World Wide Woozle episode #627

Hello out there, enormous listening world. Are you ready?

In what is a bit of a shock to me, my tickets to the USA (and home) are booked and paid for. Now comes the fun of working out exactly when and where I'm going in the time I've got there. All that is set in stone at the moment is that I'll start in Washington DC and finish in Huntsville AL. I do have a bit of a rough itinerary in mind but it's a big country and I've got the best part of a month there. To that end, I'll be sharing with you, my faithful listeners, why I'm thinking of going to certain places. It will be no surprise that many of these are chosen because they are in songs or books that I like a lot. Here's the first one, have a listen.

Jason Isbell - Tupelo - https://youtu.be/7uAcwatjW1w

All I know about Tupelo is that it is in Mississippi and Elvis was born there. The song, however, is one that hit me hard from the first time I heard it. Musically it is simple, yet memorable. The lyrics are about a breakup and a fresh start and whilst that's nothing new, the idea of going where no-one knows you, and of course a "girl that'll treat me fair" are just lines that I love. There's no other reason for me going there but I reckon I'll find something interesting just by walking around and talking to the locals.

I've written about Suicidal Tendencies, the band, before. I made a cassette copy of their self-titled debut album back in high school after a new kid in my class insisted I have a listen to it as well as Bucket by Painters and Dockers. The TDK D90 cassette with those albums on it was on heavy rotation for years and the CDs and now LPs are as well. I finally secured a copy on vinyl a couple of weeks ago. The music is part of the early days of skate punk and thrash. Lyrically it makes for some very clear political and social commentary. As a 16 year old it was the sound of a wider world and the fact that your opinion had to be loud to be noticed. I know that this music isn't for everyone but it was an album I escaped into over and over and it still means a lot to me.

Suicidal Tendencies - I Want More - https://youtu.be/1YWXxFtIfyw

Vika and Linda Bull are coming to Canberra in a few months. Some of you will know them from their time singing with the house band on the SBS TV show, RockWiz. And of course they were in The Black Sorrows as well as having success by themselves. Sisters, they have voices that complement each other really well as well as being distinctive. I'm definitely thinking of going along to hear them.

Vika and Linda - When Will You Fall For Me? - https://youtu.be/uL71-Ce9gFQ 

Mark Knopfler has a new album being released on April 12th. He's one of those guys that is instantly recognisable whether it's his voice or guitar. I don't quite know what to say about this song other than the shuffle and groove in the rhythm is really cool. So good!

Mark Knopfler - Two Pairs of Hands - https://youtu.be/IRLGFWjI1zE

I made a mixtape for someone recently. Well, it was a Spotify playlist but the sentiment was the same. I've made a few in the last couple of years and I do my best to make them eclectic but enjoyable. After some time in the car not all that long ago with a couple of my best mates I began to revisit Slim Dusty. So, if you'd like a playlist curated by yours truly you only need ask. This one might be on there for the simple reason that I like it a lot!

Slim Dusty - Cunumulla Feller - https://youtu.be/6guPzOQjcFw

Or for the rockers there's always this version which is pretty groovy also.

Tune in next time for loads more on your favourite show, The World Wide Woozle, where it's a killer and no filler.

Rock on,

The Woozle

"Put your makeup on, fix your hair up pretty
And meet me tonight in Atlantic City."

Bruce Springsteen, Atlantic City, 1982.

World Wide Woozle episode #626

Welcome back, it's been a while. Either this blog hasn't been missed or everyone was too polite to ask where it was.  Perhaps I need a format change, or maybe I just needed a rest. Regardless, here we are so "get your boots on skinhead" and let's rock...

DJ HamerTime and I have tickets to see Pearl Jam later in the year. It's going to be epic! I've not seen them before and Davey most likely knows every lyric to every song. Frankly they aren't a band that I expected to see back in Australia but I can't wait! 

Pearl Jam - Sirens - https://youtu.be/4jZBwyG7HPs

A lot has happened since the last episode. I had the absolute joy of Zoë and Zac visiting all the way from London W3, and then the week after they'd been I was in Melbourne for work and got to catch up with Angus and Em. Being able to spend time with them all seems to have settled me down quite a bit. To be honest, I think I'd built up a fair bit of anxiety worrying about how they were getting on. It's one thing to get messages and phone calls but to see them in real life was a million times better. Not long after seeing Angus, I reflected in my journal that it was perhaps time to concentrate a bit more seriously on my own long term wellbeing.

Paul Kelly - Anti-Hero - https://youtu.be/nKpwimITLqI

There's a complicating factor with the Pearl Jam concert but it's a good one. I need to plan some flights around the show date! I'm going to the USA for a while in late October and November. Most of you will realise that this has been a dream of mine for a long time. I want to soak myself in some rock and roll history, see some sights and make up my own mind about the place. The thing that got me over the line to get on with this trip was an invitation to a wedding in Alabama. I'm still poring over international flight details, domestic travel options, and which Graceland tour to book, but I'm sure it's going to be an experience. I've never been before. Also, the last time I had more than about a week off at once was in the middle of 2019. I'm sure to bore everyone over the coming months with songs and stories that draw me to certain places in America. Here's two more obvious ones that mean that Memphis was always going to be on the itinerary.

Paul Simon - Graceland - https://youtu.be/GP6a-7MP91g

U2 - Angel of Harlem (from Rattle & Hum) - https://youtu.be/fdfg7V--_Hs

In new Australian music is this ripper from King Stingray. These blokes hail from Arnhem Land up north and have been pretty successful recently. What I like is the almost joyous and distinctly Aussie sound that they have. I can't imagine seeing them live and not having the best time.

King Stingray - Through The Trees - https://youtu.be/6nHnlCEX3d0

DJ Dr was waxing lyrical about an album recently; one that he'd recently rediscovered. It's one I rate very highly and here's why. Let There Be Rock is AC/DC's fourth album and was released down here in 1977. The international market got a different cover and a slightly different tracklist. In my opinion, it's their rawest and most straight ahead rock and roll long player. I remember as a teen being shocked to see it in the record shop. In about 1987 most stores were only stocking Back In Black, TNT and Who Made Who. I had to hunt for anything else. On first listen I knew that this was something different. Tougher, pointed, more focused maybe? These days I think I can hear the amplifiers begging for mercy, pushed to their limits. The guitars are almost driven to the point of fuzz rather than the more modern growl and rasp. Bon Scott sings like there's no tomorrow and the rhythm section of Phil and Mark (Mark's last album with the band) pumps hard. Is it their best long player? I don't know. My favourite is the one that came next, Powerage, but if a concert was just one album then Let There Be Rock would be hard to top.

AC/DC - Bad Boy Boogie - https://youtu.be/lykP9Opw1Ok

And on that note, it's the end of another episode.

Bye,

The Woozle

"I can't help about the shape I'm in

I can't sing, I ain't pretty and my legs are thin..."

Fleetwood Mac, Oh Well, 1969. 

World Wide Woozle #625

Hello out there enormous listening world. Let's rock and roll.

The Darkness - Black Shuck (live) - https://youtu.be/nRlTc1RYMGU

Last Friday evening I ventured out to the University of Canberra Refectory to see The Darkness. I've written before how incredibly uncomfortable I feel going to gigs by myself and this was no exception. Thank you to the people who chatted with me online whilst I waited awkwardly between bands. Cry Club were the support band. Gothy, punky, horror type stuff. Their singer had great pipes, the drummer was energetic and the guitarist was having a great time. Initially I wasn't that impressed but they grew on me. The bass, keys and some guitars were pre-recorded though and I'm not a fan of that approach. Still, they played hard and won the crowd over. I'd see them again. The Darkness...goodness me...what a treat. Balls to the wall rock and roll with all the cliches. The audience lapped it up singing, clapping and bouncing along from the first chords of Black Shuck until the night had to end, almost two hours later, with Love On The Rocks With No Ice. Justin showed us his enviable ability to clap his legs in time whilst doing a headstand, rode the shoulders of a roadie through the crowd whilst playing the guitar and impressed us all with his huge vocal range. Rufus Tiger Taylor (son of Roger Taylor from Queen) punished his drumset and looked uncannily like Taylor Hawkins at times. Frankie on bass had the BEST multi coloured suit and then there was Dan Hawkins on the other guitar. The man is a powerhouse and the backbone of the band. It was a great gig and I'm glad I forced myself to go along. The Darkness were one of the tightest live bands I've ever seen and it was a joy to behold. I get the feeling that every night is Friday with them...

The Darkness - Friday Night - https://youtu.be/XFYXZhuXQak

The next song has featured heavily on my current listening playlist. I'm pretty sure Colin didn't play it when DJ Davey and I saw him in 2022 but it's a ripper. I mean, the whole album is wonderful but this one always gets me.

Colin Hay - Across The Universe (Beatles cover) - https://youtu.be/5P9Jf5YgKYo

Today was interesting. I took the day off because, frankly, I was a bit burned out by life. Work's been frantic since I went back on the 2nd of January and, along with rehabbing my back injury, I needed a rest. I didn't train today (yet), but to be fair I've been consistently doing everything that the physio has prescribed. Riding is back to whatever I want as long as I'm sensible. What a relief. I treated myself to breakfast and lunch out and I did something that I've wanted to do for years but have been too scared to do. I got another tattoo. In 2011 I had the Ironman logo inked on my ankle and it was far from a positive experience. When I related it to the staff at the tattoo place today they were absolutely horrified. Anyway, they looked after me well and my new one didn't really hurt at all. It was like an annoying hard scratch on my arm. For over 12 months now there's been a post-it note on my fridge that simply says, "don't give up". Somedays I need reminding. I certainly did a few times between Christmas and New Year. So that's what I got put on my arm. I understand that not everyone likes tattoos, and that's ok. This one means something to me. It's a permanent reminder to keep on keeping on. Will I get more I hear you ask? Well, I do have a plan for a very special piece of art but I'll have to save up for quite a while for that one!

Van Halen - Tattoo - https://youtu.be/taj0r1mbebE

Some of my painted rocks have been found and photos posted online. That's pretty groovy I think. I've got about ten more just waiting to be clear-coated and they will be finding their way to park benches, the tops of letterboxes and various locations around Canberra.

The latest audiobook I'm listening to is Rambling Man: My Life on the Road by Billy Connolly. I'm only about three chapters in but it's excellent. Billy reads it himself which adds immeasurably to the experience. I must say, he really, really, REALLY likes New Zealand. My big take away so far is that life is too short to be beige. If you've got itchy feet then this is the book for you. I also found Billy's gentle admiration for many indigenous people quite touching.

Robert Johnson - Rambling On My Mind - https://youtu.be/C6kp1yjpTO4

That's enough, I've got a new recipe on the stove and it's starting to smell good! 

Be kind, even to those who aren't kind to you...

The Woozle

"Look into my face,

you'll surely find no trace of violence..."

The Humblebums, Saturday Round About Sunday, 1969.

World Wide Woozle episode #624

Friends, Bogans, countrymen, it's a long weekend here in Australia. I've filled it with dogsitting Fitzwilliam and Gertrude, catching up with some friends, a spot of cycling, plenty of rehab exercises and loads of time to listen to music. And without wanting to get into the annual heated discussion about whether or not we should mark the colonisation of Australia with a public holiday, it'd be nice if people could be respectful whatever side of the issue they sit on.

Sam Kekovich - 2010 address to the United Nations - https://youtu.be/wIO06VgG8fQ

Respect is what is missing in much of our day to day discourse with others. How dare they not agree with my opinion? Can they not see they are racists / bigots / left wing loonies and that I am correct? I listened to an interview on the radio with an American Harvard professor who related that his parents had been on opposite sides of the political spectrum in the USA. One voted Republican and the other, Democrat. It didn't stop them loving one another, raising a family, having friends or anything else. How far we've come, and not in a good way.

Jenny Morris - Humanity - https://youtu.be/9drwgxJvuCQ

The physio, impressed because unlike many clients I actually take my rehab seriously, has advised that I am now allowed to ride for up to an hour at a time. There's a caveat there that it can't be every day of the week. To be honest, I'd love to be able to hit the road for two to three hours cruising in the sunshine but my body isn't ready yet. Gertie and Fitz have been very helpful when I'm on the ground doing my stretches and strengthening and my head and feet are always clean as a result! It's nice to be loved.

Garrett / Barnes - Dreams of Ordinary Men (live Marc Hunter tribute show) - https://youtu.be/klM5ERfTwz8

That'll do. Don't forget to check out what I'm listening to by clicking here. It changes all the time so; you snooze, you lose.

Rock on and keep smiling,

The Woozle

"I hear much support for the monarchy,

I hear the Union Jack's to remain.
I see Namatjira in custody,
I see Truganini's in chains."

Midnight Oil, Truganini, 1993.

World Wide Woozle episode #623

Greetings to all of you lovely people on what is a beautiful morning here at HQ World Wide Woozle.

Yesterday I went for a remedial massage. It's all part of my not so cunning plan to keep my back working properly. Let's call it preventative maintenance. I was worried that an hour would be a long time to lie still for and guess what, I was right. I enjoyed the experience for the most part and I had expected the therapist to find all the sore spots (he did). Next time I think I'll ask if I can get up and walk around about half way through. I now know all about my piriformis and QL joints. Ouch.

Elton John - Healing Hands - https://youtu.be/ImP5gvqFrnA

Since I last wrote I've been back on the bike once more. I rode to and from work on Friday. The ride there was great; about twenty-five minutes, gently downhill, and my whole outlook on life improved immeasurably. The ride home was gently uphill into a 35 km/h headwind and probably not quite as much fun. Still, it's a start. Being able to walk five or six kilometres is great but nothing beats maxing out your heart rate on a decent climb either cycling or bushwalking. That's the feeling that both my body and mind are yearning for. I know that I'll be able to train hard again, I'm just impatient and a bit frustrated.

Guns N' Roses - Patience - https://youtu.be/ErvgV4P6Fzc

Triple J's annual Hottest 100 countdown is coming. I must admit that I have a bit of a love/hate relationship with the Js. I know that I am no longer in the target age group but I do like to think that I have a fairly broad musical appetite. JJJ used to be the place I went to hear cool new stuff but more and more it's the same kind of music over and over. Maybe music got bland whilst I wasn't looking. Or maybe I just need to look a bit harder. I've put my votes in this year and listened to a lot of their suggestions along the way. Here are two of my selections. Neither of these should be a shock to regular listeners.

King Stingray - Lookin' Out - https://youtu.be/9tO6ZqmBvhg

YNG ONE - Star Gazing - https://youtu.be/s2t9oziD-ns

Last time I spoke about my new rock project. Some of you will have seen it on Instagram by now. The backstory is that I was out walking a few weeks ago and spotted a small painted rock that someone had left out to be found. The idea is that I could keep the rock ,or photograph it and post a pic to a FB group and then put it somewhere else. I knew about this but I'd never thought about having a go myself. So, armed with some paint pens and a few rocks I've given it a go. My first batch is almost finished and ready to leave around the neighbourhood. If I'm ever doodling then I usually draw band logos and other symbols that mean something to me, so I've kept that theme going on the rocks.

Primal Scream - Rocks (original Memphis recording) - https://youtu.be/TOXON2TmS6A 

I buy very few LPs these days. I love albums on vinyl but the cost is just crazy. So, when I plonk down some hard earned spondoolies it has to be a special record. Last week I opened my wallet (moths flew out) and, with a deep breath, paid for The Lion's Roar by the Swedish folk duo First Aid Kit. I've listened to this album a lot since it came out and, although I have it on CD, the LP is a treat. AND it's on purple vinyl which was a nice surprise. Johanna and Klara started out posting videos of them singing and playing on YouTube and it took off. In a world of manufactured Idols and X-Factors, these two are the real deal. 

First Aid Kit - Emmylou (live) - https://youtu.be/Y3TzP-o4vhs

In that video you'll see a fella playing a pedal steel guitar (he's sitting down). Last weekend my good friends Sam and Danielle invited me out to see a band (who turned out to be pretty good) and they had a pedal steel guitar as well. I'm not sure I've ever seen one at a local show. So I did some investigation into how they work. Good grief, strings, a whole lot of pedals to bend notes and more levers that you move with your knees. Nope, that is way too complicated for a simple man like me. They do sound wonderful though. You can see Bucky Baxter from Steve Earle's band playing one in this clip.

Steve Earle - Fearless Heart (live) - https://youtu.be/Dijf3EhoTaA

I don't use Farcebook all that much anymore but yesterday I reflected on the 35th anniversary of me joining the Army. I had good times and I had bad ones too, we all did. Last year I went through the process of writing a submission to the Royal Commission. A couple of people had done it and encouraged me to do so. They must have known something I didn't because I thought I had nothing to say...until I started writing. Things that had happened many, many years ago that I had locked away in corners of my mind came spilling out, things I'd never told anyone. And quite frankly most of them are things I didn't want to remember. The process was cathartic however and it helped me come to terms with stuff I'd never addressed. I don't regret joining, the Army gave me a lot of opportunities and to my suprise, later in life something to identify with. Still, I genuinely hope that the Defence Academy is a better place these days. If you want decent leadership in the Defence Force then emotional and physical abuse has no place in training anyone.

Wrapping up for this time, I've been using energetic live music to keep me motivated with my rehab exercises. It would be too easy to put them off day after day. A decent soundtrack or crossfit competition videos seem to do the trick though (and I'm not about to join the Crossfit cult, it's just cool to watch and impressive). Here's a track that comes from the first live rock VHS I ever bought. Even if Van Halen isn't your thing, there's no denying that they are having a lot of fun here.

Van Halen - There's Only One Way To Rock (live) - https://youtu.be/6kii3lt-3Jg

Keep smiling everyone and ROCK ON!

The Woozle

"Bought me a box of french cigars
Bought me a black beret
Get my french from a girl next door
Teaching me night and day
Got me thinking 'bout the south of France
Vis-a-vis a-vous
Pack my suitcase, take a chance
Got nothing to lose...."

The Angels, Marseille, 1978

World Wide Woozle episode #622

Hello rock and roll fans, brace yourselves for more nonsense from the purveyor of pop, the connoisseur of country, the harbinger of heavy metal and....oh what a lot of nonsense, it's just me.

Health wise...well I can walk again without pain. The physio has given me a nine week rehab plan and it started yesterday. I can assure you that I'll be sticking to it. The upshot of all the damage is that we've discovered that my left hip is currently 50% less strong than the other one. That's not helping. It may all stem from a bad bicycle crash I had a number of years ago where that hip got slammed hard. Anyway, I had a 30 minute ride yesterday which was my first time on a bike in about five weeks. It was magnificent to be free again even if it wasn't fast or far. 

Saxon - Back On The Streets - https://youtu.be/R0FM4gCyRek

This song popped into my feed in the last week or so and I've had it on high rotation. If you like reggae beats , big fat bass lines and sweet, sweet vocals then try this out. I was pleasantly surprised that I recognised a few words. After all, it is a very long time since I was in primary school in New Zealand. I can't find it on YouTube so have a go at the Spotify link below. Well worth it.

Kurawai - Toitū Te Tiriti - https://open.spotify.com/track/6P36tuKRSRQLZu1CWeyunm?si=5f801f7af4984cab

I was listening to the first Danzig album the other day. It's a good one if you need a bit of energising and I did. Then I saw that Glenn had recorded some Elvis cover versions. I can hear the purists screaming about blasphemy already but then, Glenn's not bad at that either. If you know his work from groups such as The Misfits or Danzig then you'll probably like this. If you don't know him from a bar of soap then listen anyway because it's spooky and beautiful.

Danzig - Always On My Mind - https://youtu.be/Ij_J5DFEFsA

I first heard Sean Rowe when he released a cover of a Waylon Jennings song. He's a guy with a voice that booms, soars and oozes character. Sean has the rare talent of making a voice and a guitar sound absolutely massive.

Sean Rowe - To Leave Something Behind - https://youtu.be/BcPZpVePQ8k

That's enough for this episode. However, I will have some new original rock to share next time...or you'll see it on my Insta page in the next few days...  @rob.woozle.

Keep smiling everyone,

The Woozle.

"Off on your way, hit the open road
There is magic at your fingers
For the spirits ever lingers
Undemanding contact in your happy solitude..."

Rush, The Spirit Of The Radio, 1980.

Oh go on, click that last link...

World Wide Woozle episode #621

Welcome to 2024 everyone. 

Where shall I start? Last time I was recovering nicely and looking forward to Christmas Day and some time off work. Well, Christmas Day was excellent but what followed was not. On the morning of Boxing Day my sciatic nerve decided it was very unhappy and things just went downhill from there. There was much pain, having to walk with a cane, anger, frustration and a lot of boredom too. Today, 2nd of January, all that remains is a very tight hip and a bit of discomfort when sleeping. I'll take that as a win though considering the screaming agony of the night of the 26th, I am amazed that no-one called the cops. So I do feel a bit sorry for myself. Other than maybe Christmas Eve and Christmas Day I've done almost nothing. Thanks to everyone who kept me going with messages, calls, visits, drug and allied health delivery (you rock Toddo), and encouragement. I had a few dark moments but here we are on the other side.

Chris Stapleton - Mountains Of My Mind - https://youtu.be/wK-_PK8ilAw

I did get a fabulous LP from my kids and it's been getting a workout. On silver vinyl nonetheless! Find Me A Cloud is the fourth album from Melbourne surf-rockers, The Grogans. It's not unlike the Jet but a bit more laid back. Good times indeed.

The Grogans - I Cannot Read Your Mind - https://youtu.be/pD14UTbeVmg

Back injury notwithstanding, 2023 was pretty good for me. I did a bit less cycling (only 10,000km), a bit more walking, played a couple of gigs and generally got on with life. I don't think though that I can emphasise enough how much having permanent work means to me. I've been in my job just over a year now and before that the last ongoing role I had was in 2018. That uncertainty messed with my head more than I cared to admit at the time but, looking back, it's very obvious. So what does 2024 look like? Well, I read back over my 2023 journal to find some clues. I seem to have the logistics of life reasonably well setup. I have a job (that I like a lot), somewhere to live, I'm pretty healthy and my kids are doing well. So perhaps it's time to actually truly enjoy life rather than just getting through week to week hoping that it doesn't all fall apart. I'm not sure what it looks like but I think that a more sensible approach to fitness might help. I've got to sort my back out and I'm pretty sure the physio is going to recommend that I vary my approach and maybe recognise that I'm in my fifties. I plan to get back to meditating because it worked for me in the past and I've got a new journal to write in.

Rollins Band - Illumination - https://youtu.be/n7MZwH24CI8

I don't know that I've got a lot else to say. The last couple of weeks are a blur of pain, medication, stretching and tiger balm.

Have a great year, be kind to each other and don't be afraid to tell people that you love them.

Rock on everyone,

Rob

"You've got to treat yourself like number one

Do you need to be reminded..."

KISS, Shout It Out Loud, 1976.