World Wide Woozle episode #597

Kia Ora, I'm back from holidays.

New Zealand was awesome. Getting there and getting back wasn't quite so fab. From the flight out to Wellington being cancelled as we were physically boarding to the closure of Sydney Airport when I was on the way home, the journey threw up a few challenges! Nonetheless, the rest of the trip was superb.

Jenny Morris - Aotearoa - https://youtu.be/j33Tlh5QnQo

Most importantly, I got to spend time with my family who live in Aotearoa. I hadn't been there since 2012 and it was three and six years respectively since I'd seen my Mum and my Brother in person. That's a long time. It was so special to hang out with my niece and nephew and to get to meet their dog, Tiny.

The Mutton Birds - Wellington - https://youtu.be/SiN0HsEI9TA

My brother and I had tickets to see Billy Bragg for a gig in February 2020 and you can all guess what happened to that show. It was postponed for three years! So getting along to see him play was always going to be special. And when I realised that my sister-in-law and her parents were coming too for the first night, well, that blew me away. Night one was Billy playing songs spanning his whole career and it didn't disappoint. Night two was stuff from his first three records (Life's A Riot with Spy vs Spy, Brewing Up With Billy Bragg and Talking With The Taxman About Poetry). Standing in an audience, most of whom knew every single lyric, was an uplifting experience. I've never been in a crowd quite so enthusiastic. Naturally, merchandise was purchased (I'd been saving for three years after all). Whilst I hope to get to see Billy tour again, seeing him belt out so many early classics, accompanied only by his guitar, will be OK as a full stop for me.

Billy Bragg - Levi Stubbs' Tears - https://youtu.be/PhmCKkRae7o

Billy did mention that a new compilation of sorts was in the works but that he was having trouble finding a particular live track. Cue The Woozle who has the song on tape and also found a rip of it on an internet archive (that is from my tape anyway). The Bragg office was happy to get my email so let's hope it makes the record. As my brother said, that's my "fifteen fame filled minutes...".

Billy Bragg - King Tide and the Sunny Day Flood - https://youtu.be/lWPZeQzN_Ws

As a kid (I spent the second half of primary school in NZ) I was fascinated by Somes Island which is in the middle of Wellington Harbour. At the time it was a quarantine station for animals so you couldn't go there. Well, it's not playing that role now and visitors are welcome. I will admit that I was dreading the twenty-five minute ferry ride to get there because I can get seasick in the bath. Thankfully that didn't happen on the day. My brother, nephew and I headed over to the island (now known by its Māori name of Matiu) and it was well worth the journey. We got to spend a couple of hours walking around bush tracks, pretending to be experts on seabirds, looking for tuataras and inspecting the old quarantine station. It turned out that Matiu Island was also used as an internment camp in WWI and WWII. The views of Wellington and surrounds from the middle of the harbour are spectacular with houses dotted all through the hills. The lack of flat ground in Wellington just means that they've managed to build houses in the most amazing places!

Dave Baxter - Whispers - https://youtu.be/lKzKRiB09FY

I got home very late on Tuesday night and was back at work on Wednesday. It's now Friday evening and to be totally honest, I need a rest. I've been back on my bike and that was sublime but today I had to have what is now a regular blood test and they took enough to start a small blood bank! I know that I'll be just fine come tomorrow but I reckon I'll leave it here for this episode and head off to the land of nod. 

Concrete Blonde - Bloodletting (The Vampire Song) - https://youtu.be/VbJmWCuMiEM

Before I finish; watch this space as I'm due to be playing a solo set at a rather groovy gig that's coming up on March 18th. I'll share more later but I'm very excited to say that my mate Todd will be joining me on a few songs.

Pō mārie,

The Woozle

"Well you know I have a love

A love for everyone I know
And you know I have a drive
To live I won't let go..."

Bonnie "Prince" Billy, I See A Darkness, 1999.

World Wide Woozle episode #596

Hi everyone,

Nothing but tunes this week. I've had a lot of time on the bike to think about these...2000km so far this year. "Sweet as Donny!"

The percussion in the introduction to this song always makes me stop and take notice. I also remember picking out the initial chords (they are very simple) before I had an electric guitar and being quite impressed with myself! It's one of those songs that is overplayed on commercial radio but that has zero effect on me these days.

Lou Gramm - Midnight Blue - https://youtu.be/v4G_0A8Cdkw

The next track was a big hit but at a time before I was really paying much attention. I walked to work listening to a podcast about Australian music in the 70s. This song came up in the conversation as one that producer Mark Opitz was especially happy with. I particularly like a couple of things about the track. The first is the keyboard sound at the start. It's got a chime type sound that just appeals to me and gives the song almost the feeling that it's in a church. The other thing is the juxtaposition between the delicate lyrics and the voice belting them out. It could've ended up being a sledgehammer bashing flowers but it works so well.

Cold Chisel - Choir Girl - https://youtu.be/xgFxK3acQVg

Nightwish are a very popular band who straddle the line between heavy metal and being ultra attractive to emo kids. Personally I think they are a lot of fun and they add some interesting twists to the genre that they sit in. The use of instruments such as small pipes adds a lot of depth. They also aren't a band with a lead guitarist who has to have a big solo in every song. To be honest, it's mostly rhythm work thus leaving room for other cool stuff to happen.

Nightwish - Phantom of the Opera - https://youtu.be/tL25rbnvM4o

Ozzy Osbourne has sadly announced that he can no longer tour. His body won't cope. He can still sing though so it will be interesting to see what he comes up with. If you've seen him live or even just footage from a concert you'll see what he puts his body through. A serious back injury just hasn't recovered after four years despite a myriad of treatments. When I bought my first CD player in 1989 I chose two CDs to go along with it. One of them was Ozzy's live album, Tribute. It's still a great album and of course showcases his legendary guitarist, Randy Rhoads.The opening riff from the next track is the first real heavy metal thing I learned to play on the guitar.

Ozzy Osbourne - Crazy Train (live, 1981) - https://youtu.be/hIh2FH8DYQ0

Just over a year ago I was out to dinner with a group of friends and they asked me to come prepared with a song for them. At the time I had been feeling a bit despondent about life in general but this group had helped pick me up and keep me going. I definitely spent far too long choosing a song but in the end this is the one I had a go at. I could never do Glen's voice or guitar playing justice but it's such a beautiful song on many levels. I think I'll play it when I play in public again.

Glen Campbell - A Better Place - https://youtu.be/YzrugsDTKpw

You get two Don Walker songs in this episode. Bing introduced me to this tune and we played it live a few times. There's a lovely version by Missy Higgins too if you want to search it out. But I like the rough edges of Don's voice and the sound of the brushes on the drums.

Don Walker - The Way You Are Tonight - https://youtu.be/XD5F5MVRm94

Finally, The Boss. I was listening to the latest Bob Dylan album this week and somehow ended up back at Bruce's Nebraska album. That pointed me to one of his live compilation albums and this cool track. I'm a huge fan of the original and this is a lot of fun.

Bruce Springsteen - Stayin' Alive - https://youtu.be/4n1GT-VjjVs

Rock on everyone,

The Woozle.

"And the road becomes my bride

I have stripped of all but pride
So in her I do confide
And she keeps me satisfied
Gives me all I need..."

Metallica, Wherever I May Roam, 1991.

World Wide Woozle episode #595

G'day Groovers, let's get on with it.

Last weekend I was fortunate enough to go to Geelong with my mates Toddo and Too Tall. We were there for the Cadel Evans ride and for a weekend away. Toddo and I got the 125km ride done despite the heat and the hills. There are a couple of very, very steep climbs right at the end of the course and I'm pleased to say that all my training did indeed pay off. I rode them with (relative) ease although I may have tried a bit hard going up Challambra and I almost had a spew at the top. It's a great event and, apart from one doofus who kept running red lights and a recumbent rider who wanted to service his bike in the middle of the road, it was tops.

Iron Maiden - Blood Brothers - https://youtu.be/7KV56kwxiHg

Too Tall and I got to go and have dinner with my Dad and his partner, Denise, and that really was the icing on the cake for a weekend away. Geelong is about 9 hours in the car each way (including stops) and that certainly adds up. We'll do the event again but maybe not next year. Our next ride is in Mudgee. If you're a cyclist and you haven't done the Mudgee Classic then you are missing out.

The Living End - Roll On - https://youtu.be/c_-q-KodhAI

Angus started a new job this week. Dads are meant to be proud of their kids and I certainly am. Angus, sadly, couldn't keep going fulltime as a remedial massage therapist due to an injury he has to manage. He could've dropped his bundle and thought, "woe is me", but that's not how he operates. He started as an apprentice electrician today. Hopefully he can come and install a heater in my bathroom before winter ha ha! Seriously though, Angus is such a hard worker and an impressive young man.

Zoe reports that she's been in training to qualify to drive the cars that the Ambulance Service has (she can already drive the actual ambulances of course). She'll soon be spotted travelling, at speed, around London in a wider range of vehicles!

I've been looking for holiday options for later in the year. I need to postpone my UK trip until 2024 and I really can't wait that long to take a decent break. I'm not really a tourist; it doesn't interest me that much. I need something active to do and if I see some cool stuff on the side then that'll work. At the moment I'm looking at a combined yoga and hiking retreat but if you know of anything similar that includes a decent level of physical activity (and NO CAMPING) then yell out. I'm open to suggestions! I'd prefer that it was on this side of the world too.

My goal of trying to listen to new music most days is working out pretty well. I can combine it with my weights/yoga/pilates routine or even making dinner. It also means that the TV stays turned off and that's a good thing.

Black Flag - TV Party - https://youtu.be/psUOyXGacL0

Many of you will have read that Elton John's concerts in Auckland, New Zealand were cancelled due to the very serious flooding. I do think that evacuating a concert venue about twenty minutes before the main act is about to start and after the support (Adele) has played in the wet just shows poor management. Realistically the show should never have even started. My heart goes out to everyone that missed out but we need to remember that people have died and been made homeless in these floods.

Elton John - I'm Still Standing - https://youtu.be/ZHwVBirqD2s

Green Day have released an anniversary version of their album, Nimrod. You get the remastered album, another disc of demo versions and a third CD of live tracks. The Grouch is from this album and is one of my favourite tracks from the band. It's a bit funny, a bit sad and I treat it as a cautionary tale. There's a language warning on this one. 

Green Day - The Grouch - https://youtu.be/0xKI8s0Zn3w

Many years ago I saw The Poor as the support act for AC/DC. At the time their drummer was a relative of Malcolm and Angus. Their debut long player, Who Cares (1994), is a really good Aussie hard rock album. Sadly, the band didn't really do too much straight after that. They have, however, been back together for a few years releasing a couple of records and playing shows. I've maintained an interest but whilst I've enjoyed their more recent output I always felt that it was missing something. Until now. The Poor have a new single out and an album coming too. And this single really rocks. Even if you find the lyrics a little cliched it's hard to imagine this song not going down well at a gig. I have my fingers crossed that the mojo infecting this tune carries itself through the entire album.

The Poor - Lover - https://thepooroz.bandcamp.com/track/lover

Sticking with Australian music for a moment, Sydney heavy metallers Temtris have a new single out and an album to be released in March. Personally I do get a little annoyed with months and months of pre-release messages but that's marketing I suppose. The single showcases this band so well. I saw them live, with DJ DJ, when they supported Geoff Tate in Sydney a couple of years ago. Genevieve's voice really stood out that day and I must say that it's so strong on this single. Quite often I hear metal bands and they play well, have the art of recording downpat but either their lyrics are dreadful or the vocals are decidedly average. Temtris may just have hit on the entire package here; this rocks! 

Temtris - Khaos Divine - https://youtu.be/9EtD_gKm3jY

In the olden days, the album cover was very important. Often it gave us an insight into what we might expect from the music on the record. This approach to purchasing music certainly meant that I ended up with albums that I may not have otherwise bought. Band names matter too and trying to stand out from the crowd as well as pushing an image is a challenge. So, yesterday when I saw the next band's name I just had to listen. It really could've been anything.

Lolita Pop - Tarzan On A Big Red Scooter - https://youtu.be/dXmoivYdWNg

With a little bit of bloody mindedness I have managed to hit the 1500km mark for my January cycling total. It's been a long time since I put that many kilometres in my legs and I feel pretty strong at the moment. I built up over November and December and also added some longer rides into the mix. I can assure you that without the weights/yoga/pilates session that I do three times a week that I might not have got there. I found that particularly useful during the weeks that I did the 130km and 150km epics. The other upside is that I've had to work hard on my diet. You simply can't be riding about 350km a week and not fueling your body.

I think that's enough for this episode. Don't forget to smile; people will wonder what you're up to!

The Woozle.

"There'll be a change in the weather and a change in the scene.

I'm gonna start wearing leather and change my routine.

I'll wear dark glasses, maybe a toupee,

I'll get down and boogie and become risque...

Nobody wants you when you just play guitar.

There'll be some changes made tomorrow."

Chet Atkins & Mark Knopfler, There'll Be Some Changes Made, 1990.

World Wide Woozle episode #594

Welcome back everyone.

I've been spending a lot of time on my bike lately. I could lie and tell you that it's because I'm training for an event that's coming up this Saturday but I won't. The truth is that I've been doing some work to rebuild routines and increased mileage, along with a lot of other things, has helped to make me feel more balanced. A couple of weeks ago I headed out for a 150km ride. It became clear that I had bitten off a bit more than I could chew and I cut it short to 130km. I was, however, determined to hit that goal and so I loaded myself up with food and drinks and headed off on Saturday. It was a pretty good ride really and just over six hours in the saddle. I really didn't enjoy a nasty twenty minutes up a hill into the wind at about the 100km mark but other than that I just cruised along enjoying myself, looking at the countryside and waving to other cyclists. When I got home I felt great. I went to bed early after a solid meal. On Sunday though I was a wreck. I needed three naps (the first at about 10am) and I felt pretty average all day. Who knows why? My legs aren't at all tired but the rest of my body is! It's now Monday and I had to admit defeat and take the tram to work rather than riding. I've got a 200km epic ride in my sights (the furthest I've ever ridden is just over 180km) but I think I'll wait for a long weekend so that I have a couple of days to recover!

The Darkness - One Way Ticket - https://youtu.be/enJiLuH9YUA

Something I've been doing recently is trying to listen to a whole album, without skipping a track, every day. It's actually not that hard to find the time but harder when the album turns out to be not that great. Most days I try to find something I've not listened to before but it's good to revisit favourites as well. Albums used to be designed to flow track by track (and some still are). Listening on vinyl or cassette reduces the temptation to skip through as well. The only downside I can find is that the list of albums I'd like to buy on CD or record is increasing quite quickly. Streaming is convenient and useful but, even though I pay my Spotify fee, I know that it's not paying the artist all that much. So, buy a CD, record, t-shirt or whatever sometime soon or we'll run out of artists who can afford to put out good music.

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

A couple of years ago I played a small gig with my friend Sam. One song that we rehearsed but didn't play was this one from Margo Price. Well, Margo has a new album called Strays and it's really, really good. It features Mike Campbell (from The Heartbreakers) on one track and a few other guests too. Maybe this is a little less country than the previous long player and I suppose that could either make it more or less popular depending on your outlook. There are moments when Margo sounds like Sheryl Crow and Susanna Hoffs (The Bangles) and those are positives for me.

Margo Price - Change Of Heart - https://youtu.be/D8Hvpjui9g8

Hard Rock / Metal Grammy winners Jethro Tull have a new single out. Metallica fans may yet be able to come to terms with the fact that Tull won that Grammy in the year that the black album was released but I've moved on. Tull aren't metal but they are a great band. If you've never listened to them then rest assured, it is about as far from heavy metal as a flute player in a codpiece can get.

Jethro Tull - Ginnungagap - https://youtu.be/KoBAD-TRxYA

Speaking of Metallica, they've released a couple of new singles this year. The first, Lux Aeterna, didn't do that much for me. It felt a bit like Metallica by numbers; not bad at all but not memorable. The second track is called Screaming Suicide. James from the band reflects that it's a topic that touches us all and he's right. Plenty of crusty old Metallica fans will never be happy with anything after the ...And Justice For All album from 1988 but these two singles give me hope. Hetfield's vocals, in particular, sound very much in form.

Metallica - Screaming Suicide - https://youtu.be/ZDyDpdFZHBo

Ian Hunter has a new single. More about that in a future episode as I might wait for the album to drop. I was listening to his band, Mott The Hoople, doing some older songs. Due to the vagaries of music publishing, the early output isn't streaming on Spotify. I'll find some CDs or LPs to get my fix but in the meantime I headed to YouTube. Then I remembered this excellent version done by Joe Elliot's side project. If there was ever a movie made about Hunter then surely Joe would get the gig!

Joe Elliott's Down n' Outz - Rock & Roll Queen - https://youtu.be/gS11hho5LWk

Once in a while a re-release comes along that, despite the price tag, is a no-brainer. Yesterday I put my cold hard cash down for a vinyl version of Mantissa's 1992 debut LP Mossy God. From what I understand it was only released on CD and cassette. This is a limited run of 500 records so I really didn't want to snooze and miss out. Mantissa (formerly Killing Time) were an awesome Australian heavy rock band who sadly didn't last. You'll find former drummer Syd Green playing with a variety of live acts that has included 19-twenty and Kasey Chambers.

Mantissa - Dream Alone - https://youtu.be/KtIIVhgDUEA

If you've got access to Disney+ then I'd recommend the new series Willow which follows on years later from the original film. I enjoyed it a lot and whilst it might not be the most high-brow television out there it's a lot of fun. I'll admit that I haven't seen the movie and that didn't diminish from my viewing experience. This is definitely one for fantasy fans.

Ryan Adams has released an (online only) cover of the entirety of Bruce Springsteen's Nebraska album. I admire the original album greatly and it's one that I listen to quite regularly. The stark nature of the soundscape reflects the American experience that Bruce is singing about. It's far from a happy album but there are moments of hope inside the darkness. Ryan Adams is obviously a fan. He doesn't need to record cover versions to make a living and this feels quite personal to him. Interestingly, the only other album he's covered is Taylor Swift's fabulous record, 1989. Check that out sometime, it's one I bought on CD. That's how highly I rate it.

Ryan Adams - My Father's House (Springsteen cover) - https://youtu.be/Q6IqLcNq1T0

Good night,

The Woozle.

"I watched the world float to the dark side of the moon

After all I knew, it had to be something to do with you
I really don't mind what happens now and then
As long as you'll be my friend at the end"

3 Doors Down, Kryptonite, 2000.

World Wide Woozle episode #593

Hello out there all you readers, listeners and even the stalkers! Welcome to 2023 and another year of the World Wide Woozle. I'll do my best to talk about and recommend a wide range of music as well as exploring a few other topics as well.

Nirvana - Opinion - https://youtu.be/5Jja5iWRp1w

For those of you that came in late; this whole thing started out many years ago as a weekly email to a few friends and colleagues. After a while it moved to also being a blog (www.robwoozle.blogspot.com.au). There are almost 600 episodes now and even though I tried to stop writing them a couple of times it seems to be part of my DNA now. Writing about music makes me feel good and I enjoy it when readers have something to say, even if it's just a few words. I used to write because I had to; because I felt like a failure if I didn't punch out an episode every Friday. These days, with improved mental health, I'm a bit more casual about the whole thing but it's still important to me.

Vampire Weekend - Oxford Comma - https://youtu.be/P_i1xk07o4g

I'm just back from my first real holiday since 2019. I did get a few days away in June 2021 but that was cut short by a covid lockdown. So, I had 11 days off in a row and it was awesome. I got to go to Geelong to spend time with my Dad and his partner Denise. I was able to jump on the train to Melbourne and attend the first day of the Boxing Day Test cricket with Angus and also to stay with him overnight in his house for the first time ever. I read a lot. I did waaaaay too many kilometres on the bike including being lost a couple of times in Geelong. And you'll all be surprised to know that I listened to a lot of music.

B(if)tek feat. Julee Cruise - Wired For Sound - https://youtu.be/fejmuF4D108

I'm not a fan of new year resolutions. If you're going to do something then just get on with it. But a new journal and a Xmas reset did give me the headspace to think more clearly than I have for years about my own wellness. Accountability is a useful tool for me so here we go with the things I am doing to stay well. Many will probably seem obvious to you but writing them down, ticking them off daily and knowing that others are aware of them helps me out.

As I Lay Dying - Electric Eye - https://youtu.be/j2L8QzWG8Ro

Exercise is an obvious one. I need to do quite a bit to feel good and also for the events I have planned. But I also need to listen to my body and rest once in a while. It's not perfect but my watch has a "body battery" reading which is a score out of 100 related to how much energy etc. I have left. Over the last couple of years I've found it to be pretty accurate with regards to if I should train or not. This morning it was less than 20/100 so I took the tram to work rather than cycling. I have regular yoga / pilates and light weights in there as well a couple of times a week.

Fem Belling - Let's Get Physical - https://youtu.be/N4CNjyg5mhM

Diet. I work with a dietician and we have expanded my diet, got me to three meals a day regularly and the odd snack too. I was really grumpy about spending money for the programme until we reviewed what I'd achieved in three months.

Meditation is something that I've used to good effect when I've been unwell. Now I'm using it as a preventer I guess. 10 minutes a day isn't much but a few times a week it makes a big difference. I use the "Smiling Mind" app but you can also get stuff via their website. It's Australian and there's no cost.

Stryper - Free - https://youtu.be/MYq7fGpPl6w

There's other stuff too but that's enough navel gazing...let's get to some music.

I've banged on many times about the special place Tom Petty's music has for me. There are a whole lot of live shows now on Spotify; mainly those that were FM simulcasts back in the day. If you're even a casual fan then it's time well spent and, if recent experience on the 8 hour drive from Canberra to Geelong is anything to go by, they are great road trip records! I hadn't noticed that Tom was a finger picker until I saw this footage. Always learning. Maybe, like me, he dropped his pick and just kept going!

Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers - Listen To Her Heart (live, 1977) - https://youtu.be/Bxzacv-H9Ng

Many years ago I played in a band called The Dark Violence of Beauty. My mates Scot and Rod (with others) had recorded an album not long before I was recruited. The album, At The Sign Of The Pink Flamingo, is now available on all the major streaming services. Scot probably has some copies in a box under his bed too! For an album recorded in the late 1990s, the sound quality stands up well. That's what you get from using a professional studio. I still like the songs and have good memories of playing most of them live.

DVoB - Bordertown - https://open.spotify.com/track/7FrjoBX8nvx36f6zXpTsLe?si=82b9c6f5d8514bd5

Tommy Emmanuel is on tour in Australia soon. He's a guitarist that is as much fun to watch as he is good to listen to. He's effortless, energetic and a lot of fun. Don't forget to go back and look for him in some old footage with Dragon and John Farnham.

Tommy Emmanuel & Kenny Vaughn - Right or Wrong (live)  - https://youtu.be/8cuBrJzLqUo

I'm not always a Jethro Tull fan. There are a few albums however that really resonate with me. When I heard German band Wucan playing, the Tull influence was clear. And they are also quite obviously fans of 70s prog and hard rock. It all mixes up for a great sound that is almost timeless.

Wucan - Night To Fall - https://youtu.be/-JlbIEegS1c

I watched a long form interview recently with Australian comedian Kevin "Bloody" Wilson. He describes himself as a "bawdy balladeer" and I wouldn't argue with that. What I didn't realise, other than the fact his real name isn't Kevin, is that he also has songwriting credits for Slim Dusty and Adam Harvey. He's also quite thoughtful and softly spoken in real life. The interview was part of the Enough Rope TV series with Andrew Denton and you can see it here (pt1) and here (pt2).

Slim Dusty - There's A Rainbow Over The Rock - https://youtu.be/3IAPsyMmv0c

I like dogs. I like to dog sit, walk dogs, let them sit on me whilst reading and generally be around them. Luckily I have a few friends who are very happy to facilitate this for me as I'm really not at home enough to have one of my own for now. Weezer have a new album and this is the first song. Yep, Rivers Cuomo gets it too.

Weezer - I Want A Dog (live) - https://youtu.be/Q4uBmqLK0eI

A quick plug for a TV show. If you have Netflix then have a gander at the 10 part series called Irreverent. It's about a Chicago mobster hiding out in tropical North Queensland and masquerading as a reverend at the local church in a tiny little town. I've almost completed the series and it's extremely entertaining. Maybe if you like/d shows such as Doc Martin, The Castle or Orange is the New Black then this will appeal to you.

That's it for this time around. Hopefully there's a track or two in there that you didn't hate.

Rock on brothers and sisters,

The Woozle.

"Turn up that old school, riff driven, hard rock music for me..."

Jim Breuer & The Loud and Rowdy, Old School, 2016.

World Wide Woozle episode #592

Hello and let's get on with it, OK?

This episode was a bit of a long time coming. Lots has been going on. As a result this is a bit of a bumper issue and it'll be the last one for 2022. Even World Wide Woozles need a break.

Is a change as good as a holiday? Maybe. A short break followed by a change might be even better. Jindabyne turned on the good weather two weekends ago and we made the most of it with some cycling, good food, walking, watching the cricket and talking a lot of nonsense. It was an excellent reset. So much so that I needed not one, but two naps when I got home on Sunday afternoon. Thanks to Todd, Riss and Mick for looking after me.

The Mark of Cain - Sleep - https://youtu.be/tbhrJxcsGVg

Nick Cave played live, with Warren Ellis, recently in Canberra. A couple of readers out there have let me know how good the show was. I was interested to hear that my mate Steve had a ball even though he knew almost none of the songs. That's most definitely an indication of a top shelf performance. I'm not a Nick Cave fan but I did find his recent interview on ABC's Conversations series rather interesting. 

Nick Cave and The Bad Seeds - Fifteen Feet of Pure White Snow - https://youtu.be/4sfhvxTZ0wo

From my new desk I can see across the top of the CBD to the lake. I can also see a crane which even moves once in a while. To top it all off there were window washers in Santa Claus gear hanging around on one of the large office towers. That made me laugh quite a bit! I've been in the job for two weeks now and I feel as if I have finally landed in the right place. I've got lots to do, it makes a difference to others and the team I'm in is awesome. Woo hoo!

Kate Ceberano - Feeling Alright - https://youtu.be/KixNHtd5IPo

Spotify Wrapped lets you know who, what and how much you have listened over the first 11 months of the year. Personally I think it would be much better if it actually added up 12 months of statistics but that's not my call. There's something definitely wrong in the Spotify algorithms though. In the playlist auto generated that is meant to show my favourite tracks of the year there are a couple I can assure you that I have never listened to and never will! Let's play something that I listened to a lot!

Colin Hay - Norwegian Wood - https://youtu.be/keN7u8_Q8ho

Midnight Oil recently released a live set recorded in Adelaide back in 1982. It's available on all the streaming services or you can purchase digital files (FLAC or MP3) with the money going to an Australian music industry charity. Personally, I wish that CDs were available but that doesn't seem to be the case here. Fans of the band will enjoy some of the lesser known tunes but there are still plenty of their more well known tracks there as well. Considering that this series of recordings are essentially desk tapes, this one sounds fantastic. There are a couple of moments where the mix is a bit weird but they are fleeting and don't detract from the fact that we're hearing the Oils in full flight. They are raw, raucous and tight. It's the sound of rock and roll.

Midnight Oil - No Time For Games (live, 1982) - https://youtu.be/dEeOpYt1Vw4

Empyre are a British rock band who describe their music as "intense, atmospheric rock, with a dark and introspective edge". I think that if you like straight ahead hard rock, Muse and/or Pink Floyd then this might be for you. The album is interesting and diverse without losing focus.

Empyre - Parasites - https://youtu.be/YItjEOpU7gk

I've listened a bit to Starcrawler over the last year. It's rock 'n roll that's full of energy and has the elusive swagger that bands like Thin Lizzy brought to the fore. They've released an acoustic version of one of their more recent songs and I think it works really well.

Starcrawler - Stranded (acoustic) - https://youtu.be/3bET0TAkEJw

The week before last I turned up to band rehearsal to find that the room had been double booked. We'd all made the effort to be there and so we drove down the road, found a park and sat in there for a couple of hours busking to the wildlife. It was a lot of fun! This week we were back in the rehearsal space with the world's loudest metal band in the next room. The only thing louder than their drum kit was the click track!! We're currently building a repertoire of songs which means trying a lot, dumping quite a few and then moving on to new stuff. Hopefully we'll be ready for a gig of sorts before too long. The trio has become a quartet so we now have two singers and two guitarists. Phew! I was feeling a bit under pressure as the only musician there! Here's a couple of songs I have to learn for next time. Covering covers...

Shihad - I Got You - https://youtu.be/2VXKPQHe_AE

Faith No More - Easy - https://youtu.be/vPzDTfIb0DU

Speaking of cover versions. It was only recently that I realised that Rick Springfield played in this band. I remember Darryl Cotton (vocals) from kids' TV! 

Zoot - Eleanor Rigby - https://youtu.be/iptr7i7sFkM

DJ HelenOf sent me a note which, among other things, got me back listening to Joe Satriani. I remember picking up the Surfing With The Alien LP in New Zealand for less than the regular new album price. Never has the wrong sticker on a record cover brought me so much pleasure ha ha! It's a ripping album that showcases a gret guitarist. Often I get quite bored with instrumental stuff, but this album continues to hold my attention.

Joe Satriani - Surfing With The Alien (live) - https://youtu.be/d_0khAAItqg

As many of you will remember, I was quite unwell a few months ago and an indication of this was six whole weeks with no cycling. It's taken a long time to get back into reasonable shape but I'm back to averaging about 300km a week now and I'm amazed that I've got there. I seriously thought that it might not happen until early 2023. I've had a couple of 100km rides in the last two weeks and that's quality time on the bike but also inside my own head. I usually do my best thinking on the bike or in the shower!

Aerosmith - Back In The Saddle - https://youtu.be/lX8GG3dnsp8

That's probably enough. And not a Christmas song in sight. There's more than enough of those playing at the supermarket.

As I sign off for 2022 I'd like to thank everyone who has read this and my other blog posts this year. Writing them helps keep me on the straight and narrow and I really appreciate the comments and suggestions that many of you send through. This year has been a bit all over the place for me. There's bits that I wish hadn't happened but then there have been really good moments as well. Thank you to all those of you who keep an eye on me; it means a lot and I'm very grateful. 

Happy Birthday Suzy!

Rock on,

The Woozle.

"Thank you for the music, the songs I'm singing

Thanks for all the joy they're bringing
Who can live without it? I ask in all honesty
What would life be?
Without a song or a dance, what are we?
So I say thank you for the music
For giving it to me..."

ABBA, Thank You For The Music, 1977

World Wide Woozle episode #591

Hi everyone,

This episode will likely be a mixed bag. I recommend that you sit down, wear a helmet and possibly have a set of earplugs close by and an onion hanging from your belt. The Scout motto, "Be Prepared", is important to me for many reasons, but today I commend it to you.

Here's the Spotify link for a playlist of all the songs in this episode. Click here.

A couple of bands that I'm very keen on are coming to Australia soon. One, The Proclaimers, seem fit to play small and large venues through New Zealand but not to grace us with their presence here in Australia's national capital. I genuinely love their music. Yes, like almost everyone, my introduction to them was via 500 miles and the Sunshine on Leith album, but there is so much more. The Proclaimers write sad songs, funny songs, protest songs and all with Scottish music mixed up with their obvious love of country tunes as well as soul. The jury is still out on whether or not I'll drive the three hours to Sydney, pay for the show, accomodation and all the rest. But they are coming further than 500 miles so we'll just have to see what happens. I've played this song before and it's from their album, Angry Cyclist, released in 2018. I've written previously about how I often feel as if I don't have a home town. If I did, I'd love to be able to write a song like this about it. A song that shows a deep understanding and affection for a place. I guess I feel that way about Canberra most of the time. Anyway, please have a listen to this one.

The Proclaimers – Streets of Edinburgh – https://youtu.be/7qTbLoyQ23g

The other band coming to Australia who I am very excited about is Stryper. I missed them last time and I've been disappointed ever since. I became a fan of theirs back in about 1986 when a school friend gave me two albums to take home and dub onto cassette. It was heavy metal with melody, harmonies and outrageous guitars and I loved it. Plenty of people are turned off by the lyrics, the band throwing Bibles into the audience and maybe the yellow and black spandex; I wasn't then and I'm not now. I remember reading a review by a well respected music journalist who reflected on how catchy the tunes and lyrics were when he caught himself singing them aloud and shocked his colleagues. They are here in March and I plan to be there. Stryper's new album sounds fantastic and they aren't slowing down with age.

Stryper – Same Old Story - https://youtu.be/xQThdzzsPF8

On Monday I will begin my new position at work. Permanent work has been my dream for a while now and here it is. As mentioned previously, it's been a long time since I've had a permanent job. What I have found interesting is the number of people who tell you not to worry whilst you work as a casual or contract worker. I'm sure that it's easy for some people but for me it's been close to five years of constant worry about how long my job will last. I guess it's one of those things that you can't understand if you're not there. I wrote last time about my reaction to being asked if I had been stressed. That's been my reaction to quite a few things recently. I've never been a big one for crying but the smallest things have me tearing up lately. I may have to stop watching TV, listening to country music and thinking too deeply for a while!

Bee Gees – I Started A Joke – https://youtu.be/b3kBDtjRtB0

Angus and his partner, Georgia, visited last weekend. It was pretty awesome to see them but also to have someone come to stay at my new place. They were here for an all day music festival as well as to catch up with some friends. Seeing your kids grow up into adults is just the best. I'm sure that over the past few years I haven't been the best Dad but I've done my best despite my challenges. A&G saw some really groovy bands including one of my current favourites, King Stingray. DJ Guz was doing some sound monitoring outside the venue so I popped in on my bike to see him and I could hear the show quite well. Apparently 45,000 tickets were sold. This might explain the debacle that A&G experienced when trying to get the tram home.

Beddy Rays - On My Own - https://youtu.be/e2KIX8bUO3U

Tom Petty's extended live album recorded at the Fillmore in 1997 is now available. The longest version has 58 tracks. Tom always reminds me of my mate Garry who passed away a number of years ago. He would have loved this live set with so many great originals as well as covers of songs that meant something to Tom and the band. Tom's laid back style is all through these recordings. He's a guy who made rock and roll sound even cooler than it already is.

Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers - Jammin' Me (live) – https://youtu.be/ZARUZRe0spk

I had a conversation today with a guy who is learning to play some jazz and blues guitar. He asked me what kind of music I played. Where do I start? Rock and roll, metal, blues, folk, Scottish, country, indie, goth….and the list goes on. It doesn't mean I do it all that well but playing the guitar keeps me grounded whether I play for myself, imagining I'm in front of a crowd, or with other people learning songs and having fun. I've played my acoustic guitar almost exclusively for a few years now but I think it's time to find an outlet for some louder stuff. I heard Randy Rhoads playing in the background of a TV show I was watching and remembered how much I really like his sound and approach. It's loud but full of dynamics. It's overdriven and has some great effects but each note is clear. And it always adds to the song.

Ozzy Osbourne – Mr. Crowley - https://youtu.be/o0RE230PlX4

Zoe and her colleagues have voted to go on strike. It's a sad state of affairs when people have to take this kind of action in order to secure reasonable pay and conditions but kudos to her for standing up for what is just.

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

Finally, Wilko Johnson passed away recently. He was the guitarist for Dr. Feelgood as well as having fame later in life starring in Game of Thrones. Wilko's percussive approach to his Telecaster was very recognisable as were his stage moves. He was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in 2012 but survived. Wilko recorded an album with Roger Daltrey from The Who in 2014 and I think it is possibly one of the greatest rock and roll records ever made. I'll play a track from it as well as one from Dr. Feelgood.

Wilko Johnson & Roger Daltrey - Going Back Home - https://youtu.be/LeoKCJNI-k4

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

And that, boys and girls, is the end of another episode. 

Rock on,

The Woozle.

"The world is full of questions, they fill me with fear

What of our beginnings? Why are we here?
(And he's got it this time, yes!)
Is there a purpose? Is there a God?
But one question troubles me
Far more than this lot..."

TISM, What Nationality Is Les Murray?, 1995.