ookingsookings
usicGet some ideas for music to set the perfect mood for the perfect evening.
 | SeaChange - Even More Sounds Rich and Strange  |
| Frank Bennet - Five O'Clock Shadow |
| The Gadflys - Out of the Bag |
| Good Will Hunting Soundtrack |
| Jimmy Little - Messenger |
| Jamie Oliver's Cookin' |
SeaChange is a TV phenomena in Oz. Real Estate analysts claim it has been the biggest single factor in the huge lift in the demand for sea-side escapes within a few hours drive frm Sydney and Melbourne, as stressed out city-heads look for their own little Pearl Bay. Who knows?
The soundtracks to the three series of this show have progressively improved, and the third (and last) is the best. The show's producers have chosen a fab selection of mainly Australian music to set the scene (including Mark Seymour, Colin Hay, Jimmy Little, Renee Geyer, Tiddas, Masters Apprentices). Setting this collection playing evokes the feeling of show - the sound of the sea, the craziness of the characters, the dream of a simpler life. Great to play while cooking to ensure calmness in the kitchen.
And it runs for 74 minutes, so you can't complain about the value. You can also now get a double CD best of the three soundtracks - could be a good buy.
'Frank Who?' you ask. I first heard this CD over a great meal at Stephanie's on the Swan River in Perth. The sound was that of 'Ol Blue Eyes' but the words were distinctly modern and it immediately grabbed my attention. The artist's name is quite deliberate in its attempt to satirise the style of 'Frank Sinatra' and 'Tony Bennett' but the music is anything but comical. Sure you'll laugh when you recognise tunes from The Cruel Sea, Smashing Pumpkins, Pearl Jam and Dave Graney but you'll marvel at how cleverly they've been formatted into the swinging sound of the Rat Pack legend himself. This album is an audible delight and a great conversation point at dinner. Surprise your friends with something a little left of centre. [MD]
The Gadflys came to more popular attention through their performances on Good News Week in 1998. This is a fun album, with sparse instrumentation, an intriguing jazz-folk mix and some amusing lyrics. Not a bad party starter [DC]
Eliot Smith is the main contributor to this soundtrack. His mellow tunes and haunting vocals are a great late night contributor. A great movie also. Smith's "XO" is another great album in a similar vein. [DC]
ARIA winner in 1999, this is no ordinary covers album. Veteran balladeer Jimmy Little gives some Oz classics a treatment that will surprize. This is a mellow, laid-back airy experience which will make something special out of the second half of a dinner party. And watch for a reaction when it sinks in that track 5 is Quasimodo's Dream!!
So, you loved the shows and have the books . . . but what about the music? I was always frustrated by the lack of music credits on the show, so I could find the tracks I really enjoyed. Problem solved. Jamie has put together a collection of the blistering Brit-pop that set such a lively place on The Naked Chef. There's plenty of raging cooking action from Blur, The Wonder Stuff, Happy Mondays, Jamiroquai, Stone Roses and so on. We'll even forgive him for including a track from his band, Scarlet Division. (Jamie is the drummer, you may recall). Not yet released in Oz (15/12/00), but Amazon UK got two copies (one for me, one for a Christmas present) to me in 6 days. Check out some tracks and info at www.jamieolivermusic.com. [DC]
Newsflash: This CD has been spotted at Borders in Sydney. (June 2001)
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