World Wide Woozle episode #522

G'day Groovers.

Last time I was a bit underwhelmed by the new Midnight Oil song. After another week the song is still stuck in my head and it has well and truly grown on me. Of course not everything that you like is instant as we know. There are plenty of slow burns out there but often you have to be willing to let a song, book or film ferment for a while. I still stand by my comments about the muffled guitars noting that it may of course be a consequence of the song being compressed for streaming services. 

This week I took delivery of a couple of AC/DC CDs that landed in my post box. I can hear you groaning from here...hasn't he got every album and then some more? Well the truth is that I have all of the Bon Scott era albums on vinyl and the first five Brian Johnson albums on LP as well. After that I moved onto CDs. So, other than Powerage (1978), I didn't have any of the early albums on CD. So, I now have the Australian version of Let There Be Rock (1977) and the Australian only release, TNT (1975) on disc. Woo hoo! They sound pretty good and you really can't go wrong with AC/DC in my opinion. For those interested, Let There Be Rock, has a different track listing to the international version. And the best tracks from TNT and their first album, High Voltage (1975), would be released internationally and confusingly also called High Voltage (but with a different cover).

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

A few years ago I bought the album Decoration Day which is by the American band, Drive-by Truckers. I initially made the purchase because it was one of the albums that was made when Jason Isbell was in the band. I've played it a lot this week for no particular reason other than I was looking for something else and spotted it on one of the CD shelves. The Drive-by Truckers play bluesy rock and roll for the main part. There are some excellent almost folky moments as well and when you get used to the gravelly, hoarse voices it's a great listen. The band cover quite a wide range of sounds from Crazy Horse style jams through to almost sounding like the Grateful Dead. They've got plenty of albums to choose from but this one would be a good place to start. I'm going to choose two songs because it's my blog and I'm greedy. The first is a great combination of a folky melody and despondent country style lyrics. The second is the one that really reminds me of the Grateful Dead. The title track, Decoration Day as well as Outfit are the two Isbell songs on the record and he still plays them regularly at live shows. 

Drive-by Truckers - The Deeper In - https://youtu.be/z3uLjmah_aM

Drive-by Truckers - Marry Me - https://youtu.be/T3a5XWZks_w

Runrig are a Scottish band who were around from 1973 until 2018. They're huge in their homeland and have a cult following elsewhere. Over 50,000 fans went to their farewell concert in Stirling and there's a live DVD available. Their music is a mix of folk and rock and they sing some songs in Gaelic as well. I must dig out the albums that I have...they're here somewhere!

Runrig - Pride of the Summer (live 2018) - https://youtu.be/L_Kw727GOnA

Since I'm in a bit of a folky mood this time around it's time for a track from The Pogues. I listened to my favourite Pogues album, Rum, Sodomy & The Lash, today in the car. I had an expedition out to Queanbeyan (took my passport just in case) and I got through the whole album by the time I'd been there and back. I went out there to attend a coffee catch that the Veterans Motorcycle Club was having for Veterans, families and supporters. It turned out to be a lot of fun just hanging out talking. There's also the chance that I might be asked to play some guitar in a band as a result....that could be fun. My electric guitars haven't been plugged in and turned up for a long, long time. But, back to The Pogues...I've chosen this clip because it includes the lyrics. And for those interested, there's a commentary about what the song is about here. Oh, and the album was produced by Elvis Costello.

The Pogues - The Sick Bed of Cuchulainn- https://youtu.be/VefIC662SAE

After reading an article in the Guardian I had a listen to Emma Swift's new album, Blonde On The Tracks. Emma is an Australian singer-songwriter but this album is all Bob Dylan tunes. If you believe what Swift told The Guardian, she recorded these songs partly as the result of writer's block. They sound great and are another window into Dylan. Let's hope that Emma has another original album very soon.

Emma Swift - Queen Jane Approximately - https://youtu.be/2R94s8vxi9A

That's it for this week folks. Happy Birthday to Alison, Dave, Sally and Vera!

Rob

"E rere ra e taku poi poro-titi

Ti-taha-taha ra whaka-raru-raru e
Poro-taka taka ra poro hurihuri mai
Rite tonu ki te ti-wai-waka e....", Poi E, Patea Maori Club, 1983.

World Wide Woozle episode #521

Hello enormous listening world, welcome back. Take a seat, turn up the volume and get ready for more music.

Midnight Oil have released a new song. Thank you to the many readers who made sure I was aware of this! I've had quite a few listens to it now and I'm a bit in two minds. On one hand I can see how it might translate well into a live show, but as a studio recording it feels a bit flat for some reason. Sacrilege? Maybe. Burn me at the stake at your leisure. The drums are almost devoid of any variation and the guitars are a bit muffled and buried in the mix. Garrett's vocals sound really good though. No instances of him struggling to reach the notes. The lyrics have a lot to say and the Oils are one of the few bands that can sincerely sing from the point of view of Indigenous Australians. The track picks up some energy as it progresses but overall it lacks a little of the spark that I associate with Midnight Oil.

Midnight Oil - Gadigal Land - https://youtu.be/F50PFu_xNJQ

DJ K-Dub sends me a lot of fantastic recommendations. So much so that I have a list to work though! I'll get to one of hers in a minute but a conversation earlier in the week reminded me of the band, Vintage Trouble. Their first album was almost perfect but the follow up...meh...it was kind of meandering and went nowhere for me. Live footage, however, confirms that Vintage Trouble are a tour de force when they are on stage. To that end, here's the band ripping through an old Ike and Tina Turner number. Their influences are clear!

Vintage Trouble - Baby Get It On (live) - https://youtu.be/eipXthVqu_4

The Main Squeeze are from Bloomington, Indiana in the USA. I was first attracted to their work when someone recommended that I listen to their guitarist. It's true; he's phenomenal! The rest of the band are no slouches either and I really enjoy their take on classic songs as well as their originals. This is their latest cover...wow!

The Main Squeeze - Layla - https://youtu.be/365wR-wilqA

OK, back to one of the tracks that DJ K-Dub sent me. I know nothing about this performer except that his song deserves much more than a few hundred views. Great voice, tasteful guitar and lyrics that matter. If you delve into his back catalogue there's a wide variety of styles and some wonderful harmony vocals. I'll keep Luke Jackson on my playlist for a while I reckon.

Luke Jackson - I'm Not Okay With This - https://youtu.be/Rz4eZxyKi8U

I've been a Stryper fan since about 1987. For me, they were successful because their sound, whilst obviously influenced by bands like Van Halen and Iron Maiden, is very distinctive. No-one has the Stryper guitar sound and then there's Michael Sweet's vocal range and power. Combine all that with harmonies and their lyrical message and Stryper remain one of a kind. They've got a new album due soon and a couple of tracks have already been released. I missed seeing them on their last Australian tour but I won't let that happen if they come again.

Stryper - Make Love Great Again - https://youtu.be/iSw7kb_qKDI

Maya Hawke starred as Robin on the Netflix series, Stranger Things. Seriously, she should have been Robyn with a "y" but let's not go there....grrrrrr. Maya has an album coming out and a single available now. Her voice sounds innocent and like a light breeze. The instrumentation is laid back and it's almost like Gillian Welch in places. This could be one to watch.

Maya Hawke - Stay Open - https://youtu.be/y1ohQK6LVZg

Taylor Swift's new record, Folklore, has been available for a few weeks now. It was a bit unexpected; she'd been busy during lockdown without letting on. This time around Taylor is more indie-folk than she is country or pop but it still works for her. For me, this is an album that warrants being played right through rather than skipping through tracks. Here's a more stripped back version of one track that I enjoyed.

Taylor Swift - cardigan - https://youtu.be/i50QUXDeC80

Another new release is from our Kylie. Whilst the initial rhythm bit sounds VERY much like its from Queen's I Want To Break Free, this is Kylie at her 80s disco best. The vocals are a bit nasal in places and I wonder if that's her voice or the effects used (or both). Regardless, this is a solid dance track. The official video comes out soon but the audio is legally available so check it out.

Kylie - Say Something - https://youtu.be/pRzwD2LLXSI

My paternal Grandfather was in the Royal Air Force in WWII. Even when I was in the Army he never spoke of his war service and as a family, we know very little about what he did. I'd also never seen a photo of him in uniform, until this week. For some social media projects at work the comms people were asking for photos of relatives serving during WWII. So I asked my Dad and it turns out he had one photo of Grandpa. Then I asked my cousin, who still lives in Scotland, and he scanned and sent me two more. What a revelation! These photos are also the first time I've seen my Grandpa with any hair at all. I'm fortunate to have his ID tags and the forms the RAF used when his service finished at the end of the war. A few years ago we managed to be issued his medals from the British MOD as he'd never received them to our knowledge. We can all be a bit blase about photos these days with hundreds on a phone in our pockets. Having these three photos, which I will frame and hang in my house, means the world to me. 

RAF Central Band - RAF March Past - https://youtu.be/5QaxpOQAWOY

Have a great weekend everyone,

Rob

"Oh Flower Of Scotland,

When will we see, your like again?
That fought and died for
Yer wee bit hill and glen.
And stood against him,
Proud Edward's army.
And sent him homeward
Tae think again." The Corries, Flower of Scotland, 1969.

World Wide Woozle episode #520

Hello out there all you radio fans.

Last week there was the chance that I'd be snorkeling around my unit as the result of a water leak. Thankfully I haven't had to use my fins and snorkel just yet. A trip to the hardware store and some fun with silicon sealant and a caulking gun means that the water is contained. My handiwork isn't pretty but I'm all about function over form in this situation.

There's a theme running through all of the songs in this episode. See if you can work it out. If not, just enjoy the tunes!

Ringo Starr was 80 a couple of weeks ago. You may remember him from the TV show, Thomas The Tank Engine. There are quite a few songs recorded as a tribute to Ringo on this occasion that are now available on YouTube. Sheryl Crow does a great version of All You Need Is Love which you should check out as not only does it sound great but it highlights her skills as a musician. There's a bit at the start of the next song where Ringo comes in and it's my favourite bit of his drumming. I don't know quite why but it just feels great. 

The Beatles - Strawberry Fields Forever - https://youtu.be/HtUH9z_Oey8

Deborah Conway's debut solo album, String of Pearls, from 1991 is one I come back to on a regular basis. Deb's voice, combined with a very strong collection of songs and a cracking band makes this a ripper of a long player. This track, which I was fortunate enough to play live just once, sounds simple but has a depth and complexity which envelops me in a good way every time I listen to it. This is the acoustic version with only guitar, vocals and accordion. Beautiful.

Deborah Conway - Release Me - https://youtu.be/j5n5fiAzCvs

Biffy Clyro are from Kilmarnock in Scotland. The Proclaimers have a song called The Joyful Kilmarnock Blues but other than being a bit of trivia for you, that has nothing to do with anything!  Lots of reviewers categorise Biffy Clyro as being alt-rock and that sounds fair. They have a habit of writing songs with an almost anthemic sound which has made them very popular in the UK for a number of years. The song I've chosen for you highlights all of that as well as showcasing one of the two types of guitars that I wish I had in my arsenal. A Telecaster. I did have one years ago but you know the story....foolishly sold it to buy something else.

Biffy Clyro - Mountains - https://youtu.be/NfzwM4pdyxU

Mainstream pop radio isn't something that I'd ordinarily pay a lot of attention to. Whilst doing a spot of channel surfing in the car the other day the next song came on and I listened to it right through. It's not a new song by any means but it sounded so fresh and exciting. Later on I checked the video clip and remembered how much fun it was. I've never listened to anything else by this band, maybe I should. This is a groovy tune with a great clip.

OutKast - Hey Ya! - https://youtu.be/PWgvGjAhvIw

I had a listen to the first two Jane's Addiction studio albums during the week (they released a live record first). The first one, Nothing's Shocking (1988), resonated with me much more than the more popular, Ritual de lo Habitual (1990). Both are highly regarded alternative rock albums that influenced many bands and continue to do so. That spot of listening took me down the garden path to the band Soundgarden. They're a band who took grunge, rock and metal and made a sound all of their own. I clearly remember the first time I heard the next song and thinking how cool the guitar riff was. It still is. The album it's from is a complete listening experience and Chris Cornell had one of the best voices in rock music.

Soundgarden - Spoonman - https://youtu.be/T0_zzCLLRvE

Soundgarden probably liked Led Zeppelin. I run very much hot and cold with Led Zep; it really depends on my mood. At times their music can feel like overblown, pompous stadium rock and then at others it speaks to me at an almost spiritual level. Their quieter, folky moments are my favourite but the majesty and power of this track rarely disappoints.

Led Zeppelin - Kashmir (live) - https://youtu.be/PD-MdiUm1_Y

Devo is a band I need to spend more time with. Like many of you former late night music video show watchers I've seen and heard Whip It just one too many times. I have a couple of friends who regularly post/write about how good Devo are after this little bit of video, I predict much more of their music in my life. Are we not men?

Devo - Jocko Homo (live) - https://youtu.be/iIVITn7gbXo

There you go. Lots of what I think is cool music. I hope you do too. Did you work out what links all of those songs?

Rock on.

Rob

"Seven faced marble eyed transitory dream doll,
Six proud walkers on the jingle bell rainbow,
Five men writing with fingers of gold,
Four men tracking down the great white sperm whale,
Three girls waiting in a foreign dominion
Riding in the whale belly, fade away in moonlight,

Sink beneath the waters to the coral sands below.",  The Eleven, Grateful Dead, 1968.

World Wide Woozle episode #519

Hello enormous listening world,

I really hope that those of you reading this via the website can see it. Blogger, which is owned by Google, has been up and down all day and I really hope that it doesn't disappear into the ether.

As I write this I am waiting for the plumber to arrive. There's water gently seeping up between the floorboards at my front door. Who knows what this means but I imagine it's not a good thing. I haven't quite felt the need to build an ark yet but my swimsuit and goggles have been located.

The Muppets - In The Navy - https://youtu.be/MTwq1_9VH68

And before Weird Al made fun of everything, there was this....

The second part of AC/DC's history of Back In Black has been released on YouTube. This is worth a look if nothing but for Malcolm's description of how they decided to have a bell at the start of the album. Gold! Watch here at about the 2 minute mark. I'm still laughing and I've watched it about five times.

AC/DC - Hells Bells - https://youtu.be/etAIpkdhU9Q

I've listened to a bit of Nik Kershaw this past week. His album, The Riddle, from 1984, has a slew of great tracks and I guess a lot of it made up the soundtrack of my teens. Nik combines pop melodies with loud guitars and lyrics that range from dark to amusing. The whole album is worth a spin if you've got some time. I did find some cover versions of his tracks but to be honest, they didn't do much other than play the songs as Nik would have.

Nik Kershaw - Wouldn't It Be Good (live 2019) - https://youtu.be/A3ybtb2JEkA

Nik Kershaw - Wide Boy - https://youtu.be/dLcabC_osCo?t=137

From my list of Australian bands that should've been much more successful worldwide come the Hoodoo Gurus. Whilst their influences seem rather obvious, they manage to play songs that sound unique to them and quite Australian as well. I've been in bands where we've played, and thoroughly, enjoyed The Right Time and Miss Freelove but I've never quite managed to convince anyone to cover this next track. It's a bit rockabilly meets surf meets b-grade horror and, well, it's just great fun.

Hoodoo Gurus - Dig It Up (live 2012) - https://youtu.be/DBfHOoHAyO0

Last week I played a track by the band A Formal Horse. During the week I've had a good listen to their album and EP and it's been great. Their music is noisy, eclectic, rocky and proggy as well. That might sound chaotic but it's not. I found it surprisingly accessible despite the time signatures that hurt my brain. I was once told that I didn't need to count the beats, just feel them...but 15/8 time???

A Formal Horse - Made In Chelsea (Apocalypse in 15/8) - https://youtu.be/9NKFlLisISI

Bob Mould (Husker Du, Sugar) has a very successful solo career and another album coming in late September. I was fortunate enough to see him play live a few years ago in Sydney. H and DJManofHats witnessed a three piece band make an amazing amount of noise. Bob plays loud and fuzzy but the hooks, choruses and melodies are the key to his songwriting. I'll play one of his older tracks here and when I've heard some new ones I'll come back with a recommendation.

Bob Mould - Star Machine - https://youtu.be/fgHmTcYqWts

James Reyne hasn't released a studio album for eight years until a week or so ago. The Australian Crawl frontman and solo artist has a new record called Toontown Lullaby. If you like James' previous work then I doubt you'll be disappointed. Unlike many of his contemporaries, James' voice is still very strong and the songs are catchy and memorable. I've put the album on my playlist to spend more time with. Even after just a couple of spins I'm hooked with this one. Oh, and the cover of the CD reminds me of an early 80s surfing advertisement; all that's missing is the Quicksilver logo!

James Reyne - Trying To Write A Love Song - https://youtu.be/legWfCED61M

I have a new colleague who likes Slayer. He likes them a lot. I think he's listened to them every day this week in the car coming into the office. And after all that he's such a chilled dude. Slayer are not chilled, they are the opposite; angry, frenetic, aggressive and loud. If something has gone wrong then Slayer is one of my goto bands to help me feel better. If the plumber doesn't call soon then I'll be playing a lot more Slayer.

Slayer - Expendable Youth (live 1991) - https://youtu.be/C10ApktuaCI

And I'll finish this week with some fingerstyle guitar. I watch far too much random stuff on YouTube but sometimes it pays off. Recently I began watching some videos from the next artist and they are very. very good. Not only can Justin play very well, he obviously enjoys himself and makes it look oh so easy!

Justin Johnson - Joelene - https://youtu.be/EHb6rNsm-AA

Justin Johnson - Amazing Grace - https://youtu.be/cZ-M3dvw20Q

Still no plumber. Off to look for my flippers and snorkel.

Rock on,

Rob

"...he believes in God and Elvis...", Working Class Man, Jimmy Barnes, 1985.

World Wide Woozle episode # 518

Hello enormous listening world,

There's a lot of music this time as I've been busily writing stuff down in my notebook all week. Onwards!

DJ Macca reminded me to listen to Joe Henry. Joe recently recorded an album with Billy Bragg but he's very much his own man. I heard this version of the classic, You Are My Sunshine, and I'm undecided about it. See what you think but to my current way of thinking it doesn't quite work.

Joe Henry - You Are My Sunshine - https://youtu.be/CzMgj2HPxd4

Lime Cordiale are an Australian band with a new album now out. I've had a couple of listens right through and it's great. An eclectic mix of pop, funk, reggae and electronica. I was turned onto the band after seeing live footage from them and I certainly plan to keep listening.

Lime Cordiale - Money (live in the studio) - https://youtu.be/hSho0gV-uDU

SBS TV showed a documentary about the life of Kenny Rogers last night. It's funny how much the young Rogers looks like film star Chris Hemsworth; maybe it's the beard. The doco was very interesting and I was particularly interested in Kenny's early years and how he got to be such a huge star. How many of you knew that Johnny Cash recorded The Gambler before Kenny? Not me. Here's Kenny's first major hit as a solo artist. I remember this well as it's the first song I ever learned that had a barre chord in it!

Kenny Rogers - Lucille - https://youtu.be/Wvr5Z0NsDm8

I also took a look at the Queen & Adam Lambert biopic available on Netflix. It's a good look at the band as a whole and at Adam as a performer. I like Roger Taylor's sentiments when he says something like, if you want to moan about Adam not being Freddie then just don't ****** come to the show. Also very evident was how in awe Lambert is of Freddie Mercury and the pressure he feels to perform at his best. If you like Queen and you aren't stuck in 1985 then you'll probably enjoy watching this.

Queen + Adam Lambert - Don't Stop Me Now (live) - https://youtu.be/uJO3-W1xsGs

The Chicks have now released their new album, Gaslighter, which is their first studio album since 2006's Taking The Long Way. I took some time to listen to the whole thing this week. It wasn't a chore as I've been a fan of the band since I bought a live DVD of theirs in 2005. Well, Gaslighter is a hell of an album. Even if you don't know the backstory of singer Natalie Maines' fairly messy divorce, you can feel her pain and hurt in almost every song. At times it's simply gut wrenching. That artists like Natalie can channel that much distress into an album is amazing. Not a happy album by any measure but an important one I think. Musically it's a bit like The Chicks and Taylor Swift have been on a collision course. They've dialed back their country and western sound a little and are including sounds that you might remember from some 80s records. It works really well. It's emotionally heavy but it's well worth your time.

The Chicks - My Best Friend's Wedding - https://youtu.be/dMU0Pfn65lU

The Chicks - Tights On My Boat - https://youtu.be/ZLXZpQbO1mA

Nick Cave turned me onto the next recording. He writes a fairly regular email where he answers questions from his fans and he mentioned Nina Simone and this song recently. You can read what Nick wrote here about a protest song that he liked. Here it is. I thought it was 18 minutes that went by far too quickly and there's plenty going on to immerse yourself in.

Nina Simone - My Sweet Lord / Today Is A Killer (Live) - https://youtu.be/9NFfOB7a-Ak

Sometimes I listen to a band purely on the strength of a song or artist's name. That was the case with the next track. As a result, I've got a reminder in my notebook to go back and delve into A Formal Horse's back catalogue. The song name is what got me on this occasion and the band describe themselves as "avant-rock awkward".

A Formal Horse - Here Comes A Man From The Council With A Flamethrower - https://youtu.be/LdWKULgyC2I

In a few days now, AC/DC's album Back In Black will turn 40 years old. The band's social media accounts have come to life with the promise of some history and unreleased videos as well as the predictable merchandise. Regardless of any cynicism, this is an album to be celebrated. Only months after singer Bon Scott's untimely death, AC/DC recruited another singer, wrote an album, recorded it and it turned out to be the second biggest selling long player of all time. Healthy debate remains about whether any of the lyrics came from Bon Scott. Certainly a lot of them have his cheeky signature all over them in a way that the band have rarely replicated since. I'll probably spring for some kind of special edition merchandise because, hey, they're my favourite band.

AC/DC - Shake A Leg - https://youtu.be/ww40RmFNsNo

I'm still in a bit of a rock and roll mood so I'm going to finish with a great slab of rock from Lenny Kravitz. At times Lenny gets a bit quiet and I don't really enjoy that side of him but when he decides to play it loud then it's rip roaring! This is also a really well put together video clip. And for the guitarists out there, I really dig the flanged rhythm bit that Lenny plays just before and during the guitar solo.

Lenny Kravitz - Are You Gonna Go My Way - https://youtu.be/8LhCd1W2V0Q

That's all folks. Rock on at home.

Rob

"Turn the tables with our unity,

They're neither moral nor majority.
Wake up and smell the coffee
Or just say no to individuality..." Pretend We're Dead, L7, 1992.

World Wide Woozle episode #517

Hello enormous listening world,

In our last time together I finished the episode with a track from Garbage. DJ Dr then wrote to me with a not so subtle hint that I really should try out some of their other material. Well, he was kind enough to write and I don't think he's recommended a dud tune or band to me yet so off I went. It's now about a week later and I have devoured Garbage's back catalogue and watched quite a few live concerts. I think they are awesome. Why didn't I think this before? Who knows and it doesn't really matter. Garbage's mix of rock, pop, techno style beats, samples and a whole lot more has held my attention all week. The songs are catchy without being throwaway pop and they rock without being cliched. The only shame is that the wonderful Rockpalast gig from 2005 isn't available on DVD.

Garbage - When I Grow Up (live) - https://youtu.be/Z1H78Ttg3aw

Did anyone else spot the Malcolm Young signature Gretsch guitar in the above clip? You can bet I did. I played one of those in the mid-90s in a guitar shop and if I'd had $3000 to spend I would've brought it home in a heartbeat. There was another signature model released in 2017 as well. And on that note, here's Malcolm with his band....

AC/DC - Who Made Who - https://youtu.be/PiZHNw1MtzI

In 2002 a young woman called Avril Lavigne hit the charts with her album Let Go. Whilst many of you might only remember her for the singles Sk8er Boi or Complicated, the rest of the album (and the follow up) are great rock records. I'm not sure what Avril has been up to since but I'll have a look and find out. Let Go is a great album for in the car...I'll have to load it up so that I can listen to the whole thing tomorrow!

Avril Lavigne - Complicated - https://youtu.be/5NPBIwQyPWE

Weird Al loved Avril too...

Weird Al Yankovic - Constipated - https://youtu.be/yedbCfDL0yY

Paul Weller has a new single and album out now. The single is pretty laid back and Paul's voice has developed a little rasp which really suits the song. I'm also a sucker for the warbly tremolo guitar sound which is used a little bit; it's where the guitar sounds a bit wobbly. If that doesn't make sense come and visit and I'll plug one of my axes in and show you what I mean.

Paul Weller - On Sunset - https://youtu.be/HqtZcFrZDpU

If you like your rock music heavy and a bit weird then Monster Magnet might be worth a look. They're sometimes cheesy, a bit left field but always rocking hard. If Hawkwind and AC/DC got together with HG Wells then this might be the outcome. 

Monster Magnet - Powertrip - https://youtu.be/jE7Zv6d-HUA

As a child I had a cassette which had Cliff Richard's greatest hits on it. That's one reason that my first electric guitar was a red Stratocaster - that's what Hank Marvin played. The other day someone was trying to remember this song and I was able to sing far too much of it to them. Crazy clip too; who remembers going to the roller rink?

Cliff Richard - Wired For Sound - https://youtu.be/V57eqtN2K7E

I revisited one of my favourite albums this week. Foxy Shazam's 2001 long player, The Church Of Rock And Roll, always makes me smile. The Queen, Elton John and The Darkness influences are pretty clear but Foxy Shazam have a sound all of their own. They combine loud guitars, fuzzy and fat bass, horns and soaring melodies with a quirky sense of humour and a lot of fun. It's one of those albums I can go to if I'm not feeling so good. It's also one that I play air guitar to....how embarrassing!

Foxy Shazam - Holy Touch - https://youtu.be/kgBKS4JCsec?t=59

Foxy Shazam - Welcome to the Church of Rock and Roll - https://youtu.be/9DiNXH9Ov2k

This morning, riding in freezing conditions to meet DJ HighPants the next song got stuck in my head. It's from 1985 and so I very much associate it with AM radio. I did things a bit backwards, listening to The Commodores as a result of having a couple of Lionel Richie LPs. That's ok though, good music is timeless.

The Commodores - Nightshift - https://youtu.be/FrkEDe6Ljqs

I must say that taking a break from Facebook has been rather refreshing. I only pop in to publish this blog and it's been good for me. I got sick of everyone having to be right about everything and the hate and vitriol being spewed forth. Life's too short to waste all of it arguing with people. No matter how many memes someone posts it doesn't make them right (or wrong). The upside is my mood is much better, I'm reading more and my EP of songs is nearing completion. 

Manic Street Preachers - All Is Vanity - https://youtu.be/q-MEzpScIX0

I've been thinking about a future episode consisting of songs from films I like. I may have done this in the past but with this being episode 517 I'll admit I'm having trouble remembering! I'll play this one and hopefully someone will know the movie. It's a great song regardless. I love the hand claps and the Beatle-esque tune.

Boo Radleys - There She Goes - https://youtu.be/53Vh72O5CGA

That's it. Another episode done. It was a bit heavy on the rock music I guess. Next time will be different, maybe. A huge thank you to anyone who actually read this and virtual, socially distanced hugs if you listened to any of the tunes.

Rock on,

Rob

"S-A-T-U-R-D-A-Y NIGHT!" 

Saturday Night, Bay City Rollers, 1973

World Wide Woozle episode #516

Hello enormous listening world,

Last week I wrote about rebels, what that might mean and a few songs related to the topic. Well of course as soon as I hit the send button, I thought of heaps more. So, without commentary, get a load of these...

Tom Morello - World Wide Rebel Songs - https://youtu.be/Hv0qQZ1qnis

The Clash - Career Opportunities (live) - https://youtu.be/MsE5NAAU39k

This week has been interesting. I decided to put my university study on hold for a semester. My work is busy (and awesome), I'm doing a course in mental health and trying to keep my cycling and fitness going as well as simply living. I think something had to give and a VERY average mark helped me make the final decision. I'll revisit how I feel about the whole thing in a few months but I can assure you that I feel no remorse so it must be the right thing to do at this point. Not quitting, just pausing.

WASP - School Daze (live 1984) - https://youtu.be/vBoF4MJJh-Y

Today I took delivery of a vinyl re-issue of Armoured Angel's 1989 demo release, Wings of Death. The original release was only on cassette although there was a limited overseas pressing I believe. Anyway, it's very cool to have what to me is a very influential recording on a shiny red platter. I'm sure my neighbours enjoyed it all afternoon.

Armoured Angel - Armoured Angel - https://youtu.be/A64Q8CPN6rw 

Haim are an American pop-rock band made up of three sisters. I've not listened to them before but a new release prompted me to check out quite a few of their other songs. If you're a Sheryl Crow fan then you're going to like this. Also, if NPR's Tiny Desk concerts are something you enjoy then you can check the band out doing their thing live right here.

Haim - The Steps - https://youtu.be/J2O_xa8cems

I returned to my dalliances with goth rock this week. Johnny Cash pointed me in that direction and soon enough I was immersed in the Sisters of Mercy back catalogue. As is always the case, something else shiny distracted me and well, here we are with the Finnish band, The 69 Eyes. This sounds a lot like the Sisters but it's cool....

The 69 Eyes - Jerusalem - https://youtu.be/zsSEhqrhIM4

Green Day are one of those bands that seem to polarise punk rock fans. You either think what they do is pretty cool or you think they are major label, stadium playing sellouts. I'm in the former category; they rock and they have a lot of fun. From the days when, in the 90s, their album Dookie made them more popular than they could probably have imagined, through their American Idiot rock opera and a bunch of other excellent albums they have continued writing catchy songs with often biting lyrics. I've chosen this particular clip on purpose. It's early on in their career (their first go on French TV) and highlights their ability to sound great in a sterile TV studio. Their harmonies are on point and Billie Joe is playing the guitar he got as a kid. Seriously, this is just a great performance.

Green Day - Basket Case (live 1994) - https://youtu.be/oOyaY46RorI

Debbie Harry from Blondie (I probably didn't have to tell anyone which band she is from) turned 75 this week. Blondie were always a bit of an anomaly to me. A band that came up through the punk scene but also found a place in the more mainstream music. In my opinion, this is a result of great songwriting, musicianship and Debbie's charisma fronting the band. 

Blondie - Union City Blue - https://youtu.be/Hvqgb1D6Opw

If you like War of The Worlds, Dungeons and Dragons, Pink Floyd, Dr Who, loud guitars and a bit of weirdness then Ayreon is for you. The band is more of a project that includes a wide range of well known people to produce what I'd describe as epic musical journeys. Seriously, there's something for everyone here. Ayreon's upcoming album features Tom Baker (Dr Who) as the narrator as well as boasting appearances from Joe Satriani and many others. I'm very much looking forward to Transitus being released in September. 

Ayreon - Everybody Dies (live) - https://youtu.be/9AAXtUdM7xE

People have been saying mean things about The Spice Girls this week. It's easy to forget that their music was a lot of fun.

The Spice Girls - Stop - https://youtu.be/5JD6ejmlpa8

We'll finish this week with a classic slab of indie pop/rock from Garbage. I've never managed to get into much of the band's other recorded works but it's probably time to revisit that. Oh, and if you've never heard Shirley Manson speak in her normal accent click here.

Garbage - Paranoid (live) - https://youtu.be/-mlriMIGIOk

And on that note; I'm out of here. Be nice to others, even when they're not being nice to you. Or at least be silent!

Rob

"He ate his own weight in coal
And excreted diamonds everyday..", CNR, Weird Al Yankovic, 2011.