World Wide Woozle episode #506

The World Wide Woozle is coming to you this morning from a cold and foggy national capital. I'd planned to be out cycling by now but, as it's the weekend, I'm waiting for the sun to appear!

It's ANZAC Day, a day when we pause to remember servicemen and women and their families. Kudos to the ABC and the Australian War Memorial for broadcasting a modified Dawn Service this morning. For many people, being stuck in whatever version of lockdown they have, this day will be very challenging. For a lot of veterans, current serving personnel and of course their families, ANZAC Day is a chance to get together and reflect, it has nothing to do with patriotic chest beating or glorification of war. So, if you know someone who has a connection with the military then reach out to them this weekend. Even a cheeky text or instant message can make a difference. 

Noiseworks - Touch - https://youtu.be/tJ1ArRhwWV0

Five years ago now, my good mate Scot put together the music video for this next song. Commissioned by the Australian War Memorial it's a reflection on the military service of Indigenous Australians. Just watch it. Great song and a moving film clip.

John Schumann and the Vagabond Crew - On Every ANZAC Day - https://youtu.be/bXLL42oCFPI

I made a bit of a mistake on Facebook this week. DJ Bing asked me to share ten album covers that had influenced my taste in music. I missed the point though. What he was talking about was the actual album cover, not necessarily the music. Anyway, I'll carry on with listing ten albums that have shaped what I listen to and play. Later on I'll get to the album artwork itself. Safe to say that the second Baby Animals album won't be there; an extremely average effort! Here are tracks from the first three albums I've listed...

Jungle Book Soundtrack - I Wanna Be Like You (King Louie) - https://youtu.be/9JDzlhW3XTM

ABBA - Does Your Mother Know That You're Out (from Greatest Hits vol. 2 album) - https://youtu.be/WkL7Fkigfn8

Steve Earle - Good Ol' Boy (Gettin' Tough) (from the Guitar Town album) - https://youtu.be/7uyZAj-J4MQ

In very annoying news, the acoustic guitar I use for recording has developed a really bad fret buzz. It needs to go to my favourite guitar tech for some love and a truss rod adjustment. That's not happening any time soon I expect. Luckily there are a couple of other options here, ha ha! And if I can ever get drum software to sound anything like real drums rather than a video game, a metronomic robot or a hip hop track then I'll have a new song for you all before too long.

John Hiatt - Perfectly Good Guitar - https://youtu.be/pzeoLe6nSrU

Jeff Beck has been a guitarist's favourite for years. His latest release is a cover of Lennon's "Isolation" with Johnny Depp on vocals. Yeah, I didn't expect it to work either but I was wrong. The guitar sounds amazing and Depp's vocals are rich and full. 

Beck and Depp - Isolation -  https://youtu.be/Ma-149FnSN4

You might remember me telling you that Australian band DZ Deathrays had hung out at Angus' place after their gig in Vancouver. That was pretty cool. Now they've released a version of the Choirboys classic, Run To Paradise. The original was, I think, the biggest selling Australian single of the 80s. The fellas from DZ Deathrays have put their own sound to the song but have retained the guitar solo. Rock on!

DZ Deathrays - Run To Paradise - https://youtu.be/k9lwZ-jN4O0

Glaswegian singer/songwriter Gerry Cinnamon has just released a new album called The Bonny. With little or no press, Gerry has become quite the sensation. He rarely gives interviews or does media preferring his music to standalone. Selling out a 50,000 seat venue is testament to his talent and persistence. 

Gerry Cinnamon - Canter - https://youtu.be/QKzM0DBxNoo

Staying in the UK for a minute; during the week I watched a really boring documentary about the band Dexy's Midnight Runners. Given the fact that the group had a bit of a revolving door in terms of band members and a whole swag of good songs you'd think their story would be interesting. And it probably is, just not in this particular video! Their albums are a lot of fun packed full of soul, funk and rock influences.

Dexy's Midnight Runners - Geno - https://youtu.be/Z5KgMUgvtig

Rowland S. Howard was the original guitarist in The Birthday Party leaving the group as they morphed into The Bad Seeds. I'm not a fan of The Birthday Party; it's just not for me. I don't quite connect with the chaotic abrasiveness. This week I read an article about Rowland though (in The Guardian) and it prompted me to check out his solo work. It's not at all what I expected and I really enjoyed it. In fact I'd go so far as to say it moved me. There's a lot more for me to listen to as a result of this spark. You see, reading is good for you!

Rowland S. Howard - Exit Everything - https://youtu.be/NgxMdvFuavs

Lastly, comrades, I joined a union this week. Unions aren't perfect, in fact some of them are terrible but the fact remains that they serve an important part in employment relations. When I was a teacher, union membership was something I regarded as essential. The support that the union could provide if things went pear-shaped, especially in legal terms, was invaluable. And in these times of uncertainty I decided that the time was right for me to re-engage. I know that some of you are quite anti-union and that's ok. 

Paul Robeson - Joe Hill (live in Scotland) - https://youtu.be/B0bezsMVU7c

Billy Bragg - There Is Power In A Union (live Peel Session, 1983) - https://youtu.be/meFRyBeod1g

Rock on,

Rob

"Have fun, stay clear of the needle, call home on your sister's birthday...", Outfit, Jason Isbell, 2003

World Wide Woozle episode #505

Thank you to the many of you who have answered the call to help out families on Pentecost in Vanuatu. Together, as a community joined by any number of different linkages, we've raised a significant amount. I'm very humbled by you all. The situation there is dreaful. Much worse than in 2015. What you need to know is that I have a photo on my phone of almost everyone who has ever helped us out. Our families on Pentecost love seeing photos and you're all included every time someone asks to look. Tankyu tumas.

Earth, Wind and Fire - Gratitude (live 1981) - https://youtu.be/CCOLluokUH4

So, I've got a new job as you know. The official title is Community and Peer Advisor. It promises to be challenging and rewarding as I work with military veterans and their families to assist them in moving forwards in some difficult situations. One of the prerequisites for the job was having lived experience of a mental health problem. Many of you know, and a lot have guessed anyway, that I've had anxiety, depression and an eating disorder for a few years now. I've always been reticent to write here about it because for so long I denied that I had a problem and then I was ashamed and embarrassed. It's not something I would wish upon my worst enemy. It took me a long time to get some help, and even longer to do more than simply pay it lip service. Mental health is like physical health folks, you need to work on it. A physiotherapist once told me that I was a great patient because I would actually do all the recovery work necessary. In fact they told me more than once only to do what they recommended, not twice as much. Mental health is the same and when I finally found a psychologist that I liked and worked with him it began to make a difference. I'm still very much a work in progress and recovery isn't a linear progression - there are good and bad days. Hopefully my limited understanding of what it's like to live through this will help someone else. It puts an interesting spin on that old saying, "you don't have to be crazy to work here, but it helps!"

Low Self Opinion - Rollins Band (live) - https://youtu.be/SbW6SuS7y6Y

You may have read that American singer-songwriter John Prine died recently. He was 73 and the corona virus got him. I haven't been listening to his music for very long but have discovered that he was very much a favourite of many artists that I like. Jason Isbell, for example, can't speak highly enough of John's work. Interestingly enough, Kris Kristofferson, who I had the privilege of seeing in concert last year, is credited with being a part of bringing Prine's music to the public eye (ear?) For me, with John Prine you get honest lyrics and a no nonsense delivery. Very much for folk music fans as well as those of you who like Americana.

John Prine - Sam Stone (live c.1970) - https://youtu.be/OLVWEYUqGew

John Prine - Way Back Then (live 2019) - https://youtu.be/b9z_wBPX2lE

I was watching a documentary on YouTube recently about American singer Pat Benetar. Did you know that she was the first solo female artist to appear on MTV? Neither did I. Of course the M in MTV stands for moronic these days; there's no music to be had. A far cry from my memories of staying up late in the hope that Richard Wilkins (MTV Australia) would play something remotely heavy. He rarely did. Here's Pat Benetar's first charting single...

Pat Benetar - Heartbreaker (1979) - https://youtu.be/mIosHNpGjTE

I'm really enjoying some of the home recordings that any number of artists are putting out to keep everyone amused whilst they are at home. Paul Stanley (KISS) has a great series of videos where he's sitting and talking about KISS songs and playing some of the riffs for you to sing along with. Billie Joe Armstrong has a few very cool covers including a duet with Susanna Hoffs from The Bangles. John Fogerty, Amanda Shires, Lukas Nelson, Brian May and many others are worth searching out. After all, time is all we have! Guitar players may like a personal lesson from Robby Krieger of The Doors teaching you how to play Roadhouse Blues!

As many rockers get older they are happier to be open about their influences and sing a few of their songs. Glenn Danzig is a rock/punk/metal singer most famous for his work with The Misfits as well as a few very good albums with his own band, Danzig. Released from him now is a record of Elvis songs. There's probably not a lot of money to be made here for Glenn and I can only assume that he's done this as a huge Elvis fan. It doesn't sound bad at all to me and it's a long way from the karaoke versions of many tributes. See what you think. I'll play one of the Elvis covers and then a classic track featuring Glenn on vocals.

Glenn Danzig - One Night (Elvis cover, 2020) - https://youtu.be/iUOonji-Kmw

Danzig - Mother (1988) - https://youtu.be/Q7KLdET1lBM

And just because I'm in the mood, here's ABBA. What I like about ABBA is that they are the real deal. Great melodies, amazing vocals and a whole lot of fun. If you're feeling down then put on a few ABBA tracks and dance around as if no-one is watching. I did. It worked.

ABBA - Gimme, Gimme, Gimme (live 1979) - https://youtu.be/Rgu_0g0ztT4

ABBA - Waterloo (live 1979) - https://youtu.be/CiRYH7Me6Cw

Lastly, Canberra band Witchskull will release their third album on 24th of this month. I've got their first two long players, "The Vast Electric Dark" and "Coven's Will", and can definitely recommend them to anyone who likes bands like Black Sabbath and Kyuss. This is loud, heavy stuff and it is great. The new album is called "A Driftwood Cross" and is out through Rise Above Records.

Witchskull - Breathing Blue Light (2018) - https://youtu.be/TlZjK5b58X8

40 years ago this week Judas Priest released their album British Steel. I picked this album up, on cassette from K-Mart, when I was about 16. It was a two for one deal with another of their albums, 1978's Killing Machine. These two albums remain firm favourites of mine to this day and I still have the tapes. It wasn't until a few years later that I saw footage of Judas Priest playing live and they were the epitome of Heavy Metal to me - all leather and studs. British Steel still sounds great for a 40 year old album and if you've never listened to Judas Priest before it's a great place to start.

Judas Priest - Metal Gods (live 1982) - https://youtu.be/I9PjOhz3FSM

There you go. More than enough music and news to keep you busy for a little while.

Rock on brothers and sisters,

Rob

"Remember when you were young?

You shone like the sun...." 

Shine On You Crazy Diamond, Pink Floyd, 1975

World Wide Woozle episode #504

I'm reminded in these crazy times of a lyric from Ice-T's heavy metal side project, Bodycount. "...the world's insane while you drink champagne and I'm living in black rain..." Stories of entitled morons thinking that efforts to curb the spread of the pandemic don't apply to them. There's the ultra-elite resort in Brazil which has now become a cluster, former jailbirds travelling interstate, large groups of people congregating on the playing fields near my house...the list goes on. It's easy folks, STAY AT HOME unless you're out for something truly essential.

You may or may not have realised that a category 5 cyclone ripped through the South Pacific during the week. Vanuatu, Fiji and Tonga have all been in its path and the destruction is massive. Category 5 is the strongest there is and has sustained wind speeds of over 250 km/h (157 mp/h). In 2015, Cyclone Pam made a huge mess of Vanuatu and this time Cyclone Harold has done the same. Port Vila, the capital, is ok but the northern islands, including Pentecost, are a real mess. We still have no reports from Level School as communications are not yet restored. However, my brother Godden who is a little further north at Lini reports that whilst they are all safe, the whole island is destroyed, gardens are gone (that's where they grow their food) and the community will be out of food and water in a few days. I'm putting together some money to send over to help them out so please let me know if you can help. A few dollars will make a big difference and of course the money goes 100% to our families on Pentecost without any administration fees or costs. It'll be used in the first instance to provide food and water with any remainder put towards the huge task of rebuilding.  In 2015 it was really hard waiting for news of Zoe after the cyclone. This time, being very much part of two families and the associated communities on Pentecost I can assure you that it is even more heartbreaking.

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

There's a lot more that I could write about this week but somehow it all seems to not really matter. My heart and my thoughts are on a little island in Vanuatu. So, you can't hug anyone at the moment but please reach out in other ways and do what you can to make someone else's life just a little better. I'll see you all next time.

Willie Nelson - Rainbow Connection - https://youtu.be/deebKNI-dTE

Rob

World Wide Woozle episode #503

Welkam! I've almost managed to crank another episode out in a week so things must be looking up. If you've got the time folks then I've got the energy...here we go!

First up. for those of you not playing along on Facebook, it might seem rather amazing in these uncertain times but I have a new job! Woo hoo! I'm sad to leave the War Memorial behind but the lack of regular work made me start looking for something more permanent a while ago. I've landed an initial 12 month contract with a government agency and I'll be working as a peer support advisor to military veterans and their families. It's a pretty cool job that also involves some training and I can't wait to sink my teeth into it.

Joe Cocker - With A Little Help From My Friends (live 1969) - https://youtu.be/DvLFAbxTNJA

Girish and The Chronicles (GATC) are a hard rock band originally from Sikkim which is in NE India. They've been around since 2006 and have recently signed to a record label based in Denmark and have an album about to be released. The band has plenty of content available on the internet, both original material and some very well done covers. Here's their latest release which showcases the band really well. Hard rock and metal fans; if you're anything like me, you'll hear the riffs and then the voice and be instantly hooked. These guys are GREAT!

GATC - Rock 'n' Roll Is Here To Stay - https://youtu.be/lq82yt-Od1U

Being cooped up has people all over the place coming up with lists of favourite movies, books, films, juices and anything actually. Every now and then they are actually interesting. Any list of my favourite movies (if you want a list let me know but most people are well and truly over lists) will always include the Mike Myers film, So I Married An Axe Murderer. It's not his best but I think it has some of the funniest moments ever captured on film. Watching some of the other actors barely able to hold it together as Mike carries on is simply classic. Here's an example with Australian actor Anthony LaPaglia cracking up. But, back to the music and Mike's father in the film, played by Mike, loves a bit of Rod Stewart. Rod has become very middle of the road in the last few years but he was most certainly a rocker in his day.

The Faces - Stay With Me (live 1972) -  https://youtu.be/J2FMAt7UeB0

I'm a big fan of English band Motörhead. You all knew that though. As with bands like AC/DC you always knew what you were going to get with Motörhead. Loud, obnoxious rock and roll played by guys who treated every song and every gig as though it might be their last. No room for half measures. In the early 90s, before heavy metal detuned and suddenly everyone new sounded the same, I was interested in a Brazilian band called Sepultura. Being Scottish I was always looking for value for money in my CD and LP buying and the EP was king in this respect. One day, at the very much missed Impact Records here in Canberra, I picked up Sepultura's EP Third World Posse. It turned out to be excellent and into the bargain, a release exclusive to Australia. It also contains a particularly inspired and brutal cover of a Motörhead song. So here it is. Horns up \m/

Sepultura - Orgasmatron (live 1992) - https://youtu.be/2_D99CNNXRo

As mentioned last time, the pandemic has put a hold on everyone's travel plans. It's really annoying as after almost 40 years I thought I might be ready to take myself back to Scotland. Of course, having the deliverer of babies and survivor of cyclones in England is a pretty big drawcard. I'll admit that I even dreamed of coming home via the USA to do a bit of a music pilgrimage. There are so many places in song lyrics that I'd like to visit for one reason or another. I know it's such a huge cliche but I really want to go to Graceland. Probably more as a result of this song than actually because of Elvis (even though the Elvis stuff would be amazing). In my travels I'd also like to see the Mississippi Delta to see if it does shine like a National Guitar....what a lyric!

Paul Simon - Graceland (live 1991) - https://youtu.be/0VTcBO4q5kY

A couple of bits of sad news this week. Firstly, American soul, folk singer Bill Withers passed away. I have fond memories of singing and playing Ain't No Sunshine with my friend Sam. Also of course Lean On Me is a fantastic song although every single choir seems to butcher it. I remember the conductor telling me once that I was singing it wrong and to sing what was written in the music in front of me. There were two problems here; one is that I can't read music and the other is that no matter how accurate the sheet music was it simply lacked soul and feeling. My good friend Karen posted that this was a great track from Bill and she was right.

Bill Withers - Grandma's Hand (live) - https://youtu.be/lAoFAhJJF7M

The second very sad death is that of Adam Schlesinger, bassist and songwriter of the band Fountains of Wayne. He was 52 and the corona virus took him. Everyone knows him and the band for their song Stacy's Mom. Adam was a very accomplished guy in the entertainment industry with three Emmy's and Grammy to his name. Gone way too soon.

Fountains of Wayne - Better Things (The Kinks cover, live 2001) - https://youtu.be/jTNonlossl0

The Dixie Chicks are back with their first new material since the 2006 album, Taking The Long Way. This is a band not afraid to say what they think and to write and sing about difficult issues. Their new track is about gaslighting. I'm out of the loop as I had to look it up but it refers to manipulating someone in a relationship. The song is about Natalie Maines rather horrible breakup and what her ex-husband put her through. But it's also a commentary about abusive relationships. Here's the official video clip but I'd like to highlight the live version too as Dixie Chicks are very much the real deal musically.

Dixie Chicks - Gaslighter (live 2020) - https://youtu.be/2PA8ua0Tuqk

That was a bit heavy so I'm going to finish this week with something lighthearted. Kris Delmhorst is an American singer-songwriter. It'd be fair to describe her work as folky, poppy and/or Americana. In 2011 she recorded a whole album of songs by one of her favourite bands, The Cars. I can't quite remember how I found out about it but it was so good that I ordered a hard copy of the CD almost immediately. So, here's a track from that album and another which is an original. Remember folks, you can still buy music...

Kris Delmhorst - You Might Think - https://youtu.be/AX8B0PdpjUo

Kris Delmhorst - Color Of The Sky (live 2017) - https://youtu.be/pm-W0-vYwi8

That's all folks, wash your hands!

Rob

"...with a subway token and a dollar tucked inside my shoe..."

Rhinestone Cowboy (Springsteen version), Glenn Campbell, 1975