Chuck another shrimp on the barbie and let’s a have a tinny for today is January 26th, the day the whole of Australia gives thanks for being from the same country as Kylie and Jason. Over the years Australia has contributed a mixed bag of artists to the international music scene, from worldwide superstars like INXS and Kylie Minogue to more homegrown heroes like Midnight Oil, Silverchair, Cold Chisel and Men At Work. Lately, Gabriella Cilmi is the toast of Oz and with artists like the fabulous Gotye bubbling under, Australia looks set to continue its work of unearthing the odd diamond in the rough. Here’s a look at some Aussie YouTube moments from then and now to celebrate Australia Day…
INXS - Never Tear Us Apart
Classic, affecting track that still sends a shiver down the spine. Plus, even after all this time and even with his shaggy perm, Michael Hutchence still manages to cause giddiness from a distance.
Kylie Minogue - Can’t Get You Out Of My Head
Classic beat, exemplary track and Kylie at her hip-swivelling best, replete with that dress. Pop doesn’t get much more bang on than this.
Cold Chisel - Khe Sanh
Pub rock and proud, they don’t make hair like this anymore - well perhaps somewhere in Australia they do. Check out the keyboard player who taps his keys like he’s Dr Teeth from The Muppets.
Gotye - Hearts A Mess
Last year’s single was one of the best of the year from the modest, sampling Aussie who won the Best Male Aria in 2007. His star should burn bright for years to come…
Men At Work - Land Down Under
Iconic Aussie number, the video for which is a word-for-word telling of the lyrics a la Pan’s People. Look out for the muscular man from Brussels - you couldn’t make it up.
The Divinyls - I Touch Myself
The most famous hit from these Aussie rockers is an ode to self-love guaranteed to encourage drunken renditions the world over. The sexual tension is tangible too. Nearly.
Midnight Oil - Beds Are Burning
How can they dance when their beds are burning? We know it would definitely curtail our desire to do the macarena and no mistake.
Gabriella Cilmi - Sweet About Me
The current Aussie sweetheart of pop was only 16 when this track blew up around the world. We wait and see if she can capitalise on its success.
Listen to Australia Radio on RealMusic
(Clare Lydon)
