Not Everyone Needs Good Neighbours

The shock hit me like a bullet.

The news.com website loaded onto my screen with the announcement that Natalie Basingthwaighte, Rogue Trader's almighty marketing tool, will be parting ways with the Melbourne band.

And where is she off to?

Hollywood. To focus on a movie career and her solo album.

Well that's a suprise. Who'd have thought a hot chick from Neighbours would start a solo singing career.

If there was undeniable talent, then that would be great! But the problem is, none of them can sing. With the possible exception of Delta of course, and I won't say anything defamatory about our precious little angel Delta, lest an angry mob of the 'Sunrise Family' headed by Mel and Kochie come crashing down my door.

But why do all these girls that can't sing keep getting careers? Because they're hot. What about Mag? Where was her music contract? Her voice was raspy and sensual.

I don't think Basingthwaighte even sang a note during her whole time in Rogue Traders. She just rubs her hands all over her body and speaks in a sexually provocative way. Occasionally getting louder and even yelling.

Switch on a bit of Auto-tune, add some of the Rogue Trader 'genius' - ie using generic outdated riffs from old popular songs and applying them to your music as though it's your own - and you have yourself a pop song.

Now don't get me wrong, I'm guilty enough to admit that I enjoy a good pop song from time to time, but the crap that keeps getting churned out from Neighbours is unbelievable.

Holly Valance anybody. 'Kiss Kiss' were the infamous lyrics I believe. And look what happened to her music career after that masterful song - nothing.
So she went to Hollywood. Which is where Natalie Basingthwaighte is now heading and where my annoyance began.

Yep, the music industry uses sex to sell. That's a new one. But at least come up with some original music and maybe even someone capable of singing.

In case you are curious, the Rogue Traders will be continuing, without their lead vocalist.

But the drummer Ash seemed pretty confident about it all saying, "Rogue Traders has always been a project in transition... With phase two coming to a close, phase three is about to begin and most, literally won't see it coming."

I just hope I don't see anything coming. I'll end my rant now.