Let's talk about music.
Roxette released the Joyride album thirty years ago. It's a more rock and roll affair than Look Sharp (1988) and I'm a big fan of it. Joyride straddles the boundary between rock and pop very well and Per Gessle is a really good songwriter. Reading the liner notes reveals that sheer amount of hard work and time that went into the album, all whilst under pressure from record companies and film-makers to produce the hits. The three CD anniversary version includes a whole heap of demo versions as well as a couple of live tracks. Listening to the development of songs always keeps me interested and this collection has been no exception. If you're a fan then there's plenty to keep you occupied here. It's not two CDs worth of snippets and someone singing into a mini tape recorder, these are well produced, professional demo versions of the songs that became the album. I like the fact that the hook line from the song Joyride came as a result of an affectionate note that Per's wife left him. It said, "hello you fool, I love you."
Roxette – Joyride – https://youtu.be/1I3ebe7ykGI
Another album with a recent anniversary release is Shake Your Moneymaker from The Black Crowes. The cover of Otis Redding's Hard To Handle turned me onto the band almost instantly. The rest of the record is ripping blues based rock and roll. It's high energy stuff and the band has gone on to make a number of excellent albums. One of the bonus tracks on the anniversary edition is this one…another cover but really it's a cover of a cover. Who cares, I really like the way they've done it.
The Black Crowes – Jealous Guy – https://youtu.be/Yu0BiVIzfF8
I watched an hilarious and very well made video that tried to describe how the band Ghost write their songs. I know that it's a bit of comedy but it's still probably pretty accurate. Watch it here. Ghost are really good fun and, as I've said previously, a cross between Slayer, Scooby Doo and ABBA.
Ghost – Square Hammer - https://youtu.be/VqoyKzgkqR4
Bing suggested that I have a listen to the most recent Jimmy Barnes album, Flesh and Blood, so I did. I need to spend more time to really get the feel of the record but I will say that it sounds fantastic. Whether it's been the time away from performing live, vocal exercises/coaching or just a good diet and frame of mind, Jimmy's voice sounds really full and strong. There's bagpipes on the album as well which is usually something that gets a couple of thumbs up from me. There are also appearances from a number of Jimmy's family members.
Jimmy Barnes – I'm Coming Home (live from home) – https://youtu.be/X3Ois1ot9tA
After a small disagreement with a record store I was able to pick up AC/DC's 2021 album, PWR/UP on vinyl for a decent price. I understand that there's a premium on vinyl records but $58 is just silly. However, I have the LP now and it sounds pretty good. There are a lot of decent tracks included and this is far from their weakest album. I don't buy a lot of albums on vinyl anymore because they are all recorded digitally anyway, but AC/DC are my all-time favourite rockers and a complete collection means something to me.
AC/DC – Kick You When You're Down - https://youtu.be/fMB8Pn0dnaI
In DIY news…my good mate DJ TooTallMick came and sorted out the hole in my bathroom ceiling. Then I sanded and painted it. So I guess that means that my time going to the hardware store is over for now. Hooray! The real estate folks are taking the photos on Monday and then, with any luck, it'll sell pretty quickly.
Bob Marley - Everything's Gonna Be Alright - https://youtu.be/OD3F7J2PeYU
