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
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 – 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 50th 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
