Song of the Week #205

Hi everyone. This entry marks the end of the first week back at work for me. And it has been pretty flat out!

My awesome daughter was 16 years old yesterday, the poor old dear! I’m pretty sure she had a good time even if she did have to be at school early for a Jazz Band rehearsal. She took us out for Thai food last night. Yum.

The Tea Party (the band, not the political movement) are in the country just now playing some live shows. They are recording a live album as well which I have pre-ordered on vinyl! They needed a heap of pre-orders to make it happen and I’m glad I could help in my little way. My good friend DJ DJ went to see them in Adelaide and got to meet the band AND watch the show from the side of the stage. How cool is that!!?? Here’s a song that he picked for this week’s episode.

The Tea Party – Save Me - http://youtu.be/DuKwRLJUrEY

DJ DJ took me to my first BIG rock gig - Motorhead in 1991.

I’ve recently discovered a whole lot of complete, full length concerts on YouTube – I thought that one was limited to a 10 minute video. However, it seems not and I’ve seen some great stuff from Motorhead, Van Halen, Queen and The Beatles.

The Beatles – Get Back (live on the roof) - http://youtu.be/FN6hxvMaM3M

Remember you’ll see Sir Paul closing the Olympics. That is if it isn’t rained out.

Awesome Swedish metal band, Sabaton, have announced that they are coming all the way to Australia. This is great news until you realise that they are only listed to play three shows. I mean really, who comes all this way for just that. Here’s hoping they get some more up and running. They are supporting Nightwish as well.

Sabaton – Coat of Arms - http://youtu.be/3UIGI9uNlTc

Another band coming to Australia is Nickelback. I really wish they’d reconsider. Yuk.

I’ve just realised that I haven’t listened to a lot of music this week. Maybe I was too busy. I’ll need to make sure that I remedy that very shortly.

My Mum sent through a few old 45s for Zoë and I this week. I’ll finish off with some of them.

Marcel Amont – Wheels - http://youtu.be/opON74PBJng

The Firm – Star Trekking - http://youtu.be/FCARADb9asE

And the piece de resistance….one of the best pop songs ever released…(nice shorts George!)

Wham – Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go - http://youtu.be/pIgZ7gMze7A

The sun is out and it’s Friday afternoon – might be a good time to cruise on home shortly. Plans for the weekend include Angus’ rugby, Zoë’s party, avoiding the Olympics Opening Ceremony and hitting some mountain bike trails. Bliss.

DJ Rob

(so, to unsubscribe this week please explain in which insane parallel universe do you think that a KIA hatch would be equivalent to a Mercedes B200 Turbo…DJ GymGirl is NOT amused!)

Song of the Week #204

Wow, not one person guessed last week's theme. Maybe it should've been less obscure but I didn't think it was that difficult.


If you say the artists in the order I had them then you might get it…


"Frankie Lymon, Bobby Fuller, Mitch Ryder"…."Jackie Wilson, Shangri-las, Young Rascals…"


Or you could just listen to this song and pay attention at about 3 minutes into the clip…


John Mellencamp – ROCK in the USA - http://youtu.be/_JUxranxd5w


If you haven't listened to the "Scarecrow" album by John Mellencamp which came out in 1985 then you're missing out on some essential tunes. Dig it.


So, there's no theme this week, maybe in a few weeks when I come up with something not too hard to guess.


Some bands attempt acoustic versions of their songs with almost calamitous results. Luke Yeoward, who sings for Melbourne band "King Cannons" got it right on this version of their latest single. I sent it around to a few people this week and the reaction was pretty good.


King Cannons – The Brightest Light (acoustic/live) - http://youtu.be/YW0mxtBWu-s


The studio version has an excellent harmonica solo as well – maybe I'll see if the boys in the band are interested in playing it one day.


Luke's playing a big, beautiful, blonde Gibson guitar in that clip. I've looked at guitars like that quite a few times but the price tag is just too scary. Here's another one of my favourites playing a similar guitar… (clip from my favourite music DVD) – and I think it's better than the Springsteen version.


Steve Earle – State Trooper – live 1986 - http://youtu.be/91M_FrhecbE


Last week I think it was I played some ELO. During the week that took me back to listening to some Traveling Wilburys. Their albums are great fun – here's my fave track (you can feel the ELO rhythm influence!)


Traveling Wilburys – Tweeter & The Monkey Man - http://youtu.be/ReQsRgQXgQY


The Black Crowes started up in 1989 and their debut album, "Shake Your Moneymaker", had a fair influence on me. Later in their career they wandered a bit and I lost interest. But, this beautiful and haunting track gets a very regular airing from me to this day.


The Black Crowes – She Talks To Angels - http://youtu.be/DzaTTLfPhvw


DJ KelC invited one and all to see this next band. Unfortunately she's in Canada and I can't quite make it for the show. Shame really, this band sounds pretty damned cool.


Dirty Projectors – Gun Has No Trigger - http://youtu.be/o_qFaFl7JVc


I'll finish this week with a song I'd forgotten all about. I heard it on some video game that the kids were playing and was quickly tapping my foot along. This is a cover by a very fine band – loads of fun!


Presidents Of The USA – Video Killed The Radio Star (live) - http://youtu.be/Lh2qB8OT8UA


I'm back at work on Monday which is hilarious as I feel I haven't been away. Next holidays I'm getting on my bike and heading elsewhere. The kids can feed themselves!


DJ Rob

Song of the Week #203

Hi everyone. This week I guarantee good clean family fun with none of the language that you'd hear at a Bradley Wiggins press conference. Twit.

I hope that you're ready for some great tunes. It's the kind of selection that I hope might make you want to plug your laptop/tablet/mobile device into a decent set of speakers so that you can have a bit of a dance.

Last Sunday DJ Pat and I went on a motorcycle ride with about 40 others from a local motorcycle enthusiasts club. It was a lot of fun, not too cold and with that ride and heading out to Stromlo to see DJ HB race on the criterium track I racked up about 160km – awesome fun. It's rained a lot since then unfortunately. Seeing the huge range of bikes that turned up for the ride was a bit of an eye opener – there was pretty much one of everything.

Angus has been at the snow for a week. As a result the poor dog has been in a bit of a decline. But we got Angus back today and after most of the day asleep on the lounge the dog and he are back on speaking terms!

So, on to the music. There's a theme this week – something I thought I'd have a go at. It's a pretty easy one to guess this time around. Feel free to email me if you can work it out. And the answer isn't simply classic American rock 'n' roll.

The first song is from 1956. Frankie Lymon was 14 that year. Pretty fantastic early rock 'n' roll with a great sax solo, some doo-wop and of course – no auto tune. Frankie died at age 25 from a heroin overdose.

Frankie Lymon &  The Teenagers – Why Do Fools Fall In Love? - http://youtu.be/5Ji_C94OXZc

Fast forward about 10 years now to 1966 – this is a fantastic track that has been covered by some very notable bands. Versions by The Clash and Dead Kennedys are essential listening. But this is the original by Bobby Fuller.

Bobby Fuller – I Fought The Law - http://youtu.be/CPXnoLAEUSQ

Here's another hit from 1966. This one got to #4 on the US charts. Mitch Ryder is very white indeed but you can hear the soul influence in his rock 'n' roll music. It's a cover though. The original came out from Shorty Long on Motown but didn't have any impact. The Mitch Ryder version (on Capitol Records) certainly sounds like a great party tune when coupled with Little Richard's "Good Golly Miss Molly". Does anyone else think that the intro sounds like Free's "All Right Now"?

Mitch Ryder – Devil In A Blue Dress / Good Golly Miss Molly  - http://youtu.be/C5J6dvMDvQA

I saw the movie "La Bamba" at the movies when it came out in 1987. Along with "Eddie and The Cruisers" it is one of the best rock 'n' roll movies ever made. Jackie Wilson was portrayed by Howard Huntsberry in the film and he did a stellar job. But, there's nothing like the original. Who remembers the re-release of "Reet Petite" from 1986 with the claymation video clip?

Jackie Wilson – Lonely Teardrops - http://youtu.be/jgyl_LBdcxo

The first time I heard this next song was on a Twisted Sister album – and I still reckon it's a great version. But the Shangri-Las scored a #1 hit with it in 1964. Great tune AND sound effects too! Enjoy this track but check out Twisted Sister sometime – Dee Snider has a huge voice and a sense of humour.

The Shangri-Las – Leader of the Pack - http://youtu.be/McvWodRXA7k

Fun is one thing that's missing from a lot of recent music. I mean, how many songs can make you feel as good as this one...

The Young Rascals – Good Love - http://youtu.be/Oy625sZAHN8

Well, we're almost at the end. Has anyone worked out the theme yet? No? Keep listening.

"Good Morning Vietnam" is another great movie with a fantastic soundtrack. At one stage my favourite cassette had that on one side and Van Halen's first album on the other (taped from my LPs). Some friendly person lifted that cassette from me when I was in Duntroon Hospital with glandular fever! The movie really got me into 50's and 60's rock music like this...

Martha & The Vandellas – Nowhere To Run -  http://youtu.be/4jk-Ngm5kKQ

The last song that makes up the mystery theme is from the Godfather of Soul himself – Mr JAMES BROWN! I think the best thing about his concerts are the introductions to the songs..."can I get a witness??"

James Brown – Papa's Got A Brand New Bag - http://youtu.be/hWdY2t5U5iQ

So there you have it. Put all those songs together and see if you can come up with the connecting theme. No clues yet but email me if you're stuck.

Just before we finish, Zoe chose some DVDs the other day and among the teenage dance movies was one called "Super 8". It's a JJ Abrams/Spielberg production about kids making a movie in the 70's when something goes terribly wrong. Pretty neat film and the soundtrack really had my toes tapping. Especially with this track...how embarrassing!! Jeff Lynne went on to be a Travelling Wilbury and this song might explain some of the drum sounds on their albums.

ELO – Don't Bring Me Down - http://youtu.be/qj8kMmUxkSE

Anyway, that'll do for this week. Bye.

DJ Rob

Sorry, I can't resist... here's Twisted Sister doing "Leader of the Pack" http://youtu.be/jMU6GemrG8Y

Song of the Week #202

There's been some rather weird news this week courtesy of Def Leppard and their record company. The band, whose first album came out in 1980, have announced that they are re-recording all of their old material. Turns out that this is to avoid their record company stiffing them on royalties for digital downloads. Whatever, it's a bit odd. Am I really going to pay for "forgeries" of the old records (Def Leppard call them that)? Well maybe. If this version of "Rock of Ages" is anything to go by having a mix with a big dynamic range and current day production values might just be worth it. But the old recordings will still be the best. For a start they have a different lineup now.

 

Def Leppard – Rock of Ages (2012 version) - http://youtu.be/-Sk5aeUoOjw

 

Now, re-recording your old material to avoid paying royalties or something similar is nothing new. Ozzy Osbourne had replacement bass and drum tracks added to some of his early solo albums. I'm glad I've got the originals.

 

Def Leppard covering other bands is also nothing new. And quite often they do it very, very well. If you're a Queen fan then you've probably already seen this but I reckon it's a real cracker...

 

Def Leppard with Brian May and Roger Taylor – Now I'm Here - http://youtu.be/Cz1p_u3s4W4

 

Remember back at Xmas time when I read Billy Connolly's book about his Route 66 motorcycle trip? Well the TV show has finally made it to Australia. And thanks to the magic of the hard drive recorder I've been watching it sans advertisements! What I really like about the show (and the book) is the fact that Billy is obviously having a pretty bloody good time. I'm getting more and more keen to do this trip sometime myself. I rode my motorcycle interstate for the first time today (which isn't all that far) but it was sunny and the coffee shop destination was very inviting. Now I know that Gundaroo doesn't sound nearly as exciting as St Louis, Chicago or Route 66 but it's a start! The Cork Street Cafe is highly recommended – I also remember them looking after DJ AB and I once during an Ironman training ride.

 

Jimi Hendrix – Ezy Rider - http://youtu.be/Abmb7wXM6Jw

 

ALERT! Serious guitar geekiness coming up. This next video comes to you via my guitar newsfeed. I think it speaks for itself. Probably something worth learning for my next visit to the guitar shop!

 

100 Riffs – A brief history of rock 'n' roll - http://youtu.be/xiC__IjCa2s

 

Make sure you watch at around riff 60 where he just changes instantly to a Drop D tuning! And then picks up a slide for 67! #88 is one that Angus plays all the time.

 

Right at the end of that collection is a riff that reminds me of this most excellent tune. Somewhere I've got this song on a dodgy cassette – I probably should seek out a decent version on CD or vinyl.

 

Joe Jackson – Is She Really Going Out With Him? - http://youtu.be/6SPogGqCgeM

 

King Cannons have finally released their debut album. I got hold of it last week and it's been on very heavy rotation. Wow, just wow! Run, don't walk to your pusher man and get a copy. I read recently that King Cannons were a cross between the Clash and Bruce Springsteen – that's a big call but not too inaccurate. This is my favourite song of the 13 on the album and it is a clear choice. I know that you can listen to the entire album legally on Spotify or Sound so do that and then pay $15 and get a hard copy. Money well spent supporting music from Down Under (they are Kiwis but live in Melbourne).

 

King Cannons – Call For Help - http://soundcloud.com/theinsound/call-for-help

 

School reports came home yesterday for our kids and we're pretty chuffed with both of them. Great kids. And now they are on holiday! Angus is off to ski camp next week so I guess I better devise ways to get Zoe out of her room!

 

The Beach Boys – In My Room - http://youtu.be/l71pbhqnvNM

 

I remember my parents buying a new hi-fi system and me getting the old one in my room. Having my own turntable and cassette deck was just awesome. My kids have access to a massive iTunes library as well as all the CDs – but it's not the same.

 

A quick shout out to DJ HB who is riding in the Canberra Tour this weekend – ride like the wind!

 

It would be remiss of me, as a big Lance Armstrong fan, not to make some kind of comment about the latest attempt to discredit him. There are so many rumours, whispers and inconclusive statements being trotted out in the media that it has become impossible to make head nor tails of the whole thing. There's so much that just doesn't add up. I was going to play an awesome Choirboys tune from their first album as a tribute to the media outlets but there isn't a decent copy online of "Bullsh*t" that I can find. This next song reflects how I feel at the moment...

 

Roxette – Lies - http://youtu.be/_BJOsshFL_I

 

I was talking this week about a band called Flogging Molly – I got into them via Dropkick Murphys and DJ Will. If you like your rock 'n' roll with an Irish twist give them a quick listen...

 

Flogging Molly – Swagger - http://youtu.be/tGPd8fUI9J8

 

Being on holidays I've got a couple of favourite movies to watch. I think my family has probably seen them one too many times so I'll try and time it for when they are out! Star Wars, Highlander and Austin Powers will all get an airing. As will my favourite movie of all time...can you guess...here's a hint (DJ Fatboy and Ducky should keep quiet!)...

 

Rod Stewart – You're In My Heart - http://youtu.be/8gL5QS2JpSk

 

When I taught at my last school there was a boy in one of my classes who was one of the best musicians I've ever met. He loved the bass and was a serious, serious musician. I played a couple of short shows with him on bass and DJ Doc on vocals. He was obsessed with this next tune and convinced that we should do it...you can maybe see why we didn't – a virtuoso I am not! (if you get bored of the intro then fast forward to the song itself at about 2:30)

 

Eric Johnson – Cliffs of Dover - http://youtu.be/15eu7ar5EKM

 

I read this week that Emmylou Harris is coming to town, that's right; to Canberra! Amazing. I'm sure it'll cost a gazillion dollars for a ticket but it might just be worth it. One of my favourite Emmylou moments is her being a backup singer (!) for Neil Young in his concert movie "Heart of Gold" from 2006. Track it down on DVD if you haven't seen it – better than sublime. Here's Emmylou with Willie Nelson. Man that is a great sounding, beat up old guitar!

 

Willie Nelson & Emmylou Harris – 'Til I Can Gain Control Again - http://youtu.be/vTijRT8ifZo

 

Angus is watching Rugby League so I'm off to read a book. Have a great weekend.

 

DJ Rob