Music Reviews

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Paul McCartney’s early Xmas present for Beatlemaniacs

McCartney III is occasionally brilliant and often wonderfully weird, but never anything other than a ticket to ride with one of the greatest musical minds to grace this planet, writes Simon Collins.

Simon Collins

Playful popREVIEW: San Cisco rocks Albany with the sound of summer

The Fremantle-based band arrived in Albany last weekend for two shows as part of their Between You & Me tour showcasing a new album of the same name.

Kellie Balaam

Classical music alive, alive-oMusica Viva returns with early & Baroque highlights

Early and Baroque highlights welcome Musica Viva back to Perth Concert Hall for finale of its 75th season

David Cusworth

MusicBeyonce leads Grammy nominations

The pop star has made a splash with Black Parade and is now the second-most nominated act in the history of the awards show.

Classical music alive, alive-oLaurence Jackson brings Bruch to Perth Concert Hall

WA Symphony Orchestra with Laurence Jackson under Guy Noble play Bruch Violin Concerto No.1, Tchaikovsky 4th Symphony, at Perth Concert Hall

David Cusworth

Still legendaryHow critics are raving about Springsteen’s latest LP

Released yesterday to rave reviews, Bruce Springsteen’s 20th studio album Letter To You contains lyrics more likely to galvanise voters than a Borat gotcha moment — and the critics love it.

Simon Collins

Music reviewLocal boy back in town for ‘soul-warming’ gig

Homegrown star Joel Jackson was in Albany at the weekend for his first home gig since he was a child.

Kellie Balaam

Classical music alive, alive-oRising star shines with WA Symphony Orchestra

WA Symphony Orchestra with Jessica Gethin and Emmalena Huning play Dvorak, Mozart and Mendelssohn at Perth Concert Hall

David Cusworth

Classical music alive, alive-oWASO’s Carmina Burana blazes a trail back on stage

Jessica Gethin and WA Symphony Orchestra return to Perth Concert Hall main stage with Carmina Burana, featuring Amy Manford, Perry Joyce, James Clayton, WASO Chorus and UWA Symphonic Chorus

David Cusworth

Back in townVikki Thorn back on stage in Albany

Vikki Thorn returned to the stage in Albany last Saturday night singing lockdown tunes with her newly formed trio, Vikki Thorn and the Red Tails.

Kellie Balaam

Wildest dreamsTaylor Swift breaks records with new release Folklore

Taylor Swift’s critically-acclaimed new album Folklore has sold more than a million physical copies while breaking global records for music streaming.

David Johns

ALBUM REVIEWIs WA’s Spacey Jane the next big thing in music?

Judging by the bittersweet indie rock songs on debut album Sunlight, and the Fremantle quartet’s burgeoning reputation as a dynamic live act, the answer is a resounding you bet your Tame Impalas.

Simon Collins

REVIEWIs Gaga’s new album a floorfiller or dance disaster?

REVIEW: Lady Gaga’s long-awaited (and delayed) album Chromatica has finally dropped, with the pop superstar returning to her dancefloor roots - but is it filled with bops or just another flop?

Ross McRae

Artist InterviewLemon Myrtle shows styles

Manjimup’s Lemon Myrtle, otherwise known as Hannah Styles, has released her first EP, the Dentist.

Tristan Wheeler

ARTSWASO’s Bit o’Bolero goes viral on YouTube

WA Social Distancing Orchestra joins viral response with Bit o’Bolero on YouTube

David Cusworth

Album ReviewDistinctive voice carries wit and charm in debut

The Dentist EP is a release for our times, discussing our social interactions, societal values and the effect of fear in our lives.

Tristan Wheeler

JAZZ ICONLegendary guitarist make virtuosity seem effortless

If Pat Metheny ever makes his daydream a reality and comes to live in Perth, his audience on Wednesday night left him in no doubt as to how warmly he’d be welcomed.

ROMANTIC OPERABeethoven’s Fidelio finds light in the darkest intrigue

WA Symphony Orchestra and WA Opera with Christiane Libor shine light on darkness with Beethoven’s sole opera Fidelio at Perth Concert Hall

David Cusworth

Energy-chargedNostalgic crowd laps up teen dreams Astley, a-ha

A Day on the Green’s star attractions, Norwegian trio a-ha, kicked off their first Australian tour in 34 years in Perth last night with Rick Astley and they did not disappoint.

Sonja Moore

SONGBIRDSOn a wing and fine players

If song is the source of music, what is the source of song?

REVIEWMetal titans Tool hammer out mind-blowing gig

Perth fans had to wait 11 years to see the LA progressives back on stage .. but everything about Tool is an exercise in patience.

Sam Jeremic

INDIGENOUS TRIBUTEFirst Nations’ opening week deadly

Nerrpu is a word the Yolngu people of north-eastern Arnhem Land use to describe the brain and knowledge of an individual. Someone of balanda, or European, descent might call it genius.

FestivalCharli XCX proves herself at Laneway

English pop star Charli XCX is no stranger to breaking the rules, but an almost 15 minute delay to her Laneway set yesterday left many wondering where she had gone.

Pierra Willix