World Wide Woozle episode #649

Hello out there marvellous listening world. 

Last time on the World Wide Woozle I was getting ready to head to Wollongong for a gig. I did, it was cool, and you can read all about it right here. Thanks, Bing.

I've also done an update of the World Wide Woozle current listening playlist. It's less angry than the previous iteration. Maybe I'm chilling out a little.

Today I was in Queanbeyan for work. It looks like I might go back there every couple of weeks as well. Cool people and a groovy setup supporting veterans. In the very early nineties Canberrans needed to go to the Leagues Club there to see most major bands that came this way. I have good memories of seeing The Angels, Crowded House, and Transvision Vamp there. I also remember seeing The Choirboys there on a Sunday evening. The crowd was tiny (Sunday evening!!) but the band played as if there were thousands watching. 

Choirboys - Never Gonna Die - https://youtu.be/Z3bUU56Xwbg

Clutch are an American hard rock outfit that I've liked for quite a while now. They have a new song which I'm about to play for you. What I am struggling to understand is why they aren't a ton more popular. Is it a saturated marketplace? I don't think I can blame radio as its influence seems so minimal these days. Or are we all stuck listening to only what we grew up with and/or what an algorithm recommends?

Clutch - Slaughter Beach - https://youtu.be/nRTfLdaFzyU

Look, the algorithms aren't all bad, they're just opaque in their intentions at best. YouTube threw this one up at me this week and it's cool. If you liked bands like REO Speedwagon, Journey, Foreigner and the like then this group from Sweden might be for you. DJ DaveDubya will be quietly giggling at their name...my brother might be too since he's a Kiwi these days.

Nestor - In The Name Of Rock And Roll - https://youtu.be/nRTfLdaFzyU

Two great bands that I've seen play at the much missed ANU Refectory, are The Living End and Baby Animals. Well, Chris Cheyney and the Baby Animals have teamed up to release their version of the Motörhead classic, Ace of Spades. First of all, why Suze can't sing, "baby, I'm your man" is beyond me. Those are the lyrics and it just sounds odd now. Secondly, I want to love this interpretation but, well, it's kinda bland. Suze's voice sounds fabulous but the band is a bit muffled. I know that there are two absolute guitar gunslingers on this track but it feels lacking in energy. If they play it live then it might hit home. It's only maybe from me...but that's just my opinion.

Baby Animals w/ Chris Cheyney - Ace of Spades - https://youtu.be/3ebZb0S0DbU

Here's the version you want.

Motörhead - The Ace of Spades (on The Young Ones) - https://youtu.be/YOAz4nPNvLI

I wrote in my gig review, and mentioned at the show how much AM radio influenced my early listening habits. I was listening to Queanbeyan FM today on the drive over the border (hi there DJ DocW) and they played the next song. It was another staple from 2ZB in Wellington and 3UL in Gippsland when I was a kid. I had no idea that the original was recorded when Tanya was just 13!

Tanya Tucker w/ Little Big Country - Delta Dawn -  https://youtu.be/AMAM3ae7KoQ

John Swan, aka Swanee, has a new album coming out soon. Australians will know him as a successful solo artist from the late 70s and 80s and then as the singer in The Party Boys. Swanee was also the singer who replaced Bon Scott in Fraternity. You might have heard of his younger brother as well who sings for Cold Chisel. You can read all about the new album right here. I missed seeing him play at the Rock for RnR gig I was involved in at The Shrine of Remembrance in Melbourne a few years ago and I'm still disappointed. Here's a really, really great song. If you only click one song link in this episode then this is the one. He has a big heart.

Swanee - Rescue Me - https://youtu.be/kWjIVWaNg-c

I'm about 90 albums into my quest to listen to every CD I own. No skipping tracks or pausing is allowed. So far it's been a lot of fun although I think my mid 90s CD player may be slowly giving up the ghost. Let me know if you've got a decent one you'd consider selling. I'd forgotten just how much I liked this song...

The Cat Empire - The Car Song - https://youtu.be/a4xau-JRu3I

Almost at the end now. Hang in there.

Can I recommend the podcast called, Strong Songs to anyone remotely interested in why some songs are simply just so good. I listened to a couple of episodes and I am now hearing bits in tunes, lyrics and arrangements that I had never noticed. The show about this next Jim Steinman tune was particularly jaw-dropping.

Bonnie Tyler - Total Eclipse Of The Heart - https://youtu.be/lcOxhH8N3Bo

For those of you who remain slightly confused about what a podcast is...it's essentially a radio show without a radio station. Also, some podcasts are simply recordings of radio shows that have already aired. Anyone can make one too. Maybe I should. I learned a lot recently about the French Foreign Legion, anxiety, and the use of castanets. Not all from the same podcast though.

The Members - Radio - https://youtu.be/IGhsO63D_R8

That's enough. 

Rock on folks,

The Woozle.

"...the lovers, the dreamers, and me..."

Kermit The Frog & Debbie Harry, The Rainbow Connection, recorded 1981.

The Woozle in Wollongong 24/25 May 2025

Hello again music fans.

This is a bit of a rundown of my recent weekend away and the set I played in support of the Wollongong leg of George Huitker's Maliyan 2025 Australian Tour.

I hadn't been to Wollongong for a while. For those not in the know, it's on the coast about 90km south of Sydney. From Canberra it's about a 3 hour drive if you include stops.

I chose to head to the 'Gong a day before the show. Winter is coming in fast in Canberra and the opportunity to get some sunshine and coastal air was a big drawcard. It's clearly not tourist season down there as accomodation was easy to find. I got a fab and groovy place about a five minute walk from both the CBD and the beach.

I am not a fan of the beach. I don't like sand. Salt water tastes horrible and of course there are sharks out there. I do, however, like being at the coast. I like the sound of the ocean and I'm pretty happy sitting on a bench somewhere gazing out to sea. Wollongong is great for a walk along the coast beside the beach. But, let me go out on a limb here and suggest that it is possible to walk without a takeaway coffee and/or without being on your phone the whole time...

I was fortunate enough to catch up with a couple of good friends there. Once by good luck when we were all out walking at the same time, and the next day for brekky at a fab cafe. Other than that I was pretty happy with my own company. I do wonder if the people in the next hotel room enjoyed me rehearsing my set though!

Rarely do I write much about food as it can be a challenging topic for me. I do, however, want to tell you all about the pineapple fritter I had as a treat at Glory Days on Crown Street. For years, every time I decide to get one I am disappointed. They arrive only half cooked, drowned in sugar and generally make me feel like I'd not bothered. Not this time. Oh, my, goodness. My taste buds were in heaven; the best pineapple fritter ever. Cooked to perfection and with just the right amount of cinnamon sugar. I should've gone back for a second one but let's not go too crazy.

Sunday came around with an early morning stroll, the aforementioned breakfast, and the joy of setting up sound equipment for a gig.

Lajos opened the show with poetry readings. This is the man that recently wrote 1000 poems in 1000 days. We'll be needing some of these in a book before too long. Great stuff.

Then it was me. It's been quite a while since I played and sang in public. The fact that I'd lost my voice just a week earlier threatened to make life interesting. I chose my repertoire accordingly and almost got away with it, almost. I chose to play four songs written by other people as well as a couple of mine. Here they are, along with why I chose them. Don't feel that you must read all of this as it is as much a journal entry for me as an expose of my musical scattergun approach.

i. To A Mouse - Robert Burns - https://youtu.be/5kFST60dNgY (read by Billy Connolly)

Lajos had read poetry and I really thought that I was about to lower the tone of the evening substantially so I read this one myself. Somewhere I have a certificate from early primary school in Scotland for reciting this particular poem.

1. Gold - John Stewart - https://youtu.be/reFlgu1vq3Q

This song has so much going for it. Firstly it takes me back to my childhood and AM radio. Lyrically I love it; "I jump into my car and I throw in my guitar". The rhythm of the syllables and feel of spitting out the consonants are beautiful things. "California" was interchanged with "Illawarra" and "Alabama".

2. If It Takes A Lifetime - Jason Isbell - https://youtu.be/d82uSO0tn3k

 

Y'all know that Jason is one of my favourite songwriters. His songs, however, are quite difficult for me to sing given his range and level of control. I'm not sure I did a wonderful job with this one, maybe I should have done it a bit later after my voice and nerves were more under control, but I still enjoyed it. For me, this is a song about continuing to move forwards.

3. Love Lies Bleeding - Elton John - https://youtu.be/REfKNbNndzo

George loves prog rock and this was as close as I could get with one voice and an acoustic guitar. I distilled the original eleven minute epic down to a bare bones, Neil Young-esque version, of about three minutes. It has a lot of chords, I needed a capo so that I could sing and play it at the same time, and it was a challenge to arrange and learn. My goodness it was fun though!

4. No Way Nadir - George Huitker - https://youtu.be/puATe3Ty3sQ

I knew that George wouldn't be playing this song in his set and, after trying out a number of his other tracks, I decided to give this one a red hot go. It's got a thousand chords as well but I played it so many times when I was in Junk Sculpture that it's pretty much muscle memory. But...I started it too fast and the lyrics need to come out thick and fast! Then I had the capo in the wrong place so it got a bit of a spoken word / Mark Knopfler vocal styling in places! And I reverted to the original lyrics...sorry H.

5. One's Too Many - https://on.soundcloud.com/udo5TD45qECNiR7h8

One of my originals that's been around for a little while now. I feel like I've played it to everyone I know but this was a whole new crowd and it has one additional lyric I wanted to try on for size.

6. Another Day - Lovesmudge - https://youtu.be/k8KgQzU3tJY

I had time up my sleeve so, unrehearsed, I threw this one in. I wrote the lyrics in 1992 for a band I was in at the time. It's not that easy with just the one guitar but I think the song still stands up today.

7. If You Don't Like Hank Williams - Kris Kristofferson - https://youtu.be/J8RSGCJF6gI

There's a demo version of this which I have linked that I just adore. Kris was a smart man who liked all sorts of music and artists and I wanted to channel a little of that vibe. A few lyrics were altered so that Hank Williams is replaced by George Huitker. I'm sure you'll get it when you listen to the original.

And that was me, done and dusted.

George and Evan were up next playing a range of songs from his ten albums. Quiet songs, and 'bangers' as George calls them and everything in between. Lajos and I got up for some backing vocals on two tracks but no-one saw that green trombone solo coming. Anarchy in Wollongong!

Good times indeed.

Cautiously, I think I am now available for low key lounge room shows across the ACT. Book now to ensure disappointment!

Thanks if you read all of this.

The Woozle.

World Wide Woozle episode #648

Hello all you radio fans.

Yes, it's been a while so this might get long. Strap in.

First of all, this Sunday 25 May I'm playing a support set at a gig in Wollongong. Come along and see me murder some great songs by other people and one that I wrote myself. I might do one more but it depends how long I yak about my choices! You'll also see quality entertainment with Lajos Hamers doing his thing followed by George and Evan playing selections from his ten albums.

I've just come home from nine days in New Zealand. It was fab to spend time with my family there simply catching up. Nothing beats being in the same room. I also did a ton of walking here and there, went to a gig, regretted wearing shorts once or twice, hung out with my awesome niece and nephew, almost lost my voice and, for the first time I can remember, joined with my brother in taking Mum out for Mother's Day. I was also extremely fortunate in that Wellington only turned on the gale force winds and sideways rain on the day I was coming home. That's my holiday for this year. Other than a long weekend here and there, I'm now saving my holidays to go to Scotland in 2026. It's time.

Big Country - In A Big Country - https://youtu.be/657TZDHZqj4

I don't tend to listen to a lot of music when I'm on holiday. Sure, on the plane is a different story, but out and about walking and on public transport I prefer to immerse myself in the local environment. Having said that, I did listen to this song more than once as a result of seeing it played live in Wellington at the very groovy Vogelmorn Bowling Club.

Andrew London - Country's Buggered - https://andrewlondon.bandcamp.com/track/countrys-buggered

In the last few months I've experienced four anxiety attacks. Not fun, not fun at all. In fact the first one, when I was out for a walk, was absolutely terrifying and is the reason I got a new psychologist and started to take this all much more seriously. The others were horrible as well. One was when I was riding home and another just as I got on the plane to come home from Adelaide. It lasted almost the length of the flight to Canberra. What I've learned is that they can come out of nowhere and make my thought patterns dark and illogical. Yes, I told my psychologist about them and we're working on it. This kind of thing isn't something you should keep to yourself or try to deal with alone because it's hard. In the throes of an attack all I can do is try to sit with the discomfort and ride it out. I use music, sometimes a podcast or an audio book to help with this. And lots of photos to remind me that my life is good and that the voice in my head yelling all the unhelpful thoughts will eventually shut up. Many of you will know that I have "don't give up" tattooed on the inside of my left forearm. It's a constant reminder to keep going. I guess I've accepted that mental health challenges are part of my life and have been for quite a while. Once I admitted this to myself and began to get help (and follow the advice properly) it has been getting better but it's far from a linear progression.

Why am I writing this bit? Some of it is cathartic. But it also takes up a lot of my time and energy and is a reason that I haven't published anything here for a while.

I Ain't Got No Home - Bruce Springsteen - https://youtu.be/QeSrR1X65EA

The Lemonheads have been in the country playing some gigs recently. I saw them at the ANU in about 1993 and they really weren't all that good. I remember being disappointed that they finished the gig by simply making an unholy racket and not playing their current single. The album at that time, It's A Shame About Ray, however, is awesome. I bought it on the strength of hearing it over the sound system at the record shop, something that has only happened to me twice. Live performance aside, it's still an album I like a lot and it reminds me of a pretty awesome period in my life.

The Lemonheads - Confetti - https://youtu.be/4s7Fi2QBXqk

For many years I worked in IT support and then I taught computing to high school students. Later on I also dabbled in helping older people with technology. Having now assisted with getting my Mum a new computer and transferring some information across, I may never want to choose Microsoft for anything I do myself again. Seriously, there is a new version of Outlook which might be the biggest disaster since disasters began. It truly is diabolical for anyone used to a well thought out and functioning email client. I live my digital life, including email, in the cloud these days and most is pretty seamless. The installation process for Office 2024 and associated importing of email files, accounts and folders is a disgrace. Bill Gates is spinning in his grave and he isn't even dead yet.

Heaven & Hell - Bible Black - https://youtu.be/EKyEbjcvUag

You may have guessed that songs mean a lot to me. I like to share music. Like a lot of people it started with mixtapes that I gave to friends, family and people who mattered to me. Then the blog came along and of course playlist sharing. But did you ever share a song with someone and then, maybe when things went south, found that the song stings a bit? In the film, Rattle and Hum, Bono from U2 talks about stealing the Beatles song, Helter Skelter, back from Charles Manson. Well I'm stealing this one back. It's a beautiful song that's been hurting me for too long. Radio NZ have literally released the below version today so get on it!

Don McGlashan w/ Anita Clark - Anchor Me - https://youtu.be/qlAJjSpi5T0

Back in the 90s I was in a band called Lovesmudge. Formed out of the smouldering embers of a covers band, we wrote and played what you'd probably describe as indie music. We were influenced by awesome groups like The Falling Joys and The Clouds. I put one of our demo tracks online years ago here but I really should get the other three digitised and uploaded. Fast forward just a few years to the present day and I can hear that kind of sound coming back. How good is this track all the way from Gosford?

Little Quirks - Storm Like Me - https://youtu.be/KDZ1LwibVfY

The World Wide Woozle current listening playlist is pretty heavy and angry at the moment. I guess that's the mood I was in when I put it together. It's likely to change in the next few days so grab a listen here and subscribe to it so that you can come back at any time to listen and wonder, "what WAS he thinking!"

Since I'll be in Wollongong this weekend I think I'll finish with a great band from that town. I saw Tumbleweed play supporting Rollins Band in 1994 and they were tops. Sludgy, fat, loud, stoner rock and roll.

Tumbleweed - TV Genocide - https://youtu.be/3DbgkGJoGeo

Keep smiling groovers,

The Woozle

"Well, we're doin' mighty fine, I do suppose

In our streak of lightnin' cars and fancy clothes
But just so we're reminded of the ones who are held back
Up front there ought to be a man in black"

Johnny Cash, The Man In Black, 1971

World Wide Woozle episode #647

Hello and welcome back.

I've been to Sydney and survived. It's a big, messy city and I've never really liked it. Whilst it was a work trip that included a 12 hour day, I amused myself in a couple of ways. I got to walk out past the NSW Art Museum to Mrs Macquarie's Chair. Parks in the middle of cities are such a blessing. I saw three large Navy ships alongside at Garden Island as well as the sun setting over the Opera House. On top of that I managed to knock myself out at about 0200hrs on Tuesday as I attempted to unplug the fridge in the hotel room. Fun times. I was glad to get on the pencil with wings that masquerades as an aeroplane, to come home.

Weddings Parties Anything - Taylor Square - https://youtu.be/R4aD2OH3UsI

I went to a funeral this week, online. It's becoming a habit. This one was for my brother's father-in-law. What was wonderful, in a sad situation, was the way that sincerely warm and affectionate stories were told about David. My young nephew spoke as well and he was fabulous.

The Proclaimers - I'd Ask The Questions - https://youtu.be/vSj8udGUD1k

Gig rehearsals are every night at my house just now. The neighbours haven't complained yet. Since it's just me and a guitar I think I'm safe. Pencil Sunday May 25th into your diaries and come to Wollongong to see me supporting my mate George on his Maliyan Tour 2025. I've decided to throw caution to the wind and play whatever I want to rather than worrying too much about what people will think. I'm guessing that almost no-one there will know me and therefore I can do what I want and retreat back into anonymity. On the "maybe" list at the moment are songs from Elton John, George Formby, Perry Como, Miley Cyrus, George Huitker, Ugly Kid Joe, and The Mark of Cain. I'll throw a couple of originals in there too.

The Mark of Cain - Degenerate Boy - https://youtu.be/bAc6E6dFfzM

My brother really made my day recently by reflecting that it was a good thing to hear about people who really don't have their mental health sorted out. Too often all we get are stories of those who have undoubtedly struggled but are now (seemingly) living their best lives along with a regimen of beauty treatments, retreats and a Garth Brooks Juice Diet. Life is messy and this bit of mine is as well. The drugs I was on may have addressed some of the red flag issues but they made me hungry and unable to get decent sleep. I realised that I was using so much energy fighting the hunger issue when my weekly grocery bill was almost half what it normally is. So, under doctor's orders, I've tapered off the old medication, had a couple of decent night's sleep, and I have new stuff to try. Will they make me tired, happy, grumpy, or something else!? It's a journey.

John Farnham - Pressure Down (live) - https://youtu.be/t9u6KLfCFxQ

The calendar tells me that I'm a year older. I think I'm feeling every one of my 54 years and 2 days at the moment. I'm taking today off training as I think I MAY have overdone it in the past week or so. The sleepless night, sore tummy and pounding headache are a reasonable indication I suppose. I don't feel old but, as I am regularly reminded by friends, family, doctors and the psychologist, I could probably dial it back just a little bit.

Kacey Musgraves - Follow Your Arrow - https://youtu.be/kQ8xqyoZXCc

A huge thank you all for the birthday wishes, and especially to Toddo and Suzy for organising the Northside Velo crew to surprise me on Friday morning. As someone who lives alone, and is prone to acting a bit like a hermit, I really appreciated everyone who reached out.

Baby Animals - One Word (live) - https://youtu.be/mVpDCsch7mU

That'll do. Although I'm going to do my level best to avoid anything more energetic than a gentle stroll around the block, I've got music to listen to and a poetry course to be cracking on with.

Keep smiling y'all,
The Woozle

"They try to tell us we don't belong
That's all right, we're millions strong
This is my music, it makes me proud
These are my people and this is my crowd..."

KISS, Crazy, Crazy Nights, 1987.

World Wide Woozle episode #646

Welcome back. An even bigger welcome back to those that read the last episode and lived to tell the tale. I'll try to make this one a bit shorter.

First up, happy birthday to my great mate Bing. He celebrated in style by playing two gigs in two days. I was fortunate enough to be in the crowd for last night's boogie experience at Huitker Studios in downtown Curtin. Seeing George play all his own compositions is just fabulous. Any mug can play other people's songs but to put it all out there on the line takes a special kind of drive and determination. In true Bing spirit, the gig went from bliss to quiet rage.

George Huitker - What Makes It Rain - https://youtu.be/ateArN2kZtU

Last time around I revealed my mad plan to listen to all of my CDs. Well, I'm happy to report that it's going quite well. They are on the shelves in sort of a logical order and I'm playing them as they are stacked. This does mean that some bands who have a lot of albums get their entire discography aired in order. That's fun as I can reflect on how they have developed (or not). I've also already unearthed some magnificent tracks that I had long forgotten about.

Steven Winwood - While You See A Chance - https://youtu.be/0j6g_uUhH2c

Last night I found myself feeling a little blue. It was nothing major but I knew that I needed cheering up and to drag myself out of the dumps. This short clip never fails...

Tommy Tiernan - Accent and Emergency - https://youtu.be/u3MG1iIZZjQ

I also listened to three Tommy Emmanuel albums. I'll tell you that cueing them up one after another isn't the best idea. I got a bit tired of the whole atmospheric soundscape thing at a few points. But then there's a bluegrass album cut direct to disc which is truly magnificent. And of course this reminder that Tommy can rock out with the best of them.

Tommy Emmanuel - Stevie's Blues - https://youtu.be/DXpdNHZJgZI

You'd think I was rediscovering a whole lot of music and I suppose I am. This one came up just before John Mellencamp's song, Justice and Independence.

Ben Harper - Glory & Consequence - https://youtu.be/qHgaJ5UI90M

I spent a few days last week working at the Avalon Airshow which is near Geelong in Victoria. Aeroplanes have never really excited me but I have to admit that I saw some pretty neat stuff. I think my favourite was a toss up between taking a virtual reality trip in an autonomous air taxi and seeing the military working dogs in action. Sadly, I have read that there was a nasty crash at the show on Friday. 

Finally, it would be remiss of me not to mention my state of mind following on from my last episode. The short version is that things are improving and I'm following the guidance of the health professionals. It'll take time but things aren't getting any worse!

Jason Isbell - Anxiety (solo, live) - https://youtu.be/JwW_zr2uMiE

Rock on,

The Woozle

"I can't remember when I felt this lost

Took a wrong turn trying to carry this cross
Why'd I have to go and get blessed with a curse
I'm chasing death or glory, whichever comes first..."

John Moreland, Nobody Gives A Damn About Songs Anymore, 2013

World Wide Woozle episode #645

Hi everyone,

This episode has two parts. The part about music and random stuff is first. Part two, which was written first, is about my mental health and the last few weeks. I understand that some of you won't want to read part two for any number of reasons. That's ok; it's something that flowed once I started writing and maybe the feeling of catharsis is a good thing.

Part 1

Since I last wrote I've been to Melbourne for a couple of days. I saw Green Day with Dave Dubya, went to lunch and a bookshop with my Dad, caught up with Angus and Em, visited a collectables shop, rode the trams, and went to some record shops. I was busy, very busy, and at the time I needed to be. 

Skyhook - This Is My City - https://youtu.be/Yp8BsPVT5MU

You can read any number of reviews about the Green Day concert but to me it was exactly as I thought it should have been. 60,000 people having a wonderful time singing, dancing and jumping along to a great band. I think the fact that the band themselves were clearly having a ball really added to the experience. For my money, AFI were the wrong band for the support slot. They are NOT a bad band but all that angsty posing really didn't fit with the energy of the local support band, Private Function, or the pop-punk of Green Day. 

Green Day - She's A Rebel - https://youtu.be/fo1d5LZGO98

I like visiting Melbourne but it's too big for me to be there for a long time. Since about 2015, I've always visited St Paul's Cathedral (opposite Flinders Street Station) whenever I'm in town. I like to sit on a pew for about 15 minutes and think. It's almost meditation, sometimes it's prayer, sometimes reflection. I always feel at peace there. I like riding the trams as well. Since my trip to the USA I've become more comfortable with the fact that I don't know quite where I'm going and I may get ever so slightly lost. The chance discoveries of cool coffee shops, the oases of urban parks, and the simple act of wandering around a suburb is usually good fun. People watching can be a hoot as well.

Paul Kelly - Leaps and Bounds - https://youtu.be/FtzYqgiuSDo

I did manage to get a couple of albums that had either been hard to find online or too expensive. I wrote a while ago about Darkthrone's latest long player, It Beckons Us All, and it was the album I was most pleased to find. Thank you Heartland Records. Darkthrone are one of the seminal Scandinavian Dark Metal bands but this one is quite different. Imagine the heaviest metal mixed in with ambient mood music, prog rock and maybe a Gregorian chant and you might get an idea of how it sounds. 

Darkthrone - The Lone Pines Of The Lost Planet - https://youtu.be/w3seDas5sSc

For the first time ever I bought a CD I already own. Curses! As a result, I have embarked on a quest to catalogue all that I have. I estimate there's about 1100 CDs. Then there's all the LPs and cassettes. Fortunately the Discogs app allows you to scan barcodes using the camera on your phone. I don't like to do things in half measures so as well as cataloguing them I am listening to every album in its entirety. This could take a while. 

Saint Etienne - Lost In The Library - https://youtu.be/1FgSXsrb0io

A while ago I had a great stereo receiver and turntable. They'd belonged to my parents who I assume bought them when we lived in Singapore in the early to mid 1970s. The receiver was a big, heavy, glorious Sansui 771 and the turntable was a lovely Akai AP-005 fully automatic model. Sadly, I gave them away at a time when I gave away a lot of stuff thinking that I was doing a good thing. In fairness, a lot of the stuff did need to go but I can see now that I went a bit over the top and wasn't thinking right. I've had a groovy, modern, Audio Technica turntable for a few years now but for a while I've really wanted to replace it with something old school. Well, after saving up for quite a long time, I finally took action and thanks to a referral from my great mate Steve, I am now the proud owner of a mid-1980s Dual 500 player. After listening to a few vintage turntables that Steve's mate had up for sale I brought the Dual home. It sounds just wonderful. Woo hoo!!

Leo Sayer - Giving It All Away (live) - https://youtu.be/F_0ZAe8aAok

Oh, and while I am no poet, I've decided that instead of hiding that part of my life in a notebook and the Notes app on my phone, that I'll post some stuff in the blog. The first one I've posted is available here right now.

I've been doing more and more reading over the last few months. I tend to stick to non-fiction or relatively easy to read fiction. Non-fiction is a winner because I don't have to remember a complicated plot line and therefore end up getting frustrated when I don't remember half the characters or essential parts of the plot. When it comes to fiction, I've been reading some Australian detective stuff which has been excellent. I'm able to picture the characters and places so I think the author must be doing something right! The other thing I realised is that I was avoiding reading physical paper books because my eyesight was a bit off. I now have groovy new reading glasses.

Belle and Sebastian - Wrapped Up In Books - https://youtu.be/iBU-MxydbWQ

The other thing I have been avoiding a bit has been cycling. You wouldn't realise it immediately but I know I have been. The reason is my back. For ages I've needed to do a LOT of stretching and core work to keep it relatively healthy. My new bike has been a complete revelation in this respect. I can ride for a few hours, hop off and not be stiff and sore. I realised that my commuting bike also has me crouched over a bit too much so I'll be getting rid of it and sticking with the new one only. This weekend I've had two solid rides. My back feels great and my general outlook is much improved as a direct result. Yes, I still need to keep some core work going but hopefully not quite so much.

Sister Rosetta Tharpe - Strange Things Happening Every Day - https://youtu.be/-88l-M0KgkI

Finally, after a VERY long wait, the 30th anniversary version of Roxette's album, Crash! Boom! Bang!, has arrived. I ordered it from what I thought was an Australian seller but it turned out to be a front for a UK based mob. I waited over a month and I was starting to think that I'd blown my dough! All of the demo versions are the winner here. Per Gessle is a great writer of pop/rock songs who loves classic guitars. Perhaps this is one for the serious fans only but I'll be playing it over and over!

Roxette - Crash! Boom! Bang! (T & A Demo - May 6, 1993) - https://youtu.be/1oMP9uXJyvY

Finally, I may have mentioned that I have a support slot coming up at a gig towards the end of May. So I'm busy choosing songs to play at that. Make sure you follow George's FB page for details of his world tour of Australia. He'll be appearing here, there and everywhere. Not to mention that he has new CDs on the way and some groovy tour merch. Please support him if you can.

Sorry that this bit was long; but you get value for money here at the World Wide Woozle.

Part 2

When I started writing, the truth was that I wasn't quite sure what to write about. This just poured out so it may be a bit of a stream of consciousness.

Many of you will be aware that I had a rather unpleasant mental health episode a few weeks ago. It came out of the blue and was the worst incident I've ever had. Of course, with hindsight, I can see the warning signs. Fortunately I had a support plan in my head and amazing people that looked after me until I was OK to be in charge of myself again. Now I'm back on medication for the first time in a few years and I have a new psychologist to work with. The psych says that I need to be kind to myself. That's easier said than done but I'll give it a red hot go.

Green Day - Basket Case - https://youtu.be/NUTGr5t3MoY

No-one ever knows what to say in situations like this, so don't worry. You don't need to say anything. I'm doing all I can to take control of my brain and I have help.

The Screaming Jets - Helping Hand (COVID ISO session) - https://youtu.be/BuFPajGugOg

I had some anti-depressants back in 2019 and I think I finished with them towards the end of 2020. In retrospect I don't really know if they worked or not. At the time I thought that they were helping me to think clearly and stopping my brain flooding my consciousness with crazy and unhelpful ideas. This time around the effect is different so far. They make me tired, sometimes spaced out and my balance has been a little off. I get headspins. And then there's the dreams! Even when I've been really unwell or unhappy in the past I've been a great sleeper. It's my super power! I can sleep almost anywhere and at any time. Having weird and crazy dreams, not nightmares, is no fun at all and I hope it stops soon. It's too soon to know if the medication is making me feel 'better' but I guess my mood is relatively stable. I know I have to be patient but I'm not. The medication is also making me hungry and, as I'm sure you can guess, I am finding that to be a particularly difficult thing to manage. Every single night I have to fight the urge not to take them.

The Wombats - Anti-D - https://youtu.be/ti1W7Zu8j9k

The psych also told me that I am really good at minimising things or making it sound as if they aren't particularly significant. What I'll do is talk with her about some very serious stuff and then end that part of the conversation with, "anyway", and move on. I have to work on this as it's probably something I've done for a very long time. Therapy is confronting. 

Soul Asylum - Misery - https://youtu.be/GLQ2TIul8pI

I guess the other thing to be aware of for anyone still reading, is that sometimes I really struggle to respond to texts, messages and emails. I'm not ignoring you, and it isn't that I can't be bothered. The truth is that sometimes I just can't bring myself to type anything. I'll keep working on that too.

I think that's enough. If you want to ask me about this stuff that's ok. But don't feel that you have to.

One final thing; none of this is anyone's fault.

Keep smiling y'all,

The Woozle

"My heart was broken, my heart was broken,
Sorrow, sorrow, sorrow, sorrow..."

The Proclaimers, Sunshine on Leith, 1988

Tired - 11 March 2025

Today I am tired.
More tired than a tired thing.
The voices in my head are noisy.
They want me to scream and snore all at once.
Another hour telling my life's story to a psych.
The chance of a new beginning.
Maybe it's another reboot.
I'd prefer an upgrade rather than a patch.
The drugs make me light headed.
The drugs make me hungry.
The drugs make me tired.
The drugs might give me clarity.
Might.
Today I am tired.

World Wide Woozle episode #644

Hello and welcome back.

During the week I posted the second episode in my series about albums that matter to me. Please feel free to check it out. Episode 3 is almost written as well.

I've always enjoyed writing, other than when it is for university type stuff. I'm conscious that those of you better educated can no doubt pick holes in my grammar and crazy use of punctuation. The way I try to write is the way I'd have a conversation rather than an academic paper. I'm hoping to never need the Harvard Referencing System ever again. I'm scarred by my experience with an Australian university who failed me in a Masters level unit as a result of my content and referencing in an essay that I had asked multiple times for assistance with. Thanks to that university for making me unwell. Enough of that. Let's rock!

Spotify playlist for this episode.

Black Sabbath, all four original members, are getting together for a final gig in Birmingham on July 5th. Ticket prices are predictably eye watering but the lineup is extensive and profits go to charity. Sadly it seems that Ozzy can't walk any more as a result of Parkinson's Disease. Black Sabbath have been around in one form or another since 1968 and are, of course, a seminal act in the history of heavy music.

Black Sabbath - Sabbath Bloody Sabbath - https://youtu.be/mfTpjrzas5E

A while ago I watched the Amazon TV series, Daisy Jones & The Six. I really enjoyed it and it's well worth your time. I'm currently reading the book that the series is based on and I'm not all that impressed. Perhaps I'm spoiled by having seen the dramatisation but I'm finding it quite dry. The concept is great and obviously translated to TV well but the book seems like a by the numbers story of a rock and roll band in the seventies. It's far from bad and I will finish the book but I'd be loath to recommend it.

Daisy Jones & The Six - Let Me Down Easy - https://youtu.be/Xbt1tOadwHA

A couple of weeks ago I headed to the cinema to see the latest Bob Dylan biopic, A Complete Unknown. Five anorak wearing old blokes, plus me, had the theatre to ourselves and it was even cheap Tuesday! I thought the film was very well made and I enjoyed the fact that most of the songs in the movie weren't shortened or cut off. The highlight for me was Edward Norton playing Pete Seeger. The physical and vocal resemblance to the iconic American folk artist was astounding. The film is worth it for that alone. Monica Barbaro, as Joan Baez, was super as well. I read that she spent around five months learning to sing and play the guitar. The music in the film isn't mimed. Monica also had to wear fake teeth and sing at the same time! And while Timothée Chalamet is excellent as Bob Dylan, he ends up looking more like Billie Joe Armstrong from Green Day. I found the story compelling and time flew by. Hearing those songs on a big theatre sound system was a treat as well. Did I learn anything as well as having a good time? Yes I did; Bob Dylan wasn't a very nice man. 

Monica Barbaro and Timothée Chalamet  - It Ain't Me, Babe - https://youtu.be/NSGxM9bs3uY

DJ DaveDubya sends me good stuff. I like jazz almost as much as I like opera and that's not much at all. The next track however, is very groovy (baby). I love the way that they have two drummers to play quite separate parts of what would be a single kit. These are serious musos.

Vulfpeck - Deantown - https://youtu.be/le0BLAEO93g

My brother also sends me excellent music recommendations. Given that we haven't lived in the same house since I was 16, I am very interested that his Spotify generated discovery playlist is often quite similar to mine. The next song that he recommended reminds me a lot of Sleaford Mods in the best possible way. Listen to the lyrics. 

dan le sac Vs Scroobius Pip - Thou Shalt Always Kill - https://youtu.be/CWrMGXwhFLk

On Wednesday I had a really bad day. I had felt it coming but until it hit I was essentially powerless to stop it. It wasn't one particular thing that triggered it, rather a whole lot of smaller things that piled on top of one another and hit me hard. I took myself home from work at lunchtime as that gave me about 30 minutes to stare out the tram window whilst listening to good tunes. After finishing work at home I headed to one of my favourite places for a long walk in the bush. More and more I wonder if I'm meant to be in cities at all for any longer than is absolutely necessary?

Mulligan's Flat, ACT. 13 Feb 2025.

I think that's enough for this time around. Hugs to all those who look after me even when I don't behave all that well! I'll be keeping a bit to myself for a few days.

Keep smiling,

The Woozle

"Talk about things that nobody cares

Wearing other things that nobody wears
You're calling my name but I got to make clear
I can't say baby where I'll be in a year..."

Aerosmith, Sweet Emotion, 1975.

World Wide Woozle - Albums that matter episode #2

Welcome back to my series about albums that matter to me. If you missed it, the first episode is available online at this link: episode 1. At the time of writing sixty brave souls have had a look; thank you all.

Album #2: Jason Isbell - Southeastern (2013)

In 2013 Jason Isbell released what I regard to be one of the best albums of all time. Southeastern is a collection of songs of such strength and depth that any songwriter could not fail to be impressed. Although Isbell would go on to win six Grammy Awards for subsequent work, this album is the one that I love. It's cliched to call it lightning in a bottle but that's what Jason and producer Dave Cobb achieved.

I became aware of this album via my good mate George. He insisted that I listen to it and gently cajoled me into taking more than a passing interest. In the end, as part of George's band, I played a gig where we performed Southeastern in its entirety.

We're here to talk about why I regard this album as important to me. I can assure you, after seeing Jason play live in 2018 and being part of a crowd singing along to every song, that his music is important to others.

Firstly, Southeastern is a reminder of a band I was once in. Junk Sculpture was around long before my involvement as well as after I was done. We played many special shows, most notably for me up in Tingha and surrounds. I had to work hard to learn every song on Southeastern but it was never a chore. I was blessed with bandmates who were (and remain) much better musicians than me. That said, they encouraged me and, with kindness, made me improve markedly. The thought of that relationship, or was it a brotherhood, still fills me with good vibes. The songs may sound simple in places but to be relatively faithful to them takes effort and a deep respect for the music.

When we played the Southeastern gig in 2015 it was at a beautiful old church outside Canberra. The venue was great, the crowd appreciative and the band was in a state of flow. I was there in body but not in spirit that day. I had learned the songs so well that it was autopilot. This was during the week Zoë was unaccounted for after Tropical Cyclone Pam in Vanuatu. I remember not wanting to go to the gig but I knew there were others counting on me. So I don't remember much about the show other than saying a few words to the man upstairs whilst in the church on the off chance that he might be listening. It would be another few days before we got news that Zoë was OK. So, Southeastern takes me back to that time for both good and not so happy reasons.

The final reason that I think this album is important is that I keep coming back to it for inspiration. Whether it's the elegant fingerpicking on some tracks, the ripping solos on others or the sublime turns of phrase, this is an album I listen to very regularly. In the lyrics I am struck by Isbell's use of what he might see as common words. In particular I mean place names and medications that have a musical quality. Have you heard a song with Klonopin or Pedialyte mentioned before? I had to look them up. And places like Ybor City and Fond du Lac. Not only has my knowledge of USA geography improved, but it's made me wonder that whilst I might think that place names local to me don't belong in songs because they sound silly, perhaps they wouldn't to others.

There is now a tenth anniversary edition of the album that includes demo tracks as well as a live set. It's all killer and no filler. The demo versions in particular reveal Isbell's depth of talent.

 

I've been listening to the album whilst writing all of this down and trying to select a track to play for you all. Although I have my favourites, choosing one or two is a hard task. I've decided to select two. The first is the one I enjoyed playing the most. Guitarists love playing, loud, in the keys of E and A. Electric guitars, rock and roll music and those keys just work well together. Super 8 challenged me as it's in C (I think). I don't play slide guitar but approximating the cool guitar licks is heaps of fun. Recently, whilst watching live footage of the band, I have realised that there is a better than average chance that it's played in an open tuning (where the guitar is tuned to a chord). Maybe I need to try that but regular tuning is hard enough!

Jason Isbell - Super 8 - https://youtu.be/kydK3NvFvvg

The other song I'd like to recommend is Songs That She Sang In The Shower. It's not one of the 'hits' but I really like the guitar riff. It swings along in a way that I found hard to nail down for a while but when I stopped counting and started feeling the beat I got it. It also includes one of my favourite lyrics, "and the frost on the ground probably envies the frost on the trees". Sure, this is a sad song but it's achingly beautiful to my ears.

Jason Isbell - Songs That She Sang In The Shower - https://youtu.be/W8qNgGh-x9M

In one of Jason's songs on a subsequent album the lyric is, "I've sung enough about myself". It's an interesting choice of words. Southeastern is his post-rehab album but whilst the themes may reflect this, the majority of the songs aren't about him. Isbell has that knack of telling a story about someone else and making it sound personal.

Tune in next time for a trip back to 1988.

Thanks for reading this,

The Woozle

World Wide Woozle episode #643

Hello radio fans, music lovers, stalkers and legends.

Here we are again to check out some tunes, catch up on the trivial goings on in my life, and maybe learn a thing or two. Let's rock.

Before we go further, the Spotify playlist for this episode is available by clicking here.

Vintage Trouble - Get It On  (Ike & Tina cover, live) - https://youtu.be/eipXthVqu_4

I heard the next song for the first time today. Of course some of you will know all about Gordon Lightfoot but I don't. I really like the storytelling, his laid back voice and the way this reminds me a bit of Warren Zevon. Sundown was a number one hit in 1974.

Gordon Lightfoot - Sundown - https://youtu.be/1IBdZ645S-o

I was on the Bandcamp website today tracking down a CD I've ordered that is yet to arrive. Whilst I was looking around trying to work out how to sort this out I stumbled across a whole lot of curated lists of songs. These aren't just a list; they are articles that talk about the songs and artists. This is completely my thing and I spent my lunchtime lost in a world of 70s French disco, 90s Cascadian psychedelia, and the best metal songs of January. Man oh man, this is cool!

Cerrone - Love in C Minor - https://youtu.be/TRiIiPnJvNc?si=WixLI7NEeRoaOw8n&t=80

Keeping it funky, but much closer to home, the next song is sure to have you tapping your foot if not up and dancing around your lounge room. I'm not sure I expected to hear an eight piece funk band from Arnhem Land but here it is. Great song, great clip and more to explore. If you like bands like Songhoy Blues or Tinariwen then you'll love this; guaranteed.

Andrew Gurruwiwi Band - Yaa Djamarrkuḻi - https://youtu.be/HpF4IzzTiU8

Last weekend Toddo and I headed to Geelong to participate in the Cadel Evans Great Ocean Ride. Not the pro race mind you, we let them have that to themselves. Overall we covered 140km of big hills, glorious coastlines, and horrendous headwinds. All done mostly with smiles on our faces. It was a top few days away with the chance to catch up with members of both of our families as well as our good mate Yol in Albury. The weekend was also my last ride on my faithful red racing bike. It's gone to Angus now who will no doubt set speed records on it. Props to the Oppy at North Geelong for an excellent feed on Friday night.

Iron City Houserockers - Have A Good TIme (But Get Out Alive) - https://youtu.be/L3B7gGs5FyE

Here's another track that the YouTube algorithm got oh so right when it popped this into my feed. Joe Holmes was Ozzy's guitar player for a number of years and his heavy music pedigree is more than solid. Maybe this song was recommended as a result of me listening to a few Soundgarden and Alice In Chains tracks. Whatever the reason, it works for me. I've listened to Joe's 2024 album, Farmikos, quite a bit in the last few days.

Joe Holmes - The Deadfall - https://youtu.be/kR0paYEld-4

Noting that the Led Zeppelin movie is to be released in cinemas very shortly, I thought it was time to go back and listen to them before heading to the theatre. Led Zeppelin was the first CD boxset I ever bought. It was released at the end of 1990 and I remember being hugely excited to get it. Remastering and packaging like this is the norm now but it wasn't then. I'm not a massive fan but they are definitely cool as well as being important.

Led Zeppelin - Over The Hills And Far Away - https://youtu.be/Am9gu4wkY9E

The other thing I want to talk about is my guitars. They've sat, unloved, in my house for quite a while now. I just haven't felt like playing for such a long time. Over the past few weeks I've been considering how to get enthused about making my own music but I've not had any luck. Watch out though because I now have something to aim for. Watch this space to hear about my performing live later in the year. I better build some calluses and remember how to play. Fortunately I've been singing in the car!

Billy Bragg - A New England (live) - https://youtu.be/kl9DxOmSo-I

Keep an eye out for Albums That Matter #2, It's not far off being complete. 

That's all folks. Thanks for reading and listening.

The Woozle

"When you're young, you can fly
But we trip on clouds 'cause we get too high
We grow up, and then it's gone
Oh God only knows what we'll become..."

The Band Perry, Don't Let Me Be Lonely, 2013.

World Wide Woozle episode #642

Thank you readers! 50 people have taken the time to read my first "albums that matter" blog post. I'm flabbergasted. I really wasn't sure that it would generate any interest at all. You can be assured that, with renewed vigour and enthusiasm,  I'll keep working on more of these.

ZZ Top - I Thank You (1979) - https://youtu.be/PjbaHlTl86Q

Link to Spotify playlist for all the songs in this episode; click here.

Jethro Tull will be releasing a new album in early March. As you'd expect, a single has been released, along with the obligatory music video, to get our attention. Ignoring the fact that Jethro Tull should never have won a Grammy for heavy metal bands, I quite like them albeit not in huge doses. The album Stormwatch (1979) is the one for me and has been for more than twenty years. The new single is classic Tull. They have an instantly recognisable sound based around Ian's flute and voice melded with traditional and modern instrumentation. The new single showcases all of that as well as new guitarist Jack Clark who channels the old rhythm sounds and adds tasty soaring lead breaks.

Jethro Tull - Curious Remnant - https://youtu.be/sFOv9HHe19c

I'm a bit miffed today. I thought my sore knee was better so I headed off for a gentle walk. Well, I was wrong and it still hurts. I will put my big boy trousers on and get it looked at by the physio next week. This is so annoying. I trained hard on my walking fitness prior to going to the USA. I gradually built up distance and time to the point where a 21km hard hike up and down hills felt good. Oh well. I'll do the rehab and get it back to what passes for normal. Meanwhile my new bike with its geometry that suits my back is a total revelation. At least that doesn't hurt anything! I also have some other fitness stuff going on but maybe I'll reveal that another time.

Have you ever listened to a band called Mogwai? Me neither. Not with any real level of interest anyway. They are from Glasgow and have been around since 1995. At some stage I got it into my head that all they did was make noise that annoyed me so I tuned out. I was turned around by some tracks from their new album (released yesterday) that were early releases. Much of their music is instrumental and some tracks are very long and involved. If you'd like something to listen to that you can feel as well then this might be it. Apparently they are a "post-rock" band. 

Mogwai - Fanzine Made Of Flesh - https://youtu.be/hKFvvSE4SCo

Here's one for all my peeps in the UK, USA and Canada. While we are sweating it out DownUnder, they're contending with some very average weather. How had I not heard of this celtic/punk band from Sydney? They are awesome!

The Rumjacks feat. Ken Casey of Dropkick Murphys - Cold Like This  - https://youtu.be/LAS3hnlzSH8

Jason Isbell also has a new album coming out. This time it's a solo, acoustic affair. He's a well regarded lyricist and musician and I'm looking forward to seeing how he fares without The 400 Unit backing him up. If you haven't heard the album of mostly solo, acoustic demos from the Southeastern album that came out last year then seriously, run to the record shop (or your preferred streaming service) and have a listen. 

Jason Isbell - Bury Me - https://youtu.be/dMUTZv-6Yak

I've chosen the next song because it's one I started listening to a few years ago and I regularly find myself re-adding it to my playlists. When I first heard it, Willie Nile was a guy I didn't know but it turns out he's great. The album that includes this track is well worth listening to. Sometimes I feel that he has the same pattern of repetition in many of his songs but then if it works then why fix it. This is earthy, honest rock and roll with lyrics that, despite a million cliches, bite hard.

Willie Nile with Steve Earle - Blood On Your Hands - https://youtu.be/LCM1QyWM-3M

My mate George is busy prepping for some upcoming gigs. Watch out for details soon if you are in Canberra as well as further afield. He's also found time to release a new song and associated clip. This one is a bit different to a lot of George's slower tunes. Yes, it's complex but also easy to listen to (without being easy listening). It's a song that I feel I can let wash over me and seep into my pores. Please give it a listen. Supporting local music is more important than ever in a world of billion listen Spotify tracks. And if you want a copy of this on physical media then George is available via his website or Farcebook page.

George Huitker - What Makes It Rain - https://youtu.be/ateArN2kZtU

Sometimes the internet is a good thing. I mean that's how you're reading this as opposed to me sending reams of photocopies of a fanzine all over the world. As a result of being online and looking for Big Country songs this band popped up. They're from Saskatoon in Canada which is also where one of my great friends, Ken, lives. Were they well known outside of Canada? I dunno. This is a great song though and I intend to track down an album or two. To be honest, when the song started I thought that they were about to cover Blondie's Heart of Glass.

The Northern Pikes - Things I Do For Money - https://youtu.be/7FnrC0JPEAI

Shirley Manson has a singing voice that I really like. She's also a great actress. Check her out in Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles as she's wonderfully evil. This song regularly resonates with me and perhaps as a cautionary tale. It's too easy to only be happy when you've got something to whinge about.

Garbage - Only Happy When It Rains (acoustic) - https://youtu.be/ieZWE_A6gzc

What would happen if The Doors, The Specials, and a beat poet mixed their DNA up in Washington DC and started a band? I think I've found the answer to this in a group called Des Demonas. One of my regular music pusher-men, David Dubya, pointed me in their direction and I was not disappointed.

Des Demonas - Apocalyptic Boom Boom - https://youtu.be/NxzHZLw_JOQ

That'll do. Watch out for a link to the next albums that matter episode via Fartsbook or in the next blog. I'm not emailing those out as a maximum of one email every now and then for me is enough.

Rock on and keep smiling,

The Woozle (with 'assistance' from Gertrude and Fitzwilliam)

"If you wanna be an Aussie, here's the way to go

Take care of Country and let the wattles grow.

There's no room for hate here, love runs the show..."

John Williamson, If You Wanna Be An Aussie, 2025.

World Wide Woozle episode #641

Hello groovers and welcome back.

First of all, the World Wide Woozle current listening playlist is completely updated and available for your listening pleasure. Click here to access it via Spotify. Spotify doesn't tell me if anyone actually listens to this but it keeps me amused for ages.

Secondly, as I mentioned last time around, I've started a series of new blog posts about albums that matter to me. Episode 1 is now online. I'm always interested in feedback and to hear if particular albums or songs resonate with you. This series won't be particularly regular but there are a few posts bubbling away on paper and in my brain so keep an eye out for links here and perhaps via Farcebook. To be honest, all you're going to get out of me on social media for the foreseeable future is music links and maybe a photo or two. I have successfully reduced my usage of Zuckerberg's Zombie Zone almost down to zero. This accompanies an increase in the amount of reading I'm doing.

On Friday night I was fortunate enough that my mate Steve invited me out to a gig. We headed to Smith's Alternative in town to see John Kennedy & The New Originals. All I knew about the band was what I could glean in a week of listening to a lot of their albums. The show was awesome. Imagine Elvis Costello mixed up with Wedding Parties Anything and The Go-Betweens (with a touch of The Johnnys) and you're in the ballpark. John's band included Phil Hall (Lime Spiders), Murray Cook (Soul Movers, The Wiggles) as well as Pete Timmerman (drums) and Matt Galvin (guitars). They were admittedly a bit rusty but that only showed on one or two brand new songs and they laughed it up and played on. I grabbed a signed copy of their latest (live) CD, Live At The Marrickville Bowl, and was disappointed that they didn't have other albums for sale. Great band, great fun and with the early slot at Smith's, I was home by about 2145hrs!

John Kennedy & The New Originals - Good To Be Here - https://youtu.be/uiD_I9ac4mQ

I've had a rough couple of weeks with my mental health. There's no rhyme or reason to it and that's such a frustrating thing. Then I twisted my knee while out bushwalking and it's been a bit sore. Cycling has been fine but I had to drastically cut back on my walking for a week and a bit. Boring! And just when I was at my lowest this song popped up via the YouTube algorithms. For once they got it right. This is a ripper and I'm sure you'll understand why. Good old Ringo!

Ringo Starr  - Look Up - https://youtu.be/1SyYbLRlwKI

I can't top that song from Ringo so that'll do for this time around.

Keep smiling,

The Woozle

Never ever ever gonna drive so fast,

Never ever ever gonna smash the past,

Never ever ever gonna hide my face...

Soul Movers, You-Turn, 2024

World Wide Woozle - Albums that matter episode #1

Welcome

Welcome to an irregular series of posts about albums that matter. As with all my blog posts I am interested to hear from you with comments, questions or feedback. I'm not a professional writer however so there's no need to correct my grammar, style or spelling!

What's this all about?

I've written almost 650 blog posts about music, songs and my life. I started in 2007 and although there have been a few twists and bumps along the road, I've been writing for close to twenty years. The reasons for wanting or needing to write change from week to week. Often I'm writing for myself as much as for you, the reader and listener.

Last week I was blogging and listening to music when a track came on that floored me. I was instantly transported back to a particular time and place. I remembered listening to the album that the song was on over and over. Is it the greatest album of all time? Hardly. What I reflected on though was what the long player meant to me then and now.

As a result, I've decided to write about some albums that matter or mattered to me in one way or another.

Album #1: AC/DC - Blow Up Your Video (1988)

AC/DC fans will no doubt already be up in arms. The 1988 release is hardly well regarded and although it gave us two big singles, the rest is forgettable to most. Not to me.

In January 1988 I was going into my final year of school. My family had been in a state of change and I'd come back to Australia to live with my Dad. It wasn't an easy time for anyone. On the way home from Melbourne airport to Gippsland we dropped into a shopping centre. I knew that Blow Up Your Video had just been released and I was hoping that it would be in stores by now. At that time I was a massive fan of hard rock and heavy metal despite it really not being a popular form of music with other than one or two of my friends. I was ecstatic to get the cassette and Dad gritted his teeth and let me pop it into the car stereo.

Let me tell you about the car stereo. Back in the 80s, having a great car sound system wasn't all that common. Certainly only a few years earlier I'd been told that we wouldn't be playing the radio or cassettes in the car because Dad said it was distracting. Times change! This car had a two speaker system as well as receiving AM stereo which was brand new in Australia at the time (and didn't last). I loved to be in that car and listen to AM radio that wasn't the standard muffled mono sound. The cassette player was awesome too. It had separate controls for bass and treble, as opposed to a single tone knob, and that mattered to me.

So, in went AC/DC. I think Dad managed to cope with the first side before he'd had enough. In all fairness to him, this is before we really saw eye to eye on music to listen to, but that's a tale to tell another day about another special album.

In 1988 albums were precious. None of us had many and we shared and copied. My cassette carrier with its twenty cassettes was a prized possession. As a result, I got to be very familiar with those particular recordings as well as my small collection of LPs and 45 rpm singles.

In no time at all I knew the tracks on Blow Up Your Video inside out. I can still sing along to most of them now. In 1988 I'd stay up late for the few hours of MTV we got on a Friday or Saturday night in the usually vain hope of seeing AC/DC or anything close to hard rock. The clips for Heatseeker and That's The Way I Wanna Rock 'n' Roll were aired once in a blue moon. No-one I knew had a video recorder. I'm not sure that my school had more than one or two either.

I don't think there are any stinkers on this album, in fact the opposite. The guitars growled and roared in a way that they wouldn't again on an AC/DC record. The next album had a more commercial, almost processed sound and then after that the guitars, whilst still awesome, became cleaner. More Rolling Stones-esque than what we'd been used to. Brian Johnson (vocals) talks about the record being recorded in an old chateau in France. It sounds glamorous but in reality it was run down and spartan. Apparently the band couldn't wait to get out of there. As a result the album has a level of urgency to it. The AC/DC swagger is there in spades but there's also a menacing feel borne of a level of discomfort. I guess that edge to the sound resonated with me then and it still does.

Only four of the ten tracks on Blow Up Your Video have ever been played in concert by AC/DC. I guess that's an indication both of the strength of their catalogue but also of how much they maybe don't like the album.

Meanstreak is, for me, the one that they should give an airing once in a while. The intro riff reminds me of a police siren and the song has a wonderful groove that conjures up images of old cartoon crooks tiptoeing down a shady alleyway.

I still have Blow Up Your Video on that original cassette from 1988. I shudder to think how many times it was played at home and on my walkman clone. I've now got it on CD as well but it's not one I've managed to add to the collection on vinyl yet. I must remedy that one day soon. The album is a reminder of my final year at school and all that is part of that pivotal time. A very strong memory is listening to it on the bus on the way to school, hoping that the batteries in the walkman would last. My player had two headphone jacks so I would regularly be listening with my mate Paul. I'm pretty sure I didn't subject my Dad to it in the car again though!

Thanks for reading this,
The Woozle

World Wide Woozle episode #640

Welcome back enormous listening world. To paraphrase Bon Scott, if you want tunes, you've got it!

I started creating a playlist for this episode a little while ago. Whilst there's a theme, I won't make you guess. The playlist is here on Spotify.

There's no secret that I really don't like to dance. I always feel awkward, self-conscious and like I'd rather be anywhere else. I'm happy to stand or sit at a live show and I'll tap my foot, nod my head and sing along but I'm not dancing. At least not in public. When I was in Jindabyne recently I was pumping out some tunes and one made me want to throw caution to the wind and dance. So I did. This group of songs are the ones that I dance to when no-one is looking. These are the ones that make me smile and I hope you do as well. The episode is meant to be fun so click ALL the links (or the playlist) and get moving. Remember, no-one ever has to know!

First up, the song that made me want to move my body. This is also a really good fun song to play but I can't sing it for quids!

Bryan Adams, Mel C - When You're Gone - https://youtu.be/wB4fLBULvdE

SWOOP were around from '91-'99 and this track has always been a favourite of mine. The fuzzed out guitar solo is a killer and I really like the interplay between the two vocalists.

SWOOP - Apple Eyes - https://youtu.be/c2gvieJeKXA

The Party Boys had a rotating roster made up of the who's who of Australian music. Their 1987 album brought them a couple of hits and also the support slot for AC/DC's 1988 World Tour. The self-titled album was on high rotation with me all through my last year of high school. This is an old La De Da's song and Kevin Borich is in both bands. I just think it's a great rock and roll song. I was hooked from the first three descending power chords that come just after the introduction.

The Party Boys - Gonna See My Baby Tonight - https://youtu.be/wSpXFlh_47k

I missed the Skyhooks because I was a bit young and not living in Australia or paying attention when they were at their peak. That's OK, I've made up for it in recent years. For a while I thought they were a bit too glam for my liking and then I focussed on the tunes. There's a really good compilation of 70s Melbourne bands named after the next song. Two and half hours of bands like the Skyhooks, Daddy Cool, Jo Jo Zep, The Sports, and Mondo Rock. This CD turned me on to this track and subsequently more Skyhooks tunes. But yeah, it's another one that makes me want to get up and move.

Skyhooks - Carlton (Lygon Street Limbo) - https://youtu.be/rjVqGyxb_NY

I saw You Am I play live at the Livid Festival in Brisbane back in 1995 and they were woeful. Maybe they were just having a bad day in the brutal heat but I didn't hang around for much of their set. The same day I saw Supergroove, The Mark of Cain, The Cruel Sea, and Rollins Band play magnificent sets. I've not had the chance to see them again but live footage and longevity seems to suggest that they know what they're doing! This track, recorded live in 1997 for a programme in the Netherlands, is a great demonstration of indie pop. It's got a great beat, catchy melody and it's a toe tapper.

You Am I - Good Mornin' (live) - https://youtu.be/72YAhcRN62c

In 1992, Dan Baird (ex Georgia Satellites) released an album called, Love Songs For The Hearing Impaired. If good old fashioned rock and roll is your thing then this album is for you. It's full of tracks made for singing along to and possibly getting a little line dancing in as well. This one is a story in just a few minutes; it's just a shame there's no film clip.

Dan Baird - Dixie Beauderant - https://youtu.be/NyI4181J-Z4

Hands up who remembers when mobile telephones were carried around in a satchel and only rich people and posers had them? Me, I do. I also remember my good mate Vaughan and I managing a loan pool of them at work. Who was that senior officer who allegedly used his loaner to call x-rated phone lines?! Anyway, this song isn't so much about the advent of mobile telephones as it is about people changing and not always for the best. I saw Weddings Parties Anything at the Canberra Racecourse somewhere in the mid-90s and they were so cool. I loved, and still love, the Celtic and folk influences in their brand of Aussie rock and roll.

Weddings Parties Anything - Telephone In Her Car - https://youtu.be/tpTrjR0CFOk

Last year I saw The Darkness play here in Canberra. It was almost surreal to be in a smallish venue, up close and personal with such a big band. They have a lot of fun and make sure that their audiences do as well. As this song should indicate to you, they don't take themselves too seriously.

The Darkness - Friday Night - https://youtu.be/_MdSawNUEIk

This one shouldn't be a huge surprise to anyone who has been reading my blog for any length of time. It's been a while since I picked up a guitar but this is one of my favourite songs to play. It was great fun in a band and it's a cracker alone as well. Watching Jason and Sadler playing though I think I probably should be learning it in an open tuning. I avoided Super 8 motels in the USA but I guess it would've been amusing to go to one. Next time.

Jason Isbell & The 400 Unit - Super 8 (live at Red Rocks, 2024) - https://youtu.be/OAPT13PUqxM

I'm going to finish this little dance playlist with something from Kylie. I'm not too proud to say that very early on I didn't think much of her at all. But then it's easy to jump on a bandwagon without really making up your own mind. In the late 80s heavy metal fans did not listen to Kylie. Bollocks to that. She's awesome and this is a very fine track.

Kylie Minogue - Say Something - https://youtu.be/KMt8NbndXCo

Next time on The World Wide Woozle I'll be starting an on again, off again series of deep dives into albums that mean something to me. All that and the usual blabbing and a live gig review.

Keep smiling,
The Woozle

"We can dance if we want to
We can leave your friends behind
'Cause your friends don't dance
And if they don't dance
Well they're no friends of mine..."

Men Without Hats, Safety Dance, 1982.