Here we are again folks. Thanks for playing along at home.
Last week I got out to see Goanna play at the Canberra Theatre. It was a gig that had been rescheduled a couple of times and, as a result, it clashed with the Crowded House show at Stage 88. Not the greatest feat of organisation really. Goanna were celebrating 40 years since the release of their classic long player, Spirit of Place. The support act, a young woman called Alinta Barlow, was a great start to the evening. She sang heartfelt and touching songs, at times in the Ngunnawal language. Backed up by a solitary guitar, Alinta held the crowd very well and I'd happily pay money to see her play again. Goanna was next. I didn't enjoy the show all that much. Whilst Shane's voice remains iconic and stronger than I imagined it would be but I felt that the whole thing was a bit flat. It was a show that held a lot of promise for me and then never really made it out of second gear. The extended jam session at the end was sleep inducing. I do, however, know others who were at the show who really enjoyed it. I don't regret going in the slightest, but I do think that something was missing on the night.
The foreign militia
Stole away our rights..."
Last week I got out to see Goanna play at the Canberra Theatre. It was a gig that had been rescheduled a couple of times and, as a result, it clashed with the Crowded House show at Stage 88. Not the greatest feat of organisation really. Goanna were celebrating 40 years since the release of their classic long player, Spirit of Place. The support act, a young woman called Alinta Barlow, was a great start to the evening. She sang heartfelt and touching songs, at times in the Ngunnawal language. Backed up by a solitary guitar, Alinta held the crowd very well and I'd happily pay money to see her play again. Goanna was next. I didn't enjoy the show all that much. Whilst Shane's voice remains iconic and stronger than I imagined it would be but I felt that the whole thing was a bit flat. It was a show that held a lot of promise for me and then never really made it out of second gear. The extended jam session at the end was sleep inducing. I do, however, know others who were at the show who really enjoyed it. I don't regret going in the slightest, but I do think that something was missing on the night.
Goanna – Cheatin' Man - https://youtu.be/l2Qo_EaoSt8
In total contrast, on Wednesday this week I saw Colin Hay perform a solo show at The Playhouse. DJ Hamertime and I thoroughly enjoyed what turned out to be two solid hours of stories, songs and laughs. Most of you will know Colin Hay from his days fronting Men At Work. He's released many albums since then and is also a regular member of Ringo Starr's All Star Band. I enjoyed his stories of coming from Scotland to live in Australia as well as hearing about Paul McCartney doing the dishes at Colin's house! He has a great voice and is an excellent guitar player as well. His explanation of using a different guitar tuning for a couple of Men At Work songs made them, and the sax lines, make total sense. Now I'll have to try that myself. Colin is a very funny man and puts on a great show. I couldn't recommend it more highly.
Colin Hay – Agatha Bell (acoustic) - https://youtu.be/3QqIh-Ae9ns
Colin Hay - I Just Don't Think I'll Get Over You - https://youtu.be/3Pvi4uKuawk
According to The Guardian, 80s hair and glam metal was "deeply unfashionable". Maybe that explains a lot about my teenage years! Being the deeply unfashionable man that I am, I read the article in The Guardian which turned out not to be about codpieces, but about a compilation album and book. It's called Bound for Hell on the Sunset Strip and is about metal bands, most of whom almost made it big. I've already had a listen to the album online and Landspeed Records here in Canberra have ordered a copy for me. It's pretty interesting to hear some really good songs and wonder why the bands went nowhere in the end. I can speculate of course but the book will surely reveal all.
Black 'n Blue - Give 'Em The Old 1, 2, 3 - https://youtu.be/muYCmOl3LiA
On a related note, KISS have released the 103 track, 5hr 23min long anniversary edition of Creatures of The Night. The title track and I Love It Loud may be the hits that you know from this one. Say what you like about KISS but they know how to put out a deluxe edition. This one is chock full of demo versions, different takes of songs in progress, tour sound effects and alternate mixes. If you pony up and buy the whole thing then there's a heap of swag to go along with it including an 80 page book, posters, trading cards, tour programme and the list goes on. Brace yourselves though as it's about AU$500 depending on where you can get it from. That's a big chunk of change. And remember that whilst Ace is on the cover, he's not playing on the album. What you're hearing, for the most part, is Vinnie Vincent who would join the band a little later on.
KISS – Creatures Of The Night – https://youtu.be/CSqKw32B320
The Black Crowes have released an EP called 1972. You can work out why I'm sure by looking at the tracklist. It's a fun romp through some great tracks and what stands out for me is the obvious love that the band has for these songs. A rock and roll band having a lot of fun...there should be more of it! Here's the song that really stands out to me. Everyone is playing their heart out but there's room for everyone.
The Black Crowes - Papa Was A Rolling Stone - https://youtu.be/NISGWjeRoH8
Rehearsals for the new bands that I'm involved with are progressing nicely. You might even see some live performances before too long. It's great to be back playing music and although we're playing cover versions for the moment, getting together with a couple of people and bashing out some of your favourite songs is heaps of fun. Turning the next track into a version for one acoustic guitar and two singers is fun. I've chosen this particular version as it's what led me to think of playing it. Haters gonna hate.
The Black Crowes have released an EP called 1972. You can work out why I'm sure by looking at the tracklist. It's a fun romp through some great tracks and what stands out for me is the obvious love that the band has for these songs. A rock and roll band having a lot of fun...there should be more of it! Here's the song that really stands out to me. Everyone is playing their heart out but there's room for everyone.
The Black Crowes - Papa Was A Rolling Stone - https://youtu.be/NISGWjeRoH8
Rehearsals for the new bands that I'm involved with are progressing nicely. You might even see some live performances before too long. It's great to be back playing music and although we're playing cover versions for the moment, getting together with a couple of people and bashing out some of your favourite songs is heaps of fun. Turning the next track into a version for one acoustic guitar and two singers is fun. I've chosen this particular version as it's what led me to think of playing it. Haters gonna hate.
The latest news here at HQ Woozle is that I've managed to get a full time, permanent job. It's within the agency I'm working for but in another area which sounds really, really good. I haven't had a permanent job for almost five years so this is a seriously big deal for me. When I found out I felt a massive weight lift off my shoulders. I've been pretty emotional on and off for a couple of weeks and it isn't rocket science to suggest that it's as a result of the whole process and other stuff that has been going on over the last little while. Kudos to my dentist who reacted well after I got a bit upset when he asked why I'd been stressed (grinding your teeth is a dead giveaway folks)!
John Mellencamp & Bruce Springsteen - Wasted Days - https://youtu.be/hHLGZxlBpLA
We'll finish this week with the Dili All Stars. I heard an amazing podcast today all about Paulie Stewart who is the singer for the All Stars as well as for Painters & Dockers. If you're at all interested in Australian music, politics, East Timor and perhaps the power of nuns then have a listen here. It's the most interesting story I've heard all year. Paulie has a book out as well which I will certainly purchase
Dili All Start - Nothing Tastes Better Than The Neighbour's Chicken - https://youtu.be/8nyjgPDQz9s
Rock on everyone,
The Woozle
"They came in the evening,
Looking for a fight.The foreign militia
Stole away our rights..."
The Living End, Revolution Regained, 2000.
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