Tina Arena - Oh Me Oh My

"Oh Me Oh My" was remade in 2008 by Australian singer-songwriter Tina Arena for her Songs of Love & Loss 2 album. The album was recorded at AIR Lyndhurst Hall in London accompanied by conductor Simon Hale and the London Studio Orchestra in July 2008. The song was a Top 30 hit for Lulu which charted in 1969-70.Source URL: https://popmusicrecords.blogspot.com/search/label/Tina%20Arena
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Tina Arena Goes Disco!

It's been a busy couple of weeks for Tina Arena. First came the surprise announcement that she will host the UK auditions of Australian Idol with Darren Hayes (I can't wait to see Tina back on Australian TV but can someone please explain why we need UK auditions?) and the news that her magnificent "Songs Of Love & Loss" album is being re-released on the 21st of April complete with a bonus disc of live performances. However, the most exciting Tina development as far as I'm concerned is her brilliant cover of the Bee Gees' "Night Fever" for a French film soundtrack.

"Night Fever" is perfect fodder for this woman's formidable pipes and she delivers a stunning interpretation. I love Tina's recent output but it's fantastic to see her in a less serious mood. Watching Tina perform the song on a French TV show (below) gave me flashbacks to the glory days of Young Talent Time! The camp sequined costumes, the obvious miming (Edit: I'm told this was actually performed live. All I can say is - WOW!!), the hilarious dance routine - the only thing missing is Johnny Young! As far as I'm aware there are no plans to release "Night Fever" as a French single but that shouldn't stop her Australian label snapping this disco delight up as fast as they can. Tina hasn't produced anything this fabulously entertaining since the trashy "Symphony Of Life" remixes and it should be made available to legally download by her legion of loyal fans!


Source URL: https://popmusicrecords.blogspot.com/search/label/Tina%20Arena
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Tina Arena's 7 Vies

Tina Arena is as prolific as she is talented, releasing two albums in as many months. Despite only hitting shelves in December, "Songs Of Love & Loss" proved to be one of Australia's highest selling albums of 2007. Obviously not content with re-establishing herself as a major musical force at home, Tina swiftly returned her focus to the French market - unveiling "7 Vies" on the 28th of January. If the success of the album's first single on French iTunes is any indication, "7 Vies" looks like being every bit as successful in France as "Songs Of Love & Loss" was in Australia. What an astonishing period in an already brilliant career!

I have to come clean and admit that I wasn't hugely impressed by Tina's first French album. I always had the sneaking suspicion that she was positioning herself as the Antipodean Celine Dion - all big ballads and flowing gowns. My copy of "7 Vies" hasn't arrived yet but it already strikes me as being a massive step in the right direction. I love all the clips I've heard online and the album's first single, "Entends-Tu Le Monde?" takes up where Tina's best French single (the exquisite "Je m'appelle Baghdad") left off - by exploring a fresh and original world music sound. Like "Je m'appelle Bagdad", "Entends-Tu Le Monde?" is a beautifully produced song with an intricately woven Eastern influence. The video clip doesn't quite match the visual feast of the former anthem but "Entends-Tu Le Monde?" is still charmingly atmospheric (check it out below).

To my knowledge, there are no plans to release "7 Vies" in Australia. However, you can order the album from CD WOW for under $20(AUD). Just click on the Australian flag and search for Tina. Clips of all songs can be heard on French Amazon. I'm particularly looking forward to hearing "Ta Vie" in full. If I'm not mistaken it's a French interpretation of "Until" from "Songs Of Love & Loss". I can't wait to see what Tina does next!


Source URL: https://popmusicrecords.blogspot.com/search/label/Tina%20Arena
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Songs Of Love & Loss - A Review

The title of Tina Arena's 6th studio album is derived from the dictionary definition of a torch song and "Songs Of Love & Loss" more than lives up to its billing. Tina has lovingly selected 12 songs that explore the map of the human heart with subtlety and grace. There is no emotional grandstanding on "Songs Of Love & Loss", no vocal acrobatics and most definitely, no false sentiment. Instead, Tina lets the music take centre stage. This is not another album of lazily thrown together cover versions. "Songs Of Love & Loss" is a wonderfully cohesive body of work that not only highlights Tina's beautiful voice but also her considerable skill as a storyteller.

There has been a flood of covers albums released in Australia this year. I've heaped praise on the Young Divas' batch of trashy gay anthems and given Marcia Hines' collection of soulful covers a glowing review. As much as I love those albums (and I love them A LOT!), neither comes close to matching the thoughtfulness and artistry on display in "Songs Of Love & Loss". The difference essentially lies in care with which Tina's album has been put together. The orchestral backing is superb, the production is lush and detailed and the songs flow together effortlessly. In a recent interview, Tina stated that she originally intended to record an album of Dusty Springfield classics before broadening the scope of the project to incorporate songs performed by other acts. It's a testament to Tina's amazing talent that she has created an album that Dusty would have been proud to call her own.

The Look Of Love

"Songs Of Love & Loss" fittingly opens with a song first recorded by Dusty Springfield. Burt Bacharach and Hal David's dreamy lounge classic has since been covered by everyone from Dionne Warwick to Nina Simone. That's pretty heady company for Tina but she more than holds her own, coming up with one of the album's many highlights. The restraint displayed by Tina's vocal delivery and the subtle production is admirable. "The Look Of Love" is a delicate treat.

I Just Don't Know What To Do With Myself

The second track on the album is another Bacharach/David composition immortalised by Dusty Springfield. Few songs convey the pain of rejection as eloquently and elegantly as "I Just Don't Know What To Do With Myself". It's hard to go wrong with material like this and Tina wrings every last drop of emotion from the gorgeous lyrics. The sublime mix of guitar and strings is an absolute delight.

So Far Away

"So Far Away" is one of the big surprises on "Songs Of Love & Loss" and possibly the best song on the album. Carol King's original appeared on her classic "Tapestry" album in 1971. However, listening to Tina's exquisite cover version you'd be forgiven for thinking it was a lost 60s classic. The song has been pared back to its lovely melody and then given a complete makeover. The highlight of this beautiful number for me is Tina's exquisite vocal delivery. Even in a whisper, Tina's voice positively drips with feeling.

To Sir With Love

Lulu was the vilest creature to emerge from Britain until Amy Winehouse and Lily Allen were hatched in some dilapidated housing estate toilet. I can't stand the bitch and I've always hated "To Sir With Love". Therefore, it took some time for me to warm to the first single from "Songs Of Love & Loss". Apart from Lulu, my main objection with "To Sir With Love" is the dodgy subject matter. What kind of tragic slut would want to sing a love song to their teacher in this day and age? But I digress. For such a dated song, "To Sire With Love" boasts the most uptempo and modern production on the album, providing a welcome change of pace. Tina's version is a lot of fun but "To Sir With Love" is one of the few songs that doesn't completely gel with album's tone and mood.

The Man With The Child In His Eyes

I'm not a huge Kate Bush fan but "The Man With The Child In His Eyes" deserves its status as a modern classic. Until I heard Tina's interpretation, I fully believed that Kate's 1978 top 10 hit was one of those songs that should never be touched. I couldn't have been more wrong. Tina's beautiful version is a triumph. The kookiness of Kate's original is slightly reigned in, transforming the song into something akin to a lullaby for adults. The percussion and strings are just exquisite. A absolute gem.

Do You Know (Where You're Going To)

The first of two Diana Ross covers is the gorgeous theme to Diana's craptastic 1975 movie, "Mahogany". "Do You Know" was a massive #1 hit for Diana and is probably the only song to be covered by both J. Lo and Mariah Carey. Thankfully, Tina's version sidesteps their rubbish attempts and seeks inspiration from the original. The result is an irresistibly bittersweet concoction that soars with emotion. Tina continues to display her amazing range and the orchestral backing is effortlessly elegant. Classy.

Love Hangover

Tina's second Diana Ross cover is a stunning triumph. When I first saw "Love Hangover" on the tracklist, I was concerned how this 1976 disco classic would work on an album of torch songs. As it turns out, my doubts were completely unfounded. All the disco elements have been stripped from "Love Hangover", leaving a sultry lounge classic. The pleading lyrics and lush backing make this the perfect chill out anthem. Tina has never sounded so confident and sexy. I demand remixes!

I Only Want To Be With You

After a string of surprising song choices, Tina returns to the Dusty Springfield songbook for inspiration. "I Only Want To Be With You" is perhaps Dusty's most covered song. Who could ever forget Samantha Fox's amazing rendition, for example? Strangely, Tina's version is one of the few missteps on the album. I think it was mistake to transform "I Only Want To Be With You" into a slow ballad, robbing the song of its naive optimism. Tina's voice is divine and the string backing is masterful but I find this interpretation unnecessarily dull.

The Windmills Of Your Mind

"The Windmills Of Your Mind" won the Academy Award for best song in 1968 and has been a much loved standard ever since. Although strongly associated with Dusty Springfield, "Windmills" has never really been owned by a singer until now. The emotionally charged lyrics are brought to life by Tina's articulate delivery and the jazzy backing evokes the swinging 60s with great style. Another triumph.

Everybody Hurts

REM's "Everybody Hurts" must be the hot ticket for concept albums, appearing on recently releases from David Hobson and Marcia Hines. David's operatic interpretation was utterly painful but Marcia's soulful version was surprisingly endearing. To be honest, I could live without ever hearing another cover of "Everybody Hurts" but Tina's delicate rendition is undeniably lovely. The opening piano line is gorgeous and Tina finally gives her golden pipes free reign after showing admirable restraint over the past 9 songs. It's a tribute to Tina's artistic vision that a 1960s classic like "The Windmills Of My Mind" flows so effortlessly into REM's self-pity anthem from 1992. Artful.

Woman

The first of two songs penned by Tina, "Woman" first appeared on her 2001 album "Just Me". The song has been completely overhauled and re-recorded complete with an orchestral backing. I've always considered the original to be one of Tina's most evocative and personal songs with confronting lyrics like "I've learned to abide, not allowed to cry. I understand, I need to be a man just to survive". This version takes the song to new heights with its driving guitars, elegant percussion and Tina's soaring vocals. "Woman" is spine-chillingly good.

Until

The only new song on the album showcases Tina's exquisite songwriting ability. "Until" is a breathtaking conclusion to a truly brilliant body of work. By saving the only completely original contribution for the very end, Tina makes a bold statement. An album of covers was a necessity from a commercial perspective but Tina reminds the listener that her own material can more than hold its own - even in this distinguished company.

"Songs Of Love & Loss" is an extraordinary snapshot of an artist at the very top of her game. Tina's first Australian studio album in 6 long years is a modern classic.

Source URL: https://popmusicrecords.blogspot.com/search/label/Tina%20Arena
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The Pop Trash Diva Update

The unparalleled musical genius of Billiam was always going to be a hard act to follow, so I thought I'd just ramble on about a few of my favourite divas tonight. As Dannii's #1 fan (not currently undergoing psychiatric treatment), I feel it's my duty to remind everyone that Dannii's stunning new single is released tomorrow in the UK. "Touch Me Like That" is a sublime slice of dance music built around a throbbing sample of Sylvester's "Mighty Real" and deserves to be a massive hit. Unfortunately, download sales have thus far been underwhelming. Beautiful Dannii can console herself with the knowledge that "Touch Me Like That" debuts on the Australian club chart this week at #48!

Dannii isn't the only Minogue making waves on the ARIA charts. While not quite as spectacular as Dannii's stunning club debut, Kylie has claimed the top stop on the Australian album chart with "X" - giving the older Minogue her third #1 album. Having lived and breathed "X" for the past week, I'm more convinced than ever that Kylie has crafted one of the best albums of her career. Hell, I've even grown to appreciate "Nu-Di-Ty"! If you're looking for the perfect Christmas present for a Kylie fan, you can't go past the "X" USB (pictured above). Mine arrived on Friday and I haven't had this much fun with a toy since my last trip to Adult World. As far as I know, there are no plans to release the USB in Australia, so you're best bet is to order it online. It's currently being stocked by Play.com and HMV UK.

Hopefully some of Kylie's success can rub off on Tina Arena. I've had a sneaky listen to Tina's "Songs Of Love & Loss" ahead of its official release on Monday and the album is breathtakingly beautiful. Tina not only interprets a selection of much loved classics - she takes them to new heights and makes them her own. If the popularity of "To Sir With Love" on iTunes is any indication, "Songs Of Love & Loss" has every chance of being a big hit. Expect a detailed review of the album later in the week.

In further chart news, the Young Divas land at #10 with "New Attitude". I've already sung the album's praises to anyone who will listen but I probably haven't mentioned the brilliance of the iTunes bonus track. The Divas take on Whitney Houston with a cheeky cover of "I Wanna Dance With Somebody". Needless to say, it's camper than Kylie at an ABBA concert and is well worth downloading. Speaking of high camp divas, it's hard to surpass the classy antics of She Is The King - Australia's beloved female Elvis Impersonator. SITK's glorious cover of "Viva Las Vegas" (complete with drag queen filled video clip) was one of the year's poptastic highlights and her new album promises more of the same. "Comeback" serves up a fine selection of Elvis covers and is released tomorrow. While you're there, why not pick up the Gold Tour Edition of Marcia Hines' amazing "Discotheque" album. More about that later.

Last but definitely not least is Chloe Lattanzi. Olivia Newton-John's daughter is ten kinds of crazy but there is no denying her huge talent. Chloe's catchy anorexia anthem, "Delicious", is one of my favourite tracks of 2007 and the other material to leak from her forthcoming album has been phenomenal. I was very excited to read that Chloe is finally ready to release her debut single in Australia after more than three years of delays. Chloe is set to launch her career with "It's Magic", an insanely catchy anthem that heavily samples her mother's #1 hit from 1980. The song has been a favourite of mine since the demo first appeared on Chloe's Myspace and I'm confident it will be huge! Chloe is THE upcoming diva to watch in 2008!Source URL: https://popmusicrecords.blogspot.com/search/label/Tina%20Arena
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Minogue Mania & Other Tid Bits

Minogue mania begins in earnest today with the release of four (!!) new Dannii albums in addition to the digital release of Kylie's "2 Hearts". While I wait patiently for my copies of "Girl (2CD Re-Release)", "Neon Nights (2CD Re-Release)" and "Unleashed" to arrive in the post, I've been overdosing on Dannii's new digital release "Club Disco" - a collection of B-sides, remixes and unreleased material from the AATW sessions. Check out my review over at Dannii's Dirty Box. I'm truly in awe of Dannii's greatness - even her unreleased rubbish is a cut above anything else I've heard so far this year! Poor Kylie must be so jealous of Dannii's stunning good looks and amazing vocal ability. She can take some comfort in the fact that "2 Hearts" has already landed at #15 on the Australian iTunes chart less than a day after being released, pretty much guaranteeing a top 20 debut next Sunday on the strength of downloads alone.

Robyn News

Robyn is returning to Australia! The Swedish pop queen's last visit rocked my world and I'll do my best to witness her return - despite the fact that tickets to her Sydney show (supporting local dance band, Sneaky Sound System) have already sold out. Robyn's visit will no doubt bolster the chart chances of "With Every Heartbeat", which this week reaches a new peak of #4 on the Australian club charts. Read more about Robyn's visit and her kooky tour rider here. Speaking of Sneaky Sound System, their self-titled album shoots into the top 5 this week on the back of their recent ARIA victories. The album appeared on my best of 2006 countdown almost a year ago (sorry, I just wanted to brag!) and I couldn't be happier that it's finally receiving the recognition it deserves.

Tina Arena's "Songs Of Love And Loss" Tracklisting

I couldn't possibly be any more excited about Tina Arena's upcoming covers album - that is, until I saw the amazing tracklist:

I Just Don't Know What To Do With Myself
The Look Of Love
So Far Away
I Only Want To Be With You
To Sir, With Love
Theme From Mahogany (Do You Know Where You're Going To)
Love Hangover
The Windmills Of Your Mind
The Man With The Child In His Eyes
Everybody Hurts
Until
Woman

The idea of Tina belting out the "Theme From Mahogany" and "Love Hangover" blows my mind. Let's just ignore the unnecessary inclusion of REM's "Everybody Hurts". The album comes out on the 3rd of December and can be pre-ordered from Chaos.

Young Divas' "New Attitude" Tracklisting

Tina Arena isn't the only Australian diva with a fierce album of cover versions on the horizon. There are at least four more in the form of the fabulous Young Divas. The tracklist of their new album, "New Attitude", makes me want to touch myself:

Got To Be Real
If I Can't Have You
Turn Me Loose
I Can't Wait
Jump (For My Love)
Love Will Lead You Back
Chain Reaction
New Attitude
I'm So Excited
Tell It To My Heart
Dear Santa (Bring Me A Man This Christmas) (Bonus Track)

This masterpiece looks even gayer than their first album and I honestly didn't think that was possible. I can't believe they are covering Cheryl Lynn, Taylor Dayne (twice!), Diana Ross, The Pointer Sisters (twice!), The Weather Girls as well as my favourite Patti LaBelle song on the one album. I'm tempted to name "New Attitude" my album of the year and just get it over and done with! The album hits stores on the 26th of November and can be pre-ordered here.

Goddess Celine

Up until very recently, Celine Dion was one of the few divas gay icons that I simply couldn't stomach. I believe I may have even called Celine's music a crime against humanity. Well, I take it all back. I'm still not convinced about her music and I'll never entirely forgive that disturbing Anne Geddes album but Celine is love. If you don't believe me - watch this interview with Larry King. I started to simultaneously laugh and cry when Celine rants about letting looters steal in New Orleans. The woman is positively certifiable but she clearly means every word and that is refreshing in this day of crippling political correctness. Thankfully, Celine's new single is as fabulous as that giant wig on her head. "Taking Chances" is amazing and the trannytastic video is majestic. Celine emerging from a helicopter in drag queen stilettos and jaunty leather cap is just too fierce! "Taking Chances" is released in Australia today. Bring on the album!

Other Random Hotness

I'm man enough to admit when I'm wrong. A couple of weeks ago I wrote off The Veronicas' new song as a major disappointment. It took about 25 listens to sink in but "Hook Me Up" is really rather wonderful. I love the TATU inspired faux lesbian, incest video too. The Veronicas released their second album in Australia today.

I'm not a huge fan of Alicia Keys but I've been humming "No One" ever since I slow danced to it with a female Justin Timberlake impersonator at The Flinders' lesbian R'n'B night on Saturday. Which is pretty impressive, considering I'm on crutches. Alicia is everything that Leona Lewis wishes she could be if she wasn't so painfully mediocre. "No One" is released today.

Last but not least, Nelly Furtado is set to release her 5th single from "Loose" in Australia. "Do It" is one of my favourite tracks from the album and I'm glad it's finally getting its moment in the sun. "Do It" is released on the 12th of November in Australia.Source URL: https://popmusicrecords.blogspot.com/search/label/Tina%20Arena
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An Australian Icon And Four Fabulous Divas

All hail the return of a true Australian icon! Tina Arena has been snapped up by EMI and is planning to release new material in Australia for the first time since being dumped by Sony in 2004. I'm incredibly excited by this. Tina has been a favourite of mine since Young Talent Time and no other local diva comes close to matching her powerful pipes. The new album is titled "Songs Of Love And Loss" and appears to be a covers album of tracks by the likes of REM, Burt Bacharach, Carole King and Dusty Springfield. What's more, Tina is about to embark on a national tour with a 35 piece orchestra to celebrate her return. You can order your tickets from Ticketmaster. Wild sex with George Clooney couldn't keep me away!

In other happy news, my favourite girlband - Young Divas - are back with a fierce new track, "Turn Me Loose". The song is a cover of Loverboy's 80s classic and is another slice of pop trash heaven. The presence of an obese rent-a-rapper just makes the whole experience even more hilarious. Girls Aloud and the Sugababes wish they could be this fabulous. New member, Jessica Mauboy, fits in nicely and the song is a fantastic choice. The divas' sexy stylist Gary Leeson has been working overtime. The ladies all look amazing. Paulini's "sex hair" weave is the hottest thing I've seen in ages. I just hope Team Sony open their wallets and commission some decent remixes this time around. "Turn Me Loose" is released on the 19th of November and can be pre-ordered here. Welcome back, girls! Make sure you check out the Divas' amazing performance of the song on last night's Australian Idol.

Source URL: https://popmusicrecords.blogspot.com/search/label/Tina%20Arena
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When Tina Went POP!

I adore Tina Arena. I grew up watching her perform on Young Talent Time alongside my spiritual guide, Dannii Minogue, and have followed her career closely over the years. Few artists have tried as many styles and musical genres with as much success as Tina. She started out as yet another scantily dressed pop tart (who could ever forget the video for "I Need Your Body"?!) before staging one of the greatest comebacks in Australian musical history as a serious artiste with the staggeringly successful "Don't Ask". Tina's next album, "In Deep", was a concerted effort to appeal to the American adult contemporary market. That album tanked in comparison to "Don't Ask" and Tina decided that a pop makeover was in order. The resulting album, "Just Me", is an absolute delight. Of course it basically killed Tina's career but it lives on as Australian pop trash classic!

I should, and most probably will, devote a post to the entire album. "Just Me" is bursting with pop gems but I want to concentrate on the delicious "Soul Mate #9". I had my Ipod on shuffle last night and had a screaming POPgasm when Tina's fabulous anthem penetrated my ears. I was going to post a faux R'n'B remix but I don't think the world is ready for gansta Tina just yet! Anyway, the song is sublime in its original format. In fact, it's so good that it makes me more than a little sad to see what has happened to Tina in the years that followed. It is beyond shameful that an extraordinary talent like Tina was dumped by her label and had to flee to France in order to reinvent herself as the antipodean Celine Dion! I have my fingers crossed that Tina will drop those stinking French ballads, return to Australia and continue making fantastic pop music. I will be waiting at the airport with a "Welcome Home" banner!

You can purchase "Just Me" from iTunes, Chaos and Sanity. Oh, and check out the cute pic from Young Talent Time below. Tina is second from the left in the top row and that is the adorable Dannii Minogue on the left in the bottom row. They should hook up and record a duet!

Source URL: https://popmusicrecords.blogspot.com/search/label/Tina%20Arena
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