World Wide Woozle episode #655

Welcome back. Jolly good luck.

This morning was foul. I woke up ready to have breakfast, do my exercises, have a shower and then go to work. Getting into work clothes, my back had other ideas and decided to spasm, leaving me crying on the floor in sheer frustration. The now very clear Pavlovian response caused by back pain kicked in and did its worst for a while. One lot of pain would be OK, but both physical and mental is too much. Fortunately, I already had a psych appointment in a few hours so I switched it to telehealth, gritted my teeth and waited. What I need to work on, other than continuing to be kind to myself, is catching the moment between physical pain and the onset of the end of the world in my mind. So, another day of either standing up or lying on the floor. Recovery isn't linear, I know that, I just need to be better at accepting it. I am hard on myself and it doesn't help.

The Smashing Pumpkins - Today - https://youtu.be/xmUZ6nCFNoU

I wrote a thing today about gratitude. You can read it here if you like. Some of you are probably in it. Lots of you aren't named but are there in spirit, I know.

Faith No More - We Care A Lot - https://youtu.be/LQhX8PbNUWI

Are you interested in playlists? I am for now, but maybe I'll go back to mixtapes soon so dust off your cassette players. The regular listening playlist hurtles on wildly in and out of oblivion; it's still here on Spotify. I have a new one for all y'all as well. My Dad told me about a night they were having at the folk club down there in Geelong recently. The theme was something along the lines of songs that make you cry. I love a theme. And remember that you don't have to be sad to cry, it can be joyful too. So here's a few tracks that elicit that kind of emotional response in me for one reason or another. Feel free to give me a yell with a song or two that are tear jerkers in your opinion.

Alex The Astronaut - If I Could Start Today Again - https://youtu.be/TlHU19oI-HU

Bruce Springsteen's album Nebraska is an important one for me for a few reasons I've explored before. When I read that he is to release a remastered version packaged up with the complete album performed live, demo tracks and the long lost electric version that shelved, it piqued my interest. To Bruce's credit, the price of this re-issue set is very reasonable compared to what a lot of bands expect us to pay, so I have ponied up for a pre-order. Here's the original, electric version of a song you might know. It didn't make the Nebraska album but was a bit of a hit on the next release. This one feels much angrier and that suits the lyrics much better I reckon.

Bruce Springsteen - Born In The USA - https://youtu.be/9YNufvgPP20

Eddie Van Halen once took a journalist driving in his car to listen to his new album because it apparently sounded best there. I don't drive all that much, especially at the moment because sitting down hurts, but when I do there are a few songs that are windows down, locks flowing (!), head-nodding, playing drums on the steering wheel numbers. This is one. I'd forgotten all about it and I just got the CD for like $5. Bargain.This song starts with a real bang and never lets up. It has to be one of the best examples of instantly grabbing an audience .

Bryan Adams - There Will Never Be Another Tonight - https://youtu.be/l5N6dupJ2Ko

Finally, the 'bogan punk' of Melbourne's PLAYLUNCH. There's a strong language warning for this one, and an appearance from Big Bad Barry Hall. This is quality and I love it.

PLAYLUNCH - Keith - https://youtu.be/7PTvxw4fc9M

Thanks for reading, I love youse all.

Keep smiling,

The Woozle

"I got a pocket full of crumpled bills,

I got a stomach full of different pills..."

Andrew Dice Clay, I Ain't Got You, 1990.

Today I am grateful for...

On 11 March 2025 I started seeing a new psychologist because, well, I needed help. I'm still working with her now (September) and she's making a huge difference to my mental health. Today I had a bit of a blip and as luck would have it, I was booked in for an appointment. My short term memory is pretty average so I took some notes.

One of things my psych encouraged me to do when my inner voice is being harsh, negative and unhelpful is to imagine the most compassionate person I know talking to me. It's an interesting exercise. I've got a few people who fit that description in my mind so I'll cycle through some of y'all.

I'd like to thank everyone who sends me messages or even just reacts with a smile or a thumbs up. I'm living a bit of a hermit lifestyle just now and gentle reminders that I don't suck help a lot.

I'll get through this. I have to.

Since I started with the psych, she encouraged me to do a very simple task in my journal. Write down something I'm grateful for. I really, really, really want to be unstuck (I'm not broken, just stuck) and I figured if this would help then I'd do it along with the journal, the exercises, the meditation, the walking, and trying to be sociable.

Here's a list of what I've been grateful for since March.

• somewhere permanent to live
• people that smiled at me
• that both my kids keep in contact with me
• for being invited to dinner
• that I have options even when I don't think I do
• for my new bike
• for my favourite bushland walking area
• for wonderful old hi-fi technology
• new shoes
• my good friends Karen and Jeff
• that Sooky is home from surgery
• for peaceful moments in nature
• for the love I get from Suzy and Toddo
• for good company from Michelle
• for daylight savings
• for podcasts
• for my own bed
• for a job offer
• for rain
• for good friends
• my Alabama family; Maggie and Rita
• music on physical media
• that my mate Chris is back at work
• for medication
• for the good and bad the Army gave me
• for my Northside Velo cycling crew
• for late season sunshine
• for a great psych
• for the joy that music gives me
• for sunsets
• for my mate Davey's friendship
• that my GWS Giants won
• my mate DUG
• for noise cancelling headphones
• for not being seriously injured knocking myself out
• for sunshine on a cool day
• being outside
• Big Daddy K
• a decent public hospital system
• that my kids still love me
• sunny autumn evenings
• for my mates on ANZAC Day
• for relative peace of mind today
• for first world healthcare
• for my mate Todd and that he's OK
• for my mates looking out for me on the bike today
• moments of sanity and calm
• 20 minutes of music on the tram
• for being recognised at work
• a smooth journey to NZ
• celebrating Mother's Day with my Mum and brother
• sleeping in
• Bill trusting me with the car
• getting lost in Wellington
• my nephew and niece
• dinner with NZ whanau
• sun at lunchtime
• public transport
• my friend Sam
• that Zoe and Zac got engaged
• panadol
• long talks with my Dad
• recovering from feeling unwell for two weeks
• polar fleece jackets
• Sutto's long term support and friendship
• quiet moments in the bush
• my relationship with my son
• my back feeling good
• all the work I do on my blog
• Tim, Tim, Mal, Ken, Jono
• for a funny story Alison told me
• hard rock music
• my collection of beanies
• a small break in the weather
• my Dad being an amazing cheer squad
• amusing messages from Angus
• my manager, Toni
• quiet times driving in the sunshine
• being able to ride in shorts, in June!
• My Northside Velo brothers
• for Toddo calling me out on being a hermit
• cool, clear evenings
• riding on a cool day
• my fabulous sister in law
• this journal
• finding the right path home, finally
• heating
• Jesus
• I was kind to myself for once
• my new raincoat
• for Todd and Mick
• flexible work
• for sitting with emotional discomfort
• for my good friend Julie
• friends and family
• for pizza at work
• a long chat with my Mum
• for admitting that I have a problem
• for the park in the centre of town
• for seeing rock wallabies
• that I'm still here
• for my friend Jasmina for cheering me up
• for cuddles and love from Fitz and Gertie
• that my very unhelpful thoughts have gone
• that Zoe is happy
• not to have pain in my head
• for small steps
• for Jess for checking in on me
• for my work being on my side
• for Todd and Suzy always being there for me
• for meditation
• for following the path
• for my brother for checking up on me
• for finally getting a copy of "Get In The Van" by Henry Rollins
• for a different walk route
• for Sarah who made me laugh
• for 30 minutes of sunshine at lunchtime
• that I managed to advocate a bit for myself
• that my exercises are slowly helping
• for my mate George and his unwavering care
• that the ringing in my ears has stopped
• again, to still be here
• for recovery, even if it is slow and bumpy
• for my niece who makes me smile
• my colleagues Eva and Renee who keep an eye on me
• for sticking in there even when I didn't want to go on
• for funny cat pics from Zoe
• that I managed to get outside
• for the Veteran Coffee Catch up crew who make me feel human again
• for meditation helping to dig me out of a hole
• for a catchup with my mate Dave
• that my Aunt from Scotland will visit Mum in NZ for the first time ever
• for the chance to help others through my work
• for my own comfortable space to rehab and recover in
• that I was called on to help in a family crisis
• that I was kind to myself and ordered some music I really wanted

World Wide Woozle episode #654

Hello out there, enormous listening world.

Before I get into it, here's a link to my current listening playlist. If you're even remotely interested then it's worth checking it regularly as I change it up a lot. Yes, it's still on Spotify for now.

In the ongoing and lengthy journey through my CD collection I've spent the week with Dr Feelgood (the band, not the song) and Bruce Springsteen. The first four Dr Feelgood albums have been given the 50th anniversary treatment and re-released. I picked them up recently as I had a grand total of none in the World Wide Woozle music library. While they sound great and I've played them loud and on repeat, I am disappointed with the packaging. Other than a few words on the cardboard sleeves, there are no liner notes, there are no extra tracks, nothing. Hmmmm, it feels like a lost opportunity. What I really like about Dr Feelgood is the percussive nature of Wilko Johnson's guitar playing. It's almost like a second drum kit at places and gives their music a real push.

Dr Feelgood - She Does It Right - https://youtu.be/iHm7uIC84YM

I haven't listened to any Springsteen for quite a while. He has a LOT of albums and I only have ten which I think is almost enough. What I found moving through different stages of his career was his clear ability as a storyteller/lyricist but also how much of the recorded guitar is actually him playing. I chose the next song because it has echoes of 50s music and maybe the jangle of The Byrds, and it made me smile.

Bruce Springsteen - Surprise, Surprise - https://youtu.be/yEIBlkh4AsM

A while ago DJ SteveArrrr invited me to go and see John Kennedy and The New Originals play here in Canberra. You may remember me writing about it. This week John has released an EP called, The Berlin Trilogy. You can probably guess that it's three songs recorded in Berlin ha ha! I listened to it a couple of times during my rain interrupted walk after work yesterday. Songs about Wollongabba, Coolangatta and Berlin were a great soundtrack. The sound is a lush acoustic experience with some tasty pedal steel guitar from Moe Jaksch. I must admit that when he initially posted about songs with Moe, I misread it and thought he was in Gippsland. You can get the album via Bandcamp at the link just above. I liked the last song a lot, it reminded me a bit of one of the saddest songs I know, REM's Leaving New York, but more in sentiment than sound. I've been doing a lot of thinking about moving on and this song really hit home.

John Kennedy - Time To Leave Berlin - https://youtu.be/-xFriIQTWAU

DJ Al-ee-sun sent me a pic from last night's Paul Kelly concert in Brisvegas. I'll be interested to see how he comes across in a big arena setting as I've only ever seen, or imagined him, in more intimate venues. And whilst Jason Isbell pulled out of the support slot quite a while ago, they did get Lucinda Williams and our own Fanny Lumsden for quite a country themed pair of supports. Fanny is awesome. Her records are fun, her social media is a riot, and she replies to her fans, including me, when they write to her. I also really like her "Country Halls" tour programme where she plays in small towns and communities if they can find her a hall to set up in. She's done this across Australia, New Zealand and parts of the UK. 

Fanny Lumsden - Millionaire - https://youtu.be/ng9pZ5RZvIY

What if your favourite songs were recorded in 1980s era Poland? Wonder no more as Maromaro and his Retro Poland channel have all the answers. At first it might seem like a bit of a joke, and it is, but when you dig further you'll find a talented musician having a lot of fun. 

Maromaro - Barbie Girl - https://youtu.be/5hPCSa6gbQ0

At this stage in proceedings I'd like to provide a public service announcement. That loud screaming you may have heard at about 0930hrs AEST for the last three Fridays was me. And it may well be again next week. Whilst the dry needling is having an excellent impact on my physical recovery, I find the whole thing horrendous. I have never been good with needles and the only saving grace here is that I'm lying face down so I can't see the chiropractor turning me into a human pincushion. To be fair, most of them don't hurt but there are a couple of spots...wow...intense. I will stay the course however as being able to walk with little or no pain and tightness is a massive win. I'm a bit worried that if I continue with all the meditation and yoga that I'll start to wear beads and smell of patchouli. Woozle 4.0 maybe.

Queensrÿche - The Needle Lies - https://youtu.be/9iVan8egsxw

Keep smiling,

The Woozle

"Things got bad, things got pretty funky

Before my eyes you turned into a junkie..."

Paul Kelly, Darling It Hurts, 2010

World Wide Woozle episode #653

Welcome back.

Loads of official footage of the Ozzy Osbourne farewell concert is now online and many of you will have seen the most excellent version of Changes sung by Yungblud. Yep, it's awesome and potentially the highlight of the whole show. A few years ago though, Charles Bradley recorded a version that is superb. If old school R&B / Soul Music makes you smile then this one is a must.

Charles Bradley - Changes (live) - https://youtu.be/zfaOf70M4xs

Here's some brand new music for you all. This is the debut track for Canberra quartet Soforth. If you only listen to one track from this episode then please make it this one. Supporting local music is cool and even cooler in this case as I know one of the young folks in the group. I'm especially digging the tempo changes and the spluttering, surf fizz guitar line. Soforth push hard and then back off in a way that so many bands are unable to do. They understand the power of space in the sonic maelstrom they create. Great vocals, restrained and then hard hitting drums, all wrapped up with a pulsing bass line that keeps you guessing. I'm very much looking forward to hearing the upcoming EP.

Soforth - Ringing Tone - https://youtu.be/dLqQTTo5XWo

Did you ever not listen to a band as a result of their name? I did. I wrongly assumed that Viagra Boys were either a dumb hip hop act or the reincarnation of Vengaboys, neither of which interested me. Fast forward to a few days ago where one of my OG music pushers, DJ D-Dubya, told me to have a listen. I trust him. Very few people out there think about music (and music gear) the way he and I do. I'm unsure how to describe Viagra Boys so have a listen for yourselves. I guess if you like Iggy Pop then this might be right up your alley.

Viagra Boys - Sports - https://youtu.be/QjL7D33xpS4

Spotify is a problem. We all know that the algorithms aren't transparent; some of the very wrong recommendations prove this to me on a regular basis. I miss out on stuff I would definitely like and get bombarded with drivel. Then there's the issue of artist payments. And now we have the company being linked to arms manufacturers prompting some artists to remove their music from the Spotify catalogue. Here's the thing though, only spending your money on products and services that align with your version of right/wrong/justice is nigh impossible. You'd better not be wearing any cheap arsed clothing manufactured by workers in developing nations who are being paid next to nothing. You'd better not be using one of those fruity mobile phones or wearing swooshy sneakers. Who's using YouTube for all of their music and not paying a cent? I could go on but you probably get my drift. So what do we do? We do the best we can without turning ourselves inside out. I'm currently investigating an alternative to Spotify. This is as a result of the artist payment and algorithm frustrations. Feel free to let me know if any of the streaming alternatives are any good. Yes, I have a lot of CDs, records and cassettes and I use them a lot. But in the car and on the move I'm a streamer. Also, I'm typing on an ancient MacBook which won't be replaced anytime soon. But when it does I'll have to balance my Scottish tendencies to look for the absolute best value for money and look at the company making the device and how they are behaving. As Billy Bragg said, "if I only listened to ideologically sound pop music then I'd soon get tired of the Red Army Choir..."

Billy Bragg - The Marching Song of the Covert Battalions - https://youtu.be/lz2REwKVmnk

Since having to learn to sing 99 Luftballons as part of German class at school in 1985, I've had a bit of a fascination with popular music that isn't in English. I mean, there's a massive proportion of the world singing in other languages after all. Here's a couple for you all to check out, they are regulars on my playlists.

Anna Coddington - Kātuarehe - https://youtu.be/PrwPfjZY08M

Gyllene Tider - Sommartider - https://youtu.be/CnBfiQyeDcI

Last time around I wrote about problems with my physical and mental health. Well, they got worse and it continues to be quite a journey. Thankfully, after a number of visits to the chiropractor the pain in my back and down my leg is much reduced. I have a lot more work to do in order to make it stronger and more flexible, but significant progress is being made. I was extremely stressed about having dry needling, and I hate it, but it does seem to help. I've needed to use my newly developed meditation skills to deal with having needles stuck everywhere. Yep, I'm soft. While my physical health is much improved, getting my brain to play along is proving more of a challenge. I had to take some time off work and then go back part time because I simply couldn't cope. As with my physical health, I am doing what I am told by those in the know to address this. Written on my reminder board at the moment are the following:

• Don't give up
• Your brain needs food
• Do your yoga
• Remember to meditate
• Don't be a hermit
• Take the long term view

Easier said than done.

Don McGlashan - Start Again - https://youtu.be/YwwF2xNRF4k

Let's finish with something that's a lot of fun. This group did a whole heap of awesome versions of movie theme songs and this is my favourite one.

At The Movies - The Never Ending Story - https://youtu.be/REXpzTtplZg

That'll do.

Keep smiling,

The Woozle 

"Would Jesus feel safe in his skin if he came to your town?

And would you still believe in Jesus if you found out he was brown?"

Jordan Smart, Who Would Jesus Bomb?, 2024

World Wide Woozle episode #652

Welcome back at what is a sad, sad time for fans of heavy music.

The Prince is dead, long live the Prince.

Ozzy Osbourne died this week at age 76. While we all knew that he'd been unwell for a number of years, this news hits hard given that he was performing only a couple of weeks ago at his own farewell concert.

In my last couple of years of high school, heavy metal music became a passion and it remains so to this day. My friend Simon loaned me his LP copy of Blizzard of Ozz to dub onto cassette and over the following years I almost wore it out. The honest truth is that I'm not a big Black Sabbath fan. I understand their importance in metal music but Ozzy's later solo stuff is what grabbed my attention. Some of that, naturally, is to do with time and place. Ozzy was long gone from Black Sabbath by the time heavy music was on my boombox and walkman.

The iconic riff from Crazy Train (track 2 from Blizzard of Ozz) was the first real metal guitar piece that I could play. Simon played some bass and we would practice that bit over and over again. It felt good. These days it's a bit of a no-no in guitar shops because everyone plays it. There's a reason though; it's just such a great riff.

Ozzy Osbourne - Crazy Train - https://youtu.be/FVovq9TGBw0

In mid-1989 I bought my first CD player. I also bought two CDs that day, one was the Ozzy Osbourne live album, Tribute. Yesterday, on my march through my entire CD collection, that album along with all the other Ozzy ones I own was played. Coincidence?

Ozzy Osbourne - I Don't Know (live 1981) - https://youtu.be/mvwBbPIMhTY

Ozzy had a knack for attracting and working with some of the most influential guitar players. Tony Iommi, Randy Rhoads, Brad Gillis, Jake E. Lee, and Zakk Wylde to name the most well known. Tony, of course, remained with Black Sabbath and is the author of some of the heaviest riffs of all time. Randy (dec. 1982) is well known for incorporating a range of influences, including classical music, into his playing.

Randy Rhoads - Dee - https://youtu.be/J9BQRMBjUOY

In other news, I am having a major struggle with some back issues. It's been a problem on and off for many years now but I've usually been able to manage it with a range of strategies. There is a limit, however, to how much massage, physio, stretching and exercise I can do. Sadly, it's just getting worse. I begged the GP for help and he finally took notice. Some new drugs are almost managing the pain and instability. Meanwhile I've been to see a chiropractor who came highly recommended. What we already knew is that two discs are a problem, two nerve roots are being impacted, and there is some joint arthropathy too. Quite a bit of this is age related, but a couple of injuries have helped it along. Let's see what the chiropractor can do because I'd really like to get back on my bike, walk without worrying about electric shocks down my leg, and most importantly, stop the triggering of my mental health because that is even harder to deal with.

Black Flag - Fix Me - https://youtu.be/ICdgH_LDo5Q

That's it. I've got nothing else today. Go and listen to some Ozzy.

Keep smiling,
The Woozle

"Heaven is for heroes, and Hell is full of fools..."
Ozzy Osbourne, Revelation (Mother Earth), 1980.

World Wide Woozle episode #651

Welcome back loyal listeners. Welcome also to newbies, irregulars, curmudgeons, and anyone else brave or silly enough to join in. Are you sitting comfortably? Good, let's begin.

This week DJ Toddo and I headed out to the theatre to see the production, Big Name No Blankets. This was a stage show / rock musical all about the Warumpi Band. Told from the perspective of founding member and lead guitarist Sammy Butcher, it was a real treat. Musically, the band were spot on and Taj Pigram moved and sounded exactly like singer George Burarrwanga. It's a three show run here in Canberra and I'd thoroughly recommend seeing the show if you can. I've listened to Warumpi Band since their iconic song, Blackfella Whitefella, appeared, with This Land by Coloured Stone, on Midnight Oil's The Dead Heart single in 1986. Hearing their songs played live, along with some of the stories and meaning behind them was more than worth the price of admission.

Warumpi Band - Stompin' Ground - https://youtu.be/HHYbwHTGOv4

Wet Leg are a band from the Isle of Wight who are getting a lot of exposure at the moment. They had a slot at Glastonbury and also on NPR's excellent Tiny Desk Concert series. It's a bit quirky, but poppy and infectious nonetheless. Other than the cool vibe, I was instantly hooked by seeing guitarist Hester slinging a Richie Sambora Kramer guitar! So cool.

Wet Leg - CPR - https://youtu.be/3tibZ_DBmVE

Many of you may have watched, or at least been aware of, the final Ozzy / Black Sabbath show that was in Birmingham last weekend. The whole day was a complete festival of heavy music as well as love for Ozzy. I've watched quite a bit of it and I hope there is a decent BluRay release coming soon. There were great moments and there were also plenty of singers and musicians who didn't really hit the mark. Nuno Bettencourt, guitarist for the US band Extreme, proved himself to be the consummate artist. He carried many performances and made it look almost effortless. Singer Yungblud probably made a whole lot of people check out his music after his superb rendition of Changes. Steven Tyler from Aerosmith proved that you can still sing, move and be a total rock package well into your seventies. I can only imagine how much fun it would've been that day. There's a ton of bootleg footage out there on YouTube so fill your boots. Here's a track that highlights Ozzy's voice and the superlative guitar work of the legend, Randy Rhoads.

Ozzy Osbourne and Randy Rhoads - Goodbye To Romance (vocal/guitar mix 2010) - https://youtu.be/-vrT1SQDYhA

Very few artists do justice in their attempts to cover AC/DC tunes. I'm still scarred by footage of Shania Twain murdering one of their biggest hits. I'm not even going to link it here for fear that you might inadvertently hear it. In sharp contrast, Morgan James' version of Thunderstruck is a total soul/r&b triumph, What fun!

Morgan James - Thunderstruck - https://youtu.be/IFe-AU7jwBI

Thanks to everyone who gave me advice and guidance about photography after the last blog post. I won't be spending thousands on gear I can assure you. I might, however, get a small tripod that'll hold my phone from time to time. Otherwise I'm sticking with my quick draw, point and shoot style for now!

Dr Teeth & The Electric Mayhem - Kodachrome - https://youtu.be/6_01zRwJOPw

That'll do for this time. Happy Birthday Fitzwilliam.

Keep smiling y'all,

The Woozle.

"Rover, wanderer, nomad, vagabond

Call me what you will..."

Metallica, Wherever I May Roam, 1991

World Wide Woozle episode #650

Hello and welcome back all you radio fans.

The World Wide Woozle current listening playlist is, and remains, an ever-changing window into what I'm listening to now. You can access it HERE via Spotify. I love feedback and discussions about music so please feel free to engage me about this, via email, at any time.

In this episode I'm going to write about a few topics, and it might get long. I'll include some sub-headings so that you can skip what you aren't interested in. So, strap in for the ride and don't forget to hydrate.

Iron Maiden – Rime of the Ancient Mariner - https://youtu.be/gewer650wqc

Checking out

Some of you will have seen an article that I pointed to in The Guardian that reflected on the instant-response culture that we have created with text messages and other forms of instant online communication. Over the last few years many of us have allowed ourselves to be sucked into responding to messages instantly and at all hours of the day and night. Guess what, it's not good for you. And if you get that reputation in the workplace then you will never have a moment to think about anything. I am one of those people. Living alone, it is very easy to rely on messaging for human contact when the truth is that some quiet time isn't a bad thing. It means I can limit distractions when I am reading, writing, and meditating.

In pre-instant messaging days, you would never telephone someone after 8.30pm unless it was an emergency. Now, however, there seem to be no boundaries with regards to messaging. We all know that we should stop looking at our electronic devices at least thirty minutes before bedtime but we don't. I know I don't need to send stupid memes and pictures at 10pm, but I do. And I most definitely don't need to respond to that message at 3am because I forgot to put my phone on 'do not disturb'.

So, in the interests of my own wellbeing (selfish, I know) I am checking out. It's not that I won't respond or that I won't send messages, I'm simply going to make a big effort to not let it rule my life. One of the ways I will deal with this is dumping my smartwatch or at least stopping all the notifications. Every time my wrist vibrates, I am interrupted, stop what I'm doing and my mind wanders. I must remember to set up my phone so that the do not disturb setting actually works.

Jesus Jones - Who? Where? Why? - https://youtu.be/JlMZjFRFzBM

AC/DC
Yes, the best rock and roll band in the world are coming back home for a series of shows at the end of the year. Angus (Marshall, not Young) and I have tickets for one of the Melbourne shows. To be frank, I was shocked to be able to actually secure them. AC/DC were the first rock band that I really connected with, and they are still my favourite. It's uncomplicated, foot tapping, head nodding, rock and roll and this will be the fourth time I will see them live. Some will complain that it's not the original band, they are too old, tickets are too expensive, and so on. In this case, I simply don't care. Angus is the only original member, but Brian has been singing with them since 1980. Malcolm and Bon are dead so they really can't be expected to show up. Yes, they are old, but does that mean they can't do what they love? And ticket prices are much cheaper than some other international acts to recently grace our shores, cough, cough, Pearl Jam. I have little doubt that this will be the last tour, and they may have slowed down a little. Brian is 77, Angus is 70, and Stevie is 68. I'd absolutely love to be able to get on stage in front of a huge crowd at that age. "Hail, hail to the good times, 'cause rock has got the right of way...we're just living for today."

AC/DC – For Those About To Rock (We Salute You) - https://youtu.be/RtMGoU9NcMo

Not getting better

Honestly, I well and truly understand that any kind of mental health recovery journey is far from a linear process. I know there are moments of clarity as well as deep despair and everything in between. In recent times I think I have been making really good progress and importantly my psychologist thinks the same. I was reminded by a well meaning friend that I was now 54 and had been battling this for a number of years. They then asked when I would have it sorted out. Well, that sat me back on my heels and rendered me speechless. I don't know the answer but I do know that I wish it was today. I wish it had never happened to me, to my family, and to my friends. I'm ok now and I'm deeply appreciative to the people that helped me navigate my way over that particular hill this week.

John Williamson & The McClymont Sisters - I'll Be Gone - https://youtu.be/Cd6FhmogDY8

Photography
I have discovered that I like taking photographs. I just need to be better at remembering to pull out my phone to snap them! There are a couple of places near my house that are rather beautiful, and I've found myself walking there more and more searching for spots to shoot. I know that photography can be a very technical pursuit, but, with a half decent phone and a bit of patience I can get some rather pleasing results. I am a sucker for sunsets and a glassy surface on a pond. There's a rabbit hole to go down with regards to camera gear, but I don't need to even peek inside. Or do I?

Ringo Starr & His All Starr Band – Photograph - https://youtu.be/oG14CJ0klhw

Maliyan Tour 2025

Melbourne readers need to be aware that my mate George has a live gig for you Victorians on the 2nd of August. All the details are on the flyer at the bottom of this blog post. Get there if you can for what promises to be a great show. It's the 10th performance on his Maliyan Tour (aka Bing's World Tour of Australia). Most big international bands manage to play in three or four major Australian cities but not George, he out there in cities and towns laying it down for y'all.

Brian Wilson

I thought I'd finish with a Beach Boys song. Brian Wilson passed away recently although many would argue that he really hasn't been with us for quite a while. It's a sad story but we are left with some superb songs. The Beach Boys Greatest Hits was one of the first albums I was given. First on cassette and then on LP, thanks Mum! 

The Beach Boys - Wouldn't It Be Nice (vocals only) - https://youtu.be/FPN53PHDwe4

Lukim Yu,

The Woozle

"Same playbook as 2003,

looks familiar to you,

looks familiar to me..."

Jesse Welles, Sometimes You Bomb Iran, 2025.