Song of the Week #333

As a kid I remember listening to Casey Kasem's "American Top 40" once in a while. It usually only happened when atmospheric conditions meant that I could pick up a station that was broadcasting his show. It wasn't so much about the music because, let's face it, in the 80s the Top 40 sucked in a major way. The show was all about Casey's voice. As a wannabe radio announcer I always thought he sounded cool. But it wasn't until I read an obituary for Casey this week (he died in June 2014) that I realised that he was also the voice of Shaggy on the Scooby Doo cartoons! 

MxPx - Scooby Doo Theme - http://youtu.be/qXz47OvUGN4

Zakk Wylde was Ozzy's guitar player for a number of years. These days he's out front of a very loud rock band called Black Label Society. For some reason I listened to some BLS a few years ago and instantly discounted it. This week I decided to revisit some of his tunes after seeing a snippet of a live show and also reading that Zakk will be releasing his own brand of guitars and amplifiers. What I found was music so much better than I remembered. There's some stupidly cliched stuff in older live shows but recently it looks like Zakk is just rocking out. I would say that if you like the band Alice in Chains or Jerry Cantrell's live stuff then BLS is for you. If you prefer a more "Southern" approach to your music then make sure you check out Zakk's first album, "Pride and Glory" from 1994; a good mix of banjos and loud guitars!

Black Label Society - Fire It Up - http://youtu.be/OsaG3iUs2mk

During the week I listened as Double J played their first hour from 1975. This was part of the radio station's 40th anniversary. You can see the playlist for that hour here. It was a lot of fun and the song selection was first class. I think I'll play a couple. You have to remember that Double J played tunes that no-one else was airing on the radio and they continue to do so whether it's in the guise of the national youth station Triple J or the new one for us older fans of good music Double J. Here's two songs from that hour...

Skyhooks - You Just Like Me Coz I'm Good In Bed - http://youtu.be/mrl7kODQ8kg

Paul McCartney & Wings - Junior's Farm - http://youtu.be/pEil2e_bUvg

Students of the public holiday calendar will realise that this is the Australia Day long weekend. One of my favourite photos shared on Facebook this week included the tag line, "Australia Day, not racist prick day." In my opinion, anyone is welcome, just leave your prejudice, intolerance and hatred at the door.

Warumpi Band - My Island Home - http://youtu.be/8vEntK3fwp8

This is a short episode...let me finish with a few songs. Let's see if anyone can spot the link...and it isn't because they are all live versions...

Michael Schenker - Rock Bottom (live) - http://youtu.be/FMXHXuAmphU

Albert King - Blues Power (live) - http://youtu.be/LVtYKVaz9xY

Jet - Cold Hard Bitch (live) - http://youtu.be/0mANRLJ1Yks

Rock on brothers and sisters,

Rob...make sure you click the link below...you might end up with a big smile!

"Marconi plays the mamba, listen to the radio, don't you remember
We built this city, we built this city on rock an' roll" - We Built This City - Starship