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.