Sky's Magical Mystery Tour

Apologies

2004-11-29T09:21:00.000+11:00

I've been really sick.

Normal service will resume shortly.

EDIT: Actually, I might just become a full-time Lizzer again.

Clap, clap, clap, clap your hands now!

2004-11-22T09:31:00.000+11:00

We simply HAVE to start Extreme Take That Appreciation Mania by taking a look at their greatest song/performance/triumph ever, "Clap Your Hands", live at Wembley.

It's their very own breakdance and rap masterpiece, and is unsurpassed by any as the greatest 4 minutes in boyband history.

It starts, as so many things do, with a breakdancing display. Mark and Jason delight and stun the crowd with their breakin' abilities for a good full minute while some 'hip hop' music plays on.

Then, the lights come on, the dancing stops and - Gary arrives!

He's helpfully detailed his name on his chest with red sequins. He's also taken the casual approach with 'Gaz', which I enjoy. Those glasses he is 'sporting' immediately alert our suspicions - are we in for some Elton John style piano play?

Yes! Our suspicions are confirmed when Gaz takes to the keys. At this stage it's obvious that with those glasses combined with the Sergeant Peppers style jacket, that Gary thinks he is literally Elton John meets John Lennon.

Meanwhile, Mark and Jason continue to up the drama with some more breakdancing. But wait - who's this!?

It's Howard Donald with a bed sheet attached to his head of course! Howard and his nipple ring deliver us a remarkable display of beat boxing and shouts of 'pump it, pump it!'

Then, finally, Robbie enters the stage - gigantic hat, cane, bling and pimp outfit in tow. He then launches into a Marky Mark-equese rap, during which he asks the ladies why is he so funky. Apparently it's because he's a beat boy junkie. I think. It's really quite hard to make out. The best bit is when he knocks Gary Barlow down with his cane, demonstrating that it is not just a prop but a weapon.

It is all SO EXCELLENT. Really, the most perfect way to kick off Take That week (though, admittedly, it's probably all down hill from here).

Come on, come on, come on, Take That! And Party!

2004-11-22T09:27:00.000+11:00

EXTREME TAKE THAT APPRECIATION MANIA has arrived! Welcome!

The Facts:

Take That are the second best boyband ever (behind 5ive)

They are so because they combined touching ballads and breakdancing, to a degree not matched before nor since

Their back catalogue is full of so much great, and also awful, music, that it all needs re-reviewing and examining

The fun starts right now!

Low Level Scott Cain Appreciation of a Sensible Degree

2004-11-16T19:29:00.000+11:00

Top 6 Reasons Scott Cain Rules:

1. He covered an Oasis song
2. He sings songs (well, not plural - YET) about Hilary Duff
3. He taught us that Crazy People Rock
4. He called his debut album 'Controlled Folly'
5. He inspired one of the most hilarious Cameron Adams comments ever
6. He sung a Coldplay song at his original audition

Britney & Liz-O-Vations

2004-11-16T19:21:00.000+11:00

Ok, I'm obsessed with Britney Spears to the point of sickness at the moment. It's now hit 6 days straight of listening to nothing but her music. (I should be doing The Britney Life or something, really). And I don't think I'll be stopping any time soon.

It's kind of sad though...Listening to her old music and remembering that she was the best popstar ever, and then remembering what she's like NOW. I'm keeping the faith that she will be back though.

Anyway, a proper Liz-O-Vation is in store over the next few days! Yay! And it will most probably have a Britney theme. I don't really know what she has to do with Sky Mangel or the Beatles though...then again, they don't have much to do with each other either.

Karl Mechanics

2004-11-16T19:03:00.000+11:00

From tonight's Neighbours, care of Dr Kennedy:

'Life's like a journey. You hit a pot hole, you put your foot down and you move ahead'

I think they've recycled a script from this time last year and crossed out Stu's name, don't you?

CONTROLLED FOLLY

2004-11-15T13:59:00.000+11:00

(I had to scan my own copy of the Popstars 3 CD because I couldn't find any online. Yes I do own it and yes I do still give it the odd spin, thanks)

Anyway, forget last night's Australian Idol - yesterday it was all about Popstars 3 if you REALLY wanted to get to know your Idol finalists.

If, like me, you were sad enough to:

a) Tape every episode of Popstars 3
b) Keep them for almost 3 years
&
c) Spend all of Sunday afternoon re-watching them

then you would have also witnessed the following:

Anthony Callea's audition! If you are anything like me this would have caused you shriek in a mixture of horror/joy/excitement, and to rewind the tape back 5 times to watch the footage again.
Fact! Anthony used to enjoy the odd blonde highlight in his hair

Gabriel Cabrera! This was hilarious for so many reasons. 1, I remember this audition very well. Gabs quit his hairdressing job to try out for Popstars, then delivered a most horrifying audition piece. That's funny enough just on it's own, but it's double as high-larious when you also think about how well he did in Australian Idol (IE - NOT VERY).

Most importantly though, even though he was feeling a bit sick, he recovered at the last moment to sing in time. The show ALWAYS goes on with Gabriel!

A possible shot of Ricki-Lee! I'm not 100% sure it was her...I did pause the tape to have a closer look, but it still wasn't clear. I remember reading she tried out for Popstars, but I think she might have been too young for this series. Nevertheless, those few seconds she was on screen were the best moments of the entire show. She really showed the other contestants how it was done.

Now, let's talk about Scott Cain for a moment.

Do you know what, I KNEW there was a reason I'd liked him at the time. For one of his live performances he sung Don't Look Back In Anger! This automatically makes him better than every single other popstar/idol contestant, because no one else has ever done an Oasis song. Thinking about it actually, I'm surprised Marty never did...he could have literally gone to town with Live Forever.

Also, before it even GOT to the Oasis performance, I'd realised Scott was pretty bonza. I guess that's why ~~I voted~~ other people voted for him to win.

So many questions, why am I so real?

2004-11-15T13:55:00.000+11:00

I've had Britney's Greatest Hits for almost a week now (I think the store put it out way early), so that is plenty of time to form the opinion that it is amazing. I didn't actually mean to get it, but then I saw it and it looked so sparkly, and it had a bonus disc, so I had to.

The cover looks shit on screen, but in fact it is not 'bogey green' but instead is metallic silver, which is reason enough alone to get it. Another amazing fact is that, on the back it SAYS that is has the 'darkchild remix' of Overprotected, but it's not! It's the original! I don't know how or why, but it is.

I really love (I've Just Begun) Having My Fun as well. So I think it's worthwhile to buy even if (like me) you have all her albums. It's the ONLY cd I've had in my player for the past 5 days straight. It really is pop perfection.

HiT and Chik reviews

2004-11-11T13:02:00.000+11:00

Cameron called Pete Murray Peter! And he put Band Aid III in the 'Hot' column! Cameron has been working very hard the past couple of weeks to claim back his position as my personal Jesus, and he's finally succeeded.

ALSO - He said the new Eminem album is SHIT. So I'm not getting it anymore. I love Eminem, and I have all his stuff, AND I had put aside $20 in a special 'Eminem Fund' for next Monday, but now that's all changed. I'll just get Gwen Stefani's album instead.

Cam also gave 'What You Waiting For' the full five dogs.

CHIK MAGAZINE:

The love affair is over. I got it today right, and it had gone up in price $3. This caused me to swear at the girl at the cash register. I think it's more expensive because it comes with a DVD. But then again, it says it's a 'free' gift. So I don't know if it's gone up in price, or they are overcharging for a shit dvd. Either way, it is crap.

Also, none of the articles were very good, and there was nothing overly amusing in it.

HOWEVER - On the DVD there is behind-the-scenes Neighbours footage. So I will watch it later and report back, with my mind possibly changed.

GO CASSY (This time for real)

2004-11-10T14:41:00.000+11:00

I've made my decision - Cassy HAS to win.

I'll be 'baking' a cake later on today in support.

Amendment

2004-11-10T14:20:00.000+11:00

It's pretty rare I like an album more as time goes by. Normally they lose dogs by the day. But Mistaken Identity is being upgraded to:

(That's a full dog!)

Delta can do no wrong in my books at the moment. She is kicking so many goals...I'm probably putting all my eggs into one basket, but there you go.

The question is - Can she beat Keane for 'Best Album Of 2004'? I know, they're both so controversial and extreme, it's going to be hard to pick a winner. I THINK 'Out Of The Blue' will beat 'Somewhere Only We Know' for single of 2004 though.

TOP 5 DELTA GOODREM SONGS:

1. Lost Without You
2. Out Of The Blue
3. Not Me, Not I (Aka 'The Stu Song')
4. Almost Here
5. A Little Too Late

GO CASEY! (Sort Of)

2004-11-09T16:12:00.000+11:00

I am LITERALLY in two minds as to whether or not start Extreme CASEY MUST WIN AUSTRALIAN IDOL Mania.

On the one hand:

She is pretty awesome

She is a million times better than Anthony

It would be such a sweet victory if she beat that tiny little robot

On the OTHERHAND:

She is pretty awesome. - I don't want her to have to release a winner's single and album, which always suck SO BADLY

She claims Kurt Cobain is her hero

No, while the last point is by no means a GOOD thing, it's not really why I want her to lose. In a way I want Anthony to win because he will get all the shitty songs and Casey might get decent ones. BUT - I also really want her to BEAT him.

I'm too conflicted at the moment.

GET THE FIVE DOGS READY

2004-11-08T19:45:00.000+11:00

If you buy one cd in your LIFE, make sure you get Super Furry Animals - Songbook. For me, they sound just like Blur, if Blur sounded more like the Beatles. IE - too bonza for this universe. Their greatest hits is the most brilliant thing ever.

I'm also very excited about the 25th anniversary edition of The Clash - London Calling, but mostly for the packaging. It is fab...3 discs, album, bonus tracks, DVD, videos, booklet. VERY awesome.

I LOVE DELTA

2004-11-07T13:55:00.000+11:00

Lyn Mechanics

2004-11-06T16:04:00.000+11:00

My GOD, it just keeps getting better and better!

It's a different theme each night, it seems! Last night's Lyn Mechanics quote was:

'It's OK to put all of your eggs
in one basket. As long as some of
them are BUSINESS eggs, and some of
them are EMOTIONAL eggs'

That is just brilliant. It makes all the sense of Life Mechanics, ie, none.

And football last night, eggs tonight - What next?! I think it's inevitable that a road that leads to success will eventually be mentioned at this rate.

Delta's Album!

2004-11-06T14:41:00.000+11:00

Eeeeeeeeee!!!!

I listened to it with Cameron's track-by-track review next to me so that I could be informed and enlightened. By pure coincidence, our opinions are quite similar. I'll go through the album track-by-track as well, giving both mine and Cameron's views.

1. Out Of The Blue:
Cameron Says: This version ups the drama with a Beatlesque crescendo
Crystal Says: I agree

2. The Analyst:
Cameron Says: This is brilliant
Crystal Says: I'll second that

3. Mistaken Identity:
Cameron Says: Her ultra personal pop-masterpiece. Think Tori Amos doing the soundtrack to Moulin Rogue.
Crystal Says: Couldn't have put it any better myself

4. Extraordinary Day:
Cameron Says: Peer into Delta's diary as she relives the day she was diagnosed with cancer. Suitably dark and intense
Crystal: Yes, it is.

5. A Little Too Late:
Cameron Says: Clever, late ABBA-esque pop song...Intoxicating
Crystal Says: THIS SONG IS BRILLIANT. In fact...in a Mark Holden style...it's the:

BEST SONG EVER!!!!

6. Be Strong:
Cameron Says: Poignant, positive ballad
Crystal Says: Yeah, it's a ballad. It's quite good

7. Electric Storm:
Cameron Says: A moody pop song you wouldn't expect from Delta
Crystal Says: Ditto

8. Almost Here:
Cameron Says: The duet with Brian McFadden...a big melancholic power ballad
Crystal Says: BEST SONG EVER (again)

9. Miscommunication:
Cameron Says: Hmmm
Crystal Says: Yeah, it's crap

10. Sanctuary:
Cameron Says: Another classy, string-soaked pop symphony
Crystal Says: That is correct

11. Last Night On Earth:
Cameron Says: Swings between subtle verses and a rather colossal chorus
Crystal Says: Yes it does

12. Fragile:
Cameron Says: Stark, tender ballad
Crystal Says: A bit average, really

13. Disoriented:
Cameron Says: Another dark-tinged document of her recovery
Crystal Says: Yeah. I'm getting slightly tired of it as well

14. You Are My Rock:
Cameron Says: A public thank you to brother Trent
Crystal: And it's very nice, actually.

Bonus Track - No One Listened
Cameron Says: No review
Crystal Says: Well I'm all up the creek with no canoe then

It's not the BEST ALBUM EVER, unfortunately. But it's pretty bonza. A Little Too Late really is the best song ever, and the Brian McFadden duet is suprisingly brilliant.

3.5 Dogs
(I can't be bothered to find dog icon)

What's Give Or Take One Year Anyway?

2004-11-06T10:33:00.000+11:00

Just FYI: I am joining in with the movement to have Liz Phair named as the Album Of 2004.

I also really really like her 'Exile In Guyville' album now, so I'm going to name that the second best album of 2004 (original release date 1993). What's give or take 11 years anyway? Who says modern music has to be depressing!

INTERNATIONAL DAY OF MOURNING

2004-11-05T16:40:00.000+11:00

I've dropped my copy of 'The Masterplan' and it is ruined. The song 'The Masterplan' is unlistenable.

I am devastated.

Nothing will be able to take the pain away, until I can afford a new copy.

In happier news, I have been enjoying a bit of Billie's 'Honey To The B' album:

RAGE

2004-11-05T15:47:00.000+11:00

Sum 41 Guest Program Rage:
The question being, will they pick Avril? Enjoy (or endure) their choices, Sat on ABC
- Cameron Adams, yesterday.

I have mixed feelings about the Sum 41 guest program. On the one hand:

- Renegades Of Funk - AFRIKA BAMBAATAA & THE SOUL SONIC FORCE

Excellent!

And there's also this brilliant section, all in a row:

Paint It Black - THE ROLLING STONES
Suffragette City - DAVID BOWIE
A Day In The Life - THE BEATLES
Don't Look Back In Anger - OASIS

That will be a bonza 15 minutes.

But on the OTHER hand:

Die, Die My Darling - METALLICA
Whiplash - METALLICA
Peace Sells ... But Who's Buying? - MEGADETH
Master Of Puppets - METALLICA
Holy Wars - MEGADETH

NO THANKS.

This Is A Paid Announcement

2004-11-04T22:38:00.000+11:00

Dear Oscar,

The Cooks is still shit. (And always will be)

Love Crystal

I need a HiT

2004-11-04T20:19:00.000+11:00

Seeing as I've already posted today's cover of HiT, here's a rather fetching picture of Cameron Adams instead:

HiT was so awesome today.

Cameron has totally made me want to get Delta's album now. He makes it sound like it's her very own Standing On The Shoulders Of Giants (ie, Excellent). There was also Cameron's most random and possibly most hilarious comment ever in the album chart section:

Green Day - American Idiot: The first concept album in the charts since Scott Cain's 'Controlled Folly'.

Ha. And also, ?? That was so nonsensical and random Cameron. You are so back in your position of Jesus now.

And within the first 2 pages of HiT today...there were the following things:

A mention of Double The Fist

The line 'Bono saves the world'
&

Complaining about this week's Rage guest programming

I don't want to suggest anything suspicious though. All coincidences, I'm sure.

How Surprising

2004-11-04T14:03:00.000+11:00

I haven't bought HiT today, but...

Apparently there's going to be a little bit of Delta Goodrem in it.

Can't wait for THAT.

Move Over Stu.. It's Lyn's turn now

2004-11-03T20:16:00.000+11:00

As Boys II Men would say, we have come to the end of the road (of success).
As The Beatles would say, it's a long and winding road (of success), that has led to this door.
And like Willie Nelson MIGHT say, the day may come when we just can't wait to get back on the road (of success) again.

But not right now.

Neighbours made one thing very clear tonight - STU IS FINISHED.

Now it's all about Lyn...

"Taking control of the steering wheel" is out, and "Kicking goals" is in. It's now time for us to get in front of the goal posts, keep our eyes on the ball, and win the match of life.

We are taking Lyn on board as our full time life advisor from now on as well. I don't know if she'll ever be as good as Stu, but we are going to give her the chance.

It's the end of an era, but the start of a new one.

Lyn Mechanics Update

2004-11-03T20:05:00.000+11:00

Lyn went for her first ~~Life Mechanics~~ er, "Life Coaching" class today.

It's totally Life Mechanics 2. It even shares the same basic principal that made LM great - metaphors.

With Life MECHANICS, it was about cars.
With Life COACHING, it is about coaching. Football, apparently.

Today Lyn was all about 'kicking goals' and 'moving the posts...to score more goals'. (I think)

Isn't it just the greatest thing ever?

Temporary Road Block

2004-11-02T10:46:00.000+11:00

On Magical Mystery Tours, there are often times when you hit a crossroads, have to take a wrong turn, reverse, stop, pull over and...ok, that's enough. This is just to say that while I'm writing my novel, I might not be updating here as much. I'll be updating HERE plenty, but the brakes are being put on this blog a bit.

Of course, I'll probably be back later today with 3 million posts about Neighbours and U2, but hey.