You’ve got to applaud the ARIA’s approach to award show bulk. In an attempt to reduce the ceremony’s running time and hence – the window of opportunity with which hosts can embarrass themselves – a number of “genre” gongs have been awarded this week in conjunction with a live concert series held at Sydney’s Royal Botanical Gardens.
I know you’re bursting to watch Geoff Huegill, Carmen Electra and Bob Katter read Australian band names off teleprompters but until then, here are your winners thus far…
Best Country Album
The McClymonts – Wrapped Up Good
Best Adult Contemporary Album
Crowded House – Intriguer
Best Comedy Release
Andrew Hansen, Craig Schuftan and Chris Taylor – The Blow Parade
Best Classical Album
Paul Dyer and the Australian Brandenburg Orchestra
Best Jazz Album
James Morrison & The Idea Of North – Feels Like Spring (ABC Jazz)
Best Dance Release
Yolanda Be Cool and Dcup – We No Speak Americano (Sweat it Out/Central Station Records)
Best Urban Album
M-Phazes – Good Gracious (Obese Records)
Best Blues & Roots Album
Dan Sultan – Get Out While You Can (MGM)
Best Children’s Album
The Wiggles – Let?s Eat! (ABC Music)
Best Original Soundtrack/Cast/Show
Various – Before Too Long: Triple J?s Tribute to Paul Kelly (ABC Music)
Best Hard Rock/ Heavy Metal Album
Parkway Drive – Deep Blue (Resist Records/Shock)
Best Music DVD
Various – Sound Relief (Liberation Music)
Best World Music Album
Mamadou Diabate, Bobby Singh & Jeff Lang – Djan Djan (ABC Music)
The awards for Best Pop Release, Best Rock Album and Best Adult Alternative Album are to be announced tonight.
