TimHolland.com - The Big Issues!

Preview: McAlister Kemp's Country Proud

2012-02-17T13:43:00.005+11:00

In a months time, leading Australian country music duo McAlister Kemp will release their second album, Country Proud.

And WHAT an album!

Drew McAlister and Troy Kemp don't shy away from the core values, fun and blue collar themes presented in their award-winning debut album All Kinds Of Tough.

But this time around the production is more ambitious, bigger and bolder. Matt Fell has again produced the album.

Country Proud is the type of album a lot of male country artists talk about making, but never quite have the balls to ultimately record.

The lead single and title track 'Country Proud' has set the tone of what is to come with it's anthemic lyrics, legendary reference to the great Slim Dusty in the chorus, and the assistance of very impressive gospel backing singers.

There's poetic gems songs like 'Finish What You Started' and 'One Hell Of A Lucky Man', as well as rocked up tracks like 'Songs That Make Us Country' and 'After Midnight' with Canadian country stars Doc Walker. The later track boarders on Bon Jovi stadium rock!

Drew McAlister's vocal on the Don Walker penned 'Home' is simply outstanding and Troy Kemp's delivery of the insanely crazy 'Feed My Tractor' is equally impressive.

If you "like to get off with your boots on", you will LOVE Country Proud.

You can listen to some pre-release samples of the album at the McAlister Kemp website.

Released March 16. Pre-Order the album now and WIN a trip to CMC Rocks The Hunter!

YTT's Johnny Young & 'Cameron' From Modern Family Look THE SAME!

2012-02-16T13:23:00.000+11:00

I'd like to go on record as saying that I think it's terrific that Young Talent Time is back on television.

I loved the show as a kid.

But moving on...

I recently claimed on Twitter that the great Johnny Young and the terrific 'Cameron' from Modern Family look remarkably similar.

Since making this statement, I've been told by many people that it's completely ridiculous!

But if you look at these comparitive head shots, I think I have a point.

Well, what do you think?

P.S. I'm certain that Cameron would also do a wonderful rendition of 'All My Loving'.

Country Girls Fake It More

2011-08-16T19:44:00.003+10:00

Keeping in line with this blog's dedication to "the big issues"... did you know that apparently country girls are more likely to "fake it" than city girls?

Well according to a new survey this is true. Country Girls are 9% more likely to 'fake it' than city girls.

Now of course interpert the actual meaning of all this in your own way... in the meantime take a look at Jasmine Rae's new hit single 'I Faked It'.

The timing couldn't be better!

What Is Scientology? Terrific Alan Shore Moment

2011-08-09T14:18:00.001+10:00

"So, basically, every time you piss puke or crap, you're a step closer to immortality." - Alan Shore

I never bothered to take any time to find out what Scientology actually was and ultimately I never needed to.

Why? Because in this magical and memorable piece of television brilliance, Alan Shore of The Practice/Boston Legal (played by James Spader) sums it up for us perfectly!

Check it out...

Australia's Carbon Tax

2011-07-11T22:38:00.001+10:00

I have no idea whether pro-climate change science is accurate or not. I was terrible at science at school and have never taken the time to evaluate climate science. So on that basis, I don't have an opinion on whether the introduction of a carbon tax in principle has merit or not.

What disappoints me however is the Labor government's motivation for bring in the tax.

Before the last election, the Prime Minister stated that "their will be no Carbon Tax under the government I lead".

While this would appear to now be a straight out lie, it seems obvious to me that Labor have actually decided to sell their souls and bring this in to ensure the Greens continue to support their minority government. This means Bob Brown is effectively the real prime minister of Australia, despite the small percentage of votes his party received at the election.

I like to think that a Prime Minister and government should have some level of integrity if they want the nation's support. Sure, politicians break promises, but this one is a real howler!

Love them or hate them, the Coalition took both the GST (twice) and Work Choices to elections and the people had their say at the ballot box.

The Prime Minister and the Labor Party should have done the same thing.

Music Video - Lee Kernaghan & Dierks Bentley With Scars

2011-06-14T21:05:00.001+10:00

What a huge moment!

The coming together of two country music superstars... one is an Australian icon ... the other, a massive US Country music star.

I'm of course talking about Lee Kernaghan and Dierks Bentley who recorded a track called 'Scars' and the song's music video has just been released to the world!

It's from the Planet Country album. Check out the music video below...

Keith Urban, A Long Hot Summer It Is Not!

2011-06-11T00:01:00.001+10:00

Australian country superstar Keith Urban performed what is probably is next single, 'Long Hot Summer' at the CMT Awards yesterday.

I think it's safe to say this song completely contradicts the awfully cold whether in Australia right now. However let this performance give us hope that in a couple of months, it will all be well and truly behind us.

Shania Twain Falls, But She's Back On The Way Up

2011-06-10T23:26:00.003+10:00

What a moment it was... as country music superstar and role model and inspiration to most young female acts globally, Shania Twain walked into the Bridgestone Arena to present the Best Male Music Video award at the CMT Awards (The MTV Music Awards of Country Music), she spectalularily fell over... and boy did she fall. The good news is that she was not injured at all.

Of course, Shania simply got up without any fuss and presented the award. She has also insisted she doesn't need a stunt double. She handled everything with pure class.

The male video award winner Blake Shelton later tweeted... "Whoa!!! Not only did I win but Shania Twain is falling for me!!!"

The fall can only be seen as good for Shania. She's got a new book out, she opened the show in a special feature with Taylor Swift and everyone has been talking about her ever since.

Shania quickly posted a "response to the fall" soon after the show and this is all an indication that Shania Twain is well and truly back. I think people want Shania back in their lives. If a new hit song is going to follow very shortly, this star will be dominating the charts once more.

I wish her all the best.

Blake Lively & Her Alleged Naked Photos

2011-06-05T14:12:00.008+10:00

Forget Carbon tax, the biggest news story this week across the world seems to be that of alleged leaked nude photos of Gossip Girl star Blake Lively.

I do watch Gossip Girl but lately have found that it has become a little ridiculous. I find Lively's character of Serena to be glamorous, yet a little selfish.

Now Lively's people are saying that these photos are not of her. Perhaps she has a naughty and more adventurous identical twin sister we don't know about?

However, the producer of Girls Gone Wild Joe Francis has the belief that it's all a bit of a set-up.

"I would say 90 percent it's an orchestrated attempt or act on her part [to raise her profile]. I'm not sure, but my inclination is that it's coming from her. She knows what she's doing or someone in her camp does," said Francis in a recent article.

I tend to agree. This all happens far too often with young female stars to be a co-incidence. Most "stars" by their very nature are very self-indulgent. It make sense that they want to take photos of themselves, even naked.

And this leaked naked photo stuff has all become a very standard process. Photos are leaked, the celebrity denies it's her, she gets the publicity she wants and we all move on.

I think it's a shame the young women feel the need to do this. I'm dead against it. There's a lot to be said for mystery. But I'm just old fashioned I guess...

Ronnie Dunn Bleeds Red With A Solo Album

2011-06-04T13:10:00.002+10:00

Depending on whatever the circumstances may be, forgiveness can be difficult to consider, comprehend and contemplate. It's also, at times, a very necessary element of moving forward in your life.

Ronnie Dunn's brilliant hit single 'Bleed Red' is a song completely centered around forgiveness, apologizing and the pain that goes along with betrayal and the personal suffering that this can cause.

You can't help but feel a sence of hope by the end of the song. And how can you not when it's being delivered by the great Ronnie Dunn who is releasing his first solo album next week.

The old cowboy is getting on a bit, but he's still as brilliant as anyone at delivering compelling and emotive stories with his magical vocals.

He has also become very active on social media.

I look forward to listening to the album.

But until then, enjoy 'Bleed Red'...

Carrie Underwood Will 'Undo It' In Australia

2011-05-25T00:46:00.007+10:00

I thought that Simon Cowell's greatest legacy wasn't his controversial, yet entertaining manner on the American Idol program, but the prediction he made following a performance of Heart's classic hit 'Alone' by contestant Carrie Underwood.

What a moment it was...

"...Not only will you win this show, you will sell more records than any previous Idol winner." said Cowell to a mild mannered and appallingly styled Underwood following the performance.

His prediction has proven to be right.

Who would have thought? She's a country artist!

But it's true.

13 million albums, five GRAMMY awards, three CMA Female Vocalist of The Year and two ACM Entertainer of the Year awards later, Underwood has been the most successful Idol winner anywhere in the world.

She'll be in Australia in mid June for her first promotional tour outside of North America, promoting her latest album Play On through Sony Music.

Underwood will visit a number of states and do a exclusive showcase in Sydney for lucky prize winners (one assumes?) and "industry" persons whom are considered important.

Those in a attendance will see for themselves a commanding performer with remarkable vocal power and quality. When I saw Carrie Underwood perform a verse and chorus of her first hit single 'Jesus Take The Wheel', at the CMA Awards at Madison Square Garden in New York City in 2005, I was breath-taken by her vocal quality and strength.

Her success makes complete sense to me.

Here is one of her big songs, 'Undo It' from the new album. Except to hear it on more than just country radio very soon.

Vampires & Peter McWhirter's New Music Video

2011-05-24T20:32:00.003+10:00

The whole vampire craze is globally massive.

First there was Buffy The Vampire Slayer, and that was really all for a long time. But then a wave of rather erotic sci-fi vampire programming hit us in droves.

The True Blood series on Showtime has been a huge success, all the Twilight movies, the Vampire Diaries and the list goes on. Young people can't get enough of it all, it would seem.

I'm guessing Peter McWhirter's terrific new music video for 'Devil's Daughter' is the first country music video to feature a slutty vampiress though. Tell me if I'm wrong?

The song itself is a total hoot. It's kind of a blend of bluegrass, mixed with alt-country rock and blues... it's a little wild, crazy and unconventional . Perhaps the opportunity was therefore perfect to throw in a vampire for this one!

Decide for yourself by watching 'Devil's Daughter', produced by Jeremy Dylan, below...

Go Cubs Go

2011-05-17T19:56:00.001+10:00

I follow the New York Yankees very proudly in baseball and therefore have little time for arch rivals, the Boston Red Sox.

With "Interleague" play occurring in Major League Baseball this weekend, the Red Sox are playing a series against the world famous Chicago Cubs at Fenway Park for the first time since 1917.

While not wanting to come across as a "hater", I wanted to post the video below to demonstrate my support for the terrific opposition this weekend!

This is probably my favourite sporting team jingle. When you listen you'll think, "how could it not be?"

R.I.P. Tobi Steamer

2011-05-10T17:42:00.008+10:00

You may remember that nearly two years ago, a terrific young woman recommended I buy a Tobi Steam Iron or Tobi Steamer after being impressed by late night/early morning advertisements.

I went on to "famously" buy one and share the experience of using it for the very first time online.

At time of writing, the video has had 17,278 views, which is more views than many credible country music videos (I don't know how I feel about this yet). It seems to have brought some level of entertainment to some people, which to be honest has really been the highlight of having it in the first place.

The sad but honest truth is that unfortunately my Tobi Steamer original has well and truly carked it... to the point of basically not working at all.

In fact, it wasn't very good at all. If I wasn't patiently waiting for steam to actually come out of the nozzle, it was spitting water everywhere.

I have now replaced it with a $50 steamer from K-mart which works beautifully... much better than the Tobi ever did. So the Tobi has been relegated to the rubbish tip.

Tobi Steamer, while I will never forget you, I'm probably going to be happier I've now replaced you!

McAlister Kemp's Hard Work

2011-04-29T13:21:00.005+10:00

Drew McAlister and Troy Kemp of McAlister Kemp are doing a terrific job.

With the fundamental combination of a great debut album full of top notch songs and a strong live act, they've undoubtably been the break out act in Australian Country Music over the past 12 months. They recenty won both of Australia Country Music's major "new talent" awards - the fan voted CMC 'Best New OZ Aritst' award and the indsutry voted Golden Guitar for 'Best New Aritst'.

In March, when Miranda Lambert fell ill, they got the opportunity to open for Alan Jackson at five sold out arena shows. In in June they head to Nashville in the US to represent Australian Country music at the prestigous CMA Global Artist Party.

The 'Hard Work' is really paying off which makes the release of their new single and music video so highly appropriate.

Should 'Hard Work' be the new national anthem?

Take a look at it...

The Royal Wedding

2011-04-28T16:48:00.010+10:00

My late Grandmother was a proud British woman. With a name like Barbara Rose how could she not be?

Naturally, she was therefore a stanch monarchist.

She was a woman of great strength, integrity and you can completely blame her for conditioning me to live by many of the old-fashioned core values she professed to me in my developing juvenile years.

If she were alive today, not only would she be 102, but she wouldn't have initially liked the idea of a "commoner" marrying the Prince of Wales.

My guess though, is that unlike Sarah Ferguson whom she had little time for, she would have come around this time. She would say that Kate Middleton has ultimately proven to be an appropriate choice for Prince William.

This wedding is quite something. Forget about the validity, or otherwise, of the Monarch for a moment....

I think the main reason this wedding is such a big deal is that people (particularly young woman who are the ones most excited about all this) want to believe fairytales really do exist. Perhaps they need to in the crazy flood/tornado timed world we live in today?

And this wedding really is the ultimate fairytale. "Commoner Kate" is marrying the charming Prince and will one day become queen. So often social status and/or outside influence and pressure (often detrimentally) gets in the way of great love stories like this. But here is a case where the Prince has chosen true love ahead of the influence of anyone (including the dear Queen apparently...) who said to him, something along the lines of, "the commoner isn't suitable". Good Man!

It goes without saying that for many reasons this one needs to work. Belief across the world in many fundamental values depends on it. It's a huge burden for the new Prince and Princess of Wales to carry.

I wish them all the best.

Catherine Britt Plays A Trashed Mentally ill Psycho

2011-04-08T17:33:00.003+10:00

"I’ll take care of this one. She’s just my kind of psycho,” said Eddie Nero (played by Rob Lowe) on the season finale of Californication Season #4 recently.

I reckon Eddie wouldn't have been able to take care of this one though...

Catherine Britt plays a trashed mentally ill psycho in her latest music video 'I Want You Back'.

Catherine thrives in this role... it takes her to depths on camera she has never been even remotely close to previously. And she triumphs in droves.

Well done Catherine, Duncan Toombs and the production team for nailing this one.

Country Strong

2011-04-07T16:52:00.011+10:00

I really wanted to love this movie... I hoped it would be the Pure Country of our generation. And while I didn't hate it, Country Strong is OK at best.

The movie is released straight to DVD in Australia at the end of this month.

It's been a long wait for Australian country music fans as this movie was released in the US prior to Christmas last year and much of the publicity has flowed our way in recent months. Country Strong is highly unrealistic in some respects, yet very realistic in others.

The biggest problem is that lead characters are highly unlikeable... Tim McGraw's character is just awful and Gwynth Paltrow's character is fundamentally pathetic and would never had made it in the real world. I felt no empathy for her at all.... even at the end.

Also, you don't get support gigs on major tours playing a few tunes at The Stage (particularly really badly!), even if you look really pretty. But this is a movie of course...

Country Strong has some nice moments and the strongest performance comes from Garrett Hedlund, who plays Beau. Leighton Meester is far more impressive as "Bee" in Gossip Girl, but her performance in this certainly has done harm to her career.

Two stars..

P.S. This movie is still better than Beer For My Horses...

William Shatner At The State Theatre

2011-04-06T15:23:00.018+10:00

I've never been a Star Trek fan. Never have been, never will be. But I loved the Boston Legal series. The writing on that show was sensational, particularly for the roles of Denny Crane and Alan Shore. The delivery from William Shatner (Crane) and James Spader (Shore) was equally as impressive. It remains my favorite TV show of all time.

So my love of that show and the Denny Crane character ensured I couldn't miss Shatner's show Kirk, Crane & Beyond at the State Theatre in Sydney last night.

The man is in remarkable condition for an 80 year old. What a life he has lead.

On a stage reminiscent of Boston Legal's famous balcony, the night featured stories from Shatner's time as Captain Kirk and Denny Crane and discussion about his new show S**t My Dad Says. He talked about his love of Ben Folds' music and shared many personal moments (including one particularly tragic one) with the audience as well.

He really is very funny. What a legend! It was a very entertaining night. I particularily enjoyed his commentary regarding playing a character who is about to, and then going to, die.

Shatner finished the evening with a spoken word musical performance of Men At Work's 'Down Under'. Everyone stood and applauded. How could you not? Denny Crane.

Joe Nichols Joins Jasmine Rae On Stage At Acer Arena

2011-03-19T20:25:00.010+11:00

What a great moment it was recently at Acer Arena on the Sydney leg of the Alan Jackson Australian tour, when US country star Joe Nichols joined support act and ABC Music artist Jasmine Rae on stage. They performed the terrific new track 'I'll Try Anything', which is the new single from Jasmine's new album, Listen Here.
Joe is coming back to Australia in a couple of months for a bunch of shows of his own. He was a huge hit at the recent CMC Rocks The Hunter festival... so much so that his new Greatest Hits collection went to #7 on the ARIA Country Sales charts last week.
He has one of the great voices,has recorded many hit songs and the young girls just love him. A great combination really if you want success.

I'm looking forward to seeing one of the shows as I missed his CMC Rocks set due to my attendance at the wedding of Michael and Jae Tame!
Jasmine, who will also be a part of the new tour, has recorded a wonderful new album and her #35 ARIA Album Chart debut (all genres) and #3 ARIA Country Chart debut is a huge result for a new country act in the Australian market.

Check out the music video for Joe and Jasmine's single 'I'll Try Anything'....

Sinead Burgess Records A Song For Queensland

2011-02-02T17:29:00.003+11:00

Sinead Burgess has recorded a special song in support of flood relief. I think her house was surrounded in water when she wrote it. It's fantastic... take a look, take a listen, and tell your friends about it!

There's more from where this came from in the coming months from Sinead who is going to release her debut album this year.

The Ashes

2010-12-29T00:19:00.011+11:00

Unfortunately the excitement of Australia's win in the 3rd cricket test clouded the fact that Australia had the same problem it did when it lost by an innings in the 2nd test... their top order batting isn't good enough right now.

The Australians won despite being 4-38 in the first innings and 3-60 odd in the second.

This weakness has been apparent for quite some time... Earlier in the year the Australians were dismissed for even less than the shocking first innings total of 98 on Boxing Day... 88 against Pakistan.

The biggest problems have been Ricky Ponting and Michael Clarke's dramatic loss of form. Ponting, it would appear, is not the brilliant player he was and I'd like to see him captain a winning side in the 5th test and then call it a day as the test captain. He's been a brilliant player, but it's now starting to get ugly.

If Steven Smith is not being picked as a bowler, he shouldn't be in the team. His first class record doesn't warrant his selection as a #6 test batsman. Brad Hodge, Cameron Smith or Callum Ferguson are more appropriate selections.

Phil Hughes is not up to test standard... I get that people want him to be great (they must - i've never heard so many excuses and positive outlooks from commentators on his constant failures) but he's just not good enough yet. Usman the Muslim is and should play in Sydney instead.

Overall, there seems to be a general problem with the selection process. Picking Michael Beer, who has played 5 first class games in his entire life is plain stupidity. Instead, stick with Nathan Haurtiz, who has a great record in Australia or play Smith as the spinner. If Beer is good enough, pick him in two years time after he's a had a couple of strong first class seasons under his belt.

To ad insult to injury, Australia's best bowler in the series Ryan Harris broke down with a stress fracture today. Doug The Rug should come back in for him.

McAlister Kemp - It Don't Buy You Love

2010-07-08T22:27:00.005+10:00

This is a truly fantastic song. Brilliantly written by Drew McAlister and Mike Carr.

I urge you enjoy the song and music video below...

Phil Vassar

2010-03-22T13:39:00.008+11:00

You've got to love it when you have high expectations for a show and the performer delivers something even better than you dreamed it would be.

That's what Phil Vassar did at the recent CMC Rocks The Snowys festival.

I've been a fan of Phil's for nearly 10 years now... ever since he released the huge hit 'Carlene' back in the day... and even though I'm regularly in Nashville, I'd had never seen him live before.

Phil Vassar is one of the great songwriters (in fact probably more acclaimed in that regard) who has written hits for most of US country's major acts.

His set was sensational at the festival. It was kind of like Billy Joel meets Garth Brooks.... just not on such a HUGE scale as Garth...

It was just a pleasure to be there for it.

Check out his chat with the tremendous Jasmine Rae for HitCountry.TV

Doc Walker

2010-03-19T23:31:00.012+11:00

At ABC Music, our charter is primarily to release Australian music (as it should be!), but we do get the opportunity to release some international product.

And we had the great pleasure of having Canadian country/rock band Doc Walker visit Australia earlier this month. They've won 12 Canadian Country Music Awards and a Juno Award (Canadian ARIAs). We released their new album Go on March 5, having released their previous album Beautiful Life last year.

Doc Walker performed at CMC Rocks The Snowys and then with Steve Forde and the impressive US act Jack Ingram in Sydney, Orange, Tamworth, Toowoomba and Brisbane the following week.

What a great tour it was!

Firstly, these guys are first class. Great people and totally professional. And the other thing is that they play great.

They performed a selection of their Canadian hits to punters who had never seen them before and won them over to the point where the Go album scored a ARIA Country Album Sales #12 debut. And at their Thredbo after party gig, they even performed Aussie classic 'What's My Scene' quite brilliantly. I remember suggesting to them that doing such a thing (even if they didn't quite nail it.... as Australians love an underdog after all!) was preferable to using appalling 'shrimp on the barbie' terms to connect with Australian crowds. Murray Pulver (who took lead vocal for the track) did a sterling job and the crowd just loved it.

Not only do these guys sound great, but as a live act they do the little things so well... they are just a very polished act all round.

The trip was so successful that another one is already in the works. I wont say when just yet, but rest assured Doc Walker will be back sooner rather than later.

Check out some dodgy live Youtube footage of Doc Walker below and make sure you catch a gig next time they are back in Australia.