Tim Campbell • High School Disco

I was first introduced by Tim Campbell when he was doing a Christmas duet with one of my favorite singers, Anthony Callea. A little bit of diligent research and I learned Tim was a talented actor and singer, as well as being Anthony's partner. And I was very excited when news broke that Tim signed on for his own album. I was doubly hyped when I saw a music video was released. I do love it when a handsome stud-muffin like Tim Campbell gets the makeover to be the geeky guy, only to soon show his true sexy side when the lights are burning bright. Damn, I guess I should have announced "Spoilers!" first, but after you check out the music video for "Play That Funky Music", I doubt you will mind at all. The song is the first off his debut album 'High School Disco'. The song was written by Robert Parissi, the lead singer of the band Wild Cherry. It was a huge hit for the band, making it to #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1976. It was the only hit for the band. In the video, Tim plays the geeky music teacher being run over by his students. He seeks a bit a relief when he breaks out in song, only to have the kids so impressed they join right in with him. This is the music video for Tim Campbell's "Play That Funky Music".

'High School Disco' is a collection of great songs given a fresh sound by Campbell and his cohorts. The album includes a bunch of songs that have been played and loved by generations of high school students, all looking to have some fun on the dance floor. Covering music by The Jacksons, Madonna, George Michael, Roxette, The Monkees, Simple Minds, The Isley Brothers, Peaches & Herb, and others, 'High School Disco' made me happy from the moment I hit play. Here is a taste of the album, with great clips of what went on behind the scenes.



See, you thought you couldn't like him more, or Find Tim any more adorable, and then you watched that video! But when I listen to 'High School Disco', it is the music that gets me going. Tim's voice is strong, and so filled with charm and charisma. I am particularly fond of "Holiday", "Footloose", "Faith" and "Shout!", and "Play That Funky Music". I have to admit, I love all 14 tracks, and can't get enough of 'High School Disco'. Whenever I listen to it, it is like an explosion of fun and joy takes place in my mind. So glad I own this!

'High School Disco' can be found in the Untied States on iTunes and Amazon. To learn more about Tim, visit his official website. You can also visit the official website for the album, which can give you information of the tour in Australia. If only I was in the right hemisphere, I'd so be cheering Tim on at as many performances I could attend! As for the social media, you can 'like' Tim on Facebook, and 'follow' him on Twitter. He is a blast to follow, and I would highly recommend you do it. Right after you buy 'High School Disco'.

Anthony Callea • This Is Christmas

The brilliant Anthony Callea.

It have been a long time since I first discovered Anthony Callea, when he became a YouTube viral sensation for his outrageously amazing rendition of "The Prayer" on the 2004 edition of 'Australian Idol'. He blew me away with that, and I knew I had to order his album. I did, and I've been hooked since. A couple of albums and a DVD later, all imported from Australia, and I still think he has one of the most magnificent voices going. No matter what this boy is singing, I am most certainly buying! So when I heard Anthony was working on a Christmas album, excited might not be a strong enough word to describe my mood. Giddy, squee-ful, and ecstatic might capture it, if all are used. It is interesting, for as a fan of Anthony, I have seen YouTube clips of his annual appearance on 'Carols by Candlelight', held every Christmas Eve in Australia, allowing me to eagerly eat up live performances of Christmas songs for many years now. I couldn't resist, and pre-ordered it the moment I could.

So, even though I pre-ordered it from Australia, once it was released, I could not hold out until the CD made it across the Pacific and North America, so I scooted off to iTunes and got my copy of Anthony Callea's 'This Is Christmas'. And once I hit play, I was not disappointed in the least. Quite the opposite, really, for it was everything I wanted, and more! The album starts off with "Don't save It All For Christmas" was written by Peter Zizzo, Ric Wake, and Céline Dion, who also recorded it for her 1998 album, 'These Times Are Special'. As a single, it was released in December of 2000, and the first song Dion had a writing credit. The song is a soaring and lovely addition to the Christmas catalog, and Anthony is magnificent on it. The next track, "The First Noel", is a traditional English carol, and is given a traditional feel with an orchestra playing. Anthony's voice is able to soar high above the instrumentation, giving ample warmth and heart to make this so beautiful. The next song was written by Jeff Barry, Ellie Greenwich, and Phil Spector in the early 1960s, and sung by Darlene Love in 1963 to much acclaim. The song, synonymous with the era and sound of Spector's 'Wall of Sound' and the quality  of music coming from 'The Brill Building", where some of the great writers worked then. I hope you enjoy this version sung by Anthony live at a 'Carols By Candlelight' event. It is different than his studio version, but to hear adn watch him sing always make me happy. Please enjoy Anthony singing "Christmas (Baby, Please Come Home)".

"Silent Night" was composed in 1818 by Franz Xaver Gruber, with lyrics by Joseph Mohr, in a small town in Austria. The song is still a popular Christmas song, almost 200 years later. Once again, the song allows Anthony to show the control and softness in his voice, with his tender rendition of the song. Anthony is joined on the song by guitarist Stuart Fraser, who sounds beautiful as well. Together, they make a lovely duo. "Santa Claus Is Coming To Town" was written by John Frederick Coots and Haven Gillespie and was first sung on a radio show in November of 1934. It was an instant hit, and remains a favorite of millions almost 80 years later. Anthony gives it a Rocker/Swing treatment, allowing him the freedom to show off with that amazing voice of his. "Ave Maria" was composed by Franz Schubert in 1825 as part of his Opus 52. Once again, almost 200 years later, people are still singing this song, a beautiful Christmas Prayer. The strength, depth, and tone of Anthony's voice truly shines on the recording, making me very happy. The only thing that could make it better is allowing Anthony Callea to be joined by The National Boys Choir of Australia, a group of 200 talented boys aged between 7 – 15, who sound beautiful on the recording. "Do You Hear What I Hear?" written in October 1962 with lyrics by Noël Regney and music by Gloria Shayne Baker, a married couple worrying about the Cuban Missile Crisis, and what might be happen because of it. It quickly became a favorite, and Anthony gives it a strong R&B treatment, much like Whitney Houston, who Anthony did open for in Australia. This is Anthony singing "Do You Hear What I Hear?".

"Mary Did You Know?", a Christmas song with lyrics written by Mark Lowry and music written by Buddy Greene, was written in 1984, but not recorded until 1992. The song slowly took hold, with people like Kenny Rogers and Wynonna Judd singing it. Also versions by Clay Aiken and Cee Lo Green hit the charts. Anthony gives a strength and urgency to the song. It is hard to not fall in love with the recording of "Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas", which is an amazing song. It was written by written by Hugh Martin and Ralph Blane in 1943, and first sung by the great Judy Garland in th e1944 MGM musical 'Meet Me In St. Louis'. In this recording, Anthony is joined by his partner, handsome and talented Tim Campbell. I had already been a fan of the version they had sung in 'Carols By Candlelight' a few years ago, so I hope you enjoy Anthony and Tim singing "Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas".

"Amazing Grace" is a Christian hymn with words written by the English poet and clergyman John Newton in the late 1700s. The song is the ultimate message of forgiveness and divine redemption. Anthony recorded an outstanding version, and is joined on the song by vocalists Susie Ahern, Michelle Serret-Cursio and Rod Davies. This is a brilliant acapella version, and I can't listen to it enough. Together, the group allows each to soar to new heights, leave you wondering if they will return to earth again! The next track once again features The National Boys Choir of Australia. "O Holy Night" is a well-known Christmas carol composed by Adolphe Adam in 1847 to the French poem "Minuit, chrétiens" (Midnight, Christians) by Placide Cappeau. This is another traditional favorite, and again the sheer beauty of Anthony's voice elevates the listener, cradling us with his warm tone as he brings us to new heights. "Note To God" is a song written by Diane Warren, a talent who has written more than her fair share of great songs. It was first recorded in 2006, and soon others were wanting to sing it. The song is an emotional message to a Higher Power, a person searching for a way to carry on in a world that could use so much help. Anthony delivers on the big notes, and even bigger on the emotional quality of this tough song.

'This Is Christmas' makes for an amazing musical journey, one I will take again and again this holiday season. Anthony has an incredible voice, one I never tire of hearing. This is certainly a must-have for this and any holiday season. Put it on your Christmas List, or buy it for your friends, 'cause they will love it too! You an purchase 'This Is Christmas' on iTunes and Amazon. To learn more about Anthony Callea, visit his official website. You can also "like" him on Facebook, and "follow" him on Twitter. You an purchase 'Thirty', his latest Pop release, on iTunes and Amazon.

Anthony Callea • Last To Go (in LA)

One of the things I love about YouTube is that I get to catch live performances I would otherwise be unable to see. That is definitely the case with Anthony Callea, and he had a couple of performances in Los Angeles and in Las Vegas. Despite my insistence that my subliminal messages for an East Coast show will work, it has failed miserably so far. But I do have videos from his show at the Cherry Pop, and here is Last To Go.



The show was last Saturday 21st April. Performing alongside Anthony were dancers Marc Cleary, Oskar Rodriguez, Deidre Maldonado, and Laia Ribatallada. There were also additional vocals by Tim Campbell & Michelle Sharman. It was kinda cute to see Anthony checking out partner Tim off the side of the stage, giving them a moment of singing together. I am loving Anthony's new music, and think you will too. You can purchase his Last To Go EP on iTunes. You can get some cool remixes of Oh Oh Oh Oh on Amazon and iTunes.

Christmas Music - Anthony Callea

Top: Anthony Callea; Bottom: With Tim Campbell

Since I don't live in Australia and can't watch the telecast of Carols by Candlelight, I will just create my own. What I truly mean by that, of course, is that I will pick and chose some of my favorite performances by Anthony Callea that I have found on YouTube, and post them on Christmas Eve. Whether he is singing a traditional carol or a hymn, Anthony delivers like few can, and I just love him. So I will start with his beautiful rendition of the classic song, The First Noel, which he performed in 2009.



Way back in 2006, Anthony decided to rock it out a bit, and put his own special spin on the Darlene Love classic, Christmas (Baby Please Come Home).



In 2007, Anthony lifted his voice to sing a gorgeous O Holy Night. When Anthony hits his stride, I can't think of many who can keep up with him.



In 2008 Anthony and his partner, actor/singer/host Tim Campbell, performed together. An out couple, they are just too adorable together, and I will admit to having a crush on Tim, too. Their voices work quite well together. This is Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas, with Tim singing first, and introducing the 'beautiful' Anthony.



Finally, I shall end with what might be my favorite performance I have seen so far from Anthony's run on Carols by Candlelight. In 2008, he sang a spectacular version of Ave Maria. It gives me goosebumps to listen to him sing it. Enjoy.



For more about Anthony, you can check out his website here. You can find out more about Tim at his website, here. For further information on Carols by Candlelight, click here.

Never Enough - Tim Campbell

An actor of note in his native Australia, Tim had a leading role in countless programs, including one of the leading dramas, Home And Away, until he left the show in 2007. He immediately started doing musical theater, with lead roles in the Aussie production of Rent and Shout. He also hosted several shows, including a revival of Million Dollar Wheel of Fortune, and The Singing Bee.




The following clip is from a telethon, with Tim and co-star Anthony Callea singing What You Own from Rent. Tim played Roger, the tormented rocker who shares an apartment with Mark (Anthony), and falls in love with Mimi. In this song, the characters are thinking about going their separate ways, trying to concentrate on their goals.



One can't have enough videos of people performing Single Ladies, can you? Especially if they are really hot men, you know? And Tim certainly fits that bill. I think GLEE needs to cast him, cause I'd watch him do anything...



In 2007, Tim came out as gay man, and months later confirmed he was/is dating fellow Aussie and Rent co-star Anthony Callea. Since I don't live in Australia, I first came to know Tim on Twitter (@TimCampbellTwit), where I found him to be hysterically funny. So I started searching him out, and discovered there was much more to him than just a witty tweet. You can find out more about him at his official website here.

Christmas Music - Anthony Callea - Carols

Top: Anthony Callea; Bottom: Tim Campbell & Anthony

I have certainly talked about Anthony before, as I am a huge fan. So when I was putting together my holiday songs, I couldn't leave him out. When I saw all the songs I could use, I knew I had to give him two posts, one for the more traditional carol, which is in this post, and another one featuring Anthony singing more classical hymns.

Santa Claus Is Coming To Town (2007)


Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)(2006)


Last year during the Christmas season, Anthony and partner actor/singer/host Tim Campbell performed at Vision Australia's Carols by Candlelight in Melbourne. An out couple, they are just too adorable together, and Tim is majorly hot. Their voices work quite well together, too. This is Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas, with Tim singing first, and introducing the handsome Anthony.



For more about Anthony, you can check out his website here. You can find out more about Tim at his website, here.

Great Music - Anthony Callea

I have been a massive Anthony Callea fan since his 2004 appearance on Australian Idol. My friend Rickey, who runs the American Idol megasite Rickey.Org, pointed me to a YouTube video of a young man singing the classical/pop song, The Prayer, and have been hooked since. For reasons that will always escape my itty, bitty mind, Anthony finished second, despite having the voice of an angel. To this day, listening to Anthony sing that song as well as a few others can still give me goosebumps.



The eponymous first CD was released in the spring of 2004, and it took me a while to get it, finding the import from Australia can be interesting here in Delaware. But I got it, and loved it. The first single, The Prayer, became the highest selling single in Australian musical history. But before they could pigeonhole Anthony into the Andreas Bocelli, he also had some great pop tunes, like Hurt So Bad, with a sweet Spanish sound, and Rain, a beautiful mid-tempo number.



In 2006, Anthony released A New Chapter, which went more in the pop vein than before. The single Addicted To You is a rocking pop tune, and Live For Love a great power ballad. I loved this CD even more, and was shocked it sold less than the first.



Anthony is currently working on a new CD, but has been keeping busy working as well. He worked in the Australian production of Wicked: The Broadway Musical, and following his starring role of Mark in Rent: The Musical. He has also had countless concerts, including opening for Celine Dion [I will forgive him for this] when she was in Australia.



In his personal life, he came out as rumors of his sexuality spread in the Australian press, but maintained a dignity all along. For the past year and a half, he has been seeing Tim Campbell, an Australian actor/singer, who had starred in a leading primetime soap and had costarred with Anthony in Rent. They have performed together and separately, both remaining gainfully employed while also having a fairly public relationship.



The first CD is available on iTunes, although the second is not but can be purchased on Amazon. I have been tempted to buy the live DVD, but have not been able to find a NTSC copy. I don't know if I will ever get the chance to see him perform live, but would love to [please, Anthony, if you are listening, make it to the states sometime]. That aside, if you like what you hear, buy it and you won't regret it for a moment. For more information about Anthony, you can check his website, or him on Twitter, where he can be most amusing.