World Wide Woozle episode #585

Hello out there all you radio fans. Plug your headphones into the gas mains as we explode into another episode of the worldwide phenomenon known as the World Wide Woozle.

I'm onto book number three in the reading challenge. I've just finished 11 Bats by Harry Moffitt which was an interesting insight into his time in the Australian Army. It's far from your regular autobiography and, having met Harry, I can assure you that he is far from being a regular bloke. Check out the book if you're interested in a warts and all look at what life in special forces can do to someone in both positive and negative terms.  It's also essential reading for cricket tragics and rock music fans. Here's Harry singing...

The Externals - The Hell Beyond - https://youtu.be/qeZZL2e1uPo

The next book for me is Umberto Eco's How To Travel With A Salmon. I read this many years ago and have always wanted to jump back into it. I'll report back.

A Perfect Circle - So Long, And Thanks For All The Fish - https://youtu.be/UkHSmDxX1t4

In the last few years I've become quite a fan of the New Zealand band, The Mutton Birds. I just wish I'd been into them when they were still making music. Don McGlashan from the band has a successful solo career and blow me down if he isn't coming to Canberra! Thanks to my brother for the heads up. I'm hanging out to see Don play some classic tracks as well as some of his newer material. I've put in a request via his Instagram page...

Don McGlashan - Lucky Stars - https://youtu.be/YVi14I9mHCU

I wasn't going to play the next song because it's one that I associate with times gone by. But it's such an amazing track and I want to love it regardless of that association. I just wish I could sing it but I can't get my voice to work that way. Watch this space as a new band is taking shape and hopefully one of the two vocalists can make this work...

The Mutton Birds - Anchor Me - https://youtu.be/ULcX6SL_wnY

In a growing list of bands that I can't believe I didn't listen to earlier are The Melvins. I think I looked at the band name and Buzz's hair and foolishly judged them by that. This is a band that was regularly namechecked by Nirvana and others. I went back and listened to almost all of their back catalogue and it's been a trip for sure. Some is punky, some is heavier, some is grungy and then there's acoustic stuff too. Well worth your time.

The Melvins - Revolve - https://youtu.be/Py2fG-NgfkA

DJ A-Tee was chatting with me today about earth shattering sub-woofers and music that matters. Anyone with old Stevie Ray Vaughan concerts on video must be a good guy in my opinion. I do think I need a sub-woofer to annoy the neighbours and to maximise my enjoyment of Bing's new track...

SRV and Albert King - Born Under A Bad Sign (live) - https://youtu.be/SeLddbrzsHk

I heard the next band on the radio during the week and they caught my attention enough for me to remember their name all the way from the carpark back up to World Wide Woozle HQ. It's another band from New Zealand and whilst they are described, fairly, as indie pop, I feel there's a bit more depth. They've got a new album with a cool song called Expert In A Dying Field. That really appealed to me. So did this one...

The Beths - You Wouldn't Like Me - https://youtu.be/CV3Bjx-vPTg

Did you know that the entire eleven seasons of M*A*S*H is available on Disney+ ? You do now. It's awesome to see it without the commercial TV channels cutting it short, missing bits or throwing adverts in at all the wrong moments. Eleven seasons might take me a while. It is a long weekend though...

It's not long now until DJ SAB and The Real Rod Stewart, with me in tow, head to Sydney to see Sisters of Mercy. I've been familiarising myself with a possible setlist because the truth is that I only know about four songs of theirs. That's half the fun though and it'll be a new experience for me hanging out with all the goths!

Sisters of Mercy - Dominion / Mother Russia - https://youtu.be/8zow2Dblvwo

It's a long weekend here in some States and Territories which means, hopefully, some quality time in the great outdoors. I've extended my bushwalking past 12km now but I think I'm going to invest in some walking poles. They'll help my poor old knees and I can always swing them at magpies if required. Being outside, staying away from Facebook and doing more reading really are working well in keeping me mentally healthy. 

Smile; people will wonder what you're up to....

The Woozle.

"Can the child within my heart rise above?

Can I sail through the changin' ocean tides?

Can I handle the seasons of my life?"

Fleetwood Mac, Landslide, 1975.

World Wide Woozle episode #584

G'day Groovers and welcome back.

DJ Chuck and I were in Wollongong over the weekend as spectators at the World Cycling Championships. It was cool to see this event back in Australia (it was in Geelong a few years ago). Interestingly, one newspaper article reflected on the fact that Wollongong may have been favoured over Canberra as the nation's capital is too flat. Whoever wrote that has obviously never been on a bike here. The whole weekend was a ripper and the racing in the women's junior and U23/elite races were clear highlights with a large number of riders attacking throughout the race. Hats off too to the women as Mother Nature certainly threw everything at them.

Guns n' Roses have announced deluxe versions of their Use Your Illusion albums. Initially it all looked pretty good but with the benefit of digging a little deeper (and the thoughts of a range of music writers) it becomes clear that many opportunities have been missed. The albums themselves are remastered and some live concert recordings are also included but, unlike many deluxe editions including GnR's own Appetite for Destruction, there aren't the demo, alternate or early versions of songs which make it interesting. The prices are also really very expensive for what you get. I'll probably cough up for the albums themselves as I think I only have cassette copies here, but at US$500 for the vinyl version then I think that can stay in the shop.

Guns 'n Roses - You Could Be Mine (live) - https://youtu.be/ZKDChcZCNf4

I almost picked up the 4 x vinyl LP version of Sheryl Crow's Live At The Ryman and More. I usually like her music and the live concert DVD I saw a few years ago was excellent. But I was fiscally responsible this time and went home to check out the album online before plonking down the hard earned cash. I must admit that I should have just bought it as it's a great live set. Jason Isbell and Emmylou Harris make separate appearances as well. I just love the opening guitar riff in this song, it's on my list to learn.

Sheryl Crow - Steve McQueen (live) - https://youtu.be/0mPxWD6cSv8

Speaking, as we were, about deluxe re-releases, Iron Fist by Motorhead has just been given the treatment and they got it right. It's not their most rough and ready album but it is the final album with the classic lineup of Lemmy, Philthy and Fast Eddie. The complete concert recorded in Glasgow in 1982 does, however, have the band at their loud and furious best.

Motörhead – (Don't Let 'Em) Grind You Down (live Glasgow, 1982) - https://youtu.be/HG4u9hmv078

As a young kid in New Zealand it was hard to spend much time listening to the radio without hearing Split Enz. And even though Australia sort of tried to appropriate the band as their own, they always had a distinctly Kiwi flavour. This new version of a Split Enz classic, sung in Māori, sounds as if it was the way it was always meant to be. I'm sure that you'll pick the song without any problem. If you don't then maybe you need a spell in a vessel that is a bit damp.

Tim Finn feat. Hana Mereraiha - Ono Marama Takerehaia - https://youtu.be/BtK5ey3FRhM

Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers have a special place in my heart. They were my mate Garry's favourite band and one he saw just before he died. Tom's gone now as well but the music lives on. A live set recorded during their extended residency at The Fillmore in 1997 is due for release (58 tracks) and the single release is one that I've really enjoyed. 

Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers - Listen To Her Heart (live 1997) - https://youtu.be/ipqCIbM4PYQ

Isabella Manfredi (formerly of The Preatures) has now released her debut solo album, izzi, and I have bought it on CD and had a really good listen to it. If you liked The Preatures then this is going to please you as none of it strays too far musically from that band. Manfredi has a bit to say though and I can't help but feel that she's been through the mill in both good ways and bad. The Preatures' breakup, end of a relationship, new music, new partner and the birth of her first child all make for poignant lyrics. My only little criticism is the cover of the album. I just don't think it's a good photo or that it says anything at all about the music. It reminds me of the debacle of a cover of Baby Animals' second album. Regardless, the album is very enjoyable and one that I will keep coming back to.

Isabella Manfredi - Only Child - https://youtu.be/wEjzyhipgYE

I'm still reading up a storm in an attempt to do 5 books in 50 days raising money for Legacy via Brothers and Books. I had to give up with one book though. It was just too complex and I kept getting lost. It was pretty frustrating I must admit but I'll come back to it in a few months. Maybe I was too ambitious but then nothing ventured, nothing gained. I've gone for a non-fiction book just to help me get my confidence back. Thanks to those who suggested I try including some audiobooks as well;  I really don't like them.

Bing put me onto the Pitchfork website for album reviews. Generally they are very well researched and thought out. Also, it doesn't feel as if the writer is just rehashing the record label's press release. Sumerlands is one band that I have started listening to as a result of a review here. There are many bands out there trying to relive the "glory" days of 80s metal and whilst a lot of them can play quite well I find that either the lyrics or the vocals are a huge let down. Sumerlands seem to have all the boxes ticked. I listened to their latest album via streaming and then their first album as well. The most recent release is a bit more Ozzy / Judas Priest 80s style whereas their earlier album has a more Black Sabbath influence. I've ordered their current album (avoiding the Bandcamp demand for US$40 shipping). If you thought 1987 was a pivotal year for hard rock then I reckon this might appeal to you.

Sumerlands - Dreamkiller - https://youtu.be/ap2YdhQs3Fc

The Smashing Pumpkins have a new triple album coming soon. Each one of the albums will be released separately and it's the sequel to the 1995 release Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness. Sometimes I love Smashing Pumpkins and then at other times their music leaves me cold. It really depends on my mood. They are not a regular listen for me. The single, Beguiled, has a rather fantastic meaty guitar sound that fills me full of hope. The rest of the song held my interest and it sounds, I dunno, big? Let's hope the albums are great!

The Smashing Pumpkins - Beguiled - https://youtu.be/KqZZ-FeZPJ0

I listened to a podcast yesterday called Strong Songs. Finally, a guy speaking my language. The host takes a deep dive into a song and it is INTERESTING! It's not so technical that it gets boring and the research is extensive. I listened for about an hour all about Wichita Lineman and it was illuminating and inspiring. And it's a great song. I learned about baritone guitars, Carol Kaye, the Wrecking Crew and so much more. 

Glen Campbell - Wichita Lineman - https://youtu.be/Q8P_xTBpAcY

To finish this week I feel the need for something by Henry. It's been one of those days. Excuse me whilst I go and do a hundred push ups and then dance around the lounge room to this one...

Rollins Band w/ Chuck D - Rise Above - https://youtu.be/RozKBqflQYY

Keep smiling,

The Woozle

"Apathy has rained on me
Now I'm feeling like a soggy dream
So close to drowning but I don't mind
I'll live inside this mental cave
Throw my emotions in the grave
Hell, who needs them anyway..."

Green Day, Burnout, 1994.

World Wide Woozle episode #583

Hello again all you radio fans!

So, what have I been listening to since we were last together? Podcasts. It took me a while but I've finally found a couple that don't make me unbelievably irritated. I'm amazed at the drivel that is produced but more at the complete lack of attention to production values. Not everyone has a recording studio to use but seriously, making sure that you can actually hear all of the participants should be pretty basic. I listened to one where the host sounded like he was shouting and the person being interviewed was a million miles away. It was very frustrating.

Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit - Can't You Hear Me Knocking? (live Rolling Stones cover) - https://youtu.be/6Ep-rIAe2Ho

I've found that the Conversations series, which comes via ABC, is usually pretty good. I listened to a fascinating episode with a young woman who had set the world record for sailing solo around Antarctica. And another about an Australian doctor who trained in Ireland in the early seventies. There's some good stuff out there but you have to take a deep breath and wade through a sea of very average content.

KISS played in Australia recently and I had a few friends who went along. None of them reported that the miming of some songs caused any issues in terms of the whole experience and that's a relief. KISS have always been about putting on a great show and if Paul, who is 70, needs some help to keep singing then I'm ok with that.

KISS – Sure Know Something (live with the MSO) - https://youtu.be/7pbgaZfm4tE

Maggie Baugh is an American multi-instrumentalist and up and coming country music star. I'm not sure yet that I'm sold on her particular brand of country but what I like is her genuine enthusiasm shown whilst interacting with her fans and also playing. Maggie has a new single recently released and here it is.

Maggie Baugh – Story To Tell - https://youtu.be/83xfVo9ALoE

The Beatles' album, Revolver, is about to be re-released in super deluxe format with demo version, a book and a whole lot more. Unlike some of the other reissues there is no 5.1 surround mix it seems. That's a bit sad. Still, my favourite part of most of these releases is listening to the demo and early versions of tracks. It's just interesting to see how the songs we know so well started out and came into being.

The Beatles – Taxman (2022 mix) – https://youtu.be/DdTzOUUZ8Vg

The HU have a new album out too for all you fans of heavy metal Mongolian throat singing. It's an interesting combination to be sure but one that works so well.

The HU – Bii Biyelgee - https://youtu.be/eb3ysMtu8t0

I've used the spare time to do a lot more reading, to continue to get organised in terms of food as well as being back in the office and for a spot of meditation and deep thinking. I'm almost finished reading Boy Swallows Universe which took me a little while to get into but when I was hooked I was all in. I've got an Umberto Eco collection of short works to get to next. And a huge thanks to those that supported me in the read-a-thon supporting Legacy. I was happy just with the $ that I donated myself so the extras are a real bonus.

My boss put me onto the next band and I'm very thankful. It's so cool when new music comes from an unexpected source!  Although they no longer exist, Children of Bodom have a huge back catalogue to go through and I think most metal fans would either already know the band or appreciate their stuff. The mix of very heavy guitars and drums with almost 80s synth lines at times is cool. And Alex Laiho is a true guitar monster.

Children of Bodom - Platitudes and Barren Words - https://youtu.be/8F_ws83QcSQ

This week I made the decision to have a bit of a Facebook detox. Even after only a few days I can really notice the difference. Seriously, all that scrolling and reading what other people think and are doing is tiring and in my case it was starting to make me irritable in a way I didn't like. Maybe I'm now gloriously unaware of what some of you had for dinner or think about the Queen but sometimes too much information is indeed, too much. To be honest, after almost a week I feel so much better and I'm seriously considering opting out of Facebook forever. So if you're reading this via a Facebook link then maybe drop me your email address if you would like to receive future episodes.

ABBA – On And On And On And On (live 1981) - https://youtu.be/nf7xZhzgF7A 

And I'm going to play this song last because I was reminded of it this week (thanks Sarah). Another band that is a lot of fun and shouldn't always be taken too seriously.

Blink 182 – The Rock Show – https://youtu.be/z7hhDINyBP0

Rock on everyone,

The Woozle

"Bought me a box of French cigars
Bought me a black beret
Get my French from a girl next door
Teaching me night and day..."

The Angels, Marseilles, 1978.

World Wide Woozle episode #582

Things are taking shape at HQ World Wide Woozle. After a number of years, I now have easy access to the whole music library. And by that I mean LPs, 45 rpm singles, CDs and cassettes. I was going to set myself a challenge to listen to them all but that may take a very, very long time!

The cool things are those that I'd forgotten about or just not seen for a few years. Cassette recordings of live concerts broadcast on radio, limited edition singles and of course just the opportunity to look at the artwork and read liner notes. You don't get that joy with streaming.

I also find that I am much less tempted to skip tracks when I'm playing physical media. My CD player doesn't have a remote control! It's always been important to me to try and listen to a whole album.

So, here are a few tracks from recordings that caught my eye as I unpacked and sort of organised it all.

I've got a JJJ Live At The Wireless session from silverchair back in the day on cassette. I probably should dub it onto a CD one day because it's a great show. I remember them being particularly heavy when they played live which isn;t surprising given they liked bands such as Helmet.

silverchair - Israel's Son (live) - https://youtu.be/0lLKWVdyfI8

I missed seeing the Ramones in the early 90s because no-one else I knew wanted to go. These days I'd just go by myself but back then I wasn't game. I've got a 1980 live set from the on cassette which was another radio broadcast. 1,2,3,4.....

The Ramones - The KKK Took My Baby Away (live) - https://youtu.be/ez4yjw5Y94s

Nick Barker's most recent band (I think) is called The Heartache State. If you liked him with The Reptiles or on his great self titled solo album then this will not disappoint. I've got all my 33s here so don't worry!

The Heartache State - Give Me Back My Aerosmith 33s - https://youtu.be/nJ32R_1y8eQ

Many years ago now I got into Steve Earle and The Dixie Chicks at the same time. It was a bit of a country music phase that never really ended. The Chicks put on such a great live show. They are real musicians and aren't afraid to say what they think. This is from their Top of The World live album which I have worn out for sure.

The Chicks - Am I The Only One Who's Ever Felt This Way? (live) - https://youtu.be/jbwFf-U3l_U

And this one is cheesy. What a great riff and awesome sounding guitars. Thunder are huge in the UK but not so much as an export which is a shame. Funny and very dated video clip!

Thunder - Dirty Love - https://youtu.be/nj7ubjR1uM0

I purchased the new King Stingray album on CD last week and it has been on high rotation at home. You know a band has made it big when you hear their songs at the supermarket! I really like this song, it's a real ear worm, and I also heard it at Woolies. The whole album is a great listening experience with plenty of energy, grooves and infectious melodies. I've had the hook from this song in my mind for days..."Central Arnhem Highway on my mind..."

King Stingray - Let's Go - https://youtu.be/nEiiCnIAwkg

There's a new Megadeth album too. It was interesting to read that the band, who have been bastions of regular guitar tuning (EADGBE where A = 440 Hz) have tuned down a whole step (so the low E string is now a D). Lots of metal bands do this to make their sound thicker or heavier but Megadeth have done it as a result of Dave Mustaine's voice changing after cancer. The album is fast, furious and sounds amazing. I'll dig deeper into the lyrics a bit later on but it definitely gets the thumbs up so far.

Megadeth - Soldier On! - https://youtu.be/q5M8K2Jm2bE

I heard a bit of Tracy Chapman on the Iain Anderson radio show via BBC Scotland last week. I hadn't listened to her for a while and I'm not sure I actually have an album in the collection. But I do remember my sister-in-law being a huge fan. I'll spend some more time with Tracy's music over the next week or so as I'm sure I've missed out on a lot!

Tracy Chapman - Talkin' 'Bout A Revolution (live) - https://youtu.be/7QHNC4YBAYo

There was lots of coverage of the Taylor Hawkins tribute concert over the last few days. Here's a totally cool track from one of his solo releases. His influences are pretty clear here I reckon. See what you think.

Taylor Hawkins & The Coattail Riders - The End of The Line - https://youtu.be/WYfP2Pud_DE

What else is happening? Well I'm trying to read five books in fifty days as part of a readathon to help out Legacy. It's being run by Brothers 'n' Books who I have spoken of before. My training on the bike and walking is finally getting some consistency back after illness. I've signed up to work with a dietitian for a bit. Let's be clear; losing weight isn't the point here; I'm just struggling a bit getting back into a routine for fueling my body. A healthy diet is key to my head being healthy too and I recognise that I need a little bit of a push and some accountability there. And I made some LEGO on the weekend; it's great for mindfulness as you can't really concentrate on anything else (at least I can't).

Painters and Dockers - In My Mind - https://youtu.be/fNfDNjVbur0

Rock on everyone,
The Woozle

"… Time, time, time

See what's become of me
While I looked around for my possibilities..."

Simon & Garfunkel, Hazy Shade of Winter, 1966.