World Wide Woozle episode #436

Here we are folks, it's the weekend and I hope you've got some time to listen to some outrageously good tunes as well as reading some random thoughts from yours truly. I'll also discuss one very disappointing new release but more about that later on.

Lux Lisbon are one of my favourite current bands. They are independent and release all of their own material as well as doing a stellar job at keeping up the hype using various social media platforms. The band spend the time to connect with potential and current fans individually and, whilst that takes up time for them it certainly engenders loyalty. Lux Lisbon have some new tunes being released on February the 18th and I'll remind you at the time. I really would encourage you to try these two tracks out because they really are a great band with strong writing, great vocals and plenty of catchy tunes. Fans of The Killers, U2 or Simple Minds should listen without delay.

Lux Lisbon - Get Some Scars - https://youtu.be/D13lu3aajjo

Lux Lisbon - Bullingdon Club - https://youtu.be/5esbUG4bslQ

Helmet are on their way back to Australia in April. That's one for all you lovers of metronomic rhythms and really cool heavy guitar. Helmet are like a cross between your favourite metal band and a slide rule. Anyone would think that they'd been listening to Adelaide's The Mark of Cain when they recorded this.

Helmet - In The Meantime - https://youtu.be/9346rQ1d8ik

One thing that I'm really enjoying about my new job is the time driving between clients. Some of you might be asking yourselves, has he gone mad? But here in Canberra the distances aren't huge, the traffic is light and it means I get an opportunity to listen to more music. New job...oh yeah. I'm working with DJ Al-ee-sunshine in her professional organising business. It's fun and busy so far and I'm enjoying the challenge. Week one is done and I saw four clients and did a heap of backoffice type work. I think DJ ZedBoots was a bit shocked at the truth that I'd turned her room into my office! It's groovy having bed next to your desk if you need a short lie down during the day. I made an effort not to listen to my standard car playlists this week so here's two tracks I really enjoyed.

Porcupine Tree - Fear of a Blank Planet (live) - https://youtu.be/BZghBgdqUQc

Michael Schenker Group - Feels Like A Good Thing - https://youtu.be/2WG2HNhLRK8

Speaking of work; one of the essentials these days is having a blog or similar to build a client base and keep people engaged. If you'd like to read what I wrote about garages, studios and hangouts then click here. 

The Winter Olympics. Seriously, watching the Australian coverage you'd think that there was only snowboarding, figure skating and maybe some skeleton on offer. The distinct lack of curling on the television is a disgrace. I don't like the whole opening and closing ceremony nonsense either, it just makes me yawn. But if they played this I'd be a keen viewer...

Emerson, Lake and Palmer - Fanfare for the Common Man - https://youtu.be/c2zurZig4L8

In April I'll be off again on Pollie Pedal joining some veterans, politicians and others in a 1000km cycle from Melbourne to Canberra. All funds raised go to supporting Soldier On who work to assist contemporary veterans, first responders and their families. Last year I rode as a staff member and i worked bloody hard the whole time. This year I'm going as a rider and a veteran. The route is very cool as we'll go through the town I went to High School in and even cycle past my old front door! My goal is to raise $1000 and I'm about halfway there already. If supporting me to support veterans is something you'd like to consider then please click here.

John Farnham - Help (live 1987) - https://youtu.be/DgmNi-0atb4

I read recently that Steve Earle and The Dukes are doing a concert tour where they'll play his classic album, "Copperhead Road" in its entirety. I guess that'll be kind of cool for both the hardcore fans and casual listeners. I like it when performers dig out at least a few more obscure album tracks in a live situation. Steve played a great show when H and I saw him in Sydney a while ago so fingers crossed he makes another trek downunder.

Steve Earle and The Dukes - Johnny Come Lately - https://youtu.be/MWudiLgUtfo

I promised a new release that is very much below par and here it is. You all know by now that I am a big fan of the US metal band, Stryper. I've got all of their albums including an original pressing of their first release (The Yellow and Black Attack). This week they released a new track and, well, it's horrible. Just when it's sounding great with the classic Styrper guitars, melodies and amazing vocals the chorus comes along and it's like a mix of the worst rap/thrash/Dr Seuss you've ever heard. Dreadful. I can only hope that the rest of the forthcoming album isn't like this. Anyway, feel free to judge for yourself and let me know your thoughts.

Stryper - Take It To The Cross - https://youtu.be/OWvdLnP8m3I

I can't finish on a low note so here's something to raise your spirits. Every now and then someone will have a fall out training on the bike. DJ ChuckBee had a small one on Friday. He ended up on his back on the grass with his bike still attached to his shoes. Luckily there's little damage and we could laugh about it and ride one. This song's for him...

Men Without Hats - Safety Dance - https://youtu.be/0QDKLglEP5Y

That's all folks,
Rob

"A blanket stitched with national pride
Look beneath it's genocide" - Refused, Francafrique, 2015.

World Wide Woozle episode #435

I debated for a while whether or not I would write about Australia Day. I fact it delayed this episode significantly. In the end I've chosen to say this; my opinion is that January 26th as a celebration of our nation doesn't work for me. It disrespects the traditional inhabitants of this land and ignores the fact that our nation wasn't formed then anyway. What are we celebrating? The setting up of the penal colony of New South Wales, the start of injustices against the Indigenous people of Australia? That's not for me.

What I'd like to see is a recognition that Australia, whilst not perfect by any means, is a wonderful country. We've got the chance to come together and recognise what we're good at. Being positive is OK, in fact it's healthy. That doesn't mean that we're ignoring past or present issues either. Let's just choose a better date and get on with being Australian...all of us. If you disagree that's fine as long as you've had a decent think about it and made an effort to look past the media (who just want to sell sensationalism) and the politicians (who generally are only interested in themselves).

Midnight Oil - One Country - https://youtu.be/Mz3HShQkdd4

My listening journey into progressive rock (aka prog) continues. Last week I spent a lot of time listening to a band/artist called Phideaux. They call themselves an, "art rock band that specialises in melodic. eclectic music". That sounds like a fair description. I found bits of the music quite atmospheric alongside some cool rhythms and sounds. It's far from boring and not at all impenetrable. I wouldn't say that Phideaux are commercial but their music has elements that should appeal to most people. If you know a few Pink Floyd songs and like them then give this a spin.

Phideaux - Helix - https://youtu.be/EED7UqoZi0E

Chris de Burgh's song, "Don't Pay The Ferryman" is a classic. Back in the day, DJ SAB wanted us to record a grungy punk version but for whatever reason we didn't get around to it. I found a couple of newer versions last week and enjoyed them both. The one here is from British group, Lionheart. The band is made of up of blokes who were all previously members of outfits prominent in the New Wave of British Heavy Metal in the late 70s and early 80s. Personally I think it looks and sounds like they're having a hell of of a lot of fun!

Lionheart - Don't Pay The Ferryman  - https://youtu.be/qAOy65RY_4M

Lionheart's record company aren't doing them any favours however. The album isn't on Spotify and it's pretty tricky to track down a physical copy to buy. Hopefully at least one of those is rectified soon.

I was doing some reading about Star Wars recently and the issue of its influence on popular culture in general was being discussed. This next video was mentioned so I gave it a spin. Oh wow, it's an hilarious clip but I'll admit that I'd forgotten how cool the song itself was. Great hook!

Billy Ocean - Loverboy - https://youtu.be/CmhjXEkI5Lg

ABBA are much loved in Australia, maybe more than anywhere than their homeland. This week I happened to throw a double CD of their greatest hits into my playlist. I remember my Mum being a fan of a few tracks so the band has always been rolling around in the back of my head. ABBA are so overplayed and cliched here that, along with the regular TV specials, we tend to get a bit desensitised to just how amazing they were. Spin these tracks boys and girls and remember that there's no digital trickery and no auto tune. Just great songwriting and performances.

ABBA - Take A Chance On Me - https://youtu.be/-crgQGdpZR0

ABBA - Super Trouper (live 1981) - https://youtu.be/_ilt-E-ZgxU

Concept albums are very hit and miss. For every success such as Pink Floyd's, "The Wall" or Queensryche's, "Operation Mindcrime" there are a heap that fall very, very flat. W.A.S.P. recorded "The Crimson Idol" over three years with eventual release in 1993. Essentially it was a Blackie Lawless solo album that was put out under the W.A.S.P. name. Regardless, I've always thought it was rather good and it works with a storyline throughout. Well, it's just been re-recorded and released. I've had a quick listen to the new version and it sounds really good so I'm playing  a track this week. Blackie continues to have an amazingly strong voice and the production is top notch. I think that there is some kind of DVD coming with the album so I'll review that in due course.

W.A.S.P. - Chainsaw Charlie (Murders in the New Morgue) - https://youtu.be/y_WSZN7c4Ak

Rick Springfield's new track "In The Land Of The Blind" certainly surprised me. I guess I was expecting straight ahead rock and roll with a decent hook. What I got was a country, Keith Urban style song with lyrics that Neil Young would be proud of. Rick's Australian but obviously quite impacted by living in the USA and politics there. Well worth a few listens and I hope the album is as strong as this.

Rick Springfield - In The Land Of The Blind - https://youtu.be/V6v3K-ZSVho

Lastly; titans of thrash metal, Slayer, are touring the world and then calling it a day. That's not a bad effort for a band formed in 1981! Their influence on heavy metal is without question and their refusal to change their sound and attitude is legendary. Slayer play hard, fast, aggressive, loud metal and they are the kings of the genre. I'm hoping that they manage to make it to Australia so that I can go along and pay my respects.

Slayer - War Ensemble - https://youtu.be/jqnC54vbUbU

I think that's enough for this episode. Next time we'll probably have a review of the new Judas Priest single (released yesterday), a 60s folk classic I'm working on covering, Metallica re-release news and maybe I'll tell you all about my rather exciting career change.

Hoo roo,

Rob

"...put your makeup on and get your hair done pretty..." - Atlantic City (Springsteen cover) - Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit (2017)