World Wide Woozle episode #489

Here we go again and almost on time! Not long and I'll be on the countdown for episode #500.

Album 39/100 - Led Zeppelin - Led Zeppelin III (1970)

Like many people around my age I became aware of Led Zep as a result of "Stairway to Heaven". As a result, the first album I bought of theirs was the one with that track on it (Led Zeppelin (1971) - commonly known as Led Zeppelin IV). I found it a bit underwhelming really at the time I must admit. And after that I gorged myself a few months later on the 4 disc version of their first lot of remasters. Maybe I had this all wrong in that I never spent any time at all with any of their other albums and I was spoiled by the remaster set which is in essence a very long greatest hits compilation. This week I've had Led Zeppelin III playing a lot and it's been a bit of a revelation. It's what I like best in that it's a complete album rather than a collection of songs. There is plenty of variety to keep even the casual listener interested. Blues, folk and rock all get a workout. There may be better Led Zep albums but given my reaction to this one I'm very happy to recommend it (and it has my favourite track by the band on it as well).

Led Zeppelin - Bron-Y Aur Stomp - https://youtu.be/oC-9aEf0Q-A 

Led Zeppelin - Gallows Pole - https://youtu.be/RSZca1Q9IWA

TOOL have a new album out right now. For fans of the band it has been a long wait as their last record was released in 2006. I'm not a fan. I don't dislike them, I've just never been into their music or spent any time with it. They hype for "Fear Inoculum" dragged me in I must admit and it's been a good result. Unlike many folks out there this was a different experience for me; one with no baggage. Reviewers and commentators are quite polarised in their opinions and I've come down firmly on this side of thinking that it's a great album. Yes, the songs are long but that's kind of the point. This isn't a record of four minute radio hits...it's a band making music the way they want to. It's is an album that needs to be listened to in its entirety when you actually have time to listen. It's not background music and some of it might be challenging. But I think it sounds fantastic. Great guitars, moody rhythms and percussions and vocals that sound amazing. It's like earlier Pink Floyd meets today's heavier prog music. Again, highly recommended.

TOOL - Fear Inoculum - https://youtu.be/q7DfQMPmJRI

As mentioned last time, I headed out to see The Screaming Jets and Rose Tattoo at The Basement here in Canberra. Sadly, my two wingmen were unable to come but I wasn't about to give up the chance to see two great bands so off I went. Just me and my new, super groovy earplugs! The Basement is an intimate venue and getting close to the bands wasn't a problem. The Screaming Jets were up first and ripped through a great set including their hits and some more recent tunes. Yup, they were loud, in fact really loud, but more about that later. For a band that are now 30 years old they had plenty of energy, a great sound and were most definitely crowd pleasers. Singer, Dave Gleeson, has a great singing voice but since the early days of the band many of us have wished that he'd keep his between song banter to himself. Nothing has changed. You can't deny that he has personality however!

The Screaming Jets - Blue Sashes (live) - https://youtu.be/yZ93m4ubl1U

I really enjoyed The Screaming Jets and if they'd been the headline act then most people would have gone home very happy. Rose Tattoo, not to be outdone, were equally as good and enjoyable. With Mark Evans (ex-AC/DC) on bass and Bob Spencer (ex-The Angels) on guitar this was a star studded version of the band that has been around since 1976. Dai Pritchard on slide guitar was the perfect guitarist to fill the shoes of the sadly missed Pete Wells. John Watson (Aus Crawl, Daryl Braithwaite, Men at Work etc.) made a small drum kit sound absolutely massive. This was a band that was tighter than tight. I was very worried during the first few songs that the band was on fire and Angry Anderson (vocals) was on another planet. Happily, he sorted himself out one way or another and the rest of the show was brilliant. Rose Tattoo are legendary in Australia but not so much overseas sadly. Guns n Roses know who they are though having covered "Nice Boys" Early on as well as having the Tatts open for them in Australia. Whilst the whole band was just great, Bob Spencer made the night for me. His approach to rhythm guitar was Malcolm Young-esque; get in a groove and just push the whole band along. There were so many of their classic songs played and only three twits who had to have a fight during the last song threatened to spoil the show. All it meant for me was I ended up almost in the front row. 

Rose Tattoo - Nice Boys (live) - https://youtu.be/nkdUmMPlzb0

The earplugs I bought were a revelation. They claim to cut the sound level but not the clarity. The gig certainly sounded and felt loud enough but when I got outside and took the plugs out I was pleasantly surprised. No ringing at all. They'd done a wonderful job. If you like live music and being able to hear as well then get to your local musical instrument shop and get a pair. There's plenty to choose from.

Let's back it off a little...Neil Young has a new single out and an album due in October. This one is again with his band, Crazy Horse. Years ago I was on holiday in Adelaide and I'd just got a cassette copy of Neil's album, "Sleeps With Angels" (the one with the song "Piece of Crap" on it). This track, to me, would be right at home on that album; moody. I like it. 

Neil Young with Crazy Horse - Milky Way - https://youtu.be/y_-9qcbuLcA

In the, "shut up and take my money" stakes, Billy Bragg wins again. Coming very soon is a double album of tracks recorded live for the BBC. Awesome! And along with the album you get an enamel pin of his famous Burns Steer guitar. You all know that I'll be needing that for my guitar strap!

Billy Bragg - Valentine's Day Is Over (live) - https://youtu.be/_-MH9nRSXAg

Without getting ahead of myself, I might have a new musical project in my near future. Before I can get to a rehearsal with my guitar I need some serious practice though. It's been a long time since I did anything other than strum a few chords. Fingers crossed (but not whilst I'm playing!)

Lenny Kravitz - Fields of Joy - https://youtu.be/kESn-Df34ug

I listen to a lot of music; usually with intent. I find music in the background distracting as I'll try to tune in to it. Albums and songs come and go and, as you'd expect, a few stick. As an example, if I'm needing a pickup then AC/DC's "Powerage" goes on. I came to John Moreland's music via a cover of one of his songs done by Jason Isbell's guitarist, Sadler Vaden (yeah, that's not convoluted at all). Anyway, the Moreland album, "In The Throes" is one that I've been coming back to for more than a few months now. His vocal delivery and guitar work is simply exquisite and that's before we get to the songwriting. I was disappointed to see that the album is actually out of print and therefore not all that easy to get at a decent price. I'll keep looking however whilst streaming it very regularly. If you like Neil Young, Springsteen (quieter stuff) or maybe Neil Finn then John Moreland should be on your radar.

John Moreland - Break My Heart Sweetly (live) - https://youtu.be/zHAGMBABAJE

Here's a quick 80s flashback. Many people are very quick to dismiss 80s music as inconsequential. Sure, there was a fair bit of rubbish released but have you had a go at the top 10 lately? I've always played the intro to this song on my guitar for a bit of fun. One day I should actually learn the whole thing. Eurythmics were a great band and Annie Lennox is a legend.

Eurythmics - Thorn In My Side - https://youtu.be/_AmkmqYEarw

Finally, a tale of life going full circle. When I played in my first real band, Mr Walker, DJ DJ was our sound engineer, bouncer and good friend. I remember being really pleased to meet someone who was as passionate about heavy music as I was. DJ DJ was, and remains, a huge fan of the band Queensryche and his enthusiasm got me into the band. Well today we scored tickets to see Geoff Tate, the original Queensryche vocalist, with his band performing the classic album, "Operation: Mindcrime" in Sydney early next year. The ins and outs of Tate vs Queensryche is a legal saga that I won't bore you with other than to say it's sad. Tate, judging by recent recordings, still sounds like his voice is in good form and this will be a gig to look forward to.

Queensryche - Revolution Calling - https://youtu.be/guzQnr-02jM 

Sweet Oblivion (feat. Geoff Tate) - True Colors - https://youtu.be/HYsLG2VtTN0

That's it for this week folks. I've got a garage to finish emptying out before I start full-time work on Monday. I've got a short-term contract until mid-November to keep me busy. It'll be nice to be out of the casual workforce for a little while. As I'll be employed by the government my social media feed will leave politics aside for that period of time!

The Nightwatchman - The Road I Must Travel - https://youtu.be/vohUk1ydFYc

Rock on friends,

Rob

"You know it's all in your head
You'd better put that business to bed
What you see nobody sees
It only brings you to your knees", Did It Again, Kylie, 1997.

World Wide Woozle episode #488

First things first; back to my reviews of the supposedly 100 essential albums.

Album 37/100 - Kamasi Washington - The Epic (2015)

This is the debut record from the American jazz saxophonist and it's a triple album. I spent many listening sessions trying to understand why this album is so highly regarded and I have failed. It sucks. What is supposedly "avant-garde" and/or a "barrage of sound" just turns out to my ears to be cacophony. It's like every band rehearsal you go to where, at the start, everyone is doing their own thing whilst adjusting levels and sounds. The difference here is that Kamasi Washington has recorded and released it. 

Album 38/100 - The Jimi Hendrix Experience - Are You Experienced (1967)

For many guitarists, Jimi Hendrix is the greatest ever. There's no doubting his enduring influence on rock music. And whilst Jimi isn't my favourite axe grinder, he's firmly in my top 10. "Are You Experienced" was his first outing and in just eleven tracks he reinvented guitar playing and popular music. From the angst of "Manic Depression" to the incendiary blues work of "Red House" to the psychedelia of the title track, this is a truly great record. I think that "Are You Experienced" is the best Hendrix album by a country mile.

The Jimi Hendrix Experience - Foxy Lady (live) - https://youtu.be/_PVjcIO4MT4

Next Friday I'll be heading out to see two classic Australian rock bands. To be honest, I'm a little shocked that they're playing here in Canberra but I won't complain. It promises to be a hell of a night with these two. If you're reading this from overseas and you think AC/DC are great rock then you should enjoy either the Jets or the Tatts.

The Screaming Jets - C'mon - https://youtu.be/svuBQwCv4Qw

Rose Tattoo - Rock 'n' Roll Outlaw (live) - https://youtu.be/CK0wGCFiAlI

Last weekend I had the opportunity to sit down with DJ Bing for a listen to the 5.1 surround sound mix of The Beatles "White Album". I'll do a full review later on but just let me say that it was a lot of fun. Overall the surround experience might not have been as impressive as it was with Sgt Pepper's but it's a very different album. The next song was an absolute ripper!

The Beatles - Everybody's Got Something To Hide Except Me And My Monkey - https://youtu.be/4fv_gCn1CUU

Listening to a few more Beatles tracks online I very quickly got an appreciation for how much Japanese fans love the band. Check out these guys...wow!

I watched the latest incarnation of the film, "A Star Is Born" during the week. So many people I know had really liked it that I felt I should give it a whirl. I think my opinion might be unpopular though because I thought it was dreadful. The good bits were that Lady Gaga has a great voice and Andrew Dice Clay (aka Ford Fairlaine the Rock and Roll Detective) starred as her father. The rest was average at best. I'm just a hack guitarist but if Bradley Cooper spent a year learning the guitar for the film you'd think he might look like he was playing it. It just looked forced to me. Frankly I thought the acting was pretty wooden and the way the story was told struggled at the best of times. There is, however, a Jason Isbell penned tune that you hear a lot in the movie and it's a cracker.

Jason Isbell & Amanda Shires - Maybe It's Time - https://youtu.be/mnbrNfg2EY8

Killswitch Engage are a very heavy band and for some reason I've never been able to get into their music. This week their new track popped up in my feed and I almost moved straight onto something else. Wow, am I ever glad that I didn't make that mistake. This is a brutal, intense slab of metal complete with both guttural and beautifully sung vocals. I reckon the drummer must have leg muscles the size of a horse though with all that double kick work. Definitely one for lovers of the heavy stuff.

Killswitch Engage - The Signal Fire - https://youtu.be/2N0ShfOOEq4

In the late 80s I became a Lionel Richie fan after DJ DubyaDee gave me a copy of the "Can't Slow Down" LP. Lionel might seem a little bit easy listening at times but his voice is just so smooth. Anyway, this is a cover of one his biggest hits but I really liked it.

Dave Fenley - Stuck On You - https://youtu.be/iDD2Gpu9BdQ

A couple of my favourite musicians are fairly active on social media. I guess in some ways it brings them closer to their audience. For me, the main benefit is that I get to be pointed to music and artists that I may not have otherwise been aware of. The next singer-songwriter is one that Jason Isbell is always talking about. When I started to listen to his work I found a track about a town destroyed for coal mining. This resonated with me since I spent my high school years living next to Yallourn, a town which suffered a similar fate.

John Prine - Paradise - https://youtu.be/ediaZ5DhYjw

That's it folks. I hope this wasn't too disjointed, but if it was you can blame the fact that I'm trying to finish off an essay for my course!

Rock on,

Rob

"She lives in Mojave in a Winnebago...", San Ber'dino, Frank Zappa, 1975

World Wide Woozle episode #487

Here we are again and still no announcement about an AC/DC tour or album. They've been hitting social media hard of late so one would think that something must be happening sooner or later. Meanwhile, we wait not so patiently.

AC/DC - Shake Your Foundations - https://youtu.be/Bayek5lLZWY

Staying with Australian rock, The Poor Boys. who later became The Poor are an excellent band, very much in the style of AC/DC and they are currently playing live shows around the country. We used to play this song in a band I was once in...it was a lot of fun. What a great riff! Oi!

The Poor - More Wine Waiter Please - https://youtu.be/lt7pfTnaPR4

Rob Hirst, who most of you will know as the drummer in Midnight Oil, has a new record coming out. The first single has been released and is described as a cross between kraut-rock and psychedelia. I have to agree with H's thoughts that the vocal are a bit weak. See what you think...

Rob Hirst and Sean Sennett - Nothing More / Nothing Less - https://youtu.be/P8SxzZlE0A4

The "Abbey Road" album turned 50 this week. There will be a remixed super-duper edition released in a few weeks that is guaranteed to please your ears and lighten your wallet. I listened to, and watched, heaps of versions of Abbey Road songs played live to present one here for you. Paul McCartney has a heap out there but, with the most amazing amount of due respect to him, he struggles to hit a lot of the notes. So, I hope you like this one. I reckon it's a brilliant tribute to a great album.

Steven Tyler (Aerosmith) - Abbey Road medley (live) - https://youtu.be/KNE2bpE-DIE

The Darkness have been around for a while now. More than long enough for personnel ups and downs, rehab, reformation and amongst all that, some great rock and roll. The might not look like they take themselves all that seriously, but among the Queen, Bowie and AC/DC influences is an amazing band. This is their latest...wait for the chorus to hit you...

The Darkness - Rock and Roll You Deserve To Die - https://youtu.be/KNE2bpE-DIE

I shared this one during the week on Facebook. Most of the time I leave the music recommendations here in the blog but this one needed to be played. America; you're broken.

Extreme - Rest In Peace - https://youtu.be/BigqPM4NZus

I have a great big smile on my face this week...Billy Bragg tickets have been secured! Thanks to my brother, we'll both be seeing Billy for two nights in May 2020 in Wellington, New Zealand. Wearing badges will not be enough...

Billy Bragg - Days Like These - https://youtu.be/mAjFO61ndLc

Did you read in the news this week about the guy who dumped his old refrigerator down a hill? The police caught him and made him pull it back up. As Scot pointed out, perhaps the cops were Arlo Guthrie fans. It's a long song folks but take my advice and listen to the whole thing. 

Arlo Guthrie - Alice's Restaurant - https://youtu.be/m57gzA2JCcM

In non-music news, we're selling our house. It's time to downsize, reduce our impact on the planet and further embrace living more with less. If you're interested in a rather fab house then reach out! We're hoping to move to somewhere close by.

Fleetwood Mac - Don't Stop - https://youtu.be/QV9JJmSCiI8

Sting - We Work The Black Seam - https://youtu.be/s4CQJTGw72I

Jason Isbell fans (surely some of you are converts by now) might like to know that there is a new entire concert recording available on YouTube. Some of the audio mix is a little average but all in all it's great. Here's a link to one of my favourite tunes...

Jason Isbell and The 400 Unit - Outfit (live) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fs2JLLqh91A&t=3064s

The Highwomen is a new country music group. I noticed them due to a bit of activity on social media. I quite like their sound and I get the feeling that it isn't going to be the by-the-number C&W that we're all so sick of.

The Highwomen - The Chain (Fleetwood Mac cover) - https://youtu.be/jVLNB3d-2cA

How do you deal with bad or sad news? Usually I'd ride my bike just a bit further or harder up a few hills. Recently though, as you all know, that's not been an option for me. I can trundle sedately around the lake but nothing too strenuous for a while yet. Retreating into music is my other go to. Whether it's playing my guitars, which I haven't done for a while, or just listening, it's a good way to spend some quality time inside my own head figuring things out. Macca; I'll leave this track here for you.

The Justice Collective - He Ain't Heavy, He's My Brother - https://youtu.be/Ye4cELYLzJM

That's it folks, rock on...

Rob

"...well keep your shiny side up and your dirty side down", Is This America, The Skyhooks, 1976

World Wide Woozle episode #486

I remember the excitement when the 486 computer became available. It was a brave new world of speed and processing power. Hopefully episode #486 here will be inspiring to you in some small way. Loads and loads of tunes this week. As DJ Laff would say, "gutloads".

My recovery from the pinched nerve in my back continues. I spend my spare time rolling on a spiky plastic physio ball, contorting myself in stretches and not sitting down much at all. But it's working. I'm finally back at work and yesterday I had my first ride on my bike since June 12th. Todd and I didn't ride far, or fast, but it was simply fantastic to be out in the sunshine rolling around on two wheels. 

Weddings Parties Anything - Rain In My Heart - https://youtu.be/5jx3c5yk744

You've heard from The Chats here once before; new old school Aussie garage band punk. Hilarious and serious all at once. If "Pub Feed" didn't fill you up then try this out...

The Chats - Identity Theft - https://youtu.be/TOuGH9Gpeos

It's no secret that I'm not a Bob Dylan fan and not for lack of effort on my behalf. When I heard that Sheryl Crow had Jason Isbell around to play guitar on a new track I was rather excited as I think they are both great musicians. And then the truth was revealed; it's a Bob Dylan cover. It turns out I quite like it but your mileage may vary.

Sheryl Crow with Jason Isbell - Everything Is Broken - https://youtu.be/bhWiq3BE3zY

In the early 90s I spent an inordinate amount of money at a record shop here in Canberra called Impact Records. Sadly, Impact has been gone for a long time. It was everything that an independent record store should be and so much more. Anyway, one day I was browsing and the music coming over the sound system was just fabulous. I had to wait until the album finished playing to purchase it that day though as they only had one copy. Fast forward to the current day and the same band have just announced an Australian tour. Very much for fans of metal and politics. This clip has the lyrics included and they're kind of the point.

Sacred Reich - The American Way - https://youtu.be/A0SMz0NTF58

You may have heard by now that the concert to mark the 50th anniversary of the Woodstock Festival has been cancelled. There's a million reasons going around including that two of the main acts pulled out; Miley Cyrus and Jay Z. I'm not sure that people celebrating 50 years since the festival that included such amazing acts as The Jimi Hendrix Experience, Sly and the Family Stone, Joan Baez and The Grateful Dead would be all that interested in Miley or Jay. Yes, there are a few of the original artists who were slated to perform but that's not really my point. In the interests of fair play I will say this; Miley Cyrus has a great voice. You be the judge...

Miley Cyrus - Joelene (live) - https://youtu.be/wOwblaKmyVw

Years ago, DJ DJ introduced me to a band from Adelaide called The Mark of Cain. We saw them finish off a music festival, playing after silverchair, and to be frank blowing them away (and silverchair were great). TMOC play heavy, moody, industrial-esque rock music. If you mixed up Joy Division with Black Flag you might be there. Bands like Helmet and Rollins band are similar in terms of musical structure and delivery but TMOC had their sound earlier. Later on this year they are touring in recognition of the 30th anniversary of their debut album, "Battlesick" and yes, tickets have already been procured for Angus and I. I've seen TMOC play in Adelaide, Canberra, Sydney and Brisbane and it's almost a religious experience. Be there.

The Mark of Cain - Interloper (live) - https://youtu.be/y4x18kURD9w

I like to give everyone fair warning regarding upcoming, essential tours and with that in mind.....Billy Bragg will be here in May 2020. It seems a long way into the future but tickets went on sale today so get yours now. He's playing three nights in every city that he visits with three different setlist. Perfect again for mixing pop and politics...

Billy Bragg - Saffiyah Smiles - https://youtu.be/pkNN81Ta2ik

And DJ SAB would be oh so sad if I didn't mention that The Sisters of Mercy are coming to Australia. They were a major influence on the music we played in The Dark Violence of Beauty. Hopefully we'll score some tickets. This is one of my favourite Sisters tracks...

The Sisters of Mercy - Dominion / Mother Russia - https://youtu.be/2LntQlbvu_o

David Byrne isn't coming to Australia (that I know about) but I simply have to play this video for you. He's taken a pop classic that we might not have ever wanted to hear again and made it his own; that's the mark of a great cover version. This was such an unexpected find and I love it!

David Byrne - I Wanna Dance With Somebody (live) - https://youtu.be/izx8J6U7xzo

In other news, I've gone back to university. After a few years where I've drifted a bit in terms of work and direction I got a bit of a push and made the decision to retrain. I'm doing a Masters degree in Information Studies. Essentially that's librarianship but man oh man is that a diverse field. This is Week 3 and my head is spinning in a good way.

Bo Diddley - Back To School - https://youtu.be/1FtwNV99Eb4

Last time around I played Clampdown by The Clash. Well, a live version by Bruce Springsteen popped up thanks to the algorithmic joy of YouTube. I like it a lot, you might too.

Bruce Springsteen - Clampdown (live) - https://youtu.be/GqRN7N7lH8o

There's more tour and music news but I might save it for next time. With any luck AC/DC will have announced a tour or an album (or both).

AC/DC - If You Want Blood (You've Got It) - https://youtu.be/6EWqTym2cQU

Rock on,

Rob

"A ragged cup, a twisted mop

The face of Jesus in my soup..." , The Mercy Seat (Nick Cave cover), Johnny Cash, 2000

World Wide Woozle episode #485

Well, this episode took a lot longer coming than I expected. During our trip to Pentecost, Vanuatu, I hurt my back. It was manageable (just) whilst we were there but the plane flight and then bus ride to get home did me no favours. The result was a pinched nerve that caused severe pain down my left leg and into my foot. It's been dreadful but it is slowly improving I'm pleased to say. I can now walk to the end of the street and back and I can also get out of bed without an hour of screaming agony. So, from my temporary standing desk....let's rock!

Rollins Band - Are You Ready? - https://youtu.be/1MwYamaRn6s

Vanuatu was fantastic. Injury notwithstanding, DJ ZedCycloneBoots and I had a great time. We stayed for one week with each of our families on Pentecost and had a couple of days on Santo at either end waiting for flights. And we did a lot. We helped a bit to build a new kitchen, we taught Grade 5/6 at Level, we assisted in the gardens where our family's food is grown, went to church four times and played tons of games with loads of kids, Zoe worked in a health clinic for 3 days and we generally looked around, talked to people and had an amazing time. It's a great lifestyle and on top of that both of our wonderful families are quite different.  One of my favourite moments was at Lavusi which is where the Hinge family live. It's almost at the northern tip of the island and the views are spectacular. Godden and his family have built their house on the top of the hill in their village. As a result I was able to stand and look out to see the islands of Maewo and Ambae. On the first night Ambae was in the clouds but the sun was between it and the rain clouds coming over the water towards Pentecost. The effect of the sun, the rain and the clouds was indescribably beautiful. It may just be the best thing I've seen in my life. At Level School there are now new buildings for almost all of the classes and the final one is set to be built soon. Many thanks to all the generous people who have helped us to assist that community. Lots of people go to Pacific islands for a holiday in a resort and that's great; you'll enjoy yourselves and it definitely helps their economies. If you get a chance, even for a short trip to see how the locals live then take it. As you know, island life changed mine.

Lucky Dube - Different Colours - https://youtu.be/R4csXJXHVGA

On Pentecost people go to bed early (they get up early too) so I found myself with a bit of spare time in the evenings. I'm not a fan of reading by torchlight so I had downloaded a whole heap of podcasts to listen to. Some nights I just lay and listened to the sound of the night (interrupted by dogs, roosters and cows at times) but I also tried out some podcasts. One I listened to was Chuck D (Public Enemy) narrating a series about the history of UK punk group, The Clash. It was an excellent eight episodes and I'd definitely recommend it to anyone interested in popular music. I found a new appreciation for their history and music as well as understanding a bit more about the punk scene in the UK.

The Clash - Clampdown - https://youtu.be/psB0cidB5bg

The other podcast I'd like to talk about is called "Song Exploder". It's pretty self-explanatory, artists discuss the making, meaning and bits and pieces of a selected track. One of the best I listened to was about The Cranberries final album. The vocals were demoed by Dolores O'Riordan and then the band used them to make the album after her tragic death. It put quite a different spin on the album for me...

The Cranberries - All Over Now - https://youtu.be/h1lMxX8doSU

A new release for you all...I found this one during the week whilst trying to distract myself from the pain that felt like a nail being hammered into the side of my knee...only loud music stood a chance and these guys were the tonic. It's a healthy and heavy mix of bands like Motorhead, Black Sabbath and Kyuss. They're from Sweden.

Jesus Chrüsler Supercar - Never Sleep Again - https://youtu.be/llVjfrjJekw

I'm not sure if I've featured the next band before or not. Apologies if this is old news but "The Bird and The Bee" are super cool. They're a duo that mix electronica with jazz and 80's rock and they sound sensational. They've got a Hall and Oates tribute album out and a Van Halen one ready to be released and that's before their dreamy originals. Different and so groovy.

The Bird and the Bee - Private Eyes (Hall & Oates cover) - https://youtu.be/mfP7hjjId3E

The Bird and the Bee - Ain't Talkin' 'Bout Love (Van Halen cover) - https://youtu.be/53DAU_6z7Rc

SBS TV has been running excellent and varied programming for NAIDOC Week. Top of my list was the documentary about the life of Gurrumul. It was hard to watch knowing that he would be dead not long after the film was made but don't let that put you off. You'll get an in depth look inside the culture of his family and the profound impact of it on his music and life. 

Geoffrey Gurrumul Yunupingu - Bapa (live) - https://youtu.be/gyAa1-jOZpI

I'll get back into reviewing the 100 essential albums in the next episode. 

American pop-punksters The Dollyrots have a new album, "Daydream Explosion" due for release in two days (12 July). Their music is always high energy and a lot of fun. Order direct from them to support the band or stream their songs over and over OK?

The Dollyrots - Everything - https://youtu.be/QpKL5Jcm07s

Gerry Cinnamon has a new track out and it's worth your time. His accent isn't particularly strong in this one but there are lyrics included in the video in case you're challenged when listening to Scots people sing...

Gerry Cinnamon - Canter - https://youtu.be/zWYjG9Cxbyw

Whilst we're on the new tracks, how about this one from Taylor Swift? It's a great sound that continues to make me think that she has a thing for 80s synth pop and disco. The lyrics, however, are great. One for all of the social media users who are always outraged about something. Take it from me (and T-Swizzle), you need to calm down!

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

Metallica have been around for a long time now and are showing few signs of slowing down. They record every live show they play and make them available online for their fans. The archive of recordings is amazing. They also put a whole heap of live songs out on YouTube, warts and all. Here's the band from just over a month ago playing in Ireland...

Metallica - Whiskey In The Jar (live - Thin Lizzy cover) - https://youtu.be/9MNdOCQYOL8

Anyway, that's it for this time. I apologise again for the delays in getting this out and also if it's disjointed. I'm sure you understand.

Our crazy orange cat passed away whilst Zoe and I were on Pentecost. Xena had lived a long life dedicated to leaving fur everywhere, sleeping in strange places and knowing when one of us was feeling blue. RIP Xena.

Bongtevuha,

Rob

"Everybody hurts, sometimes...", Everybody Hurts, REM, 1992.

World Wide Woozle episode #484

Hi everyone,

Lots to talk about this week so without further ado, here we go.

My foot; I get to keep it. Amputation was only a tongue in cheek remark. The outcome is that I have a bursa where a bursa doesn't belong and it hurts a lot. The good news is that the temporary orthotic removes the pain and with any luck the issue may resolve or at least become much less painful over the next couple of months. I'll have another scan after 12 weeks and then we'll see if I need a permanent orthotic or not. Regardless of what the final outcome is, the fact that the pain can be almost totally removed with a simple shoe insert is a huge bonus. 

We've got two very different albums this week from the top 100. 

Album 35/100 - Madvillain - Madvillainy (2004)

I had never heard of this group or album and also never knowingly listened one of their tracks. This is an album full of samples, scratching, rapping and a lot more in a fairly eclectic soundscape. The first time I listened to the album I must admit that I was very, very underwhelmed. It sounded derivative and quite bland. But then I listened some more and the feel of the record started to sink in. The lyrics are sometimes almost nonsensical but the million or so references to everyday things makes you listen more closely. As the record goes on the diversity of sounds grows on you and you never really know what's coming next. This is almost the free-form jazz version of hip hop except that the free-form jazz is more formulaic if that's possible. In the end I think that this is a great listen if you're prepared to give it some time. A lot of the grooves and samples are very Public Enemy-like so if you like their stuff then that's a springboard into the madness that is Madvillain. 

Madvillain - Bistro - https://youtu.be/PRRMPtkmJjA

Madvillain - Rainbows - https://youtu.be/yDpaCiXJTEk

Album 36/100 - Bill Withers - Live At Carnegie Hall (1973)

Live albums are very hit and miss. This one is a huge hit in my book. Bill starts the show with one of his hits and even does an encore of it all before we get to the second song! The recording is such that you can almost feel the crowd in the room with you. And they love Bill. Whilst I thoroughly enjoyed the entire album; as a live concert it is amazing, some close listening revealed something extra for me. If you listen carefully on the left channel there is a wonderfully funky wah guitar (check out the second track from Bill below). Every now and then it comes a bit further forward in the mix but it's always there adding texture. In fact the whole band is just perfect. This is an energetic and joyous recording of what must've been a great concert to be at.

Bill Withers - Grandma's Hands (live 1973) - https://youtu.be/erARI_f9AvA

Bill Withers - Friend Of Mine (live 1973) - https://youtu.be/j3NkxLkVtKQ

Lou Gramm is well known as the original vocalist for the band Foreigner. The next song was a solo release in the 80s which I just loved. It was the guitar riff that hooked me in. Anyway; Lou suffered from a nasty brain tumour in the late 90s and for a while his singing voice seemed to have gone. Happily, recent live footage shows that Lou is getting his voice back and enjoying performing live although he's no longer in Foreigner. 

Lou Gramm - Midnight Blue - https://youtu.be/7cRdgIZgobs

Foreigner (with Lou) - Juke Box Hero (live 1985) - https://youtu.be/lPWGOvHBCZU

I shared this next track with a couple of people throughout the week and everyone gave it two thumbs up. What else can I say other than it's awesome...

Paul Simon & George Harrison - Homeward Bound (live) - https://youtu.be/UODI6JmUnMA

I've written enough about the band Ghost in the past. Their particular brand of heavy metal, KISS meets ABBA mixed with Alice Cooper, is a lot of fun. So when I found a couple of professionally recorded acoustic live tracks I was pretty pleased with myself. All the doubters will see (hear) that these guys are great musicians and not just a comic book show.

Ghost - Rats (acoustic and live) - https://youtu.be/neRhGoW3Kbc

Ghost - Cirice (acoustic and live) - https://youtu.be/TL-cgyWnPCM

This time next week I'll be in Vanuatu with DJ ZedBoots. She will have completed her university degree and is ready to be let loose on the world as a paramedic. At least if I need medical attention whilst we're overseas I'll be in good hands. I'm super-dooper proud of what Zoe has achieved. She's also stopped telling me some of the more graphic details which is really, really good. Not long now before she's whizzing through the streets of London with lights and sirens going full blast.

Ralph McTell with John Williams - Streets of London (live) - https://youtu.be/urtnT72dVnw

I was really tempted to play the Anti-Nowhere League's version of the above tune but I couldn't resist the presence of John Williams in the one I chose. If punk rock is your thing then click here.

Finally, a book recommendation. I recently read "The Quaker" written by Liam McIlvaney. I generally avoid crime fiction these days but this one is a cracker. Set in Glasgow and centred around a string of murders at The Barrowlands Ballroom in 1969 it does the trick of transporting you back in time. It would be lazy writing to simply say if you like Ian Rankin then you'll like this but it's true. I never know "whodunnit" and this one kept me guessing even longer than usual. I pictured the cast of "Life On Mars" transported north, and a lot less clean cut, as the main players in this book. There's a copy here if anyone wants to borrow it.

Gerry Cinnamon - Sometimes, What Have You Done (live at The Barrowland Ballroom) - https://youtu.be/gZYvFrGXw8Q

That's all folks, you may or may not get another episode next week. We'll see. Otherwise I'll see you back here for more mayhem in July.

Rob

"When I think back
On all the crap I learned in high school
It's a wonder
I can think at all
And though my lack of education
Hasn't hurt me none
I can read the writing on the wall", Kodachrome, Dr Teeth & The Electric Mayhem (Paul Simon cover), original version 1973

 

World Wide Woozle episode #483

After my rather long and involved blog entry last week I had a look at how many people had read it via the website. Not many. I was a bit surprised but then I guess my rather sporadic output may be a contributing factor. Of course, I have no way to tell how many people actually read the email I send out. I won't lie; I had a bit of a "why am I bothering" moment. The truth, however, is that with the exception of a couple of episodes, I've always felt that I had something I wanted to write about. I'm not a writer, just a guy who always wanted to be a radio announcer and who is genuinely interested in music. So I'll keep writing. It's a bit like playing a gig. You always give 100% because that's what rock and roll is all about. If it's two blokes and a dog in the crowd you still play as if there was a thousand screaming punters. Ever onward...

John Cougar Mellencamp - You've Got To Stand For Somethin' - https://youtu.be/czra89vntkY

In 1992, then Anthrax vocalist Joey Belladonna was fired from the band. His replacement was John Bush from Armored Saint who would front the band until 2005. It's messy as to when Bush left and Belladonna came back as there are reunion gigs and a whole lot of other stuff involved. My point in telling you all this is that it was recently the anniversary of the release of Anthrax's first album with Bush. "Sound of White Noise" (released on May 25, 1993). I wasn't particularly keen on Anthrax in the pre-Bush era but his strong vocal delivery really added something to the band's sound and any releases that he sang on are well worth checking out. There's also an excellent live DVD available called "Music of Mass Destruction". Anthrax have released some excellent albums with Belladonna more recently but in my opinion, while being a solid singer, they should've hung onto John Bush.

Anthrax - Room For One More - https://youtu.be/XfT25gfatFk

Anthrax - Caught in a Mosh (live) - https://youtu.be/eM11x00D1iI

If you're a metal fan, you could do a lot worse than to follow @ThisDayInMETAL on Twitter. 

Ahab, named for the character in Moby Dick, are a German band who play music that moves from quiet and melodic, through to funeral, doom laden dirges complete with death metal guttural vocals. It's a hard listen at times but, if you're reasonably open minded and don't mind heavy and progressive music then it might grow on you. It's a bit like Jethro Tull and Black Sabbath had a baby with a sore throat...or not.

Ahab - The Isle - https://youtu.be/YyjOvaMo5Ec

Earlier in the week, while walking...trying out my new shoes...I was listening to some old Divinyls songs. What a great band they were. Pure Aussie rock and roll. I didn't realise that guitarist and songwriter Mark McEntee was also in Air Supply way back in the 70s! What a trip! Anyway, here's Divinyls doing their thing...

Divinyls - Sleeping Beauty - https://youtu.be/wdk0vCzs3A4

Divinyls - I Ain't Gonna Eat Out My Heart Anymore (live) - https://youtu.be/ChnJlOhZZj0

Alan Parsons, well known for his music as well as for being lampooned by Mike Myers in the second Austin Powers film (click here if you haven't seen it) has a new single. It's quite laid back and would almost fit on a Travelling Wilburys album. Anyway, I liked it and the clip is great as well.

Alan Parsons - As Lights Fall - https://youtu.be/qImCjQ4K988

The next song is from a group of New Yorkers called Vampire Weekend. The track is catchy and definitely reminds me of Van Morrison. And with winter definitely coming here in Canberra this summery tune is a welcome ray of sunshine. I'll be checking out more from this band in the near future.

Vampire Weekend - This Life - https://youtu.be/FwkrrU2WYKg

For many bands, getting to play their songs along with a symphony orchestra seems to be the thing to do. Groups like KISS and Metallica have done it well. This is not that kind of example. It begins well and I love Status Quo but in the end the orchestra is wasted. Maybe it was better on the night.

Status Quo - Whatever You Want (live) - https://youtu.be/SWBRcWDsHkk

Earlier I mentioned my new running (walking) shoes. Well, so far I've had a couple of long walks and one walk/shuffle/jog in them. And without wanting to appear too hopeful it's all going well. I'm off to the Podiatrist shortly for my scan results and to find out if I either get orthotics, continue to limp forever or have my foot cut off. Fingers crossed for a good outcome. The long walks were good and the jog was amusing and it'd be good to be able to run for a bit longer than 1km.

The Spencer Davis Group - Keep On Runnin' (live) - https://youtu.be/TyZrK9meebo

Whilst KISS are travelling the world, lip syncing their way through another greatest hits farewell tour, former band member Ace Frehley is playing live shows and putting out solid new material. Don't get me wrong, plenty of people are loving the KISS experience but even for them feels a bit fake. Ace has just released a video for his song "Mission TO Mars" which comes from his 2018 album, "Spaceman". Good song, fun video.

Ace Frehley - Mission To Mars - https://youtu.be/n92S-3K1WyA

Bruce Springsteen also has a new track available. You can listen to it here. If you're a fan of The Boss then please let me know what you think. Personally I thought it was a bit bland.

What's not bland is the next rendition of a Springsteen classic. How much fun do you think all of these 1000 Catalan folks are having?

No Surrender Festival - No Surrender - https://youtu.be/alorNxGo0FM

On to my two album reviews for this episode.

Album 33/100 - Simon & Garfunkel - Bridge Over Troubled Water (1970)

This is an album I grew up with. My family's record collection included this one as well as 1966's "Sounds of Silence". I still have a cassette I made with one album on each side. Simon & Garfunkel successfully bridged the gap between folk, Americana and popular music. There was something for everyone without ever selling out. From the beauty of the title track, through the complicated and catchy rhythm of "Cecilia" to the deceptively simple sounds of "The Boxer" there is so much to dig into on this record.

Simon & Garfunkel - Baby Driver - https://youtu.be/J8i4Rp3qizk 

Album 34/100 - The Rolling Stones - Sticky Fingers (1971)

In my opinion, this is the best Rolling Stones album. Others have big hits on them for sure but this one is the most consistent to listen to right through. Whatever happened in the writing and recording of "Sticky Fingers" it all just seems to gel. For guitar nerds; this is the first Stones album with Mick Taylor. If you only had to have one Rolling Stones album then I'd recommend this one.

The Rolling Stones - Can't You Hear Me Knocking - https://youtu.be/Gz5mI6tqm_Q

Steve Earle - Dead Flowers (live - Rolling Stones cover) - https://youtu.be/NPCkv-N7GsU

Surely that's enough for one episode. 

See you next time around,

Rob

"Nothing to see where the sleeping souls lie,

And don't it feel good...", Chemical Warfare (don't it feel good), Slayer / Katrina & The Waves, 2019