My 25 Favourite Dannii Songs

I've been debating whether I should countdown my favourite Dannii songs since opening Dannii's Dirty Box. I resisted because it is completely arbitrary - my favourites change on a daily basis. But what the fuck! These are my 25 favourite Dannii songs. As of today. I'm sure you'll agree that each and every one of them is a work of poptastic genius. Dannii might have spent more time lying on a beach than most lifeguards, but who is going to begrudge her some relaxation when she keeps turning out gems like these?

25. Work (Love & Kisses, album track)

Drivin’ in my brand new Benz 190
My homegirl Sheila
She’s coolin’ right beside me

Given her current standing as the undisputed queen of dance, it is easy to forget that Dannii launched her career with an eye firmly on the American market and that meant a pop album with a distinctly urban edge. I love Dannii's debut album and "Work" stands out as one of her most amusing R'n'B experiments.

24. Everybody Changes Underwater (Girl, album track)

Diving deeper, beckoned by dolphins

I can't decide if this is one of Dannii's best songs or one of her worst. Whatever the case may be, it is certainly the most bizarre thing Dannii has ever recorded. Dannii spends 6 minutes talking about water and dolphins against a backdrop of eerie electronic bleeps. Experimental genius or a load of stinking shit? I'm not sure but I know I like it!

23. Show You The Way To Go (Get Into You, single - #30 UK, #104 Aus)

Follow me my friend
Let me show ya, let me show you the way to go

As La Toya Jackson's self-proclaimed number 1/only Australian fan, I have always had a soft spot for the crazy Jackson clan. Therefore, Dannii's cover of the Jacksons' "Show You The Way To Go" was always going to be irresistable to me. Which is lucky because everyone else seems to despise the song.

Watch - Show You The Way To Go

22. Mighty Fine (Neon Nights, album track)

Zip a de day, just sail (your troubles away)

The first time I heard "Neon Nights", the song that really stood out for me was "Mighty Fine". The only reason for its low placing is the simple fact that I've played it 3000 times and need a rest. "Mighty Fine" reminds me of the slow disco classics of the late 70s, with its full sound and dreamy lyrics. A slice of pop heaven!

21. Coconut (Girl, single - #62 Aus)

Doctor, is there nothing I can take
to relieve this bellyache?
Now let me get this straight

"Coconut" reminds me of the Sydney gay scene. In fact, I heard it twice last night! It's pure dance trash but that's exactly why I like it. And what other song can boast its own drug taking game?!

20. This Is The Way (Get Into You, single - #27 UK, #45 Aus)

Alone in a crowd in a city
Searching for love

"Get Into You" is probably my least favourite Dannii album but it did have some great singles. I love the faux American pop vibe of "This Is The Way" and the video is pure gold.

19. Vibe On (Neon Nights, album track)

Jump on top it
Sit right on it

When confronted with trashy, low class individuals like Robpop who claim that Dannii is nothing but a cheap imitation of Kylie, I always bring up "Vibe On". Kylie wouldn't sing a song about her vibrator if her life depended on it, even though she probably has a bigger collection than Dannii. "Vibe On" sums up all of Dannii's best qualities - her sense of humour, the fact that she doesn't take herself too seriously and her love of plastic cock. What more could you want in a pop star? Dannii explains the song by maintaining that it is really about sitting on speakers - bitch, please.

18. Boogie Woogie (Japan only single, #1 Japan)

You know you made a difference in my life
You came along and eased my troubled mind

I love Dannii's brief stint as Japan's leading dance diva. "Rescue Me" is fabulous but "Boogie Woogie" gets my vote due to its distinctively Euro sound. Whigfield would be jealous of this little gem. It's that good!

17. It’s Amazing (Girl, album track)

It’s only when the night descends upon me
That I realise no one can take your place

"It's Amazing" is one of Dannii's most gorgeous ballads. This is Xenomania at their absolute best. The production is a delight, with beautiful strings, heavy breathing and subtle electronic bleeps. This is one of the many tracks from "Girl" that cried out to be released as a single. "It's Amazing" is a romantic treat.

16. I Don’t Wanna Take This Pain (Love & Kisses, single - #40 UK, #92 Aus)

If loving you is wrong
Then wrong has got to be right

You either love R'n'B Dannii or you hate it. I obviously love it and in my opinion, the rap duel towards the end of this song is one of the most glorious moments in Dannii's entire catalogue. I particularly love the 12" version, which is the closest Dannii will ever get to sounding like SoulIISoul!

15. Jump To The Beat (Love & Kisses, single - #8 UK, #48 Aus)

Embrace the good things in life
Come on and dance with me

I much prefer the original Australian version of "Love & Kisses" to the English version, with one exception - the poptastic "Jump To The Beat". The song was a desperate ploy to spark some interest in the UK and it worked a treat, making #8 in the charts. "Jump To The Beat" is irresistable bubblegum pop.

14. Perfection (The Hits & Beyond, single - #11 UK, #13 Aus)

I’m aching inside
I’m aching inside for you

You could not go into a Sydney gay club last year and not hear "Perfection". The first time I heard it, I thought the song was cheap and cheerful trash. However, it has grown on me immensely and I now realise that Dannii has unleashed yet another pop masterpiece. The video is priceless. I'm sure Dannii filmed it on her camcorder during one of her many trips to Ibiza!

13. Success (Love & Kisses, single - #11 UK, #26 Aus)

Tell me are you ready
Really really ready for success

I think "Success" is a great song but it has a deeper meaning as Dannii's declaration of intent. In fact, I think of "Success" as Dannii's personal anthem. She had her sights set on pop stardom and nothing was going to stand in her way. Well, apart from Kylie and a couple of hundred holidays. I'm so happy that Dannii is now experiencing success as the queen of UK club music and as a judge on Australia's 4th most watched show.

12. Don’t Wanna Lose This Feeling (Neon Nights, single - #5 UK, #22 Aus)

I said some things
That did not ring true

The fourth single from "Neon Nights" was a blast of 100% pure pop fun. The mash-up with Madonna's "Into The Groove" is brilliantly done and Dannii looks like a goddess in the video. A rare example of a record company getting everything right. AATW, please take note.

11. Get Into You (Get Into You, single - #36 UK, #79 Aus)

I don’t want your love
I want your soul instead

"Get Into You" sounds more like early 90s En Vogue than Dannii Minogue. It should be awful but it's actually rather sublime. I think Dannii's voice suits this sound surprisingly well. In fact, I think Dannii should revive freestyle as her next project! I've uploaded a club mix to balance out the R'n'B flavour.

10. Begin To Spin Me Round (Neon Nights, single - #2 UK, #14 Aus)

You’re a sinner but you told me you’re a saint
Too fast I tripped and lost my way
Can’t believe what’s happened to me lately

I truly believed that this would be Dannii's first #1 hit. As one of the best songs of this decade, it deserved to sit at the top of the pop charts. The song is hot in its own right but mashed with Dead Or Alive's "Spin Me Round", it is utterly perfect. The video is also superb, particularly when Dannii cuts off her hair. I've uploaded the excellent extended version.

9. Love & Kisses (Love & Kisses, single - #8 UK, #4 Aus)

You’re the kind of girl
That I want to keep
We ain’t at McDonalds
So what’s your beef?

Danni's debut single was an absolute corker. I remember running to buy the 7" single, which came with a fold out poster that had pride of place in my bedroom for years. The lyrics are adorable and Dannii is definitely not "the plain Jane type"! An Australian pop classic.

8. Feel Like I Do (So Under Pressure, B-side)

I want your number baby
So write it down on me

I still can't believe that something as brilliant as "Feel Like I Do" ended up as the B-side to "So Under Pressure". What the fuck? From the opening piano/keyboards to the killer chorus, this song screams out to be a single. This is the gravest pop injustice since Kylie's "Tightrope" ended up as a shitty bonus track. I'm still mad!

7. So In Love With Yourself (Girl, album track)

So in love with yourself
How could you love somebody else?

This was my favourite Dannii song for many a year but I think I've played it a couple of thousand times too often. "So In Love With Yourself" is about as classy as dance music gets. The vocals, the melody and the production are all gorgeous. Fuck, Kylie even sings back-up! If this was released as the second single from "Girl" instead of "Everything I Wanted", the album would have stood a much greater chance of success. As it is, this stunning anthem remains a fan favourite.

6. For The Record (Neon Nights, album track)

It’s just a thirst
And I’m drunk on the addiction

"Neon Nights" really is an amazing achievement. The album just gets better with age and I continue to find new favourites. "For The Record" is a slice of disco heaven. There hasn't been anything quite this fabulous since the 80s. I don't think "For The Record" was ever considered as a single and in all honesty, it doesn't have the edge of an "I Begin To Wonder" or "Put The Needle On It". Instead, "For The Record" exudes fun and warmth. Like Dannii, this song just gets better with age!

5. Come & Get It (Neon Nights, digital single Germany)

If tonight is going right
Move in a little closer

J.C.A. should be legally obliged to work on every Dannii album. The man behind "I Begin To Wonder" created what has to be the most spectacular "hidden track" in musical history. "Come & Get It" is an insanely catchy floorfiller, which works brilliantly as a straight-up pop song. I sincerely believe that Dannii threw away a #1 hit. Oh well.

4. This Is It (Get Into You, single - #10 UK, #13 Aus)

I’m lost for words, I’m in a daze
Stunned and amazed by your open ways

Dannii's cover of Melba Moore's "This Is It" was her first big Australian hit after a string of flops. I remember how great it was to have Dannii back on Video Hits and Rage. The video even became a much spoofed phenomenon and I can remember the steps to the tacky dance routine to this very day. There is nothing subtle or original about "This Is It". It's just good, old-fashioned, gay-as-all-fuck pop music! I've included Dannii's live interpretation for the "25 Years of Mushroom" concert.

3. Am I Dreaming? (Girl, album track)

Can you hear me, hear me calling?

"Girl" is such a quirky pop album. If Dannii's detractors ever took the time to actually listen to it, I'm sure they would be impressed. "Am I Dreaming?" has aged remarkably well. The song sounds as fresh today as it did 10 years ago. "Am I Dreaming?" is not your average piece of dance-fluff. The lyrics are thoughtful and the melody is drenched in melancholy. It really is a very impressive achievement.

2. Who Do You Love Now? (Neon Nights, single - #3 UK, #15 Aus)

And it’s hard to break a habit

Dannii revived her career with this dark and brooding dance epic. I was living in Europe when "Who Do you Love Now?" was released and I was floored to hear Dannii on a German radio station. Dannii was not only back on the charts but was suddenly a cutting-edge dance diva with a sexy, new dyke-tastic hairstyle. Dannii has since made a habit of re-interpreting instrumental club hits but she is yet to match the brilliance of "Stringer". This is as good as dance music gets. Check out the French version of "Who Do You Love Now?".

1. Party Jam (Love & Kisses, album track)

Hey yo listen up
My name is Dannii
It’s time to get loose to my
Brand new Jammy!

Shut up. I love it! I know "Party Jam" is not the best song in Dannii's catalogue of hits but it is my favourite. When I purchased "Love & Kisses", I didn't know what to think of Dannii's solo material until "Party Jam" came blaring out of the stereo. I was instantly smitten. To my 10 year old ears, Dannii's rapping made her the coolest woman on the planet. Obviously, I have since realised that "Party Jam" does not exactly count as gangster rap. I still believe that Dannii does not get enough recognition for how unusual it was for an Australian pop act to combine urban elements at that time. As usual, Dannii was decades ahead of her time. It took Kylie until 2003 to go down the same path with "Body Language" - some 13 years later.

Retro Dannii Remixes

Dannii's Dirty Box is slowly coming to an end and I realise that I haven't paid enough attention to the early years of Dannii's brilliant career. I have collected a handful of early remixes, which will give new fans some indication of Dannii's fabulous roots and remind old fans of Dannii's brilliance.

"Everything I Wanted" was the second single from "Girl". Sadly, it is probably the worst song on the album and basically killed the entire project. The single version was pretty dire but the Xenomania remix is a reminder of how good that outfit used to be.

One of the highlights of Dannii's second album, "Get Into You", is undoubtedly "This Is The Way". In fact, it's still one of my favourite Dannii singles. "The Cool 7" Version" is better yet!

"Success" is a song that is near and dear to all Dannii fans. Here is one of the better remixes.

Dannii is an undisputed master of cover versions and one of her best is "Baby Love".

"Disremembrance" was the third single from "Girl". There are arguably better songs on "Girl" but I still love this. Particularly the "bimbo goth" video, with Dannii crying in what appears to be a graveyard. I have always enjoyed this remix.

I vaguely remember someone requesting "Hallucination". I apologise for not remembering exactly who it was. "Hallucination" was the B-side to "Jump To The Beat" in Australia and "Baby Love" in Japan. I personally think that "Hallucination" is Dannii's trashtastic opus. This song has everything - sirens, barking and Dannii throwing down some hot rhymes - against a crazy 90s house track. Something about it also reminds me of "Justify My Love", if it were covered by Ya Kid K in 1992!

Just Can't Give You Up - Unreleased

"Just Can't Give You Up" is another of the unreleased "Neon Nights" tracks to leak towards the end of last year. In my opinion, it is the best of the bunch - and I think the other tracks are pretty shit hot! It really is quite hard to fathom how something this oustanding was not even considered good enough to be a "Neon Nights" B-side. I guess the sheer volume of excellent music resulted in a couple of amazing songs falling through the cracks. I find it even more difficult to comprehend why the song was not used for "The Hits & Beyond". Dannii is one of the co-writers, along with Terry Ronald and Ian Masterson, so surely she could have taken it with her to AATW. This is pure gold in comparison to some of the mediocre rubbish she has churned out since signing with her new label. The things I would do to hear the other "Neon Nights" rejects - particularly the songs Dannii recorded with Roger Sanchez! I have my fingers crossed that they will turn up one day.

The song has already appeared on youtube and someone has been kind enough to make a clip for it. Watch it here.

Neon Nights: The B-sides

I have already returned to the deep well of the "Neon Nights" sessions several times for one simple fact - they generated an amazing quantity of stunning pop music. I assume that everyone already owns a copy of "Neon Nights". If you don't it is your duty as a pop fan to order one today. The album is sublime, the leaked tracks have been dynamite and the B-sides are top shelf pop. No wonder Dannii had so much trouble deciding what to put on the album, the sheer volume of excellent music is positively overwhelming.

I have already posted "Est-ce que tu m'aimes encore?", which was the "I Begin To Wonder" B-side in France. The other B-sides are just as outstanding. I've included "Hide & Seek", "Nervous", "Goodbye Song" and the excellent "Neon Nights Megamix" for your listening pleasure. I have also thrown in "Don't Wanna Lose This Groove (Extended Bootleg Mix)" for the lovely Jeroen. It is the best recording Madonna has been involved in since the late 80s. I think my personal favourite is "Nervous", which shows Dannii at her fierce and fabulous best.

It Wont Work Out (Dance Mix) - Unreleased

The second episode of "Australia's Got Talented" was even more tragic than the first! I'm seriously in love with the show and Dannii's attention seeking antics. Dannii looked amazing again this week, wearing an alluring scarf wrapped around her head. Very Norma Desmond! The highlight for me was Dannii's withering response to the crazy guy who played "Can't Get You Out Of My Head" on a vacuum cleaner. That's classy television in anyone's language! I guess, I should get back to the music.

A wonderful thing happened late last year, when several songs from the "Neon Nights" sessions finally started to leak. "It Won't Work Out" should be instantly familiar to anyone who owns a copy of "Neon Nights", which I assume is all of you! It's the mid-tempo electro ballad that, in my opinion, does not quite gel with the rest of the album. The song is lovely and often cited as a fan favourite but it just seems a bit out of place. I think the leaked dance mix would have been a much better fit. I'd be interested to know if the song began as a ballad or an uptempo number. I like them both but I prefer the fast version. An acoustic version of the song was part of the scrapped "Platinum Collection" tracklisting. Hopefully, it will turn up eventually. I'd love to hear it.

Dannii's Second #1 Japanese Hit!

One of the most curious phases of Dannii's brilliant career is her brief stint as the queen of Japanese dance as a result of her collaborations with Eurogroove. I have already posted the delicious "Boogie Woogie", which climbed all the way to #1 in Japan. Now, with thanks to Brian, I am able share Dannii's other collaboration with Eurogroove, "Rescue Me". Like "Boogie Woogie", "Rescue Me" was a #1 Japanese hit and Brian tells me that all of Japan was completely paralysed with Dannii-mania on its release! Oh, to have experienced consecutive #1 Dannii hits!

The song is not quite as bubblegum as "Boogie Woogie" but it is a seriously fun slice of 90s dance pop. Dannii needs to call up the guys from Eurogroove and beg them to work on her next album. They were obviously onto something. "Rescue Me" reminds me of Kylie circa "Let's Get To It". Something about this song demands the waving of a glow stick! I've also included the craptastic remixes. Thanks again, Brian!

Come And Get It - J.C.A. Featuring Dannii

Since the day that Dannii's Dirty Box first opened its pink flaps to the public, I have been weighing up whether I should do some kind of countdown or make a list of my favourite Dannii songs. It sounds like a lot of fun but I just don't think I could choose between them. However, I am certain that Dannii's collaboration with J.C.A. would, at the very least, be in my top 10. "Come And Get It" is an exquisite slice of dance-pop that should have delivered Dannii her first #1 hit. Instead, the song suffered the indignity of ending up as one of those ridiculous hidden tracks on certain editions of "Neon Nights".

Just when it seemed that all was lost, Dannii's German record company outed itself as the knight in shining armour who would save the song from pop oblivion by announcing that "Come & Get It" would be the 4th Single from "Neon Nights" in Germany. Dannii's fans rejoiced that one of the greatest pop injustices of recent years would be rectified to some extent. The record company appeared committed to making the song a success - remixes were commissioned, promos were released and a video clip was planned. And then, the record company pulled the plug due Dannii being unavailable for promotion due to previous commitments. I think that's code for "Holidannii strikes again".

"Come And Get It" was eventually released as a digital single in Germany and I am very happy to bring it to you with thanks to Tommie. Get ready to enjoy one of Dannii's finest pop moments.

B-Sides: The Hits & Beyond

The "Hits & Beyond" era has not been blessed with the plethora of amazing B-sides that marked the singles from "Neon Nights". However, they are worth checking out, if only for the seriously brilliant "Feel Like I Do". It boggles the mind how something as quality as "Feel Like I Do" could end up as the B-side for "So Under Pressure", while shit like "Love Fight" somehow makes it onto the album. Are the Minogue sisters under some kind of bizarre curse which results in their best material ending up in the trash? Think of Kylie's divine "Tightrope" and fabulous "Good Like That". Don't even get me going on their unreleased material. That's another post all together!

Unlike "Feel Like I Do", the B-side to "Perfection" belongs in the reject basket. "I've Been Waiting For You" is not a bad song, in fact I quite like it. The problem is that it sounds like every other dance record released by AATW in the past couple of years. That's not a bad thing by any means. It's just not up to Dannii's lofty artistic standards.

Holidannii's Theme Song - Trip

Hopefully, the technical glitch that turned Dannii's Dirty Box into a proverbial dog's breakfast has been fixed. I'll remember not to post youtube clips in the future!

So, who watched "Australia's Got Talent"? It was so wonderfully tacky - I couldn't get enough of it! Dannii looked absolutely divine and managed not to make a complete tit of herself. I loved the acrobatic dogs and the tranny, Miss Imma Star, who sang Ethel's disco version of "Everything's Coming Up Roses". I was devastated that the other tranny, Issen Laurent (get it?), didn't get through. I loved her amazing song, "I'm your candy sailor boy". What a disgrace!

I guess I should get on with the music. The subject of today's dose of Dannii is something very close to Dannii's heart - going on holidays. Dannii has become so famous for her love of travel that she has earned the nickname "Holidannii"! Just check out Teetoo's lovely postcards. I particularly like Dannii with the camels!

"Trip" appeared on 2005's "Departure Lounge - World Grooves" album and is credited to "Thriller J presents Dannii Minogue". I can't say that the song is essential Dannii but enthusiasts will want it in their collection and it does make for pleasant background music. "Trip" is worth downloading just to hear Dannii sing "I love trips"!

I Can't Sleep At Night - Remixes

"I Can't Sleep At Night" was to have been the 4th single from "The Hits & Beyond". Remixes were commissioned and an utterly slutastic video was filmed, only for the project to be shelved in favour of "He's The Greatest Dancer" - which was also eventually cancelled. I wouldn't have picked "I Can't Sleep At Night" as a single, "Gone" was the obvious choice in my opinion, but it seems incredibly wasteful to throw everything away at the last minute. The video would have ensured some media attention and the remixes are, as usual, excellent. The promotional strategies of AATW remain one of life's great mysteries but at least Dannii keeps on churning out fabulous material.

Thanks to Jay and Tommie for the remixes. Enjoy the brilliant video for "I Can't Sleep At Night". Dannii is scorching hot - I love it!

Tut Tut (Does Your Mother Know?)

Does your mother know - that you don't wear pants?

The "Neon Nights" era was such an amazing time for Dannii. Not only did she turn out one of the best pop albums of the decade and establish herself as a pop force to be reckoned with (albeit briefly), she got everything just right - from the beautiful cover art to the choice of singles. Even the B-sides and unreleased tracks are divine!



One of the many great unreleased tracks to leak from the "Neon Nights" sessions is "Tut Tut (Does Your Mother Know?)". The song is Dannii at her slutty best, purring her way through camp lyrics like "you look like a baby boy on the outside, but you're not too young to know I feel the man inside". Filth! The song really doesn't fit in with the "Neon Nights" synth-pop sound but it is a fun addition to Dannii's treasure chest of trashy pop delights. "Tut Tut (Does Your Mother Know?)" was to have been included on the scheduled "Platinum Collection" but that release has been postponed (ie. scrapped). "Tut Tut" is a grower - I hope you like it.

Put The Line In The Coconut

"Coconut" is Dannii's most tragifabulous pop moment. According to Dannii, she was inspired to cover the song while waiting in a doctor's surgery after being bitten by an insect. Apart from the refrain of "Doctor!", I don't really see the connection between the song and Dannii's terrifying medical emergency, but that's beside the point. Dannii was moved to record "Coconut" and it ended up as the hidden track on Dannii's criminally underappreciated third album, "Girl". I find the very concept of hidden tracks baffling, but releasing the hidden track as a single is simply bizarre.

In fact, just about everything about "Coconut" is crazy. The song was released as the fourth single from "Girl" in Australia well after the album was dead and buried, without a video and with even less promotion than usual. There is a video clip that plays on high rotation in Sydney gay bars but that is a fanmade montage of old material. It's not that unusual to release an underpromoted single but the quality of the the song's tracklisting is. "Coconut" contains the brilliant "Everybody Changes Under Water", "Someone New" - the mammoth 9 minute plus Japanese bonus track, as well as several rare mixes of "Heaven Can Wait". The excellent "Someone New" would have to be one of Dannii's most stunning B-sides. Its omission from the album is an utter disgrace. While "Heaven Can Wait" is one of the many fabulous tracks Dannii recorded with Xenomania before they went shit and starting working with Whores Aloud and unloaded the stinking "Giving You Up" on poor Kylie.

On its release, "Coconut" limped to #62 on the Singles Chart but became an instant gay classic. I still hear the song almost every time I go to a club. There is even a popular drug taking game, which takes the lyric "put the line in the coconut" quite literally. Not that I have any knowledge of that kind of outrageous behaviour. In any case, "Coconut" is still being played and enjoyed almost a decade later - no small feat for a song that failed to make the top 50.

Boogie Woogie - Dannii's #1 Japanese Hit!!

"Boogie Woogie" is brought to you with thanks to Robpop. Lord only knows how many hours I'm going to have to spend on my knees repaying him for his kindness! Give Rob a thrill and check out his scandalous post on Kylie's divine "Light Years" at YouCallThatLife. I'm quite certain Rob must have been drugged to the teeth when he compared "Please Stay" to a Geri Halliwell B-side, but these great tracks more than make up for that usually unforgiveable slight!

Dannii collaborated with Eurogroove in 1995 for their Japanese greatest hits album at a point in time when her career was going nowhere fast in Australia. The result was two #1 Japanese hits - "Rescue Me" and "Boogie Woogie". Unfortunately, I don't have "Rescue Me" but from memory it has nothing on the camp brilliance of "Boogie Woogie", which is the closest to Whigfield that Dannii will ever sound. Rob also sent a couple of cheesy remixes that I had never heard. However, I have a feeling that they will be on high rotation at my place for quite some time to come.

Chill Out Dannii - Take Me Inside

One of Dannii's more unusual recordings is her collaboration with Afterlife, "Take Me Inside". The song is a typical example of Afterlife's "chillout" sound, with a dreamy blend of strange bleeps and minimalist lyrics. I think this kind of material suits Dannii quite nicely. I wouldn't want an album of it but the occasional electro-lullaby makes quite a pleasant change of pace. "Take Me Inside" appears on Afterlife's "Speck Of Gold" album and the Petrol Records compilation pictured below.

Mardi Gras Dannii - Everlasting Night

Dannii has been a staunch supporter of the gay community from the very beginning of her career. "Everlasting Night" is one of the reasons why Dannii is considered to be family amongst Aussie gays, while most divas are treated as warmly received guests. The Sydney Gay & Lesbian Mardi Gras needed a hand back in the late 90s and Dannii came forward with this song. Robpop of DontStopThePop fame recently informed me that "Everlasting Night" is a cover version, which is confusing because Dannii is listed on the single as a co-writer with sexy Tezza (Terry Ronald). Please explain, oh wise leader!

Regardless of the history of the song, there is no denying its impact. Dannii caused a media sensation by pashing a bull dyke in the extremely camp video (which includes 3 people I know - one of them intimately!) and the song quickly became a fan favourite. "Everlasting Night" was also the first hint of Dannii's hankering for pussy, which would come back to haunt her with the fabulous Lezzigate scandal! The single was only released in Australia and it became a minor hit. I love the song and still hear it occasionally in gay bars. "Everlasting Night" is a 90s club classic!

Dannii Is The Greatest Dancer!

It seems appropriate to begin Dannii-fest with Dannii's latest in a long line of cancelled releases. Dannii is getting something of a reputation for cancelling singles (and albums for that matter), which has not been lost on her fanbase (see picture below - thanks Jay!). "He's The Greatest Dancer" was recorded with the Children In Need charity in mind. The planned fourth single from "The Hits & Beyond" was scrapped to make way for it and remixes of "He's The Greatest dancer" were commissioned instead. Unfortunately, some idiot decided it would be better to go with Panhead Bunton's disgraceful cover of Petula Clark's "Downtown". It goes without saying that Dannii's offering is infinitely superior!

"He's The Greatest Dancer" is no masterpiece but it is a hell of a lot of fun and I'm sure that Sister Sledge would be most proud of Dannii's craptastic cover version! The song recently became Dannii's 11th number 1 UK club hit, making Dannii the undisputed queen of dance. As far as I know, there are no plans to release the song commercially, which is a shame. I can only imagine how tragic the video would be! I have uploaded the entire "He's The Greatest Dancer" promo with thanks to Tommie.

Note - Links removed to due to physical release of single.

Download - He's The Greatest Dancer (LMC Edit)
Download - He's The Greatest Dancer (LMC Extended)
Download - He's The Greatest Dancer (Chris Lake Remix)
Download - He's The Greatest Dancer (Shapeshifters Remix)
Download - He's The Greatest Dancer (Riffs & Rays Edit)
Download - He's The Greatest Dancer (Riffs & Rays Mix)
Download - He's The Greatest Dancer (Sebastian Leger Electro Vocal)
Download - He's The Greatest Dancer (Fugitive Club Mix)

Robyn Loau Is Back!

Robyn Loau makes a welcome return to the Australian pop scene this week with her exquisite new single, "She Devil". As a former member of the legendary Girlfriend, Robyn is a veritable Australian pop icon. In fact, the blurb accompanying this release claims that Robyn has sold over 500,000 records in Australia (which includes her solo career, Girlfriend and various world music collaborations). I have my fingers crossed that Robyn's comeback will see a continuation of her previous success - despite the minimal promotion and non-existent radio airplay for the single. Robyn is simply too talented to remain lost in the swampy waters of the Australian live music scene.

"She Devil" is a perfect example of why Robyn Loau deserves to be massive. The song exudes class with every delicate beat. "She Devil" is quite a musical progression for Robyn. The original version is an eerie mid-tempo pop song, underscored with electro-bleeps and even a tinge of jazz. The song also boasts gorgeous lyrics and subtle production. I just worry that it isn't instant enough for a first single. The first time I heard it, I thought "She Devil" was terrible. Now, I'm absolutely hooked. I would love to share the superior radio version but the song is being released this week and I would hate to be responsible for anyone not purchasing the single. Instead, I have uploaded one of the many remixes. As usual, Rok Coalition delivers one of the best.

You can hear the original version of the song in the stunning video clip, which was filmed at the 12 Apostles. Robyn looks absolutely stunning as a sea siren and the photography is beautiful. If only they had put as much effort into the nasty single cover.

If you like what you hear, please order the single from Chaos. It will be $5 well spent!

Candice Alley Returns

Candice Alley has the honour of releasing the first new Australian pop single of 2007. Candice is probably best remembered for the song "Falling", which was a massive Australian hit in 2003. For a while there Candice was hailed as the next big thing until her follow-up single, "Dream The Day Away", and her debut album, "Colourblind", both flopped miserably. Candice was abruptly dropped by her record company and completely fell off the pop radar - until now.

"Before You Go" follows the "Falling" blue print very closely; the only change to Candice's sound is an ever so slight move towards lite-pop/rock and a new glamorous image. Candice looks amazing but I'm still not taken with her as an artist. She makes pleasant music but it is a little too sedate for my liking. However, it is nice to have her back. As far as dull singer-songwriters go, Candice is entirely bearable! The "Before You Go" CD single also offers a wonderfully trashy remix, which I have uploaded for your listening pleasure. I've also included Candice's previous singles, "Falling" and "Dream The Day Away".

If you like what you hear, help keep Candice in fake eye-lashes by purchasing her single from Sanity. Hopefully, a new album will follow in the near future.

Before They Were Young Divas - Part 3

The third and final part of my Young Divas special will focus on the magnificent Paulini. Paulini is one of the alumni of the very first season of Australian Idol. She came in fourth after being criticised on national television by one of the judges for being too fat, which is actually quite ironic given the multitude of plus-sized women to frequent later series of Idol - including fellow "divas" Ricki-Lee and Kate DeAraugo. In fact, it seems you have to morbidly obese to even make it to the final 12 of Australian Idol these days. The controversy helped raise Paulini's profile and, as clearly the most talented vocalist to appear on the show, she was quickly snapped up by Sony.

I have already dedicated a post to Paulini's magnificent second album (or third, if you count a shitty Christmas offering), "Superwoman". That album was also recorded before the Young Divas formed but this post will focus on Paulini's number 1 debut album, "One Determined Heart". Paulini's debut single, a cover of "Angel Eyes", sets the tone of the album. "Angel Eyes" is a lovely ballad, which showcases Paulini's impressive voice. It is also pretty fucking boring. I really like "Angel Eyes" but an album of full of ballads and dodgy cover versions was never the best career move. Thankfully, there are a handful of interesting remixes.

"Angel Eyes" hit #1 on the Australian singles chart and remains Paulini's only solo top 10 hit. The follow up, "We Can Try", was written by Audius - whose dubious claim to fame is working with Dullta Good-rim. The original version of "We Can Try" is bland crap but the remixed radio version is sensational. The song made the top 30 and, in its remixed form, remains one of my Paulini favourites. It seems far more suited to "Superwoman" than "One Determined Heart" - ie. it appeals to people under the age of 90.

I hope I'm not sounding too critical of "One Determined Heart" because in comparison to the other Young Divas solo albums it is a work of unbridled genius. There are several excellent tracks and Paulini's vocals are exquisite. Another highlight of the album is the selection of bizarre cover versions. The album contains one of the strangest cover versions I can remember hearing. Paulini's version of "No More Tears (Enough Is Enough)" is notable for being her first cover of a gay classic and surely the only R'n'B rendition of the song. Not only has the song been turned into a mid-tempo soul ballad, it is also sung as a duet with a man - which makes some of the lyrics rather interesting! It's so wrong, it's kind of right.. if you know what I mean!

Actually, I'm mistaken about "No More Tears" being Paulini's first cover of a gay classic. I had forgetten about this live medley from Idol which includes "Don't Leave Me This Way" and "Freeway Of Love". As usual, Paulini's voice is immaculate.

It seems appropriate to finish any discussion of "One Determined Heart" with yet another cover version. The song selection is truly baffling and one of the most random choices is Phil Collins' "One More Night". Paulini's version is rather nice, although it is begging for a remix.

If Paulini rings your bell, why not keep the woman in diet pills by buying "One Determined Heart" and/or "Superwoman" at Sanity, Chaos or Australian Ebay. Both albums are recommended but "Superwoman" is infinitely superior. This ends my rundown of the pre-diva careers of Paulini, Kate, Emily and Ricki-Lee. It will be interesting to see what 2007 holds for the divas. I have a bad feeling that "Right About Now" is being lined up as single number 3. I hope not because it is one of the worse tracks on their fabulous album. I hear rumours that Sony is intent on rushing out a new album with original material in 2007. That can only be good news!

Before They Were Young Divas - Part 2

Rest assured that today's post will include no pictures of naked people (I understand, I'm developing something of a reputation!). Instead, I'm continuing my exploration of the floptastic solo careers of the Young Divas. Today it's Ricki-Lee Coulter's turn to be dragged under the microscope. Ricki-Lee immediately stood out from the crowd when she first appeared on Australian Idol. For starters, unlike the other contestants, she wasn't butt ugly and could actually sing. Ricki-Lee looked a certainty to win the second series but in a major upset, she was knocked out early in the competition. However, her potential did not go unnoticed and Ricki-Lee was snapped up by a record label before the series had even ended.

Ricki-Lee's self-titled, debut album is something of a musical dog's breakfast. Shock records obviously couldn't decide whether to market her as a cute pop star, an edgy bad girl or most amusingly, as a gangster ho - so they basically tried a bit of everything. Ricki-Lee sings Mariah-esque ballads, bubblegum pop and funky hip hop tunes (complete with cheap rent-a-rappers!) with varying degrees of success. The album does contain its fair share of excellent songs but the lows are pretty desperate. And yet, "Ricki-Lee" has grown on me immensely since its 2005 release. "Hell No!", the lead single, sounds like a tragic urban-pop version of Alanis Morissette's "Ironic". The song peaked at #5 on the Charts and has become something of an Australian trash classic. The second single, "Sunshine", was also a top 10 hit but unlike "Hell No!", "Sunshine" is sweet and upbeat enough to grace a Young Divas' album!

The rest of the album is such a mixed bag that no particular song is reflective of the overall sound. I have selected three of my personal favourites to share. "Stay With Me" has an Indian vibe and a chorus that involves a lot of "la la la"-ing. In other words, it's fucking fabulous! "Tell Him" is a mid-tempo R'n'B number that wouldn't sound out of place on the US charts. I mean that as a compliment! The song showcases Ricki-Lee's impressive pipes without ever being bland or boring. The final song, "Let Me Hear You Say (Ft. Nitty)" is here for pure entertainment value. I love it when nice white girls hire a rapper and try to sound like a streetwalker. Ricki-Lee's attempt at an urban party anthem is great, although I'm not sure who she thinks she's fooling!

Ricki-Lee's album is still readily available, so if you like what you hear please buy it. You should be able to find it at Sanity or Chaos. Part 3 of my Young Divas special will focus on Paulini's debut album and include Paulini's first tragic cover version of a gay classic!