Famous Friends Top 3s Of The Last 12 Months

Since we had such fun putting together our Top 3 Lists of the last 12 months, we invited some of our Famous Friends to partake as well - both by giving us lists, and by contributing to our blog. Check out all of our Famous Friends Top 3 Lists here, and have a look at some of the reasons why they chose their products below:

JONA WEINHOFEN'S (FROM I KILLED THE PROM QUEEN) TOP 3 CDS:


1. IN FLAMES - A SENSE OF PURPOSE:

In flames have always been a favourite of mine and while I love their complete discography it is of the opinion of many that IF's best works are 'colony' and 'clayman' and that after these records the bands material hasn't been at the same high standard. For me 'A Sense of Purpose' is a kick in the arse for anyone who thinks the band can't top their older works. This record is clearly a progression for In Flames and there are not many metal albums I can listen to from start to finish and enjoy every song but this is one I can.

Grab yourself a copy here


2. CITY & COLOUR - BRING ME YOUR LOVE

What can I say, Dallas Green has the voice of an angel and the songwriting and lyrical talent to go with it. This record is flawless! Anyone can enjoy this album, especially when you need to relax, unwind, or just want some accompanyment while doing some house work. Dallas has a way of making the same four or five accoustically strummed chords into an album full of mellowed out killer with no filler.

Grab yourself a copy here

3. MESHUGGAH - OBZEN

A similar scenario to In Flames, many consider the older works of meshuggah such as 'chaosphere' as the peak of their career in brutality. Well meshuggah just got a promotion, CEO of brutality! Obzen is one of the heaviest masterpieces I've ever heard. I'm not sure I've ever heard heavier production before, not to mention awesome, mind altering songs to go with it. Who needs to smoke weed when you can just listen to meshuggah, right?

Grab yourself a copy here



PINKY BEECROFT'S (FROM THE WHITE RUSSIANS) TOP 3 CDS:


1. NEW KIDS ON THE BLOCK - THE BLOCK

Well it's been a long wait, but finally we can stop holding our collective breath. Handily titled, this fresh long-player from the New Kids just re-asserts their total blockness. Hmmmn.

Grab yourself a copy here


2. VARIOUS ARTISTS - MUSIC TO LISTEN TO WHEN YOU DRIVE HOME FOR CHRISTMAS

This is a stunner. It's bold, it's eclectic, it's weird, it's cool. It's haughty enough to assume you drive home for Christmas, and if you don't, well, this album doesn't care. It's got Leadbelly, the Glass Hearts and the Butthole Surfers all on one record. But the highlight is Jim White doing "Christmas Day." Buy ten and give 'em out to the rellies. With love.

Grab yourself a copy here


3. WEEN - LA CUCARACHA

Yes OK it's nearly 12 months since this was released but goddamn it's still one of the best records of the last year. In fact it's one of the best records of any year.It's truckloads better than Quebec and probably better than Shinola too. In fact it's one of the best damn records Ween have made, and that's like describing a Tiger Woods golf shot as being one of the best damn shots Tiger Woods has done, it's like saying, boy, that punch Ali threw in the first round was probably up there with his best ever. For what is Ween but the Tiger Woods of rock, the Muhummad Ali of music, the essence of all that is good about our lives.

Grab yourself a copy here



ROBIN'S (FROM THE BOAT PEOPLE) TOP 3 CDS:

1. YEASAYER - ALL HOUR CYMBALS

I saw these guys at the Great Escape in Brighton UK and they're amazing. I never thought I would say this but they've made a song with fretless bass that I'm OK with - that's how good they are. Gabriel-free world music mixed with Brooklyn-backed cultural confidence and, dare I say it, a dash of Queen. A great headphone album that taps the secular spiritual.

Grab yourself a copy here


2. MY MORNING JACKET - EVIL URGES

If mixing the hard-touring Americana you've built your name on with some freaky Prince stylings is evil then evil me up!

Grab yourself a copy here


3. BLACK FRANCIS - SVN FINGERS

"I AM the great, SEUS!!! I am the great (seus) SEUS!!!" - trust me you'll be startling friends and relatives with that for weeks. This is a mini album but really with this amount of energy and good ideas, you won't need anything longer.

Grab yourself a copy here



DAVE HALEY'S (FROM RUINS & PSYCROPTIC ) TOP 3 RELEASES:


1. MOTLEY CRUE - THE DIRT (Book):

An amazing look at one of the world's most infamous bands - musicians around the world aspire to this level of debauchery, while parents around the world want to hide their children from it!!

Grab yourself a copy here


2. ARRESTED DEVELOPMENT - SEASONS 1, 2 & 3 (DVD Box-Set):

Arrested development season 1, 2 and 3the best and most original comedy series ever! Every time I watch the show, it just gets funnier.

Grab yourself a copy here


3. BEHEMOTH - APOSTASY (CD):

Such a brutal and demanding album. It comands your attention, and takes you on a dark ride. Killer stuff

Grab yourself a copy here



PETE'S (FROM WELLYN) TOP 3 CDS:


1. BONNIE PRINCE BILLY - LIE DOWN IN THE LIGHT

Will Oldham has the ability to make you feel terribly alone and hopeless one moment and full of hope and joy the next. Sometimes, as is the case on most of this album, it happens all in one song.
Oldham's real strength lies in his amazing and captivating use of melody, and it's stronger than ever in this album, his best in years.

Grab yourself a copy here


2. CLINKERFIELD - A HEAD FULL OF RAIN & HEART FULL OF PUDDLES

Clinkers have been one of my favourite live bands for years now, and I'd been looking forward to this album's release for quite a while. It contains all the cathartic brilliance that make the live shows such a pleasure to watch, but also some unexpectedly tender moments.
Easily my favourite oz release so far this year.

Grab yourself a copy here


3. HOLLY THROSBY - A LOUD CALL

Not a day's gone by where I haven't listened to at least a few tracks from this album since I first picked it up.
Gorgeous, delicate little melodies are draped over fragile acoustic guitar lines, creating a tender home for Throsby's stunning lyrical adventures. I love it.

Grab yourself a copy here

Staff Top 3s!

We've been racking our brains here at Play4me trying to put together our Top 3 Lists of CDs, DVDs, Games and Books that have come out in the last 12 months. It was a tough challenge, it caused a bit of blood, a lot of sweat and few tears. But we've all finally locked our picks in, check out all of our lists over here.

And below are some of the reasons why we love our Top 3s so much:

Annmarie's (Marketing & Running The World) Top 3 CDs:

1. HORSELL COMMON – THE RESCUE

One of THE hardest working bands in the country! Their debut album, The Rescue, celebrates the band’s gritty glory and brings the raw energy of their live performance to the studio. Horsell’s clever song structures and melodic groove make this album a repeat player. Standout tracks include “Automation”, “Annie, If You’re Listening”, “I’m Dead” and “Surgery”. Bonus points for a HOT singer!

Preview the album & buy it here


2. TRIAL KENNEDY – NEW MANIC ART

Another debut album from a bunch of Melbourne lads who travelled to the US to record. Brilliant guitar work, slammin bass and drums and a vocal that can only be described as stratospheric. Standout tracks include “Neighbours”, “Sunday Warning”, “War King” & “Mississippi Burn”. Bonus points for awesome artwork and the fact that they love hommus!

Preview the album & buy it here


3. GYROSCOPE – BREED OBSESSION

Perth lads do it again with another rocking album. Must say not quite up to the standard of “Are You Involved”, however Breed Obsession shows that you don’t need to play at 11 to have impact. Dan’s vocals on this album are top notch and as Aussie as that sounds, it doesn’t beat how Aussie proud Gyroscope are, which is evident on their single “Australia”. Other standouts include “All In One”, “Weapon. Enemy. Friend” & “These Days”.

Preview the album & buy it here


Anthea's (Newsletter & Blog Writer, Hand-dancer) Top 3 CDs:

1. PINKY BEECROFT & THE WHITE RUSSIANS - SOMETHIN' SOMEWHERE BETTER

Goodness me, Mr Beecroft has lots of different singing voices on this album.... He does gruff on the Blondie cover, "Call Me", he does poor-vodka-on-your-head style rawwwwwk on "This Hangover", he does sweet choir boy on "Floor" (which is my favourite, although I can't help but wonder about how his dance card is doing since he started singing "I might not be so good in bed, but I'm alright on the floor...."), he does sexy on "Scarlett", he does sugary pop on "This Song Has Only Got Happy Words"... Is he really just one person? I don't think he is. But I like 'em all. And I think its really interesting to listen to given how drastically different it sounds to his old band, Machine Gun Fellatio...

Preview the album & buy it here


2. THE MILLIONAIRES - SENTIMENTAL HORSES

A super grop of Australian indie heroes - David McCormack (Custard, The Polaroids, solo), Jim Elliot (The Cruel Sea) and Brendan Gallagher & Michael Galeazzi (both of Karma County). If this album had nothing on it except for the cover of "Faith", it'd still be amongst my favourites. But its got oodles more going for it as well - other standouts for me, "Girls On The Avenue", "Chicken Dance", "Since She Started To Ride". So much goodness. Its hard to do covers of songs like these without the album coming across as a novelty album. But they did it. Props to The Millionaires.

Preview the album & buy it here

3. THE BOAT PEOPLE - CHANDELIERS

I do love pianos. But, piano songs that you can also dance to - Well, that's just the best thing ever! And thus is the new album from The Boat People. They're about to head off to the US, I hope they become international superstars. Listening to the album, its not as obvious just how technically musically talented they are - you have to see them live to appreciate that I think. Favourites on this album are, "Born In The 80s" and "(You've Got A) Light Of Love" (yup, I like the dance-floor hits).

Preview the album & buy it here


Lauren's (Marketing & Whip Cracking) Top DVD:

1. The Mighty Boosh - Season 3

Pure genius, just like a Top Shop voucher, and not just becuase I have a massive crush on Howard Moon! The whimsical world that is the Mighty Boosh never fails to make me laugh, and this series setting of the Nabootique is wonderous. Look out for appearnaces by Gary Numan, the stationary village and a pesky crack fox!

Buy it here

See Lauren's full Top 3 DVD List here

Goodies

As per usual, we have lots of goodies floating around Play4me HQ at the moment...:

We've been ranting and raving about the debut album from Pinky Beecroft & The White Russians for a while now. The album, Somethin' Somewhere Better is finally out (hip hip hooooray), its getting played constantly in our office and many of our beloved Play4me members have already ordered and received it. Wooohoooo.

What we might have left out in all of our raves in the lead up to the album being released, is that they're possibly even better live than they are on CD. For a short time only, we're giving away free tickets to see the White Russians live, with every purchase of their album made before the 14th of September.

The album features a couple of re-worked Machine Gun Fellatio songs as well as a whole bundle of new ones about topics like shagging, drinking, Scarlett Johannson, driving, more drinking... There's even a cover of Blondie's Call Me (complete with cowbell goodness). That description probably makes it sound like a party-bus mix kind of an album. Its not really, its a lot darker than that. In a good way. In a very good way.

For all the details of our White Russians offer and to preview the album, head on over here.

From another realm of Australian singer-songwriters is Josh Pyke. Since his 2005 EP, Feeding The Wolves - Josh has been a staple in the music-diet of many. His new album, Chimney's Afire (which he says is the cry whalers of yesteryear made when they harpooned a whale and a plume of blood and water spurted out of its blowhole into the air... ohh sexy) comes out on the 6th of October.

Have a squiz at the video clip of The Lighthouse Song, the first single off Chimney's Afire.

We've got copies of the album, signed by Josh Pyke himself. Order yours & preview the album here.

Gigs of 2008

A few of us Play4me-sters went to see Band Of Horses last week. We all had a ball, and I have to admit to being a little chuffed that two different people told me separately that Ben Bridwell, the lead singer is like a male version of me (that comment was made because he says "WOO!" in exactly the same was as I do).

Band Of Horses played oodles of favourites off their albums Cease To Begin and Everything All The Time, plus we were treated to a few newies. Mr Bridewell was absolutely LOVELY to watch, he was so happy to be there! And even during the more melancholy numbers, he kept the little twinkle in his eye.

I kept watching the crowd as well, it was amazing watching a sea of people nodding their head in exactly the same way at exactly the same times.

Lauren (who works in marketing here at Play4me) said that Band Of Horses may well be her Gig Of 2008. Which has made me think about who the main contenders are for me...

Band of Horses are definitely up amongst the best gigs of the year so far. They're sitting pretty close to Ween and PJ Harvey on my list.

What are your favourite gigs of 2008 so far? The first 3 people to leave comments telling us will score a $5 Play4me Voucher! (Don't forget to leave your email address too).

Have a lil squiz at Band Of Horses' new clip, No One's Gonna Love You (More Than I Do):

Stock up on Band Of Horses albums (both in CD and Vinyl formats) here.

4 The Kids

Because we love to teach our children well here at Play4me, we've put together some videos of our favourite artists doing songs 4 kids!

Feist has recently appeared on Sesame Street singing a new version of 1-2-3-4 (thankfully, for all of the younger viewers, she's amended the "5, 6, 9 and 10" part of this ditty so as not to confuse any children taking notes on how to count to 4).

Have a squiz at the appearance below, it's pretty cute! There are certainly a few of us who work at Play4me who'd love the chance to dance with the Sesame Street crew. (Honest, please email info@play4me.com.au if you'd have us :-)

The original of this song appears on her Reminder album. Grab your copy, or listen to a preview of the album here.

Another favourite band here is New York funsters, They Might Be Giants. Over the years they've produced a few CDs and DVDs for the younger members of society. Since we've shown Feist teaching kids how to count above, here's They Might Be Giants teaching kids the alphabet (and a bit about geography too):

To stock up on your They Might Be Giants goodies, head on over here.

And then... From the less-informative world of Children's entertainment by our favourite rock and pop stars... There's the timeless movie, Labyrinth. It may not have taught us much that you'd find in a text book, but I can think of many a person who attributes their love of rock music, tight-pants and big hair to watching The Labyrinth as a child.

Here's our highlight:

Grab Labyrinth on DVD here, or get the soundtrack here, or check out all of our David Bowie goodies here (note: there's a lot on special!)

Have you got a favourite kids song by a performer who usually has an older audience? Let us know, leave us a comment with your email address and you might win a Play4me voucher for your efforts!

Aussie, Aussie, Aussie...

Doesn't it make you feel all warm and fuzzy when all your favourite albums of the moment, and all the albums you're most excited about hearing are Australian?

We're feeling so Aussie right now that... who knows, maybe we'll go crack open some tinnies and set up a BBQ.

Here are some of the most exciting CDs out at the moment, and some of the most exciting upcoming titles, all Australian, all bloody beeeaaaaauuuties!

Youth Group - Night Is Ours

The Youth Group lads have returned with their fourth album. And to celebrate that, we've got signed copies available! WOO!

Have a preview listen of the album and grab your copy here


The Boat People - Chandeliers

It's no secret that we love a bit of indie piano pop here at Play4me. And the Boat People are amongst the best at that. This is the highly anticipated follow up to their Yes, Yes, Yes, Yes, Yes album. It contains the song with the much-talked-about video clip, Awkward Orchid Orchard...:

Orders yours now from Play4me and you'll get a free Boat People badge (and they're really pretty, honest - they're everything you want from a badge ).

Have a preview listen to the album and grab your copy here.


The Grates - Teeth Lost, Hearts Won

Speaking of Brisbane bands with spectacular video clips, The Grates are about to release their second full length album which contains the single with the brightest film clip of the year so far, Burn Bridges. Have a lil squiz:

Order your from Play4me and you'll get a copy signed by the crazy Brisbane kids.

Pre Order yours now

The Vines - Melodia

The stage-trashing, guitar-breaking boys have returned! Melodia comes out on Monday and goodness we're excited!

If you're as excited as we are, order yours now - you'll get free shipping AND a signed a copy!

Order yours now

The Living End - White Noise

Ahhh the Aussie band that has come out with many-an-anthem for young rockers around the country. Everyone has a memory to associate with Prisoner Of Society (I remember going on a school excursion many moons ago when it came out, and spontaneously the whole bus-full of school kids started singing it... Those poor teachers...), then there was Second Solution, Save The Day, Roll On, Pictures In The Mirror... So many!

Grab their latest album now and you'll get a bonus guitar pick! Ohh so rock n roll!

Pre Order Yours Now

FREE SHIPPING FOR 24 HOURS!

Pssssst, here's a secret little deal just for you blog readers. Get FREE SHIPPING for 1 day only!

To claim this offer, just type the code BLOGSHIP into the promotional code box on the shopping cart page.

Head over here to start shopping!

*Free shipping applies to orders shipped within Australia only
*Free shipping does not apply to Gaming Hardware or to DVD Large Box Sets
*The deal was active at the time of publishing, the promo code will be disabled at 9am AEST Friday the 4th of July

And, here are some current offers that we're all excited about over here in Play4me land:

RED Hot Newbies

You know you've made it as a band when you're a hit in the Play4me office.

Here are 2 of our most loved albums of the moment. We like the music, we're not just big fans of the colour red, honest..:

Weezer - The Red Album:

What a happy day it was when this was released! Weezer have released some doozies in their time which makes it harder to judge their new album fairly, because you inevitably compare it with Pinkerton and The Blue Album. Shockingly, The Red Album holds its own in such company.

There are a few questionable lyrics in this album (see the track, "I Am The Greatest Man That Ever Lived") but it's almost as if they're doing it intentionally. Listening to the album - everytime that I think "who thought that line was a good idea?", some spectacular Weezer-esque harmonies kick in and I think "who cares? Awww listen to Weezer go!"

Favourite tracks on The Red Album are: Troublemaker, Pork & Beans (the lead single with the video clip that the whole internet is talking about, check it out here), Dreamin' and Heart Songs. Oh Weezer, us Play4mesters love you. And Rivers Cuomo you're right when you sing, "everyone likes to dance to a happy song, with a catchy chorus and beats so they can singalong" in Pork & Beans. That's why we love Weezer.

Preview the album and/or buy it here

Skybombers - Take Me To Town

These Melbourne boys have come a long way. They're young and they're hot and they play rock n roll. They can pull off saying things like "here we go, rock n roll!"And I want them to take over the world.

It wasn't that long ago that I saw the Skybombers play in front of 15 people at various Melbourne venues, now they're international superstars (thanks mainly to LA radio station Indie 103.1)!

Take Me To Town is a classic rock album; it has songs to air guitar to, it has a ballad for a crowd to wave lighters from side to side to, lots of guitar shredding and just listening to it - you can feel the mid-guitar-solo-rock-jumps.

Preview the album and/or buy it here

PLAY4ME'S MID YEAR SALE!

Its June. Which means everyone has started saying things like, "Ohhhh! Can you believe it is June already?" and "Where did the year go?" and "This year has gone by so fast". Not us, we're just saying, "Its Mid Year time, let's have a SAAAAAALE!"

We've got oodles of DVDs, TV on DVD Box Sets, CDs, Games and Books on sale. Prices start at only $4.95. Good golly, that is cheap. Check 'em all out here.

Some of our favourites from the sale are:

Baywatch - Season 1 and Season 2 are only $8.95 each (which is a whopping saving of $30.90!)

Take yourself back to The Hoff's glory days with Baywatch.

The boys in the office have also asked me to remind you of Pamela Anderson's extrodinary ability to run in slow motion. Yep, there was many a talent on Baywatch.

Grab your copy now and you can watch all 21 episodes of season 1, and all 22 episodes of season 2 again and again and again.

Grab your copy now
Browse more DVDs Under $10 or more TV on DVD on Sale


Jindabyne - now only $14.95

Australian murder mystery with a soundtrack by Paul Kelly. What more could you want from a film?

Grab your copy now
Browse more DVDs under $20


Ben Folds Five - Ben Folds Five - now only $8.95

Oh Ben Folds. I love you. And, this is one of his best. Its got the hit that indie geeks around the world fell in love with, that completely sums up Folds as a performer, Underground. This album has 3 songs that would probably make my Top 50 Favourite Songs Of All Time: Philosophy (I go nuts for a piano solo), Sports & Wine and The Last Polka.

Grab your copy now
Browse more CDs under $10


Grinderman - Grinderman - now only $12.95

This is my favourite album of 2007! It is spectacular! It has been a while since Nick Cave let his rock-side out to play and it was well worth the wait. As well as being my favourite album of the year, this album also lead to my favourite gig of 2007 (the Nick Cave & Grinderman tour). Honest, this album is hotttttt.

Grab your copy now
Browse more CDs under $20


Check out the whole Play4me Mid Year Sale Here.

BOOKS 4 YOU (AND 4 US)

Us play4mesters have been rugging up and hiding from the cold lately with BOOKS to keep us company. For your browsing pleasure we've recently set up a BOOK FUN 4 YOU page which shows selections of Must-Reads, Oprah's Book Club Titles, Fiction Books By Muso Authors, Prize Winning Books and much, much more. Check 'em all out here.

All of us over here are eagerly anticipating the new Sex & The City book which coincides with the release of the new Sex & The City movie. And, because we LOVE to be self indulgent, here are some of our favourite reads of recent times:


Anthea (Marketing / Newsletter & Blog writer / Hand Dancer) loved Things The Grandchildren Should Know by Mark Oliver Everett:

Mark Oliver Everett (better known as E from the band, Eels) has written an autobiography. Autobiographies are dangerous territory as they're the ultimate form of self indulgence, however E pulls it off perfectly. Admittedly, he has had a more interesting and dramatic life than you're average "rockstar". There's a lot of death, a lot of sadness and a lot of depression in his story, but its all told in such a humorous and humble way. And, it must be hard to convey such humbleness when telling your life story.
This autobiography reads much like an Eels album is heard: its depressing as hell but at the same time its oddly uplifting and kind of beautiful in an ugly sort of a way. I loved it. Absolutely loved it.

Buy your copy now


Lauren (Marketing / Whip Cracker) loved Strangeland by Tracey Emin:

Tracey Emin, best know for her dirty bedsheets, recounts her childhood living in the sleepy British seaside town of Margate, amongst other fantasmagorical tales. This is more like a series of short stories, pieced together to give a sometimes autobiographical account of her life and times. In parts seeming more fiction than fact, it wasn't quite as gritty as I'd hoped for, but worth a page turn.

Buy your copy now


Joanne (Books Product Manager / Knitting Extraordinaire) loved Monsters Of Templeton by Lauren Groff:

This book is centred around a small town with a vast and interesting history which surrounds mainly one family and their secrets. Willie is the latest generation of this family who comes home from University in disgrace. As she deals with with her own sorrow of a lost love affair, and potentially a new child, she discovers her family's sordid secrets from the past, fuelled by the search for her real father. Through her research she discovers much more than the family secrets in the many chapters of the town's history.

I really enjoyed the way the author tied the historical aspects of the story to the present through Willie's endeavour to find her parentage. She brings to life characters from the past that are believable and engaging. She also includes the myths and superstitions of past eras by introducing a monster in the lake, not unlike the Loch Ness Monster. This monster, though fanciful, brings the entire story together and so much of the family's lives are tied to the life of the monster. The small town setting of this story both endears me to it and makes me recoil at the same time. Like Willie I found myself cringing at the small town behaviours and attitudes and yet looking forward to the character's support and care for her when she needed it. A great read.

Buy your copy now


Daniel C (Customer Service / Resident Movie Buff) loved Lunar Park by Bret Easton Ellis:

A good friend recommended this one to me, saying it was first time she'd been too afraid to read a book at home alone. If a character based loosely based on Easton Elis' sordid past isn't frightening enough, this genre hopping, tension building page turner, also mixes in a large dose of supernatural horror.

Buy your copy now

Play4me's DVD Sale!

Hello Bloggers!

Some of my favourite DVDs EVER are on sale over at Play4me at the moment. Most of them can be found over here. But there are a few other favourites that are extra cheap at the moment that I want to tell you all about.

Little Miss Sunshine

As far as I'm concerned, this is one of the few movies that actually deserves all of the hype that surrounds it. It's just so... So luffly! And funny. And clever. But unfortunately, with a movie that's been discussed so much - its hard to say anything new about it. So, all that's left to say is - it's cheap at the moment. You can buy a copy from Play4me for only $14.95!

Buy now for only $14.95


Superbad

First, I should confess that I have a weird crush on little George Michael (Michael Cera... Who's character in Superbad is actually named Evan, but he'll always be George Michael from Arrested Development to me). I can't explain why I have said crush or where it came from, but by golly he can make me giggle. He's the quintessential awkward teenage boy, no one plays that character better than him. Sure, you can ramble about how he's been type-cast and he can only play one character, BUT - again, no one does it better!

So, Superbad... the movie uses some teenage movie, gross-out comedy style techniques whilst still staying surprisingly true to life. Yes, ridiculous things happen - but it seems more realistic than in movies that Superbad could be compared to like Road Trip and American Pie. For example, the boys all have a big night out that will no doubt change them forever. In this night out, they go to 2 different parties... And I swear to you - I went to BOTH of those parties when I was in high school!

Plus, the girls in the movie are genuinely likable and attractive. Usually teen movies have blonde, stupid girls as the ones that all the boys are after. In Superbad, the girls are still stunning but they're also intelligent and while watching the movie, I thought "yeah, if I was a 17 year old boy - I'd have a crush on them too".

Other highlights were the sex scene ("Yeah, they said that would happen in health class" - teehee) and the scene where little George Michael sings. Again, teehee!

Buy Superbad now for only $21.95

The Rocky Horror Picture Show

Since I've already started making confessions in this blog, I'll continue. I should just put it out there that I went to drama school. Because of that, its no surprise that Rocky Horror is one of my favourite movies of all time. If, like me - you've got the soundtrack, you've been to a midnight session of the film somewhere and you've been known on occasion to bust out "Sweet Transvestite" at a karaoke night - then, clearly the 25th Anniversary DVD is a must have for you.

Buy now for only $14.95

Other highlights from our current DVD sale include:

Walk The Line - buy now for only $14.95

Entourage - Season 1 - buy now for only $28.95

The Adventures of Priscilla Queen Of The Desert - buy now for only $14.95

Now for the boring bit,

Please remember that all of the products mentioned here were on sale at the time this was written... But this is a blog - and we don't delete posts... So, by the time you're reading this - they may no longer be on sale... But they might be - so you should check 'em out. :-)

PS: Go on, have a lil look at him!

Upcoming CDs That Play4me Hearts

If you're an avid play4me visitor, then you will have noticed that we now have Top 10 Upcoming CDs and DVDs charts up on the site.

So, I thought I'd talk you through why we're so excited about some of the upcoming CDs:

Ladytron - Velocifero (out 2nd June):

Indie dance favourites Ladytron are baaaaaaack! Gosh, just writing "Ladytron" has put their 2003 song Seventeen in my head... And now it'll be there all day.

Not only do Ladytron have a new album out in June, but they're also paying us Australians a visit in October. Ohh ahhh!

Pre order your copy now

Dresden Dolls - No, Virginia (out 19th May):

As the name suggest, this is the companion album for their last release Yes, Virginia. Its got 5 new tracks on it plus a cover of the Psychedelic Furs classic, "Pretty In Pink".

I remember when I first heard Coin Opperated Boy (off their self titled album). I remember instantly being inspired to pantomime. Later, when my friends and I all knew every word to it - I came up with a theory that a girl's favourite line from that song said a lot about her and what she wants from a relationship.
Such as:
My friend Rhiannon liked "I can even take him in the bath" the best (clearly that makes her a little minx)
My friend Christine liked, "saying that he loves me and he's thinking of me, straight and to the point..." (she just wants to be loved)
And then there was my favourite line, "will you persist even after I bet you a million dollars that I'll never love you?" (I guess that suggests that I'm... not a very good person to be interested in).

What new insights on life will the Dresden Dolls have on this new album? We'll have to wait and see.

Pre order your copy now

So Fresh - The #1s (Out 19th May):

POP fans in Australia LOVE the So Fresh range. And this is an interesting one, featuring number 1 hits from the 1990's and the naughties. It has songs to make you dance and bodyroll like Britney's Toxic and JT's Rock Your Body.

Then there are a few surprise entries in this one - songs that most of us had forgotten about like TATU's All The Things She Said, Wheatus' Teenage Dirtbag and Alien Ant Farm's Michael Jackson cover, Smooth Criminal.

Lotsa hits, lotsa fun.

Pre order your copy now

Trial Kennedy - New Manic Art (out 2nd June):

If you get the Play4me newsletter or a regular blog reader, then you've already read my rants about Melbourne rockers Trial Kennedy. We all love them here at Play4me, they're finally releasing their debut full length album and we hope that they take over the world.

Head over here for your chance to win a massive Trial Kennedy and Macbeth Footwear prize pack.

Pre order your copy now

PLAY4ME PICKS: Top 5 Upcoming CDs!

There's been recent discussion over at out new Facebook page about the quality of new CD releases at the moment... Well, this has inspired me to put together a list of our Top 5 Upcoming CDs that we're most excited about at the moment:

1. Portishead: Third

Almost everyone has a Portishead story. Can you remember the first time you heard Glory box? I can. The album Dummy is a staple in any CD collection, its one of those timeless albums - it didn't sound like anything else when it came out in '94 and in 2008 it still doesn't.

Every year since it came out I revisit it. I feel like my feelings towards Dummy have changed over the last 10 years to the point where I can look back at each year and think something like, "In 2004, I lived in that house, with those people, I was working at that job and at that point hearing Dummy made me sad and reminded me of that person", or "in 1998, Dummy relaxed me, I went to sleep listening to it almost every night" etc...

Their third album, aptly titled "Third" comes out on the 28th of April. And none of us Play4mesters can wait!

Order yours now

2. Madonna: Hard Candy

Everyone DOES have a Madonna story (more so than Portishead even). Did you dance with your high school sweetheart to Crazy For You at your school formal? Did you get a bit silly once and sing Like A Virgin at a karaoke bar? When you're home alone, do you secretly sing Don't Cry For Me Argentina at the top of your voice into your hairbrush? Do you get a little teary when This Used To Be My Playground plays in A League Of Their Own (the later is just me, isn't it)?

Whether you'd call yourself a Madonna fan or not, almost everyone is interested to hear what she'll do next. Hard Candy comes out on the 28th of April too.

Order yours here

3. Flight Of The Conchords: Flight Of The Conchords

Grammy award winning Kiwis, Flight of the Conchords have a new album of folky, poppy hilarity out tomorrow! We've had a sneak preview listen and its fantastic! Have a little listen yourself over here. And, if you order your copy now - you'll get a free badge and sticker.

Order yours here

4. The Audreys: When The Flood Comes

Fresh faced ARIA award winners The Audreys are back! We've had a little sneak preview listen to this one too and confirm that Audreys fans will not be disappointed. Have a listen here. The album comes out on the 21st of April.

Order yours here

5. Shihad: Beautiful Machine

Imagine rock music in Australia without Shihad! I can't remember a time when Shihad weren't playing gigs all over town. Their seventh album, Beautiful Machine is out on the 19th of May. We've heard it and can testify that its everything you want from a Shihad album. For a preview listen, head on over here. Beautiful Island is available as a standard single disc edition and as a limited edition double CD.

Order yours here

If you want to see our full Top 10 list of Upcoming CDs, head on over here.

V-Festival

A few of us Play4me-sters headed over to Melbourne's V-Festival on Saturday. The V-Fest line-up included acts like: Robyn, Hot Hot Heat, Duran Duran, The Smashing Pumpkins, Jesus & Mary Chain, Roisin Murphy, Modest Mouse, The Presets, CSS, Queens Of The Stone Age and Air.


The first person to comment and tell us who their V-Festival highlight was and why, will score a $5 play4me voucher. Don't forget to leave your email address. Alternatively, if you didn't go - tell us who you would have liked to have seen the most.

Because we LOVE to tell you about ourselves, here are our favourites from Saturday:

Anthea hearted HOT HOT HEAT the most:

I was honestly a bit scared about seeing Hot Hot Heat play in 2008. I last saw them play in 2005 and it was probably my favourite gig of that year. It was one of those nights where every part of my night was brilliant. So, when looking back - I wondered whether the band were actually as good as I thought they were, or if I just had a great night which made them seem spectacular.

So, I was worried that seeing them again could potentially tarnish that memory. But, that was not the case at all! They made me remember how much I loved them. Its a cliche to talk about how much "on-stage energy" a band has, but it has to be said about Hot Hot Heat. Their singer, Steve Bays is a little firecracker on stage! He (and his hair) bounced all around the stage, inspiring the crowd to indulge in some indie-kid stlye dancing with their hands above their heads (this was most notable during "Bandages")... And then to air-cowbell during their cowbell fuelled number, "Talk To Me, Dance With Me"... And then to panto'-dance during "Goodnight, Goodnight".....

Five starts to Hot Hot Heat from me! They made me remember how fun it is to be an indie-kid.

(NB: When I've referred to "the crowd" dancing, I might've just meant me)

Steve hearted ROBYN the most:

Having seen Robyn perform twice before in the past six months, I wasn't expecting anything new from the Swedish queen of cool, but in her usual fashion, she was full of surprises! Smack bang in the middle of playing the hits from her 2005 (released in Oz in late 2007) self titled album, the pop dynamo got her sass on and performed a medley of tracks - Neneh Cherry's "Buffalo Stance", Salt n' Pepa's "Push It" and her latest collaboration with US rapper Snoop Dogg "Sexual Eruption". While the medley was definitely a highlight for me, the show stopper was her worldwide hit "With Every Heartbeat" complete with no chorus and big swirling string section which erupted blissfulness. She certainly knows what it takes.

Daniel hearted QUEENS OF THE STONE AGE the most:

The last time I saw Queens of the Stone Age, I copped a stray boot to the head from a lovely chap crowd surfing. Whilst I can't remember much of it, my friends tell me it was, apparently, one of the best festival sets I have ever seen. So it was with high expectation that I headed toward that (or was it this?) stage - joining Josh Homme and co. already a couple of songs into a ripping set. QOTSA sure didn't disappoint. Little Sister and Feel Good Hit Of The Summer definite highlights - with plenty of tracks from Era Vulgaris, Rated R and Songs For the Deaf peppering the set list.

Lauren hearted ROISIN MURPHY the most:

You know what makes us happy here at Play4me, aside from chocolate and salt 'n' vinegar chips? Aha, yup - costume changes. Costume changes of the highest order. And thank god for Roisin Murphy, who was a clear stand out at V Festival 2008 and probably the only performer to don more than one outfit during her barely there performance on Saturday. She accessorised like a champion moving between visors, wooly coats, bondage-esque tassles and spherical head pieces that would make Philip Treacy stand up and take note. But more impressive was her fancy footwork and amazing live vocals. Touring on the back of her 2nd album, Overpowered, the set was a good mix of old vs. new. Opening with the Moloko track, Cannot Contain This, she also belted out a few tunes from her first album, Ruby Blue, much to the delight of the Matthew Herbert fans in the audience. In a word - show stopper.