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Magichour
MUSIC REVIEWS
The self titled debut release from acclaimed singer songwriter duo Ian Houston Shadwell and Gemma Deacon - previously of Sydney outfi t Cactus Child - is an organic celebration of homegrown folk and pop music. It’s been ten years since they brought their sound to the show, but Magichour makes it worth the wait - atmospheric, ambient, luscious and multi-layered, it’s pure listening pleasure... [View]
Earth Condensed
BOOK REVIEWS
This is one giant sized and exhaustive reference atlas, including informative facts from astronomers, geologists, geographers and historians alongside comprehensive mapping and country profi les in full colour imagery. Earth Condensed is the ultimate reference tool for any home library or student. It’s an incredible foray into the planet we call home, that complex and beautiful mother that is... [View]
K.D. Lang - Recollections
MUSIC REVIEWS
Four-time grammy award winning songstress K.D. Lang has fi nally released her fi rst ever career retrospective with a two-disc set containing 22 of her most beloved recordings. There is a deluxe package that also includes a third-disc of previously unreleased recordings and live sets, as well as a bonus DVD of music videos and rarely seen live performance footage. With 25 years of recordings to... [View]
Cool Tributes - The Chill Out Session
MUSIC REVIEWS
The third installment of the successful Cool Tributes series is dedicated to the art of the chill out session. A two-disc compilation of 30 of the most inescapable, timeless pop classics revised and revisited by some of the world’s most infl uential artists including Jill Scott, George Benson, Radiohead, Lou Reed, Cyndi Lauper and The Arctic Monkeys. [View]
Book of Houses
BOOK REVIEWS
Anyone who is building or renovating their home will fi nd endless inspiration within the pages of The Book of Houses. Individual and unique homes where interior style mirrors savvy exteriors let your imagination run wild and your inner designer emerge. And with more than 550 illustrations, plans, elevations, and diagrams to show just how contemporary architectural design challenges can be met... [View]
Chris Coco - Feel Free Live Good
MUSIC REVIEWS
He is a club/radio DJ in his homeland of Britain, a producer, music critic and a broadcaster with a knack for making some seriously cool electronic, dance and new wave, downtempo tunes. So when Chris Coco puts himself to a new album, it’s a sure fi re pleasure to be had. Chill out with a stylish soundscape, where each track plays seamlessly in to the next, ranging from ambient to deep house,... [View]
Secrets of the South Coast
BOOK REVIEWS
Setting out across the the South Coast of New South Wales from the coastline to the borders of Victoria, photographer Tom Salmon has captured some truly ethereal and stunning images of one of the most special places in Australia. The result is a massive 200- page pictorial, where none of the locations are revealed much like a mystery tour of eden. It’s emotive, inspirational, and a beautiful... [View]
Website: www.secretsofthesouthcoast.com.au |
Urban Myth Club - Helium - One World Music
MUSIC REVIEWS
UK based collaborative group Urban Myth Club offer up a truly sublime new album in Helium - down-tempo beats, beautiful and stunning vocals, and fl awless composition make this one of the best electronic releases we’ve had the pleasure of listening to. Urban Myth Club are not a band but an evolving and sharing group of talented musicians, singers and even a producer with a background in... [View]
Love Vintage - A Passion for Collecting Fashion
BOOK REVIEWS
This is 232 pages of almost everything you need to know about women’s clothing since 1920. Want to know the difference between a dirndl and a peplum? Then this is the book for you. With colour photographs of gorgeous gowns, nasty nylon pantsuits and all manner of tips on restoring your own vintage fi nds, this Australian book will interest a serious collector just starting out or anyone with... [View]
So Frenchy, So Chic 2010
MUSIC REVIEWS
Ooh la la, the wonderful folks at Cartell Music have done it again! This year’s new installment of the So Frenchy, So Chic series sets out to once again explore the divine sounds of some of the most contemporary and exciting French artists on today’s global music scene. It’s a two disc delight of luscious grooves in the signature sounds of French style - joyful, passionate, chic.... [View]
Vegie Patch
BOOK REVIEWS
Now this is a great gardening companion for anyone wanting to grow their own vegie patch! It has a seasonal guide and easy-to-follow advice, time saving tips and clear guidance that even the most unsuccessful home gardeners can follow. And it’s got some gorgeous images to inspire you along the way too.
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Cruising
BOOK REVIEWS
This is a virtual round the world journey on the world’s most luxurious cruise liners, visiting the world’s most sought after locations, through the eyes of a husband and wife team of freelance writers and photographers, Joanna and Ben Hall. There is also a showcase of regional cuisine with 30 mouthwatering recipes throughout the pages of this alluring travel and photographic book. [View]
Vintage Fashion
BOOK REVIEWS
Lovers of vintage fashion, rejoice! Here is a gorgeous collection of fashion throughout the decades, all beautifully bound in a luxurious limited-edition silk cover depicting a 1971 Zandra Rhodes fabric. Explore the key designers, silhouettes, shapes and fabrics that defi ned each era, and get some inspiration for your own styling and vintage chic fashion sensibilities. [View]
Helmut Newton - Sumo
BOOK REVIEWS
SUMO was a titanic book in every respect: a 480-page tribute to one of the 20th century’s most influential, intriguing and controversial photographers, it broke records for weight, dimensions, and resale price. Published in an edition of 10,000 signed and numbered copies, SUMO sold out soon after publication and quickly multiplied its value. It’s just been re-released by Taschen to let a... [View]
Tropical Living
BOOK REVIEWS
Delve into the sublime interiors of some of the most outstanding contemporary homes in the Philippines. For anyone building, renovating or redecorating their home to create a dream tropical escape, this book provides endless sources of inspiration for modern exotic decor and fi nishes, and most of all for the unique architectural detail. [View]
Ayurveda
BOOK REVIEWS
Ayurveda is a 5000 year old medical system that has become a go-to practice in modern day holistic lifestyles, and one that can be used in everything from your daily beauty regime to self-massage for health, to self healing and chakra alignment and a truly life changing diet. This book will tell you everything you need to know to learn more and adapt Ayurveda in to your own life. [View]
Asian Cocktails
BOOK REVIEWS
Serious mixologists and connoisseur of the cocktail will delight in this collection of Asian inspired drinks. Sake Mojito, Coriander Collins, Lychee Gimlet, Kashmiri Iced Tea ... need we say more? This great book also includes some seriously tempting recipes for bar snacks to accompany your drinks selection ... the perfect companion to summer entertaining! [View]
Matisse Cut-Outs 2 Vol
BOOK REVIEWS
This stunning two-volume edition honours Henri Matisse’s seminal cut-out work. Developed in the late phase of his life towards the end of his monumental career as a painter, sculptor, and lithographer, these gouaches decoupées (gouache cut-outs) represented a revolution in modern art, and one that would profoundly influence generations of artists to come. [View]
Saltwater Buddha
BOOK REVIEWS
In the spirit of Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintainence comes this delightful tale of one surfer’s search for zen on the sea. A spiritual memoir written in a surfer’s medium, it’s one part insightful, one part travel journal, and a big part humorous wisdom, all in the language of the perfect wave. A book for yogis, surfers and wandering, searching souls.
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Crazy Love - Michael Buble
MUSIC REVIEWS
Oh my, more Michael Buble, we won’t complain! This time the crooner takes on a new range of songs, including standards like Georgia On My Mind and Van Morrison’s Crazy Love , as well as a great Sharon Jones and The Dap Kings. There is also a limited edition CD/DVD set available. The boy never fails to impress! [View]
Embryonic - The Flaming Lips
MUSIC REVIEWS
The epic new album from those quirky boys from Oklahoma and their dynamic leader Wayne Coyne, Embryonic is audacious and infectious, formidable, poetic, and multi-personality. They are known for their stage prowess and enthralling live shows, and the band’s ‘togetherness’ comes through clearly on this super cool album. They’ve done it again!
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Girl and a Cello - Bird
MUSIC REVIEWS
She is blonde, British and adorable, and in her incarnation as multi-instrumentalist Bird, Janie Price has found her wings on this, her second release, Girl and a Cello. Lush atmospheric tunes and a quirkiness that makes her cool enough to do classical with a twist, Bird has us enthralled with her unique form of music.
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Hotel Costes 12 - Stephane Pompougnac
MUSIC REVIEWS
Best enjoyed completely chilled, preferably with a cocktail in hand and a chic little outfi t on for full effect! This is the latest in the Hotel Costes series by renowned DJ and producer Stephane Pompougnac and it keeps the legacy alive and well with generous offerings of funk and groove infused, ambient tracks from a stellar assortment of international acts - the ultimate summer playlist! [View]
Andy Warhol: Giant Size
BOOK REVIEWS
There are a lot of books out there on the icon of pop art, but Andy Warhol: Giant Size has to be one of the most comprehensive visual biographies of one of art’s greatest personalities there is. With 2,000 images, including rare and previously unpublished documents, this ‘giant’ tome gives an extraordinary and fascinating insight into Warhol’s infamous, wacky and highly influential... [View]
Salsa Bar & Grill Cook Book
BOOK REVIEWS
The award-winning Salsa Bar & Grill in the heart of Port Douglas has a reputation as a premier dining experience with outstanding and eclectic modern Australian cuisine. Now you can bring the taste of this tropical locale into your own home with the release of their long awaited Salsa Bar & Grill Cook Book, which features recipes from menus past and present, including the all time favourite... [View]
Website: www.salsaportdouglas.com.au |
Meet Me At Mike’s by Pip Lincoln
BOOK REVIEWS
Crafties and creatives will love this beautifully illustrated book and guide by one of Australia’s most prolific figures in the contemporary craft scene.
Pip Lincoln is the owner of the highly regarded Meet Me At Mike’s craft store in Melbourne, pens the hugely popular blog of the same name and she also runs Brown Owls - a new-fangled club for crafters of all ages - so if you want to... [View]
Website: www.meetmeatmikes.com |
Bliss - No One Built This Moment
MUSIC REVIEWS
This cinematic musical soundscape from the duo that call themselves Bliss combines the ethereal voices of Lisbeth Scott and Sophie Barker plus a stand out track featuring 80s icon Boy George, with the layered qualities of that unique Bliss sound - one that is uplifting and introspective all at once. There’s something about No One Built This Moment that touches the heart from start to end, a... [View]
Tijuana Cartel - They Come
MUSIC REVIEWS
They hail from the Gold Coast but Tijuana Cartel have built a fi rm reputation for beats that span the globe. Multi-layered grooves, splashes of Middle Eastern vocals, touches of slide and fl amenco guitar, brass, horns and percussion mixed with hard electronica - it’s a combo that’s intriguing, energetic and utterly delicious! Constant touring here and abroad and an enduring love affair... [View]
Kylie - Boombox
MUSIC REVIEWS
She’s a hard girl not to notice - put Kylie together with some of the world’s best dance producers and you’re going to get something
extra special. Boombox features some of Kylie’s most popular tracks, remixed by the likes of The Chemical Brothers, Mylo, Fischerspooner and Sébastian Léger and the results are like nothing you’ve heard from the [View]
Hardage - The Five Doubts
MUSIC REVIEWS
Bring together the elements of electro, lounge, ambient and chill-out music with performers not normally associated with the genres. That was the dream of Italy based producer Hardage, who sought out the voices of, amongst many others, Michael Franti, Maxi Priest and Peter Gabriel (who reworks an awesome version of his hit ’Big Time’). The resulting album is a truly sublime, contemporary... [View]
Living in Argentina
BOOK REVIEWS
They’ve done it again! Our favourite publishers of all things design and lifestyle, Taschen, have released another stunning example of global style in Living in Argentina. Enter some of the most
beautiful homes in South America for a visual and inspiring guide to the life and style of this stunning region and pick up some tips on how to incorporate out of the norm colour, pattern and... [View]
Colour Now by Kevin McCloud
BOOK REVIEWS
Due for release in April 09 He is the creator and presenter of the internationally acclaimed Grand Designs series and now Kevin McCloud brings his tried and tested, in depth knowledge of decorating and design to the world of colours to help us transform our own home environments. By researching, selecting and combining over 100 colours into more than 70 palettes, he has done all the hard work... [View]
Sustainable Environments – Contemporary Design in Detail
BOOK REVIEWS
$39.99 Rockport
This is a highly visual book which explores distinctive, sustainable residences from around the globe. It includes fl oor plans and case studies, plus some great photography and, yes, the homes are very modern, very high end, but it’s inspiring to see that there are no limits to creativity even when confi ned to sustainable design practices. It includes clever components... [View]
Eco Architecture: Urban Style & Eco & Architecture: Natural Flair
BOOK REVIEWS
$39.99 each
Evergreen
These two cleverly designed books are showcases of remarkable ecological building projects implemented in urban space and in natural surrounds respectively. Both come complete with illustrations, plans, computer graphics, and inspiring photography plus the ‘green facts’ of each house. If you are eco-aware and planning your own green home design, this book is an... [View]
Florence Broadhurst – Her Secret & Extraordinary Lives
BOOK REVIEWS
$59.95 Hardie Grant Books
This award-winning, lavishly illustrated and presented book chronicles the life and work of Florence Broadhurst, a world renowned innovator in the fi eld of textile and wallpaper design and one of Australia’s most iconic and infamous designers. Including personal interviews with her only son and rarely seen prints from the Broadhurst archive, this collectable... [View]
In My Own Words: An Introduction to my teachings and philosophy
BOOK REVIEWS
$26.95 Hayhouse
A simple yet comprehensive guide to the philosophy and foundational building blocks of Buddhism from the world’s foremost teacher of the Dharma. This neat little book is in no way daunting, with fascinating and mind opening extracts from some of his most powerful writing and talks on topics covering everything from happiness to karma, meditation, living and dying, and... [View]
Belleruche - The Express
MUSIC REVIEWS
Creative Vibes
This is turntable soul music at its best. DeBoer’s achingly soulful vocals float over hypnotic bass lines and is broken up with infectious guitar riffs making this one smoky, sensual listening experience. [View]
Armen Firman - Your Name in my Skin
MUSIC REVIEWS
Creative Vibes
Armen Firman are five Melbourne artists united by a love of alternative music and one of that city’s most exciting bands. Wherever they play they receive rave reviews so this debut album should become a favourite for indie music lovers. [View]
Duosseudo - We are One
MUSIC REVIEWS
Creative Vibes
This debut album from Australian electro/house group Duosseudo is a mixture of rocking electro house, disco, 80s and ambient sounds - the perfect kind of mix to soundtrack a summer party. [View]
Hint - Driven From Distraction
MUSIC REVIEWS
Creative Vibes
This is some pretty groovy stuff with its full flavoured synths, hip hop roots, fiery soul and kitschy electro stylings and the liquid voice of vocalists like Laura Vane. Really it’s a very, very cool sound for summer - we’re loving it! [View]
Hotel Costes 11 - Stephane Pompougnac
MUSIC REVIEWS
Creative Vibes
We love this French house DJ and his little bag of mixes for the Hotel Costes compilations! With over 17 tracks of intimate, delicious lounge sounds, the latest in this successful series is just made for the chic set. Superb from start to finish. [View]
Samsara Lounge
MUSIC REVIEWS
A global journey of lounge music with smooth, electronic grooves that take their cue from the rich tones of India, Morocco and Tibet, delivered with a twist of electronica. It’s audibly, spiritually divine! The Samsara Lounge CD is available to purchase from participating Samsara Stores and online from www.samsarafurniture.com.au [View]
Ku De Ta 3
MUSIC REVIEWS
Level Two Music
Another superb sunset soundtrack crafted by Donni 1 for one of the most sophisticated restaurant lounge bars in Bali - just check out the DVD included in the package! Bring this potent mix of modern exotica indoors with a sexy mix of tunes to take you from salty summer days into sultry nights. [View]
ABC 3D - Marion Bataille
BOOK REVIEWS
Bloomsbury
‘S’ spins, ‘V’ becomes ‘W’ via a mirrored page and other letters reveal themselves in pop-ups and sliding panels. All in simple black, white and red tones. The alphabet has never been so beautiful, quirky or creative as in this astounding novelty book. A joy for adults and children alike. [View]
One Pot French - Jean-Pierre Challet
BOOK REVIEWS
Allen & Unwin $35
Jean-Pierre is Executive Chef at one of Toronto’s top-rated restaurants and with this book, presents more than 100 easy to prepare recipes for what were once complicated meals. The recipe collection also includes basic recipes for sauces, stocks and pastries that form the basis of French cuisine. [View]
make! - Cath Kidston
BOOK REVIEWS
Random House $ 34.95
Create your own projects using Cath’s original motifs. With 48 fantastic projects and masses of tips and ideas (and a free tote bag to start you off), this book will be all you need to make original gifts for family and friends. [View]
Ristorante Fellini - Tony Percuoco
BOOK REVIEWS
New Holland $40
‘This beautiful hard cover book features the classical dishes, old favourites and dishes with a twist that have made Tony’s restaurant the Gold Coast icon that it is. Sections on antipasto, entrees, mains and desserts make this a must have book for all lovers of italian cuisine. [View]
100 Dream Houses From Down Under
BOOK REVIEWS
Distributed by Bookwise International $59.95
With over 300 pages of design inspiration from around Australia and New Zealand, design aficionados will adore this. Projects include streamlined warehouse style apartments, gorgeous beachside projects and significant renovations amongst others. [View]
Paul Bangay’s Garden Design Handbook
BOOK REVIEWS
Penguin $69.95
Combining the striking, visual allure of imagery by Simon Griffi ths with typical straightforward instructions on all things practical related to garden design and construction; by Paul Bangay. A garden lover’s delight! [View]
World Circuit Presents ...
MUSIC REVIEWS
Celebrate 20 years of some of the world’s most influential and culturally driven artists with this 29 track, two-CD collection from the World Circuit library. From Buena Vista Social Club to Ali Farke Toure, Omara Portuondo to Ibrahim Ferrer and way beyond, this is a who’s who of musical genius that is a joy to listen to and one for the collectors. [View]
Made in Dakar – Orchestra Baobab
MUSIC REVIEWS
World Circuit
Orchestra Baobab have an infectiously mellow beat, with music that is filled with joy and rhythm and groove and the sounds of their native Dakar, one of the world’s most explosive musical cities according to World Circuit. They’ve been nominated in the past for a GRAMMY for their ‘Specialist in All Styles’ CD and if you haven’t yet discovered them, you may just fall in... [View]
Welcome Back to Reality – John Harley Weston
MUSIC REVIEWS
Award winning singer/songwriter John Harley Weston hails from our own Tamborine Mountain and he’s made great waves on the local and international circuit with critical acclaim and inclusion on a variety of popular radio playlists. His latest album is a showcase of his great songwriting, strong melodies and lyrics that inspire and uplift. Go to his website www.johnharleyweston.com for... [View]
I,Flathead – Ry Cooder
MUSIC REVIEWS
Warner Music
He is one of the world’s most acclaimed guitarists, and Ry Cooder’s third and final instalment in his trilogy of albums that comment on the endangered subculture of California is pure Cooder brilliance. He has a unique style that can swing from comical to melodic to totally poignant. If you haven’t discovered him yet, check out the Ry Cooder show with I,Flathead!
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Truth, Beauty and a Picture of You – The Whitlams Best Of
MUSIC REVIEWS
Warner Music
A comprehensive look at one of Australia’s most respected and loved bands including some big hits spanning six studio albums. There is a special version available including a bonus DVD with interviews, documentaries,
and a selection of performances for the true Whitlams fans.
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Where You Go I Go Too – Lindstrom
MUSIC REVIEWS
Smalltown Supersound/ Creative Vibes
Lindstrom’s debut solo album has only three tracks that range anywhere from ten minutes to a whopping 30 minutes long! His sound is unique and it’s been touted as ‘space disco’ – epic in scale but simple in nature,
it has complex sound scapes but a minimalist approach to its compilation that we find very interesting to listen to.
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ElectroLounge2
MUSIC REVIEWS
Wagram/Creative Vibes
Quite simply, the second instalment in the ElectroLounge series is an album for lovers of beat-infused, sexy electronica and laid-back lounge music, and it’s perfectly suited to press play, turn it up and just let it go. Every single track on this compilation is an absolute stunner!
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Cool Tributes Vol. 2 – Pop Standards
MUSIC REVIEWS
Wagram/Creative Vibes
A selection of 34 timeless classics revisited and reinterpreted for the nu-jazz set. Includes classic covers of Prince, David Bowie, Velvet Underground, Pink Floyd, Nirvana, The Beatles and many more for all music tastes and genre. [View]
Kort for Dine Laeber – Boom Clap Bachelors
BOOK REVIEWS
Music for Dreams/Creative Vibes
From the dark musical underbelly of Copenhagen, Boom Clap Bachelors have a unique brand of broken beats laced with disco and futuristic hip-hop. You may not be able to understand a word they’re saying unless you speak their native tongue, but there is no denying their infectious groove and out-of-this-world melodies.
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Asian Living
BOOK REVIEWS
Evergreen $34.95
takes that often used term ‘modern exotic’ to a whole new level of thinking. Ultrahip interiors from around Asia feature across these pages for a stunning and inspiring guide to contemporary oriental style. If you’re a fan of this style of decorating then you will love the variety of lifestyle and decor presented herein, with fantastic use of light, space and colour that... [View]
Ooh La La! A French Romp By Ann Rickard
BOOK REVIEWS
New Holland $29.95
Noosa-based travel author Ann Rickard releases her new book in September and it’s her funniest and best yet. Entitled Ooh La La! A French Romp it details Ann’s quirky adventures as she changes career from travel writer to tour guide in Provence. The change came about when Madame Amanda Taylor-Ace, a Kiwi living in Provence, read Ann’s previous books, contacted her and... [View]
Qmin by Anil Ashokan
BOOK REVIEWS
Allen and Unwin $39.95
is, like the India of its origins, a diverse and enchanting mix of spices and flavours that give pride to an ancient culinary tradition whilst embracing a contemporary twist. Qmin will introduce you to a new world of Indian cookery, with 120 recipes just made for the modern cook who wants to spice it up and step beyond the rich gravy and rice mix of Indian cuisine we all... [View]
New Seaside Interiors
BOOK REVIEWS
Taschen $75
takes us away from the city streets to the coastal living of some of the world’s most stylish destinations. This truly amazing collection of seaside homes, with delectable interiors is inspired by the oceans of the world’s five continents – from Martha’s Vineyard to Denmark, Italy’s Capri to the Mexican Acapulco and Brazil – is inspired by the mix of ethnic and modern... [View]
New Paris Interiors
BOOK REVIEWS
Taschen $75
updates a classic title that began some 15 years ago when editor Angelika Taschen dived into some of the most chic residences in the city of style. Step inside the doors of some of the most stylish apartments of the Paris elite – artists, collectors, designers, antique dealers, serious purveyors of style and glamour, with its outstanding imagery that depicts a city and its... [View]
Australia’s Open Gardens 2008-2009
BOOK REVIEWS
ABC Books RRP$16.95
Australia’s Open Gardens 2008-2009 showcases over 600 gorgeous gardens across Australia which are open throughout the year for your enjoyment. Available from selected newsagents. bookstores, ABC shops and online at www.opengarden.org.au [View]
Successful gardening in warm climates
BOOK REVIEWS
ABC Books RRP$29.95
By Annette McFarlane
Our subtropical climate is heavenly to live in, but it can be tricky for gardeners. Gardening writer for The Sunday Mail and Gardening Australia, Annette McFarlane is full of bright ideas for successfully growing everything from roses and exotics to mangoes and herbs in your particular temperature ‘zone’. The book’s practical advice and... [View]
Grow vegetables: Gardens Courtyards Verandahs Balconies
BOOK REVIEWS
Penguin RRP$49.95
By Alan Buckingham. The name says it all and this book delivers on its promise of a can-do approach to the home vegetable garden. With food prices skyrocketing, growing your own vegetables is an economical option, and with a little bit of preparation you can enjoy food that’s super fresh – the sweetest carrots, the juiciest tomatoes and the most tender green beans.... [View]
Reading the Garden: the settlement of Australia
BOOK REVIEWS
Melbourne University Press RRP $36.95
By Katie Holmes, Susan K Martin and Kylie Mirmohamadi.
Whether we tend a tiny courtyard plot or manage a sprawling estate, Australians love their patch of earth. Reading the Garden explores our long-standing fascination with gardening, from European settlement to the late twentieth century. The act of ‘making a garden’ is much more than just a weekend... [View]
The water-wise garden by Jeffrey Hodges
BOOK REVIEWS
Penguin RRP$29.95
This timely guide to maintaining a robust garden, even in rain-hungry conditions, is specifi c to Queensland. Jeffrey Hodges is something of an Australian organic gardening guru, and he shares his knowledge on improving our soil’s ability to hold water, making the best use of grey and rainwater, and managing pests and disease, all without relying on chemical intervention.... [View]
Compost: the natural way to make food for your garden
BOOK REVIEWS
Penguin Australia RRP$39.95 By Ken Thompson.
Homemade garden compost costs practically nothing, is a great way to recycle and is easier than you might think. The key ingredient is patience - and this practical little book. Compost the natural way to make food for your garden looks at different ways to tackle composting at your place, including easy-to-follow advice on bins, worm farms and what... [View]
Greeniology Series – Green Building and Renovating & The Green Garden
BOOK REVIEWS
Melbourne University Publishing RRP$9.95
While we might already recycle our bottles and turn the tap off to brush our teeth, two titles by Tanya Ha can help us go even more ‘green’. Inside these pocket-sized gems are tips on what to look for, what to ask for and what to do to make your home and garden more efficient, more self-sufficient and more eco-friendly. The style is approachable and... [View]
Tribute to Frank Sinatra
MUSIC REVIEWS
Wagram
Whether you are a long-time fan or just interested in new versions of old classics, you’ll love this two-disc tribute to one of the greatest crooners of all time. Created to mark the tenth anniversary of the death of Frank Sinatra, A Tribute to Frank Sinatra brings together some of the finest jazz talents in the world, with the likes of Jamie Cullum, Diana Krall et al covering their... [View]
Julia and the Deep Sea Sirens
MUSIC REVIEWS
Creative Vibes
This up and coming four-piece collective from Canberra have made quite a name for themself on the local music scene, with their unique blend of nu-folk, alternative-country, pop and rock style. Endearing acoustic tracks, jazzy up tempos and that beautiful Australian soul and speech combine to make this a melodic and enchanting album to discover.
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Debashish Bhattacharya – Calcutta Chronicles
MUSIC REVIEWS
World Music Network
Pandit Debashish Bhattacharya is at the forefront of the contemporary Indian slide guitar movement, and his latest release is a joyous testimony to his acclaimed skill and versatility as a world musician. Played on three slide guitars that were designed by Debashish himself, Calcutta Chronicles takes the listener on an emotive journey through Indian music, exploring... [View]
Foals – Antidotes
MUSIC REVIEWS
Warner Music
The debut album from Oxford’s dance-rock outfit Foals can be likened to that sub pop sound of Franz Ferdinand and Bloc Party, but throw in a little more light-hearted fun and you get a sound that is the stuff of living room dancing. It’s got the synth and pop-guitar, the quirky lyrics and upbeat, catchy grooves, with a few heartfelt ballads thrown into the mix to great effect.... [View]
Etran Finatawa – Desert Crossroads
MUSIC REVIEWS
World Music Network
Made up of six musicians from the Tuareg and Wodaabe people now based in Niamey, Niger, Etran Finatawa have toured the globe performing their unique, nomad-based music, and they are truly allowed to shine on this, their second release through WMN. Desert Crossroads is a superb example of North African blues, with the exhilarating mix of acoustic percussion, traditional... [View]
Yael Naim (with David Donatien)
MUSIC REVIEWS
Warner Music
She is French-Israeli, and Yael Naim has a voice that flows like chocolate, lyrics that are light and sweet, and songs that explore the levels of
human emotion, life and love, as did her first album New Soul which went to the top of the charts. This is an album of mixed language but all the songs convey their own heartfelt message that shines through clearly. [View]
Muse – Haarp
MUSIC REVIEWS
Warner Music
This UK supergroup is known for their amazing live performances, and you can bring it to your home with this two-disc CD/DVD set recorded live at Wembley Stadium over two nights in June 07. It’s blasting, charged music and the dazzling show itself is nothing short of spectacular. Fans of Muse will love this little firecracker collection of amped up visual and audio.
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Global Inspiration – Gavri
MUSIC REVIEWS
Ic.Zed Records
Armed with little more than a stereo microphone, a small DAT recorder and his passport, solo Australian artist GAVRI (Robert Chomicz) embarked on the journey of a lifetime to produce his debut album Global Inspiration. The result is a stunning musical journey that goes to the heart of world music; the sounds of traditional song and instruments from East Africa and India are... [View]
Beautiful Accommodation
BOOK REVIEWS
RRP $29.95 at bookstores and RACQ outlets.
If you’re yearning to get away for a short break but lack the inspiration to start searching for somewhere a little different, you need the new edition of Beautiful Accommodation’s Queensland and New South Wales guide. From boutique hotels to B&B’s, each property in these guides features a detailed review and images.
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China
BOOK REVIEWS
Hardie Grant Books RRP $49.95
Take a stunning tour through China in this striking photograph-based book and discover immense treasures, art and cultural heritage and a diverse and beautiful land where mystical beasts meet modern cityscapes. 600 full colour images cast today’s China in all its beauty and harshness.
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In The Know by Nancy MacDonell
BOOK REVIEWS
Hardie Grant Books RRP $24.95
‘The Classic Guide to Being Cultured and Cool’. The tag line says it all really. In The Know is a map to navigate modern culture for style-savvy readers who want to refine their cultural literacy and aesthetic sensibilities. Culture, fashion and lifestyle, art, books ... you’ll be totally sorted as to what’s cool, and what’s so not.
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Other People’s Kitchens by Brad and Cheryl Hutchings
BOOK REVIEWS
Lawnstone RRP $49.95
When the authors went on their own world tour into the kitchens of home cooks around the world, they came back with a collection of recipes that truly capture the essence of the region’s fare, and the traditional methods and ingredients behind the dishes. Interesting and inspiring, bring the world into your own kitchen.
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Open Doors
BOOK REVIEWS
Ripe Off The Press RRP $49.95
Take a visual tour through some of our country’s contemporary homes and gain an insight into our best architecture and interiors. You can read
the design details behind each home and, best of all, you’ll have a wealth of inspiration if you are building or renovating.
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The Press Club: Modern Greek Cookery by George Calombaris
BOOK REVIEWS
New Holland RRP $45
He’s known as one of the most innovative and experimental chefs in Australia, so when George Calombaris puts his favourite recipes from the vaults of the prestigious Press Club restaurant in Melbourne into a book, you know it’s going to be something special. You’ll love the classical Greek flavours delivered with a modern twist.
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The Natural Home by Judith Wilson
BOOK REVIEWS
Aurum Press / Jacqui Small & Bookwise International
‘Stylish living inspired by nature’ is the promise of this lovely little book of home ideas. From style to surfaces, fabrics, colour and details to the nitty gritty of architects and designers, this is a comprehensive and inspirational source for those wanting to take a more organic approach to the creation of their own retreats. [View]
Finding Nino by Marc Llewellyn
BOOK REVIEWS
Harper Collins RRP $32.99
MARC Llewellyn is an award-winning travel writer, author of the Frommers Guides to Australia. While all travel writing is by definition personal, this book is an honest and unadorned account of the ‘sea change’ writ large. Moving to an Italian island with his wife, brand new baby and dog, Marc attempts to live the life of the locals. Differences in methods of... [View]
Heart to Heart Parenting by Robin Grille
BOOK REVIEWS
ABC Books RRP $ 35
Aiming higher than your average parenting book, Heart to Heart Parenting is more about gaining insights into your child’s unique personality than it is about tips and tricks. From babies through to toddlers and beyond, this book can help you navigate the rocky road of parenting at your full potential.
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Izakaya - The Japanese Pub Cookbook by Mark Robinson
BOOK REVIEWS
Kodansha International / Bookwise International RRP $39.95
Take your shoes off and step inside the cosiness of a Japanese pub - or izakaya - where you’ll enjoy tasty small dishes and traditional snacks. With over 60 detailed recipes, along with tips on manners, language and traditional Japanese ingredients, you’ll bring the full experience to your own home. Great for casual entertaining.
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How Would Love Respond? by Kurek Ashley
BOOK REVIEWS
Amazon.com RRP $24.95
This inspirational man has taken himself from despair, drug addiction and poverty to find his own gift and bring powerful guidance and healing to the hearts, minds and lives of millions of people around the world. How Would Love Respond is a must read for anyone seeking that elusive ‘something’ that is missing - finding the self, finding change in the most unexpected... [View]
