Carl Sandburg Visits Me In A Dream

Here’s a little special feature as I highlight artists and bands from the only nation that is also its own continent–Australia!

Artist to Know: Sia

You might know Sia Furler from her multiple stints with UK collective Zero 7, or perhaps you are well versed with her critically acclaimed debut album Colour the Small One. Sia is now preparing to release her sophomore release Some People Have Real Problems in January 2008, and from the sound of a few of the songs from the 14-track album, Sia is on her way to being annointed the queen of indie rock. Sia’s distinct voice, combined with her lyrical prowess and sense of humor,(see album title) make her such an interesting listen. Her vocals might not be the most graceful, but they certainly are captivating as she proves she’s got a knack for catchy rhythms. Whether it’s a pop ballad (“Day Too Soon”) or a folk-rock ditty (“Buttons”, “The Girl”), Sia manages to pull it off with substance and style.

Sia – Buttons

Track to Hear: Gotye – Learnalilgivinandlovin‘

Melbourne mate Wally DeBacker, known as Gotye, is actually the drummer for Australian rock outfit The Basics, but he also doubles as a retro-rock-lovin’ mixmaster/musician. His most recent release Like Drawing Blood reached the top of the Australian charts last year, but hasn’t succeeded in getting attention here in the US. The album is chock full of intriguing beats and wonderful vocals, and the lead track “Learnalilgivinandlovin’” is perhaps one of the most delectable tunes I’ve heard in years. This feel-good, motown track almost seems better suited for 30 years ago, but like fine wine, it is certainly more precious and delicious now. It’s about time we learned a little givin’ and lovin’.

Video to Watch: John Butler Trio – Ocean

Led by John Butler, this trio of amazingly talented Aussies has made quite a splash even in the US with their most recent album Grand National. John Butler also happens to be one of the most skilled guitarists in the world, and to prove it, just take a look at this video of him performing the song “Ocean”.

Show to See (for Chicago):

Who? Architecture in Helsinki

When? Doors open 6 PM, October 16, 2007

What? This Australian band is not in fact from the great country of Finland (as their name may suggest), but they do offer some incredibly exotic melodies and vocals. Sometimes I find them a tad eclectic for my tastes, but songs like “Red Turned White” and “Debbie” remind me of how fun music can really be.

How Much? $15

What Did I Miss: I haven’t had a chance thus far to feature all the great Australian artists and bands that I intended to tell you all about. So here are some one-liners about a couple more:

Xavier Rudd-Paul Simon clone, down to the voice and the reggae-folk influences.

Bernard Fanning-Returning to the glory of golden AM radio, Fanning sounds like a combination of James Taylor and The Dobbie Brothers.

New Buffalo-This Aussie’s voice floats effortlessly over beautifully crafted folk-pop arrangements.

It is becoming increasingly apparent to me that Australia is now becoming the new Sweden of the indie scene (no offense my fair Swedes), churning out one after another of intriguing, unique folk and rock acts (see Jet, Sia, New Buffalo, The John Butler Trio, Bernard Fanning, etc.). Well don’t believe what your mother tells you (or the name of the band), because eclectic rockers Architecture in Helsinki are really from down under. Combining the strange creative energies of a Devendra Banhart, the instrumentation of a Sufjan Stevens, and the vocals of a falsettoed Queen (?), Architecture in Helsinki delivers oddly beautiful pop arrangements on their new album Places Like This that will have you tapping those feet of yours in a hurry. Admittedly, I find some of AIH’s music a tad too esoteric to fully enjoy but I happen to enjoy them most when I just buy into their silliness. Songs like “Debbie” and “Red Turned White”, infused with funky synths and intoxicating horns, are just straight up fun, while tracks like “The Same Old Innocence” present a more serious rock tone that explores into a chorus of “Way-ohs”, ACDC style. The bottom line is that AIH can rock and have fun doing it, but they’ve got to be careful of not scaring off their listeners in the process. But as far as I’m concerned, bring it on.

You can purchase AIH’s Places Like This here.
Listen to “Debbie” (5/5)
Listen to “The Same Old Innocence” (4.5/5) (courtesy to rocksellout.com)