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SA RECORD COMPANIES
David Gresham Records, EMI, Fresh Music, Gallo, M.E.L.T 2000, Musketeer
Primedia Music, Sheer Sound, SonyBMG, Street Level, Third Ear Music, Rhythm, Universal, and USM
SOUND SOLUTIONS
Looking for an album, song or musician? Got a question? Ask Sugar!

www.sugarman.org - the Official Rodriguez website
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Contents

This week's contents:

Editorial: The week in brief
News: Vusi Mahlasela, OppiKoppi 10, Living Music Workshop, Kallitz, Battle Of The Bands, Clasic rock on SA Radio.
Charts: SA Rock Digest MP3 and Album Charts
New Releases: New SA MP3's and CD's, 340ml, Serving Suggestion, Hex, Happy 420, Off The Edge, Hits, Memories, and Obscurities: Wild Warriors, David Kramer.
Classic SA Rock: USA For Africa - ''They Keep Spinning And Spinning''; 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, Antipathy, Eric Windrich, Syd Kitchen, Kallitz, RP Studios, The Tornados, Hog Hoggidy Hog.
SA Music Links And Resources: Contact Details

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Editorial

THE WEEK IN BRIEF

2004 is turning into another very busy international year for Vusi Mahlasela, the man they call "The Voice".... There is news about the stages, artists and tickets for the upcoming 10th OppiKoppi Festival in Northam ... After a month's break, the Living Music Workshop Series is back with another month of informative and FREE workshops catering for all aspects of the music industry

We have two sets of double tickets to the celeb-studded launch of the new Kallitz debut album, 'Die Ding Ruk Mal' at the Long Street Cafe on Tuesday night (15 June) ... Dockside have announced that the 2004 Battle Of The Bands will again take place at their venue from July through August

New MP3's from 340ML ('Midnight'), Serving Suggestion ('Sky Is Falling'), Hex ('Sonskynkind'), Happy 420 ('What You Doing?'), and Off The Edge ('Site Under Construction') .... We have part 3 of Brian Currin's retro series, 'Hits Memories and Obscurities', called 'Wild Warriors' ... David Kramer explains the events and inspiration behind his 'Karoo Kitaar Blues' and new 'Huistoe' albums ...

Kurt Shoemaker looks over three SA albums that have impressed him a lot over the past few months ... John Samson sent us part 2 of his review of the newly reissued Colin Shamley double-CD .... John also sent us reviews of Erik Windrich's gig at The Troubadour in Earl's Court on the 9th of June and Syd Kitchen's gig at The Royal Exchange a day earlier.

We have Daniel Neville's interview with new rock band Antipathy .... and all this week's top SA Punk gigs ... There is more news on the progress of the 2004 RP Studios Emerging Sounds competition .... Ernie Pap was at the Mercury to see The Tornados .... And we have a report-back from the Hogs' 'Oink!' launch at the 3 Arts in Plumstead last week.

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.

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[]   SA TOP SELLING CDS AT ONE WORLD
    []
1. Rodriguez - Cold Fact
2. Ipi Tombi - Original Cast Recording
3. Freshlyground - Jika Jika
4. Blomkrag - Boerecountry
5. Cashless Society - African Raw Material Vol 1
6. The Thula Project - SA Lullabies
7. Saron Gas - - Fragile
8. Rodriguez - After The Fact
9. Moses Molelekwa - Finding One's Self
10. Chris de Burgh - Live In SA
[]
   

Springbok Top 10 songs
15/20/25/30 Years Ago

    []
Supplied by John Samson

35 YEARS AGO (13 June 1969)

1 [2] Proud Mary - Creedence Clearwater Revival
2 [1] Hair - The Cowsills
3 [12] My Sentimental Friend - Herman's Hermits
4 [3] Indian Giver - 1910 Fruitgum Company
5 [5] First Of May - Bee Gees

30 YEARS AGO (14 June 1974)

1 [1] Solitaire - Andy Williams
2 [2] Seasons In The Sun - Terry Jacks
3 [3] Loving Arms - Dobie Gray
4 [6] The Air That I Breathe - The Hollies
5 [4] Dark Lady - Cher

25 YEARS AGO (15 June 1979)

1 [1] Michael Row The Boat Ashore - Richard Jon Smith
2 [2] I Will Survive - Gloria Gaynor
3 [3] Baby It's You - Promises
4 [4] Heart Of Glass - Blondie
5 [6] Chiquitita - Abba

20 YEARS AGO (15 June 1984)

1 [1] Clap Clap Sound - Klaxtons
2 [2] Footloose - Kenny Loggins
3 [4] Girls Just Wanna Have Fun - Cyndi Lauper
4 [3] Happy Station - Fun Fun
5 [5] 99 Red Balloons - Nena

* See 'Chart Chat' in 'Classic SA Rock' section below.

[]
   

Top 50 New SA Music Titles

    []
Available at One World

1. Kobus - '100% Skuldgevoelvry'
2. The Tripps - '20/20 Vision Volume 1'
3. David Abbate - 'All The Best'
4. Colin Shamley - 'Born Guilty & Other Stories'
5. Various Artists - 'Going Nowhere Slowly' (2CD)
6. Ezra - 'Funk 'n Roll'
7. Muse String Quartet - 'My Dance'
8. Tree63 - 'The Answer To The Question'
9. Various Artists - 'North Sea Jazz Festival 2000 - 2004'
10. Hugh Masekela - 'The Collection'
11. Rus Nerwich - 'Beyond The Walls'
12. Sakhile - 'Togetherness'
13. Mahube - 'Qhubeka'
14. Louis Mhalanga - 'Tinganekwane ....'
15. Anke - 'By Heart'
16. Off The Edge - 'Site Under Construction'
17. Hawk - 'Africa She Too Can Cry'
18. The Dollyrockers - 'The Heat'
19. Mean Mr Mustard - 'Best Of'
20. Justin Bergh - 'Out Of My Hands'
21. Nianell - 'Angel Tongue'
22. Fuzigish & Frenzal Rhomb - 'The Unwanted Traveller'
23. Mzwake Mbuli - 'Mbulism'
24. Mbongeni Ngema - 'Libuyile (Songs Of Freedom)'
25. Thandiswa - 'Zabalaza'
26. Xolisa - 'Times'
27. Lusanda Spiritual Group - 'Bathi Bayamazi'
28. Various Artists - 'Tales Of Gospel SA - Choral & Contemporary'
29. Ntando - 'Kwantu'
30. Joyous Celebration - 'Joyous Celebration 8 - To Be Free'
31. Lundi - 'Ngiyabonga'
32. Rebecca & Tsepo - 'The Queen Of Gospel And The Village Pope'
33. ANC - 'Uyamemeza uJesu Uthi ANC'
34. Tribute To Tebza (Mafikizolo) - 'Tebza Wa Rock'
35. Various Artists - 'Yizo Yizo 3'
36. Mandoza - 'Mandoza' Various Artists - 'Moyo - Sophisticated African Music'
37. MacAngel - 'Summer In Berlin'
38. Adam Tas - 'My Memories In 'n Menthol'
39. Leon Schuster - '2 in 1 Special Edition'
40. Arno Carstens - 'Another Universe'
41. Oliver Mtukudzi - 'Tsivo'
42. Mzekezeke - 'Storotoro'
43. Freshlyground - 'Jika Jika'
44. Benguela - 'SUI'
45. Tait - 'Back Seat Driver'
46. Rodriguez - 'Coming From Reality'
47. Piet Botha - 'Die Mamba'
48. Mike Ratu Makhalamele - 'The Very Best Of'
49. Bushmen Of The Kalahari - '!Ngubi Tietie'
50. Tumi And The Volume - 'At The Bassline'

  []
   

WORTH BUYING

    []
The 5 Sugar currently recommends...

1 Various - 'Big Red (Songs From 'Going Nowhere Slowly')'
A double-CD set of original SA songs from the new bunch of SA artists – including Seven Day Story, Wayne Pauli, The Dollyrockers, Stevan Band, Jo Day - as featured on the soundtrack of the very popular TV travel series.


2 Benguela - 'Sui'
A trippy and quite unique double-CD from Benguela, the Cape Town trio who improvised and recorded this album in front of a live audience, and then got some top producers to remix the tracks for the extra CD. Essential!.

3 Rus Nerwich - 'Beyond The Walls '
An emotional collection of songs from the Ghettos and concentration camps of Europe, given sensitive, contemporary jazz arrangements by Rus Nerwich, a new, highly-rated saxophonist on the Cape Town scene.

4 Fokofpolisiekar - 'As Jy Met Vuur Speel Sal Jy Brand'
Great name for a great new Afrikaans punk band from Bellville featuring the lads who were previously New World Inside. Currently building a following nationwide with this fresh blast of take-no-prisoners SA punk.

5 Colin Shamley - ' Born Guilty & Other Stories'
A very welcome reissue from David Marks' 3RD Ear label featuring lots of previously unavailable material from Colin Shamley, one of SA's finest singer-songwriters ever - a mixture of Dylan and Lenny Bruce.



SOUTH AFRICAN ROCK ENCYCLOPEDIA

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...

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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!

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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

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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

VUSI GOES GLOBAL...AGAIN!

2004 is turning into another very busy year for the man they call "The Voice". During the first weekend of May, globetrotting South African singing sensation, Vusi Mahlasela, appeared to great acclaim at the prestigious New Orleans Jazz & Heritage festival. Vusi performed at this year's huge festival alongside Hugh Masekela & Friends, with whom he then flew off to Shanghai for an historic debut Chinese appearance.

The likes of Carlos Santana, Wyclef Jean, Smokey Robinson, The Neville Brothers, The Blind Boys Of Alabama and many other legendary US music names also performed at this year's New Orleans festival. Prior to the New Orleans gigs, Vusi popped home to Mamelodi, Pretoria after a weeklong tour of India alongside his Proud People's Band backing outfit.

This latest trip was Vusi's second visit to the sub-continent within a year, and he appeared to warm receptions in Calcutta, Mumbai and Delhi. Prior to the Indian trip, Vusi undertook a weeklong sold-out US tour, which included an appearance alongside Zimbabwean star Oliver Mtukudzi at Princeton University. Performing solo, Vusi again garnered rave reviews, as he continues to win over many new American fans.

The past 18 months have seen Vusi touring North America extensively in support of his debut album release, 'The Voice', issued there last year via Dave Matthews' ATO Records label. After the Shanghai visit, it was back to the US for another appearance with Hugh Masekela, this time at the Kennedy Centre in Washington on May 16. In May last year Vusi had joined Hugh and Friends for a storming performance at New York's prestigious Carnegie Hall, and by all accounts the crew also rocked the Kennedy Centre this time around.

Underscoring his own global popularity, Vusi now has several European visits lined up for the rest of 2004. Vusi is currently in the US for another tour through June/July and will appear at selected dates alongside SA music superstars Ladysmith Black Mambazo. Then it's over to Holland for shows on 27 & 28 August at the Luxor Theatre in Rotterdam. These latter shows will also feature Johnny Clegg and will raise funds for the Cotlands care centre in Johannesburg.

Exciting news is that this will then be followed by a huge 27-date UK tour, opening for none other than Ladysmith Black Mambazo. Ladysmith are a hugely popular act in the UK, and his appearances on their tour will be Vusi's first UK shows in several years. Vusi's previous UK appearance was at the Princess Diana memorial concert staged at her family's Althorp estate back in 1997. Prior to that, Vusi's only UK appearance was a short set at an arts festival in 1990, which was also his debut international performance.

Vusi has since gone on to tour the globe, charming fans with his unique humility and talent, spreading a musical message of hope, and also recording six acclaimed albums along the way. Whenever back home between travels, Vusi continues to work with his Pretoria-based Mahlasela Music Development Foundation, and the VMMDF will issue its debut recording in the next few months.

Here are those confirmed Ladysmith Black Mambazo & Vusi Mahlasela UK Tour dates - October/November 2004 - Book now!

2004
October:
28th Cambridge (Corn Exchange)
29th Hull (City Hall)
30th Norwich (Theatre Royal)
31st Peterborough (Cresset)

November:
2nd Croydon (Fairfield Halls)
3rd Tunbridge Wells (Assembly Hall)
4th Poole (Lighthouse)
6th Cheltenham (Town Hall)
7th Salisbury (City Hall)
8th London (Barbican)
9th Basingstoke (Anvil)
10th Truro (Hall for Cornwall)
12th Carlisle (Sands Theatre)
13th Edinburgh (Usher Hall)
14th Aberdeen (Music Hall)
16th Inverness (Eden Court Theatre)
17th Glasgow (Royal Concert Hall)
18th Coventry (Warwick Arts Centre)
19th Chatham (Central Theatre)
20th Brighton (Dome Concert Hall)
21st Wolverhampton (Civic Hall)
24th Manchester (Bridgewater Hall)
25th Bradford (St.George's Hall)
26th Llandudno (North Wales Theatre)
27th Liverpool (Philharmonic Hall)
28th Watford (Colosseum)
29th High Wycombe (Swan)

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OPPIKOPPI 10 - STAGES, BANDS, AND BOOKINGS
6-9 August - Brought to you by Levi's® and Vodago

After the first big Oppikoppi festival not many of the patrons thought they or the festival would live to see 10 years. But most have and the clan has grown to encompass several thousand tunederkinds bound together by little more than tunes and the pursuit of personal freedom.

And with the 10th birthday edition of the festival falling over the Woman's day long weekend, it is expected that the 2004 edition of the OppiKoppi festival will see many more people from outlying areas joining the annual tune pilgrimage to the dusty farm in the middle of almost nowhere.

And as the festival is now firmly re-entrenched into this bushveld home the OppiKoppi team decided to erect permanent stage structures for the event. Festival attendees can therefore look forward to a brand new thatch roofed main stage playing towards the second koppie on the farm and creating a natural amphitheatre ready to play host to the festival's legendary almost elegant audience.

Stepping onto this stage will be some of the biggest names the country has produced over the last 10 years in a celebration of all the personalities that made the festival famous: a potent mixture of some of the artists who started the festival, together with some brand new hooligans and heroes.

The confirmed line-up is growing by the day and it is expected that around 4 or 5 stages will be employed for the festival, although predicting the exact extent of the festival has proved difficult in the past as it has become an almost family affair with lots of cousins and half-brothers and sisters who must be accommodated.

The website (www.oppikoppi.co.za) is updated on an almost daily basis as the paperwork is completed but already the following artists have confirmed that they will be attending the party of the decade for the festival of the year:

Current Line-up:
--------------------
Koos Kombuis, Valiant Swart, Karen Zoid, Boo!, The Narrow, Prime Circle, Wonderboom, Tumi and the Volume, Sugardrive, Squeal, Battery 9, Blues Broers, The Most Amazing Show, VAS Inc (feat Marq Vas ex Metalmorphosis), Fokofpolisiekar, 340ml, Nine, Laurinda Hofmeyer, Gert Vlok Nel, Band O' Gypsys, Gordon's Suitcase, Dan Patlansky and the Mississippi Muthers, Loose Canon, Marlowe, Ashton Nyte, Bed On Bricks, Liela Groenewald, Greg Georgiades and Ashish Joshi, Tidal Waves, Jo Day, Brixton Moord en Roof Orkes, 16 Stitch, Wickhead.

In the end the planning looks like somewhere between 70 to 90 artists will be performing, but this is not confirmed.

The tickets to the OK10 festival are available at only R280 per ticket for the entire 4-day long-weekend and will be available from Computicket (www.computicket.co.za) or at the gate.

The price per ticket with the Computicket commission included will be R293. Please keep in mind that the farm has a limited water supply through boreholes and therefore the tickets to the 10th year celebrations will be limited. It is strongly advised to pre-book tickets or keep a watchful eye on the OK10 website for ticket give-aways and promotions.

As always a fully-fledged flea market will be created amongst the newly built stage structures. Stalls will be available for interested parties selling dream-catcher-removers, crafts, clothing, hippie-alarms and/or anything else which could be of interest to a more or less rock 'n roll audience. For more information regarding stalls or for booking a stall, please send an e-mail to: tes@oppikoppi.co.za or send a fax to (014) 78 60034.

Contact Details
Annelie Hoffmann
Cell: 083 308 1251
Office: 012 346 2011
Email: annelie@oppikoppi.co.za
Fax: 012 460 7431
Web: http://www.oppikoppi.co.za

* Listen to mp3's of all these artists at http://www.SAmp3.com

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LIVING MUSIC WORKSHOP SERIES: JUNE 2004

The Living Music Workshop Series is back! After a month's break, the series is back with another month of informative and FREE workshops catering for all aspects of the music industry. Sponsored by the New Clicks Foundation, the June series is set to sparkle with newcomers, Thandi Swartbooi, Michael Horne, Clement Benny and Daniel Bloom, as well as an old favourite, Shane Mahoney.

The first Living Music Workshop takes place on Monday 14th June and is hosted by Clement Benny, master groove maker and drummer. He will host the workshop titled: 'Rhythm-The Making of a Groove', which will discuss the modern drum and its cultural roots. The FREE workshop will take place at Paul Bothner Music, Werdmuller Centre, Main Road, Claremont and will cater to both the professional and beginner.

The rest of the month's line-up includes Thandi Swaartbooi, from whom audiences can 'Learn more about Traditional Music and Dance'. Michael Horne, the drummer of Hog Hoggidy Hog, will showcase 'Jazz for the Modern Drummer'. Shane Mahoney will be back discussing the ever popular 'Artist Management'. Then the last workshop for the month will be hosted by Daniel Bloom, who will be hosting a workshop aptly called 'Daniel Bloom on Percussion'.

Please note again that all workshops are FREE to all, but booking is recommended as space can become limited. For more information or bookings, please contact Thami on 073 156 9839 or Newton on 021 674 4030.

More information on all the workshops below.

DATE: Monday 14 June 2004
TIME: 18:30 - 19:30
VENUE: Paul Bothner Music, Werdmuller Centre, Main Road - Claremont
TITLE Rhythm - The Making of a Groove - Join us as Clement Benny takes modern drum grooves and breaks them down into their component rhythms and discusses their cultural roots. This workshop is a must for beginners and seasoned professionals alike. For more information call Newton 021 674 4030

DATE: Saturday 19 June 2004
TIME: 12:00 - 15:00
VENUE: Ekwezi Centre - Guguletu
TITLE: Thandi - Learn more about traditional music and dance - Come and meet the winner of the Khula Arts Award 2003 (dance category), finalist in the Community Builder of the Year Awards for 2003 and band director for the Field Band Foundation - Thandi Swaartbooi. Thandi has a Degree in Dance and is also a vocalist, marimba player, drummer, percussionist, founder of Women Unite and a teacher of African music and dance.

What inspires Thandi? After having worked with different bands she discovered that women were not getting the recognition they deserved. She noticed that all the opportunities were directed at men. She founded a band (Women Unite) which consists of women from the different townships of Cape Town. For more information call Thami 021 791 3985

DATE: Thursday 24 June 2004
TIME: 18:30 - 19:30
VENUE: Paul Bothner Music, Richmond Centre, Main Road - Plumstead
TITLE: Jazz for the Modern Drummer - Hog Hoggidy Hog drummer, Michael Horne, has been involved in an eclectic selection of musical projects, from Big Band to Jazz to Punk-rock, as well as various recording projects. His workshop focuses on the evolution of Jazz from Swing and Be Bop to Jazz Fusion and Acid Jazz - and the influence it has had on modern styles. Drummers, from Pop to Punk-rock, who are passionate about their craft should attend! For more information call Newton 021 674 4030

DATE: Friday 25 June 2004
TIME: 16:00 - 17:00
VENUE: Guga S'thebe - Langa
TITLE: Shane Mahoney - Artist Management - Getting the Team Together - manager, lawyer, accountant etc. Record Deals, Copyright & Publishing, Tour Management. For more information call Thami 021 791 3985

DATE: Monday 28 June 2004
TIME: 18:30 - 19:30
VENUE: Paul Bothner Music, Richmond Centre, Main Road - Plumstead
TITLE: Daniel Bloom on Percussion - Dutch percussionist, Daniel Bloom, will be wowing us with his mastery of all things percussion. Expect to come away impressed, entertained and educated! For more information call Newton 021 674 4030

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KALLITZ COMPETITION

Kallitz, the new Cape Town hip hop sensations, are launching their debut album, 'Die Ding Ruk Mal' at a glittering and celeb-studded event at the Long Street Cafe on Tuesday night (15 June).

The Digest has arranged for 2 double VIP ticket to the Kallitz CD Launch Party to be given free to the first 2 people who answer the following question correctly:

"Which Kallitz track off their debut album 'Die Ding Ruk Mal' is currently available on MWEB mp3 as a free download?"

Please email your answers to Mailto:kallitz@themothermixgroup.com

Read more about the Kallitz Launch in our Live section below.

MWeb SA Music Downloads
http://www.mweb.co.za/hubs/entertainment/music/download.aspx

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2004 BATTLE OF THE BANDS

After the unbelievable response to the 2003 Battle, Dockside have announced that the 2004 Battle Of The Bands starts on Sunday 25th July and continues every Sunday night for a further 5 weeks until the finals on Sunday 29th August.

At a meeting of the participating bands the following judges were duly nominated. Peter Hunt, Richard Hyam, Jane Mayne, and Glyn Spaans. Judging criteria will be discussed and decided at the next bands' meeting on Monday 22nd June.

Bands already entered are: The Alpha Set, Jam Rockers, Bone Idol, The Triangles, The Drifters, Shalac Proof, The Auroras, Down to Earth, The Mustangs, The Threads, Black Frost, Gayan, Pentagone, The Hippies, History (ex Cosmic Prism) and In Cahoots (ex Paddy Foot Blues)

Dockside is calling for further entries from bands whose repertoire includes songs from the 60's, 70' & 80's. Closing date for acceptance is Thursday 1st July.

Interested bands can contact Johnny at Dockside on 552-7303 or 072-177655.

Entrance for the Battle will be R50 for the 5 preliminary rounds and R80 for the final. A good bet seems to be the "season ticket" for all six shows at R230.00, this constitutes a saving of R100.00.

Season tickets are now available at Dockside and can be obtained by phoning 552-7303.

--------------

AND FINALLY!

THE ONLY CLASSIC ROCK ON SA RADIO?

Hi,

Thanks for my copy of the SA Digest number 252. I was a bit surprised, however, to read that it's implied that Benjy Mudie is the only person in the country who is currently playing Classic Rock on the radio.

I'm sure you're aware that Rafe Lavine and Leon Economides have been co-presenting a Classic Rock show called "The RockIt Scientists" on SAfm between 11.00 pm and 01.00 am every Friday, and have been doing so since the 7th of February 2003.

Prior to that, Phil Wright and Leon Economides were co-presenting a Classic Rock show called The Dinosaur Days on 5fm for over eight years before they were stopped by the station. As you well know, Shiloh Noone at Fine Music radio is doing much the same kind of thing on FMR in the Cape.

Just thought I'd set the record straight!

Cheers
All the best.
SA Rock Radio listener!

Ed. - Our apologies to those esteemed SA rock DJ's, and all their devoted SA rock fans, who had good cause to feel aggrieved due to a sentence or two in that article. No underestimation of their contributions was intended...!

--------------

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. [3] (1) Charlie Kaufman - Fallen ('Last Chance For The Forgotten'/Indie)
2. [5] (2) Hemel Op Die Platteland - Fokofpolisiekar ('As Jy Met Vuur Speel Sal Jy Brand'/Rhythm)
3. [9] (3) Multiple Oblivion - Jo Day ('The Truth'/Indie)
4. [1] (1) Love Is The Hunter - MacAngel ('Summer In Berlin'/Sonique)
5. [2] (2) Revolution - Swim Club (Indie)
6. [4] (4) Break Down - Believable Addiction (Indie)
7. [8] (7) What It Takes To Breathe - Bored (Indie)
8. [18] (8) One Moment - Antipathy (Maiden League)
9. [6] (6) Jou Ma - Thys Nywerheid (Indie)
10. [22] (10) Noh TV - The Rudimentals ('More Fire'/Indie)
11. [13] (11) I'm A Doctor - The Innovators ('Silvertab Harambe Dope Sessions'/African Dope)
12. [17] (12) Things Were Meant To Be So - chiaroscuro ('A Definition'/Indie)
13. [20] (13) FFF - Tonight We Die (Demo/Indie)
14. [24] (14) Change Your Face - David Foster ('Flat To Round'/Rhythm/Bowline)
15. [15] (8) Drowsy Maggie - DNA Strings ('DNA Strings'/Afrimusik)
16. [11] (11) No Matter - Wendy New (Dissolve In The Sun/Indie)
17. [28] (17) Porn (acoustic) - Jo Day ('The Truth'/Indie)
18. [7] (3) Snakes And Ladders - Evolver ('Evolver' EP/Indie)
19. [-] (19) Kultuurfeestent - Kobus! ('100% Skuldgevoelvry'/ENT)
20. [27] (20) Download - Phringe ('Mellow Drama'/USM)
21. [23] (21) Somewhere - Celtic Rumours (SAmp3.com Exclusive)
22. [-] (22) Suburbia - Mitsoo (Indie)
23. [-] (23) Silverfish - Dollyrockers ('The Heat'/Indie)
24. [29] (24) Festival Song (live) - Fly Paper Jet ('Live'/Indie)
25. [-] (25) Naked - Hog Hoggidy Hog ('OINK!'/Indie)
26. [-] (26) Oppie Yaat - Kallitz ['Die Ding Ruk Mal'/Mothermix)
27. [30] (27) Window Shopping Lover - chiaroscuro ('A Definition'/Indie)
28. [-] (28) My Baby - Plush ('All That Is Should Be'/Indie)
29. [-] (29) Nguwe - Godessa ('Spillage'/Indie)
30. [-] (30) Ravens - Six Of Nine (Indie)

(Based on downloads from SAmp3.com and MWeb Entertainment)

Download South African MP3s at http://www.SAmp3.com

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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. [1] (1) All That Is Should Be - Plush (Indie)
2. [3] (2) Born Guilty & Other Stories - Colin Shamley (3rd Ear Music)
3. [4] (3) Angel Tongue - Nianell (Fresh)
4. [7] (4) Summer In Berlin - MacAngel (Sonique)
5. [2] (1) A Definition - Chiaroscuro (Indie)
6. [5] (1) Moving - 340ml (Indie)
7. [8] (7) Site Under Construction - Off The Edge (Indie)
8. [9] (8) Live - Fly Paper Jet (Indie)
9. [12] (9) Spillage - Godessa (High Voltage)
10. [10] (5) Dissolve In The Sun - Wendy New (Indie)
11. [6] (1) Big Red (Songs From 'Going Nowhere Slowly') - Various (Ripchord/Bowline)
12. [14] (12) My Dance - Muse String Quartet (Indie)
13. [21] (13) Quintessentially - Syd Kitchen (No Budget Records)
14. [22] (14) Vol 1: 20/20 Vision - The Tripps (Indie)
15. [11] (3) Blomdoorns - Derek Gripper (Open Record)
16. [16] (13) Beyond The Walls - Rus Nerwich (Indie)
17. [15] (1) Muti Media - Kalahari Surfers (African Dope)
18. [24] (18) The Realisation Of Purpose - Sedwick (Indie)
19. [13] (13) Memories In A Menthol - Adam Tas (Bowline)
20. [19] (1) The Heat - Dollyrockers (Indie)
21. [17] (1) Boerecountry - Blomkrag (Indie)
22. [20] (1) More Fire - The Rudimentals (Indie)
23. [-] (23) 100%Skuldgevoelvry - Kobus! (ENT)
24. [27] (24) Lick The Lion - ISLA (Indie)
25. [-] (25) Try Whistling This - Seving Suggestion (Indie)
26. [26] (1) As Jy Met Vuur Speel Sal Jy Brand - Fokofpolisiekar (Rhythm/Bowline)
27. [30] (27) Funk 'N Roll - Ezra (BMG)
28. [-] (28) Live - Die Naaimasjiene (Rhythm/Bowline)
29. [28] (2) Sui - Benguela (Open Record)
30. [-] (30) Met Die Maan Gepla - Gian Groen (Bowline)

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:

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MWEB
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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:
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340ML - 'Midnight'
A typically innovative and cool track off 340ml's acclaimed new album, 'Moving'.

Serving Suggestion - 'Sky Is Falling'
A back to basics tuneful rock song from the Cape Town band's album, 'Try Whistling This'.

Hex - 'Sonskynkind'

Hex is a young female trio, comprising three related and very talented Cape musicians, whose songs and harmonies have been compared to The Roches.

Happy 420 - 'What You Doing?'
Some contemporary political pop from one of Cape Town's most sussed bands.

Off The Edge - 'Site Under Construction'
Title track taken from Off The Edge's fifth album.

Last week's 5 New and Exclusive mp3 titles at MWeb:
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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!

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.

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SAmp3.com
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This week's SAmp3.com recommended downloads:

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'.

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! (Read an interview with Antipathy below).

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.

http://www.SAmp3.com

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All the mp3s listed above are available to download at http://www.SAmp3.com - the biggest South African mp3 website in the world.

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SEARCH FOR MP3's
Use the SAmp3.com onboard search engine, powered by Google, to search for mp3s on SAmp3.com.

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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.

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CELEB-SELECT: RICHARD HASLOP

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 the highly respected and hugely knowledgeable music fundi, music critic, and SAfm DJ, Richard Haslop, who is still remembered by many for giving the much maligned Scope Magazine the consistently best and most intelligent music section in the country.

Richard sent us two lists, as you will see, but we thought we'd include his letter explaining his choices as well. Over to Richard Haslop:

Hi,

Not enough thought but quite a lot of editing have left me with a dozen Songs With Words (the forwards) and ten Songs Without Words (the backs). As usual, I've cheated (my ten top albums for Business Day once ran to thirteen).

I'm sure that, in choosing my squad of 22 for the first test, I've left out some really important people, and I'm sad that I couldn't find space for a host of favourite songs by Roger Lucey, Syd Kitchen, the Kerels, Alan Jeffrey (Hopelessly Lost is an almost completely unheard gem, but, as a fellow selector recently remarked, one good Super 12 doesn't make you a test player), Stan James, Not Even The TV, Koos Kombuis, Bambata, Edi Niederlander and plenty of others.

Ibrahim and Mankunku have been included to provide the pre-match anthems, Freedom's Children served us well in the dark days of the difficult past, so this might be their swansong, and Benguela is there for the sake of the development of South African music in the future.

You'll see, as well, that I got special dispensation from the Board to include alternative versions of Mongezi Feza's great piece by the overseas based Louis Moholo. Sipho Gumede's composition is included as much to remind us of the need to remember past heroes as for any other reason.

I'd like to make it clear that no quotas were applied, and yet we seem to have ended up with a nice mix of style, era, race, gender, religion and the rest. And, in case you're wondering, Piet Botha will kick for goal, as the match is to be played at his home song, Loftus Versfeld.

The first South African song I really loved, by the way, aged about twelve I guess, was 'Mountains Of Men' by my now good friend and your regular contributor David Marks.

Here are those two lists:

SONGS WITH WORDS

John Oakley-Smith - God Keep The People
Freedom's Children - The Kid He Came From Nazareth/Hazareth
Mzwakhe Mbuli - Change Is Pain
Valiant Swart - Die Mystic Boer
Mahlathini & the Mahotella Queens - Kazet
Miriam Makeba - Angilalanga
The Cherry Faced Lurchers - Shot Down
Die Gereformeerde Blues Band - Hillbrow
Ishoba Lembongolo - Icala Lakho Ndoda
Madosini - Wenu Se Goli
Piet Botha - Suitcase Vol Winter
Raymond Mbele - Balela Ekhaya

SONGS WITHOUT WORDS

Malombo - Mbaqanga Blues
Noise Khanyile & the Jo'burg City Stars - Groovin' Jive No 1
Eric Nomvete's Big Five - Pondo Blues
Dollar Brand (Abdullah Ibrahim) - Mannenberg
Tananas - Standanyobo
Reggie Msomi's Hollywood Jazz Band - Midnight Ska
Benguela - Six Strings And A Bucket
The Mankunku Quartet - Yakal' Nkomo
Sipho Gumede - A Song For Johnny Dyani
The Dedication Orchestra/Louis Moholo's Viva-La-Black - You Ain't Gonna Know Me 'Cos You Think You Know Me

Regards
Richard

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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

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HITS MEMORIES AND OBSCURITIES: WILD WARRIORS
By Brian Currin

This is part 3 in a series focusing on a selection of hits, memories and obscurities from South Africa's rich rock history. This is not meant to be a definitive list, but rather something to encourage further exploration.

‘Charlie’ - Wonderboom
A kwaito-rock revisit of the old Rabbitt classic. The original featured Trevor Rabin and Wonderboom neatly drop in a reference to '90125' which was the name (and US catalogue number) of the album by Yes which included the number 1 hit 'Owner Of A Lonely Heart' penned by (you guessed it) Trevor Rabin.

‘Dimmer’ - Springbok N*de Girls
The Nudies are arguably the best South African rock band of the last 10 years and this fast-paced song off their 'Fat Lady Sings' retrospective is a fine example of what they do best.

‘On Empty’ - Chris James Band
Echoes of early Radiohead in both style and delivery. Powerful stuff.

‘Right By My Side’ - Wickhead
Cool and catchy song with a Spin Doctors sort-of feel to it. Wicked (sorry, couldn't resist).

‘Tied My Hands’ - Saron Gas
Before they became Seether, Saron Gas released an album called 'Fragile' and this slow, epic track was one of the many highlights of that album.

‘Gravediggers’ - Nevermore
I know very little about this band, except that they came from KZN, and that 'Gravediggers' is what a collaboration between Metallica and Pearl Jam would sound like.

‘Sarajevo’ - Jack Hammer
The best South African rock 'n roll band by far. Jack Hammer formed in 1984 and are still going strong and performing regularly. 'Sarajevo' is hard-hitting, both in its lyrics and its tune, and is taken off the 'Death Of A Gypsy' CD and features Lanie van der Walt who went on to form Not My Dog.

‘Remember’ - Jo Day
Jo Day rocks - big-time - and 'Remember' is a stunning example of her talent. "You never sealed it with a kiss" echoes in the brain long after the song fades.

‘Say Goodbye’ - Scarlet Host
If Pink Floyd ever decided to play metal again (like they did with 'The Nile Song' way back in 1969), this is probably what they would sound like.

‘Gasoline’ - Seether
Hard-rocking, nu-metal tinged, angst-ridden catharsis from Shaun Morgan (nee Welgemoed) and Seether. They have 2 tracks on the new 'Punisher' movie soundtrack album and one of them, the slow and stunning 'Broken', features Amy Lee from Evanescence (and Shaun's girlfriend) on guest vocals.

‘Speedtrain’ - Frankie's Playground
South Africa's answer to Rainbow, complete with far-too-short school of Blackmore guitar solo.

‘10 Seconds’ - Cutting Jade
Big and bold, cool and catchy. This song was a big hit, but it should have been far bigger.

‘Believe’ - Mauri Moncada
A fully-realised demo track by young Mauri that Creed would have been proud to call their own.

‘Faith’ - Parklane
Powerful song by a seemingly forgotten band.

‘Martyr’ - The Awakening
"Bowie, but better" was my first impression when I heard this on Barney's show. I haven't changed my mind.

‘Wild Warrior’ - Arapaho
Fast-paced, epic song to punch your fist into the air to.

‘Crazy Over You’ - Zen Arcade
With a drum pattern that John Boham would have loved, 'Crazy Over You' is a brilliant example of the Zen Arcade sound.

‘Sittin'’ (demo version) - Toxic Shame
The 6-minute plus demo version of this early Toxic Shame track could inspire much Bic lighter-waving by a stadium crowd if it was even given the chance. And I can just imagine 20 000 fans singing along to, "I'm tired, so take me home."

[BC]

A number of the songs and artists mentioned above are featured on
http://www.SAmp3.com

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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

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ARTISTS
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A BACKGROUND TO 'KAROO KITAAR BLUES'
By David Kramer

While I was studying at Leeds University in the 1970's I read about the work that the Lomax family did in the Mississippi Delta; searching out and recording the blues singers in the early part of the twentieth century.

It gave me the idea that I should do the same with the music of the farm labourers from my region. But unfortunately I never followed through. I was easily distracted and intimidated by the political climate that existed at the time. A young white man seen in the company of farm labourers in the mid-nineteen seventies was not going to go unnoticed or undisturbed.

But the idea stayed with me and this roots Afrikaans music fascinated me. The more I thought about it the more I realised that it was part of our hidden history - that the origins of Afrikaans and Afrikaans folk music had been erased by the politics of apartheid South Africa. This insight played a large part in the development of my writing and singing style. When I released my first album, 'Bakgat', it was banned by the SABC. I was told: Jy mors met Die Taal.

So nearly thirty years later while making a documentary with Jan Horn, I meet with musicians who still play remnants of "die ou musiek" and I am excited and exhilarated to find that it still exists and that there are still people who remember how to play and sing. I invite some of them to join me on stage at the Klein Karoo Nasionale Kunstefees and the response is overwhelming.

The musicians and their music touches people in a way that I have not experienced. I call the concerts 'Karoo Kitaar Blues' we perform to thousands of people around South Africa.

The 'Karoo Kitaar Blues' experience has been the inspiration for this collection of songs on my new CD 'Huistoe'. It is essentially about the exploration of roots music that evolved in these dry and isolated regions. It is about the lives and the history of the people and the place. About the forgotten writers, composers and players who remain anonymous because their endeavours were not recorded by historians.

Much of what I write about has been inspired by the people I have met as I travelled through the Kouebokkeveld, The Kamiesberge, Namaqualand, Die Klein Karoo, Sandveld, Moordenaars Karoo. Some of the music has been inspired by musicians such as the late Jan Jaers, some have been collaborations with players like Jan Willems of Kharkams, Hannes Coetzee of Herberstsdale, Dawid van Rooi from Op Die Berg and Siena Mouers and her sister Helena Nuwegeld of the Great karoo.

I hope that our work will rekindle an interest and appreciation of this old music and that we will acknowledge the origins of the folk music heritage that is a synthesis and expression of our history.

A folk music that evolved out of the contact between the colonists and indigenous people of this part of South Africa

David Kramer.

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MORE REVIEWS

More reviews can be found at:
Open Record Open Record
Amuzine Reviews

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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.

THEY KEEP SPINNING AND SPINNING

Usually when I finish writing about a CD that I've been living with for a week or two, I put it aside to give it a rest. Nothing wrong with the CD, it's just that I figure we need some time apart, for the good of our relationship, don't you know? But sometimes I can't easily put aside an album. I'm not through spending time with them just because I've written about them and pushed the send button. Lately there have three CDs like this.

'Born in a Storm' by The Usual would not go quietly, but came back after an eye-like period of calm. Some new subtleties came to light in these subsequent listenings that made the CD richer than ever before. And the title track was reaffirmed as my personal favorite on the disc, among some high-pressure competition. James Stewart sings perfectly to my taste, the band is expert, and the songs are well written--no wonder 'Born in a Storm' would not go quietly: I was out-numbered.

'Bluescream' by Bluescream still demands playing. For the past couple of weeks it has filled my hard rock needs, and let me tell you, with all the pressure of work and the ever-present et cetera, it has been helpful in blasting away the blues in waves of electrical energy. An amazing departure for Tully McCully, but one that still has his triple-threat fingerprints on it.

Jack Hammer's 'Anthology' is an old favorite, a perennial fave full of favorite songs, and along with 'Die Mamba' it is a constant musical companion. While Piet and the band, and friends, were off on a pilgrimage in Mozambique last week, I played my own Jack Hammer shows here. The diving wasn't so good here, but my beer was cold and the music was as fine as rock gets this side of live. "What have you done for your brother lately?"--Piet Botha.

This trio of CDs that refuse to go quietly into the temporary good night of a playing hiatus are choice quality CDs, and as long as they still sound good, as long as we are still enjoying our time spent together, I see no need to spend any time apart from them. Our relationships are doing just fine, thank you.

Listen to mp3's by all 3 of the bands mentioned above at http://www.SAmp3.com

Kurt Shoemaker, Blanco, Texas
mailto:kurt@sarockdigest.com

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A NAARTJIE IN THE UK - London-based John Samson gives his own twist on SA music:

COLIN SHAMLEY - 'BORN GUILTY AND OTHER STORIES' (DISC 2)

Last week we discussed the merits of Disc 1 of 'Born Guilty & Other Stories' and talked about how this disc was made up of demo's, live tracks and takes and being mostly Colin's voice and his guitar. Well today we switch our focus to the second disc, the first 10 tracks of which made up the classic album 'Born Guilty'.

The first and obvious difference between this and Disc 1 is that we are talking full instrumentation here. And it's not just any instrumentation, we're talking Jethro Butow, Kendall Kay, Mike Dickman, John Oakley-Smith (amongst others) instrumentation. The other difference is that this is less folky and more bluesy with some country thrown in for good measure.

It was with track 2, entitled 'Dancer', that Colin came closest to having a hit as Alan Pierce of Capital 604 got the song playlisted and it nearly made the radio station's charts, and it's easy to see why as this is possibly his most commercial song. There's no obvious politicism in the lyrics, and the lilting beat made for uplifting rock-pop. In almost complete contrast to this is the next track, 'Can't Go On', which is pure country.

For a great blues track, look no further that 'Stopping Time', which also features some politically charged lyrics. This track ends the 'Born Guilty' section, but wait, there's more - five bonus tracks. A couple of these feature some lovely piano work (I think from John Oakley-Smith) as well as some flute which is unaccredited (although I might have missed this in the detailed liner notes). The general feel is one of desolation and sadness in these extra tracks.

Of the 2 discs I would say I prefer the first as there is an intimacy to it and it has more variety. However that is not to say that Disc 2 is not good, on the contrary it is an accomplished piece of work that is well worth listening to. It's no wonder that it received some votes in the Essential SA Albums survey (see http://www.sarockdigest.com/essentialalbums/index.html).

John Samson, London
mailto:john@sarockdigest.com

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* CHART CHAT:

John Samson takes a weekly look at the the SA pop charts from 20, 25, 30 and 35 years ago this week.

1969 saw Creedence having their first number 1. They would top the charts a total of 3 times. Only 10 acts would top the charts 3 times or more, the record being 8 by Abba. Creedence would never top the charts in their US, however, 'Proud Mary' was one of 4 of their songs that peaked at number 2 there. Herman's Hermits had been signed by Mickie Most and were following up February's top 5 hit 'Something's Happening' with 'My Sentimental Friend'.

'Solitaire' spent a second week at 1 in 1974 while The Hollies moved up the charts with 'The Air That I Breathe'. The song, written by Albert Hammond and Mike Hazelwood, was used to advertise Rooibos Tea at one stage and more recently covered by Simply Red. Both new entries into the top 20 were by local acts, Dan Hill and Gwynneth Ashley Robins. (See below for details).

Richard Jon Smith stood firm at the top in 1979, his 6th consecutive week there. The Top 4 remained unchanged while Abba's 'Chiquitita', which had topped the charts in May, made its way back into the top 5.

For the 4th week running in 1984, the top 5 comprised of the same songs. This week only Cyndi Lauper and Fun Fun changed places. The Klaxtons had now spent 2 weeks at the top, and 2 was its peak position in neighbouring Zimbabwe.

South Africans at number 1 this week:

One Day At A Time - Marie Gibson (1976)
Michael Row The Boat Ashore - Richard Jon Smith (1979)

South African New Entries this week:

13-Jun-69 Bicycle Bill - Matt Hurter
13-Jun-75 Before The Next Teardrop Falls - Bobby Angel
13-Jun-75 Goodbye Is The Saddest Song - John Edmond
14-Jun-68 Baas Jack - Al Debbo (A take on 'Master Jack')
14-Jun-74 Tchip, Tchip - Dan Hill (a.k.a. 'The Birdie Song')
14-Jun-74 Little Soldier Blue - Gwynneth Ashly Robin
16-Jun-67 Cookie - Jody Wayne
16-Jun-72 I Need Someone - Alan Garrity (The most successful song on the SA Charts)
16-Jun-78 Heidi - Peter Lotis (from the TV cartoon show)
18-Jun-76 Take My Heart - Pendulum
18-Jun-76 Charlie - Rabbitt
19-Jun-82 Just How High - Mike Eager

John Samson

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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 [2] Hair - The Cowsills
2 [3] My Sentimental Friend - Herman's Hermits
3 [4] Proud Mary - Creedance Clearwater Revival
4 [1] Get Back - The Beatles
5 [7] Love Me Tonight - Tom Jones
6 [9] Guitarzan - Ray Stevens
7 [10] Hawai Five O - The Ventures
8 [17] In The Ghetto - Elvis Presley
9 [18] The Boxer - Simon & Garfunkel
10 [5] Goodbye - Mary Hopkin
11 [15] Think It All Over - Sandie Shaw
12 [6] 1st Of May - The Bee Gees
13 [20] Happy Heart - Andy Williams
14 [14] Come Back And Shake Me - Clodagh Rodgers
15 [8] Pinball Wizard - The Who
16 [13] My Way - Frank Sinatra
17 [11] In The Bad Bad Old Days - The Foundations
18 [-] Oh Happy Day - Edwin Hawkins Singers
19 [12] Aquarius/Let The Sunshine In - 5th Dimension
20 [-] Grazing In The Grass - The Friends Of Distinction

Comments:

The Beatles' 4 week run at the top ended as The Cowsills slipped into pole position with 'Hair'. Elvis was moving up the charts rapidly as 'In The Ghetto' climbed a massive 9 places. Simon & Garfunkel's 'The Boxer' was hanging onto Elvis' coat tails as it spent a second week in the position below The King. 'Grazing In The Grass' made a debut at number 20. This version of the Hugh Masekela song was by The Friends Of Distinction. Harry Elston of The Friends had written the lyrics to Masakela's music. Unlike Masakela's chart topping original, this version only made number 3 in the US. Edwin Hawkin's 'Oh Happy Day' is one of the biggest selling gospel hits of all time.

Previous week's top 5 hits on LM

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

(Courtesy of Marius Terblanche from Ladysmith in KZN)

------------------------

BIRTHDAYS

JUNE:

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

----------------------------

YOU CAN! WITH DAMO SUZUKI

Hi,

I would like to thank you for previously posting in my request for assistance with getting Damo Suzuki (ex of the group Can) out here on tour.

I can report back that a couple of guys (Ross and Alex) from a Cape Town band (Benguela) are looking to see if they can help set up a gig or two down there - no guarantees as yet, but many thanks to them for their efforts so far.

Damo is also keen, however, to gig elsewhere in SA ... so, we're still looking for anyone who can help re Jo'burg, Pretoria, Durban or wherever. Damo also enjoys working with local "sound carriers" (supporting musicians/bands), so volunteers please form an orderly queue!

Perhaps you would be good enough to run the request again to see if we can rustle up anyone who can help with these aspects?

Many thanks in anticipation!

Regards,
Ian Napier
Mailto:ianapier@bigfoot.com

--------------

THE WAY(WELL) FORWARD

Hello SA Rock Digest,

I enjoyed the article last month (17 May) by David 'Groucho' Marks! I have something for you to chew over. I think that Pop Idols and the like give the real bands a gauge to work off.

As a band you play for and reflect the working class. Most bands in SA have real jobs as well as a stringent practise and performance schedule. But these Idols live in another world even if they don't become hugely successful. All the greats (Lennon, Hendrix, Joplin, Presley, Clegg etc.) were/are working class competing with poppy No. 1's. Let Idols have that top end of the cream it gives bands depth and all the more reward when they get a No.1.

On the sponsorship side this is a tough question as most sponsorship entails some form of selling out. But I agree with David 'Groucho' Marks sponsorship is vital to preserve and improve our culture.

How do bands feel about T.V. ads? Coldplay have taken to not selling their songs to T.V. But they are 1 out of hundreds that do make extra money off ads. Ads have helped Arno Carstens sell over 25 000 units.

I'm sure the government could help more. Maybe tax rebates (Ireland) and cheap recording rates at government owned SABC studios. The music quota on radio is a definite must Viva Robin Auld!

It's easy to earn royalties. For those who don't know, even if you play just one of your own songs live you are eligible for a royalty. Ask SAMRO.

Sincerely
Nathan Waywell

--------------

MAYBE ASK JAKE WHITE?

Hi there,

I am wondering if anyone can help.

I am looking for any info about the Springbok Hits Series Vol 72. If anyone has this LP please contact me.

I only want some info off this LP - the track listing, that is what I`m after.

If anyone can help ..... or if you have a spare one and maybe is looking for another in the series, I have a few that I can swop for this one Vol 72. I only need this one for the whole series. Hope somebody can help.

Kobus
Mailto: jgb1900@yahoo.co.uk

--------------

AN OUTSIDE CHANCE

HI,

I trust you know that Fresh Music are re-releasing all the old SA classics from years gone by, (Yeah, we heard about that! - Ed.).

But there is one track I am desperately trying to find called 'Be Mine' by The Outsiders. It is not an album track so how do I get hold of it on disc?

Please help
Greg (0832972194)
Mailto: gregcrighton@yahoo.co.uk

--------------

SOMSING ABOUT CLOUT?

Bonjour,
je ne parle pas anglais excusez moi, mais je desirerai savoir qu'est devenu le groupe Clout. en france, il y a eu que leur 1er 33 tour de paru ou peut on l'avoir en CD ainsi que les autres albums merci d'avance.

Henri Mailto: brigitte.henri2@wanadoo.fr

Ed. - Someone please help out here..??

--------------

SHE'S GOT IT...OH BABY SHE'S GOT IT!!

Hi Guys

I hope you noticed last week's celestial tribute to The Police - "There's a little black spot on the sun today"

John

--------------

THE TEA SET MAYBE?

Hi,

I've been in the mobile music industry (20yrs). Sometimes I've been asked about SA artist. One night I had some people around my computer. We chatted about past South African groups whilst sipping our klippies and coke. I came across these SA music websites and we immediately started looking into past charts - man that was nostalgia for you.

I would like to know the following:

Was there a SA group called "The T Set" or similar? I know there was a international group from the Netherlands called "The Tee Set"...

If you're from Cape Town can you tell me if some members of "The Flames" were in Cape Town in 2000 and if they would come back to the country again?

Lastly - A song with the words "Hello girl how are you?" was this a South African song? (it was a country type song back in the 70's I think)

And finally, where can I purchase a Neville Whitmill (Square Set) CD and find out more information about this artist?

Cheers
Proudly SA DJ Marco
Mailto: lourenco@telkomsa.net

Ed. - Sorry Marco... no Square Set CD is available, though 'Silence Is Golden' (which is not a cover of the Tremeloes hit - it was written by Neville Whitmill) is available on the Best Of SA Pop Volume 2 CD. And you can find Neville Whitmill and The Square Set LP's at Mabu Vinyl in Cape Town.

--------------

SPIRITUAL HELP NEEDED

Hi,

I heard a CD when recently in Johannesburg at a gift shop (no one knew the title). I inquired at a music store--the best we could come up with was 'Spirit-Music for the Soul'--green cover w/monk praying (yellow robe) and the clerk thought it was no. 1 in a series of 'Music for the Soul' but didn't have it in stock.

Could you help, please?
Regards,
Barbara Burns Murray
Mailto: tripper1@mindspring.com

--------------

AFRIKAANS COMPILATIONS

Hi,

My daughter just visited SA. and brought back some CD's. One of them was called 'Skittersterre, van gister en vandag'.

This is the type I would like to obtain more of. I am Dutch and Afrikaans is very close.

Can you help me??????????????

Thanks,
Willemina

Ed. - Visit One World - use this complete URL (copy and paste if necessary) and you will find 37 albums to choose from... http://www.oneworld.co.za/searchresults.asp?AffiliateID=4321&artist=various&category=afrikaans

--------------

KARIBA? DAMN!

Hello,

I'm looking for the CD 'Kariba', but not the second edition - where can I purchase one?

Thank you
ghalieb
Mailto: gganief@absamail.co.za

Read more http://www.rock.co.za/files/kariba.html

--------------

GE EN NELLIE

HI,

I am looking urgently for a tune called 'Will you remember' by Ge Korsten and Nellie du Toit.

Do you have any solution as to where to obtain this either on vinyl or CD?

Best regards
Peter Kiely
Mailto: Peter.Kiely@pixie.co.za

--------------

SPIKE AND JEREMY

HI,

Do you know where I can get a copy of the Cambridge University performance by Spike Milligan & Jeremy Taylor?

John Stein
Mailto johnhome@mweb.co.za

--------------

A SIGNPOST?

Hi,

Please can you help me with an enquiry about my old single 'Perfect Signs', on the MINC label released in early '85, and distributed by EMI in South Africa.

It was a 'powerplay' on Radio 702 and was also on the Springbok charts.
I think it went to No 15 but can't confirm it.

It was also nominated for a SARIE award. What do the letters SARIE stand for - I know it is something like: South African Music Industry E.....?

Thanks,
Andy Martin
(currently No 1 in the Top 30 of www.aiiradio.net Top 30 and being played in Germany from tomorrow! The single is called Rockin' On The Airwaves')
Mailto:andymartinvm@hotmail.com

--------------

THE KID HE CAME FROM...ER...BOKSBURG

Howzit

Tell me, if those oakes had Free 'dom's, whycome did they have children?

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:

Osibisa - 'Woyaya' (LP)
Joy - 'High Life' (LP)
Lionel Petersen - 'Gold' (LP)
Stingray - 'The Best of Stingray' (LP)
Miriam Makeba - 'Sangoma' (LP)
Lemmy Special - 'Kwela With Lemmy' (LP)
Abdullah Ibrahim - 'Ekaya' (LP)

Latest independent SA CD additions:

Hog Hoggidy Hog - 'Oink!'

Top Sellers (in alphabetical order):

340ml - 'Moving' (Indie)
Arbor - 'Tower Ape' (Indie)
Bed On Bricks - 'Humanarium' (Bowline)
Benguela - 'Sui' (Open Record)
Chiaroscuro - 'A Definition' (Independent)
Dollyrockers - 'The Heat' (Independent)
Ezra - 'Funk 'n Roll' (BMG)
Fly Paper Jet - 'Live' (Indie)
freshlyground - 'Jika Jika' (Independent)
Fokofpolisiekar -'As Jy Met Vuur Speel sal Jy Brand' (Rhythm)
Godessa - 'Spillage' (Indie)
Goema Captains Of Cape Town - 'Healing Destination' (Mountain)
Derek Gripper - 'Blomdoorns' (Open Record)
Hog Hoggidy Hog - 'OINK!' (Indie)
ISLA - 'Lick The Lion' (Independent)
Kalahari Surfers - 'Muti Media' (African Dope)
Kallitz - 'Die Ding Ruk Mal' (Mothermix)
Syd Kitchen - 'Quintessentially Syd Kitchen' (No Budget)
Mitsoo - 'Afterglow' EP (Indie)
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' (Indie)
Rodriguez - 'Cold Fact' (PT Music)
Rodriguez - 'After The Fact' (PT Music)
Rodriguez - 'Live Fact' (Sony)
The Rudimentals - 'More Fire' (Independent)
Sedwick - 'The Realisation Of Purpose' (Indie)
Serving Suggestion - 'Try Whistling This...' (Indie)
Colin Shamley - 'Born Guilty & Other Stories' (2CD set) (3rd Ear Music)
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 SA Artists - 'Big Red' - From the TV series 'Going Nowhere Slowly' (Ripchord)
Zinkplaat - 'Karoo Poison' EP (Indie)

This week's best-selling CDs at Mabu Vinyl & CD are:

1. 'Moving' - 340ml
2. 'Spillage' - Godessa
3. 'As Jy Met Vuur Speel Sal Jy Brand' - Fokofpolisiekar
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:

Prophets Of The City - 'Our World' (LP)
Kalahari Surfers - 'Living in the Heart of the Beast' (LP)
Koos Kombuis - 'Niemandsland' (LP)
V/A - 'A Naartjie in our Sosatie - Rebel Rhythms' (LP)
Jo Day - 'One Woman' (LP)
Pacific Express - 'Expressions' (LP)
Happy Ships - 'Happy Ships' (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 are continuously in search of more stock and pay top prices for top quality LP's, Singles, CD's & DVD's

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

--------------

MPS RECORDS

MPS Records are looking for recording artists, male or female, all genres with the view of a contract.

Vocal polishing and training will be given by the company.

See one of our artists at www.shilo.co.za.

Contact Louise at 044-8735446
or e-mail to Mailto:mps.records@mweb.co.za

--------------

LEAD SINGER NEEDED!

• Joburg based,
• Rehearsal room at Carfax Newtown
• Web address: www.misericord.com
• Contact number: Jason on 084 606 0083
• Willing to commit seriously, financially and time wise
• Enjoys heavy music
• Versatile
• Progressive thinking
• Own transport
• No death metal growlers

We're looking with ranges such as:
Machine Head,
Mudvayne,
Linkin Park,
Slipknot.

Thanks J
Jason Giacoppo

--------------

DURBAN DRUMMER WANTED BADLY!

We are f*cked.... You see, we have been "drummer-less" for a few months now because the bloke who used to play for us bombed out.

We need another drummer in the Durban Area who has been playing for over 2 years, enjoys heavy metal and alternative, isn't a wussy and sex doesn't matter unless it's a girl and they want it.

They need to be between 15 and 18 and preferably in Grade 10 or 11 (Std. 8 or 9). If they cannot commit, please tell them to f*ck off.

We are:
Brynn Huxtable - Raging Guitar and kickass vocals.
Anand Moodley - Cutting-Edge, Raw, in your face Lead Guitar.
Dane Lategan - Lean, mean, f*cking hard fucking core bass.

Yours sincerely
Bryn Huxtable and the guys from Eshalon.
My contact number is (031) 266 3446
Anand's is (031) 207 1833
Dane's is (031) 702 5787

---------------------------

MUSOLIST ONLINE

Hi,

There is now a Musolist for SA Musicians, by SA Musicians....!

You can find it at: http://johannesburg.musolist.com/

--------------

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

DAVID KRAMER - The SA music star 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, 'Huistoe'

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.

BED ON BRICKS - One of Cape Town's hottest live bands will be at Obz Cafe on Friday the 18th of June for a wicked night out that will leave you wanting more.

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' 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

THE INDEPENDENT ARMCHAIR THEATRE - This week's line-up includes Luna, Spindle Sect, Verity, Freshlyground and the Comedy All Stars - 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!

----------------------

UPCOMING INTERNATIONAL ARTISTS IN SA:

LORD OF THE DANCE - The Irish dance spectacular, 'Lord of the Dance', has achieved record-breaking sales for its current South African run, so additional dates have been added to the Johannesburg, Bloemfontein, Port Elizabeth and Cape Town legs of the SA Tour

--------------------------

SA ARTISTS OVERSEAS:

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 embarks on his 'Empire Strikes Back' tour that takes in performances in England, Wales, Norway, Denmark and the USA, including an appearance at the prestigious Glastonbury Festival in late June

VUSI MAHLASELA - Vusi now has several European visits lined up for the rest of 2004 and is currently in the US for another tour through June/July and will appear at selected dates alongside SA music superstars Ladysmith Black Mambazo. Then it's over to Holland for shows on 27 & 28 August at the Luxor Theatre in Rotterdam. These latter shows will also feature Johnny Clegg and will raise funds for the Cotlands care centre in Johannesburg. This will then be followed by a huge 27-date UK tour, opening for none other than Ladysmith Black Mambazo

--------------------------

MUSIC WORKSHOPS:

LIVING MUSIC WORKSHOP SERIES: JUNE 2004 - The Living Music Workshop Series is back! After a month's break, the series is back with another month of informative and FREE workshops catering for all aspects of the music industry. Sponsored by the New Clicks Foundation, the June series is set to sparkle with newcomers, Thandi Swartbooi, Michael Horne, Clement Benny and Daniel Bloom, as well as an old favourite, Shane Mahoney.

--------------------------

SA MUSIC FESTIVALS:

OPPIKOPPI 10 - It`s all systems go for this great SA music festival's 10th birthday celebrations with updates on the line-up, stages, stalls and tickets

------------
GIG FOCUS
------------

KALLITZ LAUCH DEBUT ALBUM

The Cape Town-based Afrikaans Hip Hop group Kallitz will be launching their debut album, 'Die Ding Ruk Mal', this week in Cape Town. 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 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

The album is already available at Mabu Vinyl in Cape Town, and in Musica branches nation-wide, for only R69.95.

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

--------------

THE DISTRICT SIX MUSEUM

Wednesday, 16 June: Youth Day Open Day Cross-generation youth discussion, and music and poetry performance.

As part of the Youth Day celebrations throughout the country, the museum, in partnership with Alkemy (Alternative Kurriculume Mentoring Youth) of Bush Radio and the British Council's "Unboxed" project, hosts a cross-generation discussion dealing with various issues youth are faced with. The programme starts at 13H30 with hip hop music played by Bush Radio's Headwarmers show DJ, Big Dre, followed by a hip hop and poetry performance by Alkemy between 14H00 and 15H00. The cross-generation discussion takes place from 15H00 to 16H00.

Time: 13H30
Date: 16 June 2004
Venue: District Six Museum, 25A Buitenkant Street, Cape Town
Entrance: Free (donations welcome)

Tuesday, 22 June: Public Education Programme (PEP) mapping and discussing indigenous music in the Western Cape.

Museum researcher, Julian Jonker, will discuss the state of indigenous music research in the Western Cape. The research will look at various traditions unique to the region, the availability of expertise and research in the area, as well as looking at the debates over the definition of the word 'indigenous". This discussion forms part of the museum's Public Education Programme.

An interactive map of traditions, collections and practitioners will be proposed as a model for making information about indigenous music available to researchers, musicians, learners and the general public, as well as providing a framework for future research. The presentation will be followed by a panel discussion led by three musicians and researchers experienced in the field.

Time: 17H45 for 18H00
Date: 22 June 2004
Venue: District Six Museum, 25A Buitenkant Street, Cape Town
Entrance: Free (donations welcome)

For more information contact Shamila Rahim at (021) 466 7121 or e-mail mailto:shamila@districtsix.co.za

PEP runs on Tuesdays at the District Six Museum from 6pm. The PEP is supported by a grant from the Royal Netherlands Embassy. Entrance is free, but donations are welcomed.

--------------

BED ON BRICKS LIVE @ OBZ CAFE
Friday, 18th June

Bed on Bricks is Cape Town epitomized! One of the hottest live music acts currently on the circuit, Bed on Bricks features some of the most popular and seasoned musicians in the country. Having only entered the scene less than a year ago, this phenomenal foursome have been making waves with their funk-rock-funk-hop grooves around the country ever since.

Mike Hardy, of Sons of Trout fame, is as sexy and magnetizing as ever, and that's before he has even opened his mouth to sing or play the sax. Schalk van der Merwe is the master of the bass guitar, providing a rock solid groove. The exceptionally talented Dave ven der Linden is the man behind the lead guitar. And the band's tight rhythms come from the uber gifted, Tim Rankin on drums.

This band is so hot that they got the thumbs up from Levi's(r) and are part of the Levi's(r) Original Music initiative. They recently released their debut album, 'Humanarium', and the title track was voted song of the year by the SA Rock Digest

If you haven't heard Bed on Bricks before you'd better get yourself to Obz Cafe on Friday the 18th of June for a wicked night out that will leave you wanting more.

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RP STUDIOS EMERGING SOUNDS COMPETITION

The May regional final of the RP Studios Emerging Sounds on Sunday, June 6 saw the four finalists rising to the occasion, resulting in the judges conferring backstage before the overall winner was Announced. It is great to hear the bands - Running High, Cherry Pill, Soul Summit and Kickstand - rising to the occasion at the regional finals.

Congratulations to Soul Summit who go through to the next Quarterly final taking place at Circus Maximus, Caesars Gauteng on Sunday, August 15. The judges were also impressed with Cherry Pill and decided to send them through to the Quarterly final as a wild card.

Swallow 15 - winners of the first Quarterly final and record deal with Sheer Music - have been busy in the studio as well as speaking to the press. Hopefully you saw them on etv on Monday, June 7! Expect a lot more in the press over the next few months about Swallow 15.

A new leg of the RP Studios Emerging Sounds is being added for groups based in the east and south of Johannesburg. Starting in July groups from these areas will now have a leg of this event at Caesars Gauteng. Initially it will be held once a month with the winning group proceeding through to the monthly Johannesburg final at Tempos. If there is enough interest then this new leg at Caesars Gauteng will take place twice a month. For further information contact the Squire on 082 770 7524.

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?

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.

JOHANNESBURG - RP STUDIOS EMERGING SOUNDS - JUNE

Saturday, June 19
· Pollen
· Plus Others

Saturday, June 26 - Johannesburg final
Event start at 15:00 and the cover charge is R30
· Re-Play
· Winner of June 12
· Winner of June 19
· Also in action on the main stage after the RP Studios Emerging Sounds are
Wickhead, 16 Stitch, Five Star Channel plus More.

DURBAN REGIONAL FINALS

Friday, June 25 - Winston Hotel - R10
· 12 Gauge
· Saturnine
· Sibling Rivalry
· June 11 winner

For further information contact Mike on 083 742 5145.

PRETORIA - RP STUDIOS EMERGING SOUNDS

Thursday, June 24 - Nile Crocodile - R10 cover charge
· In-Dreams
· Plus Others

NELSPRUIT - RP STUDIOS EMERGING SOUNDS

Saturday, July 10 at Blue Moon

For further information contact Simon "Squire" Foulds on 082 770 7524

--------------

SA PUNK*SKA*METAL*HARDCORE
By Daniel Neville

THE ANTIPATHY INTERVIEW
Exclusive! Antipathy tell it like it is..... by Daniel Neville

In a very short space of time Antipathy, a proudly local band, have brewed up storms at all their recent shows. Wherever they go they cause a near riot in the pit and get the whole crowd seriously amped to a point where all hell could break lose.

I caught up with Dawie, Christopher, Jean and T.G for a few words and an insight into what is to come from this awesome foursome.

Dan - So let's start off by getting to know the band. Who does what and what extra abilities do you have?

Antipathy - There are 4 members of the band... Jean Marais - drummer and has a disability, he is blind; Dawie Bester - guitar; Christopher Steyn - bass, he is a big man with a big heart and sexy eyes; T.G. van Zyl - vocals.. Romantic ha ha!!!! Did skateboard for a while but it got too risky for the band.

Dan - A blind drummer....that could be quite a crowd puller (one up on deaf leopard) I know that he is a damn good drummer and that if you didn't know he was blind you could swear that he wasn't. Do you think having a blind drummer affects they way people think of you as a band?

Antipathy -
JEAN: Thanks for the compliment, but no, we don't think so.
T.G: We make our music with our hearts and would not want to be seen as the band with the blind drummer, but would like to be seen as the band with good music and positive messages. We all have a disability in something, but Jean is a good example of taking what you have and making the best out of it.

Dan - I know this sounds like an over-used question but you do have an interesting name. I believe it means to have a deep-seated feeling of aversion or dislike. How did you get the name and does it reflect your music?

Antipathy -
T.G: In this case, the band's name is actually ironic, we sing and write music with positive lyrics. Antipathy is against the abuse of anyone's heart mind and soul, there is to much crazy shit going on and people who influence the world's youth in a bad way today that someone has to wake them up. Don't mess with our loved ones and friends!!

Dan - Now we are on to the music, your very distinct metal almost jazz sound has turned a lot of heads. What would you say your influences are?

Antipathy -
Dawie: Rage against the Machine, Eric Clapton, Incubus, Jamiroquai, Pantera, System of a Down.
Christopher: Primus, M.R. Bungle, Incubus, I sleep too much to listen to music.
Jean: Machine Head, Tool, Pantera, Deftones, Queens of the Stone Age, Piet Botha
T.G.: Pain of Salvation, Aftertaste (SA, but have broken up now) Neshamah, Marlowe,
Tool, Sikth, Inflames, Dave Matthews band, M.R. bungle and a few Jazz singers, Sinatra.

Dan - How long have you been playing together? And were any of you in other bands before?

Antipathy -
Dawie: We have been together since July 2002, it's been a year and a half now and Christopher, Myself (Dawie) and T.G. have never been in other bands but T.G did take part in other projects.
Jean: I have been and still kind of am in another band called Fudge, we have been together since 1999 and will be forever.
T.G.: Yeah this is my 1st band and only band I will ever be in, I did take part in Male or Men's Choirs, opera and baroque music and toured to Germany with Jean's Brother, I have been invited by bands to do guest appearances, FUDGE, SCARLETHOST, AUTOPSY NOW

Dan - At all the shows I've seen you play you seem to get a very good crowd response, especially T.G. and his 'crazy' stage antics. Is this something that came naturally or was it something you have worked on?

Antipathy -
Christopher: The crowds at shows are definitely growing show by show, we never plan something before going on stage, but once in while say a little prayer and everything happens naturally. We do get a big kick out of the people though, we love it when the people go mad.
T.G.: I am just so happy to be alive, I just use my talent that I have been blessed with, everyone has talent. Just start to do something constructive and discover yourself, sure there are also many frustrations I take out on stage and sometimes I get carried away but I deal with them there, so that I don't hurt anyone when I get off stage. Sure, the adrenaline pumps like hell and I can still feel it the next day but Girlfriend makes it all alright.

Dan - You guys are from Worcester and you could say part of the Northern suburbs crew. How different is it playing in front of a crowd from the southern suburbs and one from the northern suburbs?

Antipathy - Northern Suburbs rocks, we have never had publicity in Cape Town at all. But after several shows we have played, things started to get a move, thanks to those people who supported us and driving far out to come and see us. The Northern Suburbs also has a lot more kids who can reach the venues; Tygervalley is very near the residential area. Southern Suburbs, we have only played in Hout Bay at Dirty Dicks and Gandalf's (the place to rock out) in OBS, but a lot of those people also drive out to see us, but almost every kid needs a lift.

Dan - You guys have got a new full-length album coming out soon. Can you tell us a bit more about it and what we can expect?

Antipathy -
Jean: This is the first album, antipathy will be releasing. It was recorded at Paris studios in Vishoek. He [Paris] definitely did a good job. On the music side, there is a song for everyone, it consists of 11 Metal, Hardcore, Jazz and loads of experimental funk tracks. The quality is excellent. Screaming and nice singing. We are very excited about releasing the album.

Dan - Two of your songs - 'One Moment' and 'Revolution' - have done very well as downloadable mp3's. Would you say those two songs are a reflection of what we can expect from you?

Antipathy -
Dawie: The other songs are much funkier, but some are very heavy. 'Back your brothers play' is a song to look out for, it gives you an idea of what this band is about, well produced, hard melodic song with nice beats.

Dan - What are your views on downloadable music? Do you think it is a good or bad thing?

Antipathy -
Christopher: Well, it's nice to see how technology progresses. It makes you able to reach more people around the world. It is good thing for marketing and promotion, but copy protection and song limiting should definitely be practised on music.

Dan - So after the album any plans of a major tour or something of that nature?

Antipathy - Yeah, Maiden League has organised an SA tour to Jo'burg, Durban, P.E. and East London. And work on our next album, our new songs are going to rock, we are currently writing music and taking a break on shows.

Dan - You guys are part of Maiden League Records, which in the short space of time that it has existed has done some great things. Are you guys amped to be a part of Maiden League?

Antipathy - Yeah we thank them very much for helping our band to reach more people. They are a rad team and all work very hard. Sean is the coolest guy, he is chubby, and an Englishman with a nice accent, in his beard is where his intelligence lies.
T.G.: Maiden League is a highlight in our lives and will always be apart of who we are, they made us stronger, harder and smarter, they are like parents.

Dan - What are your views on the underground music scene in SA? Especially focusing on the punk/ska/metal/hardcore/crossover bands.

Antipathy -
T.G.: It's nice to see so many talented kids out there, every neighbourhood has at least got a band or two starting out. Bands these days progress much faster then back when we started. This is the way to go, Rock 'n Roll should be every kid's motto. I love the variation.

Dan - now for a bit of word association:

Antipathy:
Dog food: Mc Donalds
Crossover bands: Kuiergat treffers
Emo: finding Nemo
Sean Loony: asembrandende, gleefdier - baardmossel
Love metal: T.G.

Dan - Well thanks for chatting to us. Any last words before you get ready to take over the country?

Antipathy -
Back your Brothers Play, thanks to all our fans, supporters best friends: Christy, Brett, Stevan, Anthony for helping Jean, Joe, Hond, Isac, The Doppler Effect, Dirk the Worcester boys, Boon slang clan and to all the bands with whom we have played. Clubs and chicks who make rock 'n roll a reality
(Groupyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyysssssssssssssssssssss!!!!) God Bless.

Listen to 'One Moment' by Antipathy at:
http://www.mweb.co.za/hubs/entertainment/music/download.aspx

--------------
SA Punk Gig Guide:
-------------

Tues 15 June - Johannesburg - The Horror Cafe - R40, 8pm
Street Warfare featuring:
Humphrey the Teacup
Stringbean

Fri 18 June - Cape Town - Evol (Above Stags Head) - R20, 9pm
Mitsoo
three chord theory
with Dj's Bingo and Fashion

Fri 18 June - Pretoria - Round Table Community Centre - R20, 7pm
ALL AGES!!!
Cash bar for over 18's.
The Terrorists
Light Brigade
Push Back Forward Far From First
Militia

Fri 18 June - Witbank - Rock Cafe - R30, 9pm
Exploited and Distorted tour
Fuzigish
Honey Bee
Treasure Worm

Fri 18 June - Cape Town - Mercury Live - R20, 9pm
Velve
Tonight We Die
Sky Division

Sat 19 June - Pretoria - Nile Crocodile - R30, 9pm
Exploited and Distorted tour
Fuzigish
The Slashdogs

Daniel Neville
mailto:daniel@neville.za.net

-----------
LIVE IN LONDON
-----------

TROUBADOUR'S AT THE TROUBADOUR
Erik Windrich @ The Troubadour, Earls Court, 9 June 2004

Last time I saw Erik at the Troubadour, he had a full band with him. Tonight, due to illness of the bass player, it was just him and Mosi, his Kora-playing partner. This meant that we were treated to a sort of unplugged gig. The kora is a beautiful sounding instrument, and Mosi was able to extract sounds out of his, that I've not heard any other kora player make. Now I'm no expert on the kora, but I got the impression that he is prepared to be more experimental than most.

That of course fits in with Erik as he is also one prepared to explore new sounds and mixes of instruments. As he showed with éVoid, he is still capable of writing catchy tunes, and none more so than their opener, 'Weeping', with its cascading kora sound mingling with Erik's guitar. He accompanied this with shakers of a sort that were attached to his ankles to add a small rhythm section.

Both are highly skilled musicians and it's interesting to watch as they seem to immerse themselves in their music. Most of the songs came from 'Backyard Discovery', but in their second set, they did a piece which was a Mosi number and more in the West African style.

I do think that they suffered a bit in the second set due to the lack of a full rhythm section as the crowd had got a few drinks in and become quite loud, so it was a bit of an uphill struggle for the duo, but they battled on manfully, and those of us who were there to see them were still able to enjoy it.

Erik is just starting out on a second career in the music biz. We South Africans know what he is capable of and are able to recognise and appreciate what he is doing now, hopefully the rest of the world will soon come to know and love this talented guy.

[John Samson]

--------------

KITCHEN NOISE
Syd Kitchen @ The Royal Exchange, Camden, 8 June 2004

Nestled under an arch of a bridge over which a railway runs, in a side street off the main, bustling drag of Camden Town is a little pub called The Royal Exchange. It's a musos' hangout and has an open mike night tonight. While various unknown but talented musicians ply their trade in the dimly lit back room of the bar, we share a drink with Syd in the beer garden out back. It's a balmy London evening, but in these relaxed surrounds one is oblivious to the fact that you're in the middle of the bustling metropolis.

Syd's on late, so as the last glimmer of the sun disappears and a chill hits the air, we head indoors to watch him play. He is at home here, and it shows in the relaxed manner he approaches his songs and the small crowd that is quickly impressed, clapping along and even adding spontaneous tambourine and bongo's to some of the songs.

The half hour set seems to fly by as we are treated to songs like 'Muse', an 8-minute version of 'Amakoologik', and a bastardised version of 'Sarie Marais' that's had the words changed to be an anti-war, anti-Bush song. His bright, alert eyes peer out from behind his long locks every now and then, taking in the scene with a quiet smile. He's enjoying himself, and so is the audience.

[John Samson]

-------------------
LIVE IN SA
-----------

THE TORNADOS
Live @ Mercury Lounge, Cape Town, Tuesday, 25 May.

For many years now (+- 14) Matthew Fergusson has been the prime mover in The Cape Town Rockabilly/Psychobilly scene. Bands like The Mavericks, Bantam Cocks, Chicken and presently Three Bored White Guys and The Tornados have been rocking out and it's about time Matt (and his sidekicks) got the support and success they really deserve.

The Tornados are Matt on drums and determination, Mr. E. on upright bass and Ian on guitar, vocals and spontaneous humour. From their first number, a Stray Cats cover, the band rocked as did the appreciative crowd.

I have never been a great Blues fan and in fact completely dissed The Mavericks in a local fanzine in the early '90's. I have since had a change of heart as all of Matt's bands play heartfelt music and their dedication and passion has rubbed off...even on me!

The thing about The Tornados is that their music is timeless. Chuck Berry riffs speeded up and slowed down together with elements of Johnny Cash, Elvis and Carl Perkins collide in a frenzy on and off stage. The songs are so infectious you just want to dance. The Tornados have seven original numbers and are currently working on their debut CD, which will be reviewed right here.

It's just a pity these gigs are on week nights and the crowds are small but appreciative. With upcountry bands like Martin Rocka And The Sick Shop, The Diesel Whores & The Slashdogs (yet to play in Cape Town) the Rockabilly/Psychobilly scene looks set to explode.

It's been a long time coming but I am really looking forward to it and so should you.... Now if only The Psycho Reptiles would return and reform.

Ernie Pap.

---------------

THE HOG HOGGIDY HOG CD LAUNCH GIG
(This is an excerpt from the Rudimentals' weekly newsletter describing the events of Saturday 5 June at the Three Arts in Plumstead...)

Later that day it was off to The 3 Arts for a sound check for the Hog Hoggidy Hog OINK! CD release. When we arrived there, at 5pm to be exact, there was already an ambulance waiting outside. Our first thought was, "Not already! Imagine what it's going to be like by the time the crowd actually arrives..."

Turns out someone had broken their leg at the ice rink next door, what a relief! For the next three hours, sound check took place, large video screens were put up, and the merchandise tables were set up in anticipation for a bit of action in the cash department, if you know what I mean...

When I popped outside for a while at 7pm, people were already queuing. I knew it was going to be a night to go down in my history book! People ended up queuing for over an hour in the rain (not ideal for anyone) to experience this debaucherous endeavour.

To those of you who didn't make it inside in time to catch The Rude Boys, I apologise, but the door staff were doing the best they could. The hold-up was mainly due to the fact that it was an all ages gig and everyone's ID's had to be checked to see if they were allowed the elite two stamps, or only one, disallowing them to enter the very badly cordoned-off bar area.

The crew handling the door wasn`t quite sure what to make of the Lion who entered wearing a bright orange crash helmet, but I can tell you now that the rest of the crowd wish they had arrived at the scene as prepared! I haven't experienced such a massive crowd of energetic punks for a long while. As was promised, Cokey Falkow hosted the evening, advising kids about what NOT to do at home and getting them in touch with their sexuality.

The Rude Boys played a Fire! set, followed by the always tight and vigorous Afrikaans sounds of Fokofpolisiekar. There was about a half an hour gap between Fokofpolisiekar and Hog Hoggidy Hog, intensifying the crowd's anticipation to the max.

I've never seen The Hogs this tight before, nor have I seen them play such a super long set. The energy they were giving the crowd was reciprocated until the very last note they played. It's no wonder they sold over 200 CD's at their launch!

When the set was over, the crowd was entertained by the awesome tunes of DJ King SkaSa, who will also be joining us at a couple of The Rudimentals' National Tour shows. I can't wait! A HUGE thanks goes out to The Hogs for allowing us to share this magical event with them, especially to Lee Lips for all the hard work and organisation that went into making this night as special as it could possibly have been.

Look out for the exceptionally beautiful Rudimentals' National Tour poster in the latest issue of blunt Magazine.

Download 'Gangsta' at http://www.SAmp3.com
and 'Noh TV' at: http://www.mweb.co.za/hubs/entertainment/music/download.aspx

Rudimentals web at: www.rudimentals.co.za
Email (and get their newsletter) at: Mailto:management@rudimentals.co.za

---------------------

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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