World Wide Woozle episode #507

Depending on your point of view, it may be good or bad news to hear that I have worked out how to use some drumming software. Granted, I can't do anything particularly complex but a decent sounding rock and roll beat is a lot of fun to play along with. Also, it's cheaper and more socially acceptable that a real drummer. I'm currently re-working a song that I was trying to record and my next challenge is to either record a bass line using a keyboard or to get my hands on a bass guitar. 

Twisted Sister - It's Only Rock 'n' Roll (But I Like It) (live 1982) - https://youtu.be/usvnTbsyeR4

Prince was an artist who played quite an eclectic range of music. He was equally at home with rock, blues, soul and funk. I read once that he mixed the live sound whilst performing on stage, but I'll have to go back and see how true that is. It wouldn't surprise me though. Here's Prince live in 1999 doing a song that he wrote but didn't make famous. Sinead did that for him with this one.

Prince - Nothing Compares 2 U (live 1999) - https://youtu.be/1NarDEEhOsM

The Rolling Stones have a new track available. As I've written before, I think the Stones write great singles but their albums just don't flow for me. This song is reminiscent of ska groups like The Specials and The Ruts while still including the rhythm and blues stylings that the Stones made their own. A ripper of a track.

The Rolling Stones - Living In A Ghost Town - https://youtu.be/LNNPNweSbp8

I wrote last time about listing 10 albums that have influenced my musical taste. I'll reveal the last one later today because, as Bing says, I need to give other people a chance on Facebook ha ha! Here are some tracks from the other albums. Remember, these aren't in any particular order. And they're not necessarily my favourite albums, just those that made a real impact on me. If you want a little commentary about why I chose these it's all there on Facebook.

Arlo Guthrie - Alice's Restaurant (1967) - https://youtu.be/m57gzA2JCcM (from the soundtrack album to the film of the same name)

V SPY V SPY - Soldiers (1988) - https://youtu.be/7Lg5Ja2qF6U (from the album Xenophobia (Why?))

Rollins Band - Disconnect (1994) - https://youtu.be/8KANoVk5CgQ (from the album Weight)

Billy Bragg - The Busy Girl Buys Beauty (1983) - https://youtu.be/tU6QUb1H8qM (from the 1987 collection Back To Basics)

Iron Maiden - Hallowed Be Thy Name (live 1985) - https://youtu.be/_BFXCgm5270 (from the album Live After Death)

AC/DC - High Voltage (1975) - https://youtu.be/Nnjh-zp6pP4 (from the album TNT)

Can we talk about tinfoil helmet wearing folks for a minute? I'm just a little bit over keyboard commandos who spend their lives on Facebook and Twitter complaining about the government's Covid-19 app. Seriously, if you're really worried about your privacy then delete your email accounts, get off all social media, never shop online and don't even read the news online. Amazon, Google, Facebook etc. all have far more data about you already than the government will get from the Covid-19 app. Sheesh!

Garbage - I Think I'm Paranoid - https://youtu.be/ypr18UmxOas

You may or may not like the proliferation of music videos being produced in isolation. I like them and for many musicians I understand the need for a creative outlet in tough times. This next one is rather special though. I'm not sure I've played a hymn here on the World Wide Woozle before but why not. This one came via my Mum in New Zealand on ANZAC Day. It's very, very moving. It's the hymn that's sung at the Dawn Service.

NZ Virtual Brass Band & Choir - Abide With Me - https://youtu.be/szjYUaF3nro

During the week I wrote a little piece about a gig we did back in 2015. It was when we played Jason Isbell's Southeastern album in its entirety. I won't steal my own thunder, but writing this did cause me to revisit the album. To be honest, it gets a fairly regular outing and is one of my all time favourites but I was forced to try and put some of the reasons why it was so great down on paper (well, it was an email but you know what I mean). I think the thing about Isbell is that he is a great storyteller. The songs don't have to be about him but you think that they are and that's a real talent. Can I encourage everyone out there to have a listen to these tracks and to pay attention to the lyrics?

Jason Isbell - Yvette - https://youtu.be/cDO9FhLFcaE

Jason Isbell - Cover Me Up - https://youtu.be/NaUCDqWzy1k

Jason Isbell - Super 8 (live) - https://youtu.be/7IUK0Ly6o1s

Going through hard times is made even tougher with the pandemic. I've had a few conversations with friends lately who just sound so tired. The thing at the moment is to keep talking, keep messaging, keep sharing silly videos and memes (within reason). With that in mind, I'll finish with a few songs that I use if I'm ever feeling a bit blue. Maybe they'll help you out too....

Roxette - Fireworks - https://youtu.be/EvpYdXjE0Rc (this just missed out on my top 10 influential albums)

Yothu Yindi - Tribal Voice - https://youtu.be/bBYHWKPLEnE (I was lucky enough to see these guys live twice)

Midnight Oil - Hercules - https://youtu.be/hih--64WkK0 (my air guitar song...and real guitar too as I love playing this track)

Stryper - Always There For You - https://youtu.be/0kiTy_rBtSk (sing along....it's a great track)

Lars Frederiksen & The Bastards - To Have And To Have Not - https://youtu.be/4qeAnOX-UCk (punk covering punk)

That's it folks. The temperature is above zero, the wind is howling and therefore it's time to get on my bike.

Rock on,

Rob

"Break-in, stake out, tell it in code
Everything is legal, anything goes
The nights get darker and the ill wind blows
Your life's in a databank at ASIO", A.S.I.O., Redgum, 1984

World Wide Woozle episode #506

The World Wide Woozle is coming to you this morning from a cold and foggy national capital. I'd planned to be out cycling by now but, as it's the weekend, I'm waiting for the sun to appear!

It's ANZAC Day, a day when we pause to remember servicemen and women and their families. Kudos to the ABC and the Australian War Memorial for broadcasting a modified Dawn Service this morning. For many people, being stuck in whatever version of lockdown they have, this day will be very challenging. For a lot of veterans, current serving personnel and of course their families, ANZAC Day is a chance to get together and reflect, it has nothing to do with patriotic chest beating or glorification of war. So, if you know someone who has a connection with the military then reach out to them this weekend. Even a cheeky text or instant message can make a difference. 

Noiseworks - Touch - https://youtu.be/tJ1ArRhwWV0

Five years ago now, my good mate Scot put together the music video for this next song. Commissioned by the Australian War Memorial it's a reflection on the military service of Indigenous Australians. Just watch it. Great song and a moving film clip.

John Schumann and the Vagabond Crew - On Every ANZAC Day - https://youtu.be/bXLL42oCFPI

I made a bit of a mistake on Facebook this week. DJ Bing asked me to share ten album covers that had influenced my taste in music. I missed the point though. What he was talking about was the actual album cover, not necessarily the music. Anyway, I'll carry on with listing ten albums that have shaped what I listen to and play. Later on I'll get to the album artwork itself. Safe to say that the second Baby Animals album won't be there; an extremely average effort! Here are tracks from the first three albums I've listed...

Jungle Book Soundtrack - I Wanna Be Like You (King Louie) - https://youtu.be/9JDzlhW3XTM

ABBA - Does Your Mother Know That You're Out (from Greatest Hits vol. 2 album) - https://youtu.be/WkL7Fkigfn8

Steve Earle - Good Ol' Boy (Gettin' Tough) (from the Guitar Town album) - https://youtu.be/7uyZAj-J4MQ

In very annoying news, the acoustic guitar I use for recording has developed a really bad fret buzz. It needs to go to my favourite guitar tech for some love and a truss rod adjustment. That's not happening any time soon I expect. Luckily there are a couple of other options here, ha ha! And if I can ever get drum software to sound anything like real drums rather than a video game, a metronomic robot or a hip hop track then I'll have a new song for you all before too long.

John Hiatt - Perfectly Good Guitar - https://youtu.be/pzeoLe6nSrU

Jeff Beck has been a guitarist's favourite for years. His latest release is a cover of Lennon's "Isolation" with Johnny Depp on vocals. Yeah, I didn't expect it to work either but I was wrong. The guitar sounds amazing and Depp's vocals are rich and full. 

Beck and Depp - Isolation -  https://youtu.be/Ma-149FnSN4

You might remember me telling you that Australian band DZ Deathrays had hung out at Angus' place after their gig in Vancouver. That was pretty cool. Now they've released a version of the Choirboys classic, Run To Paradise. The original was, I think, the biggest selling Australian single of the 80s. The fellas from DZ Deathrays have put their own sound to the song but have retained the guitar solo. Rock on!

DZ Deathrays - Run To Paradise - https://youtu.be/k9lwZ-jN4O0

Glaswegian singer/songwriter Gerry Cinnamon has just released a new album called The Bonny. With little or no press, Gerry has become quite the sensation. He rarely gives interviews or does media preferring his music to standalone. Selling out a 50,000 seat venue is testament to his talent and persistence. 

Gerry Cinnamon - Canter - https://youtu.be/QKzM0DBxNoo

Staying in the UK for a minute; during the week I watched a really boring documentary about the band Dexy's Midnight Runners. Given the fact that the group had a bit of a revolving door in terms of band members and a whole swag of good songs you'd think their story would be interesting. And it probably is, just not in this particular video! Their albums are a lot of fun packed full of soul, funk and rock influences.

Dexy's Midnight Runners - Geno - https://youtu.be/Z5KgMUgvtig

Rowland S. Howard was the original guitarist in The Birthday Party leaving the group as they morphed into The Bad Seeds. I'm not a fan of The Birthday Party; it's just not for me. I don't quite connect with the chaotic abrasiveness. This week I read an article about Rowland though (in The Guardian) and it prompted me to check out his solo work. It's not at all what I expected and I really enjoyed it. In fact I'd go so far as to say it moved me. There's a lot more for me to listen to as a result of this spark. You see, reading is good for you!

Rowland S. Howard - Exit Everything - https://youtu.be/NgxMdvFuavs

Lastly, comrades, I joined a union this week. Unions aren't perfect, in fact some of them are terrible but the fact remains that they serve an important part in employment relations. When I was a teacher, union membership was something I regarded as essential. The support that the union could provide if things went pear-shaped, especially in legal terms, was invaluable. And in these times of uncertainty I decided that the time was right for me to re-engage. I know that some of you are quite anti-union and that's ok. 

Paul Robeson - Joe Hill (live in Scotland) - https://youtu.be/B0bezsMVU7c

Billy Bragg - There Is Power In A Union (live Peel Session, 1983) - https://youtu.be/meFRyBeod1g

Rock on,

Rob

"Have fun, stay clear of the needle, call home on your sister's birthday...", Outfit, Jason Isbell, 2003

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