Well that's the end of another school semester. This one seemed to drag on and on and then suddenly it was over. Like any job, teaching has ups and downs but I remain amazed that people have to have a little "can't cope" at the same time twice a year. Seriously, you can predict the busy times - take a leaf out of Baden-Powell's book and "Be Prepared".
The end of this term also marks the impending demolition of some old buildings at school. Not before time too. I'm glad to have moved out of my office as the heating and cooling had both given up the ghost quite a while ago. We're in temporary accomodation in a glorified shipping container that has turned out to be a lot better than we thought it might be. Can't wait for the paint fumes to dissapate.
Now I don't want to shock anyone out there so make sure you're sitting down. We get the scooter back tomorrow. When the garage revealed to Alison that it would be another 2-4 weeks to get all the parts I could hear the excrement hitting the fan from miles away!! The upshot is that they have made the scooter roadworthy and we can have it back until they have all the bits to fix the cosmetic damage. Amazing.
Perhaps this song reflects my frustration with the week that was. It came on in the car this evening as part of a mix-cd that DJ McG gave me and captured the moment.
The Ramones - I Wanna Be Sedated: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dhh24BB84e4
But I have three weeks of stand down now so you can expect happy pop songs next week.
It would be remiss of me not to at least quickly mention Australian politics. After all, it is a rare opportunity that I am actually qualified to make any of the comments I pour out as part of this blogging extravaganza.
I'll preface this by reminding all my loyal readers that I lean to the left side of politics. It is no secret.
So, we've got a new Prime Minister. Not a shock really. Kevin dug his own grave. You can only act at being personable for so long if it isn't real. I'm not doubting that he is smart. I'm not doubting that he had some great ideas and took some hard decisions. But, the Labor Party risked being slaughtered at the next election if Kevin remained in the top job. People just didn't like him anymore. In my opinion he became smug and lost his mass appeal. So does Julia have the goods? We'll see.
But I am totally and utterly sick to death of continuing comments on her gender, hair colour and marital status. It doesn't matter. What matters is if she can do the job as PM effectively or not. So many male politicians are fat and unattractive but we hear very little comment about them in this regard. This isn't "Australia's Next Top Model" folks so ignore the hype and concentrate on the substance. In a country where people would be outraged to be asked about their gender, marital status, sexuality or hair colour at a job interview (and it would be illegal) why are we fixated on Julia's personal information.
On the political theme but injecting some humour here's a song about one of our greatest Prime Ministers - Bob Hawke. Love him or hate him, few people would deny that he had charisma to spare.
Redgum - The Drover's Dog: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QiLQwAzGyaQ
And the Socceroos are out of the World Cup. Sad but then we still have a way to go to be consistently serious competitors on a the world stage. All that diving is such a bore anyway - glad to see Italy were eliminated as they are one of the worst team of offenders.
Ironman training is coming along nicely. I've been working hard on training consistently and working towards a really good endurance base. The cycle commuting has helped a lot, swimming is starting to feel good and running is great too. The distances just need to continue to get longer!
As I reflect over the last six months I have had one close friend die and another two are seriously ill. That has really put a lot of other things into context for me and made me think about what really matters in life. Enjoy your time with your friends and don't work so hard that your family thinks you are some kind of ghost - it isn't worth it.
In new music I have read that there is a compilation of Kris Kristofferson's early demo recordings available. Many of these are songs he wrote for other people. Kris is an artist that is growing on me. I can really get into the honest and gruff delivery of his songs as well as his lyrics. I will investigate and report back.
But this week's track is for Zoë. She has been working very, very hard in the backstage crew at the school musical and I am very proud of her. Motorheads "We Are The Roadcrew" isn't quite her style I don't reckon. But this next track was used as the pre-show music at the show and I can picture Zoë really liking it so here we go.
Paul Simon - Diamonds On The Sole of Her Shoes: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OafqYNCzq5U (with lyrics for you karaoke fans!)
Have a great weekend.
DJ Rob
Friday, June 25, 2010
Friday, June 18, 2010
Song of the Week 95
Did you know that Hugh Laurie (of House and Blackadder fame) plays the piano on the new Meatloaf album? Neither did I but there you go.
Meatloaf - If I Can't Have You: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=no7r3O6ZFsI
Now, a word about illegal downloading. When I was younger - not that long ago - we taped albums that our friends had. We couldn't afford to buy all of them. Was it illegal? Yes. Did the artists suffer? No. We weren't going to be able to afford to buy the albums anyway. But, I did become a fan of a number of bands because I had a copy from a friend. In the long run the bands got some money as I spent loads and loads of my salary on LPs and then CDs.
Whilst I am violently opposed to people pirating music to resell the file sharing and downloading argument is much more complex. If I can watch a show on TV for free then why can't I download it to watch at a convenient time? Because I don't have to watch the advertising? Well I don't watch it regardless.
Movies are a bit different. I'd happily take myself to the cinema if there could be some guarantee that there wouldn't be some cretin sitting behind me with a super large bag of noisy food and the need to analyse the film with their nerdy friend for the duration. But that is seemingly impossible. And $15 for the privilege is just a bit outrageous. The DVD hire shop is an option but frankly I am tired of all the movies I want being already out or the discs skipping all over the place.
Do we need a pirate song? I think so!
Norah Jones - Chasing Pirates: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uTxythHY09k
Alison's knee operation seems to have been a success. A quick arthroscopy, in and out of hospital in less than 12 hours. We're not really sure that sending her home to a house with stairs was such a good idea either. Here's hoping that she is back on two feet, walking and running before too long. If not then the kids and I will move out!
Here's a song for Alison: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QPhuafy0G3I
World Cup fever is here and apart from the boring vuvuzelas it is reasonably enjoyable. Although I didn't enjoy Australia getting thumped by Germany it really wasn't that unexpected. It was great to see NZ draw with Slovakia. I remember the heady days of 1982 when the All Whites marched off to the World Cup in Spain. And I really did enjoy seeing Spain lose to Switzerland. Truly, soccer is such a low scoring game that at the World Cup, anyone has a chance of an upset.
Scotland aren't at the World Cup. They are too good and have elected to stay home. When I was a lot younger they qualified to play in the finals that were in Argentina. Here's the theme song - hilarious and very optimistic. My Granny and Grandpa sent me this song on cassette! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ipGLYAxcenQ
I've heard the official Australian theme song and it pales in comparison!
On Saturday night I went to see two of my friends (finally) get married. This week's song was one we covered in the band where Scot was the singer. Originally by Sisters of Mercy but recorded by Scot and Rod on their first album. Here's the original.
Something Fast - Sisters of Mercy: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UI3yKorifpY
Still no scooter. Unbelievable.
Dogs are people too,
DJ Rob
Meatloaf - If I Can't Have You: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=no7r3O6ZFsI
Now, a word about illegal downloading. When I was younger - not that long ago - we taped albums that our friends had. We couldn't afford to buy all of them. Was it illegal? Yes. Did the artists suffer? No. We weren't going to be able to afford to buy the albums anyway. But, I did become a fan of a number of bands because I had a copy from a friend. In the long run the bands got some money as I spent loads and loads of my salary on LPs and then CDs.
Whilst I am violently opposed to people pirating music to resell the file sharing and downloading argument is much more complex. If I can watch a show on TV for free then why can't I download it to watch at a convenient time? Because I don't have to watch the advertising? Well I don't watch it regardless.
Movies are a bit different. I'd happily take myself to the cinema if there could be some guarantee that there wouldn't be some cretin sitting behind me with a super large bag of noisy food and the need to analyse the film with their nerdy friend for the duration. But that is seemingly impossible. And $15 for the privilege is just a bit outrageous. The DVD hire shop is an option but frankly I am tired of all the movies I want being already out or the discs skipping all over the place.
Do we need a pirate song? I think so!
Norah Jones - Chasing Pirates: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uTxythHY09k
Alison's knee operation seems to have been a success. A quick arthroscopy, in and out of hospital in less than 12 hours. We're not really sure that sending her home to a house with stairs was such a good idea either. Here's hoping that she is back on two feet, walking and running before too long. If not then the kids and I will move out!
Here's a song for Alison: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QPhuafy0G3I
World Cup fever is here and apart from the boring vuvuzelas it is reasonably enjoyable. Although I didn't enjoy Australia getting thumped by Germany it really wasn't that unexpected. It was great to see NZ draw with Slovakia. I remember the heady days of 1982 when the All Whites marched off to the World Cup in Spain. And I really did enjoy seeing Spain lose to Switzerland. Truly, soccer is such a low scoring game that at the World Cup, anyone has a chance of an upset.
Scotland aren't at the World Cup. They are too good and have elected to stay home. When I was a lot younger they qualified to play in the finals that were in Argentina. Here's the theme song - hilarious and very optimistic. My Granny and Grandpa sent me this song on cassette! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ipGLYAxcenQ
I've heard the official Australian theme song and it pales in comparison!
On Saturday night I went to see two of my friends (finally) get married. This week's song was one we covered in the band where Scot was the singer. Originally by Sisters of Mercy but recorded by Scot and Rod on their first album. Here's the original.
Something Fast - Sisters of Mercy: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UI3yKorifpY
Still no scooter. Unbelievable.
Dogs are people too,
DJ Rob
Friday, June 11, 2010
Song of the Week 94
You can always tell who reads this drivel by mentioning them and then realising they haven’t noticed!
Some of you may have seen yours truly published in the Canberra Times bemoaning the price of tickets to the Australia vs. Fiji Rugby Test. I guess I should be thankful that I don't want Test tickets in Sydney, Melbourne or Brisbane which are even more of a rip off. I will admit that I was rather surprised at getting my letter published. I'd never written in before, I'm usually more content to tee off here in cyberspace.
Today's cycling tip is that when the temperature is -4 degrees, it is not a good idea to leave your face mask at home. Although it makes me look like an axe murdering hockey goalie I would've appreciated not having the icicles forming under my nose!
Yeah, the scooter is still waiting on parts. Boring.
I made an inglorious return to the swimming pool last night. I dragged myself up and down at the back of Lane 5. I had forgotten that swimming was such hard work after a break. Ouch, ouch, ouch. I would've loved to draft off Howsie but he was burgling in Lane 4.
DJ Rozzlin suggested that this week's theme was artists that died before their time. Well OK. Maybe a couple, with a twist at the end.
Randy Rhoads shot to fame as guitarist for Ozzy Osbourne. His classical guitar training and influence shone through in tasteful guitar work. This is an acoustic piece that he wrote and dedicated to his Mum (Mom). Randy died in a plane crash at the age of 25.
Randy Rhoads - Dee: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CXGqHuSBzdE
Aeroplanes and guitar players are not a good mix. Ritchie Valens died in the same plane crash that killed Buddy Holly.
Ritchie Valens - Come on Lets Go: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ozr-EItKGu8
Of course, also on that plane was The Big Bopper. This is a classic tune from when rock n roll was much less complicated.
The Big Bopper - Chantilly Lace: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=43KBwsf6dPI
The list of rockers dying before their time is long and sad. Sid Vicious, Bon Scott, Jimi Hendrix, SRV, Janis Joplin and so on. Notice that I didn't include Nirvana's Kurt Cobain in there. I was sad that he died but in my opinion, and feel free to disagree, he took the easy way out.
And is it wrong to include Billy Joel in Song of the Week? I know a lot of people think he has a major credibility issue but he has written some cracking tunes. Here's one I like a LOT that relates to this week's theme, maybe...
Billy Joel - Only The Good Die Young(live): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NJBoHa3GArA
Billy puts on a great show, I saw him in Sydney on the Stormfront tour - fabulous!
Of course, there is more than one band with that as a song title.
Iron Maiden - Only The Good Die Young: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c9Gtsukhh8A
Angus has had a successful sporting week. He represented North Canberra in the ACT Schoolboys Rugby carnival. Not only did his team win but no tries were scored against them all day! We wait now to see if he is invited to trial for the ACT team.
And the big news is that Alison has to have a knee operation next Wednesday. Ouch. Here's hoping they find only what they expect and that she is off the crutches very soon.
Now, this is a long weekend to celebrate the Queen's Birthday. I hope all you people that voted for a republic are coming to work on Monday!! Personally I have nothing against the Queen but her parenting skills leave a lot to be desired. But we don't need the next monarch on our money thanks all the same. And if the Royal Family fancy a visit down under then they can pay their own way without input from my taxes.
Also this weekend - here comes the World Cup Football! I think I'm a bit over it already. When does Le Tour begin?
I'm sorry - this week's attempt on "Glee" at KISS' "Shout It Out Loud" was well below par. And before you ask, I saw it on the promo. Total rubbish. A complete lack of vocal power and presence.
On to our final song. It was going to be Buddy Holly but really, I was never a big fan. Maybe it was the Clark Kent glasses. Try this instead...especially if you are a fan of The Fonz!
Weezer - Buddy Holly: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kemivUKb4f4
Eat your greens,
DJ Rob
Wednesday, June 9, 2010
Bugger...
What a terrible couple of days. Seems like it is grumpy season all around.
I freely admit that one of my failings can be being far too optimistic about people. It is something that I reckon makes me good at my job. But sometimes it is hard to keep the glass half full when it seems that a lot of people around you are trying their hardest to empty it.
As well as that it was bloody freezing today. I didn't mind the cold when I was cycling to or from work but all our buildings are like iceboxes just now. If I was poikilothermic )like Alison's feet) then I'd be dead by now.
And there is still no sign of the scooter.
INSERT INAPPROPRIATELY LOUD PROFANITY HERE!
Ah, I feel better now!
Can we have a song? OK - you've twisted my arm. Are you sitting comfortably?
This one is for DJ SutO who is hospital. 19 years ago he turned me on to this band - pivotal moment.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rg7ZRZyQJ5U - turn this one up.
Rob
I freely admit that one of my failings can be being far too optimistic about people. It is something that I reckon makes me good at my job. But sometimes it is hard to keep the glass half full when it seems that a lot of people around you are trying their hardest to empty it.
As well as that it was bloody freezing today. I didn't mind the cold when I was cycling to or from work but all our buildings are like iceboxes just now. If I was poikilothermic )like Alison's feet) then I'd be dead by now.
And there is still no sign of the scooter.
INSERT INAPPROPRIATELY LOUD PROFANITY HERE!
Ah, I feel better now!
Can we have a song? OK - you've twisted my arm. Are you sitting comfortably?
This one is for DJ SutO who is hospital. 19 years ago he turned me on to this band - pivotal moment.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rg7ZRZyQJ5U - turn this one up.
Rob
Friday, June 4, 2010
Song of the Week 93
There is too much going on. And my brain is full. This week I would like to plug in an external hard drive and do a quick backup.
And I'm tired. I think that running the 13km to school this morning wasn't such a good idea. Not that I didn't enjoy it because I did.
So, let's cut to the chase and check out a few songs.
Here's something you may not have heard before. Straight out of Sweden is a band called First Aid Kit. I know nothing about them save for reading a short review in a music magazine. The band is made up of two sisters who came to fame initially via a cover of a Fleet Foxes tune they posted on YouTube. And I think this is the first time I've seen an autoharp for quite a while. For fans of folk music and indie pop probably.
First Aid Kit - Hard Believer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tfZHDnATycg
This next song rolled around on my iPod(tm) this morning during my run. It jolted me out of a momentary lapse of motivation! A great song, a funny video but serious lyrics.
Iron Maiden - Run To The Hills: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LqIFxArPdFY
DJ Fat Rollins organized the biopic "Nowhere Boy" for me to watch. It is the story of young John Lennon. A great film with some very funny and very sad moments. Even if you think the Beatles were just an average band of Liverpudlians you'll probably enjoy the film. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y6Km9L1Sqd0
As I said last week my new guitar arrived at long last. And it is fabulous. I don't think I've ever played a guitar that has such a wide range of sounds. In my experience most guitars lend themselves to certain songs. For example, my original red Strat copy is just fabulous for the "Money for Nothing" intro - it almost plays itself. And this new guitar already has revealed its own favourite song. And it is one I would never have expected to play in a month of Sundays. From one of the best country music voices, an amazing song that I can't believe I am enjoying so much...
Dolly Parton - Jolene: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qGEubdH8m0s
I know that the White Stripes have a version of this song but I don't like the screaming in the middle. It isn't tortured as it could be, it is torturous.
Song of the week. This one has been on my radar for ages now. It cracks me up. But like a lot of rock music, if you're going to take it too seriously you should pass on this track and head over to Disney.com. Everyone has something embarrassing or that they would rather forget somewhere in their past. I know I do. Just remember not to post any of it on facebook! Apologies to all the mums out there driving Volvos...
Everclear - Volvo Driving Soccer Mom: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xK_XWH7Ryd4
Australians can't say "Mom". We just don't have the long o sound in the middle. My American and Canadian friends always amuse me because "Rob" becomes much longer than the way we say it!!
Get a life, get a dog.
DJ Rob
And I'm tired. I think that running the 13km to school this morning wasn't such a good idea. Not that I didn't enjoy it because I did.
So, let's cut to the chase and check out a few songs.
Here's something you may not have heard before. Straight out of Sweden is a band called First Aid Kit. I know nothing about them save for reading a short review in a music magazine. The band is made up of two sisters who came to fame initially via a cover of a Fleet Foxes tune they posted on YouTube. And I think this is the first time I've seen an autoharp for quite a while. For fans of folk music and indie pop probably.
First Aid Kit - Hard Believer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tfZHDnATycg
This next song rolled around on my iPod(tm) this morning during my run. It jolted me out of a momentary lapse of motivation! A great song, a funny video but serious lyrics.
Iron Maiden - Run To The Hills: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LqIFxArPdFY
DJ Fat Rollins organized the biopic "Nowhere Boy" for me to watch. It is the story of young John Lennon. A great film with some very funny and very sad moments. Even if you think the Beatles were just an average band of Liverpudlians you'll probably enjoy the film. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y6Km9L1Sqd0
As I said last week my new guitar arrived at long last. And it is fabulous. I don't think I've ever played a guitar that has such a wide range of sounds. In my experience most guitars lend themselves to certain songs. For example, my original red Strat copy is just fabulous for the "Money for Nothing" intro - it almost plays itself. And this new guitar already has revealed its own favourite song. And it is one I would never have expected to play in a month of Sundays. From one of the best country music voices, an amazing song that I can't believe I am enjoying so much...
Dolly Parton - Jolene: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qGEubdH8m0s
I know that the White Stripes have a version of this song but I don't like the screaming in the middle. It isn't tortured as it could be, it is torturous.
Song of the week. This one has been on my radar for ages now. It cracks me up. But like a lot of rock music, if you're going to take it too seriously you should pass on this track and head over to Disney.com. Everyone has something embarrassing or that they would rather forget somewhere in their past. I know I do. Just remember not to post any of it on facebook! Apologies to all the mums out there driving Volvos...
Everclear - Volvo Driving Soccer Mom: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xK_XWH7Ryd4
Australians can't say "Mom". We just don't have the long o sound in the middle. My American and Canadian friends always amuse me because "Rob" becomes much longer than the way we say it!!
Get a life, get a dog.
DJ Rob
Friday, May 28, 2010
Song of the week 92
This week I could continue to regale you with my displeasure at the insurance company but I won't. The upside of being scooter-less is that I've been doing some cycle commuting. Road works have meant that any semblance of a direct route continues to be either impossible or dangerous. As a result the mountain bike is getting a workout. Rain and mud haven't stopped me, in fact they've probably added to my enjoyment!
Alison ended up on crutches this week after some cartilage decided it would take a holiday around her knee instead of staying where it is meant to be. Between us we have two good knees. Fingers crossed that it all gets better soon.
Big news for me was the arrival of my new guitar. And what a journey it was. I placed an order for it in January and it was delivered this week. Before I could lay my hands on it, my new axe travelled from London UK to Auckland NZ. In New Zealand it then went to my Mum's house in Wellington and then onto my brother. My Dad picked it up and brought it back to Australia (Geelong) and then my friend Beck picked it up and brought it back to me with some assistance from Dom. The guitar in question is a "Burns Steer". Burns are an English company probably most famous for their guitars being used by Hank Marvin from The Shadows. The Steer's most prominent player is one of my heroes, Billy Bragg. Strange looking guitar but then who wants to be the same as everyone else? Here's a pic of Billy with one: http://www.incredibid.co.uk/acatalog/billybragg.jpg
And now, to quote my good friend DJ Rickers, "I feel a song coming on".
Recently, Slash (former guitarist for Guns N Roses) released a self titled solo album. It isn't his first and previous efforts have been pretty good. On this one he has recruited a heap of well known artists to help him out. You get Ian Astbury from The Cult, Ozzy Osbourne, Alice Cooper, Iggy Pop and a heap of others. There are different "bonus" tracks on the album depending on which country you buy the album in. I found this one, the Brazilian track, on YouTube initally. Feedback from a couple of friends is quite disparate but I like it a lot so here we go. Slash with Cypress Hill and Fergie from the Blackeyed Peas doing Paradise City: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yH3542oMTwE
A while back I was introduced to a guitarist called Bob Brozman. He may have featured in the past but 92 episodes in my memory gets a bit hazy. Bob is a phenomenal musician, performer and also lectures at university level. He has a few albums but seeing him live is a real treat. He really "plays" the guitar. Bob plays a range of steel guitars, ukuleles and a myriad of other stringed instruments. Check this excerpt from him on TV for a taster and watch closely as he moves in and out from the microphone to vary the sound you hear: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q2p52JNcbDc
DJ TrayC pointed out to me after last week's episode that I could do with highlighting a few more female musicians. Fair call. Here are a couple of great songs...
First up we have Concrete Blonde. They are famous for the overplayed and quite frankly boring song "Joey". This is a much better effort that predates all the Twilight nonsense by a number of years:
Concrete Blonde - Bloodletting: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pOn1037ZLwA
Secondly, The Dixie Chicks. I "discovered" their music a few years back. I will admit that I had them written off as derivative, boring and redneck. WRONG. They are great musicians and sing with attitude passion. Here they are covering a Dylan tune.
Dixie Chicks - Mississippi: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J28N3R5NTDM
And finally, The Donnas. Hilarious. Great rock and roll. Here the band completely take the piss out of male dominated cock rock. I can heartily recommend the whole album that this track is from as a great soundtrack to any road trip.
The Donnas - 40 Boys in 40 Nights: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xyhzBEOIuKA
In fab and groovy news, Angus has been selected for some representative level rugby. If he performs well at the carnival then he gets to try out for the ACT.
I was also lucky enough to go to see Zoë play in the concert and jazz bands at her school's music faculty concert. I am constantly amazed at the quality that such young children can produce. I expected her bands to be pretty good but I was blown away. She's playing in an Eisteddfod this weekend. Quick update - they got a Gold Medal for jazz band tonight!
So, I should finish off here because I'd like to avoid getting wet on the ride home. The song of the week comes from English band, The Cult. I really, really, really liked their album "Electric" when it was released in about 1987. It had everything I liked: a rock swagger and loud guitars. Maybe a bit like the Rolling Stones with some added grit and volume. The Cult have had a patchy career and possibly the worst guitar solo ever is on "Electric" but in general they are great. This song is from that album and was the first 45 single I bought of theirs. I'm sure it is the best Stones riff that Keith Richards didn't write! The film clip was a lot of fun back in MTV days. All they've done is mime the song twice in different clothes and mix the two up! And if anyone ever offered me any type of guitar gratis then a Gretsch White Falcon like the one in the clip would be at the top of my list.
The Cult - Love Removal Machine: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vneFS48Z4Ws
That's it. Gotta ride.
DJ Rob
Alison ended up on crutches this week after some cartilage decided it would take a holiday around her knee instead of staying where it is meant to be. Between us we have two good knees. Fingers crossed that it all gets better soon.
Big news for me was the arrival of my new guitar. And what a journey it was. I placed an order for it in January and it was delivered this week. Before I could lay my hands on it, my new axe travelled from London UK to Auckland NZ. In New Zealand it then went to my Mum's house in Wellington and then onto my brother. My Dad picked it up and brought it back to Australia (Geelong) and then my friend Beck picked it up and brought it back to me with some assistance from Dom. The guitar in question is a "Burns Steer". Burns are an English company probably most famous for their guitars being used by Hank Marvin from The Shadows. The Steer's most prominent player is one of my heroes, Billy Bragg. Strange looking guitar but then who wants to be the same as everyone else? Here's a pic of Billy with one: http://www.incredibid.co.uk/acatalog/billybragg.jpg
And now, to quote my good friend DJ Rickers, "I feel a song coming on".
Recently, Slash (former guitarist for Guns N Roses) released a self titled solo album. It isn't his first and previous efforts have been pretty good. On this one he has recruited a heap of well known artists to help him out. You get Ian Astbury from The Cult, Ozzy Osbourne, Alice Cooper, Iggy Pop and a heap of others. There are different "bonus" tracks on the album depending on which country you buy the album in. I found this one, the Brazilian track, on YouTube initally. Feedback from a couple of friends is quite disparate but I like it a lot so here we go. Slash with Cypress Hill and Fergie from the Blackeyed Peas doing Paradise City: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yH3542oMTwE
A while back I was introduced to a guitarist called Bob Brozman. He may have featured in the past but 92 episodes in my memory gets a bit hazy. Bob is a phenomenal musician, performer and also lectures at university level. He has a few albums but seeing him live is a real treat. He really "plays" the guitar. Bob plays a range of steel guitars, ukuleles and a myriad of other stringed instruments. Check this excerpt from him on TV for a taster and watch closely as he moves in and out from the microphone to vary the sound you hear: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q2p52JNcbDc
DJ TrayC pointed out to me after last week's episode that I could do with highlighting a few more female musicians. Fair call. Here are a couple of great songs...
First up we have Concrete Blonde. They are famous for the overplayed and quite frankly boring song "Joey". This is a much better effort that predates all the Twilight nonsense by a number of years:
Concrete Blonde - Bloodletting: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pOn1037ZLwA
Secondly, The Dixie Chicks. I "discovered" their music a few years back. I will admit that I had them written off as derivative, boring and redneck. WRONG. They are great musicians and sing with attitude passion. Here they are covering a Dylan tune.
Dixie Chicks - Mississippi: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J28N3R5NTDM
And finally, The Donnas. Hilarious. Great rock and roll. Here the band completely take the piss out of male dominated cock rock. I can heartily recommend the whole album that this track is from as a great soundtrack to any road trip.
The Donnas - 40 Boys in 40 Nights: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xyhzBEOIuKA
In fab and groovy news, Angus has been selected for some representative level rugby. If he performs well at the carnival then he gets to try out for the ACT.
I was also lucky enough to go to see Zoë play in the concert and jazz bands at her school's music faculty concert. I am constantly amazed at the quality that such young children can produce. I expected her bands to be pretty good but I was blown away. She's playing in an Eisteddfod this weekend. Quick update - they got a Gold Medal for jazz band tonight!
So, I should finish off here because I'd like to avoid getting wet on the ride home. The song of the week comes from English band, The Cult. I really, really, really liked their album "Electric" when it was released in about 1987. It had everything I liked: a rock swagger and loud guitars. Maybe a bit like the Rolling Stones with some added grit and volume. The Cult have had a patchy career and possibly the worst guitar solo ever is on "Electric" but in general they are great. This song is from that album and was the first 45 single I bought of theirs. I'm sure it is the best Stones riff that Keith Richards didn't write! The film clip was a lot of fun back in MTV days. All they've done is mime the song twice in different clothes and mix the two up! And if anyone ever offered me any type of guitar gratis then a Gretsch White Falcon like the one in the clip would be at the top of my list.
The Cult - Love Removal Machine: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vneFS48Z4Ws
That's it. Gotta ride.
DJ Rob
Friday, May 21, 2010
Song of the Week - episode 91
Song of the Week 21/5/10
Let's get the sad news out of the way first. Dead at 67 on Sunday was heavy metal legend, Ronnie James Dio. Ronnie is famous for singing with Black Sabbath after they fired Ozzy and as well for his own band, Dio. He died after a battle with stomach cancer. Ronnie had a huge voice and will be sorely missed. His last recordings were with Tommy Iommi, Geezer Butler and Vinny Appice who he played with in Black Sabbath. The band was called Heaven and Hell. It is a great album (The Devil You Know) - I heard it first in a guitar shop last year and was blown away by how good Dio's voice was, especially given his age. One reason I like Ronnie because he sings and doesn't scream - the lyrics are obviously important to him. Here are two tracks, a classic one from Dio and a newer one of Ronnie with Heaven and Hell.
Dio - Holy Diver: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=64coD-rx9sk
Heaven & Hell - Bible Black: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0Sdz7fP-p_0 (look closely at Tommy Iommi's right hand - he has prosthetic tips on his fingers and has had for years - amazing)
Is anyone suprised that cyclist Floyd Landis has admitted to being a drug cheat? I am. Can't believe he spent all that time, effort and money defending himself and now wants us to believe all the latest nonsense. What a loser. And of course, now he is levelling accusations left, right and centre. What makes this worse is that members of the public donated to his legal defence. I hate drug cheats. So should you. Support these people:
http://www.bike-pure.org
And the other thing that I don't like this week is the insurance company. The assessor looked at the scooter on Monday. Today is Friday and still no progress. Looks like more mountain biking adventures on the way to work this week! Seriously more fun than riding on the road. I can get from home to work (13km) with only about 500m of road riding if I am a bit creative.
I mentioned Serena Ryder last week. Can I just say that her latest album is great. Although it is seemingly inmpossible to find in a CD shop here. I'll look further afield. Here's another track that I hope you like.
Serena Ryder - Little Bit of Red: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-F78yp9urz4
But, I did get cool new mountain biking lights this week. A gift from Alison and the kids for my birthday (the lights were sold out so I had to wait a little while). 900 lumens for less than $200 is a real bargain. I'll be out in the forest with them tomorrow night and will report back. http://www.nitelights.com.au Mountain biking at night is great fun. It can be very zen as quite often you are the only rider out there, at one with the bike. Strangely, my body seems to run much better at night! Of course, in a pine forest, some nights are a bit Blair Witch Project. When that happens I just go home!
I went to a breakfast this morning where the ACT Minister of Education was the guest speaker. He spoke of his plans to attract lots more tertiary students to the Territory. I wonder where he thinks they are all going to live? Minister Barr also elaborated on his plans to give Government School Principals responsibility for the makeup of their teaching staff as well as for their own budgets. I wonder if this idea (which I think is great) comes with a comensurate rise in salary as it should mean a lot more work and responsibility.
I was in a meeting the other day and the work for the class prior was still on the board. Whichever class it was were discussing U2's movie "Rattle and Hum". I was pleased that such an important band were being discussed in school but a bit surprised that it was thought that Bono didn't take BB King's comments well about his lyrics from "When Love Comes To Town". I've watched this movie more times than is healthy and I always thought that Bono was a bit overawed at getting what sounded like praise from the legendary bluesman. BB comments that Bono writes, "mighty heavy lyrics, young man". Great song. Here it is. I must find that class and find out what conclusions they came to!
U2 with BB King - When Love Comes To Town: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wH81Klu1FAw
The other night when, as a shock, there was nothing good on TV (and I hope you can read the sarcasm into that comment), I threw Pink Floyd's "The Wall" into the DVD player. Apart from having to explain the premise of the film to Zoe and fast forward a few bits, hearing this song reminded me that the whole album was performed live when the Berlin Wall came down. This song suits Bryan Adams voice perfectly - an all out rock song. Oh, and if you need to explain "The Wall" to anyone it isn't that easy. I saw it first at about 15 and had absolutely no idea what was going on. It wasn't until I was 18 and saw it on the big screen that it began to make sense. Challenging viewing if you want it to be. But other than that it is a fantastic collection of songs.
Young Lust - Bryan Adams (live): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=26Q3Hldwmb8
Avagoodweegend!
DJ Rob
Let's get the sad news out of the way first. Dead at 67 on Sunday was heavy metal legend, Ronnie James Dio. Ronnie is famous for singing with Black Sabbath after they fired Ozzy and as well for his own band, Dio. He died after a battle with stomach cancer. Ronnie had a huge voice and will be sorely missed. His last recordings were with Tommy Iommi, Geezer Butler and Vinny Appice who he played with in Black Sabbath. The band was called Heaven and Hell. It is a great album (The Devil You Know) - I heard it first in a guitar shop last year and was blown away by how good Dio's voice was, especially given his age. One reason I like Ronnie because he sings and doesn't scream - the lyrics are obviously important to him. Here are two tracks, a classic one from Dio and a newer one of Ronnie with Heaven and Hell.
Dio - Holy Diver: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=64coD-rx9sk
Heaven & Hell - Bible Black: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0Sdz7fP-p_0 (look closely at Tommy Iommi's right hand - he has prosthetic tips on his fingers and has had for years - amazing)
Is anyone suprised that cyclist Floyd Landis has admitted to being a drug cheat? I am. Can't believe he spent all that time, effort and money defending himself and now wants us to believe all the latest nonsense. What a loser. And of course, now he is levelling accusations left, right and centre. What makes this worse is that members of the public donated to his legal defence. I hate drug cheats. So should you. Support these people:
http://www.bike-pure.org
And the other thing that I don't like this week is the insurance company. The assessor looked at the scooter on Monday. Today is Friday and still no progress. Looks like more mountain biking adventures on the way to work this week! Seriously more fun than riding on the road. I can get from home to work (13km) with only about 500m of road riding if I am a bit creative.
I mentioned Serena Ryder last week. Can I just say that her latest album is great. Although it is seemingly inmpossible to find in a CD shop here. I'll look further afield. Here's another track that I hope you like.
Serena Ryder - Little Bit of Red: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-F78yp9urz4
But, I did get cool new mountain biking lights this week. A gift from Alison and the kids for my birthday (the lights were sold out so I had to wait a little while). 900 lumens for less than $200 is a real bargain. I'll be out in the forest with them tomorrow night and will report back. http://www.nitelights.com.au Mountain biking at night is great fun. It can be very zen as quite often you are the only rider out there, at one with the bike. Strangely, my body seems to run much better at night! Of course, in a pine forest, some nights are a bit Blair Witch Project. When that happens I just go home!
I went to a breakfast this morning where the ACT Minister of Education was the guest speaker. He spoke of his plans to attract lots more tertiary students to the Territory. I wonder where he thinks they are all going to live? Minister Barr also elaborated on his plans to give Government School Principals responsibility for the makeup of their teaching staff as well as for their own budgets. I wonder if this idea (which I think is great) comes with a comensurate rise in salary as it should mean a lot more work and responsibility.
I was in a meeting the other day and the work for the class prior was still on the board. Whichever class it was were discussing U2's movie "Rattle and Hum". I was pleased that such an important band were being discussed in school but a bit surprised that it was thought that Bono didn't take BB King's comments well about his lyrics from "When Love Comes To Town". I've watched this movie more times than is healthy and I always thought that Bono was a bit overawed at getting what sounded like praise from the legendary bluesman. BB comments that Bono writes, "mighty heavy lyrics, young man". Great song. Here it is. I must find that class and find out what conclusions they came to!
U2 with BB King - When Love Comes To Town: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wH81Klu1FAw
The other night when, as a shock, there was nothing good on TV (and I hope you can read the sarcasm into that comment), I threw Pink Floyd's "The Wall" into the DVD player. Apart from having to explain the premise of the film to Zoe and fast forward a few bits, hearing this song reminded me that the whole album was performed live when the Berlin Wall came down. This song suits Bryan Adams voice perfectly - an all out rock song. Oh, and if you need to explain "The Wall" to anyone it isn't that easy. I saw it first at about 15 and had absolutely no idea what was going on. It wasn't until I was 18 and saw it on the big screen that it began to make sense. Challenging viewing if you want it to be. But other than that it is a fantastic collection of songs.
Young Lust - Bryan Adams (live): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=26Q3Hldwmb8
Avagoodweegend!
DJ Rob
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