Firstly this week comes the sad news that legendary guitarist Tony Joe White has passed away. He was 75. Back in the 90s, Australian TV had a very short lived series about guitar players. As well as leading me to the magic of Bob Brozman, it introduced me to Tony Joe White. Some might call his music "swamp rock" but his roots are firmly in the blues. What I like the most about Tony Joe White's music was the big fat sound he got from the neck pickup of his old Stratocasters, the use of the wah pedal and the grunts and groans that gave energy to his vocals.
Rob
Tony Joe White - Even Trolls Love Rock and Roll (live) - https://youtu.be/6r9kJGmZOQQ
This week I chanced upon some songs from a New Yorker called Sean Rowe. After hearing one song I dived straight in and listened to the four albums that he has on Spotify. If you like any combination of Johnny Cash, alt-country, Americana or folk music then this is for you. What a voice!! I know this is a cover (Sean has plenty of originals) but this just showcases his voice so well.
Sean Rowe - Luckenbach Texas - https://youtu.be/9R5Z805Yuo0
I've had a browser tab open for months now reminding me to explore the work of John Trudell. You may remember that I found out about him through a documentary about Native Americans in music and popular culture. Trudell was a poet and activist. His reasons for becoming so were many but included the death of his wife, three children and mother in law in a house fire not long after his involvement in a protest that involved the burning of an American flag. There's more for me to read about Trudell and a movie about his life that I will track down.
John Trudell - Graffiti Man (live) - https://youtu.be/EJAz8XeVoCY
Saturday night's Iron Maiden tribute show was pretty good. The band were loud, energetic and did a great job with the music. There weren't many surprises in the setlists, but this one was a real treat! Freeeeeeedooommmm!
Iron Maiden (live) - The Clansman - https://youtu.be/f1rUSuYGWa0
The Clansman is also the name of the pub in a rather funny Scottish TV comedy called "Still Game". It's probably nae funny if you've not got a Scots background but just in case (and if you're not easily offended) click here for a laugh.
If you believe many of AC/DC's biographers, George Young used to deconstruct their songs on the piano during the writing and recording process. The rationale being that a good song was a good song regardless of instrumentation. You can't hide behind overdrive or delay on a piano or acoustic guitar. Here's Chris Cornell (Soundgarden, Audioslave) demonstrating just that with one of his most well known tracks.
Chris Cornell - Black Hole Sun (live/acoustic) - https://youtu.be/Ts7dTQhg0RY
If eclectic is a word that you like to use to describe your musical taste then Opeth should probably be on your list of bands to listen to. They seem to cram almost every musical genre into their prog-metal based sound. A band for thinkers and dreamers I think.
Opeth - Sorceress (live) - https://youtu.be/8Fc0pbZxlo8
I read today, on Farcebook, that John Farnham's song, "Two Strong Hearts", is no good because apparently honey doesn't stick to bees. Meh, I think it's a great song regardless. The b-side to the single was (is) an absolute cracker as well.
John Farnham - Two Strong Hearts (live) - https://youtu.be/M1FJuFfRSrY
Just in time for Halloween, Ghost have released a new music video for their song, "Dance Macabre". It's an ungodly combination of classic horror movie schtick, 80s MTV and Ghosts brand of metal. For fans of ABBA and The Walking Dead...
Ghost - Dance Macabre - https://youtu.be/7Gr63DiEUxw
Laura Kidd's music is released under the moniker, "She Makes War". It's melodic indie-pop often with cutting lyrics. It's also fully independent and awesome. If you sign up for Laura's newsletters or social media feeds then it doesn't take long until you feel an integral part of the process. So, if you like the song please pop on over to her website and make a purchase.
She Makes War - Devastate Me - https://youtu.be/_sWXQFA6e2I
This week's NWOBHM track comes all the way from Birmingham. The band came into being in 1974 but changed their name to Quartz in 1977. From all reports, a version of the band is still going today. Back in the day they toured with Black Sabbath and AC/DC and Tony Iommi from Sabbath produced their debut recording.
Quartz - Rock n' Roll Child - https://youtu.be/B3x-feS74Hc
George and Junk Sculpture have almost finished recording another original track. With any luck it will be available on Spotify soon (the first two songs are already there). Watch this space for more news; it's a fantastic song.
And now, here we are at the end of another week of me babbling. Let's close with the best TV theme song ever. Click here and I'll see you all next week.
Rob
"Remember when you were young,
you shone like the sun...", Shine on You Crazy Diamond, Pink Floyd, 1975
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