World Wide Woozle episode #528

We're back...and I mean "we". I'm dog sitting this week so that means that Sooky the lap hound is true to his name. Any typos are all his. Sparky, as is normal for him, is snoring in the corner. 

A Perfect Circle - Dog Eat Dog - https://youtu.be/OktIuQohC8k

Everyone knows that I've been working on completing my collection of AC/DC CDs. The Australian releases naturally as the song order that appears on some of the overseas releases just sounds wrong to me. Anyway, it's done. There are 17 studio albums, many of which I already had, but a couple were a bit tricky to track down without a Lotto win in the bank! In the end the cheapest one was about $10 and the most expensive....ahem...$135. And yes, I have the live albums too, the boxsets etcetera, etcetera. I will not however, as has been suggested, begin to track them down on cassette too. That's just silly. 

AC/DC - Stick Around - https://youtu.be/BY_LumPgM3g

I read this week about a band that the author thought were the Canadian version of The Pogues. I dunno about that but I did quite enjoy the music I listened to from Great Big Sea, Whereas The Pogues are pretty rough around the edges and have a punk influence, Great Big Sea are more mainstream and smooth for the most part.

Great Big Sea - Ordinary Day - https://youtu.be/-wcjBU8zbdY

There are plenty of Australian musicians with a Celtic influence in their material. I remember seeing Weddings, Parties, Anything at an outside concert and thinking how much better they were than on their records (and their records are great). Mick Thomas is one of my favourite songwriters.

Weddings, Parties, Anything - Knockbacks in Halifax (live) - https://youtu.be/oY_ro_ZYibw

On Friday, a bread knife got the better of me and I made a small mess of two fingertips on my left hand. Blood everywhere, dogs underfoot and the phone ringing too (hi Marty!) The most annoying thing has been that, as a result, I can't practice the guitar. I'm meant to be whacking out a couple of tunes on Friday night so fingers crossed (oh dear!) that they heal up. Here's a song I'd been working on...with the acoustic guitar.

Rainbow - Long Live Rock & Roll - https://youtu.be/nRKz4bqsUxc

Other than dog sitting, I had my first experience of racing on the indoor rowing machines yesterday. I did two 500m races and one 1000m gut buster. In my first race I managed to forget most of the technique I'd been taught and I fell off the seat....twice. I did recover though and wasn't last. The other two races were much better although 1000m is a long way and I almost spewed at the end. We were lucky to have great coaches and support and now there's some training to do before competing at the Australian Indoor Championships in a month!

Alice Cooper - Working Up A Sweat - https://youtu.be/bsaWPjZa8fc

Finally, in this week's slimmed down, calorie controlled episode, I went to an art exhibition today. The newest exhibition at the Australian War Memorial is called Ink In The Lines and it focuses on tattoos. I think this is the best put together exhibition I've seen at the AWM. The layout, the use of video and the photography are all stellar. Even if tattoos aren't your thing, the depth of feeling and the stories behind many of them are extremely interesting. If you're in Canberra you should visit, if not it's online too.

Dropkick Murphys - Rose Tattoo - https://youtu.be/9d8SzG4FPyM

Rose Tattoo - Stuck On You - https://youtu.be/cMUBh8G02aI 

That's it folks. Be kind to each other.

Rob

"I'm a shooting star, leaping through the sky

Like a tiger defying the laws of gravity
I'm a racing car, passing by like Lady Godiva
I'm gonna go, go, go
There's no stopping me..." Queen, Don't Stop Me Now (with long lost guitars), 1978/2011. 

World Wide Woozle episode #527

It's raining in Canberra. What that means is that I'm inside when I'd rather be out. I shouldn't complain too much however as the precipitation is very welcome. What I have discovered though is that living in a ground floor unit, I can't hear the rain unless it happens to be coming in sideways and hitting the window. Snoozing through the sound of rain on the roof is something I hadn't realised I liked until now. Here's a song that I learned many, many years ago...

Jose Feliciano - Rain - https://youtu.be/zZVhkGFYLis

This week marks fifty years since Jimi Hendrix died. Guitar players come and go but Jimi is arguably the most influential. He's certainly a product of his influences but very much an individual. Hendrix's career really only lasted four years and all this time later guitarists old and new rave about him. My introduction to Hendrix was in late 1987. At the time my guitar heroes were Angus Young and Mark Knopfler. I bought a guitar magazine, which at the time was horrendously expensive as they were imported from the USA and it was as if we had to pay for first class postage even though they were months old. Inside was an article about a new Hendrix live double album called, Live At Winterland. So I went out and bought it a little while later. I'm not sure what I was expecting but I hated it. Noisy and guitar frequently out of tune with a drummer who sounded like he was an octopus on speed. Anyway, I chalked it up to experience and didn't listen to the album more than a few times. Not long after I heard some of Jimi's studio recordings and was blown away; they were magical. And with the benefit of those listening experiences I listened differently. Sure, the last song on the album, a cover of The Trogg's classic, Wild Thing is so out of tune that it is laughable but the rest suddenly made sense. I won't say that I'm a huge Hendrix fan but at the right moment I really enjoy some of his work. I still don't like the drumming....sorry.

Jimi Hendrix - Hear My Train A Comin' - https://youtu.be/EX5phFmbrU8

In 1992, Irish musician Luka Bloom released an album called The Acoustic Motorbike. In addition to being a stellar album, his cover of the LL Cool J rap song, I Need Love, introduced him to a wider audience, including me! Luka has released around twenty five albums now with a new one just out. The first song from Bittersweet Crimson is below and I think it happens to be one of the most beautiful and poignant songs, and videos, that I've seen in a long time.

Luka Bloom - I Need Love - https://youtu.be/hyTISoOX1C8

Luka Bloom - The Beauty of Everyday Things - https://youtu.be/oFWjeHROi5U

When I saw the name Dave Mason pop up this week I thought it was the Australian performer whose band, The Reels, are a bit of a cult classic. But no, it's the OTHER Dave Mason. The Englishman who has played with many bands including Traffic, The Rolling Stones and Fleetwood Mac. This song is one I was introduced to when Kate Ceberano performed it on her TV show in the 90s and I've enjoyed it ever since. In these uncertain times it's fun to see Dave and his mates performing a cracking version.

Dave Mason & The Quarantines - Feeling Alright - https://youtu.be/Xd56ap_aa4k

And for those who haven't heard of The Reels....

The Reels - Love Will Find A Way - https://youtu.be/I03-9hu95n4

In 1980, Motörhead released their seminal album, Ace of Spades. Fittingly a 40th Anniversary edition is due for release very soon. But here's the thing....there's a lot of great material included and, price notwithstanding, it's slightly disappointing that you need to buy it on vinyl to get all the tracks. The CD version doesn't have them all. Hmmm....I realise that records have outsold CDs in some countries in 2019 for the first time in years but seriously, why not release all the tracks on both? Will I buy it? Probably not. I've got the original album and a ton of other Motörhead stuff AND I was fortunate enough to see them play live. Still, it's a great album without a doubt.

Motörhead - Ace of Spades (from The Young Ones) - https://youtu.be/DwImGZJ3IWg

Motörhead - We Are The Roadcrew (live Hammersmith 1981) - https://youtu.be/_jW-IxfbW-E

In 1993 I graduated from university and got my degree in the auditorium at the Australian Defence Force Academy. Tomorrow I'll be in that building again for the first time since that day. There's a certain level of irony as I'll be standing in front of third year Officer Cadets and Midshipmen and talking about mental health. It's a funny old world.

The Clash - Career Opportunities - https://youtu.be/MsE5NAAU39k

Australian rockers Kingswood have a new album out called Juveniles. You may have heard them covering Fleetwood Mac's Go Your Own Way for a TV advertisement for cars. Don't be fooled into thinking that Kingswood sold out there. As they said themselves, the opportunity presented itself and they took it. Undoubtedly it raised their profile and increased their bank balance which, as any musician will tell you, is great! The latest album is a good listen. It's a bit rock, a bit mellow and sometimes sounds like early Powderfinger (before they sucked). Give it a spin and support Australian music.

Kingswood - Bittersweet - https://youtu.be/rIawsqt5YZU

Finally, this week Lee Kerslake passed away. Lee was the drummer in many bands including Uriah Heep and the original version of Ozzy Osbourne's band. Despite a very long and acrimonious relationship with the Osbournes (at one stage Ozzy had his drums as well as the bass re-recorded and re-released years later on the first two albums) Ozzy got it right at the end. One of Lee's final wishes was to receive his platinum albums for Blizzard of Ozz and Diary of a Madman. Ozzy sent him the ones that he'd been given by the record company years ago. Sharon is probably still fuming.

Uriah Heep - Gypsy (live) - https://youtu.be/LdpL9USjdnA

Living Loud - Last Chance (live) - https://youtu.be/KjkQhkCmV-c

Don't look now but the rain has stopped....goodbye and have a great week.

Rob

"I've been uptight and made a mess
But I'll clean it up myself, I guess...", Handle With Care, The Traveling Wilburys, 1988.

World Wide Woozle episode #526

Yup, I'm back again. This week I'm feeling a LOT better. It's amazing what happens when you pay attention to looking after yourself. A little less cycling, only reading the news once a day and some guitar playing has definitely helped. 

Johnny Cash - I Won't Back Down - https://youtu.be/xggRxWXdTng

On top of feeling much better, after changing podiatrists I can now walk again without pain. The new podiatrist is about a 700 metre walk from my office. When I shuffled up there to see him a couple of months ago I was in tears by the time I arrived as my foot hurt so much. He adjusted my orthotics, made me buy new shoes and then do some exercises. And now, voila! I can walk. Today I was out bushwalking for about 8km (5 miles for you heathens) and it was bliss. 

B-52s - Roam (live) - https://youtu.be/ERrmZAJ_ajI

I've made no secret of the fact that I think Roxette were a fabulous band. Loads of fun and when I saw them live I was blown away by their rock and roll show. After ending up through the Roxette looking glass on YouTube I had a listen to some of the music that they were doing before forming the band. Per Gessle (vocals, guitars) was in a band called Gyllene Tider (Golden Times). Listening to this song you can see clearly where the Roxette sound came from...what a ripper!

Gyllene Tider - Sommartider - https://youtu.be/kaKsBwhS2iI

Bonus points if you spotted Marie from Roxette singing backups! At least I assume it's her as it certainly sounds like it.

Roxette - Crash! Boom! Bang! (live) - https://youtu.be/b_AuhP_cKwA

The new Stryper CD appeared in my post box this week all the way from the metal gurus at Utopia Records in Sydney. And while I'd already had a preview via Spotify it's always great to support the artists you like by buying physical media if you can. This CD is classic Stryper with their trademark soaring guitars, great harmonies and plenty of fist pumping tunes. In the CD jacket they are all pictured wearing yellow and black Stryper masks.....I wonder if they sell them?

Stryper - Do Unto Others - https://youtu.be/54JVuMtLVHE

One of the reasons I've stopped reading and watching the news so often is the horrible hate and intolerance being peddled by so many people. They should listen to that Stryper song and take a long hard look at themselves.

And because that might have been a bit serious here's a lighter moment. If you've ever been in a band this will sound familiar. Comic genius from the guys that brought you The Young Ones.

Bad News - Excalibur - https://youtu.be/soPRopexCWs (language warning folks)

According to their bio, The Pilgrim are an "acoustic, psychedelic, melodic, folk project". So far I've listened to a fair few of their tracks and that's a pretty good description. The guitars on this song are a dead ringer for acoustic Led Zeppelin but they're way, way more than another Zep clone.

The Pilgrim - Sitting Down On The Porch - https://youtu.be/kbZMqoz2JDs

I've been thinking a lot about tunes I could try at the next open mic night. I can play loads of songs but I also have to be able to sing them at the same time....in tune! Doing all this thinking made me reflect about singer-songwriters that have influenced me. It's no surprise that Billy Bragg is at the top of that list. And whilst this isn't actually a song he wrote, the interplay between the rhythm of the guitar and Billy's singing here was one of the first tunes that hooked me in; folk music met punk rock.

Billy Bragg - The World Turned Upside Down - https://youtu.be/PWPE6CR2yoU

Rock on folks,

Rob

"...don't watch the news 'cause singing the blues is going out of style...", Rose Tattoo, Rock 'n' Roll Is King, 1981.

World Wide Woozle episode #525

OK, I have to admit it. I overdid things over the weekend and made myself unwell. Or it was a coincidence. Regardless, I ended up pretty run down and, in my usual fashion, I made it worse by thinking that fresh air and exercise would fix the problem. It didn't. Monday off work and mostly in bed has done the trick!

D.A.D. - Sleeping My Day Away - https://youtu.be/ASfVIFUw20Y

I just love the twangy surf guitar mixed up with hard rock in the above track. The whole album, No Fuel Left For The Pilgrims, is fantastic. The bass player has a two string bass and a helmet that explodes!

On Friday I went along to play guitar at an open mic night. The plan was to backup one of my friends who was singing a few songs. That was a lot of fun and even though we hadn't had a rehearsal it sounded OK. Later on I was encouraged to have a go by myself. I've never been shy at talking in public or about playing my guitar but singing is a completely different thing. But I was there, I was plugged in and I really had no choice so off I went. One song....not bad...people clapped and they recognised the tune so that wasn't a disaster. Then another that I knew no-one would know...seemed to go down well. And then when I thought that was it they said I should do another. I ripped out an original that I wrote many years ago. I don't think I've ever sung it other than to myself. Well, I wasn't thrown out and no-one's ears were bleeding so I might go again next  month. For those interested, I played No Secrets (by The Angels), The Beaches of St Valery (Battlefield Band) and Another Day (by me).

Some of you have already heard about my version of The Beaches of St. Valery. For those who came in late, I heard about St. Valery earlier in the year and what happened there during WWII. Then I realised that Battlefield Band had a song about it which is fantastic. Last week my Dad sent me a CD recorded by a friend of his and the song was on there as well! I took this as a sign and decided to record a version just to send back to my Dad. Well, it turned out OK so I shared it around. It's a sad song and I was a bit shocked at how emotional I got when trying to sing it the first few times. But the version you'll hear if you're interested took about four hours to record so I got used to it! See what you think. Oh, and the original is here.

Rob - The Beaches of St. Valery - https://soundcloud.com/robwoozle/st-valery-20

On Saturday, feeling a little drained I slept in then went for a walk around the lake. Because I had signed up to it I went along to the first of four sessions of an introduction to indoor rowing. I liked the idea of trying something new and some of the coaches are people I already news so off I went. Spent would be a fair description of how I felt afterwards. Still, it was fun and I'll go back next week.

Soundgarden - Rowing (live) - https://youtu.be/K47iOp6JDqk

On Sunday I felt dreadful. The sun was out though and I live beside a big hill. You guessed it, off I went up the hill. Not for a stroll either, as the hill got steeper I pushed harder. It felt good until I got home. By bedtime I was well and truly tired out. Being that tired out meant that my stomach decided that it would misbehave. As a result I took today (Monday) off work. How very annoying. I'm all good now but it's a lesson I never seem to learn.

The Staple Singers - Respect Yourself - https://youtu.be/-1pYKdqD1ls

The Rolling Stones have just released their 1973 album Goat's Head Soup for the fifth time. Surely if you turn up at the record store with your original copy you can at least get a discount. Good for fans I guess. In more disturbing news is the fact that Powderfinger is releasing some unheard material. The good news is that they found 50 tracks they'd never released and they are only subjecting the public to 10 of them. They've also declined to play at the AFL Grand Final which is a relief.

Bryan Adams - Kids Wanna Rock (live) - https://youtu.be/oYi2lqG2u9I

Lastly this week here's some Steve Earle with The Pogues (watch some footage of them recording it here). I'm open to suggestions of songs I could do for the next open mic night and this is one I'm considering.

Steve Earle & The Pogues - Johnny Come Lately - https://youtu.be/xVaPwdgezWI

Rock on folks, and don't be like me....have a rest before you need it!

Rob

"Went from end to end to end

And then from there I went again

The road that only this one knows

Off to nowhere here I go...", Illumination, Rollins Band, 2000.