HAYLEY SIGNS WITH SONY

It's just over a week since her competition Stan Walker won the 2009 Australian Idol crown, but as rumours have led us to believe during the past week, Idol runner-up Hayley Warner has indeed inked a recording contract with Sony Music.
Sony made the announcement less than an hour ago, quoting CEO Denis Handlin as saying "Hayley has great enthusiasm and energy and brings a unique performance style that the public have really responded to. We look forward to working with her on her first album which will be released in 2010.”
Fans will get their first taste of Hayley's new stuff when her debut single 'Good Day' is released into stores on December 11.

DELTA LIVE SHOW GIVEAWAY

Australia's Delta Goodrem fans will be excitedly anticipating her Sydney Opera House performance this Sunday night, at which Delta will perform some of her biggest hits, along with a series of Christmas favourites. Tickets for the show are pretty much sold out, but due to popular demand, a limited number of 'restricted side viewing seats' have just been released to the general public - and they're rather close to the stage. According to the publicist for the show, the tickets will provide you with a "really great chance to be up close & personal with Delta". Ooo-er!
AND guess what!? They've given us FIVE double passes to give away to you! Gosh!

To enter; simply send us an email (with the subject line 'Delta's Divine' to auspOp@ymail.com with your name, address and contact number (for prize distribution purposes only). It's that easy! But hurry - the competition will close at 11:59pm AEDT this Thursday December 03, with the winners announced on the site on Friday December 04!

Competition closes at 11:59pm AEDT on Thursday December 03, 2009. One entry per person (to keep things fair). Five winners will each receive a double pass to see Delta Goodrem performing live at the Sydney Opera House Concert Hall this Sunday night (December 06). Airfares, transfers and associated travel are not included in the prize. It is the competition winners' responsibility to arrange transport to the event. Each winner will be notified by phone and/or email, with tickets available for collection at the venue box office. Details of all entrants are deleted after the closure of the competition and only winners' details are passed onto the tour publicist for prize collection purposes. Any further queries, hit us up at the email address supplied.

WINNERS ARE G(R)INNERS

We surprised you (heck, we almost surprised ourselves) with a little impromptu giveaway of Gin Wingmore's album 'Holy Smoke' last Tuesday here on auspOp and we closed it all off last night just a smidgen before the stroke of midnight! Dragging out our little 'hat' (it's not a hat, it's a tupperware container) of names, we've pulled out five lucky winners, each of whom has won a copy of the Gin Wigmore album 'Holy Smoke'.
And the winners are;
Cruise from Singapore, Evan from Pennant Hills in NSW, Steen from Hoppers Crossing in Victoria, Anthony from Mosman in NSW, and Craig from Collingwood in Victoria.
Congratulations gentlefolk and thanks as always to everyone who entered this week's draw!

CHART WATCH

While 2009 Australian Idol Stan Walker had a fair old crack at the number one position this week with his debut single 'Black Box', four days of sales couldn't quite equate to Ke$ha's seven, as the US songstress notches up another week on top of the ARIA singles chart. On the albums side of things, it's another reality show contestant who's taken hold of Number One.

SINGLES : Ke$ha maintains her stranglehold on the Australian singles chart No.1 spot this week with her single 'Tik Tok'. And it came within 160 copies of notching up another week of 20,000 plus sales, having to settle instead for 19,841.
Australian Idol Stan Walker (and Sony) will be smiling, however - with only four days on sale, his winner's single 'Black Box' debuts strongly in the No.2 position with a respectable 15,533 sales. Jay Sean has to move 'Down' to accommodate Stan's track - with 11,072 sales of last week's No.2. Black Eyed Peas at No.4 and Lady Gaga at No.5 both enjoy more than 10,000 sales this week - 10,504 for the Peas and 10,096 for Gaga.
Jay-Z and Alicia Keys make it into the top ten with 'Empire State Of Mind' - 9084 fans snapped it up last week, while just outside the top ten, Orianthi continues to make waves, with her debut 'According To You' selling 5625 copies.
Guy Sebastian's up from No.33 and into the top 20 with his Jordin Sparks duet 'Art Of Love' off the back of last week's Idol finale - 5487 people purchased the song last week.
Michael Buble's star turn on the Idol stage also sees his single 'Haven't Met You Yet' surge - to No.17 - with 4638 sales.
Jason Derulo has a top 20 hit on his hands with 'Whatcha Say' (No.20 with 3880 copies) and US No.1 Owl City and his single 'Fireflies' continues it's ascendancy - up to No.27 this week (2683 sales).
The 'Phone' battle is on - Lady Gaga wins it with 'Telephone' (featuring Beyonce) debuting at No.29 (2538 sales), while Beyonce ftg. Lady Gaga's 'Video Phone' comes in down at No.40 (1812 sales).
Ricki-Lee pops in at No.46 with 'Hear No, See No, Speak No' (1576 sales) and the Temper Trap finally gets the chart recognition they so dearly deserved with their criminally overlooked single 'Sweet Disposition'. It's into the top 50 for the first time at No.48 (1531 sales).
Outside the top 50, there's a chart surge from David Guetta ftg. Estelle's 'One Love' - up 17 places to No.52 (1357) and the same jump from country starlet Taylor Swift and her new single 'Fifteen' - up 17 places to No.53 (1325).
David Guetta's Kelly Rowland collaboration moves up 12 places to No.56 after it's (terrible) use on the Idol finale, the Glee Cast have another top 100 hit - at No.58 with 'Defying Gravity' (1275 sales) and Mika's also back with some more post-Idol chart action with 'We Are Golden' (No.79 with 967 sales) and 'Rain' (No.90 with 832 sales).
Lady Gaga's 'Monster' debuts at No.80 (950 copies), Neighbours star Sam Clark debuts in the top 100 at No.82 with 'Broken' (937), Cascada's 'Fever' is in at No.84 (918 sales) and there's some post ARIAs chart action for Empire Of The Sun ('Walking On A Dream' back in at No.76 - 1005 sales), Ladyhawke ('My Delirium' in at No.93 - 814 sales) and Sarah Blasko ('We Won't Run' back in at No.96 - 769 sales).

ALBUMS : On the albums side of things, was there ever any doubt that it was going to be Susan Boyle's week? The Britain's Got Talent contestant bagged a respectable 26,474 sales of her debut album in it's first week on sale - and it may not be the last week we see the Scottish songstress on top.
Michael Buble also fared well - particularly with his amazing Idol showing last Sunday night. 'Crazy Love' did really well again - outselling it's nearest rival by almost two to one. 20,573 people bought MB's album last week.
Powderfinger had to settle for No.3 this week with their latest album 'Golden Rule' - just the one week on top for them, but another 10,762 copies to add to the sales count. The Twilight 'New Moon' soundtrack bounced back up to No.4 (8580 sales) and Lady Gaga rushed back into the top five at No.5, up an incredible 77 positions with 'The Fame'. Strangely 'The Fame Monster' is not being counted as a new album. Gaga sold 8174 copies last week.
The second highest new entry of the week comes courtesy of Barbadian singer Rihanna - 'Rated R' managed just 5010 copies to debut in the No.15 position, while 50 Cent's 'Before I Self Destruct' debuted in the No.19 spot on the back of 3606 sales.
Enya's best of came in at No.40 (1840) and the Priests debuted at No.48 (1609 sales).
Outside the top 50, Andrea Bocelli's Christmas album debuted at No.52 (1554 sales), Empire Of The Sun's album 'Walking On A Dream' benefitted from the repackage, up to No.54 (1541 sales) and Kate Ceberano's 'Merry Christmas' came in at No.61 (1446 sales).
Mika also re-entered the top 100 - at No.95 with 'The Boy Who Knew Too Much' following his Idol appearance.

OFFICIAL ARIA CHARTS

MOST ADDED

RADIO'S MOST ADDED
WEEK COMMENCING MONDAY NOVEMBER 30, 2009

01. JOHN BUTLER : ONE WAY ROAD
02. VANESSA AMOROSI : HAZARDOUS
03. POWDERFINGER : BURN YOUR NAME
04. STAN WALKER : BLACK BOX
05. ROGUE TRADERS : LOVE IS A WAR
06. AMY MEREDITH : PORNSTAR
07. JOHN MAYER : HEARTBREAK WARFARE
08. MICHAEL BUBLE : HAVEN'T MET YOU YET
09. LAUREN FLAZ FTG. SIA : YOU'VE CHANGED
10. THIRTY SECONDS TO MARS : KINGS & QUEENS

Most added tracks to Australian radio courtesy of The Music Network.

LIKING THIS

We didn't know quite what to expect from the cover art to Australian Idol Stan Walker's debut album 'Introducing...', but now that it's broken (and did so late last week), we've got to say that we're really really liking it. It's got that old-style look, with the RCA logo in the bottom right hand corner, and some digitally produced aged effects so it jumps out at you like a big old wooly cardigan that's just going to make you feel all warm and lovely inside. Aww.

BEYONCE FTG. LADY GAGA : Video Phone

The battle of 'Telephone' and 'Video Phone' (Gaga ftg. Beyonce and Beyonce ftg. Gaga) hit the charts last night, with Gaga's track 'Telephone' winning the chart war rather convincingly. But with the video for 'Video Phone' now live for all to see, will things heat up between the two tracks in the coming weeks? Putting it plainly, though the song is completely devoid of a tune, Beyonce looks simply incredible in the clip. The addition of Gaga to the song and the clip will just help the song re-establish itself as a possible chart hit.

THE pOp RADAR

NEW ALBUMS COMING SOON:

AGNES : DANCE LOVE POP
NADIA ALI : EMBERS
ALPHABEAT : THE SPELL
MELANIE B : REIMAGINED
BABYBIRD : EX MANIAC
BOYZ II MEN : SIMPLY LOVE
MISSY ELLIOT : BLOCK PARTY
EMINEM : RELAPSE 2
GOOD CHARLOTTE : CARDIOLOGY
MACY GRAY : THE GRAY LIFE
ERIK HASSLE : PIECES
KE$HA : ANIMAL
MARIA LAWSON : EMOTIONAL ROLLERCOASTER
LETOYA : LADY LOVE
MASSIVE ATTACK : WEATHER UNDERGROUND
MGMT : CONGRATULATIONS
JANELLE MONAE : METROPOLIS
P DIDDY : LAST TRAIN TO PARIS
PRESTON : WHATEVER FOREVER
RICKI-LEE : HEAR NO, SEE NO, SPEAK NO
RINOCEROSE : FUTURINO
ALEX ROOTS : ADRENALINE RUSH
RÖYKSOPP : SENIOR
SANTANA : SUPERNATURAL 2
SIA : WE ARE BORN
USHER : MONSTER

PLUS: CHRISTINA AGUILERA, AVALANCHES, DANIEL BEDINGFIELD, NATASHA BEDINGFIELD, BLISS ‘N’ ESO, BLONDIE, BOOTY LUV, TONI BRAXTON, KEISHA BUCHANAN, ANTHONY CALLEA, CASSETTE KIDS, SAM CLARK, CLEOPATRA, NADINE COYLE, DIRTY LAUNDRY, DOLLY ROCKERS, SOPHIE ELLIS-BEXTOR, FAITHLESS, ELLIE GOULDING, KATE HAVNEVIK, INFUSION, JAMIROQUAI, KELIS, ADAM LAMBERT, CYNDI LAUPER, AVRIL LAVIGNE, JENNIFER LOPEZ, SARAH MCLEOD, MINI VIVA, KYLIE MINOGUE, SHANNON NOLL, PAULINI, AMY PEARSON, PROPELLORHEADS, ROGUE TRADERS, KELLY ROWLAND, SALMONELLA DUB, SCISSOR SISTERS, SNEAKY SOUND SYSTEM, SHANIA TWAIN, THE VERONICAS, NIKKI WEBSTER, AMY WINEHOUSE

NEW SINGLES COMING SOON:

AGNES : I NEED YOU NOW
ALPHABEAT : THE SPELL
BACKSTREET BOYS : BIGGER
TONI BRAXTON : YESTERDAY
ALEXANDRA BURKE : GOOD NIGHT, GOOD MORNING
CHERYL COLE : 3 WORDS
DAISY DARES YOU : NUMBER ONE ENEMY
ALESHA DIXON : TO LOVE AGAIN
DOLLY ROCKERS : BOYS WILL BE BOYS
EVERMORE : UNDERGROUND
FLO RIDA FTG. AKON : AVAILABLE
KASABIAN : UNDERDOG
ALICIA KEYS : TRY SLEEPING WITH A BROKEN HEART
ELIN LANTO : DISCOTHEQUE
MAPS : DIE HAPPY, DIE SMILING
LIZ MCLARNON : NOT IN LOVE
DANIEL MERRIWEATHER FTG. ADELE : WATER AND A FLAME
MIKA : BLAME IT ON THE GIRLS
MSTRKRFT : BOUNCE
PAOLO NUTINI : 10/10
ALEX ROOTS : DON’T STOP LOOKING
THE SATURDAYS : EGO
SEPTEMBER : WHEN YOU LEAVE IT ALL BEHIND
SIMIAN MOBILE DISCO : CRUEL INTENTIONS
SKUNK ANANSIE : BECAUSE OF YOU
SNOOP DOGG : GANGSTA LOVE
STREETS : EDGE OF A CLIFF
SUGABABES : WEAR MY KISS
TIESTO : ESCAPE ME

NB - all releases subject to change & list is updated bi-monthly

TOURING : Tom Jones

The Frontier Touring Company has today announced a national tour by legendary Welsh crooner Tom Jones. Famous for his '60s hits including 'Green Green Grass Of Home', 'What's New Pussycat' and 'It's Not Unusual', Tom will head to Australia in late February after a four city sweep of New Zealand. He's set to take to the stage for seven 'A Day On The Green' events, along with arena shows in Sydney, Wollongong and Melbourne.
No doubt there'll be a lot of knicker-tossing going on when tickets for all dates go on sale on Monday December 07. Liberation Music will also release Tom's latest album '24 Hours' in Australia this Friday.

February 27 : Hunter Valley (Bimbadgen Estate) - ADOTG
February 28 : Brisbane (Sirromet Wines) - ADOTG
March 03 : Sydney (Entertainment Centre)
March 04 : Wollongong (WIN Entertainment Centre)
March 06 : Clare Valley (Annie's Lane) - ADOTG
March 07 : Yarra Valley (Rochford Wines) - ADOTG
March 08 : Launceston (Josef Chromy Wines) - ADOTG
March 11 : Melbourne (Rod Laver Arena)
March 13 : Rutherglen (All Saints Estate) - ADOTG
March 14 : Swan Valley (Sandalford Wines) - ADOTG

THE BELOVED : Satellite

We haven't really heard all that much from UK dance outfit The Beloved since those heady clubbing days of the late 1990s, where they tore up the dancefloors with tracks from their album 'X', including this - the startlingly amazing 'Satellite'. Testament to the track is the fact it still sounds so damned fresh after 13 years. The clip was a bit raunchy too - using a selection of models all in the nude, with only the shadows (and some well-placed limbs) protecting their modesty - just - though there's the odd bum shot thrown in here and there to keep things on the edge. Great clip, great track.

WHITNEY TOUR DATES REVEALED

Andrew McManus Presents got Australia's Whitney Houston fans all in a tizzy earlier this month when they announced a Hunter Valley performance by the comeback diva. Her 'Nothing But Love' tour marks the first time Ms Houston has visited our shores in more than 20 years, and comes hot on the heels of her much publicized return to the stage. And while dates have yet to be officially released by McManus, a little internet snooping (HERE) has revealed that Whitney will perform seven concerts while in Australia - kicking off in Brisbane on February 22.
Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide and Perth also get a guernsey, with Perth apparently locked in for two shows - on March 06 and 07. General public tickets are set to go on sale on Friday December 11.

February 22 : Brisbane (Entertainment Centre)
February 24 : Sydney (Acer Arena)
February 27 : Hunter Valley (Hope Estate Winery)
March 01 : Melbourne (Rod Laver Arena)
March 04 : Adelaide (Entertainment Centre)
March 06 : Perth (Members Equity Stadium)
March 07 : Perth (Members Equity Stadium)

THE auspOp DIARY

WEEK COMMENCING NOVEMBER 30, 2009

Nov 30 : TIX ON SALE – Devendra Banhart (Sydney, Melbourne)
Nov 30 : TIX ON SALE – Dizzee Rascal (Sydney, Melbourne)
Nov 30 : TIX ON SALE – Groove Armada (Sydney, Melbourne)
Nov 30 : TIX ON SALE – Calvin Harris (Sydney, Melbourne)
Nov 30 : TIX ON SALE – Mastodon (Sydney, Melbourne)
Nov 30 : TIX ON SALE – Passion Pit (Sydney, Melbourne)
Nov 30 : TIX ON SALE – Rise Against (Sydney, Melbourne)
Nov 30 : TIX ON SALE – West Coast Blues & Roots Festival (Fremantle)
Dec 01 : MELBOURNE – Fleetwood Mac (Rod Laver Arena)
Dec 01 : MELBOURNE – Daniel Merriweather (Prince Bandroom)
Dec 01 : PERTH – Ry Cooder (PCEC Riverside Theatre)
Dec 01 : TIX ON SALE – Marianne Faithfull (Melbourne, Brisbane)
Dec 02 : GEELONG – B52s (Costa Hall)
Dec 02 : SYDNEY – Daniel Merriweather (Metro Theatre)
Dec 03 : BRISBANE – Cloud Control & Leader Cheetah (Troubadour)
Dec 03 : BRISBANE – Dream Theater (Convention Centre)
Dec 03 : BRISBANE – Tim Finn (The Tivoli)
Dec 03 : BRISBANE – Sia (HiFi Bar)
Dec 03 : MELBOURNE – B52s (Forum Theatre)
Dec 03 : MELBOURNE – Hilltop Hoods (Festival Hall)
Dec 03 : TIX ON SALE – Lady Gaga (Perth)
Dec 04 : BRISBANE – Cloud Control & Leader Cheetah (Troubadour)
Dec 04 : GOLD COAST – Tim Finn (Twin Towns Services Club)
Dec 04 : NOWRA – Damien Leith (Shoalhaven Entertainment Centre)
Dec 04 : PERTH – Green Day (Burswood Dome)
Dec 04 : TIX ON SALE – Gossip (Adelaide)
Dec 04 : TIX ON SALE – Them Crooked Vultures (Melbourne, Sydney)
Dec 04 : TIX ON SALE – Rob Thomas (Hunter Valley)
Dec 05 : ADELAIDE – Stereosonic (Bonython Park)
Dec 05 : BAROSSA VALLEY – A Day On The Green (Peter Lehmann Wines)
Dec 05 : BRISBANE – Jarvis Cocker (HiFi Bar)
Dec 05 : DAPTO – Damien Leith (Leagues Club)
Dec 05 : HUNTER VALLEY – Fleetwood Mac (Hope Estate Winery)
Dec 05 : MELBOURNE – Stereosonic (Royal Melbourne Showgrounds)
Dec 05 : SYDNEY – Dream Theater (Hordern Pavillion)
Dec 05 : SYDNEY – Homebake 09
Dec 06 : ADELAIDE – Green Day (Entertainment Centre)
Dec 06 : BRISBANE – Stereosonic (Eagle Farm Racecourse)
Dec 06 : SWAN VALLEY – A Day On The Green (Sandalford Wines)
Dec 06 : SYDNEY – Delta Goodrem (Opera House)
Dec 06 : SYDNEY – Powderfinger (Moore Park Entertainment Quarter)

DEADMAU5'S SIDESHOW

Hot on the heels of news that Canadian DJ Deadmau5 will head instore to the Virgin Megastore in George Street Sydney this Thursday comes news that he'll also be spinning tunes at an exclusive Sydney sideshow. As the perfect accompaniment to his appearance at the Stereosonic Festivals around Australia (the first of which is underway as we speak at Sydney's Moore Park Entertainment Quarter), Deadmau5 will also perform at the Enmore Theatre just hours after his Virgin Megastore instore, hitting the stage at 9:30pm. Tickets are on sale now.

JOHN BUTLER TRIO : One Way Road

It's hard to believe it's almost three years since we were last treated to a new album from the John Butler Trio, but the wait is almost over, with his new album 'April Uprising' due for release early in the new year. The first single from it is 'One Way Road' - and it seems that radio just can't get enough of it, with Nova nationally jumping onto it, along with 2Day FM, Fox FM, B105 and Triple M in Sydney and Melbourne. And it's not hard to hear why 'cause it's all instantly likeable.. The clip itself is set up like a collage of photographs as JB belts out the piece to camera in a series of locations, mainly in a car recycling centre.

GOSSIP ADDS ADELAIDE

The people of Adelaide have spoken - and Beth Ditto and company have responded. Gossip have announced a headline show in the city of churches, right in the midst of their Australian tour as part of the Good Vibrations Festival. Handsome Tours reveals that the band will be supported at the February 18 Thebarton Theatre gig by Friendly Fires. At this stage, it's Gossip's only Australian headline show during their upcoming visit. Tickets are expected to be snapped up quickly when they go on sale on Friday December 04.

SATURDAY NEWS WRAP #05

* Singer songwriter Jacob Butler is set to star in an upcoming episode of Channel 10 soap 'Neighbours'. Pictured with Toady, Susan and Doctor Karl, he hits Ramsay Street to perform his single 'Coma' in a scene set in Charlies Bar, screening early in the new year.
* Liverpudlian outfit Echo & The Bunnymen have announced two sideshows during their visit to our shores for the 2010 St.Jeromes Laneway Festival. They'll kick things off at the Enmore in Sydney on January 27, before heading to Melbourne to play the Palais Theatre on February 04. Tickets for both sideshows are on sale on Monday December 07.
* Inertia artist SIA picked up an ARIA on Thursday night for 'Best DVD', so finally she's beginning to get noticed. See her perform her new single 'You've Changed' live on Channel 7's 'Sunrise' on Tuesday December 08. She kicks off her Aussie tour at the Enmore tonight.
* In the United States, John Mayer has debuted at No.1 on the Billboard Top 200 albums chart this week with his new album 'Battle Studies'. Five out of the top six positions this week were filled with debuts, with the second highest coming courtesy of Norah Jones and her new album 'The Fall'. Casting Crowns, 50 Cent and Justin Bieber were the other debuts.
* On the US Hot 100 singles chart this week, meanwhile, Jay-Z holds onto the number one position with his Alicia Keys co-starring single 'Empire State Of Mind'. But they'd better watch their backs - Lady Gaga and Ke$ha are on the move - Ke$ha up five places to No.5 with 'Tik Tok' and Lady Gaga up nine places to No.2 with 'Bad Romance'.
* Shock Records has announced that they'll release the brand new Groove Armada album 'Black Light' in Australia on Friday January 29. It's release will come just as the band hits Adelaide as part of the 2010 Big Day Out tour.
* And organisers of Launceston's MS Fest for 2010 have announced the addition of DJs Klaus Hill, DJ Minx and DJ Anna Lunoe to the dance stage at next year's festival. Muscles will also appear to present a DJ set at the event, set down for February 06.

MORE FOR THE WEEKEND(ER)

The team behind Playground Weekender, coming up at Wisemans Ferry in New South Wales on February 18, have finally revealed the full line-up for the four day festival over on the OFFICIAL WEBSITE. Added into the mix for the 2010 event is tribute band Bjorn Again, who'll be stomping their way through an assortment of Abba classics. They join the likes of Lupe Fiasco, Bertie Blackman, Polyphonic Spree and many many more who'll take to the stage during what promises to be a mammoth event. With early bird tickets already snapped up, remaining tickets are expected to sell fast.

IN THE SHOPS FRIDAY NOVEMBER 27, 2009

Jimmy Barnes – The Rhythm And The Blues Live (Collector’s Edition)
Bliss ‘N’ Eso – Flying Colours Live (DVD)
Crazy Frog – Everybody Dance Now
Sheryl Crow – Tuesday Night Music Club (Deluxe Edition)
Dave Dobbyn – Beside You
Enigma – The Platinum Collection
Foo Fighters – Wheels (CD single)
Frankie Goes To Hollywood – Frankie Say Greatest
Frankie Goes To Hollywood – Frankie Say Greatest Videos (DVD)
Adam Harvey ftg. Guy Sebastian – Stuck In The Middle (CD single)
Il Divo – Live In Barcelona (DVD)
Ricki Lee Jones – Balm In Gilead
Ke$ha – Tik Tok (CD single)
Alicia Keys – Doesn’t Mean Anything (CD single)
Lady Gaga – Bad Romance (CD single)
Jessica Mauboy – Let Me Be Me (CD single)
Michael McDonald – Soul Speak
OST – The Princess And The Frog
Pope Benedict XVI – Alma Mater
Pope Benedict XVI – Alma Mater (CD/DVD)
Pope Benedict XVI – Alma Mater (Collectors Edition)
Hugh Sheridan – Speak Love
Britney Spears – The Singles Collection (Multi CD Box)
Stereophonics – Keep Calm & Carry On
Take That – The Circus Live (DVD)
Various – Curious George : A Very Monkey Christmas
Various – Now : The Hits Of Summer 2010
Various – Now Xmas 2009
Various – OneLove : Mobile Disco 2010
Various – Total Girl : Totally Stylin’
Various – Triple J’s Like A Version : Volume 5
Various – Ultimate R&B 2009
Various – Wild Summer 2010
Stan Walker – Black Box (CD single)
Jimmy Wayne – Sara Smile
Hayley Westenra – Christmas Magic

PRIZE FOR LONDON READERS? NO HASSLE!

We all know that Sweden's Erik Hassle is a name to watch out for in the world of pop in 2010, but the gang at his UK record company Universal Music have given us a treat for anyone who'll be in London on December 17. We're giving one lucky person (and a friend) the chance to head along to see the plucky young chap perform live at this very special, invite-only industry gig at a top secret London location!
Now while we naturally can't pay any of your transportation costs (yes, you'll have to make your own way there), there will be free booze at the event. So if you live in London or if you'll be in the UK on December 17, send us an email to auspOp@ymail.com with the subject line 'It's Such A Hassle'. Just include your name and suburb in the email, so we know who we're emailing!

Competition closes on Sunday December 06, 2009 @ 11:59pm AEDT. One entry per person. One entry will score a double pass to the top secret Erik Hassle gig in London on December 17. Transport to the venue and all other associated costs are the sole responsibility of the prize winner. Your name email address will be passed along to the Universal Music representative in order that you're kept in the loop with regards the time and location. We'll publish the winner's name on the site on Monday December 07. Good luck!

TOURING : Phoenix

Not content with merely dropping their new album 'Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix' upon the Australian public earlier this year and playing a few critically acclaimed live dates, French outfit Phoenix have decided that Aussie fans might just like to see them a little more often in the future. And so, with a little help from the team at Michael Coppel, they'll be packing their bags and heading back down under in March to play four shows.
With Miami Horror playing the support role, Phoenix will play one show each in Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne and Perth.
Tickets for all dates are on sale on Thursday December 10.

March 01 : Brisbane (Convention Centre)
March 02 : Sydney (Hordern Pavillion)
March 05 : Melbourne (Festival Hall)
March 06 : Perth (Belvoir Ampitheatre)

THE 23RD ANNUAL ARIA AWARDS : WINNERS

Good evening and welcome to our real-time coverage of the 2009 ARIA Awards. The Australian music industry's night of nights is being held this evening at Sydney's Acer Arena, with Jessica Mauboy and Empire Of The Sun widely tipped to sweep the awards. The Nine Network's coverage begins shortly (at 8:30pm).
We'll be here throughout the night, updating the post constantly from Keith Urban's opening performance until the closing award.
BUT, a quick warning for readers in Queensland, South Australia, Northern Territory and Western Australia... If you don't wish to know the winners until the show is screened in your state, it might be wise not to scroll down from here.
auspOp congratulates all the nominees in the 2009 ARIA Awards and wishes them all luck for a successful and memorable evening.

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HIGHEST SELLING AUSTRALIAN SINGLE
Wes Carr - You
Empire Of The Sun - Walking On A Dream
Evermore - Hey Boys and Girls
Jessica Mauboy - Burn
Jessica Mauboy - Running Back

WINNER : Jessica Mauboy : Running Back

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BEST URBAN ALBUM
Astronomy Class - Pursuit Of Happiness
Hilltop Hoods - State Of The Art
Horrorshow - The Grey Space
Pez - A Mind Of My Own
Phrase - Clockwork

WINNER : Hilltop Hoods - State Of The Art

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BEST MUSIC DVD
Jimmy Barnes - Live At The Enmore
The Cat Empire - Live At The Bowl
Kasey Chambers & Shane Nicholson - Rattlin' Bones Max Sessions
Sia - TV Is My Parent
Various - Rockwiz Salutes the Bowl

WINNER : Sia - TV Is My Parent
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HIGHEST SELLING AUSTRALIAN ALBUM
AC/DC - Black Ice
Empire Of The Sun - Walking On A Dream
The Hilltop Hoods - State Of The Art
Jessica Mauboy - Been Waiting
The Presets - Apocalypso (Std Edition)

WINNER : AC/DC - Black Ice
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BEST ROCK ALBUM
AC/DC - Black Ice
The Drones - Havilah
Eskimo Joe - Inshalla
Jet - Shaka Rock
The Temper Trap - Conditions

WINNER : AC/DC - Black Ice

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BEST DANCE RELEASE
Zoe Badwi - Release Me
Hook N Sling - The Best Thing (2008)
The Presets - Talk Like That
Sneaky Sound System - 2
Tommy Trash Feat. Mr Wilson - Need Me To Stay

WINNER : The Presets - Talk Like That

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BEST POP RELEASE
Sarah Blasko - As Day Follows Night
Empire Of The Sun - Walking On A Dream
Ladyhawke - Ladyhawke
Jessica Mauboy - Been Waiting
Kate Miller-Heidke - Curiouser

WINNER : Empire Of The Sun - Walking On A Dream

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BEST COUNTRY ALBUM
Troy Cassar-Daley - I Love This Place
Shane Nicholson - Familiar Ghosts
Jasmine Rae - Look It Up
Keith Urban - Defying Gravity
Felicity Urquhart - Landing Lights

WINNER : Troy Cassar-Daley - I Love This Place

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Robbie Williams performs his hit single 'Bodies'.
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BREAKTHROUGH ARTIST - SINGLE
Art Vs Science - Art Vs Science
Bluejuice - Broken Leg
Ladyhawke - My Delirium
Jessica Mauboy - Running Back Feat. Flo Rida
Lisa Mitchell - Coin Laundry

WINNER : Ladyhawke - My Delirium

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BREAKTHROUGH ARTIST - ALBUM
Ladyhawke - Ladyhawke
Jessica Mauboy - Been Waiting
Lisa Mitchell - Wonder
Sia - Some People Have Real Problems
The Temper Trap - Conditions

WINNER : Ladyhawke - Ladyhawke
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Kate Miller-Heidke performs her single 'The Last Day On Earth'.
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BEST ADULT CONTEMPORARY ALBUM
David Campbell - Good Lovin'
Paul Dempsey - Everything Is True
Bob Evans - Goodnight, Bull Creek
Little Birdy - Confetti
Josh Pyke - Chimney's Afire

WINNER : Josh Pyke - Chimney's Afire

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BEST INDEPENDENT RELEASE
Bertie Blackman - Secrets and Lies
Dappled Cities - Zounds
The Drones - Havilah
Sneaky Sound System - 2
C.W. Stoneking - Jungle Blues

WINNER : Bertie Blackman - Secrets and Lies

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Empire Of The Sun performs 'Walking On A Dream'.
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BEST MALE ARTIST
Paul Dempsey - Everything Is True
Bob Evans - Goodnight, Bull Creek
Daniel Merriweather - Love And War
Josh Pyke - Chimney's Afire
CW Stoneking - Jungle Blue

WINNER : Daniel Merriweather - Love And War

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BEST BLUES & ROOTS ALBUM
Ash Grunwald - Fish Out Of Water
C.W. Stoneking - Jungle Blues
Pete Murray - Chance To Say Goodbye
The Waifs - Live From The Union Of Soul
The Wilson Pickers - Land Of The Powerful Owl

WINNER : C.W. Stoneking - Jungle Blues

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The Temper Trap perform their hit single 'Sweet Disposition'.
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BEST GROUP
AC/DC
The Drones
Empire Of The Sun
Eskimo Joe
Hilltop Hoods

WINNER : Empire Of The Sun

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Ladyhawke performs her single 'My Delirium'.
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BEST FEMALE ARTIST
Sarah Blasko - As Day Follows Night
Ladyhawke - Ladyhawke
Jessica Mauboy - Been Waiting
Kate Miller-Heidke - Curiouser
Lisa Mitchell - Wonder

WINNER : Sarah Blasko - As Day Follows Night

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Robbie Williams and Rove McManus present the ARIAs for single and album of the year.
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SINGLE OF THE YEAR
Empire Of The Sun - Walking On A Dream
Hilltop Hoods - Chase That Feeling
Ladyhawke - My Delirium
Kate Miller-Heidke - The Last Day On Earth
The Temper Trap - Sweet Disposition

WINNER : Empire Of The Sun - Walking On A Dream
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ALBUM OF THE YEAR
AC/DC - Black Ice
Sarah Blasko - As Day Follows Night
Empire Of The Sun - Walking On A Dream
Eskimo Joe - Inshalla
The Temper Trap - Conditions

WINNER : Empire Of The Sun - Walking On A Dream

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Congratulations to all the nominees in this years awards - and, of course, to the winners.
Thanks also to Australia's leading TV blog TV TONIGHT for once again supplying us with all the images you've been seeing during this post.

DEADMAU5 INSTORE

As the title of the article suggests, Canadian dance producer Deadmau5 will have to have a cup of tea and a nice lie down (left) after heading instore for a live gig and signing while he's in the country for his star turn at the Stereosonic Festival. But be warned, the star will only be signing for one hour and fans will have their discs signed on a first come, first served basis. Staff will also close doors to the store once capacity is reached for the live performance.
Where, goddammit!? Well we're glad you asked. Deadmau5 will hit Virgin Megastore in George Street (Sydney) on Thursday December 03 from 4:30pm.

ARIAS TONIGHT

The countdown to the 2009 ARIA Awards is on, with the Australian music industry pretty much guaranteed to be in a coma for the next 48 hours. Here on auspOp, we'll be covering the winners of each of the awards as they happen, updating our ARIAs post throughout the evening. Coverage from us will begin from 8:30 AEDT tonight. (And a warning to our readers in Queensland, South Australia, Northern Territory and Western Australia - we'll be posting before your Nine Network telecast begins).

GEORGE'S SNEAK PEEK

Island Records has given fans a sneak peek at the video for the new version of George Michael's forthcoming single 'December Song'. And it's a whimsical, wondrous animated affair, with this little taster lasting for just under 20 seconds. And from what this little snippet unveils (which admittedly is not much), the clip is set to be altogether spectacular. 'December Song' is set for a digital release (including single, video and ringtone versions) in Australia on December 11.

ROB THOMAS ADDS ONE, CHANGES ONE

Michael Coppel has today announced a couple of changes for the upcoming Rob Thomas Australian tour. Supported by Vanessa Amorosi, the Matchbox 20 frontman will play a second show at the Hope Estate Winery in the Hunter Valley, but has had to change the date of his Brisbane concert to accommodate it. The Brisbane date, originally set down for February 11, will now take place the night before - on February 10. The new Hunter Valley date is on February 12, with tickets for the new show on sale on Friday December 04.

February 05 : Melbourne (Rod Laver Arena)
February 06 : Bellarine Peninsula (Scotchmans Hill Winery)
February 07 : McLaren Vale (Leconfield Wines) ADOTG
February 10 : Brisbane (Entertainment Centre) CHANGED DATE
February 12 : Hunter Valley (Hope Estate Winery) NEW SHOW
February 13 : Hunter Valley (Hope Estate Winery)
February 14 : Bowral (Centennial Vineyards) ADOTG
February 17 : Sydney (Acer Arena)
February 19 : Canberra (Royal Theatre)
February 20 : Yarra Valley (Rochford Wines) ADOTG
February 21 : Swan Valley (Sandalford Wines) ADOTG

CHRISTMAS LOCALLY

Not long now 'til the man in the red suit squeezes his bot down our chimneys (do people actually have chimneys anymore!?), but something a little exciting from the team at EMI today is that they'll be releasing the Pet Shop Boys EP 'Christmas' in Australia! Sure, it's only a digital release, but heck, we'll be able to get our hands on it in Australia from December 11, three days before it's UK release. As we nattered about earlier in the month, the EP will feature five tracks, including a new mix of 'Yes' album track 'All Over The World', a 2009 mix of 'It Doesn't Often Snow At Christmas', the Pet Shop Boys' own version of the Madness track 'My Girl', a mash-up of Coldplay's 'Viva La Vida' and 'Domino Dancing' and the Our House mix of 'My Girl'.

THE AUSTRALIAN CD NEW RELEASE SCHEDULE

December 04
Animal Collective – Fall Be Kind EP
Annie – Don’t Stop
Blur – All The People : Blur Live In Hyde Park
Andrea Bocelli – My Christmas (DVD)
Jonathan Boulet – Jonathan Boulet
Chris Brown – Graffiti
Creed - Live (DVD)
Empire Of The Sun – Deluxe Vinyl Box Set
Flo Rida – Hits Mix EP
Tom Jones – 24 Hours
George Michael – Live In London (DVD)
OST – Alvin & The Chipmunks : The Squeakquel
OST – Avatar
OST – Broken Embraces
OST – Glee : Volume 2
Seal – Hits
Showtek – Analogue People In A Digital World
Snoop Dogg – Malice ‘N’ Wonderland
Sting – A Winter’s Night : Live From Durham Cathedral (DVD)
Thirty Seconds To Mars – This Is War
Timbaland – Shock Value 2
Various – Motown : The DVD (DVD)
Various – My Family Feast
Various – Winners 2010

December 11
Vanessa Amorosi – Hazardous (CD single)
Jamie Cullum – The Pursuit (Special Edition)
Gossip – Love Long Distance (CD single)
Alicia Keys – The Element Of Freedom
Mudvayne – Mudvayne
Praying For Change – Peace Through Music (DVD)
Andre Rieu – Live In Sydney
Andre Rieu – Live In Sydney (DVD)
The Script – Talk You Down (CD single)
Short Stack – Sweet December EP (CD single)
Take That – The Greatest Day : The Circus Live
Various – Pacha Summer 2010
Various – Planet 51
Stan Walker – Introducing…

December 18
Mary J.Blige – Stronger With Each Tear
Eminem – Relapse : Refill
Lady Gaga – The Fame Monster (Super Deluxe Edition)
Dan Mangan – Nice, Nice, Very Nice

January 08
Bill Chambers – Drifting South
Jack Ingram – This Is It
R.Kelly – Untitled
Lifehouse – Smoke And Mirrors
OST – Nine
OST – When In Rome
A.R. Rahman - Connections
Rogue Traders – Love Is A War (CD single)
Various Artists – Hit Country : Summer Party 2

January 15
Black Eyed Peas – Missing You (CD single)
The Bravery – Stir The Blood
Little Birdy – Best Of Little Birdy (CD/DVD)
The McClymonts – Wrapped Up Good
These New Puritans - Hidden
Various – 101 Aussie Hits
Various – Coastal Chill 2010
Various – Winners 2010 (DVD)

January 22
Delphic – Acolyte
Peter Gabriel – Scratch My Back
The Vasco Era – Lucille
You Me At Six – Hold Me Down

January 29
Corinne Bailey Rae – The Sea
DJ Nino Brown – Blazin’ 2010
Lightspeed Champion – Life Is Sweet! Nice To Meet You
Angie Stone – Unexpected
They Might Be Giants – Here Come The 123s
They Might Be Giants – Here Come The ABCs
They Might Be Giants – Here Comes Science (CD/DVD)

February 05
Celtic Woman – Songs From The Heart
Celtic Woman – Songs From The Heart (DVD)
Hot Chip – One Life Stand
Kate Voegele – A Fine Mess

NB - all release dates subject to change & list is updated weekly

NEWS WRAP

* While the approval process takes place for the original site of the iconic Splendour In The Grass event, organisers have taken the opportunity to slut the festival around in 2010. They're taking it to Woodford, site of the folk festival for the 2010 event and extending it to three days. It'll now be held from July 30 - August 01.
* Handsome Tours has announced that Icelandic singer Lay Low will be providing the support role to her fellow countrywoman Emiliana Torrini on her forthcoming Australian tour. Tickets for her dates in Melbourne and Sydney in January are still on sale.
* Delta Goodrem has been chosen to appear alongside Andrea Bocelli for a series of four concerts beginning this Saturday in the United States. She'll perform three songs with the opera superstar. But she won't be letting Aussie fans down, flying home for her December 06 gig at the Sydney Opera House before heading back to the US for the remaining concerts.
* Idol winner Stan Walker has not only spent almost the entire week so far at No.1 on the iTunes singles chart (virtually guaranteeing him the No.1 spot on the ARIA singles chart this Sunday night), but 'Black Box' has also become the fastest selling Sony Music Australia digital release ever.
* Rove McManus will hit the stage in a presenting role at tonight's ARIA Awards after being asked by Robbie Williams to join him on stage. Idol host Andrew G, Jimmy Barnes, Cassie Davis, John Butler, Keith Urban and Richard Wilkins are among other names presenting awards during the Aussie music industry's night of nights.
* Evermore is performing in London! The band is hitting the stage at the Institute of Contemporary Arts for one show on Wednesday December 09. Meanwhile, they've announced that back home, they'll be releasing a new single called 'Underground' early in the new year.
* Pay TV channel Max has announced that the 40th Max Sessions, featuring Ben Harper and Relentless 7, recorded earlier this week, will hit Max on Thursday January 21 at 8:30pm.
* US outfit The Juan Maclean have had their latest single 'Happy House' remixed by none other than our own Cut Copy. The Cut Copy 'Space Is The Place' Remix is now available at iTunes Australia and will be exclusive to the local store for the first two months before also spreading across the Tasman.
* Aussie outfit Midnight Juggernauts has been announced as the support act for the forthcoming Aussie jaunt by Groove Armada.
* To our check (somewhat belated) of this week's UK charts and on the singles side of things, the X Factor finalists' cover version of the Michael Jackson classic 'You Are Not Alone' has bolted into the No.1 position. Jason DeRulo's 'Whatcha Say' was the only other top ten debut of the week, splashing down at No.3.
* And on the British albums chart, it was Leona Lewis who's sailed her way to the top - with her new album 'Echo'. Queen's 'Absolute Greatest' came in at No.03, N-Dubz was in at No.6 and Will Young's best of compilation came in at No.9.

GUY SEBASTIAN FTG. JORDIN SPARKS : Art Of Love

The winner of the original Australian Idol teams up with the winner of season six of American Idol - Guy Sebastian versus Jordin Sparks - and the second single from Guy's new album 'Like It Like That'. 'Art Of Love' is a great little ballad that works rather well by having the two voices playing off each other. And the clip's rather lovely too. Guy's stuck in the studio doing his thing, Jordin's in the middle of a glamorous photo shoot. And just when we think that Sony's been too cheap to actually get them in the same location for this video... They meet in the forest so no-one can hear them belt out their respective vocal acrobatics and come close to the pash.

JESS HITS VERSACE

She looks like walking away with a number of awards at tomorrow night's ARIAs, but publicists from the luxurious Palazzo Versace on the Gold Coast have today confirmed that they've been successful in securing the services of Miss Jessica Mauboy for their new years eve celebration 'Unmasked'. Jessica will perform her signature hits as part of what looks to be a most spectacular event, which already includes UK songstress Estelle, one of Australia's busiest DJs, Havana Brown and the spunky Alex Dimitriades. For more information on the event, click HERE.