Sia
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mLPPlRDOZx0]
Hails From: Adelaide, South Australia
Song(s) You Should Know: “You’ve Changed,” “Day Too Soon,” “Breathe Me,” “Clap Your Hands”
Why I Love Her: I first heard Sia’s soulful melodies in a free iTunes download of “Day Too Soon” and shortly after bought her album “Colour the Small One,” featuring the single “Breathe Me” that has been featured on countless television shows and on the PostSecret site. You might also recognize her from the band Zero 7 and as a lyricist for Christina Aguilera. And who doesn’t love someone who is a true individual.
The Temper Trap
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7qJ__4oS5eI]
Hail From: Melbourne, Victoria
Song(s) You Should Know: “Sweet Disposition,” “Love Lost”
Why I Love Them: You probably heard the song “Sweet Disposition” in a little indie movie called (500) Days of Summer and soon after on everything else, including Coca Cola commercials. Their tunes are ideal for a road trip or just zoning out for awhile.
Jet
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Iay9gyLNdBw]
Hail From: Melbourne, Victoria
Song(s) You Should Know: “Cold Hard Bitch,” “Shine On,” “Are You Gonna Be My Girl”
Why I Love Them: Anytime “Cold Hard Bitch” comes on, I just have to crank it up and yell. I can’t even help myself. It’s probably embarassing for those around me, but I like Jet. They’re like an All-American rock band, except for that they’re not.
Ben Lee
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y2DK3UO4_UQ]
Hails From: Sydney, New South Wales
Song(s) You Should Know: “Catch My Disease”
Why I Love Him: His songs have been in nearly every beloved television series or movie, including but not limited to Weeds, Grey’s Anatomy and Scrubs. They’re so catchy, plus he’s so darn cute when he reminisces about the 80s on VH1 specials.
Xavier Rudd
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Izz9HhzPW0M]
Hails From: Torquay, Victoria
Song You Should Know: “The Letter,” “Home,” “The Mother”
Why I Love Him: I heard “The Letter” on a television show and it was so haunting and bluesy, but unique. He reminds me of Amos Lee, if he had a didgeridoo. He hasn’t hit it as big in the US yet, but I hope he does.
The Vines
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=asOvnGHwtDU]
Hail From: Sydney, New South Wales
Song(s) You Should Know: “Get Free,” “Get Out”
Why I Love Them: Remember that period of time when all the bands had similar names? The Vines, The Strokes, The Hives. This Aussie rock group carved their own niche out of the alternative garage rock genre. “Get Free” served as a bad boy anthem of the year.
John Butler Trio
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AiBHN66020I]
Hail From: Fremantle, Western Australia
Song(s) You Should Know: “Peaches and Cream,” “Something’s Gotta Give”
Why I Love Them: This dreadlocked jam/roots band has gained popularity in the states and have performed at festivals like Lollapalooza, as well as touring with fellow jammers G.Love and Special Sauce.
Wolfmother
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OLGde-7mIyA]
Hail From: Erskineville (Sydney), New South Wales
Song You Should Know: “Woman”
Why I Love Them: Hailed by fellow rockers Alice Cooper and Thom Yorke, this Aussie band is another throwback to the real heydey of rock.
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Great topic!
Great post! I love listening to music by bands and musicians of the country I’m visiting so some of these will be a great addition to my current Australia playlist!
Ooooo, I love this post! And I LOVE that you’ve included The Temper Trap! They’ve seriously become one of my favorite bands.
And, who doesn’t love a little Ben Lee in their lives?
I’ll have to check out the 2 or 3 listed here that I haven’t heard yet!
I’m old-school. My list would be silverchair and that’s all. haha