World Wide Woozle episode #634

Hi everyone,

I've been here and there over the last few weeks, Perth most recently. I really need to get back there one day when I'm not on a work trip so that I can have a bit more of a look around. I'm in Adelaide shortly and then not long after that I'll be winging my way to the USA for some rest, recreation and rock 'n' roll.

This episode was almost fully formed when the sad news of Kris Kristofferson's passing hit. I was at work when I found out and I was floored. I know that he was 88 but I guess you never expect people you admire to slip away. I was fortunate enough to be given a ticket to see Kris here in Canberra just over five years ago (thank you Karen and Jeff). He looked old when he walked to the microphone stand, slightly unsteady in his cowboy boots. But when he got there and started to sing and play he was another version of himself. I listened to a few tracks on a set of headphones as I tried to concentrate on work but it wasn't easy so I switched them off. Later on, during my lunch break, I walked in the sunshine and reflected on Kris. He was a Rhodes Scholar, US Army helicopter pilot, janitor, songwriter, performer, actor and father. And he's a legend. What really resonates with me is that his vocal delivery is gravelly, rough, wavers a bit in and out of tune, and suits his songs perfectly. There's more to Kris than the country music formula. He's gone now, rest in peace.

Kris Kristofferson & Rita Coolidge - Please Don't Tell Me How The Story Ends - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KLeDe5yRi8s

Kris Kristofferson - Pilgrim's Progress - https://youtu.be/K5x2SwHQvl0

Kris Kristofferson - Here Comes That Rainbow Again -  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DwCgn9KoaRM

DJ DJ absolutely made my day on Sunday when he asked if I wanted to go and see King Diamond when I'm staying with him in DC. Some of you may be familiar with his early work in Mercyful Fate (Metallica fans will know all about that). King has been around singing since the 70s but really gained prominence with the release of the Don't Break The Oath and the subsequent tour of the USA. It's shock rock at its absolute best. I know that King Diamond's music isn't for everyone, the vocal style with the falsetto will put many off, but I'm pumped to see such an influential performer play live.

King Diamond - Sleepless Nights - https://youtu.be/U-yYG00Nr8I

I've updated my regular listening playlist, click here as usual, with twenty tunes to keep you all on your toes. There's a version of the next song on there by John Williamson. I've sandwiched it between Coloured Stone and Grinspoon because I wouldn't want anyone to get too comfortable! Here's the original and it's a cracker. I can see myself learning and playing this one before long.

Eric Bogle - Shelter - https://youtu.be/_Or5of1gytA

Let me tell you what else has been going on. The truth is I've been unwell. My brain very helpfully decided that it was time to have a relapse of a few mental health issues. The result is that I've had to re-engage with my psychologist to sort a few things out. Thankfully I have that option and she knows what she's doing. I'm told that I'm a good patient because I do what I'm told. I am, however, also very aware that I'm more than capable of convincing myself that I'm doing the right thing when I'm doing the total opposite. To be honest, I am finally  improving but there is still a way to go. Like many issues, anorexia is something I think will always be in the back of my head but I'm building more and more skills to combat that nagging and destructive voice. It's amazing how much better your brain works when your body is properly fueled. A thousand apologies to all those people that I've not really been in much contact with. This has taken nearly all of my energy to keep it together and not let my work be impacted. I definitely need a holiday, it's been a long time coming, and it's not far off now.

Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit - Tupelo - https://youtu.be/SgO6Jp6LFEM

I keep coming back to The Chicks. I guess good music is good music. I remember buying a live DVD of theirs for about $5 in about 2005 and being an instant convert. This song resonates at the moment....the long way around indeed.

The Chicks - The Long Way Around (live) - https://youtu.be/s5HKLteH9Mc

So there you have it. Some tunes, a whole playlist and a bit more. I'll be back soon with the balance of what was going to be in this episode. Oh, and for those that haven't realised, I have stopped using Instagram. It's part of my plan to be more mindful about how I spend my time. More about that next time probably.

Keep smiling, it costs nothing.

The Woozle

"It rained all night in a summer sky

A simple life in a digital time
Sitting in the sun waiting on the tide
A feeling in the wind is telling me to go now..."

King Stingray, Best Bits, 2024.

World Wide Woozle episode #633

Welcome back for another episode.

On Friday night, Dave Dubya and I went to Rod Laver Arena in Melbourne to see Iron Maiden. For me the trip involved an uber, a plane, a bus, a train and the shoe leather express. I also had a bit of a look around Moe, where I lived when I was at high school. I used to be scared stiff walking home past the racecourse so I did that as a bit of exposure therapy. 40 years later it wasn't so bad.

Iron Maiden are not young men but as the Ode reminds us, "they shall not grow old...". Bruce and the boys put on an excellent show full of energy, loud music and the classic Iron Maiden theatrics. We had a great vantage point directly in front of the sound desk. The barrier also gave us something to lean back on once in a while, always a bonus. I didn't expect to see Rod Smallwood, the band's long-time manager, beside the desk but there he was. I knew well ahead of time that the setlist had a heavy emphasis on the Somewhere In Time and Senjutsu albums and I was prepared. After the show I heard plenty of complaints about the lack of some of the band's more well known tracks but given that it wasn't a surprise at all, I have limited sympathy. They did almost the greatest hits tour a few years ago. I could be picky and say that for seasoned professionals charging big money that fluffing the timing in a couple of songs was a bit much. But we all make mistakes and they weren't dreadful by any means. You can see in recently posted video footage where Bruce is singing lines out of time with the rest of the band but they got it together pretty quickly. I got a real kick seeing Eddie come out three times in different guises (The Stranger, The Cyborg and the Senjutsu Warrior). Kudos to whoever was wearing that 8 foot suit! And for the most part, the band rocked hard with seemingly boundless energy. 

Iron Maiden - The Writing On The Wall - https://youtu.be/FhBnW7bZHEE 

The Externals have released a new EP, Back on the Cans. The title is a nod to the end of lockdown in Melbourne and Premier Daniel Andrews. The song itself is, to me, all about having a great time playing tunes with your mates. I don't drink cans but I can relate to the energy and groove of this excellent track. The CD version of the EP is in the mail at the moment coming to HQ Woozle but of course you can stream the whole thing on Spotify, YouTube and a few others I'm sure. Turn this one up, pogo around the lounge room and have a helluva good time with a great Aussie band.

The Externals - Back on the Cans - https://youtu.be/ZDRZ42JO8pE

DJ ElShano recommends some great tracks to me. Recently he shot through a link to a song by Chet Faker. He's not an artist that I've ever listened to before and I wasn't sure what to expect. This one reminded me a little of Alabama 3, who I really enjoy, but then it also harkens back to some 70s cop show theme songs. Well, that's what I hear. See what you think; it's a cool track.

Chet Faker - Oh Me Oh My - https://youtu.be/0nRnuqo3q7c

Since I mentioned Alabama 3, it would be remiss of me not to make an attempt to convert some of you. Try this...seriously groovy baby.

Alabama 3 - California Got You Stoned - https://youtu.be/lfXGWbK-tck

I do like a good slab of folk music and so when Dave recommended The Bad Shepherds to me I was pretty pleased. These guys were nominated for the live act of the year in the 2010 BBC Folk Music Awards. Click the link and see if it leads you on a mandolin filled musical journey...

The Bad Shepherds - Down In The Tube Station At Midnight - https://youtu.be/Kmt2dpHHhFk

On a related note, The Bad Shepherds led me all the way back to a track that I'd long forgotten. Old school late night MTV watchers may well remember Zodiac Mindwarp & The Love Reaction. What a classic!

Zodiac Mindwarp & The Love Reaction - Prime Mover - https://youtu.be/mtnCcWOS7y8

The link between The Bad Shepherds and Zodiac Mindwarp is English comedian Ade Edmonson. Well known of course for his roles in The Young Ones and Bottom, he sang and played mandolin in The Bad Shepherds and also made the video for Prime Mover!

Tom Petty fans will probably enjoy the soundtrack for the new TV show, Bad Monkey. I think there are 21 of Tom's tracks covered by artists including Eddie Vedder, Jason Isbell, The War on Drugs and Kurt Vile. This one is from Larkin Poe and I really like how they've taken an already energetic song and pushed it almost to the edge.

Larkin Poe - Runnin' Down A Dream - https://youtu.be/lQVDjTBfk-0

Lastly, Neil Diamond. Why not? I was listening to some early tracks of his and was struck not only by the songwriting but by just how good these mono recordings were. The almost cheery instrumentation contrasts with the lyrics in a way that works so well.

Neil Diamond - Solitary Man - https://youtu.be/N3Nn7Q6l5uY

That'll do I reckon. Let me know if any of those tracks interest you.

I've got a big week coming up. Massage tomorrow, Covid booster on Tuesday and the psych on Wednesday. Good grief, which idiot organised all that!

Rock on brothers and sisters,

The Woozle

"...and she has stupid hair..."

Eric Cartman, Kyle's Mom's a Bitch, 1999.