World Wide Woozle episode #563

Hi groovers, let's get to it. Are you sitting comfortably?

I am pleased to report that I have finished playing Tetris with the contents of my abode. The architraves, skirting boards and door frames are all painted at last. My good mate "Too Tall" is coming over to patch my bathroom ceiling and after that's done it will be time to sell, sell, sell! My little place is pretty groovy but little is the operative word. 

The Cinematic Orchestra - To Build A Home - https://youtu.be/NpkNK06wgwU

It seems as though every TV news programme simply cannot resist reviewing what happened in 2021. We remember, we were there. Just more junk programming rather than reporting the news. Grrrrrr! At this stage the only reason I turn on free to air TV is to see Australia destroying England at cricket. 

Bee Gees - You Win Again (live 1998) - https://youtu.be/zOgqxKd9sgE

Christmas has been and gone. I started the day with a ride in the sunshine through a whole lot of new suburbs that I won't be able to afford to live in! It was great though as the roads are new, there was no traffic and it was pretty hilly. The only downside was one very confused magpie who took a dislike to me. After a spot of chilling out with some music and a book in the afternoon, I had a quiet evening with my great friends Todd and Suzy. And I got plenty of love from their dogs too; that's always special. The pandemic really messes around with everything but I'm hoping to be able to spend next Christmas with at least one member of my family. Let's not hold our breath on that one...

The Fauves - Dogs Are The Best People - https://youtu.be/lxM7sLT0rQE

Meanwhile, it looks like we won't be returning to work in the office anytime soon. I keep getting text messages about positive cases there on the 23rd and 24th of December. Fortunately my boss already had us working from home. 

The White Stripes - Girl, You Have No Faith In Medicine - https://youtu.be/0mWM0S1dMro

Angus and Zoe got me the latest EP from The Buoys, Unsolicited Advice for your DIY Disaster, for Christmas. It's very cool on transparent turquoise vinyl! As I've mentioned previously, if you like The Chats, The Go-Gos or The Clouds then this might make you tap your toes. It's definitely a break-up record so if that's something you'd rather avoid then walk on by this one.

The Buoys - Drive Me Home - https://youtu.be/-W1Jh956U9E

Colin Hay released a new album (of covers) in August this year. I've only just had a few listens to it but it's a cracker. Colin's voice has a unique tone that you'll no doubt remember from his Men At Work days as well as a heap of solo releases. You can hear his Scots accent in most of the songs and the guitar work is fab. This album has reintroduced me to a whole heap of songs as well as encouraging me to go back and listen to his back catalogue.

Colin Hay - Norwegian Wood (This Bird Has Flown) - https://youtu.be/keN7u8_Q8ho

Peter Cetera is best known as a member of Chicago as well as for singing a song that was the theme for the movie, The Karate Kid. The next track popped up on one of my playlists this week, I'd never heard it before, and I thought it was pretty cool. All the eighties cliches are there but it's still a track that made me want to listen to the album. Steve Lukather (Toto) plays guitar on this song...and it sounds like a Dio song until Peter sings!

Peter Cetera - Livin' In The Limelight - https://youtu.be/V1EMEncWqPE

Yothu Yindi's breakthrough album (their second) Tribal Voice is now thirty years old. I remember it clearly as a great album that fused rock, country and some nightclub style beats along with songs about life for the members of the band and the communities they lived in. I was lucky enough to see the band in a smaller venue (ANU Refectory) and then later at The Royal Theatre. Both were great shows that were full of energy. It's always easy to stick with the songs that we know but I'd encourage you to have a listen to their debut album, Homeland Movement, as well as their other work. It's a rich and meaningful discography.

Yothu Yindi - Tribal Voice - https://youtu.be/bBYHWKPLEnE

Yothu Yindi - Jailbreak (AC/DC cover) - https://youtu.be/gaaxbNX-wg8

I was deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Archbishop Desmond Tutu this week. I know he was 90 years old but it's still sad. I'm not ashamed to say that I learned a lot about South Africa as a result of musicians who saw what was going on there and wanted the world to know and for it to be made right. I put this quote from Archbishop Tutu on Facebook this week because it really resonated with me. "He loved. He laughed. He cried. He was forgiven. He forgave. Greatly privileged". There's something in there for all of us.

Bono, Keith Richards, Ronnie Wood - Silver & Gold - https://youtu.be/AYBfn-FCtvU

And that's about it for 2021. Thank you to all of you who continue to read this and listen to some of the songs. And a special thanks to everyone who keeps an eye on me; the messages, emails, texts and in person conversations mean a lot. 2022 is looking good.

Rock on Brothers and Sisters,

The Woozle.

"They say the heart of rock and roll is still beating
And from what I've seen I believe 'em
Now the old boy may be barely breathing
But the heart of rock and roll, heart of rock and roll is still beating..."

Huey Lewis & The News, The Heart of Rock and Roll, 1983.

World Wide Woozle episode #562

With only a few days to go until Christmas I can report that it's a ghost town here in the office, the café downstairs is playing their festive music far too loud, and that the post office is sick of seeing me! I hope your run up to the end of the year is relatively calm. 

Cat Stevens - Wild World (live) - https://youtu.be/Jta56wBl7SM

I have a new bike. It's rather exciting because it's a single speed commuter and also slightly irresponsible given the size of my house. I now play Tetris with my bikes! The new ride was made for me by a friend who recycles old bike parts. His surname is Tinney so I have named my bike the "Tinney Recycler". Too many puns are never enough. Getting used to riding without changing gears, as well as being a bit more upright, is quite strange. However, it's a perfect ride into work and back which is all relatively flat. 

Tom Petty - Into The Great Wide Open - https://youtu.be/wVOykOqzP18

George and the band played a shoe Coonabarabran on Saturday night. Coona is about a seven hour drive north of Canberra. I played there on our original tour to Tingha as well as a year later. It's a great place to hang around for a few days and there are a couple of spots well worth taking the time to see. My memories of that first trip include it being freezing at night…and me realising too late the treachery of George leaving the window open in our motel room! Still, the songs and the people warmed our hearts and continue to do so. 

Midnight Oil - Power and the Passion - https://youtu.be/6pKPNnk-JhE

Sadly, Angus was in a car accident recently and the old Subaru that served him and I so well over the last five or so years has been written off. There were no injuries to people and that's really the important thing. I'm pretty proud of him at the moment as he works a second job whilst building up his massage client list. We don't need to replace the car and the insurance payout has thankfully covered the excess. Here's a hint folks…don't have a car accident when you're under 25! 

AC/DC - Goodbye and Good Riddance to Bad Luck - https://youtu.be/iVGEZDLrIYw

For those following along at home…the tradesperson meant to be fixing my bathroom ceiling has disappeared from the face of the planet. He's given up responding to any forms of contact and, to be honest, I've given up on him. Fortunately my mate "Too Tall" is going to be able to help me out. On the weekend I began to do some painting and touch up work ahead of the place going to market; this is me getting a long way out of my comfort zone. However, with the aid of YouTube, I have successfully done some filling, sanding and painting. Not to mention actually managing to use silicon sealant without it going absolutely everywhere. I should be finished in a few days and then it's just the wait on the aforementioned ceiling repair. 

Sam Cooke - If I Had A Hammer (live) - https://youtu.be/WFSvzWuwuZ8

Zoë let me know recently that it was 700 days since she went to England. I had hoped to be able to visit her during that time but you all know about international travel by now. In some ways that 700 days has flown by but in others it has seriously dragged on. With an ounce of luck Zoë will be back in Australia for a holiday in about 100 days. I get that your kids grow up and leave home, it's a natural part of life and I did it too. But 700 days is a very, very long time. 

Twisted Sister - The Price - https://youtu.be/UpfZcEjopYE

Around this time of the year there is always the temptation to talk about the best, or your favourite releases for the last twelve months. I won't do that. But what I might do, if you'll humour me, is play a couple of tracks from records that have sat firmly in my regular listening for quite a while. 

An album that I would have almost worn out (if I actually had it on vinyl) this year is The Gereg by The HU. It's the combination of heavy metal, Mongolian folk music and poetry, lyrics I can't understand in a language that sounds fascinating, and a rhythmic structure that really hits home that all has me completely enthralled with these guys. The album came out in 2019 and I really hope they've got a new one coming before long.

The HU – Yuve Yuve Yu - https://youtu.be/v4xZUr0BEfE

Another band that really hit the spot this year for me is Soul Asylum. They've been around since forever it seems. I remember in the 90s being drawn to their lyrics, raw vocal delivery and Dave Pirner's battered Telecaster. There are a couple of live gigs now on streaming services as well as a number of studio albums. It's a bit like a grungy Springsteen.

Soul Asylum - Misery (live) - https://youtu.be/gCceGWFWVcQ

Someone in Soul Asylum is obviously a soul music fan because they regularly cover some classic tunes. Listening to these pointed me to this song which I'd really only been aware of as a result of the Billy Bragg version. Imagine being able to channel whatever you were feeling into lyrics like these!

Smokey Robinson & The Miracles - The Tracks of My Tears - https://youtu.be/Yf2CB32jDYc

Also on high rotation here at HQ Woozle recently are one of Australia's greatest hard rock bands, Rose Tattoo. I was asked if I could play one of their songs a while ago (I couldn't but I managed to work it out on the fly) and that got me right back into their music. I was fortunate enough to see them a couple of years ago and they still put on a fantastic live show. I really need to tune one of my guitars to open E and get into some slide playing!

Rose Tattoo - The Butcher & Fast Eddie (live 1982) - https://youtu.be/1OlJQeVd7hM

Smokey Robinson and Soul Asylum gave me a gentle shove back into some Motown tracks. I can listen to a lot of the early stuff for hours and hours! 

The Temptations - Papa Was A Rolling Stone - https://youtu.be/nXiQtD5gcHU

Mary Wells - My Guy - https://youtu.be/4WT7nBGX5eU

Well folks, that's all for this time. I hope you made it to the end and that at least one or two of the songs were of interest. Have a great festive season regardless of how you choose to celebrate or what you believe. 

Rock on,

The Woozle.

"This is our Christmas single

Please make it number one
And give us all your money

To make our Christmas fun"

Bad News, Cashing In On Christmas, 1987.

World Wide Woozle episode #561

Welcome back groovers.

It's been wet and windy here this week and that pretty much sucks for me. I want to be outside as much as possible when I'm not at work. Summer may actually arrive soon but who can tell.

The Cult - Rain - https://youtu.be/RD5b_0QB0wI

I've got some footage of me playing and singing from the other weekend. If you'd like to check it out please let me know. I'm not a huge fan of watching myself on film or listening to myself sing but I can assure you it could've been so much worse. I've reflected on what I did and have come to the conclusion that I enjoyed myself (both the rehearsal and the performance bit) so I'll seek out opportunities to do it again. I've got a playlist of songs that I'm thinking about covering and there are also some new originals in the works. If you're in Canberra and want to book me to do a short set in your lounge room then I'm game if you are. You just never know if it's going to be folk music, punk rock or something in the middle...

Pete Seeger - Which Side Are You On? - https://youtu.be/1XKMwWZVpPE

Dropkick Murphys -- Which Side Are You On? - https://youtu.be/SKWfnO7fhQM

As many of you know, I'm getting ready to sell my apartment. The only thing that seems to be getting in the way is getting a tradesperson to actually turn up. I could cope (a bit) if they were late, but being left hanging for days is really starting to wear thin. I also had to have a stern word to myself when it comes to decluttering and cleaning. I got rid of a whole lot of stuff and then remembered that I'd probably need some of it again in the future. It was pretty funny in the end.

Cold Chisel - You've Got Nothing I Want - https://youtu.be/-BiJKq7ynms

I put my Christmas tree up the other day. I waited for December as this is apparently the right thing to do. It's a little thing that was gifted to me last year when a good friend found out that I didn't have one. Christmas has been a challenging time of year for me for the last few years. I spent a couple by myself because I was anti-social as a result of not being very well. This year I've made some plans to keep busy and catch up with some close friends. Hopefully this time next year there will be a lot more travel options open to all of us.

Kris Kristofferson - This Old Road - https://youtu.be/sU_tjb0MceY

Spotify put their prices up recently and I got annoyed. Then they released their yearly statistics and apparently I've listened to that service for close to 835 hours. And that, of course, doesn't include any of my music listening on CD, LP or cassette! You may not get a shock to find out that I listen to AC/DC more than 99% of the population!

AC/DC -  Fling Thing / Rocker (live, Glasgow, 1978) - https://youtu.be/ASJy3c4ACiU

I like the new Billy Bragg album. As I mentioned last time, I wasn't that enthusiastic when it arrived but it's grown on me for sure. I'm sure quite a few people would love to hear Billy put out an album reminiscent of his first couple where he bashed out folk tinged protest songs with punk energy. You can still get that if you see him live but understanding that your favourite artists grow up as well is a good thing (except the Stones who are still singing Satisfaction well after turning forty ha ha). This album combines Bragg's obvious political and social points of view with music that straddles boundaries between country, folk and Americana. There's nods to the blue eyed soul that many English artists grew up listening to as well. It's a bit of a slow burn but it's worth it.

Billy Bragg - Freedom Doesn't Come For Free - https://youtu.be/pxdk5UBVlX8

For some reason, a Billy Connolly story popped into my head this week. I won't try to tell it but it involves him and moving from being a welder to being a musician. He mentioned the singer, Big Mama Thornton so I went looking to see what he was talking about. What a voice!

Big Mama Thornton - You Ain't Nothin' But A Hound Dog (live) - https://youtu.be/JvbSXVc451Q

I think I've written enough this time around. Keep on rockin' in the free world.

The Woozle

"I don't think on why I'm here or where it hurts

I'm just lucky to have the work
Sunday morning I'm too tired to go to church
But I thank God for the work..."

Jason Isbell, Something More Than Free, 2015

World Wide Woozle episode #560

Surprise! I'm still here.

I hope you've got some time for reading….this episode turned out to be a bit long. The fact that I can come up with long pieces of writing makes me laugh because I used to write essays for university by counting average words per line and then drawing a line on the page where I thought the end of the word-count would be (in the days when we had to hand write papers). No wonder my undergraduate degree is fairly average. 

Roxette - Lies - https://youtu.be/WqdIMNzBPeE

In new music news at HQ Woozle, I recently took delivery of the new album from Melbourne band, Galaxy. I've probably written about them before, but, to refresh your memory, they are a metal band that sound a bit like Mercyful Fate crossed with 80s Black Sabbath or Ozzy. It's really good stuff but the vocal delivery will be quite polarising I imagine. The record came on green vinyl and also in the sleeve was a poster, sticker, download card and a patch for my jacket. THAT'S how you keep fans happy. 

Galaxy – Bright Stars - https://youtu.be/LDqhx0mNdaM

The 1979 No Nukes concert set from Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band has finally been released. You get thirteen tracks and the whole lot clocks in at just about an hour and a half. I can't find a dud song; this is a killer show from a band who still sound like they had something to prove. Badlands, The River and Jungleland are definite highlights for me as is the quality of the recording. I believe there is a concert film as well; I hope so.

Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band – Jungleland (live, 1979) - https://youtu.be/Ga_3OHE1n10

Melbourne's Amyl & The Sniffers have released their long player, Comfort to Me. Wow! It's like The Clash and Black Flag met the Energizer Bunny and made a record. Superb riffing, vocals so honest and raw that you feel them and lyrics that bite. Yep, it's all there. 

Amyl & The Sniffers – Security - https://youtu.be/j5DZA2NLYis

Staying with loud music for just a bit longer, KISS have released the 45th Anniversary version of their classic LP, Destroyer. This is an album full of great tracks like Detroit Rock City, God of Thunder, Beth and Do You Love Me. But it's the demo versions included that make this worth a listen because, let's face it, even casual KISS fans will know most tracks on the original record. I was surprised that God of Thunder was a Paul Stanley tune and I enjoyed some of Gene's disco tinged demos. The whole box set is really very expensive for what you get but the cool stuff is streaming at least. 

KISS – God of Thunder (Paul Stanley demo) - https://youtu.be/-ELDf6452hQ

In personal news, I have a new job. It was nice to be asked to move into this role and not to just be changing jobs because my mental health was in a pickle. I've moved sideways in the same organisation but away from client facing work. After nearly two years of that I could tell that I needed to do something else and this opportunity came along with perfect timing. I've been in the new job for two weeks now and although I'm very tired as a result, it's great. I spent years and years either being in charge or having people tell me that I should aim higher and you know what, I like being a worker bee. I'm responsible for myself and that's more than enough these days. It leaves me space in my head for music, meditation and the other things that keep me on the straight and narrow.

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

I was fortunate enough to be invited to be the support act for Junk Sculpture last Sunday. I'm still a bit unsure about being a solo act but it certainly makes organising a rehearsal a lot easier! On stage it's a bit confronting with just myself and the acoustic guitar. There's no hiding at all! For those interested, I played two original songs, Silence and One's Too Many. The covers I chose were Steve Earle's Jerusalem and a slightly modified version of Kris Kristofferson's 1968 demo of If You Don't Like Hank Williams. Many thanks to George and the band for allowing me to play, Sam for lyrics, and to everyone who was there and said nice things about my songs. I might do it again one day I think. 

I've spent a bit of time listening to Taylor Swift's re-recording of her album, Red. It sounds good and the songs generally hold up well with age. I'm not really all that interested in who does, or doesn't have Taylor's scarf but it has made for good press I guess. As I've said before, I like Taylor because she writes her own songs and isn't afraid to put her feelings on show. Re-recording and releasing your original albums to stick it to record companies and greedy people is pretty cool too.

Taylor Swift – Better Man (Taylor's version) - https://youtu.be/PReSQYTFvcs

My favourite new release of the last few months is one that arrived at my place last week. Warumpi Band recorded a whole lot of cover versions, and one original, way back in 1982 in the lounge room of Neil Murray's house in Papunya. A few of these tracks have surfaced before but this is the complete session. You get songs by the Stones, Chuck Berry and a whole lot of others delivered with Warumpi's own style and almost boundless energy. It's a party mix and an antidepressant all in one. 

Warumpi Band – Promised Land - https://youtu.be/AKeEt4-8cFY

I could write a lot about the new Beatles documentary series that is now rolling via Disney+. It's not a music documentary per se. It's more just a close up recording of them writing and making the Let It Be album. My main impressions are that the video quality is outstanding, the audio is great and the banter between all the Beatles is generally hilarious. This probably isn't for casual fans (well not the whole thing) but it's an interesting window into a great band.

The Beatles - Don't Let Me Down (rehearsal) - https://youtu.be/385eTo76OzA

Finally, Primal Scream. I've loved their album, GIve Out But Don't Give Up since it came out many years ago but I didn't realise that the original version wasn't released until 2018. It features the legendary Muscle Shoals rhythm section and it's just fabulous.

Primal Scream - Jailbird - https://youtu.be/nOAeg-Xrl7k

Primal Scream - Rocks - https://youtu.be/TOXON2TmS6A

I'm not sure when the next episode of this blog will be...but it will feature commentary on the new Billy Bragg album. I feel that it's a return to form for Bill but more about that later. I'll try not to wait so long before bothering you all again!

Righto, again that's more than enough to be getting on with. Let me know if any of the above songs are of interest. 

RIP Digby.

The Woozle

"I just got better, now I must get well..."

James Reyne, Red Light Avenue, 1994.

World Wide Woozle episode #559

G'day groovers, let's get some good music spinning here.

Spotify link for the playlist of the tunes from this episode: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/2KqfWu7vvH20L4xZcgGIhb?si=f9485b4b0af64717

First up this week are James Williamson (The Stooges) and Deniz Tek (Radio Birdman) combining their punk and rock experience for an album released about a year ago now. Just hit play OK, it's great.

Kames Williamson & Deniz Tek - Stable - https://youtu.be/5OwkUzeJzpo

Continuing for a minute with punk rock...the next band hit me hard this week with the release of their fabulously titled EP, Unsolicited Advice for your DIY Disaster. The Buoys are from Sydney and have been playing since 2016. Cool name for a band as well when you consider that all members are female; I like it! Musically they remind me a bit of elements of The Go-Gos, Courtney Barnett and The Donnas. Here's a link for their recently released EP (the whole thing). 

The Buoys - Drive Me Home - https://youtu.be/mKIkcIct8aY

I started reading Stevie Van Zandt's autobiography, Unrequited Infatuations, this week. Many thanks to my mate DJ TC (who works for Little Steven) for reminding me that the book had been released. For those unaware, Little Steven has been a rock and roll guitarist for a long time now and is well known as a long time collaborator with Bruce Springteen, for appearing in the TV shows The Sopranos and Lilyhammer as well as fronting his own bands including The Disciples of Soul. It's interesting to read how varied his influences are as well as the path that he and Bruce took to rock and roll fame. He's an interesting guy....the book starts with him recounting being under a blanket in a car being smuggled into Soweto in apartheid era South Africa.

Artists United Against Apartheid - Sun City - https://youtu.be/4BIvf-ZlJNc

Little Steven & The Disciples of Soul - Soulfire (live) - https://youtu.be/CanRnjvdYNU

Apparently David Lee Roth (Van Halen and solo artist) is retiring. He released a short statement recently that says, well, not a lot really other than that he's done. If you've ever listened to him speak on radio or in an interview you'll know that Diamond Dave has a VERY big personality. He's an interesting guy. Singer, jazz musician, martial arts expert, painter, paramedic...and the list goes on. Rumours now abound that maybe he's not well. I hope that this isn't the case. Regardless of what you think of him, he's been a showman and a very successful one for many years. Maybe he's just realised that his voice isn't up to it anymore and he's going out (relatively) on top. If you want to hear all about his amazing life then hit up the podcast he did with Joe Rogan. It's a couple of hours of Dave talking non-stop about everything and the time just flies on by. I bought this song on a 45 when it was released...such a cool guitar track.

David Lee Roth - Yankee Rose - https://youtu.be/Aae2uyXLnd8

Van Halen - She's The Woman - https://youtu.be/Tj3ul98CnRg

My friend Karen recommended the next artist and I've been slowly listening to a few tracks. I chose this particular one because it's a great song but also because it showcases an artist who can sing and convey emotion in a live situation. If you like Serena Ryder, Miley Cyrus (doing country) or Carole King then I would recommend this. I just wonder how her family lost the "s" from the surname?!

Brandi Carlile - Right On Time (live) - https://youtu.be/wcWP91VUbWo

Jason Isbell and The 400 Unit have a new album coming at the end of November. Here's a track they recorded in Athens, Georgia. It's a cover of an REM song and those in the know will be aware that they are from Athens. All proceeds from the album go to charities so get on and pre-order now or make a note to get a copy when it's released.

Jason Isbell and The 400 Unit - Driver 8 (live) - https://youtu.be/OxOflWlehg4

My mate George has the third in his run of online gigs coming up this Wednesday evening (20 Oct 2021). As always, it promises to be a great way to spend some time enjoying original music. To get the link either visit the band's Facebook page or his webpage and ask. Rock on Bing!

George and Rob - Tiny Tin Town (live) - https://vimeo.com/502564251

That's about all for this week. Keep an eye out for the trailer for the upcoming Beatles film, the new Coldplay album, and me out on my bike.

The Woozle

"...now I'm on my way to a brighter day..."

Swanee, Rescue Me, 2014.

World Wide Woozle episode #558

Good morning on what is a glorious Spring day here in Canberra.

Already this morning I've been super productive. Maybe it's the weather or perhaps just that I had to collect my groceries at 8am and I've just kept on trucking! Let's get to some music.

In 1979 Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band performed at the No Nukes Concert at Madison Square Gardens. Get ready because a ten song video is set to be released in November. Here's the first release and I hope that it gets you toe tapping and maybe up for a dance in your lounge room as it did for me. It's just fabulous to see a band having such a good time performing as well as the great sound and video quality.

Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band - Sherry Darling - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eFE78WbrZjc

License To Kill appears on Bob Dylan's 1983 album, Infidels. This week a new official video was released that was filmed back in 1983 during the recording sessions. Mark Knopfler and Alan Clark (Dire Straits) are playing as is Mick Taylor (Rolling Stones). I'm no Dylan expert and not even a big fan but I really liked this song for some reason. Bob's voice is really strong here and the lyrics are timeless.

Bob Dylan - License to Kill - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HRrlFYg2QkI

I was unsure about playing the next tune. Although I really enjoyed the album and I'm a big AC/DC fan I will admit that this song isn't my favourite. But when the music video is added in I think it's very much worthy of your time (and mine). The look back through the band's history is rather cool although they don't include some of the others that did their time back in the day. This is probably as close to misty-eyed as you'll get from AC/DC.

AC/DC - Through The Mists Of Time - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l7-bIFDMSFA

I've continued with the 30-day mindfulness challenge. It's pretty good and makes a difference for me. I can also see definite applications for it with my work. I'm not dashing off to find an Indian guru to teach me a better way but daily meditation seems to be a good thing.

Midnight Oil - Underwater - https://youtu.be/bDwpQehaKvk

Did we ever expect to hear from Tears for Fears again? Probably not. The story of why they started playing music again is a good read and you can get all the info here. There's a lot of water under their bridge but in the end they realised that nothing was stopping them making music except themselves. There's a new album out soon-ish and the first single has been released. If you liked Tears for Fears before then this won't disappoint. If you've never heard of them then this isn't a dreadful starting point as it's a strong track that is well produced.

Tears for Fears - The Tipping Point - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yUp-ujO979U

I've left this track until the end on purpose. If you've read this blog for a while you'll have been introduced to Puddles Pity Party. I think he's a great singer and, in a world of great voices, he stands out to me. I think the clown getup is rather cool and suits what he does with covers and his originals. Puddles' latest release addresses the issue of trolling and the feral world of keyboard commandos. Seriously, if you don't like something then don't listen to it or at least be polite. Constructive criticism is OK, hating is not.

Puddles Pity Party - Driven to Tears / Black Sabbath / Police - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fu8fgeyAwVU

That's it folks, smile at a stranger, pat a dog, be excellent to each other and yourselves.

The Woozle

"Here's my story, sad but true
About a girl that I once knew.
She broke my heart, I became unglued,
It all started when she called me dude..."

Scatterbrain, Don't Call Me Dude, 1990.

World Wide Woozle episode #557

Hi everyone and thanks for joining me this time around here at World Wide Woozle. If you're the person that is reading in Romania then please yell out and say hello!

Here's the playlist link for this week. Click here.

October is Mental Health Month here in Australia. Depending on which statistics you want to read either one in four, or one in five, people will experience problems with their mental health during their lifetime. It's a challenging subject but one that needs to be normalised and discussed. If your friend was taking medication to aid in pain relief from a broken leg then there's every chance that no-one would think twice about it. Mental health is completely different and it needn't be. Talk to your friends, family and colleagues - please. 

The Black Sorrows - Another Blue Day - https://youtu.be/TMAWQAZmUEw

Lux Lisbon - Scars (acoustic/live) - https://youtu.be/kTqoZfLdtLo

Ghost have a new single that comes from an album that seems to be a long, long way off. But the single is cool, and from a new Halloween film! You get the familiar spooky Ghost schtick and it really is a great track.

Ghost - Hunter's Moon - https://youtu.be/rtkaUZvMaG8

Elton John has teamed up with Stevie Wonder for the first track from the former's Lockdown Sessions album. At first I thought to myself, yep; another Elton mid-paced, well produced song. On further listening I realised the fat bass sound and then Stevie's iconic harmonica give the track something special.

Elton John with Stevie Wonder - Finish Line - https://youtu.be/dEyCVAIfiCk

 

I will freely admit that years ago I thought that the Blues Brothers were just a band made up for the film. I was wrong. And this week I noticed a release of a live gig that they'd broadcast on the radio called Real Tight! (Live San Francisco 1978 KSAN). It sounds like it was a great show and whilst I can't find any of it on YouTube just yet, this will give you an idea of what it's all about....wait through the band intros for Matt, Steve and Duck to get into the music because it's so groovy!

The Blues Brothers - B Movie Box Car Blues (live 1978) - https://youtu.be/ythpz9KrLm0

DJ EmJay sent me through a few recommendations a while ago (thank you!) and I may have lost the email for a while....but all is well because nothing is ever really gone on the internet. Firstly, here's a cover version that I really didn't expect to be all that good. Not because the band can't play or because I don't trust DJ EmJay but because covering The Beatles is heavy man...and rarely is it done well. This is cool though and Klaus sings it so well.

Scorpions - Across The Universe - https://youtu.be/ESSiufFTxJQ

The next track was also recommended and EmJay highlighted the fact that it might be her favourite song ever. A worthy choice! This is a slightly different version to the one we're all used to hearing as well; I like trying to spot the differences. 

Queen / Bowie - Under Pressure (Classic Queen Mix) - https://youtu.be/YoDh_gHDvkk

Recently I realised that I needed to return to taking better care of my own mental health. I'd let a few things slip and it showed. So, to that end I've been learning properly how to meditate and breathe. I was a bit resistant initially and thought it would be all about rainbows and incense but it's proving to be pretty good. And I've also taken a bit of a leap into journaling. Not writing about music (I do that here all the time) but making a genuine effort to write down and then reflect on how I feel, gratitude and a bit of affirmation. Again, it sounds a bit like purple kaftans and temples but it's not. The reason I'm writing about it here isn't because I want external affirmation, but it's to keep me honest about the whole thing. I have things I need to address. Thanks for indulging me!

The War On Drugs - I Don't Live Here Anymore - https://youtu.be/MVh6XTwWhMY

See you all next time....when...I'll be OUT OF QUARANTINE! Woo hoo!

Hugs,

The Woozle

"Into the great wide open

Under them skies of blue
Out in the great wide open
A rebel without a clue..."

Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers, Into The Great Wide Open, 1991.

World Wide Woozle episode #556

Hi everyone,

This episode comes to you from me in home quarantine so get ready to rock and don't be scared to turn the volume up. Your neighbours will love it.

Here's the Spotify playlist for this episode. Click here.

Bryan Adams - House Arrest (live) - https://youtu.be/g7wgPdn6HZQ

Let's start with Lorde. The singer from New Zealand has a new album available called Solar Power. The cover art, which I find a bit unnecessary, could easily be labelled "gas power". And then there's the fact that you can buy the album packaging at your local music shop but the CD version comes without a disc. You just get the booklet and some photos. No thanks. Musically it's a pretty good listen but the whole packaging thing just feels like we've been cheated.

Lorde - Solar Power - https://youtu.be/wvsP_lzh2-8

I went back to listen to the first Fleetwood Mac album last week. It's from 1968. For most of their more modern output I've found the band just a little bit too commercial and/or middle of the road for my taste. If you like Blues though then early Mac is for you. I've been thoroughly enjoying this record.

Fleetwood Mac - Merry Go Round - https://youtu.be/7Khxpvq1-O4

And speaking of the middle of the road...popular songs are hits for a reason and this track is no exception. This one was a huge hit when I was at high school and playing the intro riff on my acoustic guitar made me dream of playing to large audiences. Cool song and check out the mullets in the video!

Lou Gramm - Midnight Blue - https://youtu.be/v4G_0A8Cdkw

Canberra doom rockers Witchskull have contributed a track to an AC/DC tribute record. After a few listens I was wondering why they'd bothered. It just sounded like pretty much any other hard rock band playing an AC/DC track. After a few more listens the track seeped into my brain and I heard more and more Witchskull in there as well as AC/DC. The drums and bass pound hard, the guitar wails in pain and the vocals take their cue from Bon Scott but it's Marcus all the way.

Witchskull - Sin City - https://youtu.be/ttjeB7qyXIg

Windham Hill Records put out a whole lot of music back in the day. I remember getting one of their guitar sampler albums on cassette and being mesmerised by the playing. The cassette is here and I dug it out yesterday for a listen and it's still sublime. Plenty of the artists are online and you can search them out easily if you feel the urge. I've got a CD copy of the cassette coming soon; yay! This is the first track on the cassette and it hooked me instantly.

David Cullen - On The Way - https://youtu.be/KzJu51PloQc

Ozzy Osbourne released No More Tears back in 1991. It just had the 30th anniversary treatment. For me, this is a great album for a few reasons. The songwriting is high quality, Ozzy sounds good and his relatively new (at the time) guitarist, Zakk Wylde, just hits it out of the park. Other than Blizzard of Ozz (1980), this is my favourite Ozzy album. Following on from my comments about Lorde though, I'm a bit disappointed. You can get the remastered version on vinyl or via streaming service but not on CD. There's a pattern appearing here and it worries me personally as a music consumer. Also, there are a whole lot of bonus tracks available only online. Sure, I have a Spotify account and I've already played the new version of the album far too many times, but I'd really like the opportunity to own the physical CD of it or at least to be able to purchase lossless files. Oh well, it still rocks!

Ozzy Osbourne - I Don't Want To Change The World - https://youtu.be/chqF4viMPY8

My very good friend, and former bandmate, George is playing his second online gig tomorrow night (Weds 29 Sep 2021). The first show was a real treat and you shouldn't miss the upcoming thirty minutes of Bing doing his thing. I was very excited to be asked to appear as a guest on one of the songs and getting all of that recorded and ready to go was tons of fun. You can view the gig anytime between 8pm and midnight AEDST. For details on how to watch please go to this link and ask George for the details. https://www.georgehuitker.com.au/contact

One of the good things about quarantine is that I've been checking out a few albums that I haven't listened to for a while. It may be good or bad that I've also identified a few gaps in the collection! As a result I've got a vinyl copy of a rather cool Steeleye Span album from 1973 coming in the post. This band really helped me link my enjoyment of more traditional music from my homeland with rock and roll.

Steeleye Span - Cam Ye O'er Frae France - https://youtu.be/xLBGqJAdY8k

Good grief, I've got a lot more music to play for you but maybe I'll wait until next time. After 556 episodes I don't want to peak too early!

On a quick personal note...I get out of quarantine at midnight on Saturday. I was unlucky enough to be in hospital a week ago for a day (gotta love kidney stones) and someone there must've tested positive for Covid-19. I'm very grateful that my first test came back negative (next test is Thursday). It's only when something like this happens that you realise that even in lockdown, we still have the potential to infect quite a number of people. So, please get vaccinated if you can and even though the health orders might feel onerous, stick with it just a bit longer.

Rock on,

The Woozle.

" 'Cause I'm just a teenage dirtbag, baby

Yeah, I'm just a teenage dirtbag, baby
Listen to Iron Maiden, baby, with me, ooh.." Wheatus, Teenage Dirtbag, 2000. (that's a cool live version, watch it!)

World Wide Woozle episode #555

Hello enormous listening world. Fortunately, my Covid test came back negative and I was released from quarantine the next morning. 

Here's the link for a playlist of all the songs in this episode: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/43uR7WtiPTFEyuk8mJoUhu?si=2c3b10cd83034997

And so now, onto some music. I hope that the selection this time moves, grooves and soothes you!

When I turned 50 some good friends gave me a new vinyl copy of Carole King's album, Tapestry. You might remember me writing about it at the time. In the last week or so I've been revisiting it and for any number of reasons it has really spoken to me in a way I certainly didn't expect. The physical act of playing a record (rather than streaming or CD) has special meaning to me as well. The feel of the record, the sleeve and sleeve notes as well as cleaning the LP before playing somehow make the music more special. Anyway, before I get too carried away, here's the first track from the album...truly magnificent. Thanks to all my friends old and new.

Carole King - You've Got A Friend - https://youtu.be/VbMI4imWFzY

Pink Floyd are about to release the remixed and updated version of their 1987 album, A Momentary Lapse of Reason. Whilst this was included in the massive Later Years box set from 2019, this is a separate release of this album. Not everyone loves this album, in fact many Floyd fans really dislike it. 1987 was about the time that I got interested in Pink Floyd and as a result this record is one I quite like. "...There's no sensation to compare with this, suspended animation, a state of bliss...", is a great lyric I think. There's also some new Sony 360 degree surround sound technology going on here but I'll get some input from the expert on all things audio, DJ Guz, and will get back to you on that!

Pink Floyd - Learning To Fly - https://youtu.be/OVn7o1q2g3Y

ABBA are back. Yep, I realise that it has been all over the news but I'm a fan so I thought I'd mention it. The new album, Voyage, is due for release on November 5th and two singles are already available. ABBA haven't spent all the years since they broke up trying to make every penny possible by tarnishing their legacy as many bands have. And look, if these new tunes are anything to go by then the album should be cool. The digital touring version of the band could be interesting. Oh, to be young and airbrushed!

ABBA - Don't Shut Me Down - https://youtu.be/hWGWFa3jznI

Fans of the legendary English band, The Smiths, know that they will never re-form. And given the recent debacle from the Sex Pistols it's probably not a bad thing. Fortunately both Morrissey and Johnny Marr have extensive and continuing solo releases to sink your teeth into. You may or may not avoid Morrissey these days given some of his political views but there's no denying that he's a great songwriter and performer. Johnny Marr is cool though and he gets cooler. I was exposed to Johnny not because of The Smiths, but because of his work with Billy Bragg. He's got a new single (Billy does too - more about that in another episode) and it's got a thumping beat, tasty guitars and an almost entrancing vocal feel. I like it.

Johnny Marr - Spirit Power and Soul - https://youtu.be/qeqBn3BAMag

"Morrissey", I hear you shout, "give us some Morrissey!" Oh, ok then. Here's a tune that I've liked for years. What a wordsmith, what a voice!

Morrissey - Come Back To Camden - https://youtu.be/5XWJyO3Zj0s

Recently I signed up for a 30 day trial of the Amazon Prime streaming service. DJ BlackBeltHenry had told me that it had a ton of music films, documentaries and concerts and, as a result, it sounded like a winner to me. Well so far it's been awesome. Last night I happened upon a John Denver concert recorded in Japan in the late seventies. The video quality is average at best but the audio was great. There's a load of other stuff that I'll watch as well including the biopic about W.A.S.P. guitarist Chris Holmes as well as Creedence, Alice Cooper, Johnny Cash, The Bee Gees and the history of the Bay Area thrash metal scene. Rock on indeed! Here's a song we used to sing in class at primary school. Again, a magnificent set of lyrics.

John Denver - Annie's Song (live in Tokyo) - https://youtu.be/GqViYyDIAdI

I was going to write now about the new Iron Maiden album, Senjutsu. After thinking about this for a little while I'm going to hit pause on the review and wait a little while. Let's just say that I think it is quite boring and I'm hoping that it grows on me. I am a HUGE Maiden fan so I'll give them due respect and spend more time listening. One from the past...check out that crowd!

Iron Maiden - Fear Of The Dark (live in Santiago) - https://youtu.be/6PDMtqejNfs

I was in the car today (legally) and listened to an album recorded by Sheryl Crow in 1998. It's called The Globe Sessions and is named for the studio they worked in. I've had the album for years and haven't listened to it much. Well, today was the day and I really enjoyed the backbeats, the almost grungy guitar, Hammond organ sounds and of course Sheryl's voice. I think I'll listen to it again shortly.

Sheryl Crow - My Favourite Mistake - https://youtu.be/AmIlUKo4dQc

Let's finish with a song I've played a lot for y'all over the years. And I'll keep playing it into the future. This one came to me via The Proclaimers who have a brilliant version. It's a song I've turned to for years now when things aren't going so well. I really should work it up and record it properly myself before too long. I've got a version I did on the 4-track machine over fifteen years ago but maybe it needs revisiting. If you only listened to one song this week then make it this one. It's the blues that helps chase the black dog away.

Steve Earle - My Old Friend The Blues - https://youtu.be/VGkHnMtp_MU

Rock on Brothers and Sisters! And please come back next time,

The Woozle

"...All I want and all I need,

All I crave is a good pub feed..."

The Chats, Pub Feed, 2019.

World Wide Woozle episode #554

This episode comes to you from quarantine here at HQ Woozle. I was unlucky enough to be in the supermarket for 10 minutes on Thursday at exactly the wrong time! I've had a Covid test this morning and depending on how the ACT Government counts to four, I'm either released as soon as I get a negative test result, or, I'm back for another industrial cotton bud up my nose on Wednesday. Watch this space.

The rest of this episode is all about music. 

One of the problems with writing quite a few episodes now is that I forget the songs I've played. But then, maybe if I put a song on here more than once it just means I like it. The next song is one of those. The original, which is sublime, is here. The cover version is very cool as well. And if you haven't seen the original movie then please, watch it very soon. For the very observant out there...if you listen closely to the original may notice the first time that a Wookie's name was spoken...

Psychedelic Porn Crumpets - I Wanna Be Like You - https://youtu.be/bD0VpmaSBjs

George is doing a streamed solo show on Wednesday night this week (01 Sep 2021). It promises to be full of music, costume changes and good fun. If you're interested in watching then click here to get the link from the man himself or visit the Facebook page for details. This is a must see event!

George Huitker - Mother's Day 2020 - https://vimeo.com/420950310

Band names are hard to choose. Some end up being ridiculous and some fit oh so well. I was in a rock band that I wanted to call The Flaming Penguins. Thankfully it didn't happen. Shaman's Harvest, however, sound to me just as their name suggests. The lyrics in this song, "There's a black bird, perched up on a black dog, and they're plottin' your demise...", really resonate with me at the moment. Maybe add in a black cat, broken mirror and a ladder to walk under.

Shaman's Harvest - Bird Dog - https://youtu.be/UV4HdAHx8go

Black Label Society is Zakk Wylde's band. Zakk's been around for many years now as a solo artist as well as a guitar player with Ozzy Osbourne for ages. He has a distinctive guitar tone and vocal tone (which can be polarising) however I wasn't prepared to see him making fun of himself in the video! Pretty amusing really. It reminds me a bit of the Weezer Buddy Holly clip. Great song too.

Black Label Society - Set You Free - https://youtu.be/l47At7wrhyI

Even with the world in chaos this last week, news of the passing of Rolling Stones drummer Charlie Watts made a huge impression. More knowledgeable people than me can write about how influential he was or how he was an amazing drummer. I just liked the fact that he was understated and rock solid. The Stones would never have rolled without Charlie.

The Rolling Stones - Bitch - https://youtu.be/a4g8PxsG_j4

DJ KungFuRollins asked me which album I'd recommend for someone if they were to be introduced to KISS. My answer was Dynasty. It's their most commercial and probably most accessible too. What do you think? If you're recommending an album do you go for your absolute favourite or the one that is the biggest hit. Hits are hits for a reason! I listened to two new podcast episodes yesterday about Metallica's 1991 self-titled album (aka the black album). It was really interesting to hear them talk about the change in their sound, songwriting and approach to music in general with what would become their biggest record. Usually I like to start at the start if I'm checking out a band and I usually avoid greatest hits compilations as well. It certainly can make it interesting as some bands that are very well known sound nothing like their first couple of records.

Wicked Lester - We Want To (Shout It Out Loud ) - https://youtu.be/O0Lu1-uoCFg

Fleetwood Mac - My Heart Beat Like A Hammer - https://youtu.be/2h50c8QHvJI

I was in a discussion a while ago about the best version of the next song. Personally, I think that the original Simon & Garfunkel version is untouchable but I recognise that other artists love the song and have done some great covers too (like this and this). Here though is one I didn't expect. Other than the slide guitar being far too high in the mix the whole thing is fantastic.

The Band of HM Royal Marines - The Sound of Silence - https://youtu.be/o05f8yLaaKM

That's all folks. See you next time on The Muppet Sh....wait, no!

The Woozle

"Remember when you were young, you shone like the sun,

Shine on you crazy diamond.
Now there's a look in your eyes, like black holes in the sky,
Shine on you crazy diamond..." Pink Floyd, Shine On You Crazy Diamond, 1975.

World Wide Woozle episode #553

G'day and welcome back.

First things first. The songs this week are available for you to listen to on a Spotify playlist (as are last weeks). If anyone actually uses this please let me know or I won't bother otherwise! The sound quality is a million times better on Spotify than on YouTube. Click here for this week and here for last week!

Lockdown continues here in Canberra and most of the country too. I try not to rant too much these days but people flagrantly disregarding what we're being asked to do really gets up my nose. Seriously...we're allowed 60 minutes of outdoor exercise a day and I see updates on Strava all the time of folks out there riding for much more than an hour. They must be really special. Personally, I'd like nothing more than to hop on my bike for a three hour cruise (maybe I'd end up on Gilligan's Island) but come on everyone, do the right thing. Here's a parody of Scotland's First Minister telling people what to do....but you know it makes sense. There's a language warning for this one.

Jane Godley - Nicola speaks - https://youtu.be/uZF82buIAdQ

This is my first time working from home for more than a few hours. Last year, as an essential worker, I was still out and about but this time is different. We're using phone calls, tele-health and a range of other means to try and do our work. And although I understand why it has to be this way I find it very difficult. I get it, I'm lucky to have a job at all, but I do worry a lot about the people I work to support.

Carley Pearce - You Know Where To Find Me - https://youtu.be/vVM_4fAEKCI

Spring is well and truly on the way here in the national capital. Wattles are in bloom, the temperature is regularly above freezing overnight and, you guessed it, magpies have begun their yearly campaign against cyclists! I'm looking forward to three months of ever decreasing available cycling routes combined with arm waving and bad language when I'm surprised by feathered fiends.

Frenzal Rhomb - Bird Attack - https://youtu.be/L426wOBOdMg

Last week I mentioned Melbourne hard rockers, Galaxy. Well, after listening more to their last album I've jumped on the pre-order for one that comes out in November. I figure that now is the time to support local musicians as much as possible. One day the pandemic will be over and if I can make some regular purchases to help other musicians stay afloat then that might mean that some cool bands survive and their members get to eat and pay rent. You can support loads and loads of Australian (and international) bands, both big and small, by using the Bandcamp website.

Presidents Of The USA - Video Killed The Radio Star - https://youtu.be/9PldYq3KHXc

If you're interested in guitars and music and have some time to spare then I can heartily recommend the Icons series being put out by Gibson guitars on YouTube. It's a growing series of extended interviews with well known guitarists...and it's not trying to sell you a guitar. I watched the latest one with Dave Mustaine from Megadeth talking about his life and involvement in music. It definitely surprised me and was very interesting and well made. There are five episodes so far; Mustaine, Kirk Hammett (Metallica), Jerry Cantrell (Alice in Chains), Tony Iommi (Black Sabbath), and Bob Rock (producer).

Megadeth - Holy Wars...The Punishment Due - https://youtu.be/9d4ui9q7eDM

I've played the next song in two different bands now and it never gets old. I realise that it's one of Nick's better known songs but that doesn't really matter. It's popular for a very good reason.

Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds - The Ship Song (live) - https://youtu.be/t4Vl27zlDhM

Trying to stay positive and seeing the good side of a situation is something that I've been intentionally trying to do for quite a while now. Of course it doesn't always work but I'd rather not be a grumpy old sod every day who thinks the whole world is against him. Laugh at yourself and worry less about other people. It works.

Timbuk 3 - The Future's So Bright (I Gotta Wear Shades) - https://youtu.be/8qrriKcwvlY

I've chosen the next song, not only because the weather here is changeable but because it sort of relates how a lot of people are feeling at the moment. Everything happens at once and then nothing happens at all. Also, it's a beautiful track, one of the best from Crowded House. Maybe I'll learn to play it.

Crowded House - Four Seasons In One Day - https://youtu.be/si3dBlNdifE

Time for something new I hear you say. Well, OK then. Slowly Slowly are from Melbourne and this track is one that I heard for the first time a few hours ago. Spotify can show you what your friends have been listening to and I spotted this one in DJ Bogler's feed. The tune definitely has an 80s pop influence as well as a smooth. modern indie groove. If you like The Preatures, Stevie Wonder or Lime Cordiale then this might do it for you. 

Slowly Slowly - The Level - https://youtu.be/w4RQrUGnO2M

When lockdown hit here in the ACT, it was quick. My guitar amplifier was locked away at our rehearsal place in Queanbeyan and I couldn't get it. Now that lockdown has been extended I'm itching to play my electric guitars again. I'm not really into amp modelling (where you plug the guitar straight into a computer or tablet and then software emulates an amplifier) so I decided to bite the bullet and purchase a small amp for home use. Well....arriving in the next week or so will be an old amplifier with my name on it. Watch this space; it could get loud.

The Searchers - Sugar and Spice - https://youtu.be/80oMW_t4svM

And on that note it's time to sign off.

Keep smiling everyone and find a dog to cuddle if you can,

The Woozle

"And in the end,
The love you take,
Is equal to the love you make."

The Beatles, The End, 1969.

World Wide Woozle episode #552 - LOCKDOWN!

It had to happen. Canberra went into a seven day lockdown at 1700hrs on Thursday August 12. Given that we're totally surrounded by New South Wales it was only a matter of time. Other than the rush on toilet paper and plenty of idiots trying to escape interstate to the south coast it seems pretty chilled here. And to those who tried to escape into NSW to the coast...enjoy your fourteen day lockdown.

The Specials - Ghost Town - https://youtu.be/RZ2oXzrnti4

Lockdown for me has meant that I can't avoid working from home any longer! For all of 2020, as an essential worker, I was in the office. Now, however, I can do my work from home for a bit. I think that will take a bit of getting used to. 

Loverboy - Working For The Weekend - https://youtu.be/dsgBpsNPQ50

This morning (Saturday) has been rather groovy really. I slept in until 0730hrs (yes, that's a sleep in), read the news whilst I had breakfast, discovered a new band and bought their EP, did a yoga session and unpacked the dishwasher. Not a bad life really!

Let's get to some music.

For metal fans, Utopia Records in Sydney is a bit of a Mecca. Their Facebook page is a really good source of information (and quite often a good laugh). This morning they posted about a band from Melbourne called Galaxy who have a new album coming. The description sounded interesting so after a quick search I found their last release and had a listen. Yep, it's cool. A healthy, rocking mixture of King Diamond, old school metal, Ghost, some psychedelic moments and maybe Judas Priest. I ordered the EP via Bandcamp and have had a listen online a few times now. I really like it and I can't wait to hear the new album soon.

Galaxy - Dreaming Out - https://youtu.be/jHr-FU6QVIo

Scottish synth-pop band Chvrches have a new single out featuring Robert Smith from The Cure. The song is upbeat and melancholy at the same time and has a groove that really sticks in my head. Chvrches aren't a band I've listened to in the past but on the strength of this I imagine I'll be expanding my playlist again.

Chvrches with Robert Smith - How Not To Drown - https://youtu.be/7U_LhzgwJ4U

I played Chet Atkins recently so here's another player who lists him as his major influence. Tommy Emmanuel is an Australian guitar virtuoso. He can play across many styles but truly shines when you see him make one guitar sound so effortlessly amazing all by itself. Oz rock fans could always do a little digging and find him playing with Dragon back in the day!

Tommy Emmanuel - Guitar Boogie (live) - https://youtu.be/bv3dDH2QCnU

I mentioned Elvis last week. Plenty of people have written songs about, or referencing The King and I'd like to play a couple here. Firstly we have The Badloves. They're an Australian band who were big in the 90s although I notice they've played some shows relatively recently. Their album Get On Board is a really good laidback bluesy style record and this song comes from it. Not bad for a debut single!

The Badloves - Memphis - https://youtu.be/TsUT6asJETA

If you have time, read the backstory about Marc Cohn's big hit, Walking In Memphis. It's all about him, suffering from writer's block and how the events in the song helped him with that.

Marc Cohn - Walking In Memphis - https://youtu.be/PgRafRp-P-o

And of course, it would be hard to go past the next tune. One of the reasons I bought a resonator guitar a few years ago was the first line of this song (as well as the cover of Dire Straits' Brothers In Arms). Paul Simon's album, Graceland, is a very regular appearance on my playlist.

Paul Simon - Graceland (live 1991) - https://youtu.be/_y-EG9b-mu8

Quite often I look at my collection of CDs, LPs and cassettes (as well as stuff I've flagged on Spotify) for something I haven't listened to in a long time or for something that I've simply forgotten about. Last week that was the band from Iowa called Slipknot. They're famous, have plenty of albums and fans but I never managed to get into them. I noticed a copy of their fourth long player, from 2008,  All Hope Is Gone. I cued it up to listen to in the car and, for many reasons, it hit the spot. Maybe it's the masks and imagery that put me off which is funny because it totally works with KISS and Ghost. Anyway, the album has gone around a few times and it's encouraged me to dive deeper into their discography as well as remembering to listen with my ears rather than my eyes.

Slipknot - Dead Memories - https://youtu.be/9gsAz6S_zSw

Something I've done lately is to take artists who I decided I really don't like and give them a second chance. Everyone experiences change in their musical tastes over the course of their life and that interests me. I like to think that I'm pretty open minded when it comes to music but there are a few bands that I've really struggled with. Powderfinger have always been one of those bands. Early on in their career they rocked fairly hard....for example:

Powderfinger- Tail (1994) - https://youtu.be/RF3racPCYDY

But their music seemed to get more and more middle of the road as their career went on. That's just my opinion and your mileage may vary of course. I've tried a few tracks recently and there are some gems in there, I just feel that there's a little energy lacking for the most part. Singer Bernard Fanning put out a solo album a few years ago called Tea and Sympathy. I remember, after one listen, vowing to never listen to it again. Recently I was reintroduced to it and listened, critically, with fresh ears. OK, so it's not so bad. He writes great lyrics and conveys a mood well. Is it my favourite album, definitely not, but it's not the slow, boring trainwreck that I thought it was when it first came out.

Bernard Fanning - Watch Over Me (live) - https://youtu.be/P8jAaSqWPvs

Finally, Bryan Adams. I've always been a fan of his straight ahead, melodic, good time rock and roll. He's a guy that writes a great hook and knows how to entertain a crowd. Along with Van Halen, I think that Bryan's music is perfect on a road trip or simply when you need a pick me up. Particularly in a live setting it's the sound of a Stratocaster that dominates and that's my guitar of choice. Bryan and his longtime sidekick, Keith Scott, make their guitars growl and sing but always with that distinctive Strat sound.

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

Bryan Adams and Mel C - When You're Gone (live and acoustic) - https://youtu.be/n7zYkoycc1I

Yup, that wasn't a Strat in the second clip but it's a great version of a cracking tune.

Rebecca and Megan Lovell are sisters who have a band called Larkin Poe. They play acoustic, electric and slide guitar and their cover versions and bluesy original material is a lot of fun. There is a metric ton of material available on their YouTube channel so for those stuck in lockdown, click away and disappear down that rabbit hole for a while. You won't regret it.

Larkin Poe - Mississippi - https://youtu.be/ZXQQEK81BAk

Larkin Poe - Mama, I'm Coming Home (Ozzy Osbourne cover) - https://youtu.be/_inb9O-ckNs

In the last couple of days I've made the most of my 60 minutes exercise outside allotment by doing a ride that includes some hill climbing at the National Arboretum. Today I'll mix it up with more yoga and a walk in the sun. Variety is good even though I still have to convince myself of that from time to time! 

Keep the faith Australia,

The Woozle

"Nobody knows I'm Elvis
Nobody knows this is me
After all of my tries...I've got
The perfect disguise..." Nobody Knows I'm Elvis, Waylon Jennings, 1994.

World Wide Woozle episode #551

Hello there, all you radio fans. It's time for some music.

The deluxe reissues of the classic Queensrÿche albums, Empire and Operation: Mindcrime have arrived. The packaging and accompanying booklets are high quality and reflect the fact that the band (and probably their record company) have taken care in getting this right. The DVDs (no BluRay available) showcase a wide range of stuff including live performances, promo clips and alternate versions of these, interviews and other bits and pieces. They were fun to watch although, predictably due to the age of some of the source material, the sound quality varied. The CDs of the albums sound fantastic and I've played them loud. To be honest, these weren't all that expensive in comparison to many other boxsets and with the quality of the inclusions I'm very happy with them. What a great band and a fantastic two albums.

Queensryche - Eyes Of A Stranger - https://youtu.be/A4duZjxusGM

Billy Bragg has a new album coming in early October. It's called The Million Things That Never Happened. Here's one of the tracks from it....sounds pretty good to me but then I'm a little biased!

Billy Bragg - Ten Mysterious Photos That Can't Be Explained - https://youtu.be/-n794uMfCJwQR

DJ K put me onto the next tune. It's got a great beat and I just love the sound of Keb Mo's voice. It combines well with Roseanne Cash and the lyrics mean something. Play it a few times will you?

Keb Mo with Roseanne Cash - Put A Woman In Charge - https://youtu.be/FciQeRGYFlw

I've spent time listening to Tom Waits in the last couple of weeks. He's got such an extensive and eclectic catalogue that it means there's always something a bit different to listen to. The man must gargle motorbike chains...

Tom Waits - Take One Last Look - https://youtu.be/PEi5b6nUQQs

Here's a band I've never heard of doing an absolute ripper of a cover of a Loverboy tune. Wow! The pandemic may suck in so many ways but the proliferation of artists producing high quality content (both originals and covers) in this format is pretty cool.

Candlebox - Turn Me Loose - https://youtu.be/k8QW_db2uWI

It's been a while since I played some Elvis. As a kid I was fascinated with the King for many reasons including the '68 Comeback Special look that he had with the leather jacket and the sideburns! I remember getting a double LP of Elvis' hits when I was younger and loving it. I still do. There are so many people called Rob in the world that when I'm ordering at a cafe I usually give Elvis as my name. It usually gets a funny look and I work hard to keep a straight face!

Elvis Presley - Jailhouse Rock (live '68 comeback special) - https://youtu.be/xqBdTn3_0Rw

Last week I had a chat with my good mate DJ KayDee about songs that we like but, for one reason or another, would find it hard to sing. This is one of those songs. Del Amitri are an amazing band (from Scotland). Their albums and songs often sound deceptively simple until you have a close listen to what's going on. This is the opening track from their third album and also the reason that I experimented with alternate guitar tunings. But it's about being unfaithful and whilst the song is beautiful I reckon I'd have trouble singing it. I know that you can sing from someone else's perspective but sometimes that's a bridge too far. Still, it's a great song.

Del Amitri - Be My Downfall (live) - https://youtu.be/jkrIwqnTxf8

Get your vaccination...stay at home...cook good food...rock on,

The Woozle

This space intentionally blank :-)

World Wide Woozle episode #550

Just when you thought it was safe to go back on the internet, I'm back! Get ready to rock!

I won't spend too much time on my absence except to say that I've not been as unwell for maybe thirty years and it was dreadful. I may not have had Covid but I feel as if I've had almost every other nasty bug that's been floating around. I haven't ridden my bike for over two weeks so that's a clear indication of how rotten I've felt. But, finally, with thanks to penicillin, sleep and DJ FeeDub, I'm on the mend and here to assault your aural senses with some tunes.

Some sad news came through yesterday with the passing of ZZ Top's Dusty Hill. He played bass, keys and did some singing for the Texas blues and boogie band for over fifty years. For many years, and probably like many other people, I've considered ZZ Top to be the ultimate melding of blues, rock and boogie. RIP Dusty.

ZZ Top – Cheap Sunglasses - https://youtu.be/QePcj9BplMQ

ZZ Top – My Head's In Mississippi – https://youtu.be/0968f0VWvd8

Luke Yeoward (ex-King Cannons) has a new album out now called Marigold Avenue. It's a rather fine collection of reggae tunes that really grows on you if given half a chance. I'm not quite sure how to describe the feel of the album but it's upbeat and laidback all at once. There are some great old school reggae moments and a genuine warmth to the recordings. Play it a few times.

Luke Yeoward – Always In Your Heart - https://youtu.be/3mdFRxcBDpY

 DJ SAB pointed out recently that Sisters of Mercy are releasing a collection of their recordings done for the BBC and John Peel. Some have been available on streaming services for a while but this brings together three sessions for a total of twelve tracks. This is the sound of bleak winters, the result of Thatcher's England and lyrics with bite.

Sisters of Mercy – Alice – https://youtu.be/-GwWra1sQgo

I've written a LOT about Lenny Kravitz's album Mama Said which is from 1991. It's one of those albums that I consider to be "all killer, no filler. I got it on cassette as a freebie as part of a Rolling Stone magazine subscription all those years ago. The magazine wasn't really that great but I'm still listening to the album on a regular basis. Lenny recorded most of it by himself although you can hear Slash on guitar as well. There are funk, rock and quiet introspective moments and it all fits so well together.

Lenny Kravitz – Stop Draggin' Around – https://youtu.be/l_AWMp826dg

Lenny Kravitz – Flowers for Zoë – https://youtu.be/LcXhpmscdSQ

The Zoë that Lenny is writing for is his daughter. Nowadays you can see her on the TV series High Fidelity (on Disney+). We've watched a few episodes and it's pretty groovy really if you're looking for short, sharp episodes that are good fun with cool music references. And yes, it's modelled on the book and film of the same name. At times it reminds me of an American version of Black Books set in a record store.

 Metal Church were a pretty big band on the scene in the 80s and into the 90s. Sadly, singer Mike Howe died this week at the age of 55. He sang on the album that I'm most familiar with which is called Blessing In Disguise. The track below was regularly programmed on overnight music TV shows here in Australia and that's what brought the band to my attention. I've only just become aware that they reformed not all that long ago and have some more recent albums too. Guess what's going on my "to listen to" list?

Metal Church – Badlands – https://youtu.be/TLpLYxUM2Gc

Have you seen the movie Rock Star? It stars Mark Wahlberg and Jennifer Aniston and is based on the story of Tim Owens who became the vocalist for Judas Priest. If you've ever been in a band of any type then this film, along with The Commitments, is essential viewing. The depictions of the realities and lack of glamour of playing covers and struggling to get originals heard is dead on. It has  a great soundtrack too and Zakk Wylde plays one of the band members. I managed to watch this movie whilst I was off sick but I will admit that it took me a few goes because I kept falling asleep – and not because I was bored!

Steelheart – We All Die Young - https://youtu.be/R-WqWaZxXSo

Margo Price has a new single out. I've had a couple of listens to it on the strength of her song Four Years Of Chances (which is really, really good by the way….that bass line!) and I like it. This track is quieter with just Margo and a piano and that showcases her voice and the song admirably.

Margo Price – That's How Rumors Get Started - https://youtu.be/hPM5Rhv-s44

DJ Toddo and I were meant to have been at the theatre on Wednesday this week to see the Let it Be 50^th anniversary show. Postponed. DJ FeeDub and I were meant to have been at the same place tomorrow (Saturday) night to see the orchestral version of a whole lot of Queen songs. Postponed. Grrrrrrr! Imagine if our governments had worked together to implement decent vaccination and quarantine strategies. Sorry…I'm trying to stay away from politics.

Rainbow – Long Live Rock 'n' Roll – https://youtu.be/YIltTc04bm4

That's all folks. Wear your mask, get the jab when you can, give someone a hug,

The Woozle

World Wide Woozle episode #549

It's time everyone...it's always that time...time for good music. Music that rocks, music that never stops. Music to sooth, music to get you in the mood and music for those that brood. Get the message?

AC/DC - Are You Ready - https://youtu.be/CIhylLW4Fcs

Last time I mentioned the compilation album The Metallica Blacklist. Well, one of my favourite artists has contributed a song for it and it was released this week. I'm very undecided about the track. On first listen I thought it was dreadful. Then I thought it might just be genius. And now I'm on the fence. The Hu's version works very well for me (played in episode #547) but this one has me a little perplexed. See what you think...

Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit - Sad But True - https://youtu.be/LeeWwY2IpcM

Or maybe this one...I'll certainly be playing this a few times over.

St. Vincent - Sad But True - https://youtu.be/K0K9xypNQVU

Enough! I'll wait for the entire album to be released now.

We haven't listened to any Billy Bragg for a while now. Well, I have, but not in terms of publishing it here. Billy remains one of my biggest influences. In 1990, the sound of one man, one guitar and lyrics that mattered changed my world forever.

Billy Bragg - There Is Power In A Union - https://youtu.be/4CkFPyH8v1c

Years ago I had a lot of fun learning a whole lot of Beatles songs for a New Years Eve gig with Bing and the band. It gave me a new and improved appreciation of songwriting and composition and this next track was one of my favourites. Seeing it done like this by Tenacious D is a hoot...musical genius or complete anarchy? Both. It's loads of fun.

Tenacious D - You Never Give Me Your Money / The End - https://youtu.be/N0hFf-twPlY

DJ FeeDub has loaned me a copy of the rather groovy CD, Rewiggled. As the name would suggest, it's a tribute to The Wiggles. It was released in 2011 and many moons ago I played a track from it here. Having now listened to the whole thing I must say that it's very, very good. Twenty tracks that almost all do justice to the originals whilst putting a different spin on them as well. This is an album worth tracking down.

Architecture in Helsinki - Wiggly Party - https://youtu.be/7u7RODyGay8 (this really reminds me of TISM...)

Bluejuice - Wake Up Jeff - https://youtu.be/gxidzHPbZNI

What else to follow up The Wiggles with than of course, some black metal. Darkthrone is one of the best known exponents of this particular sub-genre of heavy metal. It's never an easy listen lyrically or musically but that's kind of the idea. Their seminal album A Blaze In A Northern Sky (1992) was a lo-fi, noisy and angry record and remains a dead set classic. The band hasn't been worried about musical trends, ever, and it shows. Their output is quite varied and challenging even for fans. In 2013 they released an album called The Underground Resistance which is more classic metal and thrash and it's great. Check it out if you like Slayer, Judas Priest and/or Unleashed. The new album is quite accessible in relative terms but remains uncompromising.

Darkthrone - Hate Cloak - https://youtu.be/m-gY2HjQl20

I'm feeling that this episode is lacking something. Taylor. So here's a new track released that features her. The band includes Justin from Bon Iver and Aaron from The National. If the rest of the album is folky and a little pop like this then I'll be playing it quite a bit.

Big Red Machine (feat Taylor Swift) - Renegade - https://youtu.be/h_wr-9X47ao

It was -6 degrees this morning. As a result I decided to be sensible and not ride my bike. That's my wellness tip this time. Just be sensible. I freely admit that I find this quite a difficult concept when it comes to exercise but all I can do is work on it. And if I tell you all here then there's a few people who read this far who can call me out if they notice me being a bit too obsessed! Next time I'm going to talk about cooking. 

Audioslave - Show Me How To Live - https://youtu.be/vVXIK1xCRpY

That'll do. Read a book.

The Woozle

"...don't waste your time always searching for those wasted years..."

Iron Maiden, Wasted Years, 1986.

World Wide Woozle episode #548

G'day everyone. Let's rock...

Stone Sour - Gone Sovereign / Absolute Zero - https://youtu.be/kNrS-GDAEAs

That's a great song. The album is pretty rocking as well. When they wrote the chorus for Absolute Zero surely the band knew they were onto something. It's got a hook that's just huge!

As previously advertised, I've been on holiday. I was fortunate enough to spend the best part of a week at Bonny Hills (near Port Macquarie) with the McDonalds and their brand new, rather cuddly puppy! Angus came down for a couple of days as well before Covid made a mess of everything and he had to return home. Grrrrr! But, we got to go to the beach, try out float tanks, do some whale watching, eat a lot and generally hang out. After Angus had gone home I had a day to myself which included playing my guitar, reading and spending time on the beach. I walked 6km in bare feet and did a yoga session in the sand. I think I want to live at the beach. Not bad for a guy who has avoided them like the plague for many years.

Australian Crawl - Daughters of the Northern Coast - https://youtu.be/iYSN8z0x7m0

I've written before, at length, about the Adelaide band The Mark of Cain. They are one of Australia's best and fans of heavier music really should listen to them on a regular basis. I've seen them play in Adelaide, Sydney, Brisbane and here in Canberra. This song seems appropriate for much of the country at the moment...

The Mark of Cain - Lockdown - https://youtu.be/mlXZqEj5Na4

Jason Isbell has a new live album recorded in 2014 with his former Drive By Truckers bandmates Mike Cooley and Patterson Hood. It's good, it's really good. This is one that I'll be getting on physical media rather than relying on streaming. Country, grungy, raw and honest. Only the whole show is on YouTube at the moment so try this link to Spotify.

Cooley, Hood, Isbell - Never Gonna Change - https://open.spotify.com/track/65NsCuMSpt1KLzo6bADCe9?si=76de104851a44eef

I've been listening to a bit of Motown, soul and classic R&B lately. It's something about the power of a solid brass section combined with singers who sing rather than scream or wobble uncontrollably between notes that has my ear for now. Let's get back to some of the best...

Sam & Dave - Hold On (I'm Coming) live 1966 - https://youtu.be/Fowldx4hRtI

I'm sure that most of you remember Suzanne Vega's song Luka. It's a great track and maybe a little surprising that it was a hit when you listen to the lyrics (which are moving and so sad). The first time I remember hearing it wasn't by Suzanne though...it was these guys.

The Lemonheads - Luka - https://youtu.be/CW9Pv0WT2K0

Metallica has two new releases coming out soon. First is a 26 hour version of everything they ever recorded in and around the release of the black album. It's a significant financial investment and I'll really need to think about it. It's a great album...but 26 hours? The other, sort of connected, is an compilation of 53 cover versions of songs from that album. Yes, 53. It's called The Metallica Blacklist. The saving grace with that one is that all the proceeds go to a range of charities. Miley Cyrus, Elton John, Chad Smith and a few friends feature on the first single release and it's worth a listen.

Miley Cyrus and friends - Nothing Else Matters - https://youtu.be/DqoQY9bobow

Australian Netflix viewers have a real treat on offer. Divinyls live from Boggo Road Jail. This was recorded in 1993 at a gig that also included Billy Thorpe and Rose Tattoo. All the hits are played as well as a few deeper cuts. But you need to watch it to understand the power of the band and Chrissie's stage presence. The sound mix is average at best but it's still a great show.

Divinyls - Ain't Gonna Eat Out My Heart Anymore (live 1993) - https://youtu.be/pDuUc3So5vM

That's all folks. I've got places to be.

Wear your mask,

The Woozle

"Feel the sting of the sweat on the back of my neck
It's been way too long.
Like a ricochet I hit the stage,
Let's get it on.
I'm back in the game...."

Airbourne, Back In The Game, 2013.