World Wide Woozle episode #543 - the final episode.

Hello out there in radioland. I've wanted to be a radio announcer since I was in my mid-teens and I usually think of this blog as the script to my own show. This show, however, has come to an end.

This blog started out as a small email distribution list back in early 2008 and after a while developed a life all of its own. DJ KOT encouraged me to put it up on the web as a blog and the rest is history. I wrote for many reasons. Initially it was because I wanted to share one cool song a week with some colleagues and friends. Then it morphed into a rambling and sometimes random mix of me recommending different artists, telling stories about my life and now and then being unable to contain my disappointment at the state of humanity.

To be totally honest with you, this blog both helped and hindered me during the years that I was suffering from very poor mental health. It helped in that I had a focus and an outlet as well as receiving some commentary from readers. When I was writing, without fail, on a weekly basis, the pressure was also enormous and self-imposed. These days I'm working hard to allow myself some space and latitude when it comes to life and that's why my writing has become sporadic.

So, this is the final show. And unlike George Lucas, I won't spoil my legacy with prequels or digital enhancements to classic episodes - ha ha! 

To those of you that have read what I've written and even listened to a few songs; thank you. To those who have taken the time to comment and engage with me as a result of what I wrote I can assure you that it was very much appreciated. I've been exposed to a huge range of music as a result of the kindness of a number of readers.

A couple of years ago now, my doctor and my psychologist put me on antidepressants. I'd steadfastly refused to consider them for many years and that was my mistake. What the pills did was level my thoughts out so that I could actually begin to work towards recovery. I've been off the medication for over six months now and, for the most part, the dreadful mental health issues haven't been a problem. Sure, it's a non-linear journey but I can safely say that I haven't felt this well in about eight years.

There you go; that's enough navel gazing from me.

I'm going to finish with the song I featured in episode #1 back in 2008. I chose it because I loved (and still adore) the guitar work and the way that Billy's spoken word lyrics fit in so well. Do me a favour, even if you rarely listen to the tracks that I suggest, give this one a spin.

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

Rock on brothers and sisters,

Rob

"AM or FM, I listen to both of them,
Listening to the radio since I don't know when.
Everyone's so busy, everyone's got somewhere to go,
In the background there's always the radio..."

The Sports, Who Listens To The Radio?, 1979.

World Wide Woozle episode #542

Here we go again. Another musical journey…and more.

Being a parent is a roller coaster ride. Now that Zoë has made it public I can talk about the fact that she has had Covid-19 and subsequently recovered. She tested positive a few days before Christmas and, in true Zoë form, was more worried about the effect on those around her. Given her occupation, it wasn't a shock that she got the virus. This didn't make it any easier though for her or her family! Zoë suffered stoically and with good humour (most of time) as she lost her sense of taste and smell and was nauseous and tired. Thankfully she has now recovered and is back at work. She's also now been vaccinated and has been spending time doing the final ambulance driving course (the driving courses had been on hold as a result of the pandemic).

Sammy Hagar - I Can't Drive 55 - https://youtu.be/RvV3nn_de2k

My kids both have an amazing work ethic. I spoke to Angus last week and he'd just finished 14 days straight at work. It's fair to say that he was a bit tired. I think he's looking forward to going back to his massage course in a week or so and of course completing it in the middle of the year. He's a man with plans and I think that is very cool.

Spacey Jane - Here Comes The Sun (Triple J Like A Version) - https://youtu.be/X9-QYrBEufw

Ghost are a fun band and I've said it before, you shouldn't take them too seriously. This time around singer Papa Emeritus IV has teamed up with The Hellacopters for a Stones cover...

Papa Emeritus IV with The Hellacopters - Sympathy for the Devil - https://youtu.be/Soq9xHAVfvc

Another band that is usually a ton of fun are Weezer. From the old Buddy Holly and Sweater Songs through to today there's always been something worth the price of admission. Their last couple of albums had a bit of a Beach Boys vibe going on coupled with quirky lyrics. This one is in the same ballpark and the clip certainly adds a bit more.

Weezer - All My Favorite Songs - https://youtu.be/AGPdXYG1msg

If you haven't heard it yet via Facebook or a direct link, I've released an original song and put it up on Soundcloud. This one has lyrics written by my friend Sam and was recorded, mixed and produced by George (who also played some very tasty keyboards). I linked to a live version of the song in the last episode but the studio recording that we did was very much how I heard the song in my head when I put it together. Thanks to all who have already provided feedback; it's very much appreciated. For those who are interested, I'm playing my Taylor Big Baby acoustic guitar and we just stuck a microphone in front of it and hit the record button. George is playing a fire-engine red Nord keyboard. The whole thing was recorded, mixed and tweaked using the Logic music recording software. It took us about 3 hours in total.

Rob with George - Smooth Ride - https://soundcloud.com/robwoozle/smooth-ride

Mike Campbell played with Tom Petty for almost fifty years. His current band, The Dirty Knobs, sounds a bit like Tom but has a bit of a rougher edge. It's good, honest rock and roll from guys that have nothing to prove. I do like a record where the band sounds like they are genuinely enjoying themselves.

The Dirty Knobs - Wreckless Abandon - https://youtu.be/n_Cfsktanus

I had a chat with a guy yesterday who had been on tour supporting Suicidal Tendencies; what a trip that must have been! When I told him that I had a cassette that I made in 1988 with ST's debut album one one side and Painters and Dockers Bucket on the other side he just smiled. Yeah, that was a great tape! The ST album, which was released in 1983, remains one of my all-time favourites. 

Suicidal Tendencies - Subliminal - https://youtu.be/Kxmva8FcsxA

Painters and Dockers - In My Mind (live) - https://youtu.be/7y2nNwgTlKY

That'll do. Thanks for reading.

Oh, and I got to cuddle a baby miniature chihuahua today at work; that was rather groovy!

Bye,

Rob

"They're justified and they're ancient and they drive an ice cream van..." Justified & Ancient, The KLF, 1991.

World Wide Woozle episode #541

Just when you thought it was safe to open your email (or click that link), here comes the World Wide Woozle!

First things first...my ribs have almost finished healing, I'm back on my bike and although there was a bit of a hiccup right at the last moment, my car has been replaced. After a couple of months using public transport as well as a LOT of walking I certainly appreciate the option of the car. I'm not a car person; to me they serve the purpose of getting from A to B. When the insurance company told me that the replacement car I was meant to get had been sold by the dealer I bit my tongue and asked for the cash instead. Then I was lucky enough to call another dealer who, to his shock as well as mine, had a car that suited my needs actually already on a truck to Canberra. There's a certain irony that the type of car I got (a little Kia) is the same that I tried to buy earlier in the year. I must say that the new wireless version of Apple's CarPlay is super cool. Oh....and the car is white.

Andy Prieboy - On The Road Again - https://youtu.be/GSwTO0kLQbY

Sleaford Mods have been getting a fair bit of air time here at HQ WWW. Their latest album, Spare Ribs, was released on 15 Jan and it is one of the few albums I've pre-ordered in many years. The music is gritty, uncompromising beat poetry with an industrial hiphop backbeat. It's a bit like what might happen if Frank from the TV show Shameless got on the microphone. I can't wait for the CD (and the t-shirt) to get here,

Sleaford Mods - Nudge It - https://youtu.be/xhdGipqrKNY

Barry Gibb's new record came out on 08 Jan. I did NOT expect to be all that interested in it until I read about some of the people he had playing with him. Let's see; Jason Isbell, Dolly Parton, Gillian Rawlings, Tommy Emmanuel and Keith Urban. OK, now I'm interested. Whilst I have only listened to a few tracks I certainly think that the whole album is going to hold my attention. Great songs, Barry's amazing voice and an all star lineup. Sweet.

Barry Gibb with Keith Urban - I've Just Gotta Get A Message To You - https://youtu.be/1mocrPhJBSM

David Bowie's 74th birthday was marked by a star studded streaming concert. Some of the performances missed the mark but it's pretty hard to live up to the original material. Joe Elliott from Def Leppard has always been a fan and the band covered Space Oddity and Drive-In Saturday previously. Anyway, this is a cool version of Ziggy Stardust with Joe on vocals. Joe doesn't sound like Bowie but his voice works well in my opinion. Note Earl Slick playing either an original Supro guitar (made famous by Bowie) or the re-issue.

Joe Elliott - Ziggy Stardust - https://youtu.be/RJ8_IhD1cIY

I've been trialling a whole lot of songs for an upcoming solo lounge room gig. A lot of cool tunes have been tried and dumped because I either can't sing them or I can't sing them AND play guitar at the same time. The NYE gig proved to me that I can't be trusted with a tambourine to tap my foot on so watch this space as I think I have a drum machine solution worked out. This is a solution that doesn't require a degree in computer programming to use! Here are a few songs that may or may not make the setlist...

The Party Boys - Gonna See My Baby - https://youtu.be/-eOx6n5-HEk

KISS (with the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra) - Sure Know Something - https://youtu.be/7pbgaZfm4tE

Black Flag - Nervous Breakdown (live 1984) - https://youtu.be/4GE4xI3xYF0

Ike and Tina Turner - Baby Get It On - https://youtu.be/HmzJLObmDyo

Or maybe I'm just fooling with you. If anyone is interested in coming along there are a few "tickets" left so drop me an email. The gig is on the afternoon of Saturday February 20th.

Last weekend Bing and I played a show for a few friends. We played almost all originals and it was heaps of fun. You can see highlights of the gig here. However, Bing was kind enough to upload this video of us playing an original song written by me and my friend Sam. She sent the lyrics and I borrowed a RhinoBucket riff and mangled the whole lot into a song. It's still a work in progress but see what you think if you're brave enough.

Bing Vandergraaf and The Woozle - Smooth Ride (live) - https://vimeo.com/498895478

Sadly, New York Dolls guitarist Sylvain Sylvain died a few days ago. The influence of the Dolls on so many bands shouldn't be underestimated. RIP Sylvain :-(

New York Dolls - Jet Boy (live 1973) - https://youtu.be/Cbd-BcuPvLA

That's enough. Some of us have guitars to play. 

Rock on,

Rob

 "I won't be torn between
The man in the chair and the man that's in my dream
I'm going to melt the two men into one..."   Queensrÿche, Best I Can, 1990.

World Wide Woozle episode #540

Hi everyone, welcome back.

I've never really been interested in celebrating the new year. Even when we played the big production gigs with the band at Vivaldi's the actual date held little significance for me. It's just another day. And whilst I understand that people want to be rid of 2020, it isn't as if a magic wand has been waved overnight and everything is suddenly fab-a-doodle. I'm not aiming to sound like a misery guts, really I'm not, it's just never been my thing to mark a new year.

Last night, however, was a bit different. Here in Canberra we are very fortunate that there are relatively few restrictions about gathering and celebrating. We aren't ignoring the virus, it's just that we've remained fairly well isolated from it. DJ SamTee asked George and I if we'd consider playing a few songs for the evening and after consulting for about fifteen seconds we agreed. Over the past few weeks we've been rehearsing as a duo along with backing tracks that Bing has spent days and days crafting. The party was fun, the support act was me playing a solo set, and our main set seemed to go down rather well! There was dancing, singing and just the right amount of food, drink and frivolity! We played a few of George's original tracks from his forthcoming LP and then finished the nights with a few selected classic tracks. I particularly enjoyed playing these two covers...

The Runaways - Cherry Bomb - https://youtu.be/yTiVCaNY1rI

Spy vs Spy - Don't Tear It Down - https://youtu.be/gOeJshHFpPI

The guitar sounds in the Spy vs Spy song are the ones closest to those that I hear in my head and try to achieve with my electric guitar. It's that jangly, swirly sound that I really dig.

Whilst rehearsing, George suggested that we add an old Midnight Oil track which is relatively obscure. After creating the backing ensemble and us running through it he thought it would be good to record the whole thing and make a video. Although the original track is from 1996, the lyrics and sentiment remain so relevant today and I hope you enjoy and appreciate it. Huge thanks to George for including me in a fun project.

On a personal note, the recording features me on electric and acoustic guitars. I used my old red electric guitar which I bought with my Mum in December 1987. That guitar has seen a lot of miles and is still the one I feel most comfortable playing even though I have much fancier equipment here. I remember after having it for a few months that my Dad remarked that if he'd known how much I would play it that he would have considered getting me one years earlier. I'm very fortunate to have family that has always encouraged me to play and sing.

So, here it is. George on vocals, keys, drums, space noises, bass, everything else I've forgotten and me on electric and acoustic guitars.

George Huitker featuring yours truly - Time To Heal - https://vimeo.com/495481831/9dbed1bd69

Oh yeah...I went for my first bike ride today since my car accident and ten hours later the smile is still there. I think 2021 is going to be the year of me smiling as much as I can.

Rock on,

Rob

"...I'm movin' on up now

Getting out of the darkness
My light shines on...", Primal Scream, Movin' On Up, 1991.

World Wide Woozle episode #539

Ho, ho, ho....here we go!

Ramones - Merry Christmas (I Don't Want To Fight Tonight) - https://youtu.be/KIhIBFPtnoc

There are plenty of great rock and roll Christmas tunes for all of you out there who have had enough of Mariah Carey and Michael Buble to last you a lifetime. Here are a few to keep you amused and hopefully singing along...

Stryper - Winter Wonderland (live) - https://youtu.be/FwD57Y58s4E

Ronnie James Dio - God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen - https://youtu.be/bukhmxx88wo

Run DMC - Christmas in Hollis - https://youtu.be/OR07r0ZMFb8

Twisted Sister - Twelve Days of Christmas - https://youtu.be/4V8BmeFdbvA

No Doubt - Oi To The World - https://youtu.be/ZFLExwIQKto

The Dollyrots - The Dollyrots Do Christmas - https://youtu.be/DG3-ea_q5v8

There. If that's not enough then just throw on the Elvis Christmas album.

Paul McCartney has a new album out now. It's called III (as in the number three). Paul plays everything on the album apart from one guitar solo and one drum track. I will admit that I initially listened to the record thinking that, like his last band album, it'd have a good couple of tracks and the rest would be, well, just ok. I'm happy to report that I was wrong. Other reviewers certainly seem to disagree with me as, in my opinion, this is a fantastic collection of songs. Paul, at about 80 years old, sounds much better vocally than he has in other outings recently and the songs are interesting and catchy. What's not to like? This is one album that I will most definitely be purchasing as a hard copy.

Paul McCartney - Find My Way - https://youtu.be/2oSmP3GtOBk

Paul McCartney - Lavatory Lil - https://youtu.be/3GDgdgcME7E

Not to be outdone....here's the new one from Ringo which features Paul!

Ringo Starr - Here's To The Nights - https://youtu.be/S6oqrbFzLaU

It's a short episode this week. I've been spending a lot of time playing the guitar in preparation for a New Year's Eve gig rather than listening to other stuff. I do get a reasonable amount of time to listen whilst on public transport however and that's a bit of a bonus. I'll be back on my bike and off the bus on January 1st and not before time. The bus / light rail to work is quick and easy but I really do miss time riding. My bike is lonely too.

Let's finish with a couple of older tunes. The first was a hit in the 80s here in Australia for another group and I didn't realise that it was a cover version until this week. How very embarrassing. The original is super cool with a funky beat and groovy guitars. I'll follow that up with one of my favourite early rock and roll songs. 

Redbone - The Witch Queen (of New Orleans) - https://youtu.be/yQ03YMiEd0g

The Crystals - Da Doo Ron Ron - https://youtu.be/8vs6e8l6m9w

And on that note...have a great festive season everyone. For many out there it's going to be challenging with isolation, border closures and a ton of other stuff so look after yourselves and those around you. ANd a HUGE thank you to all those who have been keeping an eye on me this year; it's humbling and very much appreciated. 

Rob

"And though they did hurt me so bad
In the fear and alarm
You did not desert me

My brothers in arms", Dire Straits, Brothers In Arms, 1985.

World Wide Woozle episode #538

Groovers, skinheads, freaks, weirdos and music lovers everywhere....WELCOME! Hi to the stalkers as well.

When I published the last episode I was still in quite a deal of pain and discomfort. Sometime on Thursday night that situation improved markedly and I feel a lot better. I'm not jumping around, riding my bike or doing a lot of sneezing but I did manage two easy, flat walks today of about 30 minutes each and I feel good. I predict a lot of walking in the next few weeks.

Jimmy Rogers - Walking By Myself - https://youtu.be/qhjDXXEcocg

I was reminded recently of seeing The Radiators play in the main auditorium at the Defence Academy in December 1989. They are such a fun band with a rough sense of Australian humour. That particular gig ensured that rock bands were never allowed in that venue again!

The Radiators - 17 (I Wish I Was) - https://youtu.be/VP_e1UrdvZA

Phil Campbell (ex-Motorhead) has a band and it's rather good. More straight ahead hard rock than the punk edge that Motorhead had but it's head nodding, toe tapping stuff. 

Phil Campbell & The Bastard Sons - Born To Roam - https://youtu.be/jprIokB6Xrc

Gillian Welch and David Rawlings play stripped back Americana, Blues and Folk music. Often they record the whole thing with only one microphone. I noticed a new album from them pop up on one of the streaming services during the week and I've now played the whole thing four times and will get a hard copy. What a ripper! It's 48 unreleased tracks recorded a few years ago and I wasn't bored or track skipping even once. Gillian normally plays a 1956 Gibson J-50 guitar and David a 1935 Epiphone Olympic. If you like the sparse feel of Springsteen's Nebraska then this may appeal.

Gillian Welch and David Rawlings - Put Your Foot Upon The Path - https://youtu.be/lv53HeN1QQ4

Are there albums that you keep coming back to? Not just single songs, but whole albums? I have a few. One is called Folkways: A Vision Shared. Released in 1988, it's a compilation of Leadbelly and Woody Guthrie tunes by a range of artists including Bob Dylan, John Mellencamp, U2, Little Richard and Emmylou Harris. I'd say without a lie that I've played this album a couple of times a month for over thirty years. The album won a Grammy Award but I wasn't aware of that until about five minutes ago. There's also a companion album which has the original songs on it. Here are two tracks that I really like although I could've happily played the whole thing for you. 

Brian Wilson - Goodnight Irene - https://youtu.be/80hWncr7XZU

U2 - Jesus Christ - https://youtu.be/A47WxX3FkwU

I was contacted this week and asked if I was interested in writing a book. It was like the LinkedIn version of a Nigerian money scam I think. Funnily enough I think the person contacting me had actually looked at the blog a couple of times. Needless to say I'll keep punching out episodes here but a book, I don't think so. Especially when they were suggesting a self help style thing. I can see it now...how to ride your bike too much and be a heavy metal and folk music fan all at the same time. Nope.

Laurel Brauns - I'll Be Your Sylvia Plath - https://youtu.be/szoY7_o7PbQ

Man that was a good track. I had to study Sylvia Plath in my last year of school. Hated it. I'll now have to revisit her work. If I could remember which poem we were tortured with I'd read it now!

After retrieving my old iPod from the car wreck I've got back into revisiting the Johnny Cash four CD compilation called Legend. I was once banned from playing this in the car. Apparently too much Johnny Cash is a thing. I was late to being a Cash fan but for the last twenty years I've made up for it. Johnny was far from a perfect individual but he admitted his faults, sang about them and kept on keeping on. This song says it all for me.

Johnny Cash - Man In Black (live) - https://youtu.be/B7DmvffTuS0

Speaking of men in black...check this out. Metal from the South Pacific sung this time in the Tongan language. The lyrics and translation are there; maybe not what you expect. This is serious headbanging stuff and I'd love to see these guys playing live.

Shepherds Reign - Aiga - https://youtu.be/X8fWTIUWU2U

Last up this week is Norwegian band, Motorpsycho. I'm not sure what I was expecting, maybe a cross between Motorhead and the Cosmic Psychos but in reality this band is much more dreamy, folky, progressive rock. Some of it reminds me of CSNY, Jethro Tull, The Beach Boys and Dream Theater. It's growing on me.

Motorpsycho  - The Same Old Rock - https://youtu.be/hmEwzcIGMw8

Thank you for reading to the end if you did. If you didn't you're not here so it doesn't matter.

Have a great weekend,

Rob

"And they try to tell us that we don't belong

But that's alright, we're millions strong
You are my people, you are my crowd
This is our music, we love it loud..." KISS, Crazy Crazy Nights, 1987.

World Wide Woozle episode #537

Welcome back groovers.

I won't lie to you, I have not had an enjoyable week. I managed to go to work on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday but the pain and nausea just kept getting worse. As a result I spent Thursday in bed asleep and also feeling sorry for myself! I'm feeling a bit better now but sitting around doing not much isn't a lot of fun! Many thanks to everyone who sent me messages, spoke to me and showed concern. It has all been very much appreciated.

I wasn't really sure what to make of the next song and video but it's rather cool. Old school animation combined with Elvis Costello style rock and roll and a gruff, positive message. Whatever it is, there's no doubt that it's a bit out there but well worth a look.

Idles - Kill Them With Kindness - https://youtu.be/SELdxmlg2Cw

And whilst we're over in left field how about this. What is going on here? A clip that reminds me of the TV show Shameless, an appearance from Action Man and, and...well I don't know. Maybe the description posted by the band says it all: "Mork n Mindy is the sound of the central heating and the dying smells of Sunday dinner in a house on an estate in 1982. Concrete, dinted garages, nicotine. Where beauty mainly exists in small cracks on the shell of your imagination." It's good.

Sleaford Mods - Mork n Mindy ft. Billy Nomates - https://youtu.be/iKcbSOjIzjQ

I found (finally) an old iPod I'd been searching for over the past month or two. Until very recently it was annoying that my car didn't have a CD player and I also couldn't find the iPod. Anyway, it's currently plugged into the rental tank that I've been given to drive around and I've been enjoying a range of different tunes. Rosalie is a great song originally played by Bob Seger and then re-invigorated by Thin Lizzy. Today I heard Motorhead playing it and it just goes to show that a good song is a good song. All three versions simply rock!

Motorhead - Rosalie (live) - https://youtu.be/1hFIx6vpVr0

Angus pointed out the next track. A re-working of one of the best soundtrack tunes of all time. It may or not be your kind of thing but I thought it was a lot of fun and it pushed me to listen to more of the band's output as well as revisiting the original track which you should do as well.

Psychedelic Porn Crumpets - I Wanna Be Like You (from The Jungle Book) - https://youtu.be/bD0VpmaSBjs

I mentioned the new Kylie Minogue album a while ago. It's been on heavy rotation here at HQ Woozle and I think it's a very strong effort. There are countless nods to her influences as well as well crafted pop and disco hooks. The album version of the next song borrows a synth line from Queen (in my opinion) but I've chosen this stripped back version because it's a bit different. Enjoy.

Kylie Minogue - Say Something - https://youtu.be/FE4DHUPGq-I

Guns n Roses are coming to Australia next year. Interesting. Axl has shown by playing with AC/DC that he can show up on time for performances so it'll be interesting to see if he maintains that level of respect for his own audiences. Regardless, the Gunners are a hugely influential rock band and if they're on song the shows should be amazing.

Guns n Roses - Raw Power - https://youtu.be/YmtrFnRzn2s

How often do you listen to an album all the way through and think that every song on it could've been a single? I think that'd be very rare but humour me. Yesterday I had a couple of listens to The Angels rather fine effort from 1990 called Beyond Salvation. I submit that every song would've worked as a single and been a hit. Certainly it was a very successful record and I remember seeing the band touring behind it at the Queanbeyan Leagues Club! So many albums have a couple of great songs, a few OK tracks and some filler. This is not one of those albums.

The Angels - Dogs Are Talking - https://youtu.be/lSXYiZsajgI

The Angels - Love Waits - https://youtu.be/rkieMzHe648

That's all folks. Keep smiling.

Rob

"Now go out and get yourself some big black frames

With the glass so dark they won't even know your name
And the choice is up to you cause they come in two classes
Rhinestone shades or cheap sunglasses..." ZZ Top, Cheap Sunglasses, 1979.