Song of the Week #234

Apparently the Grammys were recently. I had a look at the winners list and I can guarantee that it was yawn-worthy. That is it almost put me to sleep. Let’s see if I can put together some good tracks to round off the week.

The big excitement for me recently is that we’ve finally made the move to Blu-Ray. Players have come right down in price and that always sits well with me as a Scotsman. It shouldn’t shock anyone out there that the first disc I watched was “Rock of Ages”. Too much fun. Now I’m on the lookout for a deal on the 9 disc Star Wars collection. Next up I’ll see if I can find the film “Baraka”. If you haven’t seen it then rush out now and grab a copy. It’s like nothing you’ll ever see and I can’t describe it.

Baraka trailer - http://youtu.be/KIxawleLISM

There were a few comments about my choice of ten top metal albums last week. Not really any controversy, just a couple of suggestions. I agree that it was a tough call to leave out Dio but I’m not sure what I would cut from the list to add him?

Dio – Rainbow In The Dark - http://youtu.be/X9R960h1bpE

If the Grammys did remind me of one cool thing then it was Jimmy Cliff. DJ Al-E almost visited Jamaica a few years ago and I got a Jimmy Cliff cassette as a gift. Funny. He’s awesome.

Jimmy Cliff – Many Rivers To Cross (live) - http://youtu.be/TegLTsuvzXQ

Billy Bragg is one of my heroes. And he has a new album coming out in March. The first single was released this week and I’ve listened a couple of times. I’m not sure what to think. I want to love it. I like the lyrics. But the video is really lame and adds nothing. I’ll listen a few more times without watching. Are we sure that it isn’t another Wilco collaboration??

Billy Bragg – No One Knows Nothing Anymore - http://youtu.be/6xDd-BvClH8

Billy’s song certainly has some solid country and western undertones but on my live bootleg of his from a gig in Sydney in the late 80’s he was talking about his enjoyment of that type of music.

Cycling this week has been pretty good. After a trundle tomorrow I should hit 300km for the week. That includes me providing much early morning amusement to a mini-bus full of Japanese tourists as I changed a flat out on the side of Lake George. I’ve got a couple of more weeks of long distances planned before I swap to the mountain bike in preparation for the MONT 24hr race. I might go over 1000km in February so I’m thinking that endurance shouldn’t be too much of an issue. Motivation to ride at 3am is more difficult!

DJ FatRollins alerted me to the fact that there was a documentary on the telly recently about Pink Floyd’s “Wish You Were Here” LP. I finally managed to watch it this week. And it wasn’t too bad. The band weren’t at each other’s throats the whole time – either that or time has dulled their memories! Following up “Dark Side of The Moon” must’ve seemed like a hell of a task and the pressure to succeed was clear in what the band had to say. It’s an album that I really like, much more than Dark Side. There are some stellar versions of “Shine On You Crazy Diamond” where you just experience a massive emotional release when the band kicks in. It’s worth the long listen.

Pink Floyd – Shine On You Crazy Diamond - http://youtu.be/0SqFPNTBnv8

I hadn’t realised that Venetta Fields had sung backing on the Floyd album. Now I know about her varied and very successful career. She’s most famous here for singing with John Farnham of course.

John Farnham – That’s Freedom - http://youtu.be/zZIbpexA4g8

On a more serious note I was absolutely disgusted to read about the treatment that ABC newsreader Jeremy Fernandez and his daughter were subjected to whilst they travelled on a bus in Sydney last week. They had to endure a racist tirade from another passenger. And to top it off the bus driver told him he should’ve moved. It’s horrible. You can read more about it here if you want. Be informed. And then don’t stad ny and let this kind of thing happen.

To finish off this week here’s two songs I’ve had in my head. And for no other reason than that the tunes are catchy (in my opinion).

Soul Asylum – Somebody To Shove - http://youtu.be/OrrE5bCA5lg

Debbie Harry and Kermit – The Rainbow Connection - http://youtu.be/lRvhRhWWE44

Smile and have a good weekend folks.

DJ Rob

Song of the Week #233

Last week I played a new(ish) song by Nena. I’ll just pop back in time for a minute…

Nena – Rette Mich - http://youtu.be/itqTWqu7pLA

For fans of the TV series, “Once Upon A Time”, I hope that you’ve realised why the Mad Hatter is called Jefferson. If you haven’t then check this out…

Jefferson Airplane – White Rabbit - http://youtu.be/ejKUJu9xct4

Years ago I bought a Frank Zappa greatest hits CD for two reaons. One was because I thought I needed to try his music out and the other was because it was a cool cover photo! I really like this song…anyone who rhymes with Winnebago rates a second listen!

Frank Zappa – San Ber’dino - http://youtu.be/N5tqqNoffLs

Look, I may have played this guy before, I can’t quite remember. But I stumbled across this during this week and as a guitar player just watching his fingers is mesmerizing. Wow!!

Thomas Zwijsen – The Trooper - http://youtu.be/xRUxqubFLec

The internet has spawned a gazillion armchair critics and experts – I guess I spend my fair share of time writing down what I think for anyone to read.

DJ DJ sent through a few links to articles where people had tried to list the top 10 metal albums of all time. Interesting – and if metal is your thing then reasonably controversial. I dug deeper and found top 10 lists of almost everything! I may explore these in later weeks. My top 10 ways to avoid university homework should be a bestseller. But you won’t get top 10 ways to lose weight as there is only one solution: willpower, exercise and a good diet all mixed up with brutal honesty. I’m at the point of trying to maintain weight or even gain a little even though that’s a real challenge mentally.

I tried to put my own list of metal albums together which was challenging but the big decision when making such a list is are they records that were very influential, or just the ones that I like the best. There’s a big difference. And then there’s the whole, “is AC/DC heavy metal or not” debate. For my money they are just a loud rock and roll band – who I happen to like a lot.

So, if you’re interested then here are my top 10 metal long players along with a track from each (in no particular order)…

• Van Halen – Van Halen (Ain’t Talkin’ ‘Bout Love - http://youtu.be/SuyvT8nFMLY )
• Motley Crue – Too Fast For Love (Take Me To The Top - http://youtu.be/Oxu-EWq5yjA )
• Iron Maiden – Seventh Son Of A Seventh Son (The Clairvoyant - http://youtu.be/D-3ra8Jsmjk )
• Black Sabbath – Paranoid (Fairies Wear Boots - http://youtu.be/i8kYrIWu14E )
• Def Leppard – Hysteria (Armageddon It - http://youtu.be/urNFQw8VIvA )
• Motorhead – Ace of Spades (We Are The Road Crew - http://youtu.be/H71VEV1c_XE )
• Judas Priest – Killing Machine (Rock Forever - http://youtu.be/FzsgCxgX4E8 )
• Metallica – Ride The Lightning (Creeping Death - http://youtu.be/UO_84C3fpuI )
• Queensryche – Operation: Mindcrime (Spreading The Disease - http://youtu.be/R7xtYIJgPjg )
• Slayer – Seasons In The Abyss (Blood Red - http://youtu.be/R7xtYIJgPjg )
• Stryper – Soldiers Under Command (Surrender - http://youtu.be/NIEuNTqrexI )

Those of you with a sharp eye will note that there are 11 albums listed above. Metal ALWAYS goes to 11. Also Stryper is very much an acquired taste…I like the fact that they can really sing and play even if the message isn’t quite my bag.

Now, to finish off here’s something that came around on my iPhone the other day when it was on shuffle. I haven’t laughed so hard in ages. If you’ve laid eyes on me recently you’ll understand why.

Jack Kerouac – I’d Rather Be Thin Than Famous - http://youtu.be/KKhqBejt0NA

And on that note, with the entire world elite sporting population on the juice I’m off to ride home fuelled only by DJ Al-E-Sun’s Thermomix Pasta and an apple. Have a good weekend folks. Thanks for listening.

www.bikepure.org

DJ Rob

Song of the Week #232

Back at work. Hmmmm....how will I fit all my cycling in??

 

Joe Jackson – Time - http://youtu.be/XTIPCc1nKYQ

 

Seriously though – I set myself the target of cycling 1000 km in January and I made it. I got to 1113 km after my ride on Thursday morning. There were a couple of moments in the middle when I thought I wouldn't get close but there you have it. I reckon I rode about 90% of the distance on my own which made it pretty tough mentally. Out on the Breadalbane road, alone and with a headwind is a hard thing to deal with! My weight loss and diet also meant that I have had to rethink my hydration and nutrition strategies even on shorter rides. I used to head out early in the morning on an empty stomach and ride, usually only drinking water, for up to about 60 km. Any further than that and I needed some food or sports drink. These days I need those a lot earlier and I eat something before I head out. It works.

 

AC/DC – Ride On - http://youtu.be/XNdagpIgItw

 

So, Alison got a new car. The old one had a few niggles and needed to be moved on. Given the dreadful, dreadful service from the bank we are glad and frankly rather amazed that the car is finally here. The first thing I saw was Alison and Zoe driving away with Zoe waving out of the sunroof! All of our cars have had names in the past. But this car is proving hard to apply a moniker to. Apparently it needs to be a name befitting a German girl. My suggestions of "Stanley" and "Sporty Spice" have not been at all well received. Some people just can't be pleased. Nena is out as well. Sigh.

 

Nena – Du Bist So Gut Fur Mich - http://youtu.be/_CT2FZTThbE

 

I thought that was a pretty cool song. Nena (of 99 Luftballons fame) is a pretty versatile singer.

 

Now I'll attempt to suggest a solution to the gun debate in the USA. I'm a realist, America has millions of guns out there and disarming the population just isn't something that can be achieved. And it really doesn't address a big part of the problem which is guns in the hands of criminals. Now, my solution may seem simple and I'm sure right wing gun loonies and left wing pinkos can pull it to bits – but it's my idea. Read on if you dare...

America is pulling out its war machine from parts of the Middle East. If, for just a moment, Mr Obama and his mates can cease and desist from policing the rest of the world there will be a lot of bored armed services personnel sitting around, or worse, unemployed. Well, it seems to me that this causes opportunities. How about some of the billions that are no longer being spent on the Middle East war machine be channelled into serious law enforcement to target and disarm criminals. Not a few bucks here and there but a massive injection of funds? If manpower was an issue then troops no longer needed overseas could have the option of working alongside law enforcement to help them out. That's a start to one side of the problem. With more war bucks and some political courage a national firearms registration database can be set up. Americans can have their guns as guaranteed by their Constitution, but they'd need to pass some kind of handling competence test and have adequate storage in place. You have to pass a test to drive a car so why not a gun?

 

To me this doesn't seem too radical. But politics, greed and one eyed ideologies will no doubt get in the way. It won't solve little Jilly or Johnny using firearms from the cupboard at home to shoot someone but it should reduce criminal shootings and therefore the perceived need to sleep armed to the teeth. Money, yep more money, will be needed to provide adequate education about guns as well as to monitor mental health issues.

 

Johnny Cash – The One On The Right - http://youtu.be/aDSN1F72QU4

 

I'll save my comments about Australia Day for another time.

 

After reminding everyone how cool I thought "Rock of Ages" was I've been listening to the soundtrack as well as the some of the original versions of the songs from the musical. Cheesy rock is cool.

 

Quarterflash – Harden My Heart - http://youtu.be/VZ-Y5LnUVLA

 

Journey – Any Way You Want It - http://youtu.be/atxUuldUcfI

 

I attended a presentation about cyber safety today which I thought was pretty good. The message really is the same as it is for a lot of problems; common sense prevails. It's such a shame that society at large thinks that someone else is responsible for everything.

 

The Proclaimers – Everybody's A Victim - http://youtu.be/xHm12CrYJ5Y

 

And then there's this fabulous piece of propaganda supplied by my good friend DJ DUG....

 

The Honest Coca-Cola Obesity Commercial - http://youtu.be/bHhCP5ad-zM

 

Fans of a good belly laugh could do a lot worse than to check out the US TV series, "Community". Each episode is only about 20 mins long and DJ Al-Ee and I spend almost the whole time in tears. Chevy Chase is in it but don't let that put you off – he's funny in this one.

 

"Community" trailer - http://youtu.be/sBCE9oIuN24

 

Eh, that's probably enough for this week. Here's a tune to play you out. Pianoman H was talking about Iggy the other week and it reminded me of a cool live DVD I have. Originally I had an old VHS copy from DJ McG but the DVD release for $9.99 is a must have. There's a strong language warning on this track.

 

Iggy Pop – Raw Power (live) - http://youtu.be/LaOTjAHYx1I

 

Have a great weekend and watch out for Zambonis.

 

DJ Rob

Song of the Week #231

This week I was going to tell you all of my clever clogs solutions to a number of burning international and domestic issues. I assume that when reveal them that a career as an international thinker (highly paid naturally) will follow. But, none of that matters today because Zoë is home!!!

 

Hooray!!

 

We picked her up at the airport in Sydney rather early this morning after she flew in from Charles De Gaulle via Bangkok. That's about 21 hours on a plane. Ouch.

 

Yep, she was pretty excited to see us and we got a lot of amusing stories in the 3 hour drive back to Canberra. She's still awake but it can't last.

 

Diesel – Comin' Home - http://youtu.be/nltLIlcjwWk

 

I'm very happy that she had a great time and thankful that Alison and I were able to send her on such a wonderful journey.

 

My Girl – The Temptations - http://youtu.be/4P1x7Yy9CXI

 

Prince is back with a new album coming out soon. Here's the single which I really, really like. Even if he has recycled the keyboard bit from another one of his songs and his hair from some old carpet it's a cool track that grooves really well.

 

Prince – Rock and Roll Love Affair - http://youtu.be/DEne4AoX_RU

 

DJ Al-E and Angus finally saw the movie "Rock of Ages" this week. They agree with me that it is totally cheesy and a lot of fun. It's also the only thing I've ever seen Russell Brand do that is funny – and he is hilarious in the movie. It's also another big thumbs up for Tom Cruise.

 

Russell Brand / Catherine Zeta Jones – We Built This City/We're Not Gonna Take It - http://youtu.be/exXOeAsg3Bg

 

Sometimes I hear a track and am amazed that I've missed it...this one's a classic that I really can't believe I hadn't heard until the movie. The original is cool...

 

Foreigner – Juke Box Hero - http://youtu.be/U1vTZp1cqZE

 

My red guitar is back from the repair man. I've had it for 25 years now and I still love it. Hendrix, Knopfler and Marvin all played red Stratocasters so that's why I got one. Given that I was right into metal at the time I'm still amused by my choice.

 

Dire Straits – Lady Writer (live) - http://youtu.be/CZSvgVz_0F0

 

It wasn't for a while that I worked out that Knopfler didn't use a guitar pick and that's one reason his guitar sound is so distinctive. I tried it but ended up with a bit of a hybrid approach.

 

Tomorrow is Australia Day. I'll talk another time about the calls to move the date and to make it more inclusive. Being an immigrant to this country I think I have something to offer to the conversation. But I'm not ranting here this week. You'll need to check me out on Facebook for that. Here's some clips that might make you think though...Australia is a complicated place.

 

Redgum – The Long Run - http://youtu.be/T2T0vdfT1ps (thanks to my bro for tracking down a vinyl copy of this for me!)

George Smilovici – I'm Tuff - http://youtu.be/XZ56cQTfSN8

 

Sam Kekovich 2013 – National Lambnesia Test - http://youtu.be/DBM6q_pJBns

 

Archie Roach – Took The Children Away (live) - http://youtu.be/-Ewkw3UpB54

 

Bye,

 

DJ Rob

Song of the Week #230

So here we are in the middle of the media feeding frenzy that's been created by Lance Armstrong and Oprah Winfrey. Seeing Lance admit cheating was like a massive kick in the guts. He doped, he admitted it and now he needs to go away. But forgiveness is a funny thing and people have done far worse and survived.

 

Let's concentrate on some good cycling news. My good friend DJ HB was selected for the Australian Track Cycling Team and is currently wearing the green and gold while racing in Mexico. This is just fabulous news for someone who has been working so hard to make it in the world of cycling.

 

I've spent a lot of time these school holidays on my bikes. Without wanting to blow my own trumpet too hard I've been training the house down and it's been great. Putting in some hours on the road bike certainly gives you time to think – that's when snakes don't try and cross the road in front of you. I've seen two now and that's two too many in my opinion.

 

Angus and I got out to the mountain biking Mecca that is Stromlo Forest Park during the week. After hitting the see-saws, roll overs and associated fun bits we climbed to the top before bombing it down the side of the mountain. It was heaps of fun and I was impressed at how easily Angus got up the climb.

 

Zoe is still in France – she's back in a week – and the real excitement recently has been snow! A bit different to today here where the temperature hit 40 degrees.

 

Let's have some music. No real theme this week, just some cool tracks.

 

DJ AB got me a rather fab CD by a band called the Red Hot Chilli Pipers (read the name carefully). It's a modern take on bagpipe music. Now, I'm not a bagpipe aficionado but I do have a couple of albums by some pipers who would be what I would describe as virtuosos. The Chilli Pipers don't quite make that grade but they are a LOT of fun. I think that where they would rule the roost would be in a live setting – this video proves it. Maybe they play better live?

 

Red Hot Chilli Pipers – Smoke On The Water / Thunderstruck - http://youtu.be/9YdkolAEHj4

 

David Bowie has a new single out. And while reviews are mixed I thought it wasn't too bad. I was in a record shop (I know this is a shock) and was looking through Bowie's back catalogue. It's huge and I didn't really know where to start. So, I've started a journey – all his studio albums in chronological order. It might take me a while but my good friends DJ Ducky and MC FatRollins are h-u-g-e Bowie fans and they have good taste in music. The first album is from 1966 – probably more a collection of singles – there's six of them. Interestingly the reviews on sites like Amazon were fairly scathing. I listened once and was instantly tapping my foot. It's certainly not classic Bowie but it's good stuff. And the recording engineer must've had good chops as the recordings (even though they've been cleaned up) sound pretty good. It's British pop that might tickle your fancy if you like the Austin Powers movies – that's what it made me think of.

 

David Bowie – Can't Help Thinking About Me - http://youtu.be/2QfJBFx_f4Q

 

Justin Townes Earle is a guy whose music I've been meaning to investigate. But every time I'm in a record shop I baulk at the price of his albums. So, I came home and did some listening online. I like it so far. I can see some of his stuff making its way into my collection before too long. I like this live version of his song "Harlem River Blues" as it's a little edgier than the album track. Of course, your mileage may vary. It's a bluesy, country, gospel tune about the happy topic of suicide.

 

Justin Townes Earle – Harlem River Blues - http://youtu.be/5LLqFF89UtU

 

There was a pretty good doco on TV this week about Queen. There's probably a lot of people out there who would rather never hear them again as many of their songs are dreadfully overplayed by commercial radio. Here's a couple you don't hear every day. First up is the track with the opening riff that made me really, really, really want an electric guitar. And it's so simple.

 

Queen – One Vision - http://youtu.be/5cuXasbjhT8

 

And another slab of guitar magic...

 

Queen – Brighton Rock - http://youtu.be/TdUKi3_QntE

Today, after what seems (and is) a very long time, my copy of the Tea Party Live in Australia album finally arrived. I've had the downloaded version (which I paid for) for a while now but it was cool to get the signed LPs. If you fast forward the opening banter on this track you'll be treated to a great song.

 

The Tea Party – Fire In The Head - http://youtu.be/HumbKouo0gg

 

Bands having a bash with an orchestra is nothing new. Deep Purple, Metallica, Yngwie and KISS have all had decent attempts. But who would've thought that our Kylie would make it work? Not me. I was wrong.

 

Kylie – Spinning Around (live) - http://youtu.be/NVAMYXL9wAQ

 

This next band are in the country at the moment and all reports are glowing. Either the record store keeps selling out of their record or there's a distribution issue. I WANT THIS ONE!! Definitely a candidate to listen to on vinyl probably sandwiched between Otis Redding and the Black Crowes.

 

Alabama Shakes – Be Mine - http://youtu.be/LLPMAho8K-0

 

A band who just finished a very short (too short) tour down under are Sabaton. I hope that they can make it back for a full Australian tour as I reckon metal fans in their thousands would support it. Sabaton are a metal band that I don't tire of. They play well, their singer can sing, the seem to enjoy themselves on stage and they sing about real life. I'm sure I've played this before but it's a great video and song.

 

Sabaton – Uprising - http://youtu.be/01IaKb6DmTw

 

Let's finish with something different. A sea shanty. Yep – you heard right. This is probably my find of the week – the whole album is a hoot!

 

Shenandoah – Tom Waits / Keith Richards - http://youtu.be/hJgWaqwZml4

 

That's it.

 

DJ Rob

Song of the Week #229

It's hot. Summer has finally arrived in Australia after being suspiciously absent for a couple of years. Air conditioning is a blessing, bushfires are raging and we've been to the beach – pretty standard.

 

This week's episode will be short and sharp. Frankly, I've been to busy doing other stuff to write a long entry this week. I've been riding my bike (and my legs) into the ground while I wait for various medicos to work out what to do about my foot. The MRI results seem to confirm arthritis and other damage. We had to laugh when it was discovered that I have a broken toe and that it isn't causing any problems at all! I've been doing heaps of hill climbing which I love (being over 11kg lighter helps!) but I'll head out on Sunday for about 100km – a while since I've ridden that far and it's a good feeling to get it done.

 

DJ Al-E has been quite unwell with a very bad back. I'm sad that it's ruined her holidays and that there isn't much that Angus and I can do to help. We've tried to keep her mind off it though while the drugs and exercises do their thing. Al-E and I have started watching the US TV series "Once Upon A Time". I really thought it would suck and have been quite shocked at how cool it is. If you liked Shrek and maybe a good dose of crime fiction then you might enjoy it. After all the reports about "The Hobbit" at the movies we'll definitely be giving it a miss.

 

All the tracks this week come from music that I have purchased recently from two of my favourite places. First up is Landspeed Records in Garema Place – a great range of CDs and a smattering of vinyl too. This is the place to go if you fancy a good poke around, a bargain and good music on their shop system. Today they were playing Bowie's album "Hunky Dory" and I almost bought a copy as a result. The other place I went was Beyond Q Bookstore at the Curtin Shops. It's a bit of a Mecca for second hand books and they have a few records as well. I've heard that some good bands play there occasionally...

 

Here's the music.

 

Gov't Mule are an American band who to me sound like all the good bits from Hendrix, Cream and Led Zep with more of a blues bent as opposed to classic rock. I've found their stuff hard to buy anywhere here so I resorted to the internet to check them out. Very cool indeed. This one really hammers home the Led Zep influence in my opinion.

 

Gov't Mule – Lola Leave Your Light On - http://youtu.be/f5jGzv6yCf0

 

I treated myself to two albums on vinyl this week – both second hand and in great condition. The sound is fantastic and I reckon different to CD – not better, not worse, just different. And there's something cool about the artwork, lyric sheets and all that. I picked up "Rattle and Hum" and "Live Under A Blood Red Sky" both from U2. The former is my favourite U2 record for a number of reasons. One being that I saw the movie in the cinema and was blown away by it. U2 have changed a lot now but this album stands up well. I got "Live Under A Blood Red Sky" because I think it's U2 at their best in a live situation – they are still raw, hungry and intense in all the right ways. Also, the re-mastered version which is all that is available now has had some stuff taken out.

 

U2 – I Will Follow (live at Red Rocks) - http://youtu.be/jv51LO7NOTo

 

U2 – Love Rescue Me (live) - http://youtu.be/QMN49l9H3Bc

 

Skunk Anansie were pretty big in the 90's. I was unsure how to describe their music but a cursory glance through some search engine entries revealed this gem; "an amalgam of heavy metal and black feminist rage" (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Skunk_Anansie ). Personally I think it's more punk than metal but it's pretty good stuff. I picked up their first album "Paranoid and Sunburnt" for $8 and it's a bargain!

 

Skunk Anansie – Intellectualise My Blackness - http://youtu.be/W-UPYJ7ugBM

 

I thought that The Black Crowes were an excellent band. Rambling blues with a nods to country and soul. Chris Robinson, the singer from the band, has a new group called the Chris Robinson Brotherhood. I took a chance on their album, "Big Moon Ritual", on the strength of a track on a sampler CD. Let's hope it was worth it. For fans of the Grateful Dead and Neil Young I reckon.

 

Chris Robinson Brotherhood – Rosalee - http://youtu.be/_7LzsO2DRC8

 

The Gaslight Anthem are a band that have been on my radar for a while now and I've finally put my money across the counter to try an album after my YouTube research. They are described as a punk band with a New Jersey edge. In plain English that seems to mean that they are a louder, more raw version of Springsteen. I can hear bits of the Pogues, Dropkick Murphys and The Clash in there as well. I like it.

 

The Gaslight Anthem – The '59 Sound - http://youtu.be/kJbYaV3KP7Y

 

That's it folks. Watch out on the blog next week at http://www.robwoozle.blogspot.com as I'll finally review the Mark of Cain album as well as publish another instalment in my look at various musical genres.

 

Bye,

DJ Rob

 

 

Song of the Week #228

During the week I wrote a rather long blog post about the Blues. It just sort of happened! I’ll follow it up in weeks to come with more about other musical genres but it’s here if you are interested.

Dear 2012, welcome to Dumpsville, population you! *

The new year always brings a couple of things. Usually some time to reflect as well as resolutions to break.

My resolution was made for me prior to new year. The diet that I have to be on is tough and I’m probably a lot harder on myself than I need to be. But in so many areas I’ve become a bit of an all or nothing kind of guy. I really feel that if I allow myself to deviate from the diet just once that I’ll fall off the wagon or at the very least end up being very grumpy. It’s much easier for me just to say no to a whole lot of stuff and get on with it. I’m lucky that my family understand that this is the way I am even though I know it makes their lives hard too. So, please don’t expect me to break my diet “just this once” or for a special occasion. It just isn’t going to happen.

I wasn’t always so single minded. Will power is something that I really had to work on. In retrospect I wish that I’d had some more of it when I was a young man struggling with an Army career. I do think though that if my training had been more about the Army and less about shouting, polishing, shouting, cleaning bathrooms, shouting and ironing that we would have all been more successful. I still wield a mean iron however and men who come for an interview without their shirt, belt and trousers in alignment have to work hard to get past that initial poor impression that they create. Never wear novelty socks or ties either - instant fail!



Just to clarify; I was far from a lazy slug in my Army time but I could’ve done better if I applied the same effort that I apply to family, work and training as I do now. But a lot of that has come with age and supposed maturity.



We’re on holiday this week having some time away and also avoiding the annual influx of pretend car lovers into Canberra that is Summernats. I feel sorry for real car enthusiasts who are tarred with the same brush as the beer swilling, lecherous, moronic folks who use the festival as an excuse to get blind drunk, leer at women and turn our suburb into a tip.

The Badloves - Lost

This morning I headed out on my bike with only a rough route sketched out. I really had no idea where I would end up and about an hour later I knew I was at a beach (as was evidenced by the sand and surfers) but with no idea really how to get back home. My trusty phone, even with the much maligned Apple maps app soon had me pointed in the right direction and even though I took a circuitous route on purpose I got home in good time. Considering that the majority of my ride was on fairly busy roads I was very impressed with the attitude of drivers here in Newcastle. Kudos to you folks and thank you.


Angus has been ripping up the surf with his Aunt. We gave them lessons as a Christmas present and from all reports they have been very successful. The pressure from Angus to visit the coast will no doubt continue to increase. How long until he can drive??

Wedding Cake Island - Midnight Oil

Credit where credit is due; if you’re in Newcastle head to Darby Street and go to the Glee Cafe for a coffee. Today I had one of the best short black coffees that I’ve had for a long time. Smooth and not bitter at all. Drinking black coffee is something that I have had to work on getting used to over the last couple of months and I’m almost there. My local cafes (Little Bean and Wilbur’s in Hackett) know now that I have some soy milk on the side but I only need it once in a while now.

Billy Bragg - The Milkman of Human Kindness

Apart from the obvious time to be with my family, ride my bike and listen to music, holidays are precious to me because I have time and more importantly, headspace to read books. This is something that I find very hard to do during the school term.

Joe Jackson - Sunday Papers

I finally finished off “Willie’s Bar And Grill” written by Midnight Oil drummer Rob Hirst about their tour in the USA post 9-11. It wasn’t a bad read. But you really felt that the whole band really had the wind taken out of their sails when Garrett said he was leaving.

I also read Bear Gryll’s autobiography which I got for Christmas from my step-brother and his family. I was surprised at how interesting it was and of all the things he managed to get up to. I also reflected that he was pretty lucky to be able to get into a position where he could just decide to choof off around the world adventuring and not really worry about money.

Dire Straits - Money For Nothing (live)

Yesterday DJ Al-E and I visited a fairly good second hand book shop. I picked up two of Henry Rollins earlier collections which I’ll read when I’m in the mood. My good friend H commented that Henry probably writes in CAPS LOCK and exclamation marks. His books, like his music, isn’t for the faint hearted. It’s confronting, often angry and if you’re in the right mental space a very rewarding read.

Rollins Band - Get Some, Go Again

Finally, Granma gave me a book about an Aussie who spent five years in the French Foreign Legion about the same time I was in the Army. Reading his account would really make you wonder why anyone would join up. If you expect professional soldiering then you’re very much mistaken it seems.

I’m still missing Zoe very much but since it’s obvious that she’s having such a good time in France that makes it easier. She was off to the Somme the other day and she’s been doing a whole lot of Christmas/New Year stuff with her extended French family. Tres Bien indeed. I chose this song as the album cover was what instantly came to mind when Zoe turned the Skype camera around out of her window. I’m sure France looks nothing like the Battersea Power Station but the mind is a funny thing. And I’ve discovered my favourite Pink Floyd album it seems...

Pink Floyd - Pigs On The Wing (Part 2)

I haven’t said a lot about music this week but I hope you’ve enjoyed the tracks I’ve slotted in. They are not background music - that’s just something I don’t do. I like to listen and pay attention regardless of what’s playing. And all of these songs have meaning to me at least that relates to what I’ve written.

Dixie Chicks - Not Ready To Make Nice

Anyway, I’m off for a swim at the beach tomorrow. And if you know me you’ll understand that this is something I don’t take lightly. I really dislike sand and surf. I like swimming though and the pool at Merewether looks pretty inviting. It looks like I can get all the benefits of the coast without the sand!

See you all next week. And thanks for reading this!

DJ Rob
* thanks Homer!