World Wide Woozle episode #455

Episode 455. More music, more blethering. Let's go....

V Spy V Spy (not to be confused with the cartoon Spy Vs Spy) were a hard edged, politically charged Aussie band most well known for their output in the 80s. The vocal delivery, lyrical content and the instantly recognisable guitar sound all combine to make them essential listening for me at least. 

V Spy V Spy - Hard Times - https://youtu.be/j4ZQQzbiRt8

In the last couple of weeks I've gravitated back to some older Bruce Springsteen tunes. There's just something raw and honest about his earlier work. And please don't think I'm discounting his more recent tracks either. This is a newer live version of what is a stone cold classic. If you've got time then check out the original which was recorded on an old 4 track cassette recorder  - click here.

Bruce Springsteen - Atlantic City (live 2013) - https://youtu.be/g2TmSB8ccLY

For Australian readers, the movie version of Jimmy Barnes' life story will be on the TV soon. He's released two books, "Working Class Boy" and "Working Class Man" and has also had a live theatre tour. I've related before that the first book is quite a difficult read in many ways. Poverty, violence and alcohol abuse were such integral parts of Jimmy's life that it's amazing that he is still around today and singing. For those overseas, if you haven't heard Jimmy sing then check these two clips out. He has to have one of the most powerful voices in rock music.

Jimmy Barnes - Working Class Man (live ABC TV 2017) - https://youtu.be/QsD_EH1kTZw

Jimmy Barnes - I'd Die To Be With You Tonight (live 1986/7) - https://youtu.be/u34DDEdbsJQ

From the start, Heavy Metal music has always been caught up with an element of fantasy. The next song from 1975 by Rainbow typifies that. What it also has is a strong link to folk music. It's not the heaviest song but it showcases Ronnie James Dio's great voice and Ritchie Blackmore's varied influences.

Rainbow - Temple of the King - https://youtu.be/JBOJIpr_HgI

I'm lucky enough to have an acoustic guitar that my Dad handed on to me a few years ago. It was second hand when he bought it back in about 1970. Anyway, I'd been thinking about a new acoustic guitar since the other one I have I don't really get on with and the old one, well I'm not all that keen on taking it out and about. But the price of something that I'd like is pretty steep so I decided to have the old one, made by a company called Eko. looked at by a local guitar tech. He thought it was awesome. It's getting a device installed that will stop the body bowing and increase the resonance as well. All for about a tenth of the cost of a new one. Apparently the guitar is bullet proof so maybe I should take it out more often!

Steve Earle - Guitar Town - https://youtu.be/AINUPFbFpqg

John Denver - This Old Guitar (live) - https://youtu.be/zlKLtnbU0xE

Canberrans who love their Metal should already have tickets to see Live Evil later in October. The band will be at The Basement playing Iron Maiden's "Number of the Beast" album in whole as well as some other tracks. I'm fortunate enough to have seen Iron Maiden live and I can assure you that Live Evil are so close that you could close your eyes and not tell the difference. It promises to be a great show.

Iron Maiden - Hallowed Be Thy Name (live) - https://youtu.be/_BFXCgm5270

I'm sorry if you've had enough of The Proclaimers but this next song had me in stitches during the week. The lyrics are a real treat even though it's essentially a sad song.

The Proclaimers - I'd Ask the Questions - https://youtu.be/EcYLNnt60I4

That'll do. I'm off to work.

Keep the faith Australia,

Rob

"Like a spiral on the wind
I can hear it screamin' in my mind
Long live rock and roll", Long Live Rock and Roll, Rainbow, 1978