World Wide Woozle episode #505

Thank you to the many of you who have answered the call to help out families on Pentecost in Vanuatu. Together, as a community joined by any number of different linkages, we've raised a significant amount. I'm very humbled by you all. The situation there is dreaful. Much worse than in 2015. What you need to know is that I have a photo on my phone of almost everyone who has ever helped us out. Our families on Pentecost love seeing photos and you're all included every time someone asks to look. Tankyu tumas.

Earth, Wind and Fire - Gratitude (live 1981) - https://youtu.be/CCOLluokUH4

So, I've got a new job as you know. The official title is Community and Peer Advisor. It promises to be challenging and rewarding as I work with military veterans and their families to assist them in moving forwards in some difficult situations. One of the prerequisites for the job was having lived experience of a mental health problem. Many of you know, and a lot have guessed anyway, that I've had anxiety, depression and an eating disorder for a few years now. I've always been reticent to write here about it because for so long I denied that I had a problem and then I was ashamed and embarrassed. It's not something I would wish upon my worst enemy. It took me a long time to get some help, and even longer to do more than simply pay it lip service. Mental health is like physical health folks, you need to work on it. A physiotherapist once told me that I was a great patient because I would actually do all the recovery work necessary. In fact they told me more than once only to do what they recommended, not twice as much. Mental health is the same and when I finally found a psychologist that I liked and worked with him it began to make a difference. I'm still very much a work in progress and recovery isn't a linear progression - there are good and bad days. Hopefully my limited understanding of what it's like to live through this will help someone else. It puts an interesting spin on that old saying, "you don't have to be crazy to work here, but it helps!"

Low Self Opinion - Rollins Band (live) - https://youtu.be/SbW6SuS7y6Y

You may have read that American singer-songwriter John Prine died recently. He was 73 and the corona virus got him. I haven't been listening to his music for very long but have discovered that he was very much a favourite of many artists that I like. Jason Isbell, for example, can't speak highly enough of John's work. Interestingly enough, Kris Kristofferson, who I had the privilege of seeing in concert last year, is credited with being a part of bringing Prine's music to the public eye (ear?) For me, with John Prine you get honest lyrics and a no nonsense delivery. Very much for folk music fans as well as those of you who like Americana.

John Prine - Sam Stone (live c.1970) - https://youtu.be/OLVWEYUqGew

John Prine - Way Back Then (live 2019) - https://youtu.be/b9z_wBPX2lE

I was watching a documentary on YouTube recently about American singer Pat Benetar. Did you know that she was the first solo female artist to appear on MTV? Neither did I. Of course the M in MTV stands for moronic these days; there's no music to be had. A far cry from my memories of staying up late in the hope that Richard Wilkins (MTV Australia) would play something remotely heavy. He rarely did. Here's Pat Benetar's first charting single...

Pat Benetar - Heartbreaker (1979) - https://youtu.be/mIosHNpGjTE

I'm really enjoying some of the home recordings that any number of artists are putting out to keep everyone amused whilst they are at home. Paul Stanley (KISS) has a great series of videos where he's sitting and talking about KISS songs and playing some of the riffs for you to sing along with. Billie Joe Armstrong has a few very cool covers including a duet with Susanna Hoffs from The Bangles. John Fogerty, Amanda Shires, Lukas Nelson, Brian May and many others are worth searching out. After all, time is all we have! Guitar players may like a personal lesson from Robby Krieger of The Doors teaching you how to play Roadhouse Blues!

As many rockers get older they are happier to be open about their influences and sing a few of their songs. Glenn Danzig is a rock/punk/metal singer most famous for his work with The Misfits as well as a few very good albums with his own band, Danzig. Released from him now is a record of Elvis songs. There's probably not a lot of money to be made here for Glenn and I can only assume that he's done this as a huge Elvis fan. It doesn't sound bad at all to me and it's a long way from the karaoke versions of many tributes. See what you think. I'll play one of the Elvis covers and then a classic track featuring Glenn on vocals.

Glenn Danzig - One Night (Elvis cover, 2020) - https://youtu.be/iUOonji-Kmw

Danzig - Mother (1988) - https://youtu.be/Q7KLdET1lBM

And just because I'm in the mood, here's ABBA. What I like about ABBA is that they are the real deal. Great melodies, amazing vocals and a whole lot of fun. If you're feeling down then put on a few ABBA tracks and dance around as if no-one is watching. I did. It worked.

ABBA - Gimme, Gimme, Gimme (live 1979) - https://youtu.be/Rgu_0g0ztT4

ABBA - Waterloo (live 1979) - https://youtu.be/CiRYH7Me6Cw

Lastly, Canberra band Witchskull will release their third album on 24th of this month. I've got their first two long players, "The Vast Electric Dark" and "Coven's Will", and can definitely recommend them to anyone who likes bands like Black Sabbath and Kyuss. This is loud, heavy stuff and it is great. The new album is called "A Driftwood Cross" and is out through Rise Above Records.

Witchskull - Breathing Blue Light (2018) - https://youtu.be/TlZjK5b58X8

40 years ago this week Judas Priest released their album British Steel. I picked this album up, on cassette from K-Mart, when I was about 16. It was a two for one deal with another of their albums, 1978's Killing Machine. These two albums remain firm favourites of mine to this day and I still have the tapes. It wasn't until a few years later that I saw footage of Judas Priest playing live and they were the epitome of Heavy Metal to me - all leather and studs. British Steel still sounds great for a 40 year old album and if you've never listened to Judas Priest before it's a great place to start.

Judas Priest - Metal Gods (live 1982) - https://youtu.be/I9PjOhz3FSM

There you go. More than enough music and news to keep you busy for a little while.

Rock on brothers and sisters,

Rob

"Remember when you were young?

You shone like the sun...." 

Shine On You Crazy Diamond, Pink Floyd, 1975

World Wide Woozle episode #504

I'm reminded in these crazy times of a lyric from Ice-T's heavy metal side project, Bodycount. "...the world's insane while you drink champagne and I'm living in black rain..." Stories of entitled morons thinking that efforts to curb the spread of the pandemic don't apply to them. There's the ultra-elite resort in Brazil which has now become a cluster, former jailbirds travelling interstate, large groups of people congregating on the playing fields near my house...the list goes on. It's easy folks, STAY AT HOME unless you're out for something truly essential.

You may or may not have realised that a category 5 cyclone ripped through the South Pacific during the week. Vanuatu, Fiji and Tonga have all been in its path and the destruction is massive. Category 5 is the strongest there is and has sustained wind speeds of over 250 km/h (157 mp/h). In 2015, Cyclone Pam made a huge mess of Vanuatu and this time Cyclone Harold has done the same. Port Vila, the capital, is ok but the northern islands, including Pentecost, are a real mess. We still have no reports from Level School as communications are not yet restored. However, my brother Godden who is a little further north at Lini reports that whilst they are all safe, the whole island is destroyed, gardens are gone (that's where they grow their food) and the community will be out of food and water in a few days. I'm putting together some money to send over to help them out so please let me know if you can help. A few dollars will make a big difference and of course the money goes 100% to our families on Pentecost without any administration fees or costs. It'll be used in the first instance to provide food and water with any remainder put towards the huge task of rebuilding.  In 2015 it was really hard waiting for news of Zoe after the cyclone. This time, being very much part of two families and the associated communities on Pentecost I can assure you that it is even more heartbreaking.

John Farnham - Help (live)  - https://youtu.be/DgmNi-0atb4

There's a lot more that I could write about this week but somehow it all seems to not really matter. My heart and my thoughts are on a little island in Vanuatu. So, you can't hug anyone at the moment but please reach out in other ways and do what you can to make someone else's life just a little better. I'll see you all next time.

Willie Nelson - Rainbow Connection - https://youtu.be/deebKNI-dTE

Rob

World Wide Woozle episode #503

Welkam! I've almost managed to crank another episode out in a week so things must be looking up. If you've got the time folks then I've got the energy...here we go!

First up. for those of you not playing along on Facebook, it might seem rather amazing in these uncertain times but I have a new job! Woo hoo! I'm sad to leave the War Memorial behind but the lack of regular work made me start looking for something more permanent a while ago. I've landed an initial 12 month contract with a government agency and I'll be working as a peer support advisor to military veterans and their families. It's a pretty cool job that also involves some training and I can't wait to sink my teeth into it.

Joe Cocker - With A Little Help From My Friends (live 1969) - https://youtu.be/DvLFAbxTNJA

Girish and The Chronicles (GATC) are a hard rock band originally from Sikkim which is in NE India. They've been around since 2006 and have recently signed to a record label based in Denmark and have an album about to be released. The band has plenty of content available on the internet, both original material and some very well done covers. Here's their latest release which showcases the band really well. Hard rock and metal fans; if you're anything like me, you'll hear the riffs and then the voice and be instantly hooked. These guys are GREAT!

GATC - Rock 'n' Roll Is Here To Stay - https://youtu.be/lq82yt-Od1U

Being cooped up has people all over the place coming up with lists of favourite movies, books, films, juices and anything actually. Every now and then they are actually interesting. Any list of my favourite movies (if you want a list let me know but most people are well and truly over lists) will always include the Mike Myers film, So I Married An Axe Murderer. It's not his best but I think it has some of the funniest moments ever captured on film. Watching some of the other actors barely able to hold it together as Mike carries on is simply classic. Here's an example with Australian actor Anthony LaPaglia cracking up. But, back to the music and Mike's father in the film, played by Mike, loves a bit of Rod Stewart. Rod has become very middle of the road in the last few years but he was most certainly a rocker in his day.

The Faces - Stay With Me (live 1972) -  https://youtu.be/J2FMAt7UeB0

I'm a big fan of English band Motörhead. You all knew that though. As with bands like AC/DC you always knew what you were going to get with Motörhead. Loud, obnoxious rock and roll played by guys who treated every song and every gig as though it might be their last. No room for half measures. In the early 90s, before heavy metal detuned and suddenly everyone new sounded the same, I was interested in a Brazilian band called Sepultura. Being Scottish I was always looking for value for money in my CD and LP buying and the EP was king in this respect. One day, at the very much missed Impact Records here in Canberra, I picked up Sepultura's EP Third World Posse. It turned out to be excellent and into the bargain, a release exclusive to Australia. It also contains a particularly inspired and brutal cover of a Motörhead song. So here it is. Horns up \m/

Sepultura - Orgasmatron (live 1992) - https://youtu.be/2_D99CNNXRo

As mentioned last time, the pandemic has put a hold on everyone's travel plans. It's really annoying as after almost 40 years I thought I might be ready to take myself back to Scotland. Of course, having the deliverer of babies and survivor of cyclones in England is a pretty big drawcard. I'll admit that I even dreamed of coming home via the USA to do a bit of a music pilgrimage. There are so many places in song lyrics that I'd like to visit for one reason or another. I know it's such a huge cliche but I really want to go to Graceland. Probably more as a result of this song than actually because of Elvis (even though the Elvis stuff would be amazing). In my travels I'd also like to see the Mississippi Delta to see if it does shine like a National Guitar....what a lyric!

Paul Simon - Graceland (live 1991) - https://youtu.be/0VTcBO4q5kY

A couple of bits of sad news this week. Firstly, American soul, folk singer Bill Withers passed away. I have fond memories of singing and playing Ain't No Sunshine with my friend Sam. Also of course Lean On Me is a fantastic song although every single choir seems to butcher it. I remember the conductor telling me once that I was singing it wrong and to sing what was written in the music in front of me. There were two problems here; one is that I can't read music and the other is that no matter how accurate the sheet music was it simply lacked soul and feeling. My good friend Karen posted that this was a great track from Bill and she was right.

Bill Withers - Grandma's Hand (live) - https://youtu.be/lAoFAhJJF7M

The second very sad death is that of Adam Schlesinger, bassist and songwriter of the band Fountains of Wayne. He was 52 and the corona virus took him. Everyone knows him and the band for their song Stacy's Mom. Adam was a very accomplished guy in the entertainment industry with three Emmy's and Grammy to his name. Gone way too soon.

Fountains of Wayne - Better Things (The Kinks cover, live 2001) - https://youtu.be/jTNonlossl0

The Dixie Chicks are back with their first new material since the 2006 album, Taking The Long Way. This is a band not afraid to say what they think and to write and sing about difficult issues. Their new track is about gaslighting. I'm out of the loop as I had to look it up but it refers to manipulating someone in a relationship. The song is about Natalie Maines rather horrible breakup and what her ex-husband put her through. But it's also a commentary about abusive relationships. Here's the official video clip but I'd like to highlight the live version too as Dixie Chicks are very much the real deal musically.

Dixie Chicks - Gaslighter (live 2020) - https://youtu.be/2PA8ua0Tuqk

That was a bit heavy so I'm going to finish this week with something lighthearted. Kris Delmhorst is an American singer-songwriter. It'd be fair to describe her work as folky, poppy and/or Americana. In 2011 she recorded a whole album of songs by one of her favourite bands, The Cars. I can't quite remember how I found out about it but it was so good that I ordered a hard copy of the CD almost immediately. So, here's a track from that album and another which is an original. Remember folks, you can still buy music...

Kris Delmhorst - You Might Think - https://youtu.be/AX8B0PdpjUo

Kris Delmhorst - Color Of The Sky (live 2017) - https://youtu.be/pm-W0-vYwi8

That's all folks, wash your hands!

Rob

"...with a subway token and a dollar tucked inside my shoe..."

Rhinestone Cowboy (Springsteen version), Glenn Campbell, 1975

World Wide Woozle episode #502

Hi everyone and welcome back. I've got loads of music to share and a tale or two to tell as well.

First of all - the virus. I've just turned off the news as it's all too much just now. I get it, it's serious so I'm staying at home as much as I can and I don't think I've ever washed my hands this much. Sit tight folks, ignore all the sensationalist news and do what you can to make things better for those around you even if that is staying away. Angus has returned from Canada. He lost his job when the ski resort shut its doors as a result of the pandemic. Currently he's in 14 days of isolation at Alison's place along with Sooky and Sparky. It's certainly not what anyone would want to do but can you imagine being the person that disregarded the advice and passed the illness on to others? I'll get a hug from him in just over 11 days. Meanwhile, in London, Zoe is working as hard as ever as a paramedic. The rest of the place is in lockdown so she can go to work and to the supermarket and that's it. What a baptism of fire! She certainly manages to get herself into interesting situations. 5 years ago we were in the midst of her being unaccounted for following Tropical Cyclone Pam.

Let's get to some music. Domestically there are two releases I'd like to tell you about and encourage you to listen to. Firstly, from Sydney, melodic heavy metal band Darker Half have released an album. You might remember that I saw them in support of the Geoff Tate show back in January. Anyway, it's well worth a listen if you like metal with vocals well sung and intelligible!

Darker Half - Falling - https://youtu.be/Bs5IKLVp6Vs

I've written about The Chats before and they've released a long player called High Risk Behaviour. If you like punk music such as Frenzal Rhomb then this is going to be for you. It's crude, it's rough but it has a distinctly Australian flavour and it's a lot of fun. 14 songs and it comes in at less than 30 minutes!

The Chats - Drunk n Disorderly - https://youtu.be/vJtuS4JwMRE

Of course the Billy Bragg shows that my brother and I were due to attend in New Zealand in late May have been postponed. For a year. Will we be going anywhere in twelve months - who knows? The other day, to ease the pain of not seeing Billy, I worked my way through two of his boxsets and it was a treat. There's a reason that he remains one of my favourite performers. A man, a guitar and a big sound all by himself. This song seems appropriate.

Billy Bragg - Between The Wars (live) - https://youtu.be/xjUA3RU4B8E

Work has been interesting recently. Like a lot of people I have been stood down indefinitely. The War Memorial closed its doors to visitors almost a week ago in response to the pandemic. As a casual employee that of course leaves many of us high and dry. We did get a fortnight's pay based on our roster which was unexpected and very welcome. Hopefully I'll have some positive employment news to share with you next time...but nothing moves quickly especially given the current climate.

Uncanny X Men - Work - https://youtu.be/2XYo5zaPw-4

There are plenty of artists that I don't really like listening to. Years ago I tried an Alicia Keys album and it was pretty quickly relegated to the, "only if I have to" pile. Well, well, well...I heard the next tune on the radio during the week and it had me nodding and tapping along. Then the DJ back-announced it as being by Alicia. So, here it is...I'm yet to listen to the album that it's from but this is a mighty fine track. Do you reckon Bob Dylan has tracked her down yet?

Alicia Keys - Underdog - https://youtu.be/izyZLKIWGiA

Still on the radio...the national youth broadcaster, Triple J, plays a live show at least weekly as part of their Live At The Wireless series. They've been doing it long enough that I have cassettes recorded from their broadcasts of gigs by The Ramones, silverchair, AC/DC, Baby Animals and The Living End. The show that I heard was going really well with almost rockabilly guitars, strong vocals and a punky metal edge. It was the band called My Chemical Romance. Goodness me...I'd always thought that they were some kind of screamo wannabe Goth band. Seems I was wrong. It's more Good Charlotte meets The Ramones with some Green Day and Oasis thrown in.

My Chemical Romance - Teenagers - https://youtu.be/k6EQAOmJrbw

DJ Doc along with DJ HongKongRollins alerted me to the new ZZ Top documentary on Netflix. For anyone who's a fan it's great viewing. If you don't know much about the band then give it a whirl. There's plenty of archival footage, great songs and in depth stuff from all three band members. Music docos can be a little tedious but this one has been made with a good sense of humour. My only gripe is that there is a lot more to ZZ Top AFTER the Eliminator album in 1983.

ZZ Top - Chartreuse - https://youtu.be/uTjgZEapJb8

ZZ Top - I'm Bad, I'm Nationwide - https://youtu.be/gWttL4gs078

I read a really interesting article from the BBC this week that was all about Simon and Garfunkel and their song, Bridge Over Troubled Water. It was a fascinating insight into the background of what became a hugely popular song at a time when the group was all but finished. Read it here and you might get a whole new appreciation for the tune.

Simon and Garfunkel - Bridge Over Troubled Water (live 1980) - https://youtu.be/WrcwRt6J32o

We're almost at the end folks. You can do it....hang on! Next up is Mel C who you may remember from a cool duet with Bryan Adams or her time in a little band called The Spice Girls.

Mel has a new single out now and I listened to it, I'll admit, out of curiosity more than anything else. What I discovered was a catchy electro-pop tune with a great video and some poignant lyrics. It's not what I expected but it's cool. If she releases an album I'd definitely listen to it.

Melanie C - That's Who I Am - https://youtu.be/Fzk44YbqOz0

Last up this week are Def Leppard. They've just released an early years boxset which includes remastered versions (at last) of their first two albums along with a book, a couple of live shows, demos, b-sides and probably the kitchen sink too. From the track listing and early reviews this is a well put together compilation. The tracks are out there on Spotify already and a physical copy will be winging its way to HQ Woozle before too long. What's evident from the early live recordings is how well the band sang live. Plenty of groups sound good on record but at a gig you wonder what's gone wrong. That's not the case here.

Def Leppard - Hello America (live, 1979) - https://youtu.be/tiZCEsBnr1I

That's it for this time folks. Stay at home and wash your hands. And if you're not sure how social distancing works then check out this very cool video from Vanuatu's "Won Smolbag" Theatre group. They use theatre all over the country to help get various messages across. They are speaking in Bislama which is the Pidgin language used in Vanuatu; that's the language that Zoe and I speak to our families there.

Keep smiling,

Rob

"Nobody told me there'd be days like these....most peculiar Mama..."

Nobody Told Me, John Lennon, recorded 1980, released 1984.

World Wide Woozle episode #501

When I was younger, 501 was a number synonymous with Levi's jeans. 501s, with their comfy fit and button fly, were the epitome of cool. These were the jeans that you asked anyone who was going to the USA if they'd bring you a pair back. Super groovy and I never had a pair.

Dr. Hook - Baby Makes Her Blue Jeans Talk - https://youtu.be/HCu7LHBrwEc

Recently I watched a documentary about KISS. It was put together by a guy who is a fan and it was so good that I watched a second episode. Here's a link to part 1 (the early years) and part 2 (the much maligned 80s). With any luck he'll get around to producing one about the 90s and beyond. It was interesting to hear that Dynasty and Unmasked were the start of a popularity decline for KISS in the USA. Certainly, in New Zealand and Australia this wasn't the case. I've gone back and listened to both records this week and whilst they both have their moments, I like Unmasked better.

KISS - Is That You? - https://youtu.be/xuNGAFekaR0

I was relieved to hear that Zoe had avoided attending a stabbing during her first day working as a paramedic. She's pretty good at sparing me gory details too as I'm not good with that sort of thing. I'm also not sure I needed to know that she was off to visit the morgue this week. Dead centre of town.

Iron Maiden - Murders in the Rue Morgue - https://youtu.be/RaZRQT8WNOA

Other big news is that Angus will be winging his way home sometime next month. Just as well, his dog needs a bath and its Angus' turn. I'm wondering how many winters in a row is possible for one person.

The Fauves - Dogs Are The Best People - https://youtu.be/lxM7sLT0rQE

I was listening to a whole lot of Triple J material and came across this great cover of Art vs Science's song, Parlez Vous Francais?, by Sydney musician Mickey Kojak. See what you think. I gave it quite a few listens before disappearing into some of his other music. 

Mickey Kojak - Parlez Vous Francais? - https://youtu.be/Bjc1ngNcAsE

Even more local is my next track. One of the artists is one of Angus' school mates. I knew he was working on playing music and its great to hear that he has got around to recording and releasing some. Not necessarily my normal kind of track to listen to but I have to admit that it's pretty catchy.

YNG one & YNG Martyr - Casket Dreaming - https://youtu.be/q8TRYdVhAZ8

This is probably old news to a lot of you but there was a Wiggles tribute album released a while ago now. I'd forgotten all about it until the next song popped up on YouTube. Great band, great song, great cover. Ready, set, Wiggle!

The Living End - Hot Potato - https://youtu.be/ZIqmVqmMcGw

Chuck Prophet is an American singer songwriter that I only got into a few years ago. His 2017 album, Bobby Fuller Died For Your Sins, is well worth your time. It's one of those rare long players with not a dud track to be found. Anyway, Chuck has a new album coming soon and as a result a new single and accompanying video. Nice socks; my mate Vaughan would be proud.

Chuck Prophet - Marathon - https://youtu.be/J4QAZI0QXQU

That'll do. For those following along, my swimming is improving and its certainly been good for my back. Maybe 45 minutes of stretching and core work done six days a week for a year is finally also having an effect. I had my first day of no back pain in 13 months the other day....and it's still going.

Anyway, that's all folks. Have a good weekend, leave some toilet paper in the stores for me and if all else fails cuddle a dog, but don't kiss it.

Mamak,

Rob

"All for freedom and for pleasure
Nothing ever lasts forever
Everybody wants to rule the world"

Tears for Fears, Everybody Wants To Rule The World, 1985

World Wide Woozle episode #500

500 is a lot of episodes. Even though I've slowed down my output in the last few years I'm still rather taken aback that I've sat down and written that many editions. What started as a small email list has grown into a blog and something that's been part of my life since 2008. Thank you everyone for humouring me for all this time. That being said, it's on with the show.

40 years ago today (February 20, 1980) the AC/DC singer, Bon Scott, died in London. I wasn't old enough to be aware of this at the time but the impact on the world of rock music remains significant. As a teen opening my ears and mind to different types of music, Bon and AC/DC quickly became my favourite band and they remain so to this day. Video footage of Bon Scott playing live reveals a man with a huge personality, a cheeky smile and the desire to entertain. He had a level of charisma that few singers can match in my opinion. It's a bit of a moot point to wonder what the band would've gone on to do if he hadn't died. I prefer to remember his legacy and to be thankful that there is plenty of recorded material to listen to and enjoy. 

AC/DC - Fling Thing / Rocker (live Glasgow, 1978) - https://youtu.be/ASJy3c4ACiU

I was listening to AC/DC all day today via Spotify (my CDs are all packed away in boxes for now). I must admit that it's disconcerting to have albums listed there with tracks in the "wrong" order. The US and UK releases are different enough pre-1978 to make them sound a bit weird. Anyway, the songs are all still there and it didn't take me long to put them into playlists in the order they were originally released here in Australia.

Last week at work one of my colleagues was playing the album that the next track is from. It's easy these days with overblown multimedia concert presentations to forget how good a live band U2 were (they probably still are). The album Live Under A Blood Red Sky has always been one I've enjoyed. If you do search out a hard copy then spend the time getting an original pressing rather than the re-released one...they are different. It's only one track but it made a difference to me as I certainly noticed the omission of Bono singing an excerpt from Send In The Clowns. Regardless, it's a great live album.

U2 - Gloria (live Red Rocks, 1983) - https://youtu.be/yohnJNx8M3g

DJ DJ and I headed to The Manning Bar at the University of Sydney a couple of weeks ago so see Geoff Tate and his band play. This was the 30th Anniversary show as a tribute to the album, Operation: Mindcrime, that Geoff recorded as a member of the American progressive metal band, Queensryche. Firstly, Sydney was rather warm and brutally humid. After a rather mind expanding visit to the Museum of Contemporary Art in the afternoon we walked about 5 minutes from our accomodation to the gig. There were two support bands, Temptris and Darker Half. I always try and turn up for the support bands as I have some insight into what a difficult job it can be, Temptris played first and their brand of melodic heavy metal was well suited to supporting Tate. Vocalist, Genevieve has a very powerful voice with a great range. It was clear that she's spent plenty of time working on it as it didn't waiver through the whole set. I really enjoyed this band and would definitely go and see them again. They had plenty of guitar histrionics, a solid rhythm section and decent songs. Temptris also had great crowd support. More about the crowd later. Darker Half were interesting; a bit of a cross between Dio and Dragonforce. They were let down by a very slow changeover between bands. Temptris had warmed everyone up well but that energy could only last so long. When Darker Half did get started they were obviously well rehearsed and had a vocalist who improved greatly as the gig went on. When he hit his straps later in the set it was great. So often I hear metal bands who all play well but the vocals are the weak link. This was not the case with either support band. Look, the truth is I really wanted to like Darker Half but there was something just not clicking for me. They sounded great and on CD I think I'd be pretty happy, but visually they were a bit all over the place. They just didn't look like they were a band. It's hard to put my finger on but some of them looked like they should have been playing in any metal band whilst a couple were dressed for the pub. It's a small thing but it just niggled.

Temptris - Run - https://youtu.be/lCMymgNtFi8

Darker Half - Aliens Exist - https://youtu.be/IiBkGenXiXs

Geoff Tate had a band of young guys none of who would've been born when Operation: Mindcrime was released. Nevertheless, they were really, really, really good. The guitars and bass sounded and felt great and the drummer was all hair and arms moving at a million miles per hour. Importantly for this show, the backing vocals were also of high quality. Geoff Tate's voice is pretty good considering his age. He couldn't hit all the high notes but for the most part it didn't matter. What he did show though, was a genuine joy at being there, interacting with the crowd, and rocking out. It was great to see him work so hard and get so much love back from the crowd. Now; the crowd. Metal crowds are predominantly made up of men wearing black t-shirts who like very loud and often aggressive music. Let me say this however, if you're in the crowd, regardless of your sex, colour, size or anything else; you're part of the event. This gig reminded me how very cool metalheads are to one another. I had an in-depth conversation with the guy standing next to me (who I had never met) all about music and the support bands since he knew a lot about them. It was cool. All in all it was a great gig and I was pretty lucky to get to spend some time with one of my oldest friends into the bargain.

Queensryche - Revolution Calling - https://youtu.be/CNdOsL4Xe7Q

Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit have a new single now available. The album that it comes from will hit the shelves and streaming services on May 15 which seems a very long time to wait. I've been listening to Jason's music quite a lot lately. He has the great talent of making each song sound as if he's singing about himself.

Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit - Be Afraid - https://youtu.be/HPek7jto9l0

John Moreland has a voice that makes me want to keep listening. Add to that his guitar work and songwriting prowess and I'm shocked that he isn't a bigger name. NPR describes John's style as "singer-songwriter-confessional". That seems about right. Thanks to Karen for alerting me to his new record. It's on the playlist right now.

John Moreland - East October - https://youtu.be/CJ5_2YrFZWk

In what's big news for me, I'm getting back into swimming. After swimming a LOT as a kid and then even more for years as a triathlete I gave it away around 7 years ago. The time is right though and tomorrow I'm sure my cyclist's chicken arms will wonder what I'm trying to do to them! I imagine that I won't be starting with a 4000m session.

KISS - Shock Me (live 1977) - https://youtu.be/Ldj8pzd0RAs

I was reminded, watching last week's gig by K4L, how much I like Bruce Springsteen's 2007 album, Magic. As a result I went on a bit of a YouTube expedition looking for live versions of some tracks from it. As chance would have it, I stumbled across this next version which is a cover. However, it's a ripper right down to the singer getting the accent right which I assume is no mean feat if English isn't your first language. Anyway, this is a cool song and I hope you'll indulge me given that it isn't actually Bruce.

Cover Me - Girls In Their Summer Clothes (live 2018) - https://youtu.be/gjckGtLkJmw

Last week I played some guitar with my friend Ken who sings really, really well. He puts my guitar work to shame. Anyway, it might develop into a gig sometime soon; fingers crossed. I'm busy getting calluses back on my fingertips and trying to remember how to play a whole heap of songs whilst learning some new ones. This might get a run. Some of you may know the Johnny Cash version but this is the original.

Tom Paxton - Can't Help But Wonder Where I'm Bound - https://youtu.be/e2OnQ0ANO5Q

Well there you go. 500 episodes done and dusted. I think I'll keep going for a while longer. Originally the emails only had one song in them. Let's finish this time with the first song I shared with what was an unsuspecting audience.

Billy Bragg - Walk Away Renee (version) - https://youtu.be/WQFubJdJGbc

Rock on brothers and sisters, and thank you.

Rob

"Just let me hide my weary heart in you
My old friend the blues." , My Old Friend The Blues,Steve Earle, 1986.

World Wide Woozle episode #499

Welcome back listeners. This episode is coming to you on what is the Australia Day public holiday so the content will all be music from this great southern land.

There are times to take yourself seriously and then there are times when you really need a laugh. Queensland punk band, The Chats, are hilarious. The haircuts, the lyrics, the low budget clips and their sense of humour all combine for uncomplicated music that you can mosh to and laugh at. If you're old like me and you remember bands like Frenzal Rhomb then this is for you. There's toilet humour in this one so don't bother if you're easily offended.

The Chats - The Clap - https://youtu.be/POM_98oi0oo

Cold Chisel are a fantastic and iconic Australian band. And while the power of Jimmy's voice and the soaring lines of Ian's guitar are fantastic, the using hero is keyboard player and songwriter, Don Walker. Don is the guy who wrote Flame Trees, Khe Sanh, Goodbye (Astrid Goodbye), Saturday Night and Cheap Wine (among others). He's also an accomplished solo artist. I was lucky enough, along with my mate DJ Plooky, to see Don play in Canberra in this next band. 

Tex, Don and Charlie - A Man In Conflict With Nature - https://youtu.be/2fIXxvhYP8A

The Preatures remain one of my favourite Australian acts. They have a great live show and a range of catchy tunes. This one's a slower tune but I really like the electric piano sound combined with Izzy's voice. When I saw them live she played this song solo which was good as we all needed a moment to catch our breath!

The Preatures - Your Fan - https://youtu.be/2fIXxvhYP8A

Year ago someone gave me some music from Byron Bay band, Parkway Drive. At the time i wasn't really into it. Maybe I thought it was a bit shouty and lacking in melody. Fast forward to now and I just heard a live version of the next tune which is great. I'm enthused now to go back and revisit their back catalogue. This doesn't sound unlike Volbeat so if you happen to like them, or just metal with a bit of melody mixed up in the aggression then give this a spin.

Parkway Drive - Void - https://youtu.be/cAY2bCmm8e0

VIka and Linda Bull are world class singers. They've been part of The Black Sorrows in the past as well as appearing on solo recordings and as backing singers for a number of very well known acts. This is from their 1994 album and the song was written by Mark Seymour...we'll get to him in a minute...

Vika and Linda Bull - When Will You Fall For Me? - https://youtu.be/MOgxx7WAGog

Mark Seymour was in a rather well known band called Hunters and Collectors. How can I describe the band? Rhythmic, industrial tinged, Australian pub rock? That'd be underselling them. I remember reading a book about the group and finding out that they took every decision on a consensus basis. No wonder there was internal turmoil! Regardless, there are quite a few Hunters songs that have what I would call an Australian sound. Hard to put your finger on maybe but it's dust, sticky pub carpet and good times all rolled up together.

Hunters and Collectors - Say Goodbye - https://youtu.be/8pp6hniAKHw

I clearly remember hearing silverchair for the first time. They'd just won a demo competition run by radio Triple J and success was theirs almost immediately. I was lucky enough to see them live very early on in their career at a gig in Adelaide. As you all know, silverchair went on to make it big all over the world. 

silverchair - Israel's Son - https://youtu.be/k2d6iwOSAfQ

Rock music doesn't need to be complicated. Since the blues had a baby called rock and roll simple yet catchy songs have made us smile, dance and tap our toes. The Cockroaches had the winning formula down pat in the 80s. 

The Cockroaches - She's The One - https://youtu.be/XoYgINT2Bac

Of course, my favourite Australian band is also my favourite band full stop. Rumours still abound about a new album and a tour but until I hear it from the horse's mouth I won't believe it. Rock and roll royalty folks....

AC/DC - Let There Be Rock - https://youtu.be/3f2g4RMfhS0

The last song this week came in at #9 on the Triple J Hottest 100 broadcast on 25 January. I chose it for a number of reasons. Firstly, I'd heard a lot of my younger work colleagues singing it. Secondly its the highest ranking song in the Hottest 100 that I actually like. And lastly, the lyrics man...the lyrics.

Thelma Plum - Better in Blak - https://youtu.be/ExMjEwymQ3A

There you go folks, a far from definitive Australian collection but hopefully an eclectic enough mix to keep you interested. What passes for normal programming will resume next time around when I will report back from seeing Geoff Tate play in Sydney. 

Right - I'm out of here - the bike won't ride itself...

Rock on

Rob