World Wide Woozle episode #462

On Saturday I attended a reunion to mark 30 years since I finished High School. I was very much in two minds about attending as I didn't enjoy the 10 year one and avoided the 20th! However, I was glad I went. It was great to catch up with a wide range of people and to have a look at what has become of our small school. It's now huge! The area I grew up in used to be characterised by fairly awful urban areas with the surrounding countryside being nothing short of gorgeous. Not much has changed. The towns look to be struggling for the most part but the rainforest, bush and mountains are spectacular. 

Midnight Oil - One Country - https://youtu.be/Mz3HShQkdd4

The other reason that I travelled, through a million lots of roadworks, to Gippsland was to finally have a crack at cycling up Mt Baw Baw. It's reputation is pretty fearsome so DJ Dad and I drove up to check it out on the Saturday morning. It's a windy and beautiful road through Neerim South, Noojee and Icy Creek heading to start of the climb at Tanjil Bren. Driving up it looks like a wall in places and I was starting to question my sanity. Then we saw a para-athlete making his way up using a hand cycle. Kudos to that hard man! The weather was 8 degrees at the top that day. Brrrrr! Fast forward to Sunday morning and I hopped on my bike at Tanjil Bren ready for the ascent. After a short warm up and a then a few kilometres downhill the climb begins. And for a few kilometres it really isn't that bad: a steady manageable gradient. And then you get to a spot called The Gantry where the road suddenly kicks up and it's on like Donkey Kong. I'm not going to kid you, it hurt a lot and a couple of times my GPS unit paused as I was going so slow. The gradient is over 11% for the next 6.5km topping out with a short section of 20%. Ouch. This is where all the hill climbing I'd done in preparation stood me in good stead. Even though I spent almost 75 minutes out of the saddle climbing it was almost all at a good rhythm. I was glad to hit the last 700m where the gradient is more friendly and even gladder to see my Dad at the end! The view from the top of Mt Baw Baw is so spectacular that you can see the curve of the Earth! I'll admit that I wasn't brave enough to ride back down the hill. Maybe one day on a bike with disc brakes. Apparently that's Australia's hardest climb. It certainly isn't the longest but for steep and sustained climbing it's right up there. People have asked me why I wanted to do this hill in particular. One reason is that it's near where I grew up and the other is because a challenge keeps me focused. There's a 7 peaks challenge in Victoria which includes Mt Baw Baw. One day I'd like to spend some time doing all of those.

BB King - Better Not Look Down - https://youtu.be/iAE9Le_Hiy8

Angus and a couple of other people sent me a link to the next song. It's a great take on an Australian classic. The Oils aren't an easy band to cover well. Looks like The Presets have got just the right amount of the original sound plus their own stamp on the song.

The Presets - Power & The Passion - https://youtu.be/vSNxUFolTTY

Today is my Dad's birthday. I was lucky enough to spend last weekend with him and was mighty glad that he was there as my support crew on Mt Baw Baw! Here's an artist that he introduced me to as a wee boy that I'm still listening to today.

Tom Paxton - The Last Thing On My Mind - https://youtu.be/iUlXOsYhO24

A year ago Malcolm Young from AC/DC passed away. And while there are rumours of a new AC/DC album being recorded, nothing will ever be the same. Gretsch guitars have just released a replica of Malcolm's beat up old guitar and it truly is a thing of beauty. One day...

AC/DC - Fling Thing / Rocker (live) - https://youtu.be/ASJy3c4ACiU

I have to say that I am really enjoying the remaster/remix of The Beatles' white album. It really is a treat. Loads of the demos and outtakes are well worth a listen. Here's one of my favourites...

The Beatles - Rocky Raccoon (Escher Demo) - https://youtu.be/pjz4Xujx8Wg

Eric Clapton has released a Christmas single. There are two videos for it as well; a performance one and another that's animated. The song is part of an entire Christmas album. I reckon if you combine this with the Elvis Christmas album, the one from Bad Religion as well as Snoopy vs The Red Baron then you'll have yourself a VERY merry Christmas. Ho, ho, ho! The animated clip is so cool. I remember wanting an electric guitar so badly that it hurt. One day soon I'll drag the ones I have out of mothballs and actually play them!

Eric Clapton - White Cbristmas - https://youtu.be/vmw9vHZCbMo

Recently I heard John Schumann (Redgum, Vagabond Crew) playing this song on Remembrance Day. It was quite unexpected but it worked well with his voice. I assume Lee Kernaghan was there too but I was heading into work and couldn't spot him on stage. I still like the Tom Waits original better but certainly the emotion I heard when it was played live was moving. 

I'll eave you this time with something from the Dixie Chicks. I listened to their double live album (among others)  from start to finish when I was driving home from Gippsland on Monday and they are a firm favourite of mine. Country music with attitude and not a million layers of auto tuned gloss.

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

That's all folks. And remember....when you're out on the roads...keep left.

Rob

"...twenty empty houses and they put you on the waiting list,

twenty years of day school and they put you on the night shift...", Revolution Baby, Transvision Vamp, 1988

Virus-free. www.avg.com

World Wide Woozle episode #461

Last weekend I headed off to take part in the annual "Sydney to The 'Gong" bicycle ride. I guess it's one of those iconic events that every cyclist should do once. And once will be more than enough for me. The 82km course is lovely and has just the right balance of climbing and flat sections. However, there were simply far too many riders out there. Even with sections of closed road it was heavy traffic pretty much the whole way and it was slow. We saw a couple of serious accidents out there caused by a combination of inexperience, high numbers and a couple of big descents. I enjoyed catching up with some of the crew from Pollie Pedal and when my mate Robbie Chantelle and I got the chance to let loose on some of the climbs it was fun. Other than that, for me it was a bit like Sydney's City to Surf run - do it once and then move on.

Sloan - If It Feels Good Do It - https://youtu.be/xXJ9UoQCY5s

A shout out to DJ Chief who is playing bass for the production of the musical "We Will Rock You" which starts this evening in Canberra. You can catch the show at the AIS this week. Then you can probably go and check out the movie "Bohemian Rhapsody" to get your fill of all things Queen. Watch out for Mike Myers in "Bohemian Rhapsody". If you remember his role in "Wayne's World" then you'll get a kick out of his part in the Queen biopic.

Def Leppard / Brian May - Now I'm Here - https://youtu.be/IhR5gPjwSSk

I've played a couple of songs for you from Brazilian outfit, "Blues Beatles". Well, they're back with footage from a recent live gig. I have to take my hat off to these guys. It's one thing to sound good in a studio but to pull this off live is something else. If the show doesn't get your toes tapping then you have no soul.

Blues Beatles - Live 2018 - https://youtu.be/4xTfjzKcKxc

Slayer are on their final tour. What a night it must be with them bringing along three other giants of the metal scene in Obituary, Anthrax and Lamb of God. You'd think that a walk through a biohazard wash would be needed after they're all done with assaulting your ears. The Guardian recently described Slayer like this; "From the discordant malevolence of their trademark riffs to the reliably unapologetic grimness of the lyrics, Slayer's sound is seminal and ageless." (full article here) Who am I to argue? Slayer started on a path of frenetic, buzzsaw metal with imagery from nightmares and they've remained on course for 37 years. Truly music for anyone from disaffected teens to the disinherited of the world to those just in a bad mood.

Slayer - Skeletons of Society - https://youtu.be/yeroe3obM64

US singer/songwriter Kurt Vile has been on my "must listen to" list for a while. Well the timing is right as he's just released a new album called, "Bottle It In". Kurt also has a collaboration out with Aussie artist Courtney Barnett which I must make time for. Here's a track for you all to listen to; please let me know what you think. There's a bit of a Lou Reed vibe here....maybe...it's pretty chilled.

Kurt Vile - Bassackwards - https://youtu.be/pOFWHty4XFQ

There was an election in the USA today. Politics there (and here) just gets more and more bizarre. I noted that Neil Young posted recently that he really would rather Donald Trump not use his song "Rockin' In The Free World" as part of his campaign. This made me think of a couple of songs. One is a re-working of the song that we recorded many years ago now. Scot describes it as more of a sequel than a cover and I think he's right. Here's a live version. I think it's time for a sequel to the sequel.

The Dark Violence of Beauty - Rocketing the Free World (live 2007) - https://youtu.be/cp0kx3pSz7c

The other track that Neil's comment made me think of is from Redgum. Something about the line, "...this isn't the land I was told it would be, it's not so equal and not so free..". That could've as easily been referring to the USA as to Australia.

Regdum - The Long Run (live) - https://youtu.be/FLrJa-fKIvw

Vovoid are from Canada and they are described as thrash/prog. That description led me to one of their most recent songs, "Obsolete Beings". They certainly aren't the easiest band to describe but I guess if you like Dream Theater, Queensryche and Faith No More then there's more than a little here for you. 

Vovoid - Obsolete Beings - https://youtu.be/8ToK9VLJcxU

John 5 is an amazing guitarist. You may know of him from his work with Marilyn Manson. And if you do, you may be surprised at how much of a virtuoso he is at any number of styles. He's also absolutely prodigious in terms of recorded output. Try these few tunes and you may end up coming up for air in a couple of months only having scratched the surface of his music.

John 5 - Noche Acosador - https://youtu.be/8HwAyDy3qTg

John 5 - Jerry's Breakdown - https://youtu.be/j49brlQpsoc

John 5 - This is my rifle - https://youtu.be/pVPvCctULYk

I really like it when bands are happy to take a chance on making a music video that's a bit "out there". Halestorm are a seriously good hard rock/metal band. A cursory glance at some live footage reveals a band that rocks hard so it was pretty cool to see their latest clip for "Do Not Disturb". If you're looking for newish bands carrying the torch for maximum rock and roll then Halestorm should be on your list.

Halestorm - Do Not Disturb - https://youtu.be/WZNb8A48USo

Whilst we're having a look at what I consider to be well made video clips then here's one that I keep coming back to. There's plenty to discover in this clip and I like the song too.

Nightwish - Storytime - https://youtu.be/5g8ykQLYnX0

I probably should've realised that the BBC would have a decent YouTube channel when it comes to music...and they do. I've spent a fair bit of time exploring a whole range of live performances from Boyzone to Paul Weller to Seasick Steve. There's lots to enjoy and the majority are live radio or TV performances. I'd struggle to name a favourite but here are a couple you might get a kick out of.

Boyzone - Dancing (Kylie Minogue cover) - https://youtu.be/2D8GPyQRvos

Iggy Pop - Lust for Life (live) - https://youtu.be/_lJqBsrShys

KT Tunstall - Black Horse & The Cherry Tree - https://youtu.be/FGT0A2Hz-uk

Well there you have it folks; hopefully plenty of music to keep you entertained and amused for a while at least. I'd like to tell you what's coming in the next episode but to be honest I have no idea at all. It depends on what stands out over the next few days. Feel free to send me something to check out.

Thanks for listening,

Rob

"Rock and roll ain't noise pollution,

Rock and roll will never die...", Rock & Roll Ain't Noise Pollution, AC/DC, 1980.

Virus-free. www.avg.com

World Wide Woozle episode #460

Firstly this week comes the sad news that legendary guitarist Tony Joe White has passed away. He was 75. Back in the 90s, Australian TV had a very short lived series about guitar players. As well as leading me to the magic of Bob Brozman, it introduced me to Tony Joe White. Some might call his music "swamp rock" but his roots are firmly in the blues. What I like the most about Tony Joe White's music was the big fat sound he got from the neck pickup of his old Stratocasters, the use of the wah pedal and the grunts and groans that gave energy to his vocals. 

Tony Joe White - Even Trolls Love Rock and Roll (live) - https://youtu.be/6r9kJGmZOQQ

This week I chanced upon some songs from a New Yorker called Sean Rowe. After hearing one song I dived straight in and listened to the four albums that he has on Spotify. If you like any combination of Johnny Cash, alt-country, Americana or folk music then this is for you. What a voice!! I know this is a cover (Sean has plenty of originals) but this just showcases his voice so well.

Sean Rowe - Luckenbach Texas - https://youtu.be/9R5Z805Yuo0 

I've had a browser tab open for months now reminding me to explore the work of John Trudell. You may remember that I found out about him through a documentary about Native Americans in music and popular culture. Trudell was a poet and activist. His reasons for becoming so were many but included the death of his wife, three children and mother in law in a house fire not long after his involvement in a protest that involved the burning of an American flag. There's more for me to read about Trudell and a movie about his life that I will track down.

John Trudell - Graffiti Man (live) - https://youtu.be/EJAz8XeVoCY

Saturday night's Iron Maiden tribute show was pretty good. The band were loud, energetic and did a great job with the music. There weren't many surprises in the setlists, but this one was a real treat! Freeeeeeedooommmm!

Iron Maiden (live) - The Clansman - https://youtu.be/f1rUSuYGWa0

The Clansman is also the name of the pub in a rather funny Scottish TV comedy called "Still Game". It's probably nae funny if you've not got a Scots background but just in case (and if you're not easily offended) click here for a laugh.

If you believe many of AC/DC's biographers, George Young used to deconstruct their songs on the piano during the writing and recording process. The rationale being that a good song was a good song regardless of instrumentation. You can't hide behind overdrive or delay on a piano or acoustic guitar. Here's Chris Cornell (Soundgarden, Audioslave) demonstrating just that with one of his most well known tracks.

Chris Cornell - Black Hole Sun (live/acoustic) - https://youtu.be/Ts7dTQhg0RY

If eclectic is a word that you like to use to describe your musical taste then Opeth should probably be on your list of bands to listen to. They seem to cram almost every musical genre into their prog-metal based sound. A band for thinkers and dreamers I think.

Opeth - Sorceress (live) - https://youtu.be/8Fc0pbZxlo8

I read today, on Farcebook, that John Farnham's song, "Two Strong Hearts", is no good because apparently honey doesn't stick to bees. Meh, I think it's a great song regardless. The b-side to the single was (is) an absolute cracker as well.

John Farnham - Two Strong Hearts (live) - https://youtu.be/M1FJuFfRSrY 

Just in time for Halloween, Ghost have released a new music video for their song, "Dance Macabre". It's an ungodly combination of classic horror movie schtick, 80s MTV and Ghosts brand of metal. For fans of ABBA and The Walking Dead...

Ghost - Dance Macabre - https://youtu.be/7Gr63DiEUxw

Laura Kidd's music is released under the moniker, "She Makes War". It's melodic indie-pop often with cutting lyrics. It's also fully independent and awesome. If you sign up for Laura's newsletters or social media feeds then it doesn't take long until you feel an integral part of the process. So, if you like the song please pop on over to her website and make a purchase.

She Makes War - Devastate Me - https://youtu.be/_sWXQFA6e2I

This week's NWOBHM track comes all the way from Birmingham. The band came into being in 1974 but changed their name to Quartz in 1977. From all reports, a version of the band is still going today. Back in the day they toured with Black Sabbath and AC/DC and Tony Iommi from Sabbath produced their debut recording.

Quartz - Rock n' Roll Child - https://youtu.be/B3x-feS74Hc

George and Junk Sculpture have almost finished recording another original track. With any luck it will be available on Spotify soon (the first two songs are already there). Watch this space for more news; it's a fantastic song.

And now, here we are at the end of another week of me babbling. Let's close with the best TV theme song ever. Click here and I'll see you all next week.

Rob

"Remember when you were young,

you shone like the sun...", Shine on You Crazy Diamond, Pink Floyd, 1975

World Wide Woozle episode #459

A while ago I featured a band called Bobaflex. They're a hard rock group from Ohio and West Virginia. Formed in 1998 they've been putting out their brand of classic rock mixed with some metal and nu-metal influences ever since. I stumbled across their rather excellent cover of Pink Floyd's, "Hey You", which I played a few episodes ago. After a bit of listening and viewing I've decided that I think they are definitely worth listening to. The vocals and lyrics are pretty good and the musicianship and production is slick. As for their videos though...not so much. But I'm just a hack behind a keyboard...you can be the judge. This one is good all round.

Bobaflex - Long TIme Coming - https://youtu.be/yoUFJ4U90Bw

The New Wave of British Heavy Metal (NWOBHM) began in the late 70's. It was a movement that produced well known bands such as Iron Maiden, Saxon and Def Leppard. Motorhead were sort of around before NWOBHM and you can debate whether or not to include them. The lack of employment for young people in the UK contributed greatly to the scene as it provided mostly young males with an outlet and a community to be part of. NWOBHM drew its influence from punk rock and new wave all wrapped up in a loud, heavy package. My exposure to the music was much later. In 1990, Lars Ulrich (Metallica) and journalist Geoff Barton compiled and released an album called "New Wave of British Heavy Metal '79 Revisited". It was a real eye and ear opener for me. I'd been a metal fan for years but, in the pre-internet days this cassette was a godsend. I'll play you all a few tracks over the next few episodes and on purpose I'm going to avoid the bands that made it big.

White Spirit - Cheetah - https://youtu.be/rZa_A5WiUg4 (featuring Janick Gers who later played with Gillan and is now in Iron Maiden).

Blitzkrieg - Blitzkrieg - https://youtu.be/Ll4Ij58497Q (Lars was such a fan that Metallica covered this on the b-side of the 1984 single, "Creeping Death")

Paralex - White Lightning - https://youtu.be/XLFODk86oOY (You can really hear the bridge between old school hard rock and the newer heavy metal forming with this track)

Here's a song that I've been trying to play on the guitar for a couple of months now. It's not that I can't play the chords or notes, I just can't get it to sound right. Anyway, it's a fantastic song of harsh reality and protest from the 80s. Listen to the lyrics and you'll see what I mean. 

John Mellencamp - Rain On The Scarecrow - https://youtu.be/joNzRzZhR2Y

Since Neil Young has seeped into my consciousness this week; here's two of my absolute favourite tracks; one classic and one that should be,

Neil Young - Cinnamon Girl (live) - https://youtu.be/DgDy1SQ6hnw

Neil Young -  After The Garden Is Gone - https://youtu.be/zqx0J_YnZvo

Over the past week, in response to a rather interesting radio documentary, I have tried and tried to understand what people like so much about Fleetwood Mac. And I just don't get it. Great voices definitely but everything seems for the most part...bland. I did like this tune though...

Fleetwood Mac - The Chain (live 1977) - https://youtu.be/Z6WsaIbpUTE

Well I'm off with H tomorrow night to see Live Evil do their Iron Maiden tribute show. Funnily enough, Iron Maiden singer, Bruce Dickinson, is in Australia doing some spoken word shows. Bit of a shame that he can't come up to little old Canberra to see the locals pay tribute to him and his bandmates.

Iron Maiden - Hallowed Be Thy Name (live 1982) - https://youtu.be/7vP2hFFV57E

This week I finished my foolish cycling challenge. I managed to climb Black Mountain 38 times. I did that in 12 rides. And I finished off with 7 reps in a row....I can assure you that was kind of silly. But it's done and my hill climbing base is well and truly building ahead of my assault on Mt Baw Baw in November.

Queen - Don't Stop Me Now - https://youtu.be/h-Tagxe70Aw

That Queen song (featuring re-recorded guitar parts) is from the soundtrack of the soon to be released film bio which is imaginatively titled, "Boheman Rhapsody". Apparently there's enough controversy about whether or not the story is sanitised. That alone should be worth the price of admission.

DJ ZedBoots will be home soon. She's stopping in for a few days to hug the dogs and check out the Air BnB (her bedroom is the kitchen!). There's also the small matter of taking in the Taylor Swift concert in Sydney. News reports today indicate that females now make up 50% of those buying and learning the guitar. The article author surmised that Taylor Swift had some part to play in this. Maybe. She certainly can play when the mood takes her.

Taylor Swift -  Blank Space (live solo) - https://youtu.be/p1Zt47V3pPw

That's it for this week, Rock on Brothers and Sisters. Your skin colour or DNA results mean nothing compared to what's in your heart.

Rob

"You better tell me,
Tell me,
It's really up to you.
Have you got the time to find out
Who I really am...", Is It My Body, Alice Cooper, 1971

Virus-free. www.avg.com

World Wide Woozle episode #458

Sometimes a set of lyrics seem to reach out and speak to me. I'm grabbed by the message or the delivery and caught up in the whole song. This happened a couple of days ago with the next song. As well as the actual lyrics, it's the fullness of the sound. Have a close listen to everything that's going on. Guitars, drums, synths, layered vocals, a couple of glass bottles being hit and much more. What a great song. "...let it all out, these are the things I can do without..."

Tears for Fears - Shout - https://youtu.be/Ye7FKc1JQe4

Uriah Heep have been around for a very long time (since 1969). I heard the next track this week and couldn't guess who the band was. I thought it could be a Dennis Wilson lost treasure or something by one of Jimmy Page's supergroups. But it's Uriah Heep and it's brand spanking new. 

Uriah Heep - Waters Flowing - https://youtu.be/jrfNq1oBNcM

Just in case anyone is interested, this is the Dennis Wilson song that I thought the previous track sounded like.

Dennis Wilson - River Song - https://youtu.be/LHCzTLnFpLE

Billy Gibbons from ZZ Top has a solo album available called "The Big Bad Blues". The title is a dead giveaway as to what kind of record this is. It's pretty much ZZ Top style rhythm and blues. Here's a track from the album. Check out the Muddy Waters version as well right here.

Billy F Gibbons - Standing Around Crying - https://youtu.be/YyIid7SsIwQ 

Jason Isbell & The 400 Unit will release a live album in a few days. It was recorded live at the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville. You may remember that the whole thing was streamed live on YouTube (you can still watch it too). All the tracks are from his albums, "Southeastern", "Something More Than Free" and "The Nashville Sound". I can't seem to find out if there is a DVD as well but fingers crossed. This is a song about feeling left behind as the world moves forward...

Jason Isbell & The 400 Unit - Last Of My Kind - https://youtu.be/io6ajAzXOzc

After a few hours scouring Spotify, YouTube and a few hand picked websites looking for something interesting I gave up. There's a heap of music out there but everything I found was technically great, well produced and quite soulless. It was just one of those days. And then I found this. It's not particularly new but oh my, what a great version. John Moreland is an American singer/songwriter from Tulsa. After hearing this great version of a Springsteen classic I listened to more of his stuff and it's fantastic. Good honest music that may just be the tonic for complicated and confusing times.

John Moreland - Thunder Road (live acoustic) - https://youtu.be/Jub6cg_UhcQ

And just for good measure, John's latest offering...

John Moreland - Slow Down Easy - https://youtu.be/9HoIEzv0Fqw

Year ago I went to the library. I haven't been for a long time. They only ever have the third book in a trilogy that you want to borrow. And ours is full of asbestos. But I digress. I went to the library and discovered that they had some CDs available for loan. As a result I had a period of time where I couldn't get enough of Gillian Welch and David Rawlings. They are a great duo playing acoustic Americana and folk. Their vocal harmonies are to die for and the ancient guitars they play sound perfect. I spotted one of their CDs on a shelf the other day and ignored it; I really wasn't in the mood. But I am now so let's go. I chose this one for the harmonica.

Gillian Welch and David Rawlings - Pocahontas (live) - https://youtu.be/iliCadW0s5Q

To end the show this week, it's KISS. We've rearranged our house for reasons that don't matter here. The upshot is that the stereo system is now in the room where I spend most of my time. This means more listening and watching music. This fabulous concert DVD (in three parts) got an airing and it's worth sharing.

KISS - Black Diamond (live with the MSO) - https://youtu.be/2RKMc5gS8yA

Eat less red meat...your planet will thank you,

Rob

"Say it doesn't matter ain't nothin' gonna alter the course of my destination.
I know I've got to find some serious piece of mind, or I know I'll go crazy.", Wrathchild, Iron Maiden, 1981

World Wide Woozle episode #457

My feet hurt. This is for a couple of reasons. One is that I have a part time job that involves being on my feet all the time. The other is that I'm having a month of hill climbing on the bike. Both of these are self-inflicted, first-world problems I know. For those interested, I'm doing an "Everest" month climbing Black Mountain here in Canberra. I need to go up 38 times in October to climb the same amount of metres as Everest is high. Last week I managed to get it done it thirteen times even though some rain limited my efforts on two days. This week I've ridden eight reps including today's personal best of five in a row. I'm really not sure if I can keep that rate up but it's a good challenge and excellent training for my assault of Mt Baw Baw in November.

Don't Stop (Fleetwood Mac cover) - Elton John - https://youtu.be/Te9hbKYlLto

You may have read that The Beatles "White" album is being re-released. Note that this is a remix, not just a remastering. Giles Martin (Sir George's son) was in charge as he was for the "Sgt Pepper's" remix that was released last year. There is a standard stereo mix as well as 5.1 surround sound and a heap of demos and acoustic versions. The whole shebang is 7 discs and a 164 page hardback book as well as other bits and pieces. If you're a Beatles tragic or if you just think that this was possibly their best album (as a whole) this should be well worth a listen. Save up now, it's out on November the 9th!

The Beatles - Back In The USSR (Esher Demo) - https://youtu.be/UAhWGnDZ0po

Shamelessly adding to their superannuation funds, Midnight Oil are back with a live release from their recent world tour. Here's the thing...the super deluxe mega version (or whatever it is called) is only available on DVD. If you buy BluRay then there's a whole lot of stuff including a whole other concert that you miss out on. Boo hiss! As I've mentioned in the past, I think I've watched enough Midnight Oil live footage to last anyone a lifetime whilst trying to figure out bits and pieces of their guitar lines. But, I hear that this may be shown at the cinema so I might head along to see it on the big screen.

Midnight Oil ft. Yirrmal - Treaty (live) - https://youtu.be/uMRrMsUxwPI

The death of Prince left a gaping hole in the musical landscape. Along with David Bowie I think he was one of the most creative artists that I've heard. I've read that at times he used to mix the sound for live gigs whilst he was performing...amazing! Anyway, I heard this next tune on Double J last week and it hit a nerve. No doubt many of you will be familiar with the Sinead O'Connor version but this is Prince and his band performing the song that he wrote. 

Prince - Nothing Compares 2 U - https://youtu.be/cpGA0azFdCs

A while ago H gave me a CD by UK prog rockers Tilt. I've played them before. I grabbed the CD this week and put it in the car for a good listen whilst driving to and from work. It really is a cracker. Soaring melodies, great guitar work and great vocal delivery. It's not so proggy that it ends up being impenetrable instead drawing you to a listening experience that is hard to describe. Entwining might be a good word. 

Tilt - Strontium Burning - https://youtu.be/-ZJJ7jtlMHc

I also took a bit a diversion into 70s rock recently via Stevie Wright's albums "Hard Road" (1974) and "Black Eyed Bruiser" (1975). If you take a listen to these alongside to much of the music being produced by Vanda & Young and released by Alberts then you'll notice some of their trademark sounds as well as their songwriting hooks. These are from a time when radio and live shows were king. 

Stevie Wright - Hard Road - https://youtu.be/Lo2KhDu__1Y

My favourite Judas Priest album turned 40 just the other day. "Killing Machine" came out in October 1978 (re-titled "Hell Bent for Leather" in the USA). I didn't get a copy until 1986 or 1987 but it was part of a double cassette with the "Living After Midnight" album that I picked up at K-Mart! Why is it my favourite? It's a bit hard to pin down a good reason but perhaps it just has a swagger and menace that some of their other stuff doesn't quite have. I like it as a complete album and it's classic UK metal at its best.

Judas Priest - Delivering The Goods - https://youtu.be/soNcOfRvOtg

So there you have it folks. More tunes to check out. Hopefully one will pique your interest and you'll disappear into the joy that is the YouTube wormhole of time and space. See you all next time.

Rob

"...gonna build a bridge and not a wall...", Ain't Gonna Let Them Turn Us Around, Mark Ribot/Steve Earle/Tift Merritt, 2018

World Wide Woozle episode #456

After 456 episodes some of you are still reading what I write. Thank you. 

Mark Knopfler has one of the most distinctive guitar tones in modern music. He released the upcoming song only a few days ago. When it started I was getting ready to be bored,  after all, it's been a while since Mark did anything particularly upbeat. I was wrong however, this is a really good tune and it grows on you. It's a portrait of a man doing what he likes best and obviously enjoying it. Good tune, fun clip.

Mark Knopfler - Good On You Son -  https://youtu.be/JIBCHh-fMUE

For those following along with the Weezer / Toto love fest, there's now a video clip for Weezer's version of "Africa"...including Weird Al Yankovic!

Weezer - Africa - https://youtu.be/mk5Dwg5zm2U

Speaking of Toto, if their particular brand of soft rock is your thing then get ready as they head down under in very early January 2019. Tickets are just shy of $100 which is pretty reasonable in comparison to a lot of big shows these days. Almost worth the price of admission just to see Steve Lukather play live; he is an amazing guitarist.

I had an excellent email conversation with DJ DJ and DJ Dr this week (thanks gents). It was all about which five iconic bands you'd like to see including where and when. The catch was that if you'd seen them already then they weren't eligible. Anyhoo, I had a long hard think about this. My list included Tom Petty, Judas Priest, Dio and U2. All for different reasons. The fifth was KISS. I remember when they came to Wellington, New Zealand on their "Unmasked" World Tour. It was 1980 so I was only 9 but KISS fever was well and truly alive. I'm not sure I actually knew anyone who went but they were certainly the talk of the town. 

KISS - Detroit Rock City (live 1980 in Auckland, NZ) - https://youtu.be/ntuA2yM1Yo0

I don't play U2 very much. Maybe I overdosed on them in the late 80s and early 90s. Or perhaps I just don't like their more recent stuff all that much. I remain a huge fan of their albums "The Joshua Tree" as well as "Rattle and Hum" and consider them essential listening for people interested in different ways to use an electric guitar. When I was playing with Junk Sculpture sometimes George would shout out to me, "...OK Rob, play the blues..." It always made me feel good because it's taken from one of my favourite U2 songs.

U2 - Silver and Gold (live) - https://youtu.be/1k8XKahlUA8

Some bands re-release their old stuff having had it remastered, remixed or just packaged with some b-sides and outtakes. Not, Mike Muir. He gets his band, Suicidal Tendencies, to re-record some of their old stuff. He's done it with their first album and now with one of his solo albums. The solo album is called "Lost My Brain (Once Again)" and the re-recording with ST as the artist is called "STill Cyco Punk After All These Years". I almost skipped the re-recording because, really, the original is pretty good. But the next track slipped into my Spotify playlist and really, it's pretty good. Definitely the upbeat, skate punk sound that ST are famous for.

Suicidal Tendencies - All Kinda Crazy - https://youtu.be/snCtp6QGceI

My old Eko Ranger acoustic guitar has come back from getting the love it deserved. The sound difference is amazing. It projects more and has a bit more "oomph" in the mid to low end. Well that's what I think and it feels great to play again. Maybe I'll make good use of the lovely microphone that DJ Guz loaned me and do a spot of recording with it in the near future. I think I've finally found another song that I can sing in tune so the EP is almost there! I'll keep that under wraps for now in case it turns out to be a shocker when I record it.

John Hiatt - Perfectly Good Guitar (live) - https://youtu.be/pzeoLe6nSrU

Paul Simon is retiring from touring apparently. So are Elton John and KISS. I'll believe KISS retiring when I see it! Sir Elton is going out with a bang though, three hundred concerts over about three years! At this stage though I'm starting to think that the Rolling Stones will outlast me. It's quite interesting to see which singers manage to look after and hang onto a decent singing voice after a lot of years. Paul Stanley (KISS) said this week that he was working to get his voice in as good condition as he could for the farewell tour. He also said that if you want to hear him sing as he did on KISS Alive (1975) then you should play the album. Which is amusing as we all know very little of that album is actually live. But Paul makes a good point. Anyway, I had a think about singers and a bit of a listen to live footage that I didn't think had been overdubbed. This guy still has an amazing set of pipes on him...

Aerosmith - Dream On (live 2017) - https://youtu.be/qFMUFN-JIdU

If anyone is interested, I've clicked over 10,000km on the bike so far this year. The 13,000km goal is looking quite reachable even with hill (hell) month about to start.

Slade - Mama Weer All Crazy Now - https://youtu.be/RPTk5poAa1c

I've had a bit of a soft spot for Lily Allen's music for a few years now. She's often brutally honest as well as being amusing and I really like her voice. She's got a new album called "No Shame". This track caught my ear as a result of being on radio Triple J. Given that I don't listen to that station much anymore (Double J is more my thing) I was glad to have stumbled across it.

Lily Allen - Family Man (live JJJ like a version 2018) - https://youtu.be/vWipLLZjS94

Tom Petty's "American Treasure" deluxe boxset is now available on Spotify so I guess that means a physical copy can now be purchased as well. Sixty-three tracks and and just over four hours of music. I'll dig deep into it in the coming weeks and report back. Tom Petty and The Heartbreakers is one of the iconic gigs I mentioned earlier. In 2012 they played at The Royal Albert Hall in London and my mate Garry went to see them. Garry died a few months later and Tom Petty songs always remind me of him and make me smile about the crazy music related emails we used to send non-stop.

Tom Petty and Stevie Nicks - The Apartment Song (demo 1984) - https://youtu.be/vkKPklG2QVE

Another week, another swag of tunes and no political commentary. I've given up on that as it's just a series of face palm moments. They're all nuts. Stary tuned in coming weeks as the Beatles "White Album" 50th anniversary approaches and no doubt there will be some tasty release to go with that. We'll also take a quick look at some NWOBHM (Google it).

Cheers,

Rob

"Just because you're better than me
Doesn't mean I'm lazy
Just because you're going forwards
Doesn't mean I'm going backwards ", To Have and to Have Not, Billy Bragg, 1983