A duet can sometimes be a fabulous collaboration between talented musicians. Other times it can be an absolute tragedy. A while back my local radio station was talking about the most popular duets. I can't recall over what time frame, nor whether it was all Australian artists. But when they announced their number one as Kylie & Jason "Especially for You" I lost all faith in humanity.
The other interesting thing I discovered when researching this topic, is that Americans have (generally speaking) rather insipid music tastes compared to Australians, when you look at their corresponding lists. I am more than happy to be proven wrong here.
Anyway, in an effort to make things right, I've decided to share some of my all-time favourite duets. Some are classics, some are a little more obscure, all are awesome. At least in my opinion!
Don't Give Up - Peter Gabriel and Kate Bush (1986)
Perfection in a duet.
Under Pressure - Queen and David Bowie (1981)
Queen. Bowie. That is all.
Walk This Way - Aerosmith and Run DMC (1986)
Rap meets rock 'n' roll. Great clip too.
Where the Wild Roses Grow - Nick Cave and Kylie Minogue (1995)
Kylie scored some credibility for her collaboration with Cave.
What Have I Done to Deserve This? - Pet Shop Boys and Dusty Springfield (1987)
No one did disco in the 80s like Pet Shop Boys. Bringing in Dusty was genius!
Kids - Robbie Williams and Kylie Minogue (2000)
Kylie gets raunchy with Robbie.
No More Tears (Enough is Enough) - Barbra Streisand and Donna Summer (1979)
So Babs isn't for everyone, but this is a classic disco tune. And find me anyone else who can hold a note like she can!
When You're Gone - Bryan Adams and Melanie C (1998)
Not sure who's helped out who here, but a fun song with a clever video.
Something's Gotten Hold of My Heart - Gene Pitney and Marc Almond (1988)
This one is a bit obscure, but one of my faves. Hands up if you've heard it before!
These last 2 are current favourites.
Jet Lag - Simple Plan feat. Natasha Bedingfield (2011)
Nothing complicated here, but the best pop song I've heard for ages.
Somebody That I Used To Know - Gotye feat. Kimbra (2011)
Another amazing video, teamed with a great tune. Sounds of classic Gabriel.
Do you agree with my choices? Disagree? What have I missed? Would love you to share your favourites here!
“In the time it takes to have your coffee, you can start a conversation that could change a life.
On R U OK?Day, who will you ask?"
Gavin Larkin, Founder R U OK?
From RUOK? website:Thursday 15 September, 2011 is R U OK?Day. It’s a national day of action which aims to prevent suicide by encouraging Australians to connect with someone they care about and help stop little problems turning into big ones.
Despite the increase in public awareness of mental health & depression, it's still not something that is talked about enough. Too many people suffer without the support of family or friends, and in many cases, despite awareness campaigns, still don't know where to look for help.
I doubt there's anyone who doesn't know somebody suffering from depression. That is, if it's not themselves. I think I know more people affected by it, directly or indirectly, than those who aren't. I was diagnosed with post-natal depression after the birth of each of my kids. I've been lucky compared to so many others, having a GP I trusted without question who picked it up even before I realised something was wrong.
Often all a person needs is to know that someone will listen, that someone cares. That's part of what R U OK?Day is about. Ask someone you are worried about if they are really OK. But be prepared to deal with the answer. If you are the person being asked, be honest. Speak up and be truthful. The R U OK?Day website has some tips on the best way to go about asking someone. The organisation is also on Twitter and Facebook.
So on September 15, ask someone if they're OK. If someone asks you and you're not OK, tell them. They care, and they want to help you.
As we get older our priorities change, our wants and needs change. As I flew past 30, and rushed downhill towards 40 I realised that a lot of times the mind was willing, but the body said "not likely, buddy!". That's kind of hard to cope with sometimes, since I still feel about 25 in my head.
I love being social. I love meeting people for a meal or a drink. I can still cope with that. It's the big nights out that I struggle with. The night clubs and overly noisy pubs aren't as appealing as they used to be. Makes no difference whether I'm drinking or not. I discovered I'm truly a Nana a few weeks back when I met friends for a drink at a popular nightspot. We managed to find a comfy couch to sit, then realised that it would take a week to wade through the crowds of people to get a drink. So we sat and chatted. Or tried to, over the noise of the crowd and the pumping dance tunes. That was a big night, we headed home by about 9.30pm. Yes, pathetic!
So this leads me to my Top Ten Ways You Know You're A Nana (in no particular order):
Gone are the days where the kids eat early then you enjoy a quiet meal with your partner after the kids are in bed. Instead you eat with the kids. At 5.30pm.
You count down the minutes until the kids are in bed. Only so that you can go to bed too. And not for Extreme Cuddles, for sleep.
At 9pm, when you used to be heading out, you're sitting on the couch with a cup of tea.
And a blanket over your knees.
If you do head out for a big night, you're home by 11pm. Any later and it takes you 2 days to recover.
You find yourself watching more ABC.
You watch SBS for the fascinating insights into different cultures. Instead of the soft porn.
You watch controversial programs just so you have an excuse to yell at the TV.
You listen to Classic Hits radio stations, or talk-back, because current music is awful.
You can't get through the day without a mid-afternoon nap. But you're still considering bed by 9pm.
Are you a Nana? When and how did you realise that your youthful ways were long gone?
You'll notice a new button on the right bar of my blog. It was created by the lovely Bianca at Big Words to show support for marriage equality. Instead of paraphrasing what she said, or writing my own version of the same, I will copy her brief post here.
Apparently, I am in a "normal" relationship and because of that I am afforded the right to be married. I have a husband, three gorgeous girls and we even have a white picket fence. I didn't have to fight for my right to marry. I didn't have to march the streets pleading my case for protection and recognition under the law. We stood in an olive grove in front of our loved ones and were married by a celebrant. We are now legally bound to not have as much sex as before, argue about finances and have stretches of silence between us like other married couples. I simply can't understand why people from same sex relationships don't have the same legal rights. Why can't they stand in front of their most dearest and be legally bound together in love? Their love is as strong as heterosexual couples. Love is love is love. I could write forever on the subject of equality. It's time Australia gets with the program. It's time Australia recognises, rejoices and supports marriage equality. Equal love for all.
So, in my own small way I wanted to show my support. I made an "I Love Equal Love" button for my blog. If you feel the same, I'd love for you to grab it and pop it on your blog too (you can find it on my sidebar). We have a strong voice us bloggers - let's use it! Equal love for all. xx
If you'd like to show your support too, head to Bianca's blog and grab the button for yourself.
Last weekend I was in Melbourne to attend Blogopolis. The conference was full of great, useful information and tips, presented by talented & experienced bloggers and professionals. It was also an opportunity to meet so many fabulous bloggers I know from Twitter, and to catch up with friends I've met previously. But this blog isn't about that. I realised when I started making some plans that a common theme was occurring, purely by coincidence. You'll soon see what I mean!
My flight into Melbourne was delayed which meant I missed dinner with @TwitchyCorner, @easypeasykids & @denwise1. Instead it was me, terrible TV, Twitter and barely adequate room service. The time alone was awesome!
The following day started with a much sought-after sleep-in, followed by meeting up with @melhobbs at the fabulous @65Degrees. This is where my Weekend by Degrees began.
After coffee, I headed for lunch at Three Degrees where I finally got to meet one of my very first tweeps, @seanbradford and we spent 3 hours talking and tweeting.
Photo www.eurekaskydeck.com.au
The degrees continued after the conference Saturday night with a visit to @Eureka_Skydeck. 88 floors above the city, with 180 degree views. Fantastic views, and very calming. Next time I visit during the day!
Sunday I scored another sleep-in! I was picked up from my hotel by @crazycuddles, and we headed for a leisurely breakfast. Next stop was Gasworks Arts Park for @melhobbs's photo exhibition NYC -6 degrees.
By then it was time to head for the airport. So much fun, not enough time, but I loved the coincidence of it all! Can't wait to see you again, Melbourne!
