World Wide Woozle episode #491

Let's start with another review from the 100 albums that are supposedly essential. Remember that these aren't being ranked by me, I'm just numbering them so that you know how many have been done!

Album 41/100 - Elvis Costello and The Attractions - Armed Forces (1979)

I really like Elvis Costello. His voice and delivery are unique and he writes catchy pop/rock songs. Along with the well-known singles, "Oliver's Army" and "Accidents Will Happen" this album is a deadset classic. The production is very radio friendly and almost glossy. The lyrics present a counterpoint being often acerbic and pointed. Whilst there may be contention about what "Oliver's Army" is actually about (and Costello himself is vague about it) there is no denying the bits of social commentary combined with the ABBAesque piano riffs combined well to produce a hit. Throughout the album, however, it's the bass guitar that really surprised me. Listening through headphones I reflected on the fact that the bass line very much comes from the McCartney school of doing so much more than plodding along on the root notes. There are tons of great songs on this album but "Goon Squad" is probably my favourite. Costello manages to keep you tapping your foot while making your brain think about the issues he explores.

Elvis Costello and The Attractions - https://youtu.be/XrYGEaiu3dc

Ayreon are a Dutch band / project. It's a bit like Pink Floyd meets Dream Theater meets Queensryche meets Coheed and Cambria. Space prog rock might be a fair description. The songs are constructed in a fantasy sci-fi world which just adds to the feel of the records. There's quite a few releases and the songs range from full on guitar driven rock to introspective psychedelic musings. Good stuff.

Ayreon - 2084 - https://youtu.be/k-HeUIrgw_4

I mentioned Billy Bragg's new Live at the BBC double album a few episodes ago. It's now been released and I've listened a few times through. If you like Billy then you'll like this. Mostly it's just him and his guitar doing what he does best. On a few tracks there's a second guitar or a backing vocal but in the main it's just the man himself. The collection is career spanning which is good. Billy's early stuff is great but tracking his development as a performer and songwriter is a real treat. There isn't a whole lot of this album available to share with you (buy a copy or stream it) but here's a track done solo which is also on the album. Remember, "wearing badges is not enough, on days like these..."

Billy Bragg - The Boy Done Good (solo, live) - https://youtu.be/GW2cO_qGhUY

Lots of bands try acoustic versions of their songs. And some are actually good. This is one of them. Even though Papa is hiding behind his ever present mask, there's no hiding when you're unplugged and live. A great version indeed from one of my favourite bands. 

Ghost - Dance Macabre (live, acoustic) - https://youtu.be/iYj5YP8ovEU

Buckcherry are coming to Australia. This is sure to make a lot of hard rock fans very, very happy. Their uncomplicated AC/DC / Guns n Roses / Black Crowes style music is best listened to in a car on a hot day or alternatively in a sweaty live venue. If they're playing close to you then get on down and rock out.

Buckcherry - Lawless and Lulu - https://youtu.be/RQi3QYfTrxQ

Years ago I heard a band called Danko Jones on the radio but couldn't find their CD for love nor money. Of course, it didn't help that I thought it would be filed under J for Jones...it wasn't. The album I finally got hold of, "We Sweat Blood", showcased the Canadian three-piece as masters of a groove and hard hitting rock. They've got some new songs available now and as soon as I'm finished listening to next episode's album from the 100 essential list then I'll be rocking out to Danko Jones.

Danko Jones - Fists Up High - https://youtu.be/Csj3FpCc_jk

I almost cued up the next track during the last episode but I forgot in the end. No matter, it's still available and I still like it a week later! Paul Gilbert is famous as a guitar virtuoso and for his work in Mr Big. Here, he's the guest of Martin Miller who has a first rate band. There's something inspiring in seeing jaw droppingly good musicians playing as a group rather than trying to outdo each other all the time. I love this song and this version is a lot of fun,

Martin Miller band with Paul Gilbert - Superstition - https://youtu.be/HXRh-7BJD2E

I played The Highwoman a few weeks ago. Since then I've had a chance to listen to more of their work. It's country but not the airbrushed, boring corporate stadium variety. This song is a cover of one made famous by their male namesakes, The Highwaymen.

The Highwoman - Highwoman - https://youtu.be/P3A_Mv-vYCQ

How's that then? Enough to be going on with? Stay tuned for next time. I've got to get to the new Nick Cave album as well as Brittany Howard, Liam Gallagher and, if I'm lucky, a Jethro Tull remix and re-release. One week until the house auction too; should we be nervous yet?

Rock on,

Rob

"Who do we call the enemy?
The enemy is poverty, 

And the wall keeps out the enemy, 

And we build the wall to keep us free. 

That's why we build the wall; 

We build the wall to keep us free." - Why We Build The Wall, Anaïs Mitchell ft. Greg Brown, 2010.

World Wide Woozle episode #490

So, what have I learned since the last time I posted something here in the blog (September 6^th)? I've learned that you can't work full-time, study part-time, sell a house AND write a blog regularly. I just ran out of time and energy. The semester at university has finished though so here I am.

Back In The High Life Again - Warren Zevon - https://youtu.be/Mo3lxKrjABE

 

Firstly, Kris Kristofferson. I was lucky enough to benefit  from the fact that one of my work colleagues was unwell and couldn't attend the concert. She gave me her ticket and I had an amazing evening. Not only was I in the middle of the theatre, in the fifth row, but the concert was sublime. Kris, at 83, sounds better live than he does on most recordings. His band, borrowed from Merle Haggard, were effortless and amazing. Kris played for an hour and forty-five minutes with a fifteen minute break. I also really appreciated the fact that he started dead on 7:30pm! Great to be home early on a school night ha ha!

 

Kris Kristofferson – The Pilgrim, Chapter 33 - https://youtu.be/fMVUILVM0Xw

 

You all know that I enjoy looking for new rock music acts, or ones that I've not heard before. This week American band, Dirty Honey popped up in my feed. A couple of listens to their eight song EP had me hooked. Props to DJ DJ who very rightly thinks that they sound a bit like Australian group Baby Animals – they do. I can't wait for a full album release.

 

Dirty Honey – Rolling 7s - https://youtu.be/42rmUlDiQDI

 

The Beatles…remember them? The Abbey Road album has been given the super deluxe treatment with a re-mix and release including demos etc. Sgt Pepper's was great, the White Album was fabulous and this one takes the cake in my opinion. Wow! I haven't had the pleasure of listening to it in surround sound yet but the stereo mixes, through headphones, are nothing short of magnificent. The clarity and emotion in the recordings is so much better than I remembered. The demos and outtakes are worth a listen: it's not just people talking and fiddling around. "The Ballad of John and Yoko", recorded during the Abbey Road sessions, is particularly good with John telling Paul, who is playing drums, to "go a bit faster Ringo". I've chosen the next song not only because it is one of my favourites but because the new video clip is really well made.

 

The Beatles – Here Comes The Sun (2019 mix) – https://youtu.be/KQetemT1sWc

 

The Cult's 1989 album, Sonic Temple, is one of my all-time favourites.  It's not in my top 10 but it's close. Scarily enough it's 30 years old and as such has been given a re-release. Here's the thing though, it's not remastered or remixed. Yes, you get the original album along with a whole slew of demo and live recordings but the original stays as it is. I listened back to it and the truth is it still sounds great. For fans of The Cult who are more attracted to their Goth and New Wave influences this isn't the album for you. If a great hard rock album is what you're looking for then Sonic Temple ticks that box.

 

The Cult – Sweet Soul Sister – https://youtu.be/pqcAidqgqmU

 

Earlier I mentioned the Baby Animals. Years ago their first release appeared on a single along with Aussie legends, The Angels. Fast forward to 2019 and the two bands have done the same albeit this time with each band recording one classic song from the other. The Angels make an attempt at "One Word" which I think falls a little flat. It's not bad at all, it's just not very alive. In comparison, Baby Animals make a good fist of "Marseille". There is a tour coming so keep an eye out.

 

Baby Animals – Marseille – https://youtu.be/Hl1aiafr_4E

 

Album 40/100 – Van Morrison – Moondance (1970)

 

This album was better than I expected. There's never any denying the quality of Van's voice and this group of songs (rock, pop and soul) showcase it well. I don't really have much to say about this record other than you should give it a try. I did and it will be on my playlist for quite a while to come and it has encouraged me to try more of his music.

Van Morrison - And It Stoned Me (live 1980) - https://youtu.be/cuyENi0cPjg

One of my friends, DJ GreySeal, is in Scotland at the moment. He mentioned a couple of bands that he was listening to and it occurred to me that I hadn't listened to all that much of one of them. Mogwai, from Glasgow, are that band and I'm planning to spend some time with their music. Some people describe them as being "post-rock", whatever that means. I'm not sure but if you like the spacier side of Pink Floyd then this might appeal to you.

Mogwai - Don't Believe The Fife (live) - https://youtu.be/ZIhDdVaqF8U

Whilst packing up our house I came across the cover for the first demo recording I played on. We recorded it in 1991 and the band I was in was called Mr Walker (the Phantom's real name). Somewhere I have the master cassette of the mixdown that we made from the 4-track recording. I'll get around to putting a couple of tracks on YouTube sometime. Engineered by DJ DJ, I remember one of the main challenges being to convince the other guitarist that he didn't need to use so many effects on his guitar sound. Once he worked that out it was great. Of course, recording drums, two guitars, bass, vocals, backing vocals and sometimes saxophone onto 4-tracks wasn't easy. DJ DJ managed to mix what was essentially a live performance into a coherent 4 tracks for us to use; all without being in a soundproof booth whilst recording! Anyway, I'll get the songs available soon but what it did remind me of was the fact that for every gig we ever played, this was the first song.

Georgia Satellites - Hippy Hippy Shake - https://youtu.be/3v8BxD2o-1g

I think that should be enough music for a while. Hopefully I'll be back again on Friday with more tunes for you. I'll leave you with a track from Joe Elliott's (from Def Leppard) side project, Down 'N' Outz. This is their tribute to David Bowie and it's a ripper. If Bowie and Mott The Hoople style music are your thing then you'll love this band,

Down 'N' Outz - Goodbye Mr Jones - https://youtu.be/A8-lyQbu1mM

Bye,

Rob

"....it's been a long time since I rock and rolled..." Rock and Roll, Led Zeppelin, 1971.

World Wide Woozle episode #489

Here we go again and almost on time! Not long and I'll be on the countdown for episode #500.

Album 39/100 - Led Zeppelin - Led Zeppelin III (1970)

Like many people around my age I became aware of Led Zep as a result of "Stairway to Heaven". As a result, the first album I bought of theirs was the one with that track on it (Led Zeppelin (1971) - commonly known as Led Zeppelin IV). I found it a bit underwhelming really at the time I must admit. And after that I gorged myself a few months later on the 4 disc version of their first lot of remasters. Maybe I had this all wrong in that I never spent any time at all with any of their other albums and I was spoiled by the remaster set which is in essence a very long greatest hits compilation. This week I've had Led Zeppelin III playing a lot and it's been a bit of a revelation. It's what I like best in that it's a complete album rather than a collection of songs. There is plenty of variety to keep even the casual listener interested. Blues, folk and rock all get a workout. There may be better Led Zep albums but given my reaction to this one I'm very happy to recommend it (and it has my favourite track by the band on it as well).

Led Zeppelin - Bron-Y Aur Stomp - https://youtu.be/oC-9aEf0Q-A 

Led Zeppelin - Gallows Pole - https://youtu.be/RSZca1Q9IWA

TOOL have a new album out right now. For fans of the band it has been a long wait as their last record was released in 2006. I'm not a fan. I don't dislike them, I've just never been into their music or spent any time with it. They hype for "Fear Inoculum" dragged me in I must admit and it's been a good result. Unlike many folks out there this was a different experience for me; one with no baggage. Reviewers and commentators are quite polarised in their opinions and I've come down firmly on this side of thinking that it's a great album. Yes, the songs are long but that's kind of the point. This isn't a record of four minute radio hits...it's a band making music the way they want to. It's is an album that needs to be listened to in its entirety when you actually have time to listen. It's not background music and some of it might be challenging. But I think it sounds fantastic. Great guitars, moody rhythms and percussions and vocals that sound amazing. It's like earlier Pink Floyd meets today's heavier prog music. Again, highly recommended.

TOOL - Fear Inoculum - https://youtu.be/q7DfQMPmJRI

As mentioned last time, I headed out to see The Screaming Jets and Rose Tattoo at The Basement here in Canberra. Sadly, my two wingmen were unable to come but I wasn't about to give up the chance to see two great bands so off I went. Just me and my new, super groovy earplugs! The Basement is an intimate venue and getting close to the bands wasn't a problem. The Screaming Jets were up first and ripped through a great set including their hits and some more recent tunes. Yup, they were loud, in fact really loud, but more about that later. For a band that are now 30 years old they had plenty of energy, a great sound and were most definitely crowd pleasers. Singer, Dave Gleeson, has a great singing voice but since the early days of the band many of us have wished that he'd keep his between song banter to himself. Nothing has changed. You can't deny that he has personality however!

The Screaming Jets - Blue Sashes (live) - https://youtu.be/yZ93m4ubl1U

I really enjoyed The Screaming Jets and if they'd been the headline act then most people would have gone home very happy. Rose Tattoo, not to be outdone, were equally as good and enjoyable. With Mark Evans (ex-AC/DC) on bass and Bob Spencer (ex-The Angels) on guitar this was a star studded version of the band that has been around since 1976. Dai Pritchard on slide guitar was the perfect guitarist to fill the shoes of the sadly missed Pete Wells. John Watson (Aus Crawl, Daryl Braithwaite, Men at Work etc.) made a small drum kit sound absolutely massive. This was a band that was tighter than tight. I was very worried during the first few songs that the band was on fire and Angry Anderson (vocals) was on another planet. Happily, he sorted himself out one way or another and the rest of the show was brilliant. Rose Tattoo are legendary in Australia but not so much overseas sadly. Guns n Roses know who they are though having covered "Nice Boys" Early on as well as having the Tatts open for them in Australia. Whilst the whole band was just great, Bob Spencer made the night for me. His approach to rhythm guitar was Malcolm Young-esque; get in a groove and just push the whole band along. There were so many of their classic songs played and only three twits who had to have a fight during the last song threatened to spoil the show. All it meant for me was I ended up almost in the front row. 

Rose Tattoo - Nice Boys (live) - https://youtu.be/nkdUmMPlzb0

The earplugs I bought were a revelation. They claim to cut the sound level but not the clarity. The gig certainly sounded and felt loud enough but when I got outside and took the plugs out I was pleasantly surprised. No ringing at all. They'd done a wonderful job. If you like live music and being able to hear as well then get to your local musical instrument shop and get a pair. There's plenty to choose from.

Let's back it off a little...Neil Young has a new single out and an album due in October. This one is again with his band, Crazy Horse. Years ago I was on holiday in Adelaide and I'd just got a cassette copy of Neil's album, "Sleeps With Angels" (the one with the song "Piece of Crap" on it). This track, to me, would be right at home on that album; moody. I like it. 

Neil Young with Crazy Horse - Milky Way - https://youtu.be/y_-9qcbuLcA

In the, "shut up and take my money" stakes, Billy Bragg wins again. Coming very soon is a double album of tracks recorded live for the BBC. Awesome! And along with the album you get an enamel pin of his famous Burns Steer guitar. You all know that I'll be needing that for my guitar strap!

Billy Bragg - Valentine's Day Is Over (live) - https://youtu.be/_-MH9nRSXAg

Without getting ahead of myself, I might have a new musical project in my near future. Before I can get to a rehearsal with my guitar I need some serious practice though. It's been a long time since I did anything other than strum a few chords. Fingers crossed (but not whilst I'm playing!)

Lenny Kravitz - Fields of Joy - https://youtu.be/kESn-Df34ug

I listen to a lot of music; usually with intent. I find music in the background distracting as I'll try to tune in to it. Albums and songs come and go and, as you'd expect, a few stick. As an example, if I'm needing a pickup then AC/DC's "Powerage" goes on. I came to John Moreland's music via a cover of one of his songs done by Jason Isbell's guitarist, Sadler Vaden (yeah, that's not convoluted at all). Anyway, the Moreland album, "In The Throes" is one that I've been coming back to for more than a few months now. His vocal delivery and guitar work is simply exquisite and that's before we get to the songwriting. I was disappointed to see that the album is actually out of print and therefore not all that easy to get at a decent price. I'll keep looking however whilst streaming it very regularly. If you like Neil Young, Springsteen (quieter stuff) or maybe Neil Finn then John Moreland should be on your radar.

John Moreland - Break My Heart Sweetly (live) - https://youtu.be/zHAGMBABAJE

Here's a quick 80s flashback. Many people are very quick to dismiss 80s music as inconsequential. Sure, there was a fair bit of rubbish released but have you had a go at the top 10 lately? I've always played the intro to this song on my guitar for a bit of fun. One day I should actually learn the whole thing. Eurythmics were a great band and Annie Lennox is a legend.

Eurythmics - Thorn In My Side - https://youtu.be/_AmkmqYEarw

Finally, a tale of life going full circle. When I played in my first real band, Mr Walker, DJ DJ was our sound engineer, bouncer and good friend. I remember being really pleased to meet someone who was as passionate about heavy music as I was. DJ DJ was, and remains, a huge fan of the band Queensryche and his enthusiasm got me into the band. Well today we scored tickets to see Geoff Tate, the original Queensryche vocalist, with his band performing the classic album, "Operation: Mindcrime" in Sydney early next year. The ins and outs of Tate vs Queensryche is a legal saga that I won't bore you with other than to say it's sad. Tate, judging by recent recordings, still sounds like his voice is in good form and this will be a gig to look forward to.

Queensryche - Revolution Calling - https://youtu.be/guzQnr-02jM 

Sweet Oblivion (feat. Geoff Tate) - True Colors - https://youtu.be/HYsLG2VtTN0

That's it for this week folks. I've got a garage to finish emptying out before I start full-time work on Monday. I've got a short-term contract until mid-November to keep me busy. It'll be nice to be out of the casual workforce for a little while. As I'll be employed by the government my social media feed will leave politics aside for that period of time!

The Nightwatchman - The Road I Must Travel - https://youtu.be/vohUk1ydFYc

Rock on friends,

Rob

"You know it's all in your head
You'd better put that business to bed
What you see nobody sees
It only brings you to your knees", Did It Again, Kylie, 1997.

World Wide Woozle episode #488

First things first; back to my reviews of the supposedly 100 essential albums.

Album 37/100 - Kamasi Washington - The Epic (2015)

This is the debut record from the American jazz saxophonist and it's a triple album. I spent many listening sessions trying to understand why this album is so highly regarded and I have failed. It sucks. What is supposedly "avant-garde" and/or a "barrage of sound" just turns out to my ears to be cacophony. It's like every band rehearsal you go to where, at the start, everyone is doing their own thing whilst adjusting levels and sounds. The difference here is that Kamasi Washington has recorded and released it. 

Album 38/100 - The Jimi Hendrix Experience - Are You Experienced (1967)

For many guitarists, Jimi Hendrix is the greatest ever. There's no doubting his enduring influence on rock music. And whilst Jimi isn't my favourite axe grinder, he's firmly in my top 10. "Are You Experienced" was his first outing and in just eleven tracks he reinvented guitar playing and popular music. From the angst of "Manic Depression" to the incendiary blues work of "Red House" to the psychedelia of the title track, this is a truly great record. I think that "Are You Experienced" is the best Hendrix album by a country mile.

The Jimi Hendrix Experience - Foxy Lady (live) - https://youtu.be/_PVjcIO4MT4

Next Friday I'll be heading out to see two classic Australian rock bands. To be honest, I'm a little shocked that they're playing here in Canberra but I won't complain. It promises to be a hell of a night with these two. If you're reading this from overseas and you think AC/DC are great rock then you should enjoy either the Jets or the Tatts.

The Screaming Jets - C'mon - https://youtu.be/svuBQwCv4Qw

Rose Tattoo - Rock 'n' Roll Outlaw (live) - https://youtu.be/CK0wGCFiAlI

Last weekend I had the opportunity to sit down with DJ Bing for a listen to the 5.1 surround sound mix of The Beatles "White Album". I'll do a full review later on but just let me say that it was a lot of fun. Overall the surround experience might not have been as impressive as it was with Sgt Pepper's but it's a very different album. The next song was an absolute ripper!

The Beatles - Everybody's Got Something To Hide Except Me And My Monkey - https://youtu.be/4fv_gCn1CUU

Listening to a few more Beatles tracks online I very quickly got an appreciation for how much Japanese fans love the band. Check out these guys...wow!

I watched the latest incarnation of the film, "A Star Is Born" during the week. So many people I know had really liked it that I felt I should give it a whirl. I think my opinion might be unpopular though because I thought it was dreadful. The good bits were that Lady Gaga has a great voice and Andrew Dice Clay (aka Ford Fairlaine the Rock and Roll Detective) starred as her father. The rest was average at best. I'm just a hack guitarist but if Bradley Cooper spent a year learning the guitar for the film you'd think he might look like he was playing it. It just looked forced to me. Frankly I thought the acting was pretty wooden and the way the story was told struggled at the best of times. There is, however, a Jason Isbell penned tune that you hear a lot in the movie and it's a cracker.

Jason Isbell & Amanda Shires - Maybe It's Time - https://youtu.be/mnbrNfg2EY8

Killswitch Engage are a very heavy band and for some reason I've never been able to get into their music. This week their new track popped up in my feed and I almost moved straight onto something else. Wow, am I ever glad that I didn't make that mistake. This is a brutal, intense slab of metal complete with both guttural and beautifully sung vocals. I reckon the drummer must have leg muscles the size of a horse though with all that double kick work. Definitely one for lovers of the heavy stuff.

Killswitch Engage - The Signal Fire - https://youtu.be/2N0ShfOOEq4

In the late 80s I became a Lionel Richie fan after DJ DubyaDee gave me a copy of the "Can't Slow Down" LP. Lionel might seem a little bit easy listening at times but his voice is just so smooth. Anyway, this is a cover of one his biggest hits but I really liked it.

Dave Fenley - Stuck On You - https://youtu.be/iDD2Gpu9BdQ

A couple of my favourite musicians are fairly active on social media. I guess in some ways it brings them closer to their audience. For me, the main benefit is that I get to be pointed to music and artists that I may not have otherwise been aware of. The next singer-songwriter is one that Jason Isbell is always talking about. When I started to listen to his work I found a track about a town destroyed for coal mining. This resonated with me since I spent my high school years living next to Yallourn, a town which suffered a similar fate.

John Prine - Paradise - https://youtu.be/ediaZ5DhYjw

That's it folks. I hope this wasn't too disjointed, but if it was you can blame the fact that I'm trying to finish off an essay for my course!

Rock on,

Rob

"She lives in Mojave in a Winnebago...", San Ber'dino, Frank Zappa, 1975

World Wide Woozle episode #487

Here we are again and still no announcement about an AC/DC tour or album. They've been hitting social media hard of late so one would think that something must be happening sooner or later. Meanwhile, we wait not so patiently.

AC/DC - Shake Your Foundations - https://youtu.be/Bayek5lLZWY

Staying with Australian rock, The Poor Boys. who later became The Poor are an excellent band, very much in the style of AC/DC and they are currently playing live shows around the country. We used to play this song in a band I was once in...it was a lot of fun. What a great riff! Oi!

The Poor - More Wine Waiter Please - https://youtu.be/lt7pfTnaPR4

Rob Hirst, who most of you will know as the drummer in Midnight Oil, has a new record coming out. The first single has been released and is described as a cross between kraut-rock and psychedelia. I have to agree with H's thoughts that the vocal are a bit weak. See what you think...

Rob Hirst and Sean Sennett - Nothing More / Nothing Less - https://youtu.be/P8SxzZlE0A4

The "Abbey Road" album turned 50 this week. There will be a remixed super-duper edition released in a few weeks that is guaranteed to please your ears and lighten your wallet. I listened to, and watched, heaps of versions of Abbey Road songs played live to present one here for you. Paul McCartney has a heap out there but, with the most amazing amount of due respect to him, he struggles to hit a lot of the notes. So, I hope you like this one. I reckon it's a brilliant tribute to a great album.

Steven Tyler (Aerosmith) - Abbey Road medley (live) - https://youtu.be/KNE2bpE-DIE

The Darkness have been around for a while now. More than long enough for personnel ups and downs, rehab, reformation and amongst all that, some great rock and roll. The might not look like they take themselves all that seriously, but among the Queen, Bowie and AC/DC influences is an amazing band. This is their latest...wait for the chorus to hit you...

The Darkness - Rock and Roll You Deserve To Die - https://youtu.be/KNE2bpE-DIE

I shared this one during the week on Facebook. Most of the time I leave the music recommendations here in the blog but this one needed to be played. America; you're broken.

Extreme - Rest In Peace - https://youtu.be/BigqPM4NZus

I have a great big smile on my face this week...Billy Bragg tickets have been secured! Thanks to my brother, we'll both be seeing Billy for two nights in May 2020 in Wellington, New Zealand. Wearing badges will not be enough...

Billy Bragg - Days Like These - https://youtu.be/mAjFO61ndLc

Did you read in the news this week about the guy who dumped his old refrigerator down a hill? The police caught him and made him pull it back up. As Scot pointed out, perhaps the cops were Arlo Guthrie fans. It's a long song folks but take my advice and listen to the whole thing. 

Arlo Guthrie - Alice's Restaurant - https://youtu.be/m57gzA2JCcM

In non-music news, we're selling our house. It's time to downsize, reduce our impact on the planet and further embrace living more with less. If you're interested in a rather fab house then reach out! We're hoping to move to somewhere close by.

Fleetwood Mac - Don't Stop - https://youtu.be/QV9JJmSCiI8

Sting - We Work The Black Seam - https://youtu.be/s4CQJTGw72I

Jason Isbell fans (surely some of you are converts by now) might like to know that there is a new entire concert recording available on YouTube. Some of the audio mix is a little average but all in all it's great. Here's a link to one of my favourite tunes...

Jason Isbell and The 400 Unit - Outfit (live) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fs2JLLqh91A&t=3064s

The Highwomen is a new country music group. I noticed them due to a bit of activity on social media. I quite like their sound and I get the feeling that it isn't going to be the by-the-number C&W that we're all so sick of.

The Highwomen - The Chain (Fleetwood Mac cover) - https://youtu.be/jVLNB3d-2cA

How do you deal with bad or sad news? Usually I'd ride my bike just a bit further or harder up a few hills. Recently though, as you all know, that's not been an option for me. I can trundle sedately around the lake but nothing too strenuous for a while yet. Retreating into music is my other go to. Whether it's playing my guitars, which I haven't done for a while, or just listening, it's a good way to spend some quality time inside my own head figuring things out. Macca; I'll leave this track here for you.

The Justice Collective - He Ain't Heavy, He's My Brother - https://youtu.be/Ye4cELYLzJM

That's it folks, rock on...

Rob

"...well keep your shiny side up and your dirty side down", Is This America, The Skyhooks, 1976

World Wide Woozle episode #486

I remember the excitement when the 486 computer became available. It was a brave new world of speed and processing power. Hopefully episode #486 here will be inspiring to you in some small way. Loads and loads of tunes this week. As DJ Laff would say, "gutloads".

My recovery from the pinched nerve in my back continues. I spend my spare time rolling on a spiky plastic physio ball, contorting myself in stretches and not sitting down much at all. But it's working. I'm finally back at work and yesterday I had my first ride on my bike since June 12th. Todd and I didn't ride far, or fast, but it was simply fantastic to be out in the sunshine rolling around on two wheels. 

Weddings Parties Anything - Rain In My Heart - https://youtu.be/5jx3c5yk744

You've heard from The Chats here once before; new old school Aussie garage band punk. Hilarious and serious all at once. If "Pub Feed" didn't fill you up then try this out...

The Chats - Identity Theft - https://youtu.be/TOuGH9Gpeos

It's no secret that I'm not a Bob Dylan fan and not for lack of effort on my behalf. When I heard that Sheryl Crow had Jason Isbell around to play guitar on a new track I was rather excited as I think they are both great musicians. And then the truth was revealed; it's a Bob Dylan cover. It turns out I quite like it but your mileage may vary.

Sheryl Crow with Jason Isbell - Everything Is Broken - https://youtu.be/bhWiq3BE3zY

In the early 90s I spent an inordinate amount of money at a record shop here in Canberra called Impact Records. Sadly, Impact has been gone for a long time. It was everything that an independent record store should be and so much more. Anyway, one day I was browsing and the music coming over the sound system was just fabulous. I had to wait until the album finished playing to purchase it that day though as they only had one copy. Fast forward to the current day and the same band have just announced an Australian tour. Very much for fans of metal and politics. This clip has the lyrics included and they're kind of the point.

Sacred Reich - The American Way - https://youtu.be/A0SMz0NTF58

You may have heard by now that the concert to mark the 50th anniversary of the Woodstock Festival has been cancelled. There's a million reasons going around including that two of the main acts pulled out; Miley Cyrus and Jay Z. I'm not sure that people celebrating 50 years since the festival that included such amazing acts as The Jimi Hendrix Experience, Sly and the Family Stone, Joan Baez and The Grateful Dead would be all that interested in Miley or Jay. Yes, there are a few of the original artists who were slated to perform but that's not really my point. In the interests of fair play I will say this; Miley Cyrus has a great voice. You be the judge...

Miley Cyrus - Joelene (live) - https://youtu.be/wOwblaKmyVw

Years ago, DJ DJ introduced me to a band from Adelaide called The Mark of Cain. We saw them finish off a music festival, playing after silverchair, and to be frank blowing them away (and silverchair were great). TMOC play heavy, moody, industrial-esque rock music. If you mixed up Joy Division with Black Flag you might be there. Bands like Helmet and Rollins band are similar in terms of musical structure and delivery but TMOC had their sound earlier. Later on this year they are touring in recognition of the 30th anniversary of their debut album, "Battlesick" and yes, tickets have already been procured for Angus and I. I've seen TMOC play in Adelaide, Canberra, Sydney and Brisbane and it's almost a religious experience. Be there.

The Mark of Cain - Interloper (live) - https://youtu.be/y4x18kURD9w

I like to give everyone fair warning regarding upcoming, essential tours and with that in mind.....Billy Bragg will be here in May 2020. It seems a long way into the future but tickets went on sale today so get yours now. He's playing three nights in every city that he visits with three different setlist. Perfect again for mixing pop and politics...

Billy Bragg - Saffiyah Smiles - https://youtu.be/pkNN81Ta2ik

And DJ SAB would be oh so sad if I didn't mention that The Sisters of Mercy are coming to Australia. They were a major influence on the music we played in The Dark Violence of Beauty. Hopefully we'll score some tickets. This is one of my favourite Sisters tracks...

The Sisters of Mercy - Dominion / Mother Russia - https://youtu.be/2LntQlbvu_o

David Byrne isn't coming to Australia (that I know about) but I simply have to play this video for you. He's taken a pop classic that we might not have ever wanted to hear again and made it his own; that's the mark of a great cover version. This was such an unexpected find and I love it!

David Byrne - I Wanna Dance With Somebody (live) - https://youtu.be/izx8J6U7xzo

In other news, I've gone back to university. After a few years where I've drifted a bit in terms of work and direction I got a bit of a push and made the decision to retrain. I'm doing a Masters degree in Information Studies. Essentially that's librarianship but man oh man is that a diverse field. This is Week 3 and my head is spinning in a good way.

Bo Diddley - Back To School - https://youtu.be/1FtwNV99Eb4

Last time around I played Clampdown by The Clash. Well, a live version by Bruce Springsteen popped up thanks to the algorithmic joy of YouTube. I like it a lot, you might too.

Bruce Springsteen - Clampdown (live) - https://youtu.be/GqRN7N7lH8o

There's more tour and music news but I might save it for next time. With any luck AC/DC will have announced a tour or an album (or both).

AC/DC - If You Want Blood (You've Got It) - https://youtu.be/6EWqTym2cQU

Rock on,

Rob

"A ragged cup, a twisted mop

The face of Jesus in my soup..." , The Mercy Seat (Nick Cave cover), Johnny Cash, 2000

World Wide Woozle episode #485

Well, this episode took a lot longer coming than I expected. During our trip to Pentecost, Vanuatu, I hurt my back. It was manageable (just) whilst we were there but the plane flight and then bus ride to get home did me no favours. The result was a pinched nerve that caused severe pain down my left leg and into my foot. It's been dreadful but it is slowly improving I'm pleased to say. I can now walk to the end of the street and back and I can also get out of bed without an hour of screaming agony. So, from my temporary standing desk....let's rock!

Rollins Band - Are You Ready? - https://youtu.be/1MwYamaRn6s

Vanuatu was fantastic. Injury notwithstanding, DJ ZedCycloneBoots and I had a great time. We stayed for one week with each of our families on Pentecost and had a couple of days on Santo at either end waiting for flights. And we did a lot. We helped a bit to build a new kitchen, we taught Grade 5/6 at Level, we assisted in the gardens where our family's food is grown, went to church four times and played tons of games with loads of kids, Zoe worked in a health clinic for 3 days and we generally looked around, talked to people and had an amazing time. It's a great lifestyle and on top of that both of our wonderful families are quite different.  One of my favourite moments was at Lavusi which is where the Hinge family live. It's almost at the northern tip of the island and the views are spectacular. Godden and his family have built their house on the top of the hill in their village. As a result I was able to stand and look out to see the islands of Maewo and Ambae. On the first night Ambae was in the clouds but the sun was between it and the rain clouds coming over the water towards Pentecost. The effect of the sun, the rain and the clouds was indescribably beautiful. It may just be the best thing I've seen in my life. At Level School there are now new buildings for almost all of the classes and the final one is set to be built soon. Many thanks to all the generous people who have helped us to assist that community. Lots of people go to Pacific islands for a holiday in a resort and that's great; you'll enjoy yourselves and it definitely helps their economies. If you get a chance, even for a short trip to see how the locals live then take it. As you know, island life changed mine.

Lucky Dube - Different Colours - https://youtu.be/R4csXJXHVGA

On Pentecost people go to bed early (they get up early too) so I found myself with a bit of spare time in the evenings. I'm not a fan of reading by torchlight so I had downloaded a whole heap of podcasts to listen to. Some nights I just lay and listened to the sound of the night (interrupted by dogs, roosters and cows at times) but I also tried out some podcasts. One I listened to was Chuck D (Public Enemy) narrating a series about the history of UK punk group, The Clash. It was an excellent eight episodes and I'd definitely recommend it to anyone interested in popular music. I found a new appreciation for their history and music as well as understanding a bit more about the punk scene in the UK.

The Clash - Clampdown - https://youtu.be/psB0cidB5bg

The other podcast I'd like to talk about is called "Song Exploder". It's pretty self-explanatory, artists discuss the making, meaning and bits and pieces of a selected track. One of the best I listened to was about The Cranberries final album. The vocals were demoed by Dolores O'Riordan and then the band used them to make the album after her tragic death. It put quite a different spin on the album for me...

The Cranberries - All Over Now - https://youtu.be/h1lMxX8doSU

A new release for you all...I found this one during the week whilst trying to distract myself from the pain that felt like a nail being hammered into the side of my knee...only loud music stood a chance and these guys were the tonic. It's a healthy and heavy mix of bands like Motorhead, Black Sabbath and Kyuss. They're from Sweden.

Jesus Chrüsler Supercar - Never Sleep Again - https://youtu.be/llVjfrjJekw

I'm not sure if I've featured the next band before or not. Apologies if this is old news but "The Bird and The Bee" are super cool. They're a duo that mix electronica with jazz and 80's rock and they sound sensational. They've got a Hall and Oates tribute album out and a Van Halen one ready to be released and that's before their dreamy originals. Different and so groovy.

The Bird and the Bee - Private Eyes (Hall & Oates cover) - https://youtu.be/mfP7hjjId3E

The Bird and the Bee - Ain't Talkin' 'Bout Love (Van Halen cover) - https://youtu.be/53DAU_6z7Rc

SBS TV has been running excellent and varied programming for NAIDOC Week. Top of my list was the documentary about the life of Gurrumul. It was hard to watch knowing that he would be dead not long after the film was made but don't let that put you off. You'll get an in depth look inside the culture of his family and the profound impact of it on his music and life. 

Geoffrey Gurrumul Yunupingu - Bapa (live) - https://youtu.be/gyAa1-jOZpI

I'll get back into reviewing the 100 essential albums in the next episode. 

American pop-punksters The Dollyrots have a new album, "Daydream Explosion" due for release in two days (12 July). Their music is always high energy and a lot of fun. Order direct from them to support the band or stream their songs over and over OK?

The Dollyrots - Everything - https://youtu.be/QpKL5Jcm07s

Gerry Cinnamon has a new track out and it's worth your time. His accent isn't particularly strong in this one but there are lyrics included in the video in case you're challenged when listening to Scots people sing...

Gerry Cinnamon - Canter - https://youtu.be/zWYjG9Cxbyw

Whilst we're on the new tracks, how about this one from Taylor Swift? It's a great sound that continues to make me think that she has a thing for 80s synth pop and disco. The lyrics, however, are great. One for all of the social media users who are always outraged about something. Take it from me (and T-Swizzle), you need to calm down!

Taylor Swift - You Need To Calm Down - https://youtu.be/Dkk9gvTmCXY

Metallica have been around for a long time now and are showing few signs of slowing down. They record every live show they play and make them available online for their fans. The archive of recordings is amazing. They also put a whole heap of live songs out on YouTube, warts and all. Here's the band from just over a month ago playing in Ireland...

Metallica - Whiskey In The Jar (live - Thin Lizzy cover) - https://youtu.be/9MNdOCQYOL8

Anyway, that's it for this time. I apologise again for the delays in getting this out and also if it's disjointed. I'm sure you understand.

Our crazy orange cat passed away whilst Zoe and I were on Pentecost. Xena had lived a long life dedicated to leaving fur everywhere, sleeping in strange places and knowing when one of us was feeling blue. RIP Xena.

Bongtevuha,

Rob

"Everybody hurts, sometimes...", Everybody Hurts, REM, 1992.