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.
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