Welcome back.
You might want to settle in and perhaps grab a beverage of your choice and a snack, because I have a lot to say this time around on the 682nd episode of the World Wide Woozle.
I don't pre-order a lot of albums, but when it comes to smaller and independent artists that I like, I am happy to do so. I realise that they need the cash injection to make it all happen. To that end, Fanny Lumsden's latest offering, Traditions, arrived in the post recently. Along with the CD, which is signed, came a sticker, a small print of the album cover (with a personal message handwritten on the back), and a card that you can plant to grow some flowers. That, my friends, is a great way to involve and enthuse your fans. She also replies to emails and comments on socials. Fanny is on tour at the moment around the country with Kate Ceberano so get out and support her. The album is a rare treat full of energy, joy, and some heartwarming moments. Her band, The Daddies, includes her husband and her brother and they're amazing. They know when to step up, when to strip everything back, when to let the electric guitars wail, and when to play the bagpipes. I could write a lot about this album but I'd rather you went and listened to it. Actually, I hope you buy it.
Fanny Lumsden - By The River - https://youtu.be/I_6aFvt91F0
Can I give a plug to another independent artist? It's my blog after all. My mate George is working towards releasing an EP in the first bit of 2027. He has a significant birthday to mark and his gift to us is music. I won't give much away but I have been lucky enough to hear some of what is coming and it's pretty cool. Don't expect a three minute single, think more of an extended listening experience. Recording, mixing, mastering, and publishing music isn't cheap and crowdfunding can help make this happen. If you want to help, you can contact George via his Bandcamp page for details.
George Huitker - The Songs That We Played - https://youtu.be/dmqFob7iYO4
You may have seen footage of one of the Tomb Guards at Arlington telling a senior politician and his entourage to keep quiet. Well done that man for doing his job without fear or favour. I wonder if he thought his career was over? Have you ever had a similar moment? One where you did what you thought was the right thing regardless of the potential consequences? I've had a couple but this one makes me laugh to this day, although it didn't at the time. Note that I am not comparing myself to Specialist Iglesias in the slightest. I've seen first hand the job that the Tomb Guards do and it is more than impressive. In the mid-90s, the Australian Army was transitioning from using the SLR to the Steyr rifle. Someone thought it was a good idea that, as a newly minted Lance Corporal, I should spend a couple of weeks working as an instructor on the training team. Being posted to Army Office (now Army HQ) the majority of people we were instructing had been in the Army for ages, and probably hadn't touched a weapon for a long time. My heart in mouth moment came when the Deputy Chief of the General Staff (the Army's second in command) was in my group for one of the tests. He was a Major General, I was a Lance Corporal, and after the practical test, I told him he'd failed. I was ready to pack my bags and look for a new job but it wasn't to be. The two-star general, who had been deployed twice as an infantry officer in Vietnam, thanked me and then said he'd be needing one on one instruction later in the day to ensure he made the grade, which he did. And I kept my job. My military service was absolutely nothing special or outstanding, but there are moments like these that make me smile.
Redgum - Just Another Moment On Your Own - https://youtu.be/XX4_WEhhnNA
Fans of The Pogues may want to know that the Shane Macgowan tribute album was released yesterday. There's a wide range of artists making a contribution and it's thirty-six songs long. I won't say much more as I need to spend much more time listening to it. What I will say though, is that on the first couple of spins, many tracks miss the rough edge that Shane and The Pogues brought to the table. Then again, these are heartfelt tributes so maybe it'll work. This is a good version to whet your whistle...
Glen Hansard - Bottle of Smoke - https://youtu.be/tg7wTPaKl2Y
Who remembers the paintings of dragons, scantily clad women wielding swords, and wizards that were all over panel vans, record covers, and Dungeons & Dragons games back in the day? I do, and the band Castle Rat do as well. They've mashed that up all that along with their love for doom rock and present it in a package that is hard to resist. For a few moments I thought they were just being silly, but then I watched and listened. If you like KISS, Black Sabbath, King Diamond, David Eddings books, and paintings in the style of Frank Frazetta then get into this.
Castle Rat - Dagger Dragger - https://youtu.be/gNP_RiiWjg0
I've spent a few weeks, continuing to try and convince the Spotify algorithms that there is more to life than REM's song Orange Crush. Don't get me wrong, it's a great track but how can the ghost in the machine keep on recommending that by looking into my 365 days with The Woozle playlist which is now over 21hrs long? I've been working hard on keeping the selection broad, and hopefully interesting. So get over to this link and have a flick through it on Spotify, YouTube, or Tidal. One song from the list, chosen by me, not by Slopify's hamster wheel of doom, is this one. I remain a bit on the fence about Thelma's singing accent, but maybe that's how she talks. Regardless, this is a wonderful song. I've still got songs to reclaim...
Thelma Plum - I Don't Play That Song Anymore - https://youtu.be/I8FmXM42VFk
I lost my sense of humour and perspective sometime this week. If I'm honest, I could feel it happening but struggled to do anything about it. Clear markers are that I start to feel overwhelmed at work, and I lose all interest in eating. I was unkind to a few people, said and typed things I have apologised for, and ended up needing to take a day off work. My psychologist, who is rather fabulous, has been working with me using "acceptance compassion therapy" and it's been very helpful. So, yesterday, I did what I am not good at. I took the advice that I would give anyone else who was struggling and I was kind to myself. I accessed some sick leave, did my best to eat properly, went outside into the bush for an extended period, built some LEGO, and listened to music, all in an attempt to help reset my brain. I also gently reached out to a few people who I haven't spoken to in a while. Is it working? Yes, slowly, but it's tiring and a constant effort.
Teddy Swims- Lose Control (live) - https://youtu.be/9gWIIIr2Asw
I had more to say but that's long enough for one episode. Also, it has stopped raining so I'm off outside. Summer is almost here! Did I mention that I almost stood on a snake yesterday?!
Keep smiling,
The Woozle
"I'd rather hear some blues and funky old soul..."
Bob Seger, Old Time Rock & Roll, 1978. (Yo, Willy!)
