World Wide Woozle episode #571

It's chilly for June here in Canberra! I rode to work this morning to find that the hot water in the showers wasn't working. That's a rude shock when it was about 3 degrees outside!

What else? Well I've managed to watch two episodes of the new Star Wars series, Obi-Wan Kenobi, and it's awesome. Ewan McGregor both stars and is involved on the production side. I think the last thing I saw him in was Trainspotting 2 so this is a bit different.

Kid Kenobi - Everybody - https://youtu.be/c3b1194K74Q

I had the distinct pleasure of Bing programming an analogue playlist last night by dropping records on the turntable. Seriously; Jason Isbell's Southeastern has to be one of the best albums ever. And on vinyl...woo hoo! Hopefully I'll have a new place before too long and can bust out my record collection in earnest. It's hard not to be touched by cancer these days and as more and more people I know have it impact their lives this Isbell song seems even more poignant.

Jason Isbell - Elephant - https://youtu.be/TZjBH4Xb4L8

Todd and I are off to see the Raiders play on Sunday. We may need wetsuits, snorkels and an ark but Angus organised some tickets and it'll be fun regardless. I remember being there when the Brumbies played and three of us huddling under a tarpaulin in the rain because Angus refused to leave. At the end of the game we emerged, drowned, and there was almost no-one else left!

Ray Charles - It's Not Easy Being Green - https://youtu.be/KHR6HkHySWY

Speaking of cycling as we were...I've come to terms with the fact that the single speed bicycle and I do not see eye to eye. So if you are in Canberra and you want one just give me a yell. I'm going back to my red speed machine.

Steve Stevens' Atomic Playboys - Action - https://youtu.be/1CPdKgFhQIY

DJ SAB has talked me into seeing Sisters of Mercy later this year in the big smoke of Sydney. I know that he's been a fan for many, many years. I only know a few songs but the chance to see such an iconic band, with some friends, was too good to pass up. And for those worried about original members, I'm pretty sure the drummer has had many upgrades.

Sisters of Mercy - Something Fast - https://youtu.be/UI3yKorifpY

Also coming soon but closer to home, is Russell Morris. I saw him a few years ago at the Hellenic Club and he turned out to be a great storyteller and performer. He's out at the Tallagandra Winery in August and it should definitely be worth the trip!

Russell Morris - Black Dog Blues - https://youtu.be/wRjQZP_V35Y

I saw the next track just by chance when flicking through some YouTube recommendations. I'm not a Madonna fan at all really but this remake is full of energy, fun and a keyboard riff straight from ABBA. Check it out, it really had me tapping my toes. Kudos to Triple J radio for keeping this segment going for years and years. There are some totally awesome versions that they've organised.

Telenova - Hung Up - https://youtu.be/HIJQv_KcXHY

That'll do for another episode. I'll try and organise myself in time for the next episode to talk more about the complete album listening experience.

Rock on,

The Woozle.

"I'll let chaos rule supreme for me, 'cause that's the way my life has always been..."
The Mark of Cain, Let Chaos Rule Supreme, 2001.

World Wide Woozle episode #570

70 episodes and the World Wide Woozle keeps rolling on. And perhaps gathering moss. Read on folks...

A change of federal government in Australia will certainly be interesting. What it might mean for me is a permanent job and I'll take that as a huge win! Fingers crossed.

The Uncanny X-Men - Work - https://youtu.be/fKeJlpXOIqw

On Tuesday night Todd and I went to the Canberra Theatre to see the Let It Be 40th anniversary show. What a great gig!! Unbeknown to me, Suzy had got us VIP tickets. As a result we got to meet the band (and get a photo with them), hear them play two songs before the show and to top it off we had FRONT ROW SEATS!!! Woo hoo! The band was made up of some well known Aussie musicians including Mark from Jet and they were clearly having a great time playing Beatles tunes. The first set was the Let It Be album from start to finish and the second set was a mixture of tunes that the four Beatles recorded later as solo artists.

Ringo Starr - Photograph - https://youtu.be/rGuPfCD9kdk

Yesterday someone stole some of my bike gear from where it is parked underneath my place of employment...in a "secure" parking facility. Fortunately the actual bike was untouched. But it was a cold ride home with no base layer, cycling vest or gloves!! I hope whoever nicked those is nice and warm. What they are going to do with my rear light (minus the bracket) and the saddle bag that clips under the seat is anyone's guess. I can't actually believe that I didn't get a flat riding home or back to work when I didn't have tyre levers with me!

The Equals - Police On My Back - https://youtu.be/DH0Guwo_ky0

Let's return to speaking about albums that are a complete listening experience. One that DJ DJ has recommended is Operation: Mindcrime by Queensryche. I agree completely in this case as it is a fantastic album without a dud track. It also tells a story. I treated myself to watching a live version of it the other night and was totally immersed in the sound and vision. The band's following album, Empire, is also hard to fault.

Queensryche - The Needle Lies (live) - https://youtu.be/E_LDkphPYic

One of my mates has alerted me to the fact that George Thorogood is coming to Canberra in the near future. I'm sure it will be a very, very popular gig as well. I'll have to give it serious consideration. His 1991 album, Boogie People, is heaps of fun and essential listening for lovers of rock and roll guitar. The slide guitar introduction to this song has appealed to me for many, many years!

George Thorogood - Can't Be Satisfied - https://youtu.be/jD1fBHetwpw

Meg Mac is a Sydney based singer and musician. I hadn't heard much about her until Kram mentioned that he'd been in the crowd to see her perform the night before he played the Let It Be show. I've had a little listen to some of Meg's material and I quite like it. It reminds me of The Preatures (who I loved) quite a lot.

Meg Mac - Roll Up Your Sleeves - https://youtu.be/LKeX0DmLSaI

Finally, from Los Angeles, it's L7. This is a band who got down with fuzzy guitars, biting lyrics and a no-nonsense approach. I'm not sure why some people think L7 are a metal band, it's definitely hard rocking, sludgy punk!

L7 - Diet Pill -  https://youtu.be/u3TSJpEZ3kw

The Woozle

"When my children's eyes look at me and they ask me to explain,
it hurts me that I have to look away.
The powers that be are in for shame and comeuppance...
...stick it up your ass with your useless thoughts and prayers..."

Drive By Truckers, Thoughts and Prayers, 2020.

World Wide Woozle episode #569

Hey, hey, hey...it's The Woozle. Thanks for taking the time to read this.

Firstly a word from Taylor who just received an honorary doctorate! Nice. One for the social media keyboard commandos...

Taylor Swift - You Need To Calm Down - https://youtu.be/Dkk9gvTmCXY

Well, I've had quite a few responses and conversations about albums that you all think constitute a complete listening experience. There were some choices that I saw coming and quite a few that have given me a lot to think about. Give me a few weeks to do some quality listening and then I'll write more about these.

DJ Macca recommended Bowie's The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars. Good choice.

David Bowie - Suffragette City (live 1990) - https://youtu.be/RhfMvh6Em0M

Without getting too detailed...Spy v. Spy were excellent. Loads of energy, great songs and a crowd that were appreciative. I'll say this though; it was FAR TOO LOUD. I had proper noise reducing earplugs in and the volume was still a challenge. In the end we ended up at the back of the venue for a little relief. The mix was actually better back there anyway. I'm sure that the decibel meter app on my phone is wildly inaccurate but when it was registering over 100dB you know it's loud. The support band was cool too; I'd see them again.

Urban Guerillas - Hurricane - https://youtu.be/3HFEKy-Ebys

I've always had a bit of a thing for science fiction. Star Wars probably started it (or was it Dr. Who and Blakes 7?) although I had a licensed maths set and an R2D2 figure for around a year before I saw the first movie! And I vividly remember the excitement of being allowed to watch the first episode of Battlestar Galactica when I was a little boy still living in New Zealand.

Monster Magnet - Space Lord - https://youtu.be/dscfeQOMuGw

Next week Toddo and I are off to see the tribute show for The Beatles' Let It Be album. We've had these tickets for 12 months now so it's going to be awesome to finally get to see the show after it has been postponed seemingly forever. After a few road trips with Todd, I can confirm that he knows every lyric to ever Beatles song!

The Beatles - One After 909 - https://youtu.be/RLjJ3VrRKx4

The following comments are all mine. They in no way represent my employer, anyone I know, my Mum or next door's dog. I've avoided talking about politics, mostly, for ages now. To be quite francis with you all, I'm simply tired of the whole thing. The current crop of leaders has seemingly managed to rort its way through the last few years with impunity. None of them seem to take responsibility for anything and those that are sanctioned are back in a jiffy with transgressions, that would mean the sack for the rest of us, just swept under the rug. I really enjoy hearing politicians promising to do amazing things when they've already had nine years in government to get on with the job. As for the opposition parties...well, maybe a few genuine points of difference or realistic policies would be useful. And don't get me started on truth in advertising; what a debacle. At least we don't live in America where their choices were either the useless one or the moron.

Bad Religion - The Dodo - https://youtu.be/18PmpbVp-9g

I attempted to return to my upper body workout regime this week. It isn't fancy and includes some planking and a push up challenge. My sore ribs are still just a little tender though so that meant a halt to proceedings...for another week. Stupid ribs!

Queen - Don't Stop Me Now - https://youtu.be/-gi6LINyYso

Rock on everyone,
The Woozle

"You poor take courage, you rich take care
This Earth was made a common treasury for everyone to share..."
Billy Bragg, The World Turned Upside Down, 1984.

World Wide Woozle episode #568

Hi everyone and thanks for tuning in. This episode is a bit shorter and all music. Either I'm ultra-focussed or I think you all need a break from my constant rambling!

I want to pose a question to you. Is there an album you like that you think is more than just a collection of songs? Does it flow? Is every track a killer (and is there no filler)? Let me know. The reason I ask is that the Rolling Stones' Exile On Mainstreet is having a significant birthday. I mentioned to a couple of mates that I really don't think the Stones have ever released an album that is amazing. They have great songs but, as an album experience I don't ever feel it from them. Bing then asked me what albums met that criteria for me...and away we went with DJ GreySeal adding awesome ideas too. And before you reply; everyone mentions Dark Side of the Moon. We get it and we agree. Anything else? This track is from an album called Retriever by Ron Sexsmith and it's tip top!

Ron Sexsmith - For The Driver - https://youtu.be/d34C2upNyDo

One album that was recommended by both Bing and DJ GreySeal was Marillion's Misplaced Childhood. I remember that my introduction to the band was on account of Neil from The Young Ones talking about them. After that I heard a local band, Harlequin, play some of their songs. I'll do some more listening this week but if you like progressive rock, folk music or you're an old hippie then "trip the light fantastic" and get into Marillion.

Marillion - Heart of Lothian - https://youtu.be/9pkyZhlK8Q0

Transvision Vamp have released a compilation of A sides, B sides and rarities. To be honest, with only nine tracks and at around thirty seven minutes it's a bit of a let down. This is sad because they were a fantastic band and they rocked pretty hard live. I think the Queanbeyan Leagues Club is still recovering. This one is a release for fans only. 

Transvision Vamp - The Only One - https://youtu.be/yivah7C8luE

In recent years I've become quite a fan of the legendary New Zealand band, The Mutton Birds. They are one of those groups that could play and sing the phone book and I'd listen. I did enjoy this cover version of one of their classics, Dominion Road, that DJ SamDetective sent to me. Very cool indeed to see the song's author and original singer, Don McGlashan, in the video!

DARTZ - Dominion Road (Dumpling House) - https://youtu.be/9Mp857nDfIQ

Finally, an independent artist who has been releasing great music for quite a while now from her home in Bristol, England. I first listened to Laura's music when she recorded under the moniker, She Makes War. These days her project is called Penfriend. I'm not all that sure how to classify it. There's electronic beats, guitars, ukuleles and a whole lot more. Buy some of her music and/or artwork here or check out a ton of stuff including livestreamed gigs on her YouTube channel. 

Penfriend - Exotic Monsters - https://youtu.be/OtUKooPlufw 

We're off to see Spy vs. Spy tonight along with DJ SAB. I can't wait! Expect to hear more about the gig next time.

Spy vs. Spy - Sallie Anne - https://youtu.be/xE54H9xmeWo

If you're looking for a great radio show then go no further than Iain Anderson's programme on BBC Scotland. You can stream it here and there are a couple of episodes a week full of great songwriters from a range of musical genres. This week includes a feature on Tom Paxton. You'll know about Tom if you've been reading this blog for a while!! Thanks to Karen for putting me onto Iain's amazing programme!

Tom Paxton - The Last Thing On My Mind (live) - https://youtu.be/08lVuhv_Va8

Before I sign off, for those of you in Australia; vote early and then you can ignore the media. You'll thank me. 

Bye for now, 

The Woozle 

"I wanna be a star and buy a hundred guitars, eat everything I can bite..." Motorhead, Angel City, 1991.

World Wide Woozle episode #567

Here we are again folks.

Last weekend Toddo and I were in Mudgee. It's about a five hour drive each way on some windy and steep roads taking in Crookwell, Bathurst and a few other spots. Bathurst excelled itself by providing me with a lentil curry pie which was absolutely fantastic. The ride itself was shortened a little due to flood damage on some roads but the ones we were one were, for the most part, in great condition. We were never there to race and therefore immensely enjoyed our morning trundling around the countryside. Our accomodation for next year is already booked and hopefully the whole crew can be there as we're mulling over the idea of riding the 180km course.

Kris Kristofferson - This Old Road - https://youtu.be/sU_tjb0MceY

I haven't been on a beach for almost a year now. And in the past that wouldn't have worried me at all. Things changed a bit for me when I was at Bonny Hills a while ago. You may remember that the pandemic curtailed mine and Angus' holiday there. After he'd had to scarper back across the border to Queensland I took myself out for a walk on the sand. I was gone for quite a while on a beautiful stretch of deserted beach. Other than walking I did some yoga and a spot of meditation too. And in that moment I felt truly at peace. This weekend Fi and I will be at the coast and whilst it might be a bit cool for a swim (especially for a chicken like me) I'm looking forward to getting the sand between my toes and embracing the sound of the ocean.

Dennis Wilson - Pacific Ocean Blues - https://youtu.be/er1LsKPXLj8

Here's a song that I haven't heard in a very, very long time. I was out walking this morning (giving my ribs a bit longer to heal) and it popped up on a list of recommended tracks. A classic that has been re-recorded by Steve Earle and I really like the way that it sounds raw and honest.

Steve Earle - Mr Bojangles - https://youtu.be/7MEAN6H5mWs

Speaking of new music, Aussie punk rockers The Chats have a new single. Give it a whirl; they are always good value and a lot of fun.

The Chats - 6L GTR - https://youtu.be/hrkuo0y8gMU

I've got a few AC/DC live recordings and bootlegs hanging around from a variety of sources. It's important with them to look past the sonic limitations of the source material and focus on the energy of the performance. To that end, it was a bit surprising to see that the band's Spotify account has released a live concert from 1978 recorded in Ohio. It's a real treat for fans to hear a couple of tracks that are rarely played at a show.

AC/DC - Gone Shootin' (live) - https://youtu.be/73yCJhs4ROk

Driving to and from Mudgee gave Todd and I a chance to unashamedly indulge in our love for The Beatles. We had every album in one playlist and got through most of it. It's hard to pick a favourite Beatles song or album but this version of one of their classics is right up there for me.

Elvis Costello - Penny Lane (live) - https://youtu.be/vSo-VFTq5PU

Here's a track that Spotify has seemingly decided that I really like. This is interesting as it's from a band I've never heard of. Kinda fun though and I'll listen more. If anyone knows much about the group then feel free to yell out.

The Bottle Rockets - Radar Gun (live) - https://youtu.be/xpqTcGbn9r4

I'm not a huge podcast listener but I have been enjoying one called Heavyweight. The theme tune made my ears prick up and I've subsequently checked out the band that recorded it. I guess they remind me quite a lot of REM and The Mountain Goats. This is definitely a band that has come up with a great sound; well to my ears at least. The guitars are warmly driven, not harsh, and use some tasty vibrato and tremolo effects. And the snare drum sound is snappy and tight. I'm never really sure how to describe how things sound but the drums sound orange and the guitars are brown and wavy.

The Weakerthans - Sun in an Empty Room - https://youtu.be/8se66vS90Z8

The podcast, Heavyweight, is an interesting listen. The presenter puts himself in the position of helping people resolve difficult things that have gone on in their lives. There's two elderly brothers who fell out decades ago and aren't on speaking terms, a guy who appeared in the worst commercial ever and another bloke who claims to have had a huge part in making Moby a star and wants his old CDs back. The problem that I've found with many podcasts is that, like blogs, anyone can have one. Most are really very boring and not well produced. Heavyweight, however, is well written and recorded. Give it a try sometime wherever you get podcasts (it's on Spotify which is where I found it).

Keep smiling everyone, if nothing else it will make others wonder what you've been up to!

Steve Harley & Cockney Rebel - Make Me Smile - https://youtu.be/dAoaVU3-ve0

Bye,
The Woozle

"So, understand,

Don't waste your time always searching for those wasted years.
Face up, make your stand,
And realize you're living in the golden years." Iron Maiden, Wasted Years, 1986.

World Wide Woozle episode #566

Welcome back, I hope you're sitting comfortably!

I managed to end up with some bruised ribs on Sunday so I've been off my bike for a few days. And it's raining too which means a couple of journeys to and from work on the bus. The saving grace is that I've got a ton of music to listen to and public transport is the ideal location. Mask on, headphones on...    

Hothouse Flowers - I Can See Clearly Now - https://youtu.be/Y1HRcoHGmi4

Todd and I are off to the NSW regional town of Mudgee this coming weekend to participate in a 130km cycling event. He's been injured too but we're going to take our time and see if we can complete the ride. Sadly, our mate Mick has the 'rona so he's stuck at home. Mudgee is a beautiful place and when we were there last year it was a great day out. I predict carb loading, sore legs and big smiles.    

Led Zeppelin -  Over The Hills And Far Away - https://youtu.be/o-tT62bpYlU

Zoë has left and is now in Queensland for a little bit before heading back to London. It was simply awesome to spend time with her. I know that we have communication on tap but nothing beats seeing her in person. Fi and I are planning to go to the UK for a visit sometime around September next year. There's a couple of places that we'd both like to see but other than that we just want to take our time and look around. I haven't been to Scotland since our family left in 1978 to move to the other side of the world. Singapore seems to be the best place to stopover and I haven't been there since about 1975!

 Last time I spoke about some upcoming shows that we're going to see and I forgot to mention that Goanna are playing in Canberra later in the year. That promises to be a great show...the 40th anniversary of their classic album Spirit of Place.  

Goanna - The Razor's Edge - https://youtu.be/at5ImMt-h4c

DJ Pinky shot through a couple of photos from a recent Hoodoo Gurus gig that he was lucky enough to attend. It's great to see them out on tour after it was postponed due to you know what (and I don't mean Voldemort). I remember going to see them years ago at the University of Canberra only for the gig to be sold out. That was back in the early 90s and I really should get around to seeing them before long. What a great band!    

Hoodoo Gurus - Less Than A Feeling - https://youtu.be/433CSzNrjA0

In the search for cool music I spend some time browsing around Bandcamp and Soundcloud. YouTube is ok I guess but there's obviously a lot of non-music content that clogs up my feed. I mean, I do watch a lot of guitar reviews but I don't think I'll share them here ha ha! One of my latest finds is Obsidian Tide. They are a moody, progressive metal band hailing from Israel. For me, they sound a bit like Pink Floyd and Coheed & Cambria with their own twist on things as well. Well worth listening to an album as opposed to just one track.

Obsidian Tide - Pillars of Creation - https://youtu.be/YGk9Ad6bGbw

Sleaford Mods have released a live six track EP, Live at Nottz Arena. If you like their style of rough, urban hip hop then you'll definitely like this. Amy Taylor and Billy Nomates guest on a track each. I know that it's just the vocalist over the top of their pre-recorded beats but that's their schtick and it works pretty well.    

Sleaford Mods - Mork n Mindy (live) - https://youtu.be/8cGo4isi1Tw

A long time ago, in the early 90s, a metal band called Lethal Dose emerged from the country town I lived in for my high school years. I remember getting a couple of their demo cassettes when I was home on leave from the Army and they weren't too bad. What I didn't realise was that the band renamed themselves and are still playing these days as Terraphobia. It's loud, it's heavy and it's a helluva good racket. Australian metal fans may be interested to know that Mick from the band also played with Mortification.    

Terraphobia - Eschanton - https://youtu.be/fVNRv5Oc3rM    

Speaking of new releases; Italian punk/glam rock aficionados, Giuda, have a live recording out now. It's called Live at Punk Rock Raduno and is 41 minutes of foot stomping rock and roll. I really like these guys as they unashamedly channel the energy of bands like Slade and Sweet. Loads of fun and a live concert video wouldn't go astray.     

Giuda - Roll The Balls - https://youtu.be/xUL8BwkOS0Y

The re-emergence of live gigs, the odd cancellation or postponement notwithstanding, has got me thinking about shows I've been to in the past. There's been some absolutely amazing performances including Steve Earle, Yothu Yindi, Jason Isbell, Transvision Vamp, Roxette and AC/DC. And then there have been a few stinkers as well (for various reasons) including The Church, Cheap Trick and Motorhead. I don't regret seeing any of those. There are three shows I can think of that changed my world completely. The first was Battlefield Band at the West Gippsland Arts Centre in 1988. This one helped me embrace my Scots heritage when they combined bagpipes and traditional Celtic music with more modern day sounds and tunes. The second was Armoured Angel in 1991 in Sydney. I'd never seen truly heavy music played live and with such focus. I went on to see them play plenty of times. And the third show, and probably the one closest to a religious experience was the Rollins Band at Festival Hall in Melbourne in 1994. I knew one song...and they didn't play it anyway! The stage lights were turned on full and left that way, the volume was insane and the band sat in a groove all night and didn't waiver. And then there was Henry Rollins. Clad in black shorts and covered in tattoos, sweat and muscle he proceeded to expand our minds and pummel our senses into submission. Nothing has ever come close to that performance.    

Battlefield Band - The Clumsy Lover / The Unmade Bed - https://youtu.be/c78Rmt7p-GA?t=285    

Armoured Angel - Enigmatize - https://youtu.be/bHKWHKGBFGE

Rollins Band - Fool (live) - https://youtu.be/WV__OLW6Dlw

Finally, I read this week about a marathon that starts at Everest Base Camp. It takes about 11 days of hiking just to get to the start. What a shame that I can't run anymore and I have a healthy dislike of camping or I could be tempted...that would be an amazing adventure!    

Rock on brothers and sisters,    

The Woozle

"And if you try a little kindness
Then you'll overlook the blindness
Of narrow-minded people on the narrow-minded streets"

Glen Campbell, Try A Little Kindness, 1970.

World Wide Woozle episode #565

It's been a while, a long while in fact, since I wrote anything here. A lot has happened and this morning I finally felt the urge to write again. It isn't that I've been avoiding my blog, I've just been a bit busy; in a good way!

Since my last post in January I've sold my house, moved in with Fi, played a gig in Melbourne, continued to enjoy my work, ridden up a lot of hills, done some dog-sitting, been to some gigs, and caught up with both of my kids and my Dad. I've been happier and more content than I have in a very long time.

The Chicks - The Long Way Around (live) - https://youtu.be/s5HKLteH9Mc

I was fortunate enough to be asked to play guitar at a gig for "The Riflemen" which is a group featuring my mate RobP and also Anthony and Lachy from The Wiggles. Also in the group were a number of the touring musicians from The Wiggles. Those guys are consummate professionals and were very kind and encouraging to me. After Fi and I flew to Melbourne, I got to go to Rod Laver Arena twice to rehearse backstage with the group between Wiggles shows. The gig was held at the Shrine of Remembrance in Melbourne and featured a number of Veteran artists. We got to play for about an hour and it was heaps of fun. It was a bit like a big folk music session with a wide range of songs and instruments including guitars, bagpipes, mandolins, push button accordion and bass. If you like bands such as The Pogues then you'll understand the kind of music we were playing. It's not all about me but I did get to perform one of my original songs and the reaction was really good.

The Riflemen - The Recruiting Sergeant - https://youtu.be/fbxYKPA4z0s

Fi and I got to see some of my family in Melbourne as well in what was a hectic and tiring weekend but so worth it! Don't try to get a taxi in that city just now...it's almost impossible.

Skyhooks - Carlton (Lygon Street Limbo) - https://youtu.be/Bxq0CFLWWks

We've also managed to see a couple of great gigs at the Canberra Theatre. Both involved the same orchestra with a range of vocalists. One show was a Queen tribute and the other was George Michael / Wham! The musicians were excellent and the majority of the singing was first class which all added up to both shows being a lot of fun. Musically, the Queen show was spot on but understandably the vocals were hard to nail. For the George Michael performance I thought that four out of five vocalists were superb and were almost uncannily like listening to the man himself. A few little music production hitches and a slightly average mix were the only criticisms I'd make and they really were relatively minor.

Wham! - I'm Your Man - https://youtu.be/kAGl8RWTSqc

In the near future we're off to see one of my favourite Australian bands, Spy vs Spy. The band were around in the 80s and early 90s and were very popular here and in Brazil. I was surprised to see an advertisement for a local gig and, after checking that it was the same band (it's one of the original members only now) I booked tickets. There's a newish album which sounds pretty good. The sound of Michael Weiley (d. 2018) remains one of the main influences on how I try to sound on the electric guitar.

v Spy v Spy - Soldiers - https://youtu.be/7Lg5Ja2qF6U

Lita Ford (ex The Runaways, solo artist) is pretty well known in hard rock circles. Her 1988 album, Lita, did really well on the back of the single, Kiss Me Deadly. It's a track that is a regular feature on most rock playlists I put together as it's just a lot of fun. I really didn't expect it to be reimagined by Chuck Prophet but he's done a great job!! I really like both versions!

Chuck Prophet live with The Makeout Quartet - Kiss Me Deadly - https://youtu.be/SeKQgcRrnx0

DJ ChickenManLaff sent me a link to some Kyuss live footage. I remember seeing them, with DJ DJ, in 1993 when they supported Metallica in Sydney. I didn't grow up listening to Black Sabbath but Kyuss turned me in that direction a little later in life. I learned what the "heavy" in heavy metal was all about.

Kyuss - Green Machine - https://youtu.be/R-MSfd2S7lo

Lots of bands seem to be releasing live radio broadcast recordings onto various streaming services at the moment. Whilst some of the audio quality is that of a bootleg at best, there are some real gems out there. I heard one from the Georgia Satellites the other day that highlighted what a great live band they must have been. I've still got a couple of their singles on vinyl as well as an album on cassette!

The Georgia Satellites - Railroad Steel (live) - https://youtu.be/OaGVkhLy6kI

I played Ghost in the last episode but that was three months ago and they've got a new album out now. The first single is a ripper and so here it is. The band are touring at the moment across the world so hopefully they can bring their spooky version of rock and roll back to their fans in Australia before too long.

Ghost - Call Me Little Sunshine - https://youtu.be/DD2m_iqD7dI

And whilst I certainly don't need another guitar...this one from Hagstrom in Sweden is so very, very tempting.

I was asked recently to provide some advice for a young fella who was lining up to buy his first electric guitar. I remember going to get mine back in late 1987 and really having no idea. I was lucky that the guys in the shop did the right thing by me because I played that axe non-stop and I still have, and love it. My young friend ended up with a sweet deal on a Stratocaster and I hope it serves him well for a long time. Whilst putting together a short playlist of guitarists I like to share with him I reflected on the players that influenced me back then. I was all about Angus & Malcolm Young from AC/DC, Mark Knopfler from Dire Straits and Brian May from Queen. I don't really play or sound like any of them but their music continues to inspire me. Rock on Lachy!

Dire Straits - Telegraph Road (live) - https://youtu.be/Q1Wp2ASqyxI 

Zoë is back in the country for a visit after just over 800 days away. It's been amazing and pretty emotional as you can probably imagine. In the last episode I was ruminating about the fact that I hadn't seen my family for such a long time. And in the last few weeks I've seen Zoë, Angus and my Dad too! Unfortunately the NZ contingent will have to wait just a little longer as will those in Vanuatu. Thanks for nothing, Covid.

Steve Miller Band - Jet Airliner - https://youtu.be/pEp_IAfyldo

When Chris Bailey (The Saints) passed away recently I admitted to DJ SAB that I hadn't realised that Ed Kuepper was in that band as well. Look, to be fair, I didn't come to Australia until I was in high school! He encouraged me to seek out some of Ed's back catalogue so I have been having a listen. It's worth it. There's an album called Complete Radio Sessions which I have been really getting into. I have a feeling that this could be quite a long and fruitful journey. I'm not sure quite how to describe Ed's music other than, um, varied. If you like Don Walker's solo stuff you'd probably like this.

Ed Kuepper - Honey Steel's Gold (live) - https://youtu.be/pVMF02iNbb0

Midnight Oil were meant to play here in Canberra last night. Unfortunately for a lot of people, the weather was atrocious and the gig was cancelled. For a while, after learning and playing so many Oils tunes, I didn't really want to listen to them anymore. Time is a great healer though and I have re-embraced their power and passion. Whilst their new album isn't great, it does have its moments. This is one of the songs that has started to grow on me.

Midnight Oil - Rising Seas - https://youtu.be/BWgesOsL2dA

I had to learn a John Williamson song for the gig in Melbourne. We ran out of time to play it but the guitar parts on it are cool and learning them was a challenge and a lot of fun. I'd forgotten how good this whole album was.

John Williamson - Dingo - https://youtu.be/IJ_Yl5EnmbE

That's it folks. No election nonsense...do your own research, ask the difficult questions, make up your own mind. 

Rock on everyone,

The Woozle

"Sometimes I give myself the creeps

Sometimes my mind plays tricks on me
It all keeps adding up
I think I'm cracking up
Am I just paranoid?
Ah, yeah, yeah, yeah..." Alanis Morissette, Basket Case (live Green Day cover), 2012.