World Wide Woozle episode #573

G'day everyone, the blog rolls forever it seems. In what may be a relief for many of you, this is a slightly shorter episode.

After selling my single speed bike, I braced myself and entered the maelstrom known as trying to buy a second hand bicycle. It turned out to be surprisingly easy and I'm now the owner of an older, but rather groovy, racing bike that I can ride to work without worrying all day if it has been nicked from the "secure" parking basement. It's an Avanti bike which is kind of cool as they were designed in New Zealand. The new bike has turned out to be comfortable and pretty speedy as well. All I need to do now is treat myself with a new set of pedals in a few weeks so that I don't have to keep swapping them between my bikes! This morning's 40km in fairly heavy fog was a lot of fun really.

John Farnham - That's Freedom - https://youtu.be/zZIbpexA4g8

The search for a new place to live is on in earnest. With the bank agreeing to lend me a few dollars I've started the hopefully quick process of house hunting. I'm really not fussy but it has to be a little bigger than my last place and not needing renovation! Watch this space.

The Poor - Dirty Money - https://youtu.be/thVXsln2KfU

DJ SamDetective convinced me to listen to the next track. I must admit to being apprehensive and then surprised. Now I've listened to the whole album about ten times and I'm into the band's back catalogue. It's fair to say that you really can't judge this group on their very well known hit song. For fans of The Pogues, Steeleye Span and the like. Give it a chance folks...

Chumbawumba - El Fusilado - https://youtu.be/05j25PHA7l8 

I've been lucky enough to listen to a couple of really good live BB King albums this week. Live At The Regal (1965) is one I already knew but the 1990 recording done at San Quentin Prison really made me sit up and take notice. BB's band is on fire and the man himself is having a great time. Johnny Cash empathised with the prisoners in his jail house concerts whereas BB seems simply intent on helping them have a good time for a while. The energy crackles through this recording and remember that he is 65 years old when he's playing the gig. No other guitarist sounds like BB King.

BB King - Peace To The World (live) - https://youtu.be/uJUlUcKCEhE

Lastly, Chrissie Hynde. She plays a signiificant part in the Sex Pistols series that I've now finished watching. So I went back and listened to some of her music. I'd forgotten what a great voice she has. I'm not a love boy these days but I do have some ink ha ha!

The Pretenders - Tattooed Love Boys - https://youtu.be/yog-meAq1so

That's all folks. Eat your greens.

The Woozle.

"Sometimes you're beaten to the call, sometimes

Sometimes you're taken to the wall but you don't give in..."

Midnight Oil, Sometimes, 1987.

World Wide Woozle episode #572

Hi everyone, buckle up.

 

It's been a cold, cold week here in Canberra. Cold enough to break out almost all of my winter cycling gear. In truth, I could've used it all but some wore out last year, went in the bin, and I haven't replaced it yet. Whoops! After the rain finally gave up we've gone back to clear, very crisp and blue days and that's just another reason why I love living here. In truth, I could probably pack up now and move anywhere with a decent internet connection (so that I could work)…but nowhere else (realistic) really appeals. I don't think the government would let me work remotely from Vanuatu…

 

The Godfathers - Birth, School, Work, Death - https://youtu.be/QO5dcW0P75M

 

I've been seriously enjoying a lot of music in 5.1 surround in the last couple of weeks. So much so that I may have to consider a new system myself when I get a house organised. I had a really good listen to the Steven Wilson mix of Jethro Tull's Stormwatch album. It's already one of my favourites but I heard so much more of it in the immersive experience.

 

Jethro Tull - Something's On The Move - https://youtu.be/_UYhULU3Yb0

 

Let's talk about albums that are a complete listening experience. These are the albums where the tracks flow, you'd never want to skip a song and if you hear them out of order then it just sounds wrong. I've had a few suggestions and I've done some listening. DJ DJ suggested Metallica's Master of Puppets. It's definitely a great, and very influential album. The question here is; is it more than just a collection of great songs lumped together. So onwards I went, listening…thinking and doing more listening. Could I FEEL it for all 55 minutes? Yep. He's right in that it draws the listener in and holds them there. Well it does for me. The album is frenetic and the band, with a couple of albums under their belts, really hit it hard. In the past I must admit that I'd stopped after the first four tracks because they are just so strong. Spending time with the B side of the album, so to speak, has been a revelation. In the words of Robin Williams, "just play it loud, ok!"

 

Metallica – Disposable Heroes – https://youtu.be/sY3KKJdJQ-o

 

I managed to sell my single speed bike. It was lovely but it just wasn't for me. I need a few gears or my back starts to grumble. The physio agreed when I saw him yesterday too. It didn't stop him digging his elbows into me quite hard! I think I'll be on the lookout for an older racing bike that I can use for riding to work every day.

Neil Young - Old Man - https://youtu.be/An2a1_Do_fc

Old punk rockers and anyone interested in good music should check out the miniseries Pistol via Disney+. It's a dramatisation of some of Steve Jones's (Sex Pistols' guitarist) book. I'm a couple of episodes in and it's really well made. 70s England really does look like quite a desperate place to live.

Sex Pistols - Seventeen (live) - https://youtu.be/UTAZtx2305E

It's the Queen's Birthday long weekend in almost all of Australia. It's a fair old time to be on the throne. Marvellous effort that.

Motorhead - God Save The Queen - https://youtu.be/Qa1wdUkeuvE

Finally, a huge thanks to my mate Marty all the way up there in beautiful Bonny Hills for a nudge towards the next band. I'd had a very cursory listen in the past but nothing serious. AND he sent me a link to their NPR Tiny Desk concert which is one of my favourite series. They're a pretty interesting band and if you like Springsteen, Isbell and/or Ron Sexsmith then try them out.

The War On Drugs - Holding On - https://youtu.be/6-oHBkikDBg

Have a great weekend, week, life, whatever. And be kind to each other.

The Woozle

"I spent a week near Myall Creek,

Where the birds screech some truth from the trees.

I just couldn't speak near Myall Creek,

Where the silence brings me to my knees..."

George Huitker & Junk Sculpture, Near Myall Creek, 2017.

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.