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Contents
This week's contents: Editorial: The week in brief News: Kallitz, Grahamstown Festival, Syd Kitchen, David Kramer, Bling!, Ripchord, 'Rock Of Ages', 'Roots To Fruits', 3rd Ear, Sheer Sound, SAMA's.. Charts: SA Rock Digest MP3 and Album Charts New Releases: New SA MP3's and CD's, Mitsoo, Kallitz, Plush, Bed on Bricks, Thys Nywerheid, Rian Malan, Die Naaimasjiene, The Real Estate Agents, Band O' Gypsys, Daniele Pascal, One World May releases, Seether. Classic SA Rock: USA For Africa - 'Rabbitt - 'A Croak And A Grunt In The Night'; A Naartjie In The UK - 'Born Guilty And Other Stories' - Colin Shamley; Vinyl Junkies; South African Rock Lists Sound Solutions: A reader's forum - letters, info, questions and answers Live Music: Events round-up, SA Punk*Ska*Metal*Hardcore, Hog Hoggidy Hog 'OINK!', Syd Kitchen in London, Sugardrive, Luna, RP Studios, One Good Reason and Three Chord Theory, The Road to Malongane. SA Music Links And Resources: Contact Details Editorial THE WEEK IN BRIEF We have a very full Digest this week after our short break .... The new Afrikaans Hip Hop group Kallitz launch their debut album, "Die Ding Ruk Mal", on Tuesday 15 June at the Long Street Café in Cape Town ... YOU Magazine are looking for musicians who would be interested and willing to play on their sponsored stage in Grahamstown during the upcoming festival Syd Kitchen is currently touring overseas for the next two months to promote his new "best of" album, 'Quintessentially Syd Kitchen' ... David Kramer has just released a new CD called "Huistoe", his first Afrikaans CD in 5 years ... Bling! is a kids' magazine program on SABC2 on a Friday afternoon and we can let you know how to get on to it Ripchord Studios in Cape Town is offering a studio recording package in the Stage Magazine/Ripchord "The Best Band In The Land" competition ... June saw the launch of Radio 2000's brand new rock music show, 'Rock of Ages', hosted by Benjy Mudie. Richard Haslop will be offering four 3rd Ear Music Hidden Years Archive CDs as prizes on his Roots to Fruits Radio Show on SAfm ... There is news from the 3rd Ear website and from the Sheer Sound label .... We have a full list of all those SAMA winners .... and an interesting article about music sales in SA. There are a ton of new mp3's from bands like Fokofpolisiekar, Kallitz, Mitsoo, Plush and many more .... Rian Malan is our guest on 'Celeb:Select: ... We look at new CD's from Die Naaimasjiene ('Live'), The Real Estate Agents, Band O' Gypsys, and Daniele Pascal ... All the May CD releases from One World ... And we have an interview with Seether. Sugardrive are back with a brand new album, called 'Love etc', which they are about to launch ... Kurt Shoemaker looks back at Rabbitt's 'A Croak And A Grunt In The Night' ...John Samson reviews the newly reissued Colin Shamley double CD called 'Born Guilty And Other Stories' Daniel Neville was at the launch of the new Hog Hoggidy Hog album, 'OINK!' on Saturday night and sent us his first impressions of this eagerly-awaited third album from the popular Cape Town ska-punk band .... 'Flag of Freedom' and 'African Son' are the two album tracks off 'OINK!' that are now freshly available for downloading at SAmp3.com. John Samson caught one of the first gigs on Syd Kitchen's current UK tour at Headington and also has news of an additional London gig on Tuesday night ... There is news of Luna, and updates from the RP Studios Emerging Sounds Competition .... Ernie Pap was at the One Good Reason/Three Chord Theory concert at The Mercury ... and we have a full and glowing report back from Katvrou about her trip to Mozambique with the Piet Botha touring party. There's also the usual weekly mp3 and album charts, recommended SA gigs, letters to Sound Solutions, Digest Classifieds, old SA and LM charts, and what's new on the shelves at Mabu Vinyl and CD and Vibes Vinyl. And that is some of SA music, this week ... If you would like to contact us, please send an email to mailto:editor@sarockdigest.com?subject=Digest Thanks! Ed. ----------------------------
From Abstract Truth to Karen Zoid, from 'Astra' to 'Zen Boulders', from 'Ag Pleez Deddy' to 'ZX Dan'... visit the online archive for the history (and future) of South African Rock at: http://www.rock.co.za The SA Rock Encyclopedia is an archive of South African pop and rock music - past, present and future - and includes sections on classic albums, rock legends, rock lists, charts, trivia, family trees, a hall of fame, weblinks and more... ---------------------------- SAKLANK.COM Sluit aan by http://www.SAKlank.com deur e-pos te stuur aan intekenaar@saklank.com Alle rasionele idees, gedagtes, bydraes, briewe en konsert-/CD-resensies is altyd welkom! ---------------------------- THE OFFICIAL RODRIGUEZ WEBSITE 'Cold Fact', the classic album from the 70s, as well as 'After The Fact', the second Rodriguez album, have been re-issued and both are now available at Sugar Music. All Rodriguez Info at: http://www.sugarman.org ---------------------------- SA ROCK DIGEST http://www.sarockdigest.com If you would like to receive all the SA music news on this page, as a free weekly Monday morning email newsletter with no attachments, then please enter your email address in the SA Rock Digest banner on the left. News
KALLITZ LAUCH DEBUT ALBUM The Cape Town-based Afrikaans Hip Hop group Kallitz (you pronounce it "Coloureds") will be launching their debut album, "Die Ding Ruk Mal", next week at the Long Street Café in Long Street in Cape Town. The album is already available at Mabu Vinyl in Cape Town, and in Musica branches nation-wide, for only R69.95. The official Kallitz CD Launch Party will take place on Tuesday night, 15 June, which is the night before National Youth Day in South Africa (June 16). The high-profile launch will see comedienne and KFM presenter Melanie Jones MC'ing the evening's eclectic mix of comedy, poetry and rap, featuring herself, writer and poet Lennart Koza, and Kallitz, in a one hour production. The star-studded Cape Town A-list celebrity event's guest list includes Miss South Africa 2003 runner-up - Tammy-Anne Fortuin, reigning Mr South Africa - Andrew Prince, Miss South Africa 2000 - Jo-Anne Strauss, SA Sports Illustrated cover model - Ilse Nel, international model and Hollywood actor - Brett Shuttleworth, World Muaythai Champion - Quentin "Dragon" Chong, Gladiator - Magdalena Wysoczanka, supermodel and Miss Universe South Africa - Carol Anne Becker, supermodel and actress - Christina Storm, as well as top DJ's, television stars and industry professionals. Storm Models South Africa have also indicated that they will be showering the event with Cape Town's most beautiful. The launch party is then open to the public from 21:00 (R30 at the door), with another appearance by Kallitz at 23:00. A limited number of autographed copies of Kallitz' debut album "Die Ding Ruk Mal" will be on sale at the event for R50. You can also receive the free Kallitz fanzine with all the latest info, web site and music download links by sending a blank e-mail to mailto:kallitz@freeautobot.com Kallitz mp3's: 'Die Ding Ruk Mal' - SAmp3.com http://www.samp3.com/artists_e_k.html 'Oppie Yaat' - Mweb's SA Music Download section http://www.mweb.co.za/hubs/entertainment/music/download.aspx -------------- ARTISTS WANTED FOR GRAHAMSTOWN FESTIVAL For the past five years Huisegenoot magazine has operated open stages at the KKNK Festival in Oudtshoorn, and at the Aardklop Festival in Potchefstroom. These open stages have artists performing during the day to people at the festival who can come and watch them for free. This gives the artists excellent exposure and there are a number of success stories of artists getting noticed, getting record deals, and getting a large following of fans. This year, for the first time, YOU Magazine is going to be at the festival in Grahamstown where they are planning to have a similar stage as those at KKNK and Aardklop. The tent where the stage is erected holds 400 chairs. The Magazine will provide the stage, sound and backline, and the artists must just bring their guitars and keyboards, and the rest is all there. So they are looking for musicians who would be interested and willing to play in Grahamstown during the festival. Bands and/or artists playing during the day will not be paid, but there are ten evening slots where artists can play for a percentage of the gate. Artists can apply for these and the organisers will then decide who will perform at these shows. The person to speak to is Ilza Roggeband, whom you can contact: by phone at (021) 406-3506 or 083-448-2102 -------------- SYD KITCHEN'S EMPIRE STRIKES BACK TOUR Durban-based cultural guerrilla Syd Kitchen will be touring overseas for the next two months. The tour is timed to coincide with the release of his latest "best of" album, 'Quintessentially Syd Kitchen'. The guitarist, singer/song fighter's 'Empire Strikes Back' tour takes in performances in England, Wales, Norway, Denmark and the USA, including an appearance at the prestigious Glastonbury Festival in late June. Syd will perform solo during the first leg of the tour before being joined by Bafo Bafo partner Madala Kunene in Scandinavia for 2 dates in early July. The gigs in New York are with fiddler extraordinaire Mike Rennie from Sons of Trout. Syd will be sending a weekly "road" report back to his website www.sydkitchen.com so make a turn there if you want to read about what he's up to, whom he's meeting and keep abreast of any additional gigs. You can read a review by John Samson of Syd's gig at Headington, which is a small town just outside of the university town of Oxford, in the 'Live In London' section below. The 'Empire Strikes Back 2004' tour dates are: June 7 Halfmoon Putney, London June 12 Cricketers Pub Greenwich, London (Greenwich Traditional Musician's Co-Operative) June 16 & 18 Cardiff Engine Rooms Cardiff, Wales June 19 Howardians Athletic Club Clifton Street, Cardiff, Wales June 25 - 27 Glastonbury Festival Glastonbury, UK (The Small World Stage) July 1 Kongsberg International Jazz Festival Kongsberg, Norway (With Bafo Bafo) July 4 State Art Museum Copenhagen, Denmark (With Bafo Bafo) July 16 Corporate gig Brunswick, Maine, USA July 21 The Bowery Greenwich Village, NY, USA (With Mike Rennie) July 23 Madiba Bar Brooklyn, NY, USA (With Mike Rennie) To find out more in depth about Syd Kitchen and his music visit www.sydkitchen.com and www.bafobafo.co.za Read http://www.rock.co.za/files/syd_index.html Listen http://www.samp3.com/artists_e_k.html Buy http://www.oneworld.co.za/searchresults.asp?affiliateid=4321&artist=kitchen -------------- DAVID KRAMER - 'HUISTOE CONCERTS' David Kramer has had a remarkable career as a singer/songwriter over the past 25 years and has just released a new CD called "Huistoe", his first Afrikaans CD in 5 years. There are twelve new songs on this album which are thematically linked to the Karoo and Namaqualand where Kramer has spent much time searching for and working with musicians who play what he calls, "die ou liedjies" (the old music). Kramer will be touring Bloemfontein and Pretoria in July 2004 and will be accompanied by his band and some of the Karoo musicians who play on the new album. This will be the first time in 8 years that Kramer and his band will be performing in Pretoria. He'll be singing most of the songs from the "Huistoe" CD, plus a few of his personal favourites in this concert. Kramer says: " The songs on "Huistoe" have been inspired by my experience with the Karoo musicians. Over the past three years I have travelled far and wide and met many interesting people. In these songs, I have tried to connect the very old with something new. It's an attempt to capture the haunting sounds and music styles of the musicians who still play in the isolated areas of the Kamiesberge, the Koue Bokkeveld and Namaqualand. " David Kramer rarely appears on stage these days as most of his time is spent writing and directing for the theatre. Longtime band members, Gammie Lakay, Howard Links and Danny Petersen will accompany David. Joining them is Stanton Meiring on keyboards, Piet De Beer on violin and the Sonskyn Susters on backing vocals. Two of the Karoo Kitaar Blues musicians, Dawid van Rooi on blikviool and Koos Lof on accordian will also join him on stage. Aula Theatre, Pretoria 7,8,9 July 8pm Tickets are available at R75, R85 and R95 from Computicket Volksblad Kunstefees Bloemfontein 15,16 July Ed. - In next week's Digest we will have a closer look at David Kramer's 'Karoo Kitaar Blues'. Read http://www.rock.co.za/files/david_kramer_index.htm Buy http://www.oneworld.co.za/searchresults.asp?affiliateid=4321&artist=kramer -------------- BLING! Music Videos and Hueys! Anyone watch "The Tube" on SABC2? (ok - You're a closet Dragon Ball Z fan!). Well now tune into 'The Tube' on SABC2 on a Friday afternoon at 4pm… (or again on Saturday morning at 7.30am)....You're watching Bling! "What is Bling!?" You may ask. Bling! is a kid's magazine program presented by Jodi, Dalen, Innocent and Nandi. These young presenters get up to all sorts of antics and extreme things to show you how much fun you can have in your own town e.g. Kite-boarding, Surfing, Concerts etc. "Wot's this got to do with music?" I hear you say… Well, so far they've had Arno Carstens, Tweak, Inadiflo, freshlyground, X4, Finkelstiens and many more artists as in-studio guests and have featured many SA Music videos. The program's studio and location sound in Cape Town is handled by Aidan Harper, who did similar work on the first series of 'Going Nowhere Slowly'. So… If there are any bands who are interested in getting their music video onto the show they can send it on DVD or Beta SP along with a short biog to: Aidan Harper Ripchord PO Box 12540 Mill Street Cape Town 8010 or by courier to: Aidan Harper Ripchord 2nd Floor 157 Longmarket Street Cape Town 8001 And for more info please email Aidan at mailto:info@ripchord.co.za You can also visit the brand new Bling! Website at www.sabc2.co.za/bling -------------- 'BEST BAND IN THE LAND' COMPETITION Ripchord is offering a studio recording package in the Stage Magazine/Ripchord "The Best Band In The Land" competition Get the latest issue of Stage Magazine (In stores from 7th June) for entry details. The prize includes a subscription to Stage Magazine (A free subscription!! Coool prize! - Ed.). -------------- SA RADIO NEWS: 'ROCK OF AGES' The beginning of June saw the launch of Radio 2000's brand new rock music show, 'Rock of Ages', which is being hosted by Fresh and RetroFresh label boss, and self-confessed rockaholic, Benjy Mudie. This new rock show will feature the finest in classic rock from the mid-60`s through to the 90`s...from AC/DC, Audience and Aerosmith to Zeppelin, Zappa and ZZ Top plus everything in between! The live show will also showcase the best `new` classic rock and, more importantly, will include a very strong South African rock element. The program will be aired every Wednesday between 8-10pm (with a repeat broadcast on Saturdays between 10pm and midnight), The classic rock hits of the 60`s through to the late 80`s used to be the staple catalogue diet of Contemporary Hit Radio worldwide...songs by diverse artists like the Rolling Stones, Creedence Clearwater Revival, The Who, Led Zeppelin, Hendrix, AC/DC, The Eagles, Queen and even the Fab Four graced many a station`s playlist and kept millions of listeners happy. With Top 40 radio and many Adult Contemporary stations under pressure to deliver either the latest 15 year old dance-diva pop hit, shorts `n tattoos `angsty` rock-lite group or 15 minutes- of- fame pop idols there has been a tendency to ignore what is possibly the largest `buying` segment of the listening public...the audience that grew up to the classic rock hits of the last 30 years. A simple search on the Net reveals a staggering 541,000 references to classic rock radio with literally thousands of Internet and `live` stations. This audience has also embraced the new `classic rock` artists like The Darkness, The Strokes, Kings of Leon, The Coral, HIM, John Mayer and many more. The wider radio audience and media interest in classic rock music is at an all time high with thousands of radio stations worldwide adopting this successful format and millions of consumers shelling out their hard earned money for the likes of the recent Led Zeppelin DVD/ album, Hendrix /Doobies/Doors reissues.. Add to this the phenomenal success of magazines like Mojo and Classic Rock and the emergence of `retro` rock bands like The Darkness and you have a huge audience out there that are crying out for classic rock music. In the past South Africa had the likes of the Chris Prior show and Rafe Lavine`s rock segment on 5fm keeping the faith alive so to speak, however since the demise of their shows classic rock fans have had no radio home...until now. 'Rock Of Ages' will be featuring 30 minute genre-based specials every week including, amongst others: "San Franciscan Nights" (late 60`s SF music featuring the likes of the Grateful Dead, Jefferson Airplane, Janis Joplin); "Southern Man" (Allman Brothers, Marshall Tucker Band, Crazy Horse, Wet Willie, Lynyrd Skynyrd; "Heavy !"(Steppenwolf, Led Zeppelin, Sabbath, The Who, Atomic Rooster, Deep Purple, AC/DC) and "Six String Razor" (Jimi Hendrix, Jeff Beck, Jimmy Page, Joe Satriani, Eric Clapton etc). There will be international and South African artist interviews, music DVD reviews, fabulous competition give-aways, artist specials and tons more. Within a short space of time there will be a dedicated interactive Rock of Ages website which will feature the show playlists, listener requests, artist/album info/record company advertising, pop up banners, competitions. This will be linked to like minded classic rock stations and `retro` press internationally. For more information please contact Benjy Mudie @ 082-4902743 or at mailto:rockofages@icon.co.za -------------- ROOTS TO FRUITS WITH RICHARD HASLOP Richard Haslop will be offering four 3rd Ear Music Hidden Years Archive CDs as prizes on his Roots to Fruits Radio Show (SAfm - Tuesdays at 9pm repeated on Sundays at 3pm - 104 to 107 MHz) over the next 3 to 4 weeks. See below for the list of CDs that are on offer and some of the musicians that will be featured in the shows. Richard is a fountain of international Roots music knowledge; he features music & anecdotes on contemporary & traditional musicians that you just don't hear anywhere else on the wireless. 3rd Ear and The Hidden Years Music Archive Project are pleased to be featured in this international Radio mix. Don't forget - Roots to Fruits, every Tuesday (9PM) & Sunday (3PM) from June 1st to 27th on SAfm - 104 to 106 MHz Stereo. The HY Archive Music being offered are double CDs from Roger Lucey - '21 Years Down The Road', 'Splashy Fen - 10 Year Celebration', Colin Shamley - 'Born Guilty & Other Stories', and the much sort-after and long-awaited single CD re-issue from "14" Shabalala - 'Maskandi Magic/'Zulu songs translated into English on the CD sleeve. (And for those of you who always ask - yes it does feature 'uMANDELA uMOSE' - "Mandela is the second Moses".) Hidden History musicians that Richard will program include: Pedro Espi-Sanchis, Roger, Colin, Dave Ledbetter, 14, Malombo, Edi Niederlander, Xolo Home Boys, Bill Knight & many more. Ed's note: Watch out for Richard Haslop's choices in next week's 'Celeb:Select' section of the Digest! Listen to 3rd Ear Artists at: http://www.SAmp3.com/3rdear.html -------------- 3RD EAR NEWS News, Views & Muse Letter - We hope to have the 3rd Ear Music Website (Edition 17) updated and posted with the next 10 days. History or Evidence? Political Correctness leads to the unkindest cut of all - Self-censorship and the re-making or re-inventing of our hidden music history? Thank goodness the tape doesn't lie. Or does it!? You can read up on 3rd Ear Music's missing dusty Townships years (pre-1990) that researchers, academics and film makers (foreign mainly) somehow seem not to want to hear here. Strange world indeed! A Hidden History or Evaporating Evidence? The story is pegged around 3rd Ear's 40-year music relationship with Malombo Music, among other bands of legendary note - 1964 to 2004. An interesting music mix with Doctor Philip Tabane and Julian Bahula and the various Malombo groups and musicians - from Orlando Stadium in 1964 to mixing and recording Dr. Malombo at the Market Theatre in April. And now Julian Bahula's Band Jabula (UK) plans an SA tour in September 2004. Check it out in the next Website Edition 17. Also, new notes and photos on Colin Shamley, 14 Shabalala, Jannie Hofmeyr, Zamekile Nkomo, John Gcaba, and Malombo - Music of the Spirit etc. Website: www.3rdearmusic.com Hidden Years Archive mailto:thirdear@iafrica.com -------------- SHEER SOUND NEWS Gloria Bosman is currently doing extremely well for herself - her latest album, 'Nature Dances', received an amazing 6 nominations at this year's SAMA Awards! She was on tour performing as part of South Africa's 10 years of democracy celebrations performing in Santiago (Chile), Buenos Aires (Argentina), Lima (Peru) and Caracas (Venezuela). On July 8th, she'll be performing in London together with her trio at the City of London Festival, held at the Spitz Hotel. Multi-award winner Ernie Smith is in Los Angeles to record his new album. Ernie is known for his style of playing which is an assimilation of jazz, African and R&B references. The album is being produced by one of his South African mentors, Jonathan Butler. Smooth jazz saxophonist Kirk Whalum, who is well known for his best selling CD, 'For You', will be featured on the album among many other exceptional guest artists. Darius Brubeck and Barney Rachebe have been invited to Memphis for the May International festival to play with Memphis musicians at the international gala dinner for dignitaries from South Africa and local business leaders. Darius is also taking the national youth jazz band to North Sea Holland on the July 8th. -------------- ALL THOSE 2004 SAMA AWARD WINNERS [In case you either weren't at Sun City for the ceremony, didn't watch it live on TV, and haven't been paying attention generally...] Artist of the Year Mzekezeke Best Male Artist Zim Ngqawana -'Vadzimu' Best Female Artist Swazi - 'My First Love' Song of the Year Mzekezeke - 'Ukekh' Ugogo' Best Pop Album Watershed - 'Wrapped in Stone' Best Rock Album Arno Carstens - 'Another Universe' http://www.samp3.com/artists.html Best R&B Album TK - 'Black Butterfly' Best Dance Album Revolution - 'The Journey Continues' Best Rap Album Skwatta Kamp - 'Mkhukhu Funkshen' Best Single Anke Pietrangeli - 'Silver Lining' Best Duo or Group Mafikizolo - 'Kwela' Best Tsonga Music George Maluleke - 'Ri Orheli' Best Mbhaqanga Album Soul Brothers - 'Kuze Kuse' Best Maskandi Album Phuzekhemisi - 'We Baba' Best Newcomer (Artist or Group) Adilah - 'S' esfikile' Best Music Video Tebogo Matlhatse - 'Smatsatsa' By Thembi Best Instrumental Album Lorraine Shannon - 'Lorraine Shannon' http://www.cd.co.za/lorraineshannon/index.html Best South African Traditional Jazz Album Zim Ngqawana - 'Vadzimu' Best Contemporary Jazz Album Dondo - 'Changing Times' Best Jazz Vocal Album Miriam Makeba - 'Reflections' Best Kwaito Music Album Kabelo - 'And The Beat Goes On' Best Adult Contemporary Album: English Miriam Makeba - 'Reflections' Best Adult Contemporary Album: Afrikaans Amanda Strydom - "Verspreide Donderbuie" http://www.samp3.com/artists_l_s.html Best Adult Contemporary Album: African Jabu Khanyile - 'Wankolota' Best African Pop Album Ringo - 'Ringo Live' Best Contemporary Gospel Album Joyous Celebration - 'Live in Cape Town' Best Traditional Gospel Album IPCC - 'Mamelang' Best African Gospel Album Rebecca - 'Hlala Nami' Best Soundtrack recording compiled for a stage musical, motion picture or television production Zynne Sibika - 'Tsha Tsha' Best Album Packaging Derick Taljaard - "Pêrels voor die Swyne" by Johannes Kerkorrel Best Producer Andile Yenana & Winston "Mankunku" Ngozi - 'Abantwana Be Afrika' by Winston "Mankunku" Ngozi Best Engineer Peter Pearlson - 'Vadzimu' by Zim Ngqawana Best Male Composer Jeff Maluleke - 'Mambo' By Jeff Maluleke Best Female Composer Gloria Bosman - 'Play Me the Love Songs' By Gloria Bosman Best Joint Composition Alexis Faku & Tsakani Mhinga - 'Black Butterfly' By TK Best DVD Miriam Makeba - 'Live at Bern's Salonger, Stockholm, Sweden, 1966' Best Song of the Decade Brenda Fassie - 'Vulindlela' Best Selling Release of the Decade Brenda Fassie - ' Memeza' Best Selling Release of the Year Steve Hofmeyer - 'Toeka' http://www.samp3.com/artists_e_k.html -------------- AND FINALLY... SAMA AND THE STATE OF SA MUSIC Charlotte Mathews - Business Day 1st Edition Sales of South African music have recovered in the past three years from the decline of the mid-1990s, but the industry believes it could do even better if piracy was tackled and more support was forthcoming from the local media. According to figures provided by the Recording Industry of SA (Risa), local music sales have grown their share of total music sales in SA to 31% last year from 21% in 1995. Over the same nine-year period, local music sales have more than doubled to R225,1m from R106,6m, which is a faster rate of growth than the 21% increase in sales of international music, to R479,9m from R397,9m. The South African Music Awards (Samas) can take credit for raising the quality and profile of local music, industry spokesmen say, and SA has seen new genres such as kwaito emerge that appealed to the youth. But considering that recent publication of the 2003 "hits of the year" by major music stations showed only four local artists in 5fm's top 30, five local artists in Algoa's top 40, four local artists in CBFM's top 50 and no local artists on Metro FM's list, the statistics may be slightly exaggerated due to a number of factors. One of these is that the value of South African music sales has increased because fewer low-cost cassettes are being sold now than nine years ago. In 2003 cassettes were just 30% of the value of total music sales, whereas in 1995, they were 73% of the value. Also, growth in international music sales in SA is off an already high base and international music sales have been hit hard everywhere by internet piracy. Risa anti-piracy manager Braam Schoeman says it is hard to conclude that piracy is not having an influence on sales of local music, as there is no way of knowing what sales could have been. Although sales have not reduced year-on-year, they could have been higher. On the other hand, it is questionable whether consumers who pirate music would have been buyers anyway. Although music piracy has an anarchistic appeal, if the music companies do not make money, they will not have an incentive to promote fresh artists. "We all love our music and try to find new bands and the next big artists," Gallo Music executive director Ivor Haarburger says. Promoting music in SA is difficult, because the market is fragmented into many different languages and categories, all offering small sales volumes. Sama, which holds its annual awards this weekend, celebrates its 10th anniversary this year and Haarburger says the awards have become the biggest occasion on the music calendar that the industry made an effort to attend. It also offers MTN, which is this year's sponsor, an opportunity to widen its brand appeal in the youth market. Sama committee chairman Duma Ndlovu says in the past ten years new styles such as hip hop and kwaito have emerged, which are expressions of young people's identity. But the growing interest in South African music in recent years is not just a youth phenomenon. Traditional jazz has also experienced a revival. "When we introduced the Sama awards in 1994, we were saying to musicians that we wanted to reward excellence and get artists to improve the quality of their music. "They laughed at us, but today every musician who enters the Sama awards wants to win," says Ndlovu. Sama has contributed to the development of South African music and Ndlovu says he would like to believe that other sectors, such as radio, have also contributed, "though some of us believe radio can do more ". May 25 2004 07:20:58:000AM Charlotte Mathews Business Day 1st Edition http://www.bday.co.za/bday/content/direct/1,3523,1623693-6078-0,00.html -------------- CHARTS 
SA ROCK DIGEST TOP 30 SOUTH AFRICAN MP3s OF THE WEEK http://www.SAmp3.com (Based on downloads from SAmp3.com and MWeb Entertainment) 1. [1] (1) Love Is The Hunter - MacAngel ('Summer In Berlin'/Sonique) 2. [5] (2) Revolution - Swim Club (Indie) 3. [6] (3) Charlie Kaufman - Fallen ('Last Chance For The Forgotten'/Indie) 4. [7] (4) Break Down - Believable Addiction (Indie) 5. [20] (5) Hemel Op Die Platteland - Fokofpolisiekar ('As Jy Met Vuur Speel Sal Jy Brand'/Rhythm) 6. [9] (6) Jou Ma - Thys Nywerheid (Indie) 7. [2] (3) Snakes And Ladders - Evolver ('Evolver' EP/Indie) 8. [12] (8) What It Takes To Breathe - Bored (Indie) 9. [15] (9) Multiple Oblivion - Jo Day ('The Truth'/Indie) 10. [4] (2) Long Riders Of Nam - Brian Finch ('Never Look Back'/Indie) 11. [13] (11) No Matter - Wendy New (Dissolve In The Sun/Indie) 12. [3] (1) Something In My Eye (Live) - Boulevard Blues Band ('Tassenberg All*Stars 4'/Trippy Grape) 13. [16] (13) I'm A Doctor- The Innovators ('Silvertab Harambe Dope Sessions'/African Dope) 14. [5] (1) Vier by Vier en Visvang - Blomkrag ('Boere Country'/Indie) 15. [11] (8) Drowsy Maggie - DNA Strings ('DNA Strings'/Afrimusik) 16. [14] (1) FCK - Teba ('Silvertab Harambe Dope Sessions'/African Dope) 17. [19] (17) Things Were Meant To Be So - chiaroscuro ('A Definition'/Indie) 18. [25] (18) One Moment - Antipathy (Maiden League) 19. [10] (1) Gravity- James Stewart (Street Level) 20. [22] (20) FFF - Tonight We Die (Demo/Indie) 21. [23] (21) Driehoek - Van Zyl, Van Der Spuy & Vennote ('Hadeda'/Rhythm) 22. 27] (22) Noh TV - The Rudimentals ('More Fire'/Indie) 23. [24] (23) Somewhere - Celtic Rumours (SAmp3.com Exclusive) 24. [26] (24) Change Your Face - David Foster ('Flat To Round'/Rhythm/Bowline) 25. [28] (25) Guitar Me - Staige (Demo/Indie) 26. [17] (20) Cola Wars - Willem Kitshoff ('Silvertab Harambe Dope Sessions'/African Dope) 27. [29] (27) Download - Phringe ('Mellow Drama'/USM) 28. [-] (28) Porn (acoustic) - Jo Day ('The Truth'/Indie) 29. [-] (29) Festival Song (live) - Fly Paper Jet ('Live'/Indie) 30. [-] (30) Window Shopping Lover - chiaroscuro ('A Definition'/Indie) (Based on downloads from SAmp3.com and MWeb Entertainment) Download South African MP3s at http://www.SAmp3.com ---------------------------- SA ROCK DIGEST TOP 20 SOUTH AFRICAN ALBUMS OF THE WEEK http://www.sarockdigest.com/charts This week [last week] (highest position) Title - Artist (Label) 1. [3] (1) All That Is Should Be - Plush (Indie) 2. [2] (1) A Definition - Chiaroscuro (Indie) 3. [6] (3) Born Guilty & Other Stories - Colin Shamley (3rd Ear Music) 4. [5] (4) Angel Tongue - Nianell (Fresh) 5. [4] (1) Moving - 340ml (Indie) 6. [1] (1) Big Red (Songs From 'Going Nowhere Slowly') - Various (Ripchord/Bowline) 7. [10] (7) Summer In Berlin - MacAngel (Sonique) 8. [9] (8) Site Under Construction - Off The Edge (Indie) 9. [11] (9) Live - Fly Paper Jet (Indie) 10. [8] (5) Dissolve In The Sun - Wendy New (Indie) 11. [7] (3) Blomdoorns - Derek Gripper (Open Record) 12. [24] (12) Spillage - Godessa (High Voltage) 13. [19] (13) Memories In A Menthol - Adam Tas (Bowline) 14. [21] (14) My Dance - Muse String Quartet (Indie) 15. [15] (1) Muti Media - Kalahari Surfers (African Dope) 16. [13] (13) Beyond The Walls - Rus Nerwich (Indie) 17. [12] (1) Boerecountry - Blomkrag (Indie) 18. [16] (2) Africa She Too Can Cry - Hawk (RetroFresh) 19. [17] (1) The Heat - Dollyrockers (Indie) 20. [20] (1) More Fire - The Rudimentals (Indie) 21. [28] (21) Quintessentially - Syd Kitchen (No Budget Records) 22. [22] (22) Vol 1: 20/20 Vision - The Tripps (Indie) 23. [18] (2) Never Look Back - Brian Finch (Indie) 24. [30] (24) The Realisation Of Purpose - Sedwick (Indie) 25. [14] (1) True North - Spoonfeedas (Sesalos) 26. [26] (1) As Jy Met Vuur Speel Sal Jy Brand - Fokofpolisiekar (Rhythm/Bowline) 27. [27] (27) Lick The Lion - ISLA (Indie) 28. [23] (2) Sui - Benguela (Open Record) 29. [25] (1) Jika Jika - freshlyground (Freeground) 30. [-] Funk 'N Roll - Ezra (BMG) READ http://www.rock.co.za/files LISTEN http://www.SAmp3.com BUY http://www.oneworld.co.za/default.asp?AffiliateID=4321 The hosting of MP3s on the SA Rock Digest website is thanks to the Future Perfect Corporation http://www.futureperfectcorporation.com Building online communities to make the future perfect Chart statistics at: http://www.sarockdigest.com/charts New Releases
MP3's: ------- MWEB ------- http://www.mweb.co.za/hubs/entertainment/music/download.aspx SAmp3.com is now the official and exclusive supplier of South African mp3's to MWeb's new SA Music Download section. Every week 5 new songs are available for exclusive download for MWeb subscribers. These tracks have never been released on mp3 before. Non-MWeb subscribers can still listen to these tracks, but you will not be able to save them onto your hard-drive. However in about two weeks' time all 5 of these songs will be available for everyone to download at http://www.SAmp3.com This week's 5 New and Exclusive mp3 titles at MWeb: ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Kallitz - 'Oppie Yaat' First single from the Cape Town hip hop trio's new album, "Die Ding Ruk Mal", which is being launched next week. Bed On Bricks - 'City' Second mp3 release, and more urban funk from the very tasty 'Humanarium' CD. Mitsoo - 'Suburbia' The new single from Cape Town's finest all female punk trio Plush - 'My Baby' These boys are building a very large and loyal following with their stripped-down acoustic folk-pop tunes Thys Nywerheid - 'Vir Funk En Vaderland' What a great title, makes you want to hear what the hell it sounds like! Last week's 5 New and Exclusive mp3 titles at MWeb: ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Kobus! - 'Kultuurfeestent' A great first track to be released as an mp3 off Kobus!' new album, "100%Skuldgevoelvry" Godessa - 'Nguwe' This is the opening song off the Cape Town all-female hip hop trio's debut album, 'Spillage' Hog Hoggidy Hog - 'Naked' The Hogs have just released their third album 'Oink!' Dollyrockers - 'Silverfish' You may have heard the live version of this track, but this is the studio version off the Dollyrockers' third album, 'The Heat'. Six Of Nine - 'Ravens' The Cape Town band's second single to follow the major success of first single, 'Close To Me' Visit the South African Music Download section of MWeb at: http://www.mweb.co.za/hubs/entertainment/music/download.aspx If you would like your song, picture and website link on the MWeb website please go to: http://www.SAmp3.com/faq.html to find out how. ------------ SAmp3.com ------------ This week's SAmp3.com recommended downloads: Phringe - 'Download' Appropriately-titled song from one of Jo'Burg's best new pop-rock bands Piet Botha - 'Kitchener' A slice of history from SA's favourite rock balladeer. This track is an out-take from 'Die Mamba' CD and is only available as an mp3 download. Fokofpolisiekar - "Hemel Op Die Platteland" The power new single from SA's rock sensations Antipathy - 'One Moment' By popular demand! Everyone wants to hear Antipathy, a new band to watch! The Rudimentals - 'Noh TV' Second single off the 'More Fire' album tells you to switch off your TV and get into their ska-punk joy. chiaroscuro - 'Window Shopping Lover' A song to shop to from Cape Town's eclectic bunch Fly Paper Jet - 'Festival Song' (live) Pick of the songs off the band's debut live album. Jo Day - 'Porn' (acoustic) rock, sex, moan... Teba - 'Nontsiki' Teba's latest track, to follow 'FCK', off the 'African Dope Sound System' collection Kalahari Surfers - 'The Generals Walk Free' More 'Muti Media' politicised electronica from the Surfers http://www.SAmp3.com -------------- All the mp3s listed above are available to download at http://www.SAmp3.com - the biggest South African mp3 website in the world. --------------- SEARCH FOR MP3's Use the SAmp3.com onboard search engine, powered by Google, to search for mp3s on SAmp3.com. ----------------- All the full-length mp3s are available for free download at http://www.SAmp3.com by kind permission of the artists and/or their labels. ---------------------------- CELEB-SELECT: RIAN MALAN Every week we ask a well-known SA music personality to give us a list of their top 10 South African songs: This week it is the turn of noted SA author Rian Malan: TOP TEN ALLTIME GREAT SA SONGS EVER from Dawn of Time till today 'Ngazula Emangomeni', by Solomon Linda and the Evening Birds (1942). The other great song from the man who gave us Mbube, this a-capella piledriver achieves an intensity level that puts many bands from the amps and electrification era to shame. 'Skokiaan', by the Bulawayo Cold Storage Commission Dance Band (1954) Frenzied, frantic jive classic. 'Ishumelosheleni', by Manhattan Bros. (1959) Astonishing what those Sophiatown cats could do with just two chords. In fact, astonishing what they did with almost everything. Rob Allingham's compilation of their greatest hits 1948-59 (Gallotone) was a blinding revelation. 'Cry to Me', by the Staccatos (circa 1968). In which Steve Lonsdale proves for all time that a white man can take a Ben E King song and break its back, thereby settling all debates about race and soul. 'Mannenberg', by Dollar Brand (circa 1972). His ascetic eminence Abdullah Ibrahim seems scornful of this creation, as if it was just a throwaway for dancing in shebeens. But that's exactly what we imagined we were doing, in the darkest days of apartheid, in the white suburbs, at dance parties in our fathers' garages. 'Impi', by Johnny Clegg and was it Juluka (circa 1982). What can I say? Still get cold shivers down my spine every time I hear it. 'Whistle', by Via Afrika (circa 1983). It's a brainless dance tune, but f*ck, did it kick. Those girls always seemed the most glamourous creatures ever to emerge from Jo'burg, "New York of Africa" and "second greatest city after Paris." 'Kambora Mina', by Paul Ndlovu (1985). I always thought Shangaan had the potential to be as internationally big as reggae. If Ndlovu had survived and continued in this glorious vein, it might have happened. 'Reggae Vibes is Cool' by Bernoldus Niemand (1985). A forlorn and touching little satire of white East Rand youth culture from a talent of Tom Waits' stature. "Kaffir", by Arthur (1994) The song that made Afrikaans cool again, and nice dance groove to boot. Also a highpoint of the genre, which was soon to degenerate into McKwaito (myns insiens anyway). Plus four that didn't make it but would on a different day. "Liefling", by Ge Korsten. Sure, pure schmalz, but the patriot says it was at least as good as anything by the Three Tenors and nearly ten years ahead of them. 'Zambezi', by Nico Carstens. The suits! The rings! Sex, drugs, brandy & coke! This guy was the Frank Sinatra of Kroonstad and Klerksdorp. 'Boesak Awethu', from Shifty Records' "FOSATU Worker Choruses." What a tuneful revolution we almost had. 'Afrikaners is Plesierig', by Karen Zoid. The song that finished the job Arthur started (see above). -------------- THE CELEB:SELECT WEBSITE All the weekly Celeb: Select selections can now be found at their new website which is at: http://www.rock.co.za/files/celeb_select_index.html -------------- DIE NAAIMASJIENE - 'LIVE' [RHYTHM RECORDS - RR 051] http://www.rhythmrecords.co.za "Die Naaimasjiene - Live" represents a milestone in the history of Afrikaans rock music -or name it Trash Metal if you want. - Die Naaimasjiene is the group that broadened the borders of Afrikaans lyrics in the early nineties. Kerneels Breytenbach, music journalist, said that this is probably what the Sex Pistols would have sounded like if he grew up in Malmesbury. This CD is a must-have collector's item for all that have followed the development and progress of Afrikaans Rock through the years. The album was recorded in 1996 and contains lyrics written as far back as 1990. The group was initially called Randy Rambo & Die Rough Riders. Their first CD: 'Die Saai Lewe" (Shifty Records) was banned in 1990 by the Apartheid government. Their song "Jong Dames Dinamiek (maak my siek)" was eventually released on the albums: Voëlvry, Houtstok-rockfees, Budgie beats en Alternatief op sy beste1. The ban on "Die Saai Lewe" was lifted only in 1997 but an age restriction of 18 still had to apply. This CD was re-released in 1997 and also included new tracks that were written from 1990 - 1997. Back then Mr Rambo said that language purists can alternatively call the band "Gert Pervert and Die Gomtorre" or " Jorsie Worsie and Die - PretoriaWes Hoere". All these different names caused confusion even among the fans and the group eventually decided to be known from then on as Die Naaimasjiene. Die Naaimasjiene Live was recorded at Moeritboetie Oppikoppi Festival in Northam 1996. Their song "Sê `n Gebed" was recorded by Johannes Kerkorrel on his CD "Ge-trans-for-meer" under the title "Sê Sê". Die Naaimasjiene was also asked by Sonja Heroldt to do an arrangement of "Sê `n Gebed" for her cabaret show "Uncensored." This version is the bonus track on Live. The history of the group is available on Google internet search. Die Naaimasjiene will be performing live again as from August 2004. -------------- REAL ESTATE AGENTS ALBUM DROPPING SOON The news from the African Dope label is that Markus Wormstorm, Sibot and Krushed & Sorted have just returned from mastering the forthcoming debut Real Estate Agents triple-CD pack, which will be available in a month or two. The triple CD pack will be innovatively packaged, cheap, and feature full albums from Sibot and Markus Wormstorm as well as a bonus enhanced CD featuring The Real Estate Agents in the mix and music videos. Since there aren't any thinly clad glossy breasts in any of the videos, you'll probably have to buy the CD to get to see them! -------------- BAND O' GYPSYS NOW AVAILABLE All those who have been trying to find a copy of the brand new Band O' Gypsys' CD, called 'I Want You To Know', should take note that it is now available online at One World: At: http://www.oneworld.co.za/default.asp?affiliateID=4321 -------------- DANIELE PASCAL RELEASES "TYDLOOS" Last week Daniele Pascal entertained audiences at Villa Pascal during this year's Tygerburger's Winter Warm Week. Pascal's romantic ballad song repertoire moves from blues, soul, and pop to jazz, and the program included some favourite evergreen standards and some of those old gems by Cole Porter and Edith Piaf. Included in this repertoire were highlights from her first crossover Afrikaans album, "Tydloos". All presented with new and often dramatic arrangements under the direction of pianist Comina Visser. 'Tydloos" is Danièle's first Afrikaans crossover album and is "her way of saying thank you to all her loyal Afrikaans supporters". This five-track album has pop, jazz, electronic and funky rhythms breathing new life into songs such as die "Oukraal Liedjie", Koos Kombuis' "Lisa Se Klavier", "Al Lê Die Berge Nog So Blou", "Suikerbossie", and "Le Chant Des aLisées", an adaptation by Pascal from the Koos du Plessis classic, "Kinders Van Die Wind". This song, together with "Lisa Se Klavier", is currently being play listed on national radio stations. -------------- MAY NEW RELEASES FROM ONE WORLD The online SA CD store, delivering SA Music to the world! 3 CD Box Sets: At the bargain price of R119.99 each! Bobby Hendricks - Contains the albums: 'Magic Moments', 'Come What May' and 'Golden Gospel' Various Artists - 'Street Bash' - Get the Street Bash series, Volumes 1, 2 and 3 included. Movers - Contains the albums: 'Best Of The Best Vol 1 and 2' and 'The Hits' Chimora - Contains the albums: 'Intandane', 'Abafazi Ababili' and 'Chimora' Chicco - Contains the albums: 'We Don't Need War', 'I Need Some Money' and 'We Miss You Manelow'. Yvonne Chaka Chaka - Contains the albums: 'Motherland', 'I'm Burning Up' and 'Thank You Mr DJ' Elite Swingsters - Contains the albums: 'Now Or Never', 'Siya Gida - We Dance' and 'Ama Elite - Di Elite' Bayete - Contains the albums: 'Mmalo-We', 'Umathimula' and 'Umkhaya-Lo' Jazz: The Trio (Nina, Kekana & Coyote) - 'My Pride My Joy' The best of the current township pop stars, this is a mixture of the old and the new. With some of the tracks featuring Hugh Masekela and Tshepo Tshola. Pop & Rock: Band O' Gypsys - 'I Want You To Know' A welcome return for the best Hendrix-inspired heavy metal SA band ever. There is lots of interest in this album by the band's old and faithful fans. Syd Kitchen - 'Quintessentially' A wonderful "Best Of" collection from Syd's albums over the past 20 years including 'Africa's Not For Sissies', 'City Child', and 'Waiting For The Heave'. Wickhead - 'If It Hurts, It's Healing' Debut album from one of the new crop of Johannesburg rock bands, contains their massive hit 'Anthem' Various Artists - 'Authenticated Volume 2' A collection of tracks from some of the bands signed to the Authentic Ideas label includes Jo Day, Wickhead, Tweak, BOO! 16 Stitch and others. Isla - 'Lick The Lion' A rough, tough, rude and lewd debut featuring punky female folk songs in English and Afrikaans. Nemesis - 'A Lover's Guide To The End Of The World' Another new SA band attracting a lot of interest with their intriguingly titled new album. Highly rated. Prime Circle - 'Hello Crazy World' Still one of the best-selling SA pop-rock albums with the massive hit 'Hello' Arbor - 'Tower Ape' Newcomers to the Cape music scene with an album that is fresh and a lot of fun, as their growing fanbase will testify Bridgitte - 'I've Been Waiting' 'I've Been Waiting' has spent five weeks at No 1 on P4 in Cape Town, and is already on Algoa - this is destined to be the biggest local hit since 'U Touch Me' a song also written by Dr Victor, who co-wrote most of the songs with Bridgitte, and who also produced the album. The Bats - 'Good Times' Are they still around?? Yip and they are as popular as ever - here with a new album of old favourites revisited. Township Pop: Various Artists - 'Kaya FM - Reflections' A true "reflection" of the songs that have shaped the SA music industry in the past ten years and a musical celebration of SA's ten years of democracy. Features - Miriam Makeba, Oliver Mtukudzi and many more big names Gospel: St Thomas YMG Choir - 'Best Of' A collection of some of their greatest hits which, to date, were never available on CD, a total of fifteen great tracks on one album. Lusanda Spiritual Group - 'Ungababek' Ityala' The sultry voice of Lusanda is still remarkable as ever -once again this is a spiritual fulfilment/journey Kwaito: Trompies - 'Respect (Toasted Gona'Ganati)' Even though critics thought they were down and out for the count, take the sounds of 'Spikiri', 'Ma-hoota', 'Jakaruumba' and 'Eugene' and you have the return of Trompies, as hot as ever Rap/Hip Hop: Pitch Black Afro - 'Styling Gel' A revelation to say the least! This young lad from Meadowlands in Soweto has captured the hearts and ears of SA youth with his amazing Afro hairstyle, and witty character which defies everything theree is to defy in the current Rap music scene. Fortune - 'Abom'rapper' More proof that the SA Hip Hop scene is still a fertile ground, free-stylin' at its best from the very credible Ready Rolled stable that also brought you Tumi And The Volume Traditional: African Calabash - 'Journey Of Drums' Featuring the sounds of the siqgubu, meropa, congas, bongos, djembes, tarbuka, shakers, cowbells, agogo and whistles, masterfully performed by African Calabash, the group who did the ever-popular 'African Drums'. Here accompanied by beautiful vocal melodies, African violin, Venda pipes, tablas and mbira. The sleeve, with its lovely African artwork, includes comprehensive album notes in six languages, as well as a colourful catalogue of the whole series. The CD also contains a video playable on computer. House: Oneeyedmonkey - 'Presents Peter Teanet Remixed' The king of Shangaan remixed in true SA house music fashion. Afrikaans: Laurika Rauch - 'My Ou Tante Koba' The latest in a long line of emotional and beautiful albums from one of Afrikaans music's best and most enduring performers Gian Groen - "Met Die Maan Gepla" Gian Groen is the new marketing name for the early band, Spinnekop, although the line-up is the same. The album contains Gian Groen's best work to date, including a surprise for the English fans. Klopjag - "15de Laan" This album covers a variety of genres and themes and contains ten new originals by Klopjag, as well as a new version of the Lucas Maree song, "N1 Roete". Klopjag have made a big impact on the Afrikaans music market since their debut album, "13/02", which was nominated for best new artist at the Geraas Music Awards. Various Artists - "Skittersterre Van Gister En Vandag" 30 tracks from the biggest names in Afrikaans music ever. And at a bargain price of R74.99!! Elzabi - "Mooiplaas" Elzabi gets her inspiration for this, her debut album, from the musical styles of Jacques de Coning, Theuns Jordaan and Laurika Rauch, and writes and composes her own songs and music. Nine of the mostly Afrikaans songs tracks on the album "Mooiplaas" are originals. A2Zee - 'Outjie.... ' A2Zee is Abby and Zina, a two-piece girl group from Eersterivier. There are ten original songs on their debut CD - with a little jazz, kwaito, disco, and also something for the lovers. Instrumental: Vincent Van Rooyen - 'Harmonica Spectacular' The legendary Vincent brings versatility and creativity to the sound of the harmonica on an album that contains classical and Afrikaans instrumental music. Classical: Diva In Africa - 'Classically Zulu' Supported by ClassicFM and uniting the European Classical sound with the colours of Africa Features the Umoja Choir, Khanyo and more. Kiddies: This Is Me - 'Kids Singing Kids' Songs' A great collection of songs that kids will love to sing along to. Order any of these titles at: http://www.oneworld.co.za/default.asp?affiliateID=4321 -------------- ARTISTS -------- SPOTLIGHT ON: SEETHER David Turvey, the man behind Absolute Tabs, the excellent and very large SA guitar tabs archive site, organised an email interview with Shaun Morgan of Seether. Our thanks to Absolute Tabs for allowing us to reprint this interview. Over to them: I know a lot of you have been waiting for this interview and you definitely won't be disappointed. We talk to Shaun about Seether's tour to SA, Ozzfest, collaborating with Amy of Evanescence, and get Shaun's opinion on the SA music industry. Thanks to Shaun for taking time out of his busy schedule to reply to the questions, and thanks to Peter Lacey at Musketeer Records for organising the interview! Absolute Tabs: Hi Shaun, your SA tour was a great success, what was it like playing at packed SA venues compared to the crowds in the old Saron Gas days? Shaun Morgan: It was awesome being back where it all began! We played at The Doors, which was our favourite club in SA, and we hung out with Barney Simon for 2 weeks - what more could you ask for? The crowds were as cool as we remembered them to be, and we had awesome shows in all the cities we played in. It was really humbling to be back home, and have our parents at the shows, you know? Absolute Tabs: Did Pat & Kevin enjoy SA and did they enjoy playing to SA crowds? Shaun Morgan: Pat had a ball, from what I can tell. In fact, all the Americans had an awesome time, and have all expressed an interest in returning to SA again in the future. Some were even talking about purchasing houses in the Cape, somewhere, or alternatively, in the middle of the veld! I don't think any of them had ever been that close to nature before - as we were when we took a game drive around a Rhino farm. They were blown away! Absolute Tabs: Amy Lee performed at your last Mercury Live gig, was this a once off or might we see some collaborative songs from Seether and Evanescence in the future? Shaun Morgan: We have recorded a new version of 'Broken' for the soundtrack to The Punisher, with Amy singing on it. It was originally supposed to have a female vocal, Amy's in fact, when we recorded it in 2002, but somehow that never happened. This was an opportunity to make the song as good as we originally intended. Other than that, there is no talk of further collaborations - they're too taxing on any personal relationship!!! Absolute Tabs: A lot of your songs from Fragile were re-recorded for Disclaimer and sound quite different to the originals, did the band have any concerns with changing the songs? Shaun Morgan: We didn't feel like we wanted to simply rerecord the first album, as that would have been redundant, so we approached the songs a little differently the second time around. We went in to the studio, thinking we wanted the album we made to sound a lot heavier than our first attempt, and as a result some of the sounds were slightly different. Other times, in pre-production for the album, we thought we could change some choruses, or bridges, and make the songs better, in our opinion. It's always a compromise, once you get signed to a label. You have to concede some things in order to achieve certain goals that you have. It's very rare for bands to have complete control over their art once they are signed. Absolute Tabs: South Africa has some excellent bands but few of them make it in the international arena (especially the US), what do you think allowed Seether to break into the US market where so many others have failed? Shaun Morgan: I really don't know. That depends on who you ask. Everyone wants to claim it was their expertise, or knowledge, or connections that got us into the States. It's hard to tell. I like to think it's a combination of many things... We were signed to Musketeer Records, who are the coolest label on the planet, and they were far more open-minded than most labels are. They allowed us to be ourselves, and that we really appreciated. They supported us financially, and helped facilitate the showcase we played for Wind-Up Records in New York City. I think a lot of awesome bands are signed to the crap labels in SA, and they don't get any financial support, because those major labels are always concentrating on who's going to make them the quickest buck, and pay for their fancy sports cars. Smaller, independent labels concentrate on the bands and have far fewer albums to try and sell to radio. Bands need all the support they can get, or else they'll disappear. As far as the Nudies, or Sugardrive go, I can't really tell, because I thought both those bands were awesome and should have made it... Absolute Tabs: What are your views on the South African music industry now that you've experienced how the US music industry works? Shaun Morgan: The SA music industry is small, and vindictive and you have to answer to certain assholes that run the show - pretty much the same as everywhere else, I assure you. However, in the US I haven't had the displeasure of meeting the people who think they run the show. In SA they were everywhere and they treated us like crap, probably because we didn't kiss their arses. The industry out here is far more professional, and there are so many people you have to hire, in order to keep it all running smoothly, that it can make your head spin! I love this business!!! Absolute Tabs: How do SA venues compare to those in US? Shaun Morgan: SA venues, in general, have smaller PA systems, and the clubs are generally smaller too. Although, certain places are really jacked up and super professional! Like the Blue Moon, in Nelspruit, or The Doors in Jo'burg. Both venues are extremely pro, considering the circumstances we've grown used to in the US. I'm not bitching about SA, by any means, but the level in the States is so high that you come to expect a certain way of how things are done. I think the crew guys had it the hardest, really, but they were awesome and eventually had a really great time... Absolute Tabs: Your favourite SA venue? Shaun Morgan: Without a doubt, The Doors. Blue Moon, is a close second. But I also love smaller places like The Nile Crocodile in Pretoria, or Churchill's in PMB. It's all about the atmosphere of the place really. I used to love the old Buzz Bar in PMB. That place was awesome!!! Absolute Tabs: How has being a well-known international act changed your personal lives? Shaun Morgan: We really aren't that well known, and if we are - I don't realise it! My relationship with Amy has become a popular topic of discussion in some circles, but in general, I still get around and do normal things like everybody else. Absolute Tabs: Which band/person in the music industry has influenced you the most since moving to the US? Shaun Morgan: The guys in Sevendust have been really good to us. They showed us a good time, and basically treated us as equals from day one. It's amazing how many of the really famous bands are really nice guys. Their live show has been a real inspiration to us, too. They are incredible live, and as far as we're concerned nobody puts on a better show... Absolute Tabs: Tell the readers something cool about Ozzfest. Shaun Morgan: Lots of cool people. Lots of cold beer. Lots of naked people. Lots of heavy music. Lots of cool musicians. It was an experience of a lifetime! Absolute Tabs: Any plans for a live CD or DVD? Shaun Morgan: We are re-releasing our album in June, and it will have some DVD footage. I believe it will have a live show we played in New Hampshire, some behind the scenes stuff and all of our music videos to date. It should be really comprehensive and cool. We'll put out an official DVD next year, or the year thereafter. There hasn't been much talk of DVD's yet. Absolute Tabs: Shaun, I've heard that you dedicate 'Fine Again' to the late Dave Williams at many of Seether's performances, you were obviously very close, can you tell the readers something about Dave? Shaun Morgan: Dave was the loudest, most obnoxious, drunkest guy in the room. But you couldn't help but love him. Or the rest of the Drowning Pool guys, for that matter. They're all real, honest people who would give you the shirt off their backs. Absolute Tabs: Thanks for the opportunity to ask you guys some questions. From myself (and the rest of SA I'm sure), good luck for the future and we hope to see you back in SA soon. Our Thanks to Absolute Tabs Webmaster David Turvey! Interview at: http://www.tabs.co.za/interviews/seether Absolute Tabs Web: http://www.tabs.co.za E-Mail: mailto:webmaster@tabs.co.za Seether & Saron Gas mp3 samplers at: http://www.samp3.com/artists_l_s.html -------------- MORE REVIEWS More reviews can be found at: Open Record Open Record Amuzine Reviews -------------- CLASSIC SA ROCK:
Kurt Shoemaker (Texas), John Samson (London), Tertius Louw, and Brian Currin browse through the best of SA rock - its history, its people, and its music, past, and present. USA FOR AFRICA - Texas-based Kurt Shoemaker gives his unique views on SA music. RABBITT -- 'A CROAK AND A GRUNT IN THE NIGHT' [JO'BURG RECORDS, TJL 13014] 'A Croak and a Grunt in the Night' still sounds good, even if one isn't a teenybopper. If growing up means giving up the better parts of youth, then maturity is not worth it. Besides, these guys are really good, and the proof of the talent are the subsequent musical careers Rabbitt propagated--notably Trevor Rabin whose name now pops up in Hollywood movie credits. But Rabbitt is not a one-man-band, even if "(Rabin)" is all or part of the writing credits for all but three of the songs. Before giving this disc a few spins lately, my deceitful memory led me to expect smooth pop songs, a record heavy on the glossy ballads--but that's only true about half the time. Sure, there's plenty of smooth vocals and pop rock, but there is power aplenty here from these wunderkinder. The title song 'A Croak and a Grunt' barks and bounces along pretty good. 'Sugar Pie' is aggressive Rabbitt, both musically and lyrically. 'Working for the People' throbs along nicely thanks to bassist Rabbitt Ronnie Robot and the duelling guitars in the break. This song was later re-done by the Bay City Rollers when Faure worked with them not only as a talented muso but also in the enviable position of face god. The plaintive 'Hold On to Love' reappears years later on Trevor's solo 'Can't Look Away' under the title 'Hold on to Me', though this version by the youthful Rabin matches the quality of the more mature Rabin's re-recording. The catchy 'Dingley's Bookstore' was written by Duncan Faure. A testimonial to their playing powers, even as men so young, is their uptempo take on Ramsey MacKay's 'Tribal Fence' featuring Margaret Singana. Intricate yet slamming ensemble playing. No one hogs the road, the boys play well together and follow Lady Africa's lead. 'Lonely Loner Too' by Faure ends the album. It is also a nice ensemble number, a pop number with some dominant drums thanks to the backbeat Rabbitt Neil Cloud. There are fourteen tracks on this LP, though some are brief inter-song passages, not complete songs. The rest are a balance between uptempo and easygoing. All together, this layered and textured pop rock record is masterfully made by all involved, including producer Patric van Blerk, who co-wrote some of the songs, and the great Julian Laxton, re-mix engineer. I suppose it might help to be a teenybopper to fully appreciate the boys in Rabbitt, but since I'm not a teenybopper, all I have to go on about is the music--and that satisfies by itself. Rabbitt http://www.rock.co.za/files/rabbitt_index.html Kurt Shoemaker, Blanco, Texas mailto:kurt@sarockdigest.com ---------------------------- A NAARTJIE IN THE UK - London-based John Samson gives his own twist on SA music: COLIN SHAMLEY - 'BORN GUILTY AND OTHER STORIES' (DISC 1) Disc 1 of the double CD 'Born Guilty & Other Stories' is made up of & Other Stories. Disc 2 is where you can find 'Born Guilty' and next week is where you can find a review of this disc. '& Other Stories' is an apt title for this collection of demo's, live tracks and other songs that Dave Marks managed to press the record button at the right time as they were being played. Accordingly the recording quality is not always the best, but hey if you're going to be fussy about that when you are listening to one of the stature of Shamley, then you can stop calling yourself a music lover right now as you just don't qualify. In true folk style, few tracks feature anything other than Colin's guitar and his voice, but he makes full use of both to create a full and beautiful sound. The opener 'Moonlighter' sees Colin in growling smokey blues mode, in contrast to the serious folk of 'Song For Children Of The Revolution' in which Colin's versatile vocals sound vulnerable and pure. Cornelia (she who picked up pebbles) joins Colin for 3 tracks, adding a Joan Baez to Colin's Dylan. The first (and my favourite) of these 3 is 'Johnny's Gun' which was covered by Mike Dickman and tells the story of Johnny who grows up playing with a toy gun, then when his 'call up papers from the army tap him on the shoulder' he plays with real guns. Unable to adjust back to normal life after his time in the army he takes his gun and 'on a tower at rush hour he begins to shoot it'. A chillingly beautiful song. In contrast to this we have the next duet, 'The I Like Song,' which has nothing to do with John Ireland but is 'My Favourite Things' for serious people. Another track that deserves mention is 'Judy Marigold' which is a delightful song about Miss Marigold who does all the things expected of a well bred girl, but 'no-one knows Miss Marigold'. I won't say why no-one knows her as this would be like giving away the ending of a book or film. Colin Shamley is a masterful songwriter and entertainer. Snippets of him talking at live shows highlight his sense of humour which he balances well with the serious politics of some of his songs. The names Lenny Bruce and Bob Dylan have been used in the same breath as Colin Shamley and there's a reason for that. Next week we explore the studio album 'Born Guilty' which takes up most of Disc 2 of this double pack of brilliance. John Samson, London mailto:john@sarockdigest.com ---------------------------- * CHART CHAT: John Samson takes a weekly look at the the SA pop charts from 20, 25, 30 and 35 years ago this week. Despite the hippy era drawing to a close, 1969 saw a strong showing for the title track to probably the definitive hippy musical 'Hair'. The Cowsills took the track to the top in SA, pursued closely by Creedence Clearwater Revival whose first SA chart hit jumped up to number 2. Joe South meanwhile was heading the same way as his name. Andy Williams only had one number 1 in SA - that aptly entitled 'Solitaire'. Aside from this 1974 chart topper, he had 4 other top 20 hits but the 1975 hit 'You Lay So Easy On My Mind' was the only other one to make the top 5. Local artist Lionel Petersen was enjoying his second top 20 hit, but unlike his previous offering 'Come Back Liza' which stalled at 12, 'I Need A Little Love' made top 5. Richard Jon Smith clocked up a 5th week at 1 in 1979 with his re-working of the traditional spiritual 'Michael Row The Boat Ashore'. Canadian Anne Murray followed up her US chart topping feat with 'You Needed Me' by having the song go top 5 in SA. 'The Clap Clap Sound' by Belgium band The Klaxtons took over the top spot from Kenny Loggins in 1984. This track would go on to be the most successful instrumental track to chart in SA. Lower down the chart, Reflex 'Politics of Dancing' joined the rather elite club of song that spent 3 weeks at number 20. However, of these, it was only for 'Off The Wall' by Michael Jackson and Dead Or Alive's 'Brand New Lover' that this would represent their entire chart run. South Africans at number 1 this week: Michael Row The Boat Ashore - Richard Jon Smith (1979) South African New Entries this week: 07-Jun-80 Day Oh / Island In The Sun - Richard Jon Smith 08-Jun-73 That's Why I Love You - Richard Jon Smith 09-Jun-78 So You Win Again - Copperfield 09-Jun-78 Rosie - Gene Rockwell John Samson ---------------------------- LM RADIO CHARTS From this week we will be taking a look back at the LM Radio charts from 35 years ago: LM Top 20 from 25 May 1969 1 [1] Get Back - The Beatles 2 [3] Hair - The Cowsills 3 [4] My Sentimental Friend - Herman's Hermits 4 [7] Proud Mary - Creedance Clearwater Revival 5 [2] Goodbye - Mary Hopkin 6 [11] 1st Of May - The Bee Gees 7 [12] Love Me Tonight - Tom Jones 8 [5] Pinball Wizard - The Who 9 [18] Guitarzan - Ray Stevens 10 [13] Hawai Five O - The Ventures 11 [6] In The Bad Bad Old Days - The Foundations 12 [8] Aquarius/Let The Sunshine In - 5th Dimension 13 [9] My Way - Frank Sinatra 14 [15] Come Back And Shake Me - Clodagh Rodgers 15 [20] Think It All Over - Sandie Shaw 16 [10] Everyday People - Sly And The Family Stone 17 [-] In The Ghetto - Elvis Presley 18 [-] The Boxer - Simon & Garfunkel 19 [14] Sorry Suzanne - The Hollies 20 [-] Happy Heart - Andy Williams Comments: The Beatles saw off Mary Hopkin's challenge for the top spot and enjoyed a 4th week at number 1. 2 of the top 20 were songs from the musical 'Hair' with the Cowsills at number 2 and the 5th Dimension at number 12. Frank Sinatra (13) was joined by another crooner in the shape of Andy Williams (20) while the other 2 new entries were both covered by rather more morbid acts. Elvis' 'In The Ghetto' was covered by Nick Cave while the Red House Painters did a rather mournful version of 'The Boxer'. Biggest mover was Ray Stevens' 'Guitarzan' climbing a massive 9 places to number 9. Previous week's top 5 hits on LM 1 [1] Get Back - The Beatles 2 [5] Goodbye - Mary Hopkin 3 [2] Pinball Wizard - The Who 4 [3] Aquarius/Let The Sunshine In - 5th Dimension 5 [4] Sorry Suzanne - The Hollies (Courtesy of Marius Terblanche from Ladysmith in KZN) ------------------------ BIRTHDAYS JUNE: 7 Tom Jones (born Thomas Jones Woodward, 1940) 7 Dean Martin (born Dino Paul Crocetti, 1917, died 25 December 1995) 8 Nancy Sinatra (1940) 8 Chuck Nagron [3 Dog Night] 9 Jon Lord (1941) [Deep Purple] 10 Howlin' Wolf (born Chester Burnett, 1910, died 10 January 1976) 10 Rick Price [Wizzard] 10 Nick Pentelow [Wizzard] 11 Nielen Mirror (born Nielen Eugene Marais, 1951) [Falling Mirror] 11 Lynsey de Paul 12 Roy Harper 14 Boy George (born George O'Dowd, 1961) 14 Jimmy Lea [Slade] 14 Rod Argent [The Zombies, Argent] 15 Noddy Holder [Slade] 16 Fred Kelly [Rare Bird] 18 Paul McCartney (1942) [The Beatles, Wings] 19 June Dyer (1942) 20 Chet Atkins (1924) 20 Brian Wilson (1942) [Beach Boys] 21 Edwin Starr 21 Ray Davies [The Kinks] 22 Alan Osmond 22 Kris Kristofferson 22 Joe Loss 22 Peter Asher 23 Adam Faith 24 Colin Blunstone 24 Jeff Beck (1944) 25 Carly Simon (1945) 26 Georgie Fame 30 Andy Scott [Sweet]
SOUND SOLUTIONS A Reader's Forum: This is a selection of the email requests, questions, searches, and other pieces of random info we receive each week at the Digest. Sometimes we can assist, other times we look to you, our collectively well-informed readers to contact these writers and help out as well. Thanks if you do....! Send all letters, short contributions, small band-ads, musical questions and other snippets to: soundsolutions@sarockdigest.com ---------------------------- VEE IS HY? Hi, I have been searching for Peter Vee's 'Can we get to that' album. Can you tell me if it is still available? and if so where can I obtain it from. Thanks, Jenny Mailto:jiffrobert@hotmail.com Peter Vee http://www.rock.co.za/files/peter_vee.html -------------- JOCK'S GONE MISSING AGAIN! Hello My name is Beverlee, I was just wondering if it would be at all possible for you to check if you have or could get the CD soundtrack of the original 1986/1987 motion picture of 'Jock of the Bushveld'. I have looked through your stock, but was unable to find it there, but I could have not looked properly. I really hope you could help me with this. Hope to hear from you soon Kind Regards Beverlee Mailto:Beverlee.Potgieter@bank.rennies.co.za ED - Has that soundtrack been given a CD release? There are copies of the vinyl LP at stores like Mabu Vinyl and Vibes Vinyl in Cape Town. -------------- LOOKING FOR JOHN LINDEMAN Hi, I've been featured in one of your editions a while ago and really enjoyed looking back at the early days, thanks for the mention. I would like to know if you have the current contact details of John Lindeman. He played lead guitar in The Hustlers when I was lead singer around 1960-61. I know that he was a recording engineer for Truetone and he lived in Germiston but that's about all I know. Reason being, my daughter is also a singer in Australia and has gone one step further and not only does she sing but writes her own material and one of her songs got into the top 20 finalists as Australian Songwriter of the Year. She has one of her songs currently playing on Groove Fm Radio "Some kinda love". She would like, If you are able to locate John Lindeman, for him to contact her on mailto:tenille.bentley@bigpond.com regarding her first album. There is a lot of interest being generated and she thinks it would be great to also sing in South Africa ~ who knows, stranger things have happened. Kind regards, Al Bentley -------------- DETAILS ON SEAN BERGIN? [In response to a letter on a previous Digest regarding the whereabouts of Sean Bergin] Hi, Sean Bergin has been living in Amsterdam working as Jazz musician and composer for the last 30+ years. He's a well-known figure on the European jazz scene. Try: www.jazzserver.nl/artists/sean.bergin www.svirchev.com/newgallery/photo.php?photo=857&size=default&exhibition=33 His email address is mailto:bergin@xs4all.nl Regards Jannie van Tonder Mailto:jannie@bigband.co.za FMR Jazz Workshop Biggish Band www.work.co.za/userwebs/jannie/JWBB Abstract Truth http://www.rock.co.za/files/at_index.html -------------- EARLY SA FOLKIE Hi There, Do you perhaps know what happened to Jill Kirkland, folk singer from the 60's? Sang among others, 'Katrina' from the movie with the same name. Thanks Heila Mailto:heiladebeer@mweb.co.za -------------- HI FABIO! Hi, I'm Brazilian, my name is Fabio. I have spent some time in England last year, and I met a South African guy called Duncan, who introduced me to a South African band, with music sung in Zulu. It was a compilation CD, and the name of the band was something with three initials, like YKW, or something like this... ?? Now I came back to Brasil and I can't find the name anywhere, its a little pop, hip-hop, with a keyboard line all the way through the song. This is all I can tell about the band. If you guys could help me, I'd appreciate it! Thanks, CHADAD www.vagamente.hpg.com.br/ Mailto:bodhisao77@terra.com.br Ed. - That sounds like TKZee....? -------------- ROOI CHORDS Hi, I am already a subscriber to SA Rock Digest. Am looking for chords/lyrics from an old Afrikaans series 80's - 'Die Rooi Komplot' - theme song. Don't know what it was called but starts off "winter wind gedagtes bring my bewig voor jou deur, winter wind gedagtes ruk my hartklop op en neer .." Remember it?? Stuck in my head all these years and am really keen to try and play it! Thanks, Susan Mailto:smoore@cbre.co.za -------------- CAFÉ SOCIETY - 1985 ALBUM Hi, guys, I'm looking for an album by South African group, Café Society, released by Principal Records (South Africa) around 1985. The band had international Hi-nrg dance hits with, 'Somebody To Love' and 'Relight My Fire', and a massive hit in the SA charts with 'Woodpecker From Space', also around 1985. Anyone have this LP to sell? If so, please contact me at: Mailto:lylegove@hotmail.com Regards Lyle Gove London, England Mailto:lylegove@hotmail.com -------------- WHERE'S BLONDIE? Greetings from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania USA! I'm trying to track down an old friend Blondie Makhene. My last phone number for him was lost when my computer crashed ( I lost phone numbers of everyone I know in SA) I've been searching the internet for any possible way to locate him....can you help? I'd be most grateful for a phone number or e-mail address. Regards, James Eoppolo mailto:production@wxtu.com -------------- "OH NIKITA YOU WILL NEVER KNOW"!!! Hi Guys!! I'm desperately searching for the guitar chords for the song 'Engel' by Karen Zoid!! Can anyone PLEASE help? Nikita Mailto:Jade_F5@Hotmail.com -------------- SIPHO ALBUM Hi, I'm looking for a Sipho Mchunu album called 'Umhlaba Uzobuya'. It must be all of 15 ish years old. If you have a good copy and don't want it anymore and would like to sell it, please email me on Thanks very much, Don Compton mailto:don.compton@daiwasmbc.co.uk -------------- JOHNNY'S IN THE BASEMENT MIXING UP THE METHAPHORS Howzit I sees that youse ous have been living it up in Mozambezi like what Bop Dillin sang about. Well I hope youse missed home and got Some Training In Homesick Blues. Johnny from Boksburg -------------- GOT A QUESTION? Please email any musical questions to editor@sarockdigest.com ----------------------------- SPONSORED BY SOUND SOLUTIONS Sound Solutions is a private music library in Cape Town that offers music searches, and the sourcing and recommending of songs and music soundtracks for television, film, and radio productions and commercials. Contact: Stephen Segerman - (021) 461-9541/423-7635 mailto:soundsolutions@sugarmusic.co.za ----------------- MUSIC SHOPPING ----------------- MABU VINYL & CD Cape Town's finest Record and CD store is now located opposite the Long Street Baths, at the intersection "Where the four streets - Long, Buitensingel, Kloof, and Orange - meet" Mabu is now open 6 days a week and stocks SA and International Record and CD titles, and a growing list of independent SA CD and CD-R releases - including a large range of all the African Dope releases. Latest Vinyl additions: Alan Garrity - 'I Need Someone' (LP) Roy Bulkin - 'Alright Tonight' (LP) Alan Bird - 'Jesus Was A Teenager' (LP) Mike Faure - 'Sax' (LP) Falling Mirror - 'Shattered' (LP) Miriam Makeba - 'Eyes On Tomorrow' (LP) Latest independent SA CD additions: Kallitz - 'Die Ding Ruk Mal' (Mothermix) Serving Suggestion - 'Try Whistling This' (Indie) Hog Hoggidy Hog - 'Oink!' (Indie) Top Sellers (in alphabetical order): 340ml - 'Moving' Arbor - 'Tower Ape' (Indie) Bed On Bricks - 'Humanarium' (Bowline) Bluescream - 'Bluescream' (Independent) Benguela - 'Sui' (Open Record) Chiaroscuro - 'A Definition' (Independent) Dollyrockers - 'The Heat' (Independent) Ezra - 'Funk 'n Roll' (BMG) Brian Finch - 'Never Look Back' (Independent) Fly Paper Jet - 'Live' Fkofpolisiekar - 'As Jy Met Vuur Speel Sal Jy Brand' (Rhythm) freshlyground - 'Jika Jika' (Independent) Forest Moon - 'Forest Moon' (Independent) Godessa - 'Spillage' Goema Captains Of Cape Town - 'Healing Destination' (Mountain) Derek Gripper - 'Blomdoorns' (Open Record) Hog Hoggidy Hog - 'Naked' EP (3 Chord) ISLA - 'Lick The Lion' (Independent) Kalahari Surfers - 'Muti Media' (African Dope) Syd Kitchen - 'Quintessentially' [No Budget] Lions Of Zion - 'Iternal Fire' (Independent) Mitsoo - 'Afterglow' EP (Indie) MoodPhase5ive - 'Steady On' (African Dope) Not The Midnight Mass - 'Live At The Planetarium' (Independent) Russ Nerwich - 'Beyond The Walls' (Independent) Off The Edge - Site Under Construction (Independent) Plush - 'All That Is Should Be' (Independent) The Rudimentals - 'More Fire' (Independent) Sedwick The Salesman - 'The Realisation Of Purpose' Colin Shamley - 'Born Guilty & Other Stories' (2CD set) (3rd Ear Music) Soulja - '21 Gunslut' (Independent) SteveVan - 'Getting Stronger' (Independent) Tumi and the Volume - 'At The Bassline' (Sheer) Various - 'Silvertab Harambe Dope Sessions' (African Dope) Various - 'African Dope Sound System' (African Dope) Various - African Dope Volume 1' [Sony] Various - 'Cape Of Good Dope' (African Dope) Various - 'Breathe Sunshine' (Amabala) Various - 'A Moment In Cape Town' (Revised edition) (Afribeat) Various SA Artists - 'Big Red' - From the TV series 'Going Nowhere Slowly' [Ripchord] Zinkplaat - 'Karoo Poison' EP This week's best-selling CDs at Mabu Vinyl & CD are: 1. "As Jy Met Vuur Speel Sal Jy Brand" - Fokofpolisiekar 2. 'Spillage' - Godessa 3. 'Moving' - 340ml 4. 'Live At The Bassline' - Tumi And The Volume 5. 'Big Red' - Songs from the TV series 'Going Nowhere Slowly' All these South African CD titles are available to customers not in Cape Town: Online at: http://sugarmusic.gemm.com By Email Order from: mailto:mabu@sugarmusic.co.za Please contact: Jacques or Stephen (Ph): 021 423 7635 (Cell): 082 534 6006 mailto:mabu@sugarmusic.co.za Mabu Vinyl & CD Shop 2, Buitenkloof Centre 8 Kloof Street, Gardens. Cape Town 8001 Mabu buys and sells LP's, CD's, DVD's, videos, cassettes, and books. Open Monday to Friday (10-6) and Saturday (10-1) -------------- VIBES VINYL Stadium-on-Main, Main Road, Claremont This week's specials: Central Malay Choir - ' Malay Quarter Vol.2 - Songs of the Cape Malays ' (LP) Jennifer Ferguson - ' Hand around the Heart ' (LP) Jennifer Ferguson - ' Untimely ' (LP) Freedoms Children - ' Astra ' (LP) 1970 original Parlophone release Freedoms Children - ' Astra ' (LP) 1990 PVB re-issue Anton Goosen - ' Boy van die Suburbs ' (LP) John Ireland - ' John Ireland ' (LP) Mauritz Lotz - ' Six string razor ' (LP) John Oakley-Smith - ' Matinees on Saturdays ' (LP) Lloyd Ross - ' Vyfster ' (LP) New record accessories, now in stock at Vibes Vinyl:- - Turntable replacement needles available from us. - We have a wide range of 12" Maxi Singles in stock. - Now available: soft plastic sleeves for 7" Singles. We pay top prices for top quality. Want Lists Welcome! Call us at: 021-683 5676 Postal address: PO Box 24045, Claremont, 7735. mailto:vibesvinyl@mweb.co.za Website catalogue now also at Gemm and Netsounds: http://www.vibesvinyl.gemm.com and http://www.netsoundsmusic.com/vibesvinyl -------------------- GEMM GEMM is your best online source for those otherwise impossible-to-find music titles on Record or CD! http://sugarmusic.gemm.com -------------------- THE DIGEST CLASSIFIED ADS ----------------------------- To advertise in this section please email: editor@sarockdigest.com -------------- MUSOLIST ONLINE Hi, There is now a Musolist for SA Musicians, by SA Musicians....! You can find it at: http://johannesburg.musolist.com/ -------------- BASS PLAYER WANTED Hi, I'm a female, 24, and a rhythm guitarist and lead vocalist in our band (no still no name - waiting to get one more member and include that person in the name choosing). We are based in Benoni, Gauteng and have been searching for a Bass player for our band, but we just haven't come right. Any advice? Are you able to assist? Our band is a rock band with a bit of influence from Heavy Metal and Alternative music - keeping our market open. I anticipate hearing from you, My cellular number is 072 572 5122 and Paul (the lead guitarist) is 083 451 3058. Sincerely, Binks Mailto: Binks@mighty.co.za -------------- LAUGH IT OFF ANNUAL SUBMISSIONS WANTED Hi, Laugh It Off is a Cape Town-based company specialising in youth-oriented media, most famous for its funny, satirical t-shirts. Last year, our sense of humour landed us in court when South African Breweries (SABMiller) sued us for our "Black Labour: White Guilt" t-shirt. Later this year our case will be heard in Bloemfontein's Appeal Court. Laugh It Off also provides young South Africans with a great outlet for their fears, frustrations, thoughts and dreams. The Laugh It Off of South African Youth Culture (Volume 1) was a showcase for truly original South African talent. We have sold out of our 7000 print-run and now we're planning the follow-up: The Laugh It Off Annual Vol 2 (Smart name! - Ed). We're looking for submissions from young South Africans who are aware, media-savvy and passionate about what affects them. Submissions could take the form of mock advertising campaigns, short stories, indepth op-ed's about social or political concerns, short film scripts, photographs, poems, illustrations, cartoons or cool graffiti: anything that expresses what young South Africans are thinking, feeling and experiencing. Please send all submissions to Laugh it Off by June 30, 2004. Submissions should be sent as attachments to annual@laughitoff.co.za Check out our website - www.laughitoff.co.za or contact Tash on (021) 461 5579 for more details. -------------- SUBMIT YOUR SONGS TO 'GOING NOWHERE SLOWLY' The 'Going Nowhere Slowly' crew are still looking for new SA songs for possible inclusion on the TV series soundtrack. So while there's still time you can send your CD and a short biog to: Aidan Harper Ripchord PO Box 12540 Mill Street Cape Town 8010 -------------- RIPCHORD STUDIOS Ripchord is offering some special recording deals. For the month of May only we will be charging only R900.00 per day. Please phone Aidan on 424 3810 or 083 730 5549 to book recording space in our 16-track digital studio. The rehearsal rooms are also cooking! - Fully air-conditioned, vocal PA etc Check the website - www.ripchord.co.za - from R40.00 per hour. To book rehearsal rooms - please phone Steve on 424 3810 (o/h) or 072 519 0601 Call for music teachers: Ripchord Studios have not only a digital 16-track recording studio but also have three air-conditioned PA-equipped practice rooms. These rooms normally operate from 5pm to 11pm, although we do have facilities for bands that wish to rehearse during the day. We are looking for anyone who wishes to use our rooms for music tuition when bands are not rehearsing. We are situated in the middle of town on the corner of Long and Longmarket Streets (2nd Floor 157 Longmarket Street to be exact!). Any interested parties can phone Steve or Aidan on 424 3810 o/h. Call for songwriters: Ripchord Studios also has a post-production facility for film work... features, commercials, music videos etc. We have two sister companies: Sting Models (who provide models, cast & characters for the film industry) and Crewsaders Film and TV Crewing Agency (who provide crew for the film sets). We are looking for budding songwriters who are interested in writing music for commercials, soundtracks etc. and are currently putting together a showreel to market to the industry. We are looking for all genres of music. Please call Aidan on either +27 21 424 3810 o/h or 083 730 5549 for more info. Any bands interested in making music videos can also call us on the above numbers. Ripchord's sister company, STING MODELS, is looking for rock and pop star look-alikes! Sting supplies characters and cast to feature films, commercials and music videos. So if you reckon you look like Robbie Williams, Britney or even Mozart - then give Heidi a call on 424 3810 for a screen test! ----------------------- RECORDS RESTORED TO CD Have your favourite LP transferred to CD with full colour label and box printing. We restore the LP music/tracks in order to extract the original sound, before transferring them to CD. Only single copies are made and returned with the LP. What is done... 1. Firstly, your precious LP is put through our professional record cleaning machine to ensure that we start with as pure an original sound as possible. 2. We then play the record on the very best audiophile equipment (Thorens turntable, SME arm with Shure V15-III cartridge) and capture the music at a high sample rate, into our "Top of the Range" computer. 3. The Vinyl background noise and "Fried Eggs" sounds are gently removed from the recording. 4. Any remaining "Pops" or "Clicks" are isolated and repaired and the tracks are separated as on the original LP. 5. Then, and only then, do we copy the sound to CD. 6. Finally, the LP cover is scanned front and rear, reduced to fit and printed in full glorious colour. A label is printed for the disc itself in full colour, as on the original. There is a range of prices from R65.00 to R120.00 - depending on the postage costs, and the required and desired degree of cleanup on your single copy. Contact: Terence Tel: 021-787-0205 or Cell: 082-939-077 Email: Mailto:tegner@absamail.co.za -------------- SOUTH AFRICAN MUSIC QUOTA COALITION Support the SAMQC, as this SA musicians' initiative, looking to greatly increase the amounts of SA music played on the nation's radio stations. Join the movement, sign up, or read more at http://www.samqc.org.za --------------- RODRIGUEZ One of the most frequently Asked Questions on the Sugarman.org Forum is where to buy Rodriguez CDs. Well, you can buy Rodriguez CDs online at One World ---------------------------- DIGEST CLASSIFIEDS DETAILS * To have your advert featured in the Digest Classifieds, and to find out the prices to do so, contact mailto:sugar@cd.co.za The Digest Classified sections are sponsored by: SUGAR MUSIC http://www.sugarmusic.co.za Contact: Stephen Segerman - sugar@cd.co.za LIVE MUSIC
RECOMMENDED SA GIGS See http://www.sagigs.com UPCOMING EVENTS ------------------- Full details at http://www.SAgigs.com SYD KITCHEN - Durban based cultural guerrilla Syd Kitchen will be touring overseas for the next two months. Timed to coincide with the release of his latest album 'Quintessentially Syd Kitchen', the guitarist, singer/song fighter has embarked on his 'Empire Strikes Back' tour that takes in performances in England (see review below), Wales, Norway, Denmark and the USA, including an appearance at the prestigious Glastonbury Festival in late June. ........Breaking Gig News!!!! Additional Syd Kitchen gig on Tuesday 8 June at the Royal Exchange, 57 Hartland Road, Camden. See 'Live In London' section below. KOBUS! - Live at The Mercury in Cape Town on Saturday 12 June with new band members, Paul Blom (drums) and Rob Nel (bass) with special guests 'The Uninvited'. ARNO CARSTENS - Fresh from his SAMA Award for 'Best Rock Album' for 'Another Country', Arno will be playing some gigs in Durban, cape Town and around Gauteng with various combos of New P*rn 340ML - Currently promoting their wonderful album, 'Moving', the group will be playing some gigs in Cape Town before heading off for a London concert. GUY BUTTERY - After nearly a year, Guy Buttery will return to perform solo on Sunday 13th June at 7pm at Home again, on on the corner of Windermere and Innes Road on the Berea in Durban. LUNA - One of the most exciting vocalists to emerge from South Africa this decade, will be performing in Gauteng and Pretoria in July this year, to promote her self-titled CD 'Luna'. GOTH INDUSTRIAL GATHERING 2004 - Introducing Cape Town's first Goth Supergroup, "Revelus". The show will be something to see, complete with intelligent lighting and pyros. 26 June 2004 - Mercury Live Cape Town FUZIGISH - The 'Exploited and Distorted Tour '04' kicked off with the big launch party at the Roxy in JHB last Saturday night and now heads off across the country. PIET BOTHA - Back from his Mozambique jaunt, Piet has a string of dates lined up in June in Gauteng DELTA BLUE AND BED ON BRICKS - These two popular Cape bands are heading in the right direction with great upcoming plans for the year and great shows to keep your social schedule up and running. THE INDEPENDENT ARMCHAIR THEATRE - This week's line-up includes Dino Miranda, Polstar and Ryghard Kapp, Straight and Narrow , 340ml, Superfine - In Lower Main Road, Observatory, Cape Town. THE RUDIMENTALS - Cape Town's ska-punk sensations have lined up a national tour from Saturday 26 June - Saturday 3 July - Look out for posters and flyers in your area! ------------ GIG FOCUS ------------ SUGARDRIVE TO LAUNCH NEW CD After a recording gap of four years, and a two-year sabbatical, Sugardrive are back with a brand new album. 'Love etc...' - described as "an apocalyptic symphony of love-gone-good and love-gone-bad, the battlefield of the bedroom". The celebration of the release of this new recording (i.e the launch - Ed.) takes place at the world famous Blues Room, in the Village Walk Centre, Rivonia on Wednesday 9 June at 9pm - no couvert charge www.sugardrive.com -------------- LUNA SET TO SHINE IN GAUTENG AND PRETORIA Luna, one of the most exciting vocalists to emerge from South Africa this decade, will be performing in Gauteng and Pretoria in July this year, to promote her self-titled CD, 'Luna' (another smart title - Ed.). This talented 24-year-old singer/ songwriter from Stellenbosch has been seducing South Africans with her powerful, yet haunting voice and piano-based sound for the past four years. Early last year she was joined by Francois Kruger (Springbok Nude Girls) on drums, Tinus van Dyk on guitar and mandolin and Barry Steenkamp (Akkedis) on bass and electric guitar to record the self-titled 7-track 'Luna'. This piano-based debut recording is a sensual fusion of folk, blues and jazz, rich with the soulful lilt of Luna's powerful voice. Luna will be performing songs from her debut album, as well as a selection of new material in Gauteng and Pretoria from the 1st - 10th July 2004. See all those tour dates at http://www.sagigs.com LUNA on 082 859 2420 or Mailto:lunamanagement@webmail.co.za Luna's CD is available for purchase at: http://www.oneworld.co.za/searchresults.asp?affilliateid=4321&artist=luna Listen to Luna at: http://www.SAmp3.com/artists_l_s.html -------------- RP STUDIOS EMERGING SOUNDS COMPETITION Emerging Sounds still has three record deals courtesy of Sheer Music to give to three bands or groups over the next ten months. Would your group like the opportunity of recording ten tracks at RP Studios and having the album released through a record company? Swallow 15 were the first band to be awarded the Sheer Music record deal at the first quarterly final recently - will your band or group be one of the next three? Bookings are now open for bands and groups for the June weekly Johannesburg legs as well as the monthly Pretoria and Durban legs plus the Nelspruit and Bloemfontein legs also take place this month. The next Vaal leg takes place in July. So if your group or band is based in one of these regions then here is the perfect opportunity for you to kick-start your musical career. If your group or band has five original songs and aged 18 and over then phone the Squire on 082 770 7524 to enter or for further information. (Remember should your group or band get through to the Quarterly Final then you must have ten songs ready to record with Darryl Torr). This event is open to all groups and bands irrespective of musical style including pop, rock, kwaito, hip-hop, punk, metal, r 'n b in fact all forms of music are welcome as long as the group or band comprises of a minimum of three members and a maximum of seven. If you are serious about your music then call the Squire on 082 770 7524 and book your place in what could become musical history. See all upcoming RP Studios Emerging Sounds Competition gig dates at: http://www.sagigs.com -------------- SA PUNK*SKA*METAL*HARDCORE By Daniel Neville HOG HOGGIDY HOG - 'OINK!' [INDIE] Hog Hoggidy Hog have done it again and this time cooked us a really tasty roast in the form of their latest album release 'OINK!' 'OINK!' is their third full length CD and, although the others are unique and excellent on their own, OINK! beats all the other pigs to the trough. It consists of six songs that have been gracing their live shows recently, and six more brand new, never heard before, trotter licking morsels that you can smack your lips over. OINK! is a very varied CD with songs like 'Cold Fusion', that pumps the adrenaline around your body at 100km an hour and then takes you into a melodic almost jazzy breakdown. Then you slip and slide into songs like 'Willy White', that takes it down a few notches and demonstrates the more well known third wave ska side of the Hogs. At the other end of the sty, 'African Son' and 'So Long' both show a very interesting move towards being proudly South African. 'So Long' has T-Boss from the Rudimentals doing some very effective backing vocals - I think he is saying something about singing ska tunes in the shower! And if you don't believe that a punk/ska band could sound truly African, then wait till you hear their punked up version of Juluka's 'Great Heart'. The African theme aside these little piggy's have always been true punks at heart and 'Flag Of Freedom' shows that pigs can think politically too. My personal favourites on 'OINK!' are 'No One Heard' and 'The Great Escape', both of which make me want to become a Hog myself. All in all, 'OINK!' works because it is outstandingly recorded and produced, and the level of musicianship (or should I say hogmanship) is extremely high. I suppose that such a variety of songs, like 'Aunty Trish' (a song about a highly-strung aunt who makes George behave properly) and 'Loop Street Generation' (a nostalgic song about the street in central Cape Town), helps as well. The Hogs really layer the applesauce on thick with 'OINK!' and when you lay your greasy hands on a copy you will savour it right down to the last bit of crackling. [DN] LISTEN: Visit http://www.SAmp3.com to download 'Flag of Freedom' and 'African Son' before you go grab yourself a copy of the full CD. -------------- SA Punk Gig Guide: ------------- Fri 11 June - London Calling - Johannesburg - R30, 9pm Fuzigish Album Launch Supported by: Two Strikes Against Fri 11 June - Rock Cafe - Witbank - R20, 9pm With guests: ATFN Soul Monkey Soil 7T7 Sat 12 June - The Dungeon - Johannesburg - R20, 9pm The Terrorists Gross Misconduct The Stevie Wonderfuls Sat 12 June - Spaanchemat River Road,Contantia AOG -Cape Town - R15, 7pm Serving Suggestion One Good Reason Daniel Neville mailto:daniel@neville.za.net ----------- LIVE IN LONDON ----------- ERIK WINRICH Due to circumstances beyond his control, Erik Windrich has had to move last week's gig at the Troubadour to 9 June at the same venue. ---------------------- HEADING TO HEADINGTON Syd Kitchen At the Headington Festival Of Music And Dance, Headington 5 June 2004 Headington is a small town just outside of that well-known university town of Oxford. It is also home to an annual festival of music and dance and this year we ex-pats were fortunate enough to have one of SA's top talents on show in the form of our hippiest hippy, one Syd Kitchen. Syd's slot was in one of the local pubs called The Royal Standard, which is a typical English pub and which had a fair sprinkling of locals who were there for the drinking rather than the music. However as our man kicked off there was generally speaking a good reception of his music with several nods of approval, especially when he went into the more complex guitar playing of 'When The Boogie Dies' and 'Amakoologik'. His half an hour slot drew from all areas of his career, including material from all his previous releases as well as, I believe, a track from his upcoming Bafa Bafo album. With his long locks flying, eyes closed and his colourfully-sandaled feet fairly pounding out the rhythm, it was good to finally see the man in the flesh after having thus far been confined to enjoying his music in the comfort of my own living room. Admittedly it was probably not the greatest venue for the gig and the sound quality wasn't the best, but The Ama-hippy was ama-kool and all I can say is Ama-fan [John Samson] Please note!! There will be an additional Syd Kitchen gig on Tuesday 8 June at the Royal Exchange, 57 Hartland Road, Camden Read http://www.rock.co.za/files/syd_index.html Listen http://www.samp3.com/artists_e_k.html Buy http://www.oneworld.co.za/searchresults.asp?affiliateid=4321&artist=kitchen ------------------- LIVE IN SA ----------- ONE GOOD REASON & THREE CHORD THORY The Mercury Lounge, Cape Town, Wed. 19 May. I'm trying really hard to think of One Good Reason not to diss the aforementioned band. Young and talented, they could be Idols or Pop Stars just like their obvious influence, Blink 182. Cool? Some trendies may think so but Blink 182 are not Punk and never will be. Hello! Time to go back to the Old School. Three Chord Theory made a triumphant return to the SA. Punk scene although this was their 5th gig. (Is it?) Made up of the ex guitarist/vocalist/songwriter of Diminished Return, drummer of Immortal Slave, guitarist of The Fred Kennedy's and a dynamic bass player, Three Chord Theory are a REAL Punk Band! The sound is loud and fast, with angry lyrics dealing with socio-political issues of which George Bush is an obvious target. Far from a Diminished Return it is much needed right now with all the problems in Iraq, Zimbabwe and, well, right here. Old classics like 'Murder Incorporated', 'Wonder' and 'Free Country' have more relevance now while the newer songs like 'Uncle Sam', 'Better Education' and 'F*****g Shame' need to be heard by anyone who cares about this or any other country. No really... Three Chord Theory are also highly infectious without being commercial and the powerful angry vocals are backed up by all. You feel like singing along, feel like moshing because it feels like and is Punk Rock. Unlike the Pop Punk US-styled bands, these dudes have more of a British Punk/Oi sound (Stiff Little Fingers) with Clash like Ska. Enough said. If you want to see, feel, hear REAL PUNK be at Club Evol (ex Stags Head) on Friday 18 June. Three Chord Theory will be playing with Cape Town's all-girl Punk Band Mitsoo who remind one of The Slits (U.K. '70's Punk Band). Anarchy again, the battle rages on...!! P.S. There is a small club in New York's Lower East Side called The Mercury Lounge where The Strokes played before hitting the big time. Hmmm. [Ernie Pap] -------------- THE ROAD TO MALONGANE [Katvrou was amongst the group that accompanied Piet Botha on his short tour to Mozambique last week] There's this remote little place just across the Mozambican border. 
You can get there if your vehicle has a diff-lock, or if you're driving with the owner of a vehicle with a diff-lock. You beat the tarmac and get machine-cappuccinos from Engen stations for more than eight hours, then do the leg-stretch thing at the border, get your passport stamped and quietly sulk about your coolerbox heating up. You gulp your last cold beer and check out the white sandy road snaking right up to the horizon. The scenic but precariously erratic 15 km drive to Malongane stays locked in your memory - complete with bumps, deep front-wheel dips and the odd beer spill over your shorts.
Guaranteed - you will feel the sun kiss your face and you might even detach yourself from that office in the city. To the tune of "Buffalo Soldier, stolen from Africa…" you will stare at the ghostly wind-beaten trees with their tousled green toupees and you will want to buy the begging children running next to the car some clothes and food. Wipe their noses. Give them smiles. And maybe your neck or left ribcage will catch some whiplash. You will cling to the roof rack like a demented gerbil monkey while praying feverishly that you've packed enough skivvies. You do this because you want to see how Jack Hammer rocks a rustic resort until the beach crabs walk sideways no more. You might also do this because you'd like to catch a few scuba dives and peruse the coral reef just behind the first glistening emerald swells of the Indian Ocean. This can be done with a tent, sunscreen, some Peaceful Sleep or green coils to burn, the odd Disprin and the usual camping/Oppikoppi gear. Or, if you feel like splurging, stay in the log cabins or the bush tents on the wooden decks. And you can lock your tent, I kid you not. The first night slips quietly into the dark sky. We sit around the fire and Piet Botha tugs pensively on the strings of his mellow guitar. Nobody speaks. There's just the occasional clink of a Jack Daniel's bottle against an enamel cup. The burning wood spits and hisses, and Piet Botha sings the blues. Soundman Conrad sits at Piet's feet, rocks his head to the rhythm of the guitar and murmurs the words of an unknown song. I crawl into my tent with the image of old blues, slow Amarula, a thousand fire tongues against the night and a whispery voice fixing some rest in my soul. Friday breezes into the upper deck bar with several bushy-tailed divers offering exuberant recalls of an early morning dive ending in a swim with a school of about fifty dolphins. The same electricity is felt later that night - just after the spitbraai. 
The entertainment area is packed with eager bods when Jack Hammer steps up to guitars and drumset. Johnathan Martin on lead guitar is overdressed in shoes while Piet Botha and Tertius du Plessis take the floor with sandy toes. They have ample room to move and with Conrad's sound teetering on a pinhead, everything just explodes into over three hours of heated, rugged kick-ass music - the voice of ROCK. Unrestrained. Honest, rough and bare to the bone, Baby.
We get a blistering "Russian and Chips", a standing ovation for Jono with his lusciously evil solo in "Mamba", entire rows of heads moshing to "G8", Piet's screaming Fender and Jono's "Don't try to calm me down, don't try to calm me down, NO!", there's the slow sad "Kind Hearted Woman", and yes. Several insanely fast but mind-blowing exchanges between Duke on drums and Tertius with that grey shark of a bass guitar, Jono and Piet with bullets, guns and flying mud in the trenches of "Goeienag Generaal" - and our fists in the air with "En toe ek weer so kyk, het 'n AK jou f*cked-up geskiet!!!!" And then. Five little boys who dance with wide eyes and bare feet in front of Piet. His grin when he comes out of the guitar and sees them. How he keeps watching them with pure amazement in his eyes. And our shrieks for the four dudes in Jack Hammer, beer bottles in the air, songs screamed word for word out of Piet's throat, and the eventual late-night stumble over the silent white sand to your tent. Where that voice asks again: "What did you do for your brother today …" At the breakfast table we uncover the impromptu Malongane Bash lingo. Ghoofel - snorkeling when you're ghoofed. Groapies - rock band roadies with an inclination to grope. Allamapstieks! - a Conradesque exclamation that befits any bloody thing, from mild surprise up to sheer unadulterated dismay. I'm the Sandman - when snorkeling offers no aquatic wildlife, only billows of ocean bed sand in your goggles. Twelve o' Clock Dive - skinny-dipping. Snorfing - surfing a caffeine high by snorting Ricoffy. The Jack Hammer gig on Saturday night at Ponto Da Oura leads to unruly and borderline lascivious behaviour, especially among several warm-blooded females (local and foreign), possibly due to the four dudes looking and working sharp like a mean marlin's nozzle. The venue is Café Del Mar, it's just after nine, and outside the wind is a total bitch. Succulent prawns with that feisty Mozambican flavour are scoffed by the dozen and washed down with cool foamy drafts. Jack Hammer scowls, strums and growls. "The Fisherman", another livid green "Mamba", "Sarajevo" and the exquisitely beautiful "Pilgrim" are given to music junkies, divers, strangers, restaurant staff, the camera team, people who feel music on their skin. Duke promptly turns into an octopus and ravages drums and cymbals with a grimace equal to an ecstasy where words have no place. The sound is a maniac, its wicked quality right up there with the Southern Cross. We dance and mosh, shout the lyrics, sway some hips, some drown in the blues, drink shooters and sweat, while some roaming blokes from Ballito exclaim from the front row, totally bamboozled: "These guys should get a CD out!!" While sleeping bags are rolled up and tents fluffed down, memories stand clear as dawn on the beach. The whale shark swimming in 13-m deep water at Paradise Point. The crisp lettuce in those decadent bowls of Greek salad. The mozzies hovering hopefully in front of your shower door. The bloated rubberboats bobbing over choppy blue water towards yet another diving high. Piet Botha handing out his money to the astonished locals at the border post. The rhythmic lulling sound of the waves at night. The gargantuan and utterly scrumptious portions of golden crispy grilled chicken dished up at Malongane's restaurant - that eating haven with its shark-teeth ceiling. The skinny brown stick-bug glaring at you from the bottom of the wash basin while you brush your chompers. The comfort of two jerseys, Woolies longjohns and a warm body next to yours against the sudden night chill. And Malongane. A quiet place where you leave your shadows behind - but Jack Hammer. Ah yes. Jack Hammer you take with you. Katvrou Jack Hammer http://www.jackhammer.co.za Piet Botha http://www.pietbotha.com --------------------- SA GIG GUIDE The SA Rock Digest list of recommended gigs can now be found at: http://www.SAgigs.com. If you cannot access SAgigs.com then e-mail gigs@sarockdigest.com?subject=gigguide and we will e-mail the gig guide to you each week. Please send all gig info to sugar@sagigs.com in a plain text e-mail. SA Music Links And Resources
SA MUSIC LINKS: THE SA ROCK ENCYCLOPEDIA WEBLINKS PAGE: Links to the world of SA Rock - artists, gig guides, resources, record labels, recording studios, music trivia and more at: http://www.sarockdigest.com/links ---------------------------- SA MUSIC RESOURCES: THE SA ROCK DIGEST ON SAFM (104-107KHz) THE BRUCE MILLAR SHOW - MONDAY EVENINGS @ 9.15PM Stephen Segerman, Digest co-editor, talks to Bruce Millar about SA music news, new releases, and charts from each week's Digest. ---------------------------- SA ROCK DIGEST CONTACT DETAILS: SUBSCRIPTIONS: To subscribe to The SA Rock Digest - please send an e-mail to: subscribe@sarockdigest.com Address changes - please send an e-mail to: subscribe@sarockdigest.com To unsubscribe - please send a blank e-mail to: unsubscribe@sarockdigest.com ---------------------------- SA ROCK DIGEST BACK ISSUES http://www.sarockdigest.com/archives Online and keyword searchable ---------------------------- PRESS RELEASES & CONTRIBUTIONS Please submit all press releases, contributions, reviews, requests, searches and comments to sugar@sarockdigest.com ---------------------------- EDITORS Any thoughts, requests, problems, complaints, praise or interesting and relevant SA music news, CDs, or mp3s... please contact: Stephen Segerman sugar@sarockdigest.com Brian Currin http://www.vagabond.za.net/contact ---------------------------- MAIN CONTRIBUTORS BC - Brian Currin SS - Stephen Segerman JS - John Samson KS - Kurt Shoemaker CL - Carina Laubscher (Katvrou) TL - Tertius Louw DN - Daniel Neville NN - Nadia Neophytou WM - Wicked Mike DM - David Marks LR - Lindsay Ravenscroft DS - Don Sweeto LAD - LAD EP - Ernie Pap MC - Michael Currin (Curmic) FB - Francis Bryan JFB - Johnny From Boksburg And others too numerous to mention, but gratefully acknowledged! Proofed by Ronx A SUGAR MUSIC PRODUCTION |
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