Adalita's playlist

Tue 22nd Mar, 2011 in Features

Magic Dirt’s frontwoman Adalita has just released her debut solo album – ‘a work of raw beauty, captivating in its vulnerability and upfront with its emotion’ – which is sure to be among the year’s best when the time comes to compile end of year lists.

We asked Adalita to revel some of the albums that have soundtracked her life, from her youthful days listening to Mark Knopfler’s guitar and Dolly Parton’s warble, to her discovery of the grittier sounds of the Royal Trux, Powdermonkeys and Paradise Motel.

FIRST ALBUM YOU BOUGHT

It would’ve been Dire Straits’ Brothers In Arms on cassette. I loved every single song and knew all the words and would always stare at that blue cover with the guitar on it when I was listening to it. Amongst my other first purchases were A-HA’s Hunting High and Low, Kate Bush’s Hounds Of Love, John Lennon’s Mind Games, Pavlovs Dog’s Pampered Menial, Joni Mitchell’s Blue and Depeche Mode’s Violator.

FIRST ALBUM HANDED DOWN TO YOU

My mum had a vinyl LP of Dolly Parton’s Greatest Hits. There were beautiful photos of her all over the front and back cover. It has all the classics, Love Is Like A Butterfly, Jolene, Applejack, I Will Always Love You. I sang along to all of the songs and thought she was just the greatest.

FIRST BREAK-UP ALBUM

Probably something like Paradise Motel, Still Life. It was on constant play on my walkman for a couple of months. I listened to it a lot while travelling on suburban trains in my late 20’s. It would definitely be in my Top 20 albums of all time. Paradise Motel are an Australian band, from Tasmania actually, and I reckon this is their landmark record. Absolutely superb, beautiful songs, Aussie Noir.

GUILTY PLEASURE ALBUM

Kylie’s Light Years or Fever. I’m into big dance beats, huge production numbers and a slick well written, ridiculously hooky song. Kylie’s hits nail that for me. Also Jay-Z / Alicia Keys’ Empire State Of Mind. I turn that one up really loud at home or if I’m in the right DJ venue, it’s awesome to hear it pumping through a massive PA.

FAVOURITE AUSSIE ALBUM

Powder Monkeys’‘ Smashed On A Knee. Every song is killer, blows your head right off. It’s so bad ass, it’s perfect. They used to play at the Barwon Club in Geelong, my hometown, and they were the toughest band you ever saw. These guys are the real rock n roll deal, no messing about.

MOST OBSCURE ALBUM IN THE COLLECTION

Keiths Yard’s Sixteen Strings. A Melbourne band that seemed like they were around for a year and then broke up. The lead singer went by the name of Cowboy Colin. They were sort of like Birthday Party crossed with Butthole Surfers and Primal Scream. I don’t think there’s many copies of this EP around. The track Medal is amazing.

ALBUM YOU WISH YOU MADE

Any album by Kate Bush, but in particular Hounds Of Love. It’s a masterpiece and just so dedicated in its vision. I wish I had that vocal control and was able to hit those really high notes like Kate does. And songs like Running Up That Hill are just amazing. It’s so beautifully crafted and unique.

ALBUM YOU ONCE LOVED

I still love all my records…if anything I’ve grown more and more attached to my favourite records. I actually love my older records a lot more than my newer ones. Stuff that I’ve had for ages like Dinosaur Jrs’ _Bug’, Mazzy Star’s So Tonight That I Might See, Sonic Youth’s Daydream Nation are in my Top 50 of all time.

LAST ALBUM YOU BOUGHT

Royal Trux’ Cats & Dogs. It’s on pre-order. This is a band that Dean Turner [Magic Dirt bassist] introduced me to. I love the eclectic feel of their songs. The tracks are quite varied and it’s something I wouldn’t normally listen to but I find this music mind expanding and quite relaxing. So I’m looking forward to getting the record.

YOUR ALBUM – ADALITA

It feels great to have the album out. I wasn’t expecting such a great reaction…it’s been excellent so far. I’m really looking forward to touring it, it’s going to be fun.

Adalita tour dates:

Thursday 24th March – The Great Northern, Byron Bay
Friday 25th March – Old Museum, Brisbane
Saturday 26th March – Miami tavern, Shark Bar
Friday 1st April – The Loft, Warrnambool
Saturday 2nd April – ECU Bowls club, Mt Lawley
Sunday 3rd April – Indi bar, Scarborough
Thursday 7th April – Bended Elbow, Geelong
Friday 8th April – Karova Lounge , Ballarat
Saturday 9th April – Toff, Melbourne
Thursday 14th April – Transit Bar, Canberra
Friday 15th April – The Great Northern, Newcastle
Saturday 16th April – Sandringham Hotel , Sydney
Sunday 17th April – Clarendon Guesthouse, Katoomba
Wednesday 20th April- Irish Murphy’s, Launceston
Thursday 21st April – Republic Bar, Hobart
Thursday 5th May – Grace Emily, Adelaide