World Wide Woozle episode #566

Welcome back, I hope you're sitting comfortably!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Rock on brothers and sisters,    

The Woozle

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

Glen Campbell, Try A Little Kindness, 1970.

World Wide Woozle episode #565

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Rock on everyone,

The Woozle

"Sometimes I give myself the creeps

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

World Wide Woozle episode #564

Spotify playlist link for this episode; click here.

2022 is here and it promises to be interesting, challenging and no doubt frustrating at times too. When will we get to see family and friends that have been only available on a phone or via the internet for a couple of years? Will we ever be able to finish the stay at home holidays and maybe go somewhere else? And how many more bands can Dave Grohl have a guest spot with? Regardless of what happens, my plan is to make the most out of life and be the best version of myself that I can be.

 

Let's talk about music.

 

Roxette released the Joyride album thirty years ago. It's a more rock and roll affair than Look Sharp (1988) and I'm a big fan of it. Joyride straddles the boundary between rock and pop very well and Per Gessle is a really good songwriter. Reading the liner notes reveals that sheer amount of hard work and time that went into the album, all whilst under pressure from record companies and film-makers to produce the hits. The three CD anniversary version includes a whole heap of demo versions as well as a couple of live tracks. Listening to the development of songs always keeps me interested and this collection has been no exception. If you're a fan then there's plenty to keep you occupied here. It's not two CDs worth of snippets and someone singing into a mini tape recorder, these are well produced, professional demo versions of the songs that became the album. I like the fact that the hook line from the song Joyride came as a result of an affectionate note that Per's wife left him. It said, "hello you fool, I love you."

 

Roxette – Joyride – https://youtu.be/1I3ebe7ykGI

 Another album with a recent anniversary release is Shake Your Moneymaker from The Black Crowes. The cover of Otis Redding's Hard To Handle turned me onto the band almost instantly. The rest of the record is ripping blues based rock and roll. It's high energy stuff and the band has gone on to make a number of excellent albums. One of the bonus tracks on the anniversary edition is this one…another cover but really it's a cover of a cover. Who cares, I really like the way they've done it.

 

The Black Crowes – Jealous Guy – https://youtu.be/Yu0BiVIzfF8

 I watched an hilarious and very well made video that tried to describe how the band Ghost write their songs. I know that it's a bit of comedy but it's still probably pretty accurate. Watch it here. Ghost are really good fun and, as I've said previously, a cross between Slayer, Scooby Doo and ABBA.

 

Ghost – Square Hammer - https://youtu.be/VqoyKzgkqR4

 Bing suggested that I have a listen to the most recent Jimmy Barnes album, Flesh and Blood, so I did. I need to spend more time to really get the feel of the record but I will say that it sounds fantastic. Whether it's been the time away from performing live, vocal exercises/coaching or just a good diet and frame of mind, Jimmy's voice sounds really full and strong. There's bagpipes on the album as well which is usually something that gets a couple of thumbs up from me. There are also appearances from a number of Jimmy's family members.

 

Jimmy Barnes – I'm Coming Home (live from home) – https://youtu.be/X3Ois1ot9tA

 After a small disagreement with a record store I was able to pick up AC/DC's 2021 album, PWR/UP on vinyl for a decent price. I understand that there's a premium on vinyl records but $58 is just silly. However, I have the LP now and it sounds pretty good. There are a lot of decent tracks included and this is far from their weakest album. I don't buy a lot of albums on vinyl anymore because they are all recorded digitally anyway, but AC/DC are my all-time favourite rockers and a complete collection means something to me.

 

AC/DC – Kick You When You're Down - https://youtu.be/fMB8Pn0dnaI

 In DIY news…my good mate DJ TooTallMick came and sorted out the hole in my bathroom ceiling. Then I sanded and painted it. So I guess that means that my time going to the hardware store is over for now. Hooray! The real estate folks are taking the photos on Monday and then, with any luck, it'll sell pretty quickly. 

Bob Marley - Everything's Gonna Be Alright - https://youtu.be/OD3F7J2PeYU

I heard The National Parks last week whilst looking for a song for DJ FeeDub and I. They remind me a bit of The Lemonheads and/or City & Color. I guess it's sort of indie-folk music and their sound really appeals to me. See what you think.

The National Parks - Headlights - https://youtu.be/OD3F7J2PeYU

I quite like Bob Seger and whilst looking for some live tracks of his I came across this guy, Frankie Miller was from Glasgow and he has that classic blues, soul, rock and roll voice a bit like Rod Stewart, Seger or Chris Robinson. This is a live recording and it's got a great groove. 

Frankie Miller - Be Good To Yourself - https://youtu.be/TXGhYRM_BNM

Finally, some Rolling Stones for my mate Brownie. Love you brother.

The Rolling Stones - Brown Sugar (live 1972) - https://youtu.be/Fmfi3UbDPnQ

Get boosted folks, if you can. I did and I didn't even faint ha ha!

The Woozle

"There were preachers down on begging knees, the day the earth stood still"

Willie Nile, The Day The Earth Stood Still, 2021.

World Wide Woozle episode #563

Hi groovers, let's get to it. Are you sitting comfortably?

I am pleased to report that I have finished playing Tetris with the contents of my abode. The architraves, skirting boards and door frames are all painted at last. My good mate "Too Tall" is coming over to patch my bathroom ceiling and after that's done it will be time to sell, sell, sell! My little place is pretty groovy but little is the operative word. 

The Cinematic Orchestra - To Build A Home - https://youtu.be/NpkNK06wgwU

It seems as though every TV news programme simply cannot resist reviewing what happened in 2021. We remember, we were there. Just more junk programming rather than reporting the news. Grrrrrr! At this stage the only reason I turn on free to air TV is to see Australia destroying England at cricket. 

Bee Gees - You Win Again (live 1998) - https://youtu.be/zOgqxKd9sgE

Christmas has been and gone. I started the day with a ride in the sunshine through a whole lot of new suburbs that I won't be able to afford to live in! It was great though as the roads are new, there was no traffic and it was pretty hilly. The only downside was one very confused magpie who took a dislike to me. After a spot of chilling out with some music and a book in the afternoon, I had a quiet evening with my great friends Todd and Suzy. And I got plenty of love from their dogs too; that's always special. The pandemic really messes around with everything but I'm hoping to be able to spend next Christmas with at least one member of my family. Let's not hold our breath on that one...

The Fauves - Dogs Are The Best People - https://youtu.be/lxM7sLT0rQE

Meanwhile, it looks like we won't be returning to work in the office anytime soon. I keep getting text messages about positive cases there on the 23rd and 24th of December. Fortunately my boss already had us working from home. 

The White Stripes - Girl, You Have No Faith In Medicine - https://youtu.be/0mWM0S1dMro

Angus and Zoe got me the latest EP from The Buoys, Unsolicited Advice for your DIY Disaster, for Christmas. It's very cool on transparent turquoise vinyl! As I've mentioned previously, if you like The Chats, The Go-Gos or The Clouds then this might make you tap your toes. It's definitely a break-up record so if that's something you'd rather avoid then walk on by this one.

The Buoys - Drive Me Home - https://youtu.be/-W1Jh956U9E

Colin Hay released a new album (of covers) in August this year. I've only just had a few listens to it but it's a cracker. Colin's voice has a unique tone that you'll no doubt remember from his Men At Work days as well as a heap of solo releases. You can hear his Scots accent in most of the songs and the guitar work is fab. This album has reintroduced me to a whole heap of songs as well as encouraging me to go back and listen to his back catalogue.

Colin Hay - Norwegian Wood (This Bird Has Flown) - https://youtu.be/keN7u8_Q8ho

Peter Cetera is best known as a member of Chicago as well as for singing a song that was the theme for the movie, The Karate Kid. The next track popped up on one of my playlists this week, I'd never heard it before, and I thought it was pretty cool. All the eighties cliches are there but it's still a track that made me want to listen to the album. Steve Lukather (Toto) plays guitar on this song...and it sounds like a Dio song until Peter sings!

Peter Cetera - Livin' In The Limelight - https://youtu.be/V1EMEncWqPE

Yothu Yindi's breakthrough album (their second) Tribal Voice is now thirty years old. I remember it clearly as a great album that fused rock, country and some nightclub style beats along with songs about life for the members of the band and the communities they lived in. I was lucky enough to see the band in a smaller venue (ANU Refectory) and then later at The Royal Theatre. Both were great shows that were full of energy. It's always easy to stick with the songs that we know but I'd encourage you to have a listen to their debut album, Homeland Movement, as well as their other work. It's a rich and meaningful discography.

Yothu Yindi - Tribal Voice - https://youtu.be/bBYHWKPLEnE

Yothu Yindi - Jailbreak (AC/DC cover) - https://youtu.be/gaaxbNX-wg8

I was deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Archbishop Desmond Tutu this week. I know he was 90 years old but it's still sad. I'm not ashamed to say that I learned a lot about South Africa as a result of musicians who saw what was going on there and wanted the world to know and for it to be made right. I put this quote from Archbishop Tutu on Facebook this week because it really resonated with me. "He loved. He laughed. He cried. He was forgiven. He forgave. Greatly privileged". There's something in there for all of us.

Bono, Keith Richards, Ronnie Wood - Silver & Gold - https://youtu.be/AYBfn-FCtvU

And that's about it for 2021. Thank you to all of you who continue to read this and listen to some of the songs. And a special thanks to everyone who keeps an eye on me; the messages, emails, texts and in person conversations mean a lot. 2022 is looking good.

Rock on Brothers and Sisters,

The Woozle.

"They say the heart of rock and roll is still beating
And from what I've seen I believe 'em
Now the old boy may be barely breathing
But the heart of rock and roll, heart of rock and roll is still beating..."

Huey Lewis & The News, The Heart of Rock and Roll, 1983.

World Wide Woozle episode #562

With only a few days to go until Christmas I can report that it's a ghost town here in the office, the café downstairs is playing their festive music far too loud, and that the post office is sick of seeing me! I hope your run up to the end of the year is relatively calm. 

Cat Stevens - Wild World (live) - https://youtu.be/Jta56wBl7SM

I have a new bike. It's rather exciting because it's a single speed commuter and also slightly irresponsible given the size of my house. I now play Tetris with my bikes! The new ride was made for me by a friend who recycles old bike parts. His surname is Tinney so I have named my bike the "Tinney Recycler". Too many puns are never enough. Getting used to riding without changing gears, as well as being a bit more upright, is quite strange. However, it's a perfect ride into work and back which is all relatively flat. 

Tom Petty - Into The Great Wide Open - https://youtu.be/wVOykOqzP18

George and the band played a shoe Coonabarabran on Saturday night. Coona is about a seven hour drive north of Canberra. I played there on our original tour to Tingha as well as a year later. It's a great place to hang around for a few days and there are a couple of spots well worth taking the time to see. My memories of that first trip include it being freezing at night…and me realising too late the treachery of George leaving the window open in our motel room! Still, the songs and the people warmed our hearts and continue to do so. 

Midnight Oil - Power and the Passion - https://youtu.be/6pKPNnk-JhE

Sadly, Angus was in a car accident recently and the old Subaru that served him and I so well over the last five or so years has been written off. There were no injuries to people and that's really the important thing. I'm pretty proud of him at the moment as he works a second job whilst building up his massage client list. We don't need to replace the car and the insurance payout has thankfully covered the excess. Here's a hint folks…don't have a car accident when you're under 25! 

AC/DC - Goodbye and Good Riddance to Bad Luck - https://youtu.be/iVGEZDLrIYw

For those following along at home…the tradesperson meant to be fixing my bathroom ceiling has disappeared from the face of the planet. He's given up responding to any forms of contact and, to be honest, I've given up on him. Fortunately my mate "Too Tall" is going to be able to help me out. On the weekend I began to do some painting and touch up work ahead of the place going to market; this is me getting a long way out of my comfort zone. However, with the aid of YouTube, I have successfully done some filling, sanding and painting. Not to mention actually managing to use silicon sealant without it going absolutely everywhere. I should be finished in a few days and then it's just the wait on the aforementioned ceiling repair. 

Sam Cooke - If I Had A Hammer (live) - https://youtu.be/WFSvzWuwuZ8

Zoë let me know recently that it was 700 days since she went to England. I had hoped to be able to visit her during that time but you all know about international travel by now. In some ways that 700 days has flown by but in others it has seriously dragged on. With an ounce of luck Zoë will be back in Australia for a holiday in about 100 days. I get that your kids grow up and leave home, it's a natural part of life and I did it too. But 700 days is a very, very long time. 

Twisted Sister - The Price - https://youtu.be/UpfZcEjopYE

Around this time of the year there is always the temptation to talk about the best, or your favourite releases for the last twelve months. I won't do that. But what I might do, if you'll humour me, is play a couple of tracks from records that have sat firmly in my regular listening for quite a while. 

An album that I would have almost worn out (if I actually had it on vinyl) this year is The Gereg by The HU. It's the combination of heavy metal, Mongolian folk music and poetry, lyrics I can't understand in a language that sounds fascinating, and a rhythmic structure that really hits home that all has me completely enthralled with these guys. The album came out in 2019 and I really hope they've got a new one coming before long.

The HU – Yuve Yuve Yu - https://youtu.be/v4xZUr0BEfE

Another band that really hit the spot this year for me is Soul Asylum. They've been around since forever it seems. I remember in the 90s being drawn to their lyrics, raw vocal delivery and Dave Pirner's battered Telecaster. There are a couple of live gigs now on streaming services as well as a number of studio albums. It's a bit like a grungy Springsteen.

Soul Asylum - Misery (live) - https://youtu.be/gCceGWFWVcQ

Someone in Soul Asylum is obviously a soul music fan because they regularly cover some classic tunes. Listening to these pointed me to this song which I'd really only been aware of as a result of the Billy Bragg version. Imagine being able to channel whatever you were feeling into lyrics like these!

Smokey Robinson & The Miracles - The Tracks of My Tears - https://youtu.be/Yf2CB32jDYc

Also on high rotation here at HQ Woozle recently are one of Australia's greatest hard rock bands, Rose Tattoo. I was asked if I could play one of their songs a while ago (I couldn't but I managed to work it out on the fly) and that got me right back into their music. I was fortunate enough to see them a couple of years ago and they still put on a fantastic live show. I really need to tune one of my guitars to open E and get into some slide playing!

Rose Tattoo - The Butcher & Fast Eddie (live 1982) - https://youtu.be/1OlJQeVd7hM

Smokey Robinson and Soul Asylum gave me a gentle shove back into some Motown tracks. I can listen to a lot of the early stuff for hours and hours! 

The Temptations - Papa Was A Rolling Stone - https://youtu.be/nXiQtD5gcHU

Mary Wells - My Guy - https://youtu.be/4WT7nBGX5eU

Well folks, that's all for this time. I hope you made it to the end and that at least one or two of the songs were of interest. Have a great festive season regardless of how you choose to celebrate or what you believe. 

Rock on,

The Woozle.

"This is our Christmas single

Please make it number one
And give us all your money

To make our Christmas fun"

Bad News, Cashing In On Christmas, 1987.

World Wide Woozle episode #561

Welcome back groovers.

It's been wet and windy here this week and that pretty much sucks for me. I want to be outside as much as possible when I'm not at work. Summer may actually arrive soon but who can tell.

The Cult - Rain - https://youtu.be/RD5b_0QB0wI

I've got some footage of me playing and singing from the other weekend. If you'd like to check it out please let me know. I'm not a huge fan of watching myself on film or listening to myself sing but I can assure you it could've been so much worse. I've reflected on what I did and have come to the conclusion that I enjoyed myself (both the rehearsal and the performance bit) so I'll seek out opportunities to do it again. I've got a playlist of songs that I'm thinking about covering and there are also some new originals in the works. If you're in Canberra and want to book me to do a short set in your lounge room then I'm game if you are. You just never know if it's going to be folk music, punk rock or something in the middle...

Pete Seeger - Which Side Are You On? - https://youtu.be/1XKMwWZVpPE

Dropkick Murphys -- Which Side Are You On? - https://youtu.be/SKWfnO7fhQM

As many of you know, I'm getting ready to sell my apartment. The only thing that seems to be getting in the way is getting a tradesperson to actually turn up. I could cope (a bit) if they were late, but being left hanging for days is really starting to wear thin. I also had to have a stern word to myself when it comes to decluttering and cleaning. I got rid of a whole lot of stuff and then remembered that I'd probably need some of it again in the future. It was pretty funny in the end.

Cold Chisel - You've Got Nothing I Want - https://youtu.be/-BiJKq7ynms

I put my Christmas tree up the other day. I waited for December as this is apparently the right thing to do. It's a little thing that was gifted to me last year when a good friend found out that I didn't have one. Christmas has been a challenging time of year for me for the last few years. I spent a couple by myself because I was anti-social as a result of not being very well. This year I've made some plans to keep busy and catch up with some close friends. Hopefully this time next year there will be a lot more travel options open to all of us.

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

Spotify put their prices up recently and I got annoyed. Then they released their yearly statistics and apparently I've listened to that service for close to 835 hours. And that, of course, doesn't include any of my music listening on CD, LP or cassette! You may not get a shock to find out that I listen to AC/DC more than 99% of the population!

AC/DC -  Fling Thing / Rocker (live, Glasgow, 1978) - https://youtu.be/ASJy3c4ACiU

I like the new Billy Bragg album. As I mentioned last time, I wasn't that enthusiastic when it arrived but it's grown on me for sure. I'm sure quite a few people would love to hear Billy put out an album reminiscent of his first couple where he bashed out folk tinged protest songs with punk energy. You can still get that if you see him live but understanding that your favourite artists grow up as well is a good thing (except the Stones who are still singing Satisfaction well after turning forty ha ha). This album combines Bragg's obvious political and social points of view with music that straddles boundaries between country, folk and Americana. There's nods to the blue eyed soul that many English artists grew up listening to as well. It's a bit of a slow burn but it's worth it.

Billy Bragg - Freedom Doesn't Come For Free - https://youtu.be/pxdk5UBVlX8

For some reason, a Billy Connolly story popped into my head this week. I won't try to tell it but it involves him and moving from being a welder to being a musician. He mentioned the singer, Big Mama Thornton so I went looking to see what he was talking about. What a voice!

Big Mama Thornton - You Ain't Nothin' But A Hound Dog (live) - https://youtu.be/JvbSXVc451Q

I think I've written enough this time around. Keep on rockin' in the free world.

The Woozle

"I don't think on why I'm here or where it hurts

I'm just lucky to have the work
Sunday morning I'm too tired to go to church
But I thank God for the work..."

Jason Isbell, Something More Than Free, 2015

World Wide Woozle episode #560

Surprise! I'm still here.

I hope you've got some time for reading….this episode turned out to be a bit long. The fact that I can come up with long pieces of writing makes me laugh because I used to write essays for university by counting average words per line and then drawing a line on the page where I thought the end of the word-count would be (in the days when we had to hand write papers). No wonder my undergraduate degree is fairly average. 

Roxette - Lies - https://youtu.be/WqdIMNzBPeE

In new music news at HQ Woozle, I recently took delivery of the new album from Melbourne band, Galaxy. I've probably written about them before, but, to refresh your memory, they are a metal band that sound a bit like Mercyful Fate crossed with 80s Black Sabbath or Ozzy. It's really good stuff but the vocal delivery will be quite polarising I imagine. The record came on green vinyl and also in the sleeve was a poster, sticker, download card and a patch for my jacket. THAT'S how you keep fans happy. 

Galaxy – Bright Stars - https://youtu.be/LDqhx0mNdaM

The 1979 No Nukes concert set from Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band has finally been released. You get thirteen tracks and the whole lot clocks in at just about an hour and a half. I can't find a dud song; this is a killer show from a band who still sound like they had something to prove. Badlands, The River and Jungleland are definite highlights for me as is the quality of the recording. I believe there is a concert film as well; I hope so.

Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band – Jungleland (live, 1979) - https://youtu.be/Ga_3OHE1n10

Melbourne's Amyl & The Sniffers have released their long player, Comfort to Me. Wow! It's like The Clash and Black Flag met the Energizer Bunny and made a record. Superb riffing, vocals so honest and raw that you feel them and lyrics that bite. Yep, it's all there. 

Amyl & The Sniffers – Security - https://youtu.be/j5DZA2NLYis

Staying with loud music for just a bit longer, KISS have released the 45th Anniversary version of their classic LP, Destroyer. This is an album full of great tracks like Detroit Rock City, God of Thunder, Beth and Do You Love Me. But it's the demo versions included that make this worth a listen because, let's face it, even casual KISS fans will know most tracks on the original record. I was surprised that God of Thunder was a Paul Stanley tune and I enjoyed some of Gene's disco tinged demos. The whole box set is really very expensive for what you get but the cool stuff is streaming at least. 

KISS – God of Thunder (Paul Stanley demo) - https://youtu.be/-ELDf6452hQ

In personal news, I have a new job. It was nice to be asked to move into this role and not to just be changing jobs because my mental health was in a pickle. I've moved sideways in the same organisation but away from client facing work. After nearly two years of that I could tell that I needed to do something else and this opportunity came along with perfect timing. I've been in the new job for two weeks now and although I'm very tired as a result, it's great. I spent years and years either being in charge or having people tell me that I should aim higher and you know what, I like being a worker bee. I'm responsible for myself and that's more than enough these days. It leaves me space in my head for music, meditation and the other things that keep me on the straight and narrow.

The Clash - Career Opportunities - https://youtu.be/MsE5NAAU39k

I was fortunate enough to be invited to be the support act for Junk Sculpture last Sunday. I'm still a bit unsure about being a solo act but it certainly makes organising a rehearsal a lot easier! On stage it's a bit confronting with just myself and the acoustic guitar. There's no hiding at all! For those interested, I played two original songs, Silence and One's Too Many. The covers I chose were Steve Earle's Jerusalem and a slightly modified version of Kris Kristofferson's 1968 demo of If You Don't Like Hank Williams. Many thanks to George and the band for allowing me to play, Sam for lyrics, and to everyone who was there and said nice things about my songs. I might do it again one day I think. 

I've spent a bit of time listening to Taylor Swift's re-recording of her album, Red. It sounds good and the songs generally hold up well with age. I'm not really all that interested in who does, or doesn't have Taylor's scarf but it has made for good press I guess. As I've said before, I like Taylor because she writes her own songs and isn't afraid to put her feelings on show. Re-recording and releasing your original albums to stick it to record companies and greedy people is pretty cool too.

Taylor Swift – Better Man (Taylor's version) - https://youtu.be/PReSQYTFvcs

My favourite new release of the last few months is one that arrived at my place last week. Warumpi Band recorded a whole lot of cover versions, and one original, way back in 1982 in the lounge room of Neil Murray's house in Papunya. A few of these tracks have surfaced before but this is the complete session. You get songs by the Stones, Chuck Berry and a whole lot of others delivered with Warumpi's own style and almost boundless energy. It's a party mix and an antidepressant all in one. 

Warumpi Band – Promised Land - https://youtu.be/AKeEt4-8cFY

I could write a lot about the new Beatles documentary series that is now rolling via Disney+. It's not a music documentary per se. It's more just a close up recording of them writing and making the Let It Be album. My main impressions are that the video quality is outstanding, the audio is great and the banter between all the Beatles is generally hilarious. This probably isn't for casual fans (well not the whole thing) but it's an interesting window into a great band.

The Beatles - Don't Let Me Down (rehearsal) - https://youtu.be/385eTo76OzA

Finally, Primal Scream. I've loved their album, GIve Out But Don't Give Up since it came out many years ago but I didn't realise that the original version wasn't released until 2018. It features the legendary Muscle Shoals rhythm section and it's just fabulous.

Primal Scream - Jailbird - https://youtu.be/nOAeg-Xrl7k

Primal Scream - Rocks - https://youtu.be/TOXON2TmS6A

I'm not sure when the next episode of this blog will be...but it will feature commentary on the new Billy Bragg album. I feel that it's a return to form for Bill but more about that later. I'll try not to wait so long before bothering you all again!

Righto, again that's more than enough to be getting on with. Let me know if any of the above songs are of interest. 

RIP Digby.

The Woozle

"I just got better, now I must get well..."

James Reyne, Red Light Avenue, 1994.