Darren Hayes writes in "Secret Codes and Battleships"

I trust you all are returning from a relaxing weekend.


Let me start off today with....SAVAGE GARDEN. What is the first thing that comes to mind? For me, its a smouldering man with unwavering good looks by the name of Darren Hayes. Apologies to his band member counterpart. Frankly, if Hayes wasn't batting for the other team, well heck, I'm still swooning over him.


Ahem, as I was saying Darren Hayes has returned with his forth solo album, "Secret codes and Battleships". The album is an intricately designed portrait of dulcet tunes that paints images and emotions of a journey to find true happiness.

The artist opens with "Talk Talk Talk" which reflects the singer's pop roots. The songs upbeat rhythms and bright undertones contrast with "taken by the sea". "Taken by the sea" is delicately bruised by emotional depth and soft pop chords to represent the daunting realisation that love has the ability to tear our world apart in a metaphorical storm. A glimmer of hope is present in "Nearly Love" where Darren challenges a blossoming relationship that has the potential to evolve.


Despite "Black Out the Sun" being the most heart rending song on the album, the harmonic progressions and lyrical storytelling makes it my favourite.


"Bloodstained Heart" musically translates into a kaleidoscope of colourful timbres that plays on his creative tuneful desires. This track is bound to be a hit for the summer!


When I listen to "God Walking into the Room" and "Roses", I am sonically reminded of "Spin" from Hayes' first solo album, "I Miss You". The two tracks boast of the singers lush voice where we find him lamenting in "...the last night on earth".


Hayes idyllically closes the album with "The Siren's Call" and I can't help but feel a sense of euphoria. The use of elated synthesising and effortless percussions nurse my emotional turmoil from previous tracks.


"Secret Codes and Battleships" places an emotional burden and only those who are able to endure the hardships of the album are able to soldier thought this phenomenon we call; LIFE.

"Changing Times" for rock legend, Jon Stevens

The urgency of this unscheduled house meeting will be justified after you  hear what I have to say.

1st order of business
Let me introduce to you Jon Stevens.  He began in Sydney's rock band, NOISWORKS.  At the time, the death of INXS' lead singer, Michael Hutchence devastated rock lovers worldwide.  INXS was on the lookout for a singer. Thats where Jon Stevens comes into the picture and boy-oh-boy did this man paint a muriel for rock enthusiasts.  His unique voice and musical performances are nothing short of remarkable.


2nd order of business
Jon Stevens released his solo album,“Changing Times” back in September. Now, where have I been? The album exudes of his musical versatility and with an amazing backup band as well as a strong record label support from Universal Music Australia, this album only adds to the legendary rocker’s career.


3rd order of business
The album...let me get right to it.

The album translates Stevens’ honest life experiences into rock elegance with tracks such as “Maybe Baby” that are sure to delight NOISEWORKS fans.

He opens the album with “One Mistake” built on acoustic serenity and his remarkable vocals are most prominent in his ever so attractive rock choruses of “These are the Days”, “Stare” and “Kamikaze Pilot”.  

Steven frames his music credibility by concluding with a more classic Stevens-esque track, “Changing Times” that reflects his previous solo albums.

Changing Times is a 3 hatted hamburger of musical credibility and is only achieved with a careful selection of fresh musical ingredients of strong vocals, catchy chorus and rock passion.

Last order of business

i "N" sist you 1) buy it for yourself 2) buy it for someone spesh for chrissie or 3) do both 1 and 2! Don't forget to check out his latest solo album, "Testify".

Welcome fellow cyber-lings! Please take a seat as our House meeting will begin shortly. I am thrilled to be sharing this experience with you all! Though, there are some minor concerns that we should discuss as a blog-en (think coven but less witch-y). Let's get cracking.


Meeting Agenda [i]

Weekly House meetings will be conducted and lead by yours truly in the i "N" sist [ahy-in-sist] playground. We hope to deconstruct the orchestrated nature of marketing and report on the good, bad and outright outrageous fashion finds, beauty products, and culinary experiences. I know in previous sessions, it was a bit of debacle last time that we didn't bring enough lightbulb ideas to complete blogosphere. We will be implementing a strict BYO Perspective Rule from now on.


Meeting Agenda [ii]

It has been brought to our attention that some PR madman are putting has been using "spin" without asking. This is not the i"N"sist-an way, brothers and sisters, and you know it. Please refrain your use of spin.


Meeting Agenda [iii]

COMMENT House has kindly invited us to a Co-operative. Enjoy yourself, mingle. We are in charge of the venue and entertainment. I reckon it would be a perfect opportunity for us to share this space and showcase our 'devil-on-the-shoulder' play. Let's give them a bit of nudge to try new things and discuss Hot Topics. Yay! But, COMMENT House is apparently bringing the chilli. I plot on spiking the Chilli pot with some friendly juice to teach them a lesson: Hot Topic is IN, Snide Commentators are OUT


Meeting Agenda [iv]

I was communing with the Pageviews yesterday and they told me that we were a slightly on the hush-hush last weekend. We'd appreciate a little more buzz so feel free to share with your fellow bloggers.


Meeting Agenda [v]

Finally, our Meet Me got approved! Oh my buddha, am I excited. We will be guiding a group of curious minions to roam the campus in search trendsetting food locations and products. Afterwards we'll have a group lunch and delight in a picnic of sharing, following and retweeting. THEN WE'RE GOING FACEBOOKING. What fun! Tell all of your friends to join.