World Wide Woozle episode #448

No time for games this week so let's get straight into the music with Stevie Wright. This one is from 1975 and was the follow up to the very, very cool song, "Evie". 

Stevie Wright - Guitar Band - https://youtu.be/2MbYxa1BM-Q

One of the things I like about the Steve Wright track is that there is plenty of space in it. What I mean is that there isn't just a wall of sound coming at you which is the case with a lot of rock artists. I suppose having George Young and Harry Vanda in charge of recording worked out well!

There is a good wall of sound though and that's the one pioneered by Phil Spector. It wasn't about everything being insanely loud and assaulting your senses that way. Instead his idea was to layer many instruments and voices to make the sound fuller. Here's one of the most famous songs produced in this way.

The Crystals - Da Do Ron Ron - https://youtu.be/L0dikX80Ed8

Brian Wilson from the Beach Boys is also well known for approaching this style for recording. What it shows is that while musicianship and songwriting is obviously important, recording itself is almost another instrument.

The Beach Boys - Wouldn't It Be Nice - https://youtu.be/lD4sxxoJGkA

US thrash metal titans Anthrax have released a live album and DVD recorded in Scotland. But here's the thing: it's 2018, high definition audio and video is everywhere, Anthrax is a hugely successful band yet this release hasn't come out on BluRay. Bizarre. The concert also includes them playing their classic album, "Among The Living", in its entirety.

Anthrax - Indians (live in Scotland) - https://youtu.be/ttV7zifrI_Y

So, Anthrax was recorded live at Glasgow's "Barrowland Ballroom". If you happen to be in the area and get along there on Saturday night you'll have the chance to see one of my favourite Scottish bands...

Del Amitri - Always The Last To Know - https://youtu.be/Nox57hdgeAU

I was mucking around learning some new songs on the guitar this week and the next song was giving me no end of grief. Somehow I just couldn't get it to sound right even though it sounds so simple. After a brief period of frustration I let the internet help me out and discovered that it is played with the guitar tuned in a different way to normal. After a quick retune and getting my fingers around some new chord shapes I'm getting close to playing a reasonable rendition. I'm also really enjoying the way that the D-A-D-G-A-D tuning sounds so I might try some other songs too.

Del Amitri - Be My Downfall - https://youtu.be/ztKS9a-fKFE

Remember Neil from "The Young Ones"? Well, one of his favourite bands, Marillion, have released a live concert called, "All One Tonight". It was recorded at the Royal Albert Hall in October 2017. Yep, it's available on BluRay as well ha ha! This is a great track and if it's anything to go by, the whole concert should be a real treat. Power, prog and majesty...

Marillion - The Space - https://youtu.be/Nm_TcAAySbc

Iggy Pop has been working with Underworld. I'm really not sure what to think. It's not my kind of music really but it is annoyingly catchy in places. Take the vocal stylings Pop and combine them with almost Kraftwerk-esque electronica and it just works. 

Underworld and Iggy Pop - Trapped - https://youtu.be/vjDbyewmOK4

The next track is another one I am learning to play. I'm really not sure why Maybe Dolls weren't bigger than they were but the album they left us with ("Prpopganda", 1992) is worth seeking out. It's NOT available on Spotify by the way which is a shame.

Maybe Dolls - Nervous Kid - https://youtu.be/fb083cYZdMk

This week I discovered that there was a Jason Isbell live album that I didn't have. Shock horror! Recorded in 2012 in Alabama it's an excellent representation of a hard working and tight touring band playing well crafted songs worn in on the road. It's recorded before the "Southeastern" album but don't let that put you off. Oh, and my copy is winging it's way here thanks to online shopping.

Jason Isbell & The 400 Unit - Danko/Manuel (live 2012) - https://youtu.be/jdZVcDt5MpU

I heard a cover version of this song yesterday and I was not, I repeat NOT impressed. I don't think anyone could improve on this classic...and then I found out that the version I knew so well was...indeed...a cover! Here's the real original.

Walter Egan - Hot Summer Nights - https://youtu.be/45-CrpU5y5I

The Screaming Jets have just released a whole album of Australian classic tunes done their way. I was excited to hear about it as the Jets are an excellent live band. And it seems that playing these tracks live is what they should have stuck to. To be fair, there are a couple of good efforts on the album but the rest is just a bit lifeless. If you haven't been to a Screaming Jets show then you need to understand that it is sweaty, loud, Aussie rock at its best. This album misses the mark. However, I reckon that any live shows where they roll out some of these numbers in alongside their extensive original repertoire would be a lot of fun. 

To finish this week, a song that I listened to over and over in the car recently. For all of you Americans reading this, we don't have "turnpikes" down here in Australia and I'm not sure I even understand what one is. And rhyming "Saginaw" just sounds cooler than "Belconnen" any day. Another place to visit on my musical bucket.

Simon and Garfunkel - America (live) - https://youtu.be/sFAoWwUwknc

Rock on,

Rob

"...it's hard for us to understand,

we can't give up our jobs the way you've planned..." , We Work The Black Seam, Sting, 1985.

World Wide Woozle episode #447

This week marked the return to cycling of two of my best mates. One after a layoff due to being hit by a car and the other after an enforced break as a result of a cracked frame on his bike. Some days I like riding by myself. It's a bit of a meditative time with some physical punishment thrown into the mix. If I had the choice I would always ride with someone else as the kilometres simply melt away as you shoot the breeze.

Jorn - Ride Like The Wind - https://youtu.be/Or3uQG4SmWU

Have you heard of "PostmodernJukebox"? No? Neither had I until I saw their name written down in something I was reading. I'd forgotten all about it until today when they popped up in a list of songs for me to try. Without knowing what to expect I had a bit of a listen and disappeared down a soul, swing and jazz rabbit hole. The group has a heap of material on YouTube and if you have some time to spare then I'it won't be wasted. Here's just one example...

PostmodernJukebox - Don't Stop Me Now (Queen cover done Tina Turner style) - https://youtu.be/b5xm9p00u8E

I was reminded this week of a band that I hadn't listened to for years. Extreme straddled the boundary between funk and heavy metal fairly successfully for a number of years. They were also in Australia recently touring with Mr Big. There's a big Queen influence in a lot of their music which I really enjoy.

Extreme - Rest In Peace - https://youtu.be/odz3c68JE1c

Only a few weeks ago I introduced you to rockers Greta Van Fleet. Well, they have a rocking brand new single called, "When The Curtain Falls". The Led Zeppelin comparisons are fair enough but regardless, these guys from Michigan are playing excellent rock and roll.

Greta Van Fleet - When The Curtain Falls - https://youtu.be/hurQgJXtpKI

Tom Keifer sang and played guitar for US rockers Cinderella in the 80s and 90s. He's had ongoing issues with paralysis of his vocal cords and, as the internet tells us, has an extensive exercise regime to keep them going. Cinderella were a very cool band, especially their "Heartbreak Station" album and Tom's solo stuff is great as well. Here's a couple of tracks for you to try out.

Cinderella - Shake Me - https://youtu.be/ptPekKOigkQ

Tom Keifer - The Way Life Goes - https://youtu.be/TR9ZTCNvh1U

Tom Petty's estate have announced the upcoming release of a four disc set featuring unreleased material. From what I know, Tom was quite prolific when it came to recording so fingers crossed that there are some gems in there. Tom's been on my mixtapes, CDs and playlists pretty constantly since my first exposure to him with "Full Moon Fever" and with the Travelling Wilburys. It didn't take me long to delve into his back catalogue. Here's the first release from the upcoming collection which is called "An American Treasure".

Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers - Keep A Little Soul - https://youtu.be/wt0nIV60ssA

I remember very clearly seeing Yothu Yindi play at the ANU Refectory here in Canberra and then later on at the Royal Theatre. Both were fantastic shows but the first one was just as "Treaty" hit the airwaves and was a bit more personal as the venue meant you were up close with the band. Fast forward to 2018 and "Treaty" has been re-released with input from Gavin Campbell and Baker Boy. Hmmm...I dunno. I still like the original, pre-disco remix version the best. New version here if you want a listen.

Yothu Yindi - Treaty (original version) - https://youtu.be/vsvnS4faL5k

Who among you remember this comedy classic? 

D-Generation - Five In A Row - https://youtu.be/nHGu2zd0aNE

Keeping it Australian for a minute, John Schumann (Redgum) has a new album called "Ghosts and Memories". It's scheduled for release on 27 July this year. I was lucky enough to see John play live last year thanks to my good friend DJ SAB. I'm pretty sure that he played this song. In terms of live performers and storytellers he's right up there with the best. John and Russell Morris on the same bill would be a fantastic show.

John Schumann & The Vagabond Crew - FIFO Road - https://youtu.be/xfu6_1JKoyI

I played this next song for someone this week and she was almost moved to tears. Joan Baez isn't always my cup of tea but the way she sings this song is nothing short of sublime. As you may know I came to this song via the Judas Priest cover version and one of my friends also recording his own take on the track. 

Joan Baez - Diamonds and Rust - https://youtu.be/1ST9TZBb9v8

I mentioned Jethro Tull the other week whilst pleading with you all to listen to "Legend of the Seagullmen". Tull's album, "Stormwatch" is the one that the Seagullmen make me think of. Having never been remotely interested in Jethro Tull apart from this particular album I can't tell you much more than I like it. I've had a brief listen to their other stuff and it's just not doing it for me. But "Stormwatch" is excellent.

Jethro Tull - Dun Ringill - https://youtu.be/EuGdFRLas9s

The last track this week was somewhat unexpected. I played a new track from The Decemberists last week. And then this popped up; released just three days ago. I encourage you to read the information about the clip listed on the YouTube site. Even without the clip and the background to it this is a moving song. With the clip even more so. Watch it.

The Decemberists - Once In My Life - https://youtu.be/bHFbaF9_kpI

Be kind to yourselves,

Rob

"No more worries no more doubt,
You'll find out at the Stompin' Ground..", Stompin' Ground, Warumpi Band, 1996.

World Wide Woozle episode #446

I hope some of you enjoyed listening to side 1 of my driving mixtape. Side 2 will be coming in a few weeks.

This week has seen my injured left knee finally come good. It wasn't anything dreadful, just some patellar tendinopathy, and a few sessions with a good physio followed up with exercises was the solution. Now I can gradually reintroduce hill climbing back into my cycle training. Hills hurt but I really like them. Onwards and upwards!

Deafheaven are a band I hadn't heard of until this week. I read a review that described them as everything from indie-pop and shoegaze all the way to screamo-metal. I was intrigued and so had a listen to one of the singles from their new album, "Ordinary Corrupt Human Love". The track starts off dreamy and almost introspective before launching into and anthemic, melodic style with black metal vocals. It's not an especially easy listen but it is musically quite dense. As a result I'll definitely give the whole album a decent listen.

Deafheaven - Canary Yellow - https://youtu.be/w5eQuhBfDE0

Eddie Van Halen is making the most of being a guitar hero and pioneer by releasing a whole swag of items bearing his signature. Guitars, amps and pedals are all available should you want to look or try to sound like the master. He's an innovator there is no doubt and they aren't just produced for him; he's involved in the development. The latest release is a chorus pedal designed to sound like his setup on albums such as 1982's "Diver Down". That's quite a polarising album as there are so many cover versions on it. Here's a well known song with a good dose of chorusing on the guitar...

Van Halen - Oh Pretty Woman - https://youtu.be/3z1CdiWQLqE

Lily Allen has a brand new album, her fourth, called "No Shame". Her earlier efforts were poppy efforts with lyrics so personal and raw that you'd either laugh, cringe or both. This single is called "Lost My Mind" and it's Lily at her best; electro-poppy, very English, and honest. I really like Lily's previous releases and on the strength of this I'll get a copy of the album soon. For those of you with kids you may be relieved that this song doesn't require a language warning!

Lily Allen - Lost My Mind - https://youtu.be/XQi0ORxEyRA

Snail Mail - Heat Wave - https://youtu.be/-d91Qn8QUks

Lindsey Jordan (vox/guitars) from the band Snail Mail has a dreamy voice that is remeniscent of Klara and Johanna from First Aid Kit. Snail Mail released their debut album, "Lush", last month. I read about them on "The Consequence of Sound" website and the review made me think that they'd be worth a listen. I guess if you like Veruca Salt or The Lemonheads you'd not be disappointed with this. It also sounds a bit like The Clouds who were a fantastic Australian band from the 90s.

Snail Mail - Heat Wave - https://youtu.be/-d91Qn8QUks

The Clouds - 4pm - https://youtu.be/ntE4WaCGHU4

I was cleaning up some of my CDs last week and came across one that I'd totally forgotten about. It's by J. Mascis and is called "Tied To A Star". I remember buying it on the strength of one song and because I really liked the cover art! Here's a track from it that I hope you like. J. Mascis is well known for very distorted and loud guitar work and this is quite different.

J. Mascis - Every Morning - https://youtu.be/KJjfv2xkcK0

The Decemberists are a band who manage to play a wide variety of styles and still sound a bit unique. This song has elements of folk, indie and electronica. The pulsing bass line is infectious. Colin Meloy has a very distinctive voice which I think is essential for success in popular music. There is no doubt that this song is political. Being serious without sounding like a bunch of tossers can be quite a challenge and The Decemberists pull it off admirably here.

The Decemberists - Severed - https://youtu.be/ksTFj6L0mao

I read a book last week called "Out of the forest". It's by an Australian author called Gregory Smith. The book is an autobiography and tells his story growing up being abused at home, in various institutions, becoming homeless and then living in a forest in North Queensland for a number of years. It's a fairly damning indictment on the Catholic Church in Australia among other things. The book pulls no punches about how difficult Gregory's life was and it's explored in detail that often had me close to tears. What it really brought home to me though is no matter how tough your circumstances are you can find a way out. Gregory went from years of physical and mental abuse to a life as a recluse living in the bush as an alcohol and drug addict (he made and grew his own). These days he has a PhD an is a lecturer at a university. This is a book I'd thoroughly recommend. It's eye opening, brutally sad and also inspiring.

I can always count on my mate DJ Plooky to point me in the right direction of good punk music. This track is no exception. If The Decemberists were hoping you'd notice their political statement in the previous song then Anti-Flag have put it right in your face so you can't miss it. Stamp your foot, shake your fist....

Anti-Flag - Racists - https://youtu.be/A1wB9kZ2dnA

I haven't commented much about anything political lately. For one thing it's just too depressing to look at the majority of politicians lately regardless of their party affiliation. And whilst our Australian politicians aren't covering themselves in glory of late there's no doubt that President Trump has to be close to one of the most polarising politicians ever. In the midst of his UK visit he apparently said that he didn't feel all that welcome. Billy Bragg responded on Twitter that perhaps the message seems to be finally getting through.

Billy Bragg - Help Save The Youth of America (live) - https://youtu.be/NJ2QOwQdHL8

Great looking guitar that Billy is playing there...

Have a great weekend,

Rob

"The rain is nothing to fear, when you become the storm...", Become the Storm, Dee Snider, 2018.

Virus-free. www.avg.com

World Wide Woozle episode #445

Twice in one week? Well the last episode was late so this is me getting back on schedule.

As I've already given you all some new tunes in episode #444 the decision has been taken to have a bit of a theme this time around. Management has been consulted and it's full steam ahead. Seatbelts on please and no fighting in the backseat or you're walking home.

The majority of you are still with me after over 400 episodes because either you really like music or you can't work out how to unsubscribe! For the music lovers, this week is a driving mixtape. These are some of the tracks that I love to listen to in the car. 

The first track is actually about driving. Here's Sammy Hagar (pre-Van Halen) doing what he does best and that's singing catchy hard rock. I first heard this song on Van Halen's "Live Without A Net" live convert video but this is the original version. If you like Sammy then don't forget that he made some excellent albums recently with his band Chickenfoot which features Michael Anthony (ex-Van Halen) on bass, Joe Satriani on guitar and Chad Smith (Chilli Peppers) on drums.

Sammy Hagar - I Can't Drive 55 - https://youtu.be/RvV3nn_de2k

Somewhere in the 1908s Cold Chisel put out a compilation album called, "Razor Songs". It was fantastic and really showcased the power that the band had in a live setting. I've always preferred it to the "Radio Songs" compilation which was really greatest hits. Anyway, I almost chose "Merry Go Round" but I really couldn't go past the raw power of Chisel ripping into this old standard. Lots of bands try this song and few do it justice. 

Cold Chisel - Wild Thing (live 1979) - https://youtu.be/wrbCKpVe43M

"Eddie and The Cruisers" is one of my favourite films and it has a cracking soundtrack. Set in the 60s, the movie follows the rise and fall of a fictional rock and roll band. In my opinion it's right up there with "The Commitments" as one of the best music movies ever made.

Eddie and The Cruisers - On The Dark Side - https://youtu.be/nYDAF6NbgKc

In the 80s, big cassette players were the coolest thing. That, and batteries to run them! My friend Pinky had one of the best as well as an awesome music collection. This is one band that he turned me onto at a Scout camp we were at. This is such a great song and it never fails to take me back in time to a dusty campsite! 

Talking Heads - And She Was - https://youtu.be/cl3B_FTDKD0

I'm a little bit stuck in the 80s I know but I'll remedy that shortly. Before I do a track from a band who had a knack of writing anthemic choruses. I saw them live once and they were horrid. What a disappointment!

Boom Crash Opera - Dancing In The Storm - https://youtu.be/f-mmg4egLtM

If I'm being totally honest then this is one track that gets played pretty much the most when I'm on my own in the car. I saw this band live in 1988 with my Dad and it certainly changed the way I thought about my musical heritage. "Forward with Scotland's past..."

Battlefield Band - The Roving Dies Hard - https://youtu.be/9qZZ01RFf_Q

Coheed and Cambria are a much under appreciated band. OK, their lyrics are sometime impenetrable but they write memorable guitar lines and perform with such passion. If you like prog, metal and/or sci fi then you really should spend a lot of time with this group.

Coheed and Cambria - Welcome Home - https://youtu.be/n0H3RlaQVrM

I've been a Johnny Cash fan for a long time now; since my days playing gothabilly with Dark Violence of Beauty. One day I hope to coax Scot out of retirement to do a Cash tribute. For me, Johnny is the quintessential singer/songwriter. He covers a wide range of topics with a brutal honesty and the eye of someone who is a close watcher of people.

Johnny Cash - Cocaine Blues - https://youtu.be/Aq344ks1ieg

Judas Priest put out an album earlier this year, their 18th. It's essential listening for all metal fans in my opinion. Plenty of "old" bands are still touring and recording but few of them have managed to come up with an album as good as this. I don't think there's a dud track and they put their hearts and souls into it. This is the track I like most in the car.

Judas Priest - Never The Heroes - https://youtu.be/V0J3u3_800c

Luke Yeoward was the singer for King Cannons. He now runs his own studio in Melbourne. This is a very recent release from him but I have it cued up on a Spotify playlist for regular listening. One for lovers of ska, reggae and roots music all presented with an antipodean angle. 

Luke Yeoward - Soapbox - https://youtu.be/9EWmHAnsBfg

H was responsible for me listening to Morrissey. Previously I'd had little interest in him and his shenanigans (Morrissey, not George!) The album, "You Are The Quarry" is now a regular listen for me. I don't remember living in England as a wee boy but the lyrics of artists like Morrissey make me glad I don't! This is a moody track but it's great to sing along to.

Morrissey - Come Back to Camden - https://youtu.be/itldtaLv_X4

There you go. That's about one side of a mix-tape for the car. Feel free to let me know your favourite driving tunes. I'll come back later on and programme Side B for you as well!

Have a great weekend. It's meant to be cold and wet here so I might head into the studio with my guitar to see what I can come up with.

Rock on brothers and sisters,

Rob

Wait....there's a few minutes left on this side of the cassette. Here's an extra track. It's awesome.

World Wide Woozle episode #444

A huge thanks and a thunderous round of applause for the sublime guest episode programmed by my good friend DJ Dr. He managed to play one of my very favourite bands and one that I really, really dislike! Bonus points if you can guess the latter.

I had a moment this week when I finally "got" a band that had been making me work really hard to like them. After listening to a couple of albums over the last two years I was almost ready to give up. But then I was reorganising some CDs in my "studio" and I threw their debut offering into the player and, BOOM, it made sense. The band is question is The Hold Steady and when I thought about their music as almost sort of beat poetry put to indie rock then I began to enjoy it. Their lyrics are worth reading and listening to. After this revelation I'll go back and listen to them some more. Are they the grungy American bastard child of John Cooper-Clarke? Maybe. Oh, and they sing about Ybor City. More about that in a minute.

The Hold Steady - Killer Parties - https://youtu.be/uhzctuOfosc

Ybor City is in Tampa, Florida in the USA. And until the other day I'd only heard of it in the Jason Isbell song, "Travelling Alone". And then The Hold Steady were singing about it....in more than one song. I'll find out more about it later but it may have to be on Woozle approved bucket list of places mentioned in songs that I'd like to visit.

Jason Isbell & Amanda Shires - Travelling Alone - https://youtu.be/uySNnupUsXc

I get music listening hints and tips from the most interesting places. This week it was from the Pharmacist at our local shops. She told me all about her brother's 80's punk band (and their cult status in Japan!) Well I had to have a listen and it was pretty cool really. This trip had me headed down a punk rock rabbit hole fairly quickly which was a lot of fun. Here they are, all the way from Dunfermline in Fife (that's Scotland you heathens....)

The Actives -  Kick It Down - https://youtu.be/bAhH1S6HSCc

Last Sunday I played my first gig after an eleven month hiatus (or was it a hibernation). My friend Sam and I have started a duo which we call Petra Volvo. You can work out why if you like; I think it's a very cool name. It was a relaxed lounge room show for some of Sam's friends and family (DJ Al-ee-sun came along too) and it was a lot of fun. We'll continue to try out songs to see what suits us best and hopefully we'll do some more lounge room or garage shows soon(ish). The format is Sam on vocals, me on guitar and every now and then I sing a bit too. The singing bit is very scary for me I can assure you. Anyway, we did twelve songs and we enjoyed it. Here's a cool version of one song currently in our ever expanding repertoire...

Norah Jones - Creepin' In (live) - https://youtu.be/iVypJWmV2wU

Israel Nash has a new album coming on July 27th. The first single and video have just been released and should appeal if you like laid back alt-country or Americana. He also has a number of tunes very much in the style of Neil Young. This one's an infectious number...

Israel Nash - Lucky Ones - https://youtu.be/-2OYHA5nqB0 

There was sad news recently as Vinnie Paul passed away. He was most famous as the drummer for American metal giants, Pantera. He was just 54.

Pantera - Cowboys From Hell - https://youtu.be/i97OkCXwotE

H put me onto the next band and they are really quite different. Featuring members of well known groups such as Tool, Mastodon it really is a super-group. They describe themselves as playing "cinematic, psychedelic rock" singing about shipwrecks, the sea and giant squid. If you took Jethro Tull's "Stormwatch" album and made Dream Theater play it after only listening to sea shantys for a week then this might be the product. The album is one that deserves a listen from start to finish through a big sound system or decent headphones.

Legend of the Seagullmen - Curse of the Red Tide - https://youtu.be/tHl2bC-ybz0

The Midnight Oil movie that I went to see recently is about to be released on DVD (no BluRay that I am aware of). I was really hoping that there would be simply a live concert video made of the footage as well but that seems not to be the case. Shame really as the sound and picture quality were fantastic given that it was shot in the early 80s.

Midnight Oil - Armistice Day (live 1982) - https://youtu.be/nNVCR39dX0o

Last night I watched about 30 minutes of the TV mini-series made about Olivia Newton-John's life. If she was described in the USA as the singing equivalent of white bread then this show took that cue and ran with it. Boooooooooring. That's such a shame for a wonderful singer.

Olivia Newton-John - Hopelessly Devoted To You (live 1978) - https://youtu.be/lR93L8sUMNg

If you want to see a good mini series about a band then look for the fairly recent one made about INXS. 

I reckon that's probably enough music for this episode. With any luck there will be another episode on Friday or Saturday.

Rock on folks,

Rob

One more amazing mash up....HERE! Guns 'n Roses should release this! And did you spot DImebag Darrell in there too?