Welcome back groovers. Here we go.
Firstly, a new release from a new band. Murrigeejar Mob's spiritual home is Gamilaraay Country in and around Tingha which is in Northern New South Wales. This is an album nine months and 60,000 years in the making. Uncle Alex, Jesse and George recorded up north and then the album was mixed and produced here in Canberra with mastering taking place in God's own state of Victoria. Musically it's quite a broad brush whilst maintaining a lyrical focus around culture and country. Guitars and didgeridoo mix seamlessly with keyboard pads, drum samples and sound effects. I was fortunate enough to get to listen a few days prior to the album's release (which is today) and I enjoyed it so much that it has remained on high rotation on my stereo and portable devices. It sounds good in the car too and that's often the mark of a well produced record. Of course, you can stream the album via any range of online services but we all know that even the biggest artists make literally only small change from this. Can I encourage you to consider buying a copy by contacting the band through their Facebook page.
Murrigeejar Mob - Hands Up - https://youtu.be/xk-dGpxxce4
My mate Lachie writes a lot of great songs and poetry. If you remember our song Welcome Home on the Rock 4 RnR album then you've heard his lyrics. Recently I listened to one of his latest pieces and I think it has a lot to say. I'm fortunate enough to be playing a gig as part of a band with Lachie in a few weeks. We'll be rocking Parliament House!
Lachlan Irvine - It's A Voice - https://youtu.be/1I3gkPwKcd0
In the last week I've gravitated back to some of Steve Earle's work as I realised that he'd released a couple of albums that I'd paid scant attention to. As a result I am now quite well acquainted with the work of Jerry Jeff Walker (he of Mr Bojangles fame). Steve released an album covering a number of his songs. I guess what I like, other than the great songs and musicianship, is the fact that Steve loves this music enough to want it to have a wider audience. If you like your Americana raw and honest then this is for you.
Steve Earle & The Dukes - Gettin' By - https://youtu.be/_AphSazDRq4
One of my favourite bands, The Mark of Cain, will be touring all over the place soon. Their 1995 long player Ill At Ease (produced by Henry Rollins) is to be released as a double vinyl LP. There's also a record being pressed of their live set at the 1996 Livid Festival. Guess who has a ticket to see them in December here in Canberra? Yes indeedly doodly, I do! So, lovers of loud music, feel free to come along with me. I've been lucky enough to see the band play a few times over the years from my first exposure to them in Adelaide, to Livid in Brisbane, The Metro in Sydney and at least twice here in Canberra. They never disappoint.
The Mark of Cain - Interloper (live) - https://youtu.be/y4x18kURD9w
Dan Sultan released an album today. It's called, imaginatively, Dan Sultan. I've not had a lot of time to listen to it but so far I'm really enjoying it. I need to give it time to sink in though. Here's a lush sounding track with a wonderfully fat drum sound. Oh, and Jack Moffit (ex-The Preatures) on guitar.
Dan Sultan - Chance To Lose Control - https://youtu.be/HLAxLsMU5ko
Lastly, a quick word about Elvis. As a kid I always thought that Elvis was such a cool name. Later on I really enjoyed his music and I still do. In one of my previous jobs, I spent a lot of time in cafes talking to people. As a result I ordered a lot of coffees. In a busy cafe it seems that every second bloke is called Rob. To stop orders getting mixed up one day I jokingly said that my name was Elvis. And I kept doing it. It gets a few smiles and the odd giggle but no one else ever picks up my order. I fear this may have gone too far now as the young barista in the coffee shop next to my work greeted me by name last week...."Elvis". I haven't got the heart to tell her the truth.
Elvis Presley - Blue Suede Shoes (live '68 Comeback Special) - https://youtu.be/O6BbL4DrrBo
I ticked over the one year anniversary in my house last week. I wouldn't be lying to say that it's been a life changer. My little unit in Watson was fine but little was the operative word. I have 'fond' memories of playing Tetris with the table and chairs so that I had enough room to do my ironing! This is a great place to live and I have enough room not to have my bikes in the bedroom or the shower! My recent news about having to exercise differently has been really positive too. Simply eating a little more and swapping out some cycling for bushwalking has really boosted my mental health. I'm still a bit in shock that I really quite like walking. Anyway, enough navel gazing, I'm still here.
Kylie Minogue - Glad To Be Alive - https://youtu.be/ZLzYwyzeTOE
Have a great week,
The Woozle.
"It's thirteen degrees and there's folk in the street, in the scud..."
Gerry Cinnamon, Diamonds In The Mud, 2017
