World Wide Woozle episode #555

Hello enormous listening world. Fortunately, my Covid test came back negative and I was released from quarantine the next morning. 

Here's the link for a playlist of all the songs in this episode: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/43uR7WtiPTFEyuk8mJoUhu?si=2c3b10cd83034997

And so now, onto some music. I hope that the selection this time moves, grooves and soothes you!

When I turned 50 some good friends gave me a new vinyl copy of Carole King's album, Tapestry. You might remember me writing about it at the time. In the last week or so I've been revisiting it and for any number of reasons it has really spoken to me in a way I certainly didn't expect. The physical act of playing a record (rather than streaming or CD) has special meaning to me as well. The feel of the record, the sleeve and sleeve notes as well as cleaning the LP before playing somehow make the music more special. Anyway, before I get too carried away, here's the first track from the album...truly magnificent. Thanks to all my friends old and new.

Carole King - You've Got A Friend - https://youtu.be/VbMI4imWFzY

Pink Floyd are about to release the remixed and updated version of their 1987 album, A Momentary Lapse of Reason. Whilst this was included in the massive Later Years box set from 2019, this is a separate release of this album. Not everyone loves this album, in fact many Floyd fans really dislike it. 1987 was about the time that I got interested in Pink Floyd and as a result this record is one I quite like. "...There's no sensation to compare with this, suspended animation, a state of bliss...", is a great lyric I think. There's also some new Sony 360 degree surround sound technology going on here but I'll get some input from the expert on all things audio, DJ Guz, and will get back to you on that!

Pink Floyd - Learning To Fly - https://youtu.be/OVn7o1q2g3Y

ABBA are back. Yep, I realise that it has been all over the news but I'm a fan so I thought I'd mention it. The new album, Voyage, is due for release on November 5th and two singles are already available. ABBA haven't spent all the years since they broke up trying to make every penny possible by tarnishing their legacy as many bands have. And look, if these new tunes are anything to go by then the album should be cool. The digital touring version of the band could be interesting. Oh, to be young and airbrushed!

ABBA - Don't Shut Me Down - https://youtu.be/hWGWFa3jznI

Fans of the legendary English band, The Smiths, know that they will never re-form. And given the recent debacle from the Sex Pistols it's probably not a bad thing. Fortunately both Morrissey and Johnny Marr have extensive and continuing solo releases to sink your teeth into. You may or may not avoid Morrissey these days given some of his political views but there's no denying that he's a great songwriter and performer. Johnny Marr is cool though and he gets cooler. I was exposed to Johnny not because of The Smiths, but because of his work with Billy Bragg. He's got a new single (Billy does too - more about that in another episode) and it's got a thumping beat, tasty guitars and an almost entrancing vocal feel. I like it.

Johnny Marr - Spirit Power and Soul - https://youtu.be/qeqBn3BAMag

"Morrissey", I hear you shout, "give us some Morrissey!" Oh, ok then. Here's a tune that I've liked for years. What a wordsmith, what a voice!

Morrissey - Come Back To Camden - https://youtu.be/5XWJyO3Zj0s

Recently I signed up for a 30 day trial of the Amazon Prime streaming service. DJ BlackBeltHenry had told me that it had a ton of music films, documentaries and concerts and, as a result, it sounded like a winner to me. Well so far it's been awesome. Last night I happened upon a John Denver concert recorded in Japan in the late seventies. The video quality is average at best but the audio was great. There's a load of other stuff that I'll watch as well including the biopic about W.A.S.P. guitarist Chris Holmes as well as Creedence, Alice Cooper, Johnny Cash, The Bee Gees and the history of the Bay Area thrash metal scene. Rock on indeed! Here's a song we used to sing in class at primary school. Again, a magnificent set of lyrics.

John Denver - Annie's Song (live in Tokyo) - https://youtu.be/GqViYyDIAdI

I was going to write now about the new Iron Maiden album, Senjutsu. After thinking about this for a little while I'm going to hit pause on the review and wait a little while. Let's just say that I think it is quite boring and I'm hoping that it grows on me. I am a HUGE Maiden fan so I'll give them due respect and spend more time listening. One from the past...check out that crowd!

Iron Maiden - Fear Of The Dark (live in Santiago) - https://youtu.be/6PDMtqejNfs

I was in the car today (legally) and listened to an album recorded by Sheryl Crow in 1998. It's called The Globe Sessions and is named for the studio they worked in. I've had the album for years and haven't listened to it much. Well, today was the day and I really enjoyed the backbeats, the almost grungy guitar, Hammond organ sounds and of course Sheryl's voice. I think I'll listen to it again shortly.

Sheryl Crow - My Favourite Mistake - https://youtu.be/AmIlUKo4dQc

Let's finish with a song I've played a lot for y'all over the years. And I'll keep playing it into the future. This one came to me via The Proclaimers who have a brilliant version. It's a song I've turned to for years now when things aren't going so well. I really should work it up and record it properly myself before too long. I've got a version I did on the 4-track machine over fifteen years ago but maybe it needs revisiting. If you only listened to one song this week then make it this one. It's the blues that helps chase the black dog away.

Steve Earle - My Old Friend The Blues - https://youtu.be/VGkHnMtp_MU

Rock on Brothers and Sisters! And please come back next time,

The Woozle

"...All I want and all I need,

All I crave is a good pub feed..."

The Chats, Pub Feed, 2019.

World Wide Woozle episode #554

This episode comes to you from quarantine here at HQ Woozle. I was unlucky enough to be in the supermarket for 10 minutes on Thursday at exactly the wrong time! I've had a Covid test this morning and depending on how the ACT Government counts to four, I'm either released as soon as I get a negative test result, or, I'm back for another industrial cotton bud up my nose on Wednesday. Watch this space.

The rest of this episode is all about music. 

One of the problems with writing quite a few episodes now is that I forget the songs I've played. But then, maybe if I put a song on here more than once it just means I like it. The next song is one of those. The original, which is sublime, is here. The cover version is very cool as well. And if you haven't seen the original movie then please, watch it very soon. For the very observant out there...if you listen closely to the original may notice the first time that a Wookie's name was spoken...

Psychedelic Porn Crumpets - I Wanna Be Like You - https://youtu.be/bD0VpmaSBjs

George is doing a streamed solo show on Wednesday night this week (01 Sep 2021). It promises to be full of music, costume changes and good fun. If you're interested in watching then click here to get the link from the man himself or visit the Facebook page for details. This is a must see event!

George Huitker - Mother's Day 2020 - https://vimeo.com/420950310

Band names are hard to choose. Some end up being ridiculous and some fit oh so well. I was in a rock band that I wanted to call The Flaming Penguins. Thankfully it didn't happen. Shaman's Harvest, however, sound to me just as their name suggests. The lyrics in this song, "There's a black bird, perched up on a black dog, and they're plottin' your demise...", really resonate with me at the moment. Maybe add in a black cat, broken mirror and a ladder to walk under.

Shaman's Harvest - Bird Dog - https://youtu.be/UV4HdAHx8go

Black Label Society is Zakk Wylde's band. Zakk's been around for many years now as a solo artist as well as a guitar player with Ozzy Osbourne for ages. He has a distinctive guitar tone and vocal tone (which can be polarising) however I wasn't prepared to see him making fun of himself in the video! Pretty amusing really. It reminds me a bit of the Weezer Buddy Holly clip. Great song too.

Black Label Society - Set You Free - https://youtu.be/l47At7wrhyI

Even with the world in chaos this last week, news of the passing of Rolling Stones drummer Charlie Watts made a huge impression. More knowledgeable people than me can write about how influential he was or how he was an amazing drummer. I just liked the fact that he was understated and rock solid. The Stones would never have rolled without Charlie.

The Rolling Stones - Bitch - https://youtu.be/a4g8PxsG_j4

DJ KungFuRollins asked me which album I'd recommend for someone if they were to be introduced to KISS. My answer was Dynasty. It's their most commercial and probably most accessible too. What do you think? If you're recommending an album do you go for your absolute favourite or the one that is the biggest hit. Hits are hits for a reason! I listened to two new podcast episodes yesterday about Metallica's 1991 self-titled album (aka the black album). It was really interesting to hear them talk about the change in their sound, songwriting and approach to music in general with what would become their biggest record. Usually I like to start at the start if I'm checking out a band and I usually avoid greatest hits compilations as well. It certainly can make it interesting as some bands that are very well known sound nothing like their first couple of records.

Wicked Lester - We Want To (Shout It Out Loud ) - https://youtu.be/O0Lu1-uoCFg

Fleetwood Mac - My Heart Beat Like A Hammer - https://youtu.be/2h50c8QHvJI

I was in a discussion a while ago about the best version of the next song. Personally, I think that the original Simon & Garfunkel version is untouchable but I recognise that other artists love the song and have done some great covers too (like this and this). Here though is one I didn't expect. Other than the slide guitar being far too high in the mix the whole thing is fantastic.

The Band of HM Royal Marines - The Sound of Silence - https://youtu.be/o05f8yLaaKM

That's all folks. See you next time on The Muppet Sh....wait, no!

The Woozle

"Remember when you were young, you shone like the sun,

Shine on you crazy diamond.
Now there's a look in your eyes, like black holes in the sky,
Shine on you crazy diamond..." Pink Floyd, Shine On You Crazy Diamond, 1975.

World Wide Woozle episode #553

G'day and welcome back.

First things first. The songs this week are available for you to listen to on a Spotify playlist (as are last weeks). If anyone actually uses this please let me know or I won't bother otherwise! The sound quality is a million times better on Spotify than on YouTube. Click here for this week and here for last week!

Lockdown continues here in Canberra and most of the country too. I try not to rant too much these days but people flagrantly disregarding what we're being asked to do really gets up my nose. Seriously...we're allowed 60 minutes of outdoor exercise a day and I see updates on Strava all the time of folks out there riding for much more than an hour. They must be really special. Personally, I'd like nothing more than to hop on my bike for a three hour cruise (maybe I'd end up on Gilligan's Island) but come on everyone, do the right thing. Here's a parody of Scotland's First Minister telling people what to do....but you know it makes sense. There's a language warning for this one.

Jane Godley - Nicola speaks - https://youtu.be/uZF82buIAdQ

This is my first time working from home for more than a few hours. Last year, as an essential worker, I was still out and about but this time is different. We're using phone calls, tele-health and a range of other means to try and do our work. And although I understand why it has to be this way I find it very difficult. I get it, I'm lucky to have a job at all, but I do worry a lot about the people I work to support.

Carley Pearce - You Know Where To Find Me - https://youtu.be/vVM_4fAEKCI

Spring is well and truly on the way here in the national capital. Wattles are in bloom, the temperature is regularly above freezing overnight and, you guessed it, magpies have begun their yearly campaign against cyclists! I'm looking forward to three months of ever decreasing available cycling routes combined with arm waving and bad language when I'm surprised by feathered fiends.

Frenzal Rhomb - Bird Attack - https://youtu.be/L426wOBOdMg

Last week I mentioned Melbourne hard rockers, Galaxy. Well, after listening more to their last album I've jumped on the pre-order for one that comes out in November. I figure that now is the time to support local musicians as much as possible. One day the pandemic will be over and if I can make some regular purchases to help other musicians stay afloat then that might mean that some cool bands survive and their members get to eat and pay rent. You can support loads and loads of Australian (and international) bands, both big and small, by using the Bandcamp website.

Presidents Of The USA - Video Killed The Radio Star - https://youtu.be/9PldYq3KHXc

If you're interested in guitars and music and have some time to spare then I can heartily recommend the Icons series being put out by Gibson guitars on YouTube. It's a growing series of extended interviews with well known guitarists...and it's not trying to sell you a guitar. I watched the latest one with Dave Mustaine from Megadeth talking about his life and involvement in music. It definitely surprised me and was very interesting and well made. There are five episodes so far; Mustaine, Kirk Hammett (Metallica), Jerry Cantrell (Alice in Chains), Tony Iommi (Black Sabbath), and Bob Rock (producer).

Megadeth - Holy Wars...The Punishment Due - https://youtu.be/9d4ui9q7eDM

I've played the next song in two different bands now and it never gets old. I realise that it's one of Nick's better known songs but that doesn't really matter. It's popular for a very good reason.

Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds - The Ship Song (live) - https://youtu.be/t4Vl27zlDhM

Trying to stay positive and seeing the good side of a situation is something that I've been intentionally trying to do for quite a while now. Of course it doesn't always work but I'd rather not be a grumpy old sod every day who thinks the whole world is against him. Laugh at yourself and worry less about other people. It works.

Timbuk 3 - The Future's So Bright (I Gotta Wear Shades) - https://youtu.be/8qrriKcwvlY

I've chosen the next song, not only because the weather here is changeable but because it sort of relates how a lot of people are feeling at the moment. Everything happens at once and then nothing happens at all. Also, it's a beautiful track, one of the best from Crowded House. Maybe I'll learn to play it.

Crowded House - Four Seasons In One Day - https://youtu.be/si3dBlNdifE

Time for something new I hear you say. Well, OK then. Slowly Slowly are from Melbourne and this track is one that I heard for the first time a few hours ago. Spotify can show you what your friends have been listening to and I spotted this one in DJ Bogler's feed. The tune definitely has an 80s pop influence as well as a smooth. modern indie groove. If you like The Preatures, Stevie Wonder or Lime Cordiale then this might do it for you. 

Slowly Slowly - The Level - https://youtu.be/w4RQrUGnO2M

When lockdown hit here in the ACT, it was quick. My guitar amplifier was locked away at our rehearsal place in Queanbeyan and I couldn't get it. Now that lockdown has been extended I'm itching to play my electric guitars again. I'm not really into amp modelling (where you plug the guitar straight into a computer or tablet and then software emulates an amplifier) so I decided to bite the bullet and purchase a small amp for home use. Well....arriving in the next week or so will be an old amplifier with my name on it. Watch this space; it could get loud.

The Searchers - Sugar and Spice - https://youtu.be/80oMW_t4svM

And on that note it's time to sign off.

Keep smiling everyone and find a dog to cuddle if you can,

The Woozle

"And in the end,
The love you take,
Is equal to the love you make."

The Beatles, The End, 1969.

World Wide Woozle episode #552 - LOCKDOWN!

It had to happen. Canberra went into a seven day lockdown at 1700hrs on Thursday August 12. Given that we're totally surrounded by New South Wales it was only a matter of time. Other than the rush on toilet paper and plenty of idiots trying to escape interstate to the south coast it seems pretty chilled here. And to those who tried to escape into NSW to the coast...enjoy your fourteen day lockdown.

The Specials - Ghost Town - https://youtu.be/RZ2oXzrnti4

Lockdown for me has meant that I can't avoid working from home any longer! For all of 2020, as an essential worker, I was in the office. Now, however, I can do my work from home for a bit. I think that will take a bit of getting used to. 

Loverboy - Working For The Weekend - https://youtu.be/dsgBpsNPQ50

This morning (Saturday) has been rather groovy really. I slept in until 0730hrs (yes, that's a sleep in), read the news whilst I had breakfast, discovered a new band and bought their EP, did a yoga session and unpacked the dishwasher. Not a bad life really!

Let's get to some music.

For metal fans, Utopia Records in Sydney is a bit of a Mecca. Their Facebook page is a really good source of information (and quite often a good laugh). This morning they posted about a band from Melbourne called Galaxy who have a new album coming. The description sounded interesting so after a quick search I found their last release and had a listen. Yep, it's cool. A healthy, rocking mixture of King Diamond, old school metal, Ghost, some psychedelic moments and maybe Judas Priest. I ordered the EP via Bandcamp and have had a listen online a few times now. I really like it and I can't wait to hear the new album soon.

Galaxy - Dreaming Out - https://youtu.be/jHr-FU6QVIo

Scottish synth-pop band Chvrches have a new single out featuring Robert Smith from The Cure. The song is upbeat and melancholy at the same time and has a groove that really sticks in my head. Chvrches aren't a band I've listened to in the past but on the strength of this I imagine I'll be expanding my playlist again.

Chvrches with Robert Smith - How Not To Drown - https://youtu.be/7U_LhzgwJ4U

I played Chet Atkins recently so here's another player who lists him as his major influence. Tommy Emmanuel is an Australian guitar virtuoso. He can play across many styles but truly shines when you see him make one guitar sound so effortlessly amazing all by itself. Oz rock fans could always do a little digging and find him playing with Dragon back in the day!

Tommy Emmanuel - Guitar Boogie (live) - https://youtu.be/bv3dDH2QCnU

I mentioned Elvis last week. Plenty of people have written songs about, or referencing The King and I'd like to play a couple here. Firstly we have The Badloves. They're an Australian band who were big in the 90s although I notice they've played some shows relatively recently. Their album Get On Board is a really good laidback bluesy style record and this song comes from it. Not bad for a debut single!

The Badloves - Memphis - https://youtu.be/TsUT6asJETA

If you have time, read the backstory about Marc Cohn's big hit, Walking In Memphis. It's all about him, suffering from writer's block and how the events in the song helped him with that.

Marc Cohn - Walking In Memphis - https://youtu.be/PgRafRp-P-o

And of course, it would be hard to go past the next tune. One of the reasons I bought a resonator guitar a few years ago was the first line of this song (as well as the cover of Dire Straits' Brothers In Arms). Paul Simon's album, Graceland, is a very regular appearance on my playlist.

Paul Simon - Graceland (live 1991) - https://youtu.be/_y-EG9b-mu8

Quite often I look at my collection of CDs, LPs and cassettes (as well as stuff I've flagged on Spotify) for something I haven't listened to in a long time or for something that I've simply forgotten about. Last week that was the band from Iowa called Slipknot. They're famous, have plenty of albums and fans but I never managed to get into them. I noticed a copy of their fourth long player, from 2008,  All Hope Is Gone. I cued it up to listen to in the car and, for many reasons, it hit the spot. Maybe it's the masks and imagery that put me off which is funny because it totally works with KISS and Ghost. Anyway, the album has gone around a few times and it's encouraged me to dive deeper into their discography as well as remembering to listen with my ears rather than my eyes.

Slipknot - Dead Memories - https://youtu.be/9gsAz6S_zSw

Something I've done lately is to take artists who I decided I really don't like and give them a second chance. Everyone experiences change in their musical tastes over the course of their life and that interests me. I like to think that I'm pretty open minded when it comes to music but there are a few bands that I've really struggled with. Powderfinger have always been one of those bands. Early on in their career they rocked fairly hard....for example:

Powderfinger- Tail (1994) - https://youtu.be/RF3racPCYDY

But their music seemed to get more and more middle of the road as their career went on. That's just my opinion and your mileage may vary of course. I've tried a few tracks recently and there are some gems in there, I just feel that there's a little energy lacking for the most part. Singer Bernard Fanning put out a solo album a few years ago called Tea and Sympathy. I remember, after one listen, vowing to never listen to it again. Recently I was reintroduced to it and listened, critically, with fresh ears. OK, so it's not so bad. He writes great lyrics and conveys a mood well. Is it my favourite album, definitely not, but it's not the slow, boring trainwreck that I thought it was when it first came out.

Bernard Fanning - Watch Over Me (live) - https://youtu.be/P8jAaSqWPvs

Finally, Bryan Adams. I've always been a fan of his straight ahead, melodic, good time rock and roll. He's a guy that writes a great hook and knows how to entertain a crowd. Along with Van Halen, I think that Bryan's music is perfect on a road trip or simply when you need a pick me up. Particularly in a live setting it's the sound of a Stratocaster that dominates and that's my guitar of choice. Bryan and his longtime sidekick, Keith Scott, make their guitars growl and sing but always with that distinctive Strat sound.

Bryan Adams - Kids Wanna Rock (live) - https://youtu.be/oYi2lqG2u9I

Bryan Adams and Mel C - When You're Gone (live and acoustic) - https://youtu.be/n7zYkoycc1I

Yup, that wasn't a Strat in the second clip but it's a great version of a cracking tune.

Rebecca and Megan Lovell are sisters who have a band called Larkin Poe. They play acoustic, electric and slide guitar and their cover versions and bluesy original material is a lot of fun. There is a metric ton of material available on their YouTube channel so for those stuck in lockdown, click away and disappear down that rabbit hole for a while. You won't regret it.

Larkin Poe - Mississippi - https://youtu.be/ZXQQEK81BAk

Larkin Poe - Mama, I'm Coming Home (Ozzy Osbourne cover) - https://youtu.be/_inb9O-ckNs

In the last couple of days I've made the most of my 60 minutes exercise outside allotment by doing a ride that includes some hill climbing at the National Arboretum. Today I'll mix it up with more yoga and a walk in the sun. Variety is good even though I still have to convince myself of that from time to time! 

Keep the faith Australia,

The Woozle

"Nobody knows I'm Elvis
Nobody knows this is me
After all of my tries...I've got
The perfect disguise..." Nobody Knows I'm Elvis, Waylon Jennings, 1994.

World Wide Woozle episode #551

Hello there, all you radio fans. It's time for some music.

The deluxe reissues of the classic Queensrÿche albums, Empire and Operation: Mindcrime have arrived. The packaging and accompanying booklets are high quality and reflect the fact that the band (and probably their record company) have taken care in getting this right. The DVDs (no BluRay available) showcase a wide range of stuff including live performances, promo clips and alternate versions of these, interviews and other bits and pieces. They were fun to watch although, predictably due to the age of some of the source material, the sound quality varied. The CDs of the albums sound fantastic and I've played them loud. To be honest, these weren't all that expensive in comparison to many other boxsets and with the quality of the inclusions I'm very happy with them. What a great band and a fantastic two albums.

Queensryche - Eyes Of A Stranger - https://youtu.be/A4duZjxusGM

Billy Bragg has a new album coming in early October. It's called The Million Things That Never Happened. Here's one of the tracks from it....sounds pretty good to me but then I'm a little biased!

Billy Bragg - Ten Mysterious Photos That Can't Be Explained - https://youtu.be/-n794uMfCJwQR

DJ K put me onto the next tune. It's got a great beat and I just love the sound of Keb Mo's voice. It combines well with Roseanne Cash and the lyrics mean something. Play it a few times will you?

Keb Mo with Roseanne Cash - Put A Woman In Charge - https://youtu.be/FciQeRGYFlw

I've spent time listening to Tom Waits in the last couple of weeks. He's got such an extensive and eclectic catalogue that it means there's always something a bit different to listen to. The man must gargle motorbike chains...

Tom Waits - Take One Last Look - https://youtu.be/PEi5b6nUQQs

Here's a band I've never heard of doing an absolute ripper of a cover of a Loverboy tune. Wow! The pandemic may suck in so many ways but the proliferation of artists producing high quality content (both originals and covers) in this format is pretty cool.

Candlebox - Turn Me Loose - https://youtu.be/k8QW_db2uWI

It's been a while since I played some Elvis. As a kid I was fascinated with the King for many reasons including the '68 Comeback Special look that he had with the leather jacket and the sideburns! I remember getting a double LP of Elvis' hits when I was younger and loving it. I still do. There are so many people called Rob in the world that when I'm ordering at a cafe I usually give Elvis as my name. It usually gets a funny look and I work hard to keep a straight face!

Elvis Presley - Jailhouse Rock (live '68 comeback special) - https://youtu.be/xqBdTn3_0Rw

Last week I had a chat with my good mate DJ KayDee about songs that we like but, for one reason or another, would find it hard to sing. This is one of those songs. Del Amitri are an amazing band (from Scotland). Their albums and songs often sound deceptively simple until you have a close listen to what's going on. This is the opening track from their third album and also the reason that I experimented with alternate guitar tunings. But it's about being unfaithful and whilst the song is beautiful I reckon I'd have trouble singing it. I know that you can sing from someone else's perspective but sometimes that's a bridge too far. Still, it's a great song.

Del Amitri - Be My Downfall (live) - https://youtu.be/jkrIwqnTxf8

Get your vaccination...stay at home...cook good food...rock on,

The Woozle

This space intentionally blank :-)

World Wide Woozle episode #550

Just when you thought it was safe to go back on the internet, I'm back! Get ready to rock!

I won't spend too much time on my absence except to say that I've not been as unwell for maybe thirty years and it was dreadful. I may not have had Covid but I feel as if I've had almost every other nasty bug that's been floating around. I haven't ridden my bike for over two weeks so that's a clear indication of how rotten I've felt. But, finally, with thanks to penicillin, sleep and DJ FeeDub, I'm on the mend and here to assault your aural senses with some tunes.

Some sad news came through yesterday with the passing of ZZ Top's Dusty Hill. He played bass, keys and did some singing for the Texas blues and boogie band for over fifty years. For many years, and probably like many other people, I've considered ZZ Top to be the ultimate melding of blues, rock and boogie. RIP Dusty.

ZZ Top – Cheap Sunglasses - https://youtu.be/QePcj9BplMQ

ZZ Top – My Head's In Mississippi – https://youtu.be/0968f0VWvd8

Luke Yeoward (ex-King Cannons) has a new album out now called Marigold Avenue. It's a rather fine collection of reggae tunes that really grows on you if given half a chance. I'm not quite sure how to describe the feel of the album but it's upbeat and laidback all at once. There are some great old school reggae moments and a genuine warmth to the recordings. Play it a few times.

Luke Yeoward – Always In Your Heart - https://youtu.be/3mdFRxcBDpY

 DJ SAB pointed out recently that Sisters of Mercy are releasing a collection of their recordings done for the BBC and John Peel. Some have been available on streaming services for a while but this brings together three sessions for a total of twelve tracks. This is the sound of bleak winters, the result of Thatcher's England and lyrics with bite.

Sisters of Mercy – Alice – https://youtu.be/-GwWra1sQgo

I've written a LOT about Lenny Kravitz's album Mama Said which is from 1991. It's one of those albums that I consider to be "all killer, no filler. I got it on cassette as a freebie as part of a Rolling Stone magazine subscription all those years ago. The magazine wasn't really that great but I'm still listening to the album on a regular basis. Lenny recorded most of it by himself although you can hear Slash on guitar as well. There are funk, rock and quiet introspective moments and it all fits so well together.

Lenny Kravitz – Stop Draggin' Around – https://youtu.be/l_AWMp826dg

Lenny Kravitz – Flowers for Zoë – https://youtu.be/LcXhpmscdSQ

The Zoë that Lenny is writing for is his daughter. Nowadays you can see her on the TV series High Fidelity (on Disney+). We've watched a few episodes and it's pretty groovy really if you're looking for short, sharp episodes that are good fun with cool music references. And yes, it's modelled on the book and film of the same name. At times it reminds me of an American version of Black Books set in a record store.

 Metal Church were a pretty big band on the scene in the 80s and into the 90s. Sadly, singer Mike Howe died this week at the age of 55. He sang on the album that I'm most familiar with which is called Blessing In Disguise. The track below was regularly programmed on overnight music TV shows here in Australia and that's what brought the band to my attention. I've only just become aware that they reformed not all that long ago and have some more recent albums too. Guess what's going on my "to listen to" list?

Metal Church – Badlands – https://youtu.be/TLpLYxUM2Gc

Have you seen the movie Rock Star? It stars Mark Wahlberg and Jennifer Aniston and is based on the story of Tim Owens who became the vocalist for Judas Priest. If you've ever been in a band of any type then this film, along with The Commitments, is essential viewing. The depictions of the realities and lack of glamour of playing covers and struggling to get originals heard is dead on. It has  a great soundtrack too and Zakk Wylde plays one of the band members. I managed to watch this movie whilst I was off sick but I will admit that it took me a few goes because I kept falling asleep – and not because I was bored!

Steelheart – We All Die Young - https://youtu.be/R-WqWaZxXSo

Margo Price has a new single out. I've had a couple of listens to it on the strength of her song Four Years Of Chances (which is really, really good by the way….that bass line!) and I like it. This track is quieter with just Margo and a piano and that showcases her voice and the song admirably.

Margo Price – That's How Rumors Get Started - https://youtu.be/hPM5Rhv-s44

DJ Toddo and I were meant to have been at the theatre on Wednesday this week to see the Let it Be 50^th anniversary show. Postponed. DJ FeeDub and I were meant to have been at the same place tomorrow (Saturday) night to see the orchestral version of a whole lot of Queen songs. Postponed. Grrrrrrr! Imagine if our governments had worked together to implement decent vaccination and quarantine strategies. Sorry…I'm trying to stay away from politics.

Rainbow – Long Live Rock 'n' Roll – https://youtu.be/YIltTc04bm4

That's all folks. Wear your mask, get the jab when you can, give someone a hug,

The Woozle

World Wide Woozle episode #549

It's time everyone...it's always that time...time for good music. Music that rocks, music that never stops. Music to sooth, music to get you in the mood and music for those that brood. Get the message?

AC/DC - Are You Ready - https://youtu.be/CIhylLW4Fcs

Last time I mentioned the compilation album The Metallica Blacklist. Well, one of my favourite artists has contributed a song for it and it was released this week. I'm very undecided about the track. On first listen I thought it was dreadful. Then I thought it might just be genius. And now I'm on the fence. The Hu's version works very well for me (played in episode #547) but this one has me a little perplexed. See what you think...

Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit - Sad But True - https://youtu.be/LeeWwY2IpcM

Or maybe this one...I'll certainly be playing this a few times over.

St. Vincent - Sad But True - https://youtu.be/K0K9xypNQVU

Enough! I'll wait for the entire album to be released now.

We haven't listened to any Billy Bragg for a while now. Well, I have, but not in terms of publishing it here. Billy remains one of my biggest influences. In 1990, the sound of one man, one guitar and lyrics that mattered changed my world forever.

Billy Bragg - There Is Power In A Union - https://youtu.be/4CkFPyH8v1c

Years ago I had a lot of fun learning a whole lot of Beatles songs for a New Years Eve gig with Bing and the band. It gave me a new and improved appreciation of songwriting and composition and this next track was one of my favourites. Seeing it done like this by Tenacious D is a hoot...musical genius or complete anarchy? Both. It's loads of fun.

Tenacious D - You Never Give Me Your Money / The End - https://youtu.be/N0hFf-twPlY

DJ FeeDub has loaned me a copy of the rather groovy CD, Rewiggled. As the name would suggest, it's a tribute to The Wiggles. It was released in 2011 and many moons ago I played a track from it here. Having now listened to the whole thing I must say that it's very, very good. Twenty tracks that almost all do justice to the originals whilst putting a different spin on them as well. This is an album worth tracking down.

Architecture in Helsinki - Wiggly Party - https://youtu.be/7u7RODyGay8 (this really reminds me of TISM...)

Bluejuice - Wake Up Jeff - https://youtu.be/gxidzHPbZNI

What else to follow up The Wiggles with than of course, some black metal. Darkthrone is one of the best known exponents of this particular sub-genre of heavy metal. It's never an easy listen lyrically or musically but that's kind of the idea. Their seminal album A Blaze In A Northern Sky (1992) was a lo-fi, noisy and angry record and remains a dead set classic. The band hasn't been worried about musical trends, ever, and it shows. Their output is quite varied and challenging even for fans. In 2013 they released an album called The Underground Resistance which is more classic metal and thrash and it's great. Check it out if you like Slayer, Judas Priest and/or Unleashed. The new album is quite accessible in relative terms but remains uncompromising.

Darkthrone - Hate Cloak - https://youtu.be/m-gY2HjQl20

I'm feeling that this episode is lacking something. Taylor. So here's a new track released that features her. The band includes Justin from Bon Iver and Aaron from The National. If the rest of the album is folky and a little pop like this then I'll be playing it quite a bit.

Big Red Machine (feat Taylor Swift) - Renegade - https://youtu.be/h_wr-9X47ao

It was -6 degrees this morning. As a result I decided to be sensible and not ride my bike. That's my wellness tip this time. Just be sensible. I freely admit that I find this quite a difficult concept when it comes to exercise but all I can do is work on it. And if I tell you all here then there's a few people who read this far who can call me out if they notice me being a bit too obsessed! Next time I'm going to talk about cooking. 

Audioslave - Show Me How To Live - https://youtu.be/vVXIK1xCRpY

That'll do. Read a book.

The Woozle

"...don't waste your time always searching for those wasted years..."

Iron Maiden, Wasted Years, 1986.