pop song with a great hook and beat. I bought the 7" single as a kid. I also remember doing a dance to this in our lunch break to the amazing choreography. "Rhythm Nation" is another corker. With a more industrial hip-hop sound, the fast paced lyrics are socially conscious and show the great sides of Jackson.

Third single "Escapade" was just that, a great escape with a catchy dance pop song. "Alright", not a hit in Australia, is some serious R&B infused pop. "Black Cat" saw Janet have her biggest hit from the album in Australia. A rockier song, this is the most Michael like song on the album. "Come Back To Me" is a great ballad that demonstrates the powerhouse voice Janet has. The seventh single "Love Will Never Do (Without You)" put Janet in the ballpark of Michael and Madonna. A classic mid tempo pop ballad with an iconic film clip directed by the amazing Herb Ritts. Watch it below, it's pure art!

It really does feel like the whole album is taken up by the awesome singles, but there's some other great songs. "State of the World" was a radio only release that is "Rhythm Nation" light. "The Knowledge" is another great socially aware pop song. What I also love about this album are the interlude's between. Some warm and funny, some completely socially conscious. The album finishes perfectly with Janet stating, "In complete darkness we are all the same. It is only our knowledge and wisdom that separates us. Don't let your eyes deceive you." A true classic album!

It's funny, my boyfriend, who's only 26, once asked if Janet was ever really famous. I know he keeps saying it now to stir me, but it's an interesting point. I guess Janet hasn't retained the level of success many mega stars of the 80's and 90's did. She hasn't continued to remain a cultural phenomenon like Madonna, Kylie or U2. But that will never take away the amazing success she once had. She was, and will always remain one of my favourite artists of all time. Here is where I always ask my favourite song of the artists featured. Sometimes I struggle with an answer, not this time. Not because I don't love her other tracks, I do. It could easily be "Miss You Much", "What Have You Done For Me Lately?" or "The Best Things In Life (Are Free). But there's one song which I would definitely list in my top ten tracks of all time. "That's The Way Love Goes" is the perfect track. I could not love it more! And check out earlier JLo in the film clip. This is the way to make pop music!

So what's your favourite Janet Jackson song? Tell me in the comments section below.

ARIA Awards - My 2 cents

It was a big year for the ARIA awards. There were three artists achieving massive success worldwide, One Direction and Katy Perry were in the building and the broadcast was back in prime time on Channel 10.

Let's talk about the production first. While it was pretty slick and the time passed quickly, I had serious concerns over much of the broadcast. The camera work was shocking, as was the direction. It felt like they decided they needed fast paced shot cutting to keep it fresh, it just seemed jarring. Plus, there were plenty of quick shots of nothing. Not good. Also not sure who's decision it was to play international artists during the ad breaks. I love some Ariana Grande and Beyonce, but this was supposed to be a celebration of Australian music. There's been worse broadcasts of the ARIA's over the years, but that shouldn't be the best thing I say.

Now let's talk about the awards and the music. It was pretty predictable fair, the only award that surprised me was that Sheppard beat 5 Seconds of Summer for best group. But all the favourites seemed to share the major awards. I was super pumped for Kasey Chambers to win country artist of the year and for Sia to win album of the year. It's a great album, and she deserved it - even if she is giving them all away today!

For many years I have hated that the ARIA's mostly snub pop artists. Kylie took years before she was winning ARIA's, even when she was a major international celebrity. It seemed if you were pop, you were snubbed for an indy artist who barely sells but was the darling of Triple J. So it's great to see pop diva Jessica Mauboy nominated most years for best female artist. And while Guy Sebastian will never win a best male artist ARIA, it was great to see him nominated. It's time that opinion is changed, just because music is pop or mainstream, it doesn't mean it's no good. Pop is popular for a reason - so back the fuck off haters!!!!

So how about the performances? There wasn't a bad one in the bunch. Poor Justice Crew, relegated to the red carpet. What that said was, "You've had a number 1 hit but we don't think you're cool enough to sit at the cool table." (See the above paragraph). 5 Seconds of Summer opening performance was great. The boys sounded great and it was a perfect opener. I also loved Jessica Mauboy's "Can I Get a Moment?", obviously. What a great pop performance, she sounded faultless and it was good to see a great production number, even if the staging of the event was average. As a music fan, how could you not enjoy Neil Finn and Paul Kelly's medley? Two powerhouses with a beautiful performance.

The most divisive performance of the night was that from One Direction. Yes, they are a massive act and won an award but should they really have performed on the night celebrating Australian music? And the performance was a little lacklustre, but still, I bloody well loved it! And I feel a little ashamed for loving it so much.

It was an okay ARIA's, I've seen better. In fact, I went to better. Back in 1993 I was a first year Uni student who went to the ARIA's at the Sydney Entertainment Centre. It was a massive night and I had amazing fun screaming for stars at the red carpet. I was a massive Frente! fan and was screaming every time they were mentioned during the ceremony. There's a was girl screaming for Diesel, and she was the only person louder than me in the whole Entertainment Centre, damn that girl, I wanted to be loudest.

So what did you think of last night's ARIA awards? Tell me in the comments section below.

Single of the Week: Bittersweet - Kasey Chambers & Bernard Fanning

It's ARIA's day, so it only seems fitting that an Australian song is Single of the Week. Even more fitting, it's from my favourite Australian artist. Now this song has been around a little while, but doesn't seem to be receiving any airplay, which is a total shame. Especially considering Chambers and Fanning are two of this country's greatest talents.

Let's talk about the song, sure, it's pretty country for a pop blog, but a good song is a good song. Vocally this song is extrordinary, both artists harmonise so well together over hauntingly beautiful lyrics. The song builds to a great crescendo, and the harmonica solo is great. I saw Kasey play this song live, it was wonderful. Check out this amazing song, it deserves more attention.

Here's the usual favourite question, though I did give it away a few blogs ago. What's your favourite Kasey Chambers song? It could be the inspirational, "Little Bird", the haunting "A Million Tears" or the sheer awesomeness of "Like A River". But the answer, 100% is "The Captain". What a beautiful ballad and Kasey Chambers has performed this at every single one of her live gigs since it's been released. I still get shivers listening. How I adore Ms Chambers.

What's your favourite Kasey Chambers song? Tell us in the comments section below.

Album Review: The Veronicas - The Veronicas

The Veronicas. They're back, and I'm pretty damn happy! They had two amazing albums with some great hits, "Untouched" even hitting the heights in the US charts; then they disappeared. They returned in mid 2012 with "Lolita", a dance floor thumper that didn't reach the heights of their previous first singles and were subsequently dropped from their record label, Warner Music. The girls didn't get mad, they got even. Signing a new deal with Sony Music they've returned with this fantastic album. And first hit, "You Ruin Me" has hit number 1 in Australia and the top ten in the UK. Guess we know who won the fight?!

Hands down, this is one of the best pop albums of the year. I enjoyed the new One Direction album last week, but it pales in comparison to the new Veronicas album. A blend of great pop, dance and ballads, lyrically it's spot on and vocally the girls have never been stronger. Most albums start strong and then go down from there. Not this album. I was enjoying the start of the album, the opening two songs are corkers. "Sanctified" is a perfect start to the album. It's gospel inspired dirty pop where the girls beg, "Take me to the river". "Did you miss me? (I'm A Veronica)" is awesome. It's rap-lite pop with some amazing, "fuck you" lyrics, "Down under we don't take no prisoners". Amen girls.

Forward to the middle of the album and it's really firing. "Born Bob Dylan" is an inspirational pop ballad that gives you all the feels. Lead single, "You Ruin Me" deservedly hit number one, and the new single, "If You Love Someone" is catchy pop at its best. My two favourite tracks however are number 12 and 13. "Cold" has the girls talking in an Aussie accent to thumping piano. This is such a great song I will be visiting many more times. The same for "Let Me Out", a gut wrenching ballad that's both impassioned and vocally perfect.

There are very few better current Australian pop artists. The Veronicas are a world class pop act and this album proves it. Do I seem excited about this album? I am, it's bloody good - so just check it out!!

So what's your favourite Veronica's track? This was a hard one for me, cause I love so much of their stuff, even though they are only on their third album. "You Ruin Me" is quickly getting up there, an amazing power ballad. "This Love" is an underrated mid tempo ballad and "4 Ever" is good as a debut single can get. But it came down to two. Narrowly coming in second is "Hook Me Up", a perfect pop track. And my favourite? "Untouched", there's a reason it was huge in the US. String infused electro pop, "Untouched" is one that gets stuck in the internal jukebox.

What's your favourite "The Veronicas" song? Tell us in the comments section below.

What songs remind you of ... your last year of high school?

So the year is 1992, I am in my final year of high school at Doonside High School in Sydney's west. The school was a bit rough, so was the area I grew up in, Blacktown. I was a public school kid. I'm actually real proud of where I grew up, it helped make me the strong, independent man I am today. Sure, it wasn't perfect, as a kid who was obviously going to be gay, I got my fair share of bullying. Kids can be cruel, but it's inspired me to write a whole bunch of stuff - so there's a positive. Plus, I did have some great friends, yeah, I'm looking at you Vera Munro Smith.

Part of the idea of this blog, and the initial show, "Internal Jukebox" was that songs are memories, and how music can take you back to a special time in your life. So here's the first proper blog looking back on a time of my life through music. This one, my final year of high school. I'd love you to join in the conversation and tell me what song reminds you of your last year of school.

Erotica - Madonna
It's always a certainty that Madonna reminds me of periods of my life. She is my constant, but no more than in the later years of High School. By the time this album came out I was hook, line and sinker. I had been waiting for this album, impatiently. So the day it came out, I took a day off school and my Mum and I went into Sydney, I got the album, a limited edition disc in a frame from the Virgin Mega Store on Pitt St and some Madonna memorabilia that was put away for Christmas (Santa gave me the Sex Book that year). What a great song this is, I even named a beloved cat after Madonna's alter ego in this song, Dita. The dirty beat and lyrics are a perfect match in the classic Madonna track!

Stay - Shakepear's Sister
This was my favourite non-Madonna song of 1992. Their first album was great with "You're History" and "Run Silent, Run Deep", but this was their best song. I first discovered it late on a Sunday evening when I would listen in bed to the UK Top Ten on the radio. It was where I found a lot of my favourite tracks, sitting in the dark, blaring the songs from my headphones. Then I saw the film clip, wow. A battle for the soul of some random hot shirtless dude, and former Bananarama member Siobhan Fahey playing some evil angel of death, I was captivated.

Ordinary Angels - Frente!
Seeing this band again this year was so amazing! In year 12, I LOVED Frente! So did my best friend Vera. "Accidentally Kelly Street" was a great one, but this was their best. I remember hearing it for the first time on a Saturday morning just before a school excursion (yes, on a Saturday). We were off to the Sydney Theatre Company to see a play. I went to the train station raving about this song. Then for my birthday party that year, Vera bought me the Clunk EP and gave it to me at my party at Sizzler Restaurant, those were the days!

The Best Things In Life Are Free - Janet Jackson & Luther Vandross
This is still a song I listen to all the time, one of Janet's best. It came from a time when movie soundtrack songs were massive, often bigger than the film itself, More people would remember this song more than the film it came from, "Mo Money", in fact the whole soundtrack is pretty awesome. I often quote the line from the movie used in the film clip, "Nothing in America is free", "Love is". Great dance/pop track, this one used to get me up dancing.

Take It From Me - Girlfriend
This one is a bit more embarrassing, but hey, this song did go to number 1, and I loved it. I remember having some local pride, cause lead single Robyn Loau was a Blacktown girl (my Dad used to deliver her mail!). I loved this very catchy girl group song, I think I still know every lyric. This is also funny because I remember some idiot from my school telling everyone he was dating one of the girls. No one believed him. But check out the clip, daggy, but soooo good!

That was only 5 songs, I could list so many more, cause 1992 was an awesome year for music. Snap's "Rhythm is a Dancer" reminds me of my first night club experiences, "End of The Road" by Boyz II Men was a favourite to sing with, and Kylie's "Finer Feelings" had me having all the feels that year.

So tell me, what song reminds you of your last year of high school? Tell me in the comments section below!

Classic Album Review: CrazySexyCool - TLC

Isn't it great that good music brings back amazing memories? All these years later, I can hear TLC songs and it reminds of hearing these songs. Sitting in my room at Uni discovering "Creep" for the first time, doing homework to "Baby, Baby, Baby" from their first album. And maybe I have some X-rated memories about what I was doing listening to "Red Light Special". Songs are memories.

So it gave me a nice little kick to hear that this week TLC's amazing sophomore album, "CrazySexyCool" turns 20. Even though all these having these iconic albums turn such landmark ages makes me feel pretty damn old! But what a great album it is. If I had to rank the girls album, this would most certainly rank as number one. Sure, "Fanmail" had two incredible singles in "No Scrubs" and "Unpretty" but the whole album was a little inconsistent and the group's debut, "Oooohhhhh .... on the TLC tip" was a great start but it's this album where everything came together. And probably the less said about fourth album, "3D", the better.

Just talking about the singles on this album, you can see how great this album is. A smooth and seductive album that was more R&B than Hip-Hop. The girls were creatively firing, and so were Dallas Austin, Babyface and Jermaine Dupri, producing at their best here. Lead single "Creep" was, and still is, an amazing track. Very laidback, with a great groove and vocals, this tale of cheating on a cheating spouse is a winner.

Third single, "Waterfalls" is the albums best known track. And for good reason. The great track features a laidback beat, a great message and a stunning filmclip, The best part, the catchy chorus that's designed to sing-a-long. Plus, it's a great karaoke tune.

My favourite track is second single, "Red Light Special". While the song never took off here in Australia, it was a massive hit in the US. I still love to play this very sexy track regularly. And boy these are some steamy lyrics, "Baby it's yours, if you want it tonight, I'll give you the red light special". This is a great song for candles, a bottle of wine and maybe some company! Maybe not, I'm not here to judge.

Other highlights on the album include fourth single, "Digging On You", which was a top ten hit in Australia. Another laidback R&B track to make you groove and sing-a-long. As for album tracks, my favourite is undoubtedly the Prince cover, "If I Was Your Girlfriend". Their seductive vocals fit perfectly with this sultry tune. A great cover that gets close to the brilliant original.

It was sad that the world lost such a great talent in Lisa "Left-Eye" Lopez. But this album is a great way to remember her, talented, fiery and seductive. Go back and explore this great album, a time capsule to the mid 90's!

So what is my favourite TLC song of all time? I could easily pick any of the singles here, especially "Red Light Special". "No Scrubs" still brings me joy and "Unpretty" still makes me sing along. But my favourite belongs to their first album. "Baby Baby Baby" is a great ballad that I loved as a teen, and still love to put it on loud. This reminds me of Sunday afternoons when I was supposed to be doing homework but was instead listening to the American Top 40 on the radio.

So what's your favourite TLC track? Tell me in the comments section below.

Album Review: Four - One Direction

Album review time. Or as I could call it, my secret shame. But I guess I have outed myself. My name is Wayne Tunks and I am a One Direction fan. I loved their first album, "What Makes You Beautiful" is as good as pop gets. The second album was okay, and I felt my devotion dropping. Then came the third album, the boys were losing the boyband tag and making some great guitar pop. "Story of My Life" was one of my favourite songs of last year. So I was cautiously optimistic about this album.

Firstly, this is a good album. These are all solid tracks, there are no weak ones here. And with the boys having a hand in writing most of the songs, they are becoming stronger and stronger. But in all honesty, if comparing this to "Midnight Memories", it's not as strong. There's no standout tracks like "Story of My Life" or "Strong", but still, this is a good album that I know will grow with more listens.

The lead single and first track, "Steal My Girl" fits into that category. One Direction (I feel I'm a bit old to call them 1D) have had stronger first singles, "Best Song Ever" or "What Makes You Beautiful" but this one is a grower. Sure, the lyrics are a little stalkery, "Find another one cause she belongs to me", but this song can stuck in your head. Earlier this week I literally had a dream where I sat and listened to this song. First time ever, it was like One Direction had taken out ad space in my psyche.

Second single "Night Changes" is another grower. A mid tempo ballad, within the second listen I was already convinced I liked this track. I'm actually surprised the Ed Sheeran penned "18" wasn't made the second single, especially with the success of "Little Things", the last Sheeran song they released. It has hit written all over it, sounding like a cross between Sheeran and Backstreet Boys in their prime. "Ready to Run" is reminiscent of the last album with a great guitar based beat. "Where Do Broken Hearts Go" is guitar driven pop/rock that is made for singing along. "Fireproof" is a catchy pop track, while "Once in a Lifetime" is the best of the bonus tracks.

If you're a pop music fan, check out this album. If rumours are true, there seems to be a little trouble with the boys getting along. Let's hope they can keep recording music together, because they are becoming quite the fascinating five piece.

Check out the hilarious "Steal My Girl" featuring the always funny Danny DeVito.

This is where I would usually talk about my favourite One Direction song, but I've already mentioned that, "Story of My Life", so just watch the clip. It is a bloody good song!

What's your favourite One Direction track?

Single of the Week: I Don't Care - Cheryl

Sometimes pop songs just make you smile, and Cheryl's new cracker, "I Don't Care", does just that. This is the second single from her fourth album, and her fifth solo number one in the UK. Her tenth if you include her tracks with girl band, Girls Aloud. While she's never been a massive star in Australia, "3 Words" hit number 5 - the rest of her tracks haven't broken the Top 40; I've been a fan for a while.

I may be turning 40 next year, but happy pop songs with swear words still make me happy. And what a great a bunch of lyrics start the catchy chorus, "And I don't care, and it feels so fucken good to say I swear, that I don't care". I challenge anyone to listen to the song a few times and not be singing along.

But to just concentrate on the swear words would cheapen how good this track is. It's a breezy dance / pop song that seems effortless. Cheryl's vocals sound faultless and the beat is a corker, designed to make you dance along. Lyrically it's a fuck you to former lovers, and possibly critics. It's about making it out the other end and being able to breathe again. And can't we all relate to that? A song of redemption to sing loudly in your car.

This has quickly become one of my favourite Cheryl tracks. But looking back, if I had to pick my favourite it's very clear. I love her big hit with Will.I.Am "3 Words", infact that whole album was on high rotation for me. "Promise This" is a great track, especially if you've ever heard the Adele cover (you need to track it down) and her last single, "Crazy, Stupid Love" is also a great pop song. But my all time favourite is undoubtedly, "Call My Name" from her third album. Love the catchy chorus, the uncompromising beat and it's ability to be stuck in my heads for days. Check out the track below.

What's your favourite Cheryl song?

Album Review - The London Sessions: Mary J Blige

I always forget how much I love Mary J Blige until I hear some of her new music, and then, bam, I'm back in love with her all over again. A friend had told me how good this album was, and I knew I needed to try it out for myself. And I was not disappointed. Mary J Blige is back, bigger and better than she has been in years.

Recorded in London, as the title suggests, Blige has collaborated with some of the most current British producers and singers, including Disclosure, Naughty Boy, Emeli Sande and the wonderful Sam Smith (who I may just have a little crush on). While she has stayed true to her R&B roots, it's been fused with current sounds, Then there's her incredibly distinctive voice, which sores here.

Let's talk about the tracks. The good news is there are no bad songs, no fill. Each song stands on its own, and maybe that's the good thing about working with so many different people, you get a lot of gold. But of course, there's some great stand outs. The first single, and the album's opener is the Sam Smith co-penned, "Therapy". This is an Amy Winehouse inspired corker. "Doubt", a song of redemption, made me want to throw my arms in the air. "Not Loving You" is a classic Blige ballad that sounds absolutely glorious. Disclosure produced "Right Now" feels very commercial (that's a compliment from me). It has a great beat, and I was singing along within the first listen.

The stand out track is the second single, "Whole Damn Year". It's co-written by the very cool Emeli Sande and is produced by Naughty Boy, who's tracks I have been loving. What a great song, the beat is sensational, Blige's voice is exquisite and then there's some bloody awesome lyrics. When Blige belts out, "It's been a bad five years", you feel like she is singing your pain. Why isn't this song a hit yet?

If I had to pick a weak link, it'd probably be the Disclosure produced, "Follow". It's a not a bad song, but it feels a little more suited to a Disclosure album and not a Mary J Blige record.

There's so much hurt in her voice, she's at her best when she's hurting in song; and there's so much on offer here. This is a great album that I know I will be revisiting a lot. Mary J Blige has never been that big in Australia, which is a true shame. But trust me friends, now is the time to get into her. She has talent, a massive heart and one of the biggest voices in the business.

After I write about a new release from a well known artist, I think it's the perfect time to look back at some of their other classics. So what is my favourite Mary J Blige song? That's a tough one, this woman has had some anthems.

There's "Family Affair", which reminds me of a great time in my life. "I'm Goin' Down", with brilliantly sublime vocals or the song that my Mum loves and always reminds me of her, "Give Me You". But the one I have to choose is "911", her duet with Wyclef Jean. When this song came out, I was obsessed with it. Her verse is like heaven. This was the song that made me fall in love with her voice, and for that reason will remain my favourite Mary J Blige song. Give it a listen if you haven't heard it.

What's your favourite Mary J Blige song? Tell me in the comments below.

Some favourites revisited

Today is the day, "Internal Jukebox" opens at The Butterfly Club tonight. Exciting times! This will be such a fun show, filled with memories of music. And that was the premise of the show, songs are memories. They take us back to another time in our life, and I wanted to celebrate that.

Over the past few weeks on the Internal Jukebox Facebook page we've been asking musical memory questions. To celebrate the show, I thought I'd revisit some of these questions and their videos:

What's your favourite song of the year so far?

Chandelier - Sia

Let's start with the clip, pretty exceptional. Proves the point that you don't need a lot of money to make an awesome clip (sorry Jess Mauboy). And there's the whole connection to Dance Moms, my secret shame! Plus the song is so God damn catchy. I love that stupid people think this is a party anthem, the amazing dance/pop song is all about Sia's addiction. So any song that can make me lose myself in dance while thinking is a pretty good thing.

What was your first album bought?

Whitney Houston - Whitney

God I loved Whitney Houston as a kid. I even had a poster of her I put on my roof, then it fell down on my face in the middle of the night, scaring the hell out of me. I am so happy this was my first album. I got given some money for a present and went and bought this album on cassette. How good are the singles. "Saving All My Love" still gets me singing along. "How Will I Know" is pop perfection, put it on and people will always get into it; and "The Greatest Love Of All", my favourite as a kid, is a classic. Whitney, I miss you!

What was your first concert?

Bros (yeah, I know)

Hang your head in shame Wayne! Bros. Okay, I don't even feel that bad, It was an awesome gig. I was in year 9 and loved me some Bros! "When Will I be Famous", top track. "I Owe You Nothing", so very good. I went with a group of girls from school (cause of course no boys would want to go) to the Sydney Entertainment centre and sat in like the back row. So far away, but we didn't care. We sang, we dance, we screamed. A great memory. Concert two, Bobby Brown.

What was your favourite track from the 90's?

Secret - Madonna

This is a hard question, and the rest of the cast struggled finding just one. I struggled just finding one Madonna song! But really there could be no other 90's song I could have picked. This came out when I was at Uni and hating my life. Hated being away from home and was holding on to my last ditch effort to be hetero. Madonna became my salvation, especially this catchy tune. The humming in the chorus, the beat, the lyrics and some killer remixes. Still love it to this day.

What song do you still know all the dance moves to?

Venus - Bananarama

Oh Bananarama, how they have brought me joy! Their partnership with Stock, Aitken & Waterman produced some overly catchy tracks - this was a favourite. Then in High School, I joined with Vera Munro-Smith and Catherine Borg and dressed up as Bananarama for a school talent quest and mimed to this song. Pure art. Maybe. Naturally I was Sara, the tall blonde. I am so glad it was the age of no mobile phones, so that footage does not exist.

Who is your favourite Australian artist?

Kasey Chambers

Kasey Chambers, how I love thee. From "The Captain" to her current album, "Bittersweet", her music has been a special part of my life. As a lyricist, Kasey Chambers is a poet. And while her voice may be divisive, I love it. I have seen her a number of times live and she is incredible. In fact, I was in the audience for this live version of "The Captain" at the Opera House. I may have cried while she was singing this, may have. Favourite tracks include, "The Captain", "A Million Tears" and "Little Bird".

What is your favourite karaoke song?

Copacabana - Barry Manilow

Wow, these questions are making me look really daggy!!! I love singing this song at karaoke. It fits my voice and it's fun to dance to. It reminds me of fun nights at trivia at the Greyhound and Friday night karaoke nights with my great friend Tammy.

Tonight is the night, come see my show Melbournites, I love music, and I want to share that with you!

Single of the Week - Baby Don't Lie

After a failed return to No Doubt, Gwen Stefani is back with a new single that has gotten me singing along very loudly! I have been a longtime fan of No Doubt, it was Gwen's solo stuff that had me a little hot and cold. However, when No Doubt reformed, the lacklustre outing was a disappointment. Sure, the first single, "Settle Down", was okay, but it was nowhere near as good as a "Don't Speak", "Just a Girl" or "Simple Kind of Life"(my favourite No Doubt song).

I was hesitant listening for the first time, wondering what I was going to hear, but midway through my first listen - I was already hooked. It's a mid-tempo reggae/pop song co-written with One Republic's Ryan Tedder, amongst others. Tedder seems to be the man of the moment, seemingly writing every second massive pop hit. A great beat to dance along to, and some catchy lyrics that will be stuck in your "internal jukebox" before too long.

From the opening beat to that awesome chorus, this is a catchy little song that I hope finally gets the recognition that Stefani once again deserves. Check it out below.

What's your favourite single of the week?

Classic Album Review - Like A Virgin

Happy Birthday Like A Virgin, the classic album turns the big 3-0 this week. Older than many of my friends, and even my boyfriend ... but not me. The album came out when I was young and I didn't understand the brilliance of Madonna. I remember my neighbour loving it and listening and enjoying it. But it wasn't till 1989 when Madonna became my everything that I went back and discovered how great this album was.

On a tram this morning on the way to a photoshoot for MX, I listened to it once more and enjoyed it all over again. I'll try not to gush too much and stay objective, but it's just a bloody good album. The strength in this album lies in the singles, they are incredible. If the album has a weak spot, and I only say if, it's that the album tracks follow the 80's tradition of not being as good as the singles. As years passed, Madonna became much stronger with her album tracks.

It's interesting listening to Madonna's voice on these early tracks, just her second album. It sounds so much younger and has a distinct tone that only got better with age, and when Madonna took opera training during her Evita period.

Anyway, here's the track by track review:

Material Girl

A classic if ever there was one. Madonna even became known as "the Material Girl" due to this song. But take away the pop phenomenon, and is it a good track? The answer is unequivocally yes. (But you probably guessed I was gonna say that). Clever lyrics that guarantee you're singing along and a beat that makes you want to dance. There is a reason this song is so popular.

Angel

I always feel sorry for this great song. Sure it went to number 1 worldwide, but it was a double A side with the much more famous, "Into the Groove". Plus the song never got a film clip. It's a catchy mid-tempo ballad that's great to sing along with. "Angel" is probably the song from the album I listen to most now. If you haven't listened to it much, time to revisit. Madonna does light love songs well.

Like A Virgin

If you don't know this song, you may be dead. What a clip, what a song. Talking of cultural phenomenons, this song has been used in everything from a Tarantino film to an X Factor Nun in Italy releasing it as a single. There may be no better song that encapsulates the 80's and this clip helped herald the MTV era and turned Madonna from a singer to a superstar. I adore this song, still do, even after 30 years. Pure pop brilliance. "I made through the wilderness...."

Over and Over

The first of five album tracks, and I'd probably rank it at 2. Still catchy and the line, "I get up again, over and over" gets stuck in my head, over and over again. A solid album track, just not a single.

Love Don't Live Here Anymore

My favourite album track from this album, and for a while as a teen, my favourite song on the album. Clearly Madonna loved this cover too, because she re-recorded it and released it as a single on "Something to Remember", her best of the ballads album. This was 70's classic and has been recorded by many, I loved the Kate Ceberano cover in the 80's, but clearly this one is my favourite. There is such a passion in Madonna's voice, the cracks towards the end of the track are so emotive. And those lyrics, "Through the windmills of my eyes, everyone can see, the loneliness inside of me", they get me everytime. LOVE this track.

Dress You Up

The final single from the album, and another little catchy pop song that gets stuck in your head. I still love to play this song loud and proud. It was never the big hit it deserved to be, but time has been kind and it is still an amazing track. Go listen to it.

Shoo-Bee-Doo

Number 4 out of 5 in album tracks for me. A good song, just not a great one. Still fun to play and sing along with.

Pretender

Probably my least favourite song on the album, but having said that, I'd still prefer to listen to it than most songs by other artists. It's just that Madonna has so many good songs!

Stay

The final track on the album and my number 3 album track. Another song that's fun to sing with, but could never be a single.

So that's it, a great album. While I feel like I should call "Like A Virgin" my favourite track on the album, I think I have to answer "Angel" as my favourite track.

Below, tell me your favourite song on the album. Happy Birthday "Like A Virgin"!!

An Intro of Sorts

I have been wanting to try a music blog for a while. I've started blogs before but never followed through and was just a little worried about doing a music blog because I didn't want to to stuff it up. Now felt the right time. Music has been taking back over as a massive passion. I'm not a musician, and I'm only an okay singer. I'm a listener, and a major music fan. From a young age I have been devoted to music, have thousands of CD's and music on many electronic devices. Music has taken centre stage again, both my shows this year have been music based, "Everything I Know I Learnt From Madonna" and my show that opens this week, "Internal Jukebox", a show about music and the memories they have.

I want to make a happy blog about the music I love. No negative comment, just reflecting on great new music and classic songs that have shaped me. This isn't just some hipster blog where I'm trying to look like I am "cool". Quite frankly I often have terrible music taste, a pure pop fan who sometimes has more of the music taste of a 15 y/o girl. I LOVE Madonna, she has been favourite since 1989, and will always be. But then there are so many other artists who release songs that just speak to me.

I'm looking forward to this adventure. I'll write a music based post tomorrow, but for now, here is a cheap promo for my new show, "Internal Jukebox" that plays this week at The Butterfly Club in Melbourne. Check out these great promo videos featuring myself and my talented cast (shot by the wonderful Paul Nelson) talking about musical memories, cause after all, songs are memories!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y0BeozI_xIE

Wayne