We've had a pretty rousing response from our recent posts about the forthcoming Damien Leith album 'Remember June', with plenty of his fans asking us to reveal what we think about the new album, due out on October 09. And although we've been asked to hold off on a review proper 'til the week of release, what we can say is this; We mean no disrespect to any other Australian Idol contestant when we say this, because there's been some truly fantastic music borne of the franchise, but we reckon there are two songs from Idol finalists over the past six years that really take things up to the next level. The first was Shannon Noll's 'Shine'. The second is Damien Leith's 'To Get To You'. It's that good.
Damien's album has been produced by Stuart Crichton, a man who in the past has worked with the likes of Kylie Minogue, Pet Shop Boys, Sugababes, Jamelia and Delta Goodrem. But don't think for a moment that 'Remember June' is going to be some flash in the pan pop album.
This is something much, much more. Epic, grand, polished, eclectic, slick, international. Just wait 'til you hear 'Forgive, Forget'. 'Remember June' is possibly the strongest album ever to come out of the Australian Idol franchise. Period.
46 comments:
That is GREAT news! I'm on the fence about Damien Leith in general - neither here nor there... but few things tickle my fancy more than a glowing review about anything pop related! October 9, I'm so there Jackie O!
Not sure if it's something you'd consider doing, but would love to see some kind of list action happening on your site eg. auspop's 10 favourite Idols, top albums, 5 most anticipated releases etc. We heart your super regular news posts, but some opinion would be great too - we DO care what you think auspop!!! :)
I knew it would be brilliant, he's the most talented person to ever be on Australian Idol.
Shannon had nothing to do with the writing of Shine AuspOp. It is a cover. The original version by Canadian Andy Stochansky who was the actual writer is so much classier.
Thank you for giving your mini report. I love everything about this album and the fact that it is all original.
I am loving ♥ your comment
'Remember June' is possibly the strongest album ever to come out of the Australian Idol franchise. Period.
Not long now until the single 'To Get To You' is released and then soon after this album is out there for all to enjoy.
Obviously you haven't heard Lisa Mitchell's Wonder.
One for Anonymous,
We weren't suggesting that Shannon had written 'Shine' - merely that it was a brilliant song.
And one for Trillian,
No, admittedly, we haven't heard Lisa Mitchell's 'Wonder'. We'll be sure to rectify that in the coming weeks.
The auspOp team
Damien "Celebration" Leith actually has fans that are young enough to know how to use the internet? You actually think his new Snow Patrol-lite slush is the best thing to come out of Idol (um, Lisa Mitchell anyone)? Please for the love of all that is good tell me this is just one big practical joke.
Best ever that is a big call time will tell
There's been some great music that's come out of Idol.
Lisa Mitchell's "Wonder".
Bobby Flynn's "Out Front".
Chanel Cole and Daniel Belle (performing under the name of Spook) released a great trip-hop album called "The Dusk Sessions".
And Matt Corby released a brilliant EP a couple of months ago called "Song For...". The whole thing is available to hear on his myspace.
Phew. I can breathe a sigh of relief. I was really worried that this record might make or break Damien if it was shit, but the mini-review has made me releived.
But surely as the song was just picked for Shannon, and he had nothing to do with it except to make an inferior version you shouldn't give him kudos for it. The kudos belong to Andy, who is not and never has been an Idol anywhere. It does not belong on any list of great Idol songs anymore than The Prayer, What About Me or any other cover sung by an Idol. Any list of great idol songs should only include originals at least co written by the idols themselves. Not covers or songs which they get no writing credit for. They are trying to prove themselves as legitimate musicians and songwriters rather than just singers after all. That's my humble opinion.
Trillian - you have beaten me to the punch. Lisa Mitchell's "Wonder" is my favorite cd for 2009 (so far). Each time I listen to it, I like it even more. She co-wrote several of the tracks, including one of my fave tracks "So Jealous". Time auspOp had a listen to this great cd - Darren.
Gee..I was expecting it to be good...but sounds like it's going to be much better than that!
Epic, grand, polished, eclectic, slick, international.
Hope this means we are going to get to hear that soaring voice of Damien's. That's what I have missed most in his post-Idol stuff.
Thanks for the sneak review, auspOp
You has me until you classed SHINE as one of the best 2 songs to come from Idol.
thats a big call given theres plenty of artists from idol doing very well recently in all different genres. but your enthusiasm is great love a positive review, artists work so hard these days. damiens still too am radio for me personally but definately think this will be popular with his fans and get some new ones which is the name of the game isnt it
Re the Sebastian fan arguing that 'covers' or songs not written by artists should not be counted in a 'best of' list, and the inference that if a vocalist does not write a song they are somehow less that those who do...
I would rather hear someone brilliantly sing a song that another had written that listen to inferior songs written by some 'singer/songwriters'
'Just singers' aren't legitimate musicians??? - What snobbery!!
All these comments are leaving me salivating. I know Damien has a great/tremendous voice. I have also seen the Behind the scenes Youtube clip of To Get To You, and if the album is anything like that then it definitely will be one of the greatest albums released this year. 5 weeks to wait. I won't be able to contain myself.
I will look forward to your proper review in a few weeks time.
There's a simple formula to all post Idol albums. Each subsequent release ALWAYS sells significantly less than the one before it. So, even if Damien's recorded OK Computer #2 it still will sell fewer copies than Catch the Wind or Where we Land. Sony know this. It's even referred to as the "Lee Harding Phenomenon".
Lisa Mitchell is a stupid cow (I've met her countless times, and she is incredibly stuck up - everyone else who has spoken with her say the same) and her album is a complete pretentious bore like herself.
(Oh no!) This is going to get nasty, isn't it?
We're SOOO gonna have a listen to Lisa Mitchell's album 'Wonder' in the next couple of days!
Tracey G
Why do people have to get nasty? I haven't heard 'Wonder' but this is supposed to be a thread about 'Remember June', Damien Leith's new album.
I havent really been a fan of Damien's but the "taster" has got me wondering - will be looking forward to hearing (& maybe buying) the album when it comes out!
Any platform which gives singers a chance is ok in my book, Idol has bought us some interesting characters, some more successful than others.
Everyone is raving about Lisa Mitchell, I couldn't stand her in Idol - shall I give the album a listen to - is it really THAT good?
Just because an artist doesn't write the song, doesn't make them less talented, at the end of the day a good song is a good song - it doesn't matter who wrote it.I would rather an album of GREAT songs written by whoever than a album of so so "written by the artist" songs.
So why dont we open up a chat... what is the best Australian Idol song released? Let's run with the released singles...
For me, 3) Sunshine - Ricki Lee, 2) Angel Eyes - Paulini 3) Out With My Baby - Guy...
Have now heard a few fantastic reviews such as this one about Damien Leith's new album, and cannot wait to buy it! Am loving the sound of To Get To You (heard it in the Behind The Scenes video on YouTube).
It's very exciting to hear that you think "'Remember June' is possibly the strongest album ever to come out of the Australian Idol franchise. Period.", but I'm wondering what you think of it compared to albums released by artists who weren't contestants on Australian Idol?
Thanks Auspop for giving us your opinion on the new Damien Leith album. I can' t wait to hear what direction he has gone in, it sounds exciting.
I Will Always Love You - Whitney Houston. The song is hers, no doubt about it....but it's a cover.
Torn - Natalie Imbruglia. The song is hers, no doubt about it...but it's a cover.
The Power of Love - Celine Dion. The song is hers, no doubt about it...but it's a cover.
Get the point? It doesn't matter who wrote your song or who recorded it first, it's about what YOU do with it. So Shannon Noll didn't write "Shine"....big deal! Hundreds of artists don't write music, but that doesn't mean that they're not great performers. Being a songwriter as well as a singer just adds breadth to someone's talent (and earns them more money in the long run), but it shouldn't and doesn't detract from a singer's ability to connect with the audience.
Thanks for filling us in Auspop on your thoughts. I'm really enjoying your blog and twitter, I hope everyone else here who enjoys it gives you lots of blog and twitter love! (ie comment on interesting posts, follow and retweet on twitter etc).
And thanks for loving the new Damien album! X X X X X X X X X X
I agree thanks Auspop for loving Damien's album.
Sure, "To Get To You" might sound good to someone who's never heard Keane before. But I suppose to Damien Leith fans anything that isn't Michael Buble or Andre Rieu sounds cutting edge.
By the way Trilly you're not the only one who's read Hitchhikers. Suck it up.
And P.S. Why rip off Keane? Their sound barely even works for THEM :-p
Wow, that's some review... Damien Leith was an idol standout for me, so I'm so excited to hear his new work!
Considering Damien is only getting an average of 40 visits to his myspace each day these days and the Behind the scenes of the clip has only had a little over a thousand views in a week, I guess he needs some promoting with over the top statements about how great his album and song is. A song that going on the snippet I have heard sounds as bland and boring as his other music. Good luck to him. Time will tell if he sells more than the Gold accreditation he got for his last album. A covers album which usually guarantees at least platinum status, especially when released in time for Mother's Day. But you really have opened a can of worms with your post AuspOp. How can you make such a grand statement about a song or album being the best unless you have heard every song and album produced by every idol contestant. I bet you have only ever listened to the released tracks of some of them. By your own admission you have not even listened to the most recent release. Lisa Mitchell's Wonder. And I wager Damien's is likely one of the few Idol albums you have ever listened to in full.
For the above poster i have a question? are you that Lisa Mitchell fan who spends all day on Damien's forum.
LOL "Sour Grapes anyone?"
Great review Auspop, can't wait to hear your full take on Damien's album closer to release date. The snippet of the single "To Get To You" on his myspace page sounds awesome. Can't wait to see the vid this week!
Do you even know what 'sour grapes' means? Lisa's career is totally skyrocketing. She sold out the Corner four times, Wonder has been called 'album of the year' by more than a few reviewers, and she played at Glastonbury. While Damien's fanbase still consists entirely of people going through menopause.
It's so DISAPPOINTING to see some of the comments below- both Lisa and Damien have always expressed their mutual respect for each others talents and from what I've read, they're actually both good friends. There is no rivalry, they both have different audiences and very different styles. Just because you don't like Lisa's style or Damien's style doesn't make it any less talented, just different.
Both are songwriters, both are singers and both of them love what they do - who cares about whether or not their audience is young or old etc... They both have influences, Lisa (sarah blasko, feist...), Damien (radiohead, coldplay...) The Beatles had their influences, every band or act does!
Also, both of them have taken big risks to go it alone - Lisa has done an amazing job and again from what I've read, Damien pushed hard to get his new original album when the easier option would have been to release another covers album. Props to them both.
Enough of the crap guys, mutual respect, that's what I say!!!!!
Bye
Lisa Mitchell Fan
Here, here Ben...
Thanks for the info auspOp. I'll be interested in seeing your full review of Damien Leith's "Remember June" soon... seeing as the single will be released this month.
Thanks to Anon from September 5 for mentioning Damien's myspace and youtube pages :)
There is a 30 second preview for the new single To Get To You on his myspace page that has just been posted.
http://www.myspace.com/damienleith
The song can also be heard on youtube on the behind the scenes video of To Get To You. It is a bit tricky to find as it has been titled incorrectly! (It won't appear if you search for Damien Leith :( )
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I7zsfhDX2Gc
I'm really looking forward to this song going to radio in a few weeks, I reckon they should be playing it now as it goes on sale this month!
I've been trying to find the behind the scenes of To Get To You on youtube for ages, thanks for putting it on here.
Oh and by the way I am in my 20's and I love Damien, he has fans of all ages.
I agree with Ben. Both Lisa and Damien know each other and I'm sure ain't as judgmental as some of these negative music snobs hiding behind their computers. I didn't like Lisa on idol but if other people do then that's their business. No ones telling you that you have to listen to Damien so go listen to whatever you like.
I wonder why some people are even reading this and taking the time to comment if they don't like Damien? I think they need to get out more. Especially the ones that know how many visits he's had to all his pages, that's just sad lol
I'm really looking forward to this album and if it makes people happen then why be so picky, why read into everything so much? I bet the negative people have no talent themselves or think because they listen to certain music it makes them seem more intelligent or cultured when it really makes you look like a know it all snob.
Damien has plenty of fans in the 16-30 year range so quit being so petty and jealous and try getting outside more often.
I also agree with Ben and Anonymous above.
I came into this blog to read about Damien Leith's new album. I was wondering what it would be like so I was interested in your review.
All this nonsense by obviously Lisa Mitchell supporters is silly and I agree with anonymous that they should get out more.
I too, know lots of people under 30 (me included) who enjoy Damien's music as I am sure that I know some who like Lisa's. They just haven't told me so.
I hope that you do a review of 'Wonder', because I would be interested in reading about it and i am especially interested to read the full report on this album by Damien - Remember June. What an interesting title. I hope you can fill us in on the reason behind it too.
You can now listen to a bit of "To Get To You" on his myspace page: http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=101486659
You can't get 3 no 1 albums without doing something right! Can't wait for the album and the full review. For those who don't like it don't listen to it, simple. I'd like to know what these people listen to because they don't seem to like anything (except the few that like Lisa)
I am in my 20's and a long way from menopause (I hope)and can't wait til Remember June is released! After seeing the behind the scenes clip of To Get To You I fell in love with this song instantly. I am so please to hear that the album is full of more fantastic songs like this and I hope it does really well form Damien. Thanks for the review AuspOp!
Thank you auspOp for listening to and obviously being amazed by the quality of this Album.
Definitely believe this is Damien's best work yet....the Album he wanted to do.
Wow what a great review. I have heard a buzz about this album so it was good to see what you think about it even though it is not your proper review.
OK, you have convinced me that this will go on my shopping list for October.
Are you still going to do a proper review?
I have heard a bit of To Get To You when Channel 7 have been advertising their new show Mercy. It sounds really good.
I am all excited now waiting for this to come out.
Thank you very much.
(28 year old here)
I've heard the album. It's actually quite good. The massive problem they'll have is changing how he's perceived. As much as it's a good album, I really think that will be too much to overcome. It's going to be a tough sell to radio stations. Historically Damien Leith songs have never tested for radio, and even though these new tracks are different to his previous material I think there will be some reluctance to really give it a go. PLUS the other problem is that even though they are quite good, it's nothing that you wouldn't have heard on a Keane or Snow Patrol record 3 years ago. Will definitely be interesting to see how it goes.
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