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Contents
This week's contents: Editorial: The week in brief News: Fokofpolisiekar, Native Noise, HelpMy Liver.com, FuziGish, Q and Not U, OppiKoppi. Charts: SA Rock Digest MP3 and Album Charts New Releases: New SA MP3's and CD's, Chiaroscuro, Fly Paper Jet, Jo Day, Teba, and the Kalahari Surfers Celeb:Select: Kevin Shirley, Syd Kitchen, Gordon's Suitcase, 'Hits, Memories, and Obscurities'. Classic SA Rock: USA For Africa - Brenda Fassie - 'Brenda Fassie'; A Naartjie In The UK - The Dollyrockers - 'The Heat; 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, 'Lick The Lion' Launch, VNV Tour, Mandosini, RP Studios Emerging Sounds Competition, CountryBilly Breakout III, Gothfest. SA Music Links And Resources: Contact Details Editorial THE WEEK IN BRIEF Firstly, an important note to all our subscribers - you will not be receiving Digest #252 next Monday (May 30) as you may have expected. Issue #252 will only be going out a week later, on Monday 6 June, and thereafter on every Monday of the year, unless you see another little notice like this at the top of the Digest. The reason for the week's break is that members of the editorial staff of both the SA Rock Digest and SA Klank will be accompanying Piet Botha on his "Rollin Donder Review" {our un-official name for the event - Dylan fan Ed.} trip to Mozambique which begins later this week. Back in SA, Cape Town punk sensations, Fokofpolisiekar, will be launching their new music video for their current radio hit, 'Hemel op die Platteland', on 26 May at Mercury Live ... UCT Radio's premier South African music showcase, Paul See's Native Noise, has been extended by another hour every Saturday on 104.5fm, UCT Radio. ... Have you visited www.helpmyliver.com yet? If you haven't, then you are missing out on one of the top 50 drinking sites worldwide, that also has an SA music focus. FuziGish's 'Exploited and Distorted Tour '04', named after their new album, kicks off with the big launch party at the Roxy in JHB before heading off across the country ... Wrench Productions have announced that they are bringing Dischord Records' revolutionary indie-rock act, Q and Not U, to South Africa for a national tour in July/August this year ... The first OppiKoppi in 1995 had 27 bands and roughly 2000 people attended the event, which had only one stage, but that was 10 years ago. This week's new mp3 downloads are from Chiaroscuro, Fly Paper Jet, Jo Day, Teba, and the Kalahari Surfers ... This week Celeb:Select Top 10 SA songs list is from Kevin Shirley ... Syd Kitchen has released his "best of" collection called 'Quintessentially Syd Kitchen' ... In the second part of Brian Currin's series, called 'Hits, Memories and Obscurities', he tells us about some "hard to find but worth the look" classic SA songs. The group in this week's artist spotlight carries the name Gordon's Suitcase ... Kurt Shoemaker reviews the second disc of the set entitled 'The Best Of SA Pop Vol 2' ... John Samson is starting to feel a bit summery there in London so he sent us a review of the 'Breathe Sunshine Vol 1' compilation. ISLA (Ilsa Schrader) will be launching her rough and raw debut solo CD, 'Lick The Lion', at Blacksheep Towers on Wednesday 26 May ... Alter Ego regrets to inform Cape Town fans that they have unfortunately had to cancel the Cape Town VNVNATION show due to lack of pre sale tickets, but it is still on in Pretoria ... As part of its Music Memory and Heritage Programme, the District Six Museum will be hosting a concert by world renowned musician, Mandosini, an exponent of traditional Xhosa music. There is news on the RP Studios Emerging Sounds Competition ... Ernie was at the Countrybilly Breakout III blast at The Mercury and filed a review ... Francis Bryan had a smallish accident but is fine now and sent us a review of the recent Gothfest, also at The Mercury in Cape Town, that featured Sanguis et Cinis with SA support bands, Revelus and The Awakening. There's also the usual weekly mp3 and album charts, recommended SA gigs, letters to Sound Solutions, Digest Classifieds, old SA and LM charts, and what's new on the shelves at Mabu Vinyl and CD and Vibes Vinyl. And that is some of SA music, this week ... If you would like to contact us, please send an email to mailto:editor@sarockdigest.com?subject=Digest Thanks! Ed. ----------------------------
From Abstract Truth to Karen Zoid, from 'Astra' to 'Zen Boulders', from 'Ag Pleez Deddy' to 'ZX Dan'... visit the online archive for the history (and future) of South African Rock at: http://www.rock.co.za The SA Rock Encyclopedia is an archive of South African pop and rock music - past, present and future - and includes sections on classic albums, rock legends, rock lists, charts, trivia, family trees, a hall of fame, weblinks and more... ---------------------------- SAKLANK.COM Sluit aan by http://www.SAKlank.com deur e-pos te stuur aan intekenaar@saklank.com Alle rasionele idees, gedagtes, bydraes, briewe en konsert-/CD-resensies is altyd welkom! ---------------------------- THE OFFICIAL RODRIGUEZ WEBSITE 'Cold Fact', the classic album from the 70s, as well as 'After The Fact', the second Rodriguez album, have been re-issued and both are now available at Sugar Music. All Rodriguez Info at: http://www.sugarman.org ---------------------------- SA ROCK DIGEST http://www.sarockdigest.com If you would like to receive all the SA music news on this page, as a free weekly Monday morning email newsletter with no attachments, then please enter your email address in the SA Rock Digest banner on the left. News
FOKOFANDCHECKTHEVIDEO Cape Town punk sensations, Fokofpolisiekar, will be launching their new music video for their current radio hit, 'Hemel op die Platteland', on 26 Mei 2004, 21h00 at Mercury Live, De Villiers Straat, Kaapstad. The screening of the video will be followed by a live performance by the band. Fokofpolisiekar have been receiving a ton of SA press coverage over the past few weeks and some of the band members have even grown their hair and moustaches to confuse all those who were expecting punks with shaven heads and mohawks. This band is starting to resemble the Kings Of Leon, which is a whole new fashion statement for the Punk genre. The video for 'Hemel op die Platteland' was produced by Johan Nel from Scratch Media. The song is currently gaining cultdom as the first Afrikaans song to be playlisted on 5fm. However, the station prefers to introduce the band as simply "Polisiekar", which kind of spoils the whole effect, don't you think... Details of the launch from Ilse van der Merwe: Mailto:ilse@rhythmrecords.co.za Listen to 'Hemel Op Die Platteland' at MWeb's SA Music Downloads section http://www.mweb.co.za/hubs/entertainment/music/download.aspx -------------- BOO! AND FLY PAPER JET LAUNCH THE 3 HOUR NATIVE NOISE UCT Radio's premier South African music showcase has received much attention as it has grown from strength to strength in the last two and a half months. Now Paul See's Native Noise has been extended by another hour. The new show will now run from 11:00-14:00 every Saturday on 104.5fm, UCT Radio. The extra hour will enable the show's host, Paul See, to cover a more diverse range of local talent with more time for additional artist interviews. The first official 3 Hour Native Noise was launched last Saturday and is now online at www.nativenoise.co.za. The new show format will allow enough time for interviews with two local artists per show. Listeners can still expect the majority of guests to perform in the Native Noise Acoustic Collection, a feature that allows bands to play a few songs unplugged, live on the air. The first bands to be featured in a double bill show were Fly Paper Jet, who recently launched their debut album at UCT's Hiddingh Campus. Regular listeners would have heard the album, 'Fly Paper Jet Live', for the first time on Native Noise. The Fly Paper Jet feature was followed by a very unique performance by South Africa's favourite Monki Punkers, Boo! who also performed a few unplugged numbers live on the air for The Native Noise Acoustic Collection. It was interesting to hear how a band with no guitars transformed their sound into an acoustic format. Stay tuned to 104.5fm and keep checking www.nativenoise.co.za for more information. v Listen to 'Festival Song' by Fly Paper Jet at MWeb's SA Music Downloads section http://www.mweb.co.za/hubs/entertainment/music/download.aspx -------------- HELP MY LIVER?? Have you visited www.helpmyliver.com yet? If you haven't, then you are missing out on "the next big thing in the SA website market". Launched on the 24th of April, this SA site has since been endorsed by American web hosting company, Powweb, as one of the top 50 drinking sites worldwide. Billed as a lifestyle website, it has loads of information ranging from drinks recipes, to fashion, to drinking games, to the effects of alcohol on the body, to wines, and - most importantly - a section dedicating itself to promoting up-and-coming SA bands. The guys behind this new website are looking to create a stage for up-and-coming talent in the music industry in Cape Town. They will be scheduling regular gigs where local musicians can showcase their talent. If you think you have what it takes to join their band listings and get involved with the gigs they are organising, if you're looking for exposure, join in on the initiative and help grow the project. Contact them at helpmyliver2004@yahoo.com. HelpMyLiver.com is hosting the inaugural "Bands on Main" gigs. This new and info-filled website is geared towards promoting homegrown events as well as giving the user all the info needed regarding a whole host of topics. The need to promote our up-and-coming local bands is not lost on the site. They include a "Bands" section, which has band profiles of only local acts from their city (Cape Town). Thursday the 27 May will see the beginning of "Bands on Main". Join the team of HelpMyLiver.com at Match (situated in the Stadium-on-Main in Claremont) as they bring to you some of the best live music Cape Town has to offer! Come support the gig for the first of what will become a monthly fixture on the Cape calendar. Visit www.helpmyliver.com for all the details for the night as well as info on the bands which will be performing. HelpMyLiver.com The Party Starts Here! More info at www.helpmyliver.com. -------------- THE FUZIGISH "EXPLOITED AND DISTORTED" TOUR So you've heard about FuziGish's new album? Well, here comes the news of when and where you can see the guys on the road, and get your copies of said album from the band. The 'Exploited and Distorted Tour '04' kicks off with the big launch party at the Roxy in JHB, and heads off across the country. The band have warned: "Fuzi fans, wherever you are, stand up and be counted, cos we are comin to git ya. Better pack a fat wallet when you come to these shows because, not only will the album be on sale, but there will be T-Shirts and Badges up for grabs and other goodies as well" 'Exploited & Distorted'Tour Dates: Sat 5th June - Roxy Rhythm Bar JHB Fri 11th June - London Calling JHB Sat 12th June - Shingwedzi Pub, Rustenburg Tue 15th June - Horror Cafe JHB with AFTN, Humphrey Teacup, Stringbean Wed 16th June - - Thrasher Skate Park, PTA ALL AGES Fri 18th June - Rock Café, Witbank Sat 19th June - Nile Crocodile PTA Fri 25th June - Carfax JHB with Pestroy, Diesel Whores, Half Price Sat 26th June - Burn, DBN with Sibling Rivalry Fri 2nd July - Mercury Live CT with Hog Hoggidy Hog Sat 3rd July - venue TBC - All Ages with Half Price and others Fri 9th July - Dickie Fritz Hall (Edenvale) With Libido - All Ages Sat July 10th - Cool Runnings PTA, Centurion Fri July 16th - Roxy with Fokofpolisiekar JHB Keep up to date with additions and changes by visiting www.fuzigish.co.za Info: Dave Chislett 083 245 6412 thechiz@absamail.co.za -------------- Q AND NOT U SA TOUR Wrench Productions are proud to announce that they are bringing Q and Not U to South Africa for a national tour in July/August this year. The Washington DC-based record label, Dischord Records, have built for themselves an extremely enviable reputation of signing illustrious acts such as Fugazi and Minor Threat. Their latest, and arguably most prodigious band, the revolutionary indie-rock act, Q and Not U, have released a collection of work on the label, which has received brilliant reviews around the globe. After extensively touring the US, Europe, Canada and Japan, Q and Not U are set to awe South African audiences as they "kick down the walls, collapse the floor and torch the basement to hell with their energetic rock" (Pop Matters, Music Critic). Having been described as its own genre, sound, and even mode of communication, Q and Not U's innovative brand of rock music has been making waves internationally since their inception in 1998, their live performances leaving audiences dumbstruck. Their music proudly bears its deep punk influences whilst at the same time avoiding categorising itself, with something new and unexpected happening at every talented turn. The fact that this indie band has played with greats such as the Pixies, Radiohead and Kraftwerk speaks for itself. As their South African tour draws ever nearer, audiences in all major South African cities wait in anticipation of Q and Not U's portentous punk-rock performances. SA ska-punk champions, Fuzigish, will play support throughout the tour. This band has built an impressive reputation for themselves with three extensive international tours to Europe and Australia under their studded belts. This tour will also see all of South Africa's prime punk and hardcore bands tearing the stage apart at SA's top venues like never before. You've heard the facts, now go see them for yourself! Wrench Productions www.wrenchproductions.com mailto:info@wrenchproductionsl.co.za Cell: +27 82 5800 707 Tel: +27 11 609 7458 Fax: +27 11 609 3536 -------------- AND FINALLY... OPPIKOPPI 10 - THE HISTORY [This year is a notable one for the organisers of the OppiKoppi Festival as it is the 10th anniversary of these major annual SA music events. Well done to all the head people (Hoofmanne?) at OppiKoppi who have been, and still are, responsible for these great festivals. Over to them to tell us the full story:] Actually it was completely unintentional for things to go where they did. When Koos Kombuis and Valiant were invited to the little bushveld bar, which doubled as a small time bushveld bungalow rental business; the intention was actually much more personally hedonistic. The family liked the tunes and was mildly surprised to find out that they actually accepted the invitation. These first small indoor gigs in the small-and-big bar began in 1994 and were absolutely spectacular. The frightening thing thinking about it now is that most of the stories you've heard about those evenings are true. The success and straight forward enjoyment the family had in hosting the bands for these small but wild gigs, prompted Tess to pull the courage together to invite 27 bands for the first ever OppiKoppi festival of Rock in 1995. Roughly 2000 people attended the event, which had only one stage. Almost every single person at the event has a unique story or wound to show for it. Most have both. It was the most amazing and full throttle beginning to one of South Africa's finest export products. Thus the seeds were sown and the subsequent year saw a remarkable expansion in the scope of the festival. Not only logistically (The festival has had up to 6 different stages), but also in size (The biggest festival ever had roughly 15000 people attending the event for 4 days). Additionally - although coming from firmly Hendrixed blues/rock roots - OppiKoppi expanded the scope of genres covered by the event. Over the last few years there is almost no form of music performed that has not played a role on one of the OppiKoppi stages: rock, blues, folk, traditional, world, African jazz, classical, poetry, hip-hop, kwaito, R & B, reggae, punk, ska - almost anything. Additionally festive and lively elements like comedy, street theatre, performance theatre and electronic art started playing a stronger role in the festival line-up. Strategically the festival also became one of the first entities actively trying to assist South African artists to play at overseas events. With the creation of festival exchange links between OppiKoppi and festivals such as Pukkelpop (Belgium), Lowlands (Holland), Quart (Norway) and others, it has stayed at the forefront of artist support throughout the years. Oppikoppi has always prided itself in being forward thinking and not being afraid to try new gimmicks and tricks: such as the Easter festivals, new year's braaihaha's and the move closer to town for the 2001, 2002 and 2003 editions. We even had a Cape version of OppiKoppi in Worcester during 2000. However the team - and most of rock 'n roll South Africa - is happy and relieved that OppiKoppi has now again found its final resting place amongst the dust and thorns in the not-so-glamorous district of Northam (Just far enough from all major metro areas to escape debt collectors and/or TV licence inspectors). Sitting on the inside: the progress and expansion over the years has been astronomical. It is unbelievable to see what the festival and the sister entity OppiKoppi Productions are involved with on an annual basis. Most remarkable of all is that the entire enterprise was built on the simple love of tunes. May there be ten more years like these. -Vryheid, broederskap en tunes!- OppiKoppi 10 -------------- 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) Something In My Eye (Live) - Boulevard Blues Band ('Tassenberg All*Stars 4'/Trippy Grape) 2. [5] (2) Love Is The Hunter - MacAngel ('Summer In Berlin'/Sonique) 3. [4] (3) Snakes And Ladders - Evolver ('Evolver' EP/Indie) 4. [2] (2) Long Riders Of Nam - Brian Finch ('Never Look Back'/Indie) 5. [1] (1) Vier by Vier en Visvang - Blomkrag ('Boere Country'/Indie) 6. [7] (6) Charlie Kaufman - Fallen ('Last Chance For The Forgotten'/Indie) 7. [9] (7) Break Down - Believable Addiction (Indie) 8. [13] (8) Revolution - Swim Club (Indie) 9. [10] (9) Jou Ma - Thys Nywerheid (Indie) 10. [6] (1) Gravity - James Stewart (Street Level) 11. [8] (8) Drowsy Maggie - DNA Strings ('DNA Strings'/Afrimusik) 12. [14] (12) What It Takes To Breathe - Bored (Indie) 13. [15] (13) No Matter - Wendy New (Dissolve In The Sun/Indie) 14. [12] (1) FCK - Teba ('Silvertab Harambe Dope Sessions'/African Dope) 15. [19] (15) Multiple Oblivion - Jo Day ('The Truth'/Indie) 16. [17] (16) I'm A Doctor - The Innovators ('Silvertab Harambe Dope Sessions'/African Dope) 17. [20] (20) Cola Wars - Willem Kitshoff ('Silvertab Harambe Dope Sessions'/African Dope) 18. [18] (1) Gimme Da Weed - Juan Thyme feat. Chronic Clan ('African Dope Sound System'/African Dope) 19. [21] (19) Things Were Meant To Be So - chiaroscuro ('A Definition'/Indie) 20. [-] (20) Hemel Op Die Platteland - Fokofpolisiekar ('As Jy Met Vuur Speel Sal Jy Brand'/Rhythm) 21. [11] (7) Don't Walk Away - Larry Amos ('Going Up'/Indie) 22. [23] (22) FFF - Tonight We Die (Demo/Indie) 23. [24] (23) Driehoek - Van Zyl, Van Der Spuy & Vennote ('Hadeda'/Rhythm) 24. [27] (24) Somewhere - Celtic Rumours (SAmp3.com Exclusive) 25. [-] (25) One Moment - Antipathy (Maiden League) 26. [28] (26) Change Your Face - David Foster ('Flat To Round'/Rhythm/Bowline) 27. [-] (27) Noh TV - The Rudimentals ('More Fire'/Indie) 28. [30] (28) Guitar Me - Staige (Demo/Indie) 29. [-] (29) Download - Phringe ('Mellow Drama'/USM) 30. [16] (2) Diengele - Kalahari Surfers ('Muti Media'/African Dope) (Based on downloads from SAmp3.com and MWeb Entertainment) Download South African MP3s at http://www.SAmp3.com ---------------------------- SA ROCK DIGEST TOP 20 SOUTH AFRICAN ALBUMS OF THE WEEK http://www.sarockdigest.com/charts This week [last week] (highest position) Title - Artist (Label) 1. [1] (1) Big Red (Songs From 'Going Nowhere Slowly') - Various (Ripchord/Bowline) 2. [2] (1) A Definition - Chiaroscuro (Indie) 3. [5] (3) All That Is Should Be - Plush (Indie) 4. [4] (1) Moving - 340ml (Indie) 5. [6] (5) Angel Tongue - Nianell (Fresh) 6. [8] (6) Born Guilty & Other Stories - Colin Shamley (3rd Ear Music) 7. [3] (3) Blomdoorns - Derek Gripper (Open Record) 8. [7] (5) Dissolve In The Sun - Wendy New (Indie) 9. [12] (9) Site Under Construction - Off The Edge (Indie) 10. [17] (10) Summer In Berlin - MacAngel (Sonique) 11. [18] (11) Live - Fly Paper Jet (Indie) 12. [10] (1) Boerecountry - Blomkrag (Indie) 13. [14] (13) Beyond The Walls - Rus Nerwich (Indie) 14. [9] (1) True North - Spoonfeedas (Sesalos) 15. [13] (1) Muti Media - Kalahari Surfers (African Dope) 16. [15] (2) Africa She Too Can Cry - Hawk (RetroFresh) 17. [16] (1) The Heat - Dollyrockers (Indie) 18. [11] (2) Never Look Back - Brian Finch (Indie) 19. [21] (19) Memories In A Menthol - Adam Tas (Bowline) 20. [19] (1) More Fire - The Rudimentals (Indie) 21. [22] (21) My Dance - Muse String Quartet (Indie) 22. [25] (22) Vol 1: 20/20 Vision - The Tripps (Indie) 23. [20] (2) Sui - Benguela (Open Record) 24. [-] (24) Spillage - Godessa (High Voltage) 25. [24] (1) Jika Jika - freshlyground (Freeground) 26. [26] (1) As Jy Met Vuur Speel Sal Jy Brand - Fokofpolisiekar (Rhythm/Bowline) 27. [29] (27) Lick The Lion - ISLA (Indie) 28. [-] (28) Quintessentially - Syd Kitchen (No Budget Records) 29. [23] (1) African Dope Sound System - Various (African Dope) 30. [-] (30) The Realisation Of Purpose - Sedwick (Indie) READ http://www.rock.co.za/files LISTEN http://www.SAmp3.com BUY http://www.oneworld.co.za/default.asp?AffiliateID=4321 The hosting of MP3s on the SA Rock Digest website is thanks to the Future Perfect Corporation http://www.futureperfectcorporation.com Building online communities to make the future perfect Chart statistics at: http://www.sarockdigest.com/charts New Releases
MP3's: ------- MWEB ------- SAmp3.com is now the official and exclusive supplier of South African mp3's to MWeb's new SA Music Download section. This 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: 'Window Shopping Lover' - chiaroscuro 'Festival Song' (live) - Fly Paper Jet 'P*rn' (acoustic) - Jo Day 'Nontsiki' - Teba 'The Generals Walk Free' - Kalahari Surfers Last week's 5 New and Exclusive mp3 titles at MWeb: 'Download' - Phringe 'Kitchener' - Piet Botha 'Hemel Op Die Platteland' - Fokofpolisiekar 'One Moment' - Antipathy 'Noh TV' - The Rudimentals Visit the South African Music Download section of MWeb at: http://www.mweb.co.za/hubs/entertainment/music/download.aspx If you would like your song, picture and website link on the MWeb website please go to: http://www.SAmp3.com/faq.html to find out how. ------------ SAmp3.com ------------ This week's SAmp3.com recommended downloads: 'This week's SAmp3.com recommended downloads: 'Who Painted The Moon' (live and unplugged) - Nianell http://www.SAmp3.com/fresh.html 'Diep In Gauteng' - Stefan Lombard http://www.SAmp3.com/afrimusik.html 'O Boereplaas' - Kobus! http://www.SAmp3.com/ent.html 'I Turn On The Radio' - Radio Rats http://www.samp3.com/radium.html 'Le Mystique Sonar' (Alpha Omega mix) - DJ MacAngel http://www.SAmp3.com/sonique.html -------------- All the mp3s listed above are available to download at http://www.SAmp3.com - the biggest South African mp3 website in the world. --------------- SEARCH FOR MP3's Use the SAmp3.com onboard search engine, powered by Google, to search for mp3s on SAmp3.com. ----------------- All the full-length mp3s are available for free download at http://www.SAmp3.com by kind permission of the artists and/or their labels. ---------------------------- CELEB-SELECT: KEVIN SHIRLEY 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's the turn of the internationally-renowned producer, Kevin Shirley, who began his career in South Africa working with Juluka, David Kramer, Basil "Mannenburg" Coetzee, Sweatband and many others, before heading off overseas where he has since worked with members of Led Zeppelin, and produced albums for the Black Crowes, Iron Maiden, the Springbok Nude Girls and many, many more. Over to Kevin in London: Hi, Thanks for asking me to do this!. Unfortunately, my selection seems to date me, but these were the hedonistic days of rock in SA for me. My Top 11 SA Songs are: Baxtop - 'Jo Bangles' Ellamental - 'Pressure' Falling Mirror - 'Highway Blues' Rabbitt - 'Hard Ride' Sweatband - 'This Boy' Steve Louw and Big Sky - 'Waiting For The Dawn' Robin Auld - 'Going Down' McCully Workshop - 'Buccaneer' Leslie Rae Dowling - 'The Spaniard' Springbok Nude Girls - 'X' Tribe After Tribe - 'The Watch' And, I have to add a special selection: 'Waiting For The Dawn', by my band, The Council, from 1985 with the late great Brian Davidson singing. Steve (Louw) stole the title from me, but he turned it to very good use. If anyone actually has a copy of this, I don't, and would love one! All the best, Kevin Shirley London CAVEMAN PRODUCTIONS http://www.cavemanproductions.com -------------- SYD KITCHEN - 'QUINTESSENTIALLY' [NO BUDGET RECORDS] There is just no-one quite like Syd Kitchen in SA music. Sure he resembles his namesake, Koos Kombuis, with whom he shares a tweetaalig culinary surname. Both of these rough-hewn SA troubadours sing with great emotion and write those dusty growled lyrics that cut to the heart of the SA experience. Sure there is also that folky-jazz guitar style that he shares and performs with his Aquarian mates, Steve, Tony and Greg. And the stuff he sings about is not that different to countless SA artists - his hopes and fears for his homeland, and the intense emotional love and attachment that each and every South African feels for this extraordinary country. But mix all those Kitchen ingredients together and you get an artist who is still winning new fans from the first time they hear him and his deeply affecting songs. That ever-expanding fanbase will soon be including part of the UK audience at the 2004 Glastonbury Festival where Syd Kitchen is booked to perform in the middle of the year. Syd Kitchen's music career had been happening for a while before he first came to the attention of SA fans outside "Natal". In the late-'80's, Syd and his band, The Utensils, put out the classic debut album, 'Waiting For The Heave', still one of the most intelligent and beautiful SA political folk albums ever released. Syd, who also performed solo, followed "Heave" with his more jazz-influenced solo album, 'City Child', followed soon after by 'Amakoologik'. He then hooked up with guitarist Madala Kunene, to form their very popular duo, Bafo Bafo. In amongst all of this, Syd Kitchen is an integral member of The Aquarian Quartet, with whom he regularly appears. 'Quintessentially Syd Kitchen', which has just been released, is the first official compilation of Syd's finest songs. The album contains 17 tracks that could and should instantly become one of your favourite CDs, that is if you appreciate twinkly SA folk-pop with great lyrics, delectable tunes and plenty of brains and humour. The tracks are all off Syd's albums like 'Waiting For The Heave' (currently all spruced up and ready for a long-awaited reissue), 'City Child', 'Amakoologik', and 'Africa's Not For Sissies', his other acclaimed album from a few years back. There is also the bonus of the live track, 'When The Boogie Dies', off the collection, 'Splashy Fen: 10 Years Of Music Under The Mountain'. Syd Kitchen is the "Richelieu Brandy" of SA folk-rock - matured over the years, with quiet dedication, in casts of cool okes, and sure to always leave you with a warm and heady glow.... 'Quintessentially' is quint-essential!. (SS) READ http://www.sydkitchen.com LISTEN http://www.SAmp3.com/artists_e_k.html BUY http://www.oneworld.co.za/searchresults.asp?AffiliateID=4321&artist=kitchen -------------- HITS, MEMORIES AND OBSCURITIES (The second in a series on the classics of SA rock, by Brian Currin) This week I will take a look at just a few great South African rock tunes that are hard, or impossible-to-find on CD: 'Gunpoint' - McCully Workshop http://www.rock.co.za/mccullyworkshop McCully Workshop plays a funky instrumental that would have fitted perfectly on the 'Shaft' soundtrack. This was the b-side of the single 'Shamrock' in 1974. 'Give Me The Good News' - Crocodile Harris http://www.rock.co.za/files/crocodile.html This incredibly powerful song is not currently available on CD. It has been released a few times before but the really hard-to-find version is the full-length track [4.55] off the 'Give Me The Good News' album released in 1983. 'The Boy And The Bee' - Omega Ltd http://www.cd.co.za/legends/omegalimited/ The b-side of the 'Tchaikovsky One' single from 1970. This song was originally recorded by Gun and is based on Rimsky-Korsakov's 'Flight Of The Bumble Bee'. Louis Greeff shines on guitar and takes this song to new heights. I'm exhausted after just listening to it! 'You Keep Me Hanging On' - The Flames http://the-flames.com A Vanilla Fudge-inspired version of the Supremes hit. This is as far away from 'For Your Precious Love' as one can get! This slow psychedelic soul reworking which originally appeared on 'Soulfire!!' in 1968 was omitted from 'The Best Of The Flames' CD release in 1994. 'Locomotive Breath' (single version) - Rabbitt http://www.cd.co.za/legends/rabbitt/ This version of the Jethro Tull classic was originally recorded in 1972 by an early incarnation of Rabbitt featuring an 18-year old Trevor Rabin. The lyrics were altered to appease the censors, instead of "in bed and having fun", they were "travelling to the sun". 'Locomotive Breath' was re-recorded for release on the powerful 'Boys Will Be Boys' album in 1975 (and the lyrics changed back), but the original single has never been released on CD. 'Help' - Hotline http://www.rock.co.za/files/pj_index.html When the 'Best of PJ Powers and Hotline' CD was released, this brilliant recording of The Beatles' 'Help' was edited from [5.43] to [3.14]. So the only place to find the full version is on Hotline's 2nd album, 'Help' from 1982, which has not yet been released on CD. [BC] -------------- ONE WORLD NEW RELEASES - APRIL http://www.oneworld.co.za/default.asp?affiliateID=4321 One World, the comprehensive online SA CD store, has been redesigned and improved. Check out the store's new look and quick and easy operation. These are some of the new titles added to the store's extensive catalogue over the past month: DVD ------ Steve Hofmeyr - 'Toeka - Die Nag Van Die Legendes' LIVE (DVD) Steve Hofmeyr performs songs off his smash hit album, 'Toeka' at Carnival City in 2003 with special guests Bobby Angel, Carike Keuzenkamp, and Sunnette Bridges ------ CD-ROM ------------- Chilvers & Jasiukowicz - 'Music Artists Of SA' (CD-ROM) The second in a series of reference guides by these two authors. The first, a book called 'History of Contemporary Music of South Africa' covered the artists in SA music from 1955 to 1992. This second volume is on CD-ROM and covers the period from 1990 to 2004 with interesting background details on various SA music artists. ------ CD ---- JAZZ: Various Artists - 'North Sea Jazz Festival 2000 - 2004' This new double CD features many of the famous names that have performed over the past five years at the most prestigious SA jazz festival, the NSJF in Cape Town. With names like Moses Molelekwa, Bheki Mseleku, Tananas, Winston Mankunku and many more. Hugh Masekela - 'The Collection' A worthy compilation of some of this living SA music legend's best tracks including 'Jo'Burg High', 'Lite Jive' and 'Colonial Man' to name a few. Rus Nerwich - 'Beyond The Walls' A deep and emotional exploration of songs emanating from the ghettos and concentration camps of Eastern Europe; a mosaic of musical feeling - of bitter sadness and of sweet joy. This collection of songs, sensitively re-interpreted in the jazz idiom, and superbly performed by new Capetonian sax-star Russ Nerwich, serves to communicate triumph and joy over tragedy. Mlungisi Gegana - 'One Step Forward' A remarkable debut from this Eastern Cape upright bassist who is in a class of his own - the album also features Louis Mhlanga, Vusi Khumalo and Andile Yenana Sakhile - 'Togetherness' One World's 'Album of the Month' for April from the jazz outfit that brought us hits like 'Mantobi', 'Isililo' and many more with Shaluza Max featuring on some of the tracks Mahube - 'Qhubeka' Another impressive collaborative effort by some of Southern Africa's finest musicians like Oliver Mtukudzi and Steve Dyer. Louis Mhalanga - 'Tinganekwane ....' ' A worthy follow-up to the acclaimed 'Shamwari' album by one of South Africa's finest jazz guitarists. ----- POP & ROCK: The Tripps - '20/20 Vision Volume 1' The Tripps is a collaborative concept album featuring Nathan Waywell (the bassist from SA band Amersham), with Marc Bentel (Little Sister - keyboards and guitars), Kevin Leicher (Plum - drums, percussion), Melody Kaye (Evenflow - vocals), Marq Vas (Metalmorphosis - vocals), Africa (keyboards), Sasha Sonnbichler (guitars and backing vocals), and Ron Smerczak (as Lord Vader). David Abbate - 'All The Best' David Abbate has quietly built into one of South Africa's finest adult contemporary singer-songwriters. Without any fuss and bother, his very catchy melodies and soulful voice have permeated SA's adult-contemporary airwaves for the last decade. "All the Best" is a collection of his finest SA work Colin Shamley - 'Born Guilty & Other Stories' A double CD set focusing on one of South Africa's finest folkies from years gone by. Featuring Shamley's only album release 'Born Guilty' with bonus tracks as well as plenty of previously unreleased live material from this enigmatic performer. Various Artists - 'Going Nowhere Slowly' (2CD) A double CD collection of some of the songs featured on the soundtrack of this popular and very hip SA travel program, and a strong expose of the depth and quality of SA's contemporary pop-rock artists. Ezra - 'Funk 'n Roll' The debut album from Ezra Lingeveldt, one of the finalists in the first SA 'Pop Idols' competition. Tree63 - 'The Answer To The Question' One of South Africa's most successful rock bands, both in SA and overseas, return with another album of top quality new material. Anke - 'By Heart' Anke Piertrangeli was the popular winner of the second South African series of 'Pop Idols' and this is her debut album, featuring her big hit, 'Silver Lining', a great cover of 'Independent Love Song', plus some original material Off The Edge - 'Site Under Construction' One of South Africa's more mature rock bands release the latest in their series of original rock albums. Hawk - 'Africa She Too Can Cry' Eagerly-awaited reissue of the second album by SA '70's rock legends, Hawk, on the RetroFresh label The Dollyrockers - 'The Heat' This big-selling third album from one of South Africa's most experienced and hard-working alternative rock bands shows off their winning sound and top quality songs Mean Mr Mustard - 'Best Of' A collection of the best songs from this popular Johannesburg pop band; includes their cover of the song 'Build Me Up Buttercup'. Justin Bergh - 'Out Of My Hands' Second album from one of South Africa's most promising rockers featuring the hit 'Out Of My Hands' and 'Misunderstood' co-written with James Stewart. Nianell - 'Angel Tongue' The equally-classy follow-up to Namibian vocalist Nianell's smash debut, 'Who Painted The Moon', which yielded five radio hits both in SA and overseas. ----- PUNK-SKA: Fuzigish & Frenzal Rhomb - 'The Unwanted Traveller' A special release that features songs from the joint SA tour undertaken by top Australian punk act Frenzal Rhomb and South African ska punkers Fuzigish. This album contains rare "unreleased tracks by both bands, as well as re-mastered and re-recorded versions of 'Scratching' and 'Little Bird'. ----- TOWNSHIP POP: Mzwake Mbuli - 'Mbulism' A new album from the great and controversial SA poet who was recently released from prison. More wisdom for the people from Mzwake with his thoughts on relevant issues like rape, abortion and 10 years of democracy in SA. Mbongeni Ngema - 'Libuyile (Songs Of Freedom)' A new and worthy collection of SA freedom songs from the famed SA playwright. Thandiswa - 'Zabalaza' This debut solo album from the Bongo Maffin vocalist with some beautiful music and serious ethnic beats and also featuring Madosini on one of the tracks. Xolisa - 'Times' A new album from a young lady who is certainly on the move, produced by Shaluza Max, whose influence can clearly be heard on this lovely collection. Solly - 'Best Of Solly Featuring The Original Voices' Packed with all the hits that made Solly Moholo a star. Vusi Ximba - 'Best Of' Another worthy 'best of' album with all of Vusi's finest hits. Sydney - 'Mama's Baby' An old school classic that will serve as an enjoyable trip down memory lane for many of Sydney's SA fans. ----- GOSPEL: Avante - 'Kusile' Another inspirational release, their 5th, from the very popular Durban-based gospel outfit. Lord Comforters - 'Thwal'isiphambano' More blissful music on this new release from the group that brought us the hits 'Ubukhulu Bakho' and 'Ngeny 'mini' Lusanda Spiritual Group - 'Bathi Bayamazi' A beautiful gospel album from a group with the voices of angels. Various Artists - 'Tales Of Gospel SA - Choral & Contemporary' A great collection of tracks from a cross section of the genre featuring some of the biggest names in SA gospel. Essential for SA Gospel fans! Ntando - 'Kwantu' A mixture of gospel and pop performed in the best possible way. Joyous Celebration - 'Joyous Celebration 8 - To Be Free' The eighth in this very successful series of gospel from this evergreen group of SA gospel musicians and vocalists Lundi - 'Ngiyabonga' Lundi - 'Box Set' (3CD) Lundi may have encountered some serious critics in the press recently, but his music speaks for itself on these two collections - check out the '3 albums in 1' box set for extra value. Platform 1 - 'Asesabi Lutho' A long-awaited release from the great group that brought us the hit album 'Isencane' in the early 80's Revelations - 'House Hymns 2' The distinctive sound of SA house music fused with gospel - a winning concept that is sure to be as successful as their first release. Maria Le Maria - 'Moruti Ka Ntlo Ya Dimilione' A project that was made possible by Chicco Twala, and the good news is that their second release sounds as good as their first! Joseph Dumako - 'Kuzobamnandi' An SA gospel album that is worth checking out due to the unique keyboard playing on the album. Rebecca & Tsepo - 'The Queen Of Gospel And The Village Pope' With two of South Africa's music legends on one album, a must have! Deborah - 'Ngikuxolele' This third album from the gospel diva is a sure hit thanks to its tranquil nature and soothing sounds. ANC - 'Uyamemeza uJesu Uthi ANC' A gospel concept by Chicco, dedicated (controversially) to supporting the ANC. ----- KWAITO: Tribute To Tebza (Mafikizolo) - 'Tebza Wa Rock' A tribute album to the singer from Mafikizolo who died tragically in a recent road rage incident. The album features some of the true heavyweights in the SA industry including Bongo Maffin, Malaika, Alaska, Mafikizolo, Brown Dash, Mzekezeke, Lebo Mathosa, Trompies, Zola, and Brothers Of Peace Various Artists - 'Yizo Yizo 3' The third soundtrack compilation release from the massively popular TV series - features Mandoza, Brenda and Cashless Society. Mandoza - 'Mandoza' Third album from the kwaito star who brought us 'Nkalakatha' - reported to be his favourite album to date because he claims he has reached maturity! Mashamplani - 'Back 2 Square 1' The popular Mashamplani of old is back with a great new album ----- TRADITIONAL: Mzilikazi - 'Afrika' A former journalist with a moving album that speaks of Africa Shabalala Rhythm Traditional iscathamiya beats International (SA Interest) Various Artists - 'Moyo - Sophisticated African Music' An impressive compilation of African music from the likes of Angelique Kidjo, Ishmael Lo and Khadja Nin. Representing SA are Shaluza Max, Gloria Bosman and Amaryoni. ----- DANCE/ELECTRONICA: MacAngel - 'Summer In Berlin' An album produced in Berlin by one of South Africa's top dance artists. ----- RAP/HIP HOP Kaydo - 'B4 Trinity (The Story Unfolds)' A corker of a hip hop album and a must for every fan of SA's unique hip hop sound. ----- AFRIKAANS Nic Stevens - 'Jonk Bly' Nic Stevens is a talented and versatile musician, gifted songwriter, arranger as well as a vibrant artist who will in future leave an indelible mark on the Afrikaans Music environment. The rhythm of the songs ensures a successful dance CD, whilst the easiness of the melodies and lyrics will afford good listening pleasure. Adam Tas - 'My Memories In 'n Menthol' Adam Tas has a deep voice, and his debut album consists of 12 tracks from his creative pen. The album is new, original and promises to captivate audiences - from theatre-visitors to the more mainstream listeners. Seldom we come across a musical poet that is able to cry, laugh and love in Afrikaans, as well as Adam Tas. Kobus - '100% Skuldgevoelvry' The follow-up to the duo's very successful debut, featuring more alternative Afrikaans rock. Leon Schuster - '2 in 1 Special Edition' This special edition contains the 'Treffers Deur Die Jare' CD, and the soundtrack to his latest blockbuster film 'Oh Schucks I'm Gatvol'. Hugo - 'Deur Die Straights' With Hugo's debut album, the listener is taken through a variety of music with seven original tracks and six covers of well-known artists in the Afrikaans music industry such as Koos Kombuis, Johannes Kerkorrel, Koos Dup and David Kramer. Hugo's dark raunchy voice offers exceptional listening pleasure for both young and old in the Afrikaans music audience. Skrapnel - 'Skeurwevoet' The fifteen original songs on Skrapnel's debut are guaranteed to have you tapping your feet, grooving to the beat and perhaps pondering a thing or two. Jak De Priester - Sally Williams Nougat A fresh and enjoyable collection of songs from a new face and voice on the Afrikaans music scene. ----- INSTRUMENTAL Muse String Quartet - 'My Dance' This much-anticipated debut album from the all-girl Cape Town group Muse String is a real cocktail of influences: Although there are elements of Western Classical music, the real flavour lies in the added twist of Latin American, Kwaito, and Dance music. Order any of these titles at: http://www.oneworld.co.za/default.asp?affiliateID=4321 -------------- ARTISTS -------- SPOTLIGHT ON: SPOTLIGHT ON: GORDON'S SUITCASE Gordon's Suitcase creates restless, ambient soundscapes using the familiar configuration of bass, drums and guitars to create their unique instrumental compositions. Unafraid to experiment, occasional guest artists are used to consolidate and deepen the music using diverse instruments such as didgeridoo and horn section. The band's creative energy has led them from combining jazz standards and originals in their sets to playing only their own music. Enough material now exists and recordings are being planned for the near future. Influenced by jazz, Gordon's Suitcase is not however prepared to play music solely for their own enjoyment. "The enjoyment of our performance by the audience, as well as feedback received from them is critically important to Gordon's Suitcase," says Rainier Prins, one of the band's two guitarists. The continued development of the band's sound will also be sure to take it down many interesting creative twists and turns in the future. Gordon's Suitcase comprises Rainier Prins and Illimar Neitz on guitar, Malcolm Ross on bass and Jako Loots on drums. Rainier, a classically trained guitarist, is now focusing his efforts on exploring the jazz genre. Illimar Neitz left behind a successful stint with hardcore rockers, Four Ounce Freedom, to pursue his interests in gentler, deeper music. Malcolm, an eager student of music, comes from a diverse and eclectic musical background, having played in everything from pop-rock bands to music of a more spiritual nature. Jako formerly played percussion for Duusman and Scicoustic. Gordon's Suitcase formed in Sept 2003. Jako and Illimar started playing music together beginning of that year, Illimar and Rainier were studying jazz guitar together at the University of Pretoria and Malcolm finally joined. The band started out by doing a number of party gigs for friends and did not have a name at that stage, Jako was still playing percussion for Soil 7t7 and Illimar was playing for a band named Fuze. It was only after original material got written that the project really grew into a band. Regular restaurant gigs soon followed and venues include Foundry Fly Lounge, Dadz, Tings an' Times, Cool Runnings, more private parties and gigs outside of Gauteng like Revel Inn, Potch and Oppikoppi April. Up to April 2004 the band has played 50 gigs in less than six months. Confirmed upcoming gigs include: Steak and Ale June 26 Fly Lounge May 27 Back 2 Basix May 28 and July 2 Tings an' Times June 13 Nile Crocodile July 9 Venues around Aardklop in September Oppikoppi August -------------- MORE REVIEWS More reviews can be found at: Open Record Open Record Amuzine Reviews -------------- CLASSIC SA ROCK:
Kurt Shoemaker (Texas), John Samson (London), Tertius Louw, and Brian Currin browse through the best of SA rock - its history, its people, and its music, past, and present. USA FOR AFRICA - Texas-based Kurt Shoemaker gives his unique views on SA music. 'THE BEST OF SA POP VOLUME 2' (DISC 2) - VARIOUS ARTISTS [GALLO] I rarely leave the house without some South African music accompanying me. We go together well, I think. The second disc of 'The Best of SA Pop Volume 2' is one of my old friends. After finding more Four Jacks and a Jill on the Internet I found this CD and it sent me seeking more SA music. Disc 2 ranges from soft and pleasant to cranking and uproarious in a series of mini-sets. It is more rocky and less poppy than the other five discs in the 'Best of SA Pop' series. Here, styles, tempos, and intended volumes flow naturally. The Stockley Sisters' solid cover of Shocking Blue's colossal hit, 'Venus', has a dominant bass that makes this their own rendition. I have Shocking Blue CDs and even saw them in concert once, so I have heard 'Venus' enough to compare the two and know. 'Charlie' is bittersweet and tender, by... well, you know it's by those rock Rabbitts. Julian Laxton's 'Blue Water' rides a tall current, and 'Substitute' elicits the same emotional response in me as 'For Your Precious Love' by The Flames or 'Cry to Me' by the Staccatos (both on the first disc of Volume 2). Stingray's mighty song, 'Better the Devil You Know', flies here like a heavy bomber. On their LP, most of the other songs are variations on this theme or motif, but Mike Pilot, Dennis East, and band, created a big song here. 'Hey Boy' by Via Afrika and 'Shadows' by éVoid play well together side-by-side, Ballyhoo sings of having two lovers (as does another song here--do you South African men like twice as much fun, or what?). The perennial favorites of 'Buccaneer' by McCully Workshop and Radio Rats' kinky 'ZX Dan' are topped only by a truly monumental song, 'Weeping', by Bright Blue. As a testimony to the talent represented in Disc 2's 18 songs, ten of the groups here have CDs either currently available or available not long ago. I do not know if Julian Laxton's 'Collection' is still in print or how extensive was the distribution for Petit Cheval's CD. Because more than half of these performers are still accessible, this CD is the perfect starting place in the school of SA rock. After 'The Best of SA Pop Volume 2'. try one of Gallo's 'Sound Offerings', and you're off on a rainbow road instead of a yellow brick road, exploring South Africa's musical riches. The perfect rock companion to this disc is the 'Ocean Culture' comp. Being more recent, it is an excellent introduction to many of SA's premier modern groups, recent and current, such as Springbok Nude Girls, Squeal, Battery 9, Sugardrive, The Usual, Wonderboom, and Just Jinger, plus a couple of et ceteras. I know, I know, I'm preaching to the converted. But is some boet or meisie's birthday coming up soon? 'The Best of SA Pop Volume 2', available over at One World, and 'Ocean Culture', if you can find it, might be the start of a beautiful musical relationship. BUY http://www.oneworld.co.za/productspecific.asp?AffiliateID=4321&ProductCode=C DGMPD40486 Kurt Shoemaker, Blanco, Texas mailto:kurt@sarockdigest.com ---------------------------- A NAARTJIE IN THE UK - London-based John Samson gives his own twist on SA music: 'BREATHE SUNSHINE VOLUME 1' - VARIOUS Living in South Africa, I don't think people really appreciate their sunshine. It's only when you move to somewhere like London that you realise how good you had it, especially during the long winter months. However, we are slowly moving into our summer and have been witnessing a few blue skies of late. To celebrate the re-emergence of our solar friend, the perfect soundtrack has to be 'Breathe Sunshine'. Described as "Chilled Electronic Beats From Cape Town and Johannesburg", the boys at Amabala have done a sterling job of collecting together some of the finest Chilled beats from one of the hottest music scenes on the planet. Names that immediately catch the eye on the track listing are Egyptian Nursery (with 'Still'), Felix Laband (with 'Run Alive Run') and Kalahari Surfers (with 'Kicked By The Ball'). Videos of the latter 2 also appear on the bonus multimedia (or should that be Muti Media if it includes the Surfers?) CD. Aside from these big names on the SA electronica scene the album is packed full of songs of the same high quality that we have come to expect from the likes of the above. Opener 'Breathe Sunshine' by Dino Sofos is a strong track, as uplifting and relaxing as its name suggests, and with the wonderful Jenny Delenta on vocals one can't go wrong. Jenny seems to have the perfect voice for this kind of music. The African Rhythm Travellers' 'No More War' is another stand-out track with its African chant, funky bass riffs and Latin-tinged bongos it sends out the peaceful message that "We Don't Need No More Wars, We Don't Need No More Fight" This compilation can proudly stand shoulder to shoulder with its international counterparts, but is set apart by an injection of Africa into the western electronic beats and gives one that feeling of relaxing you can only get while sitting in the warm sunshine preferably on a beach. It also sends a strong message to the rest of the world to wake up and smell the music of South Africa. Go on then breathe chilled, breathe electronica, breathe Africa, breathe sunshine. Don't beat about the bush come on and join the Coalition of the Chillin'. BUY http://www.oneworld.co.za/searchresults.asp?AffiliateID=4321&title=breathe%2 0sunshine John Samson, London mailto:john@sarockdigest.com ---------------------------- * CHART CHAT: John Samson takes a weekly look at the the SA pop charts from 20, 25, 30 and 35 years ago this week. Joe South replaced Peter Sarstedt at the top in 1969 after the latter had only been there for a week. Although 'Games People Play' had failed to make top 10 in the US (peaking at 12), it did make it in the UK (number 6) and Switzerland (8), but faltered at 19 in Zimbabwe. Noel Harrison's 'Windmills Of Your Mind' featured in 'The Thomas Crown Affair' which starred Steve McQueen. The movie was "remade" in 1999 starring Pierce Brosnan. 1974 and Jacks was back. After dropping to 2 last week, he regained the top spot. Leonard Victor Ainsworth (better known as Dobie Gray) meanwhile dropped to number 2. The movie theme continued as 'The Sting's' theme song was climbing a place. Although, not a theme song, Gloria Gaynor's 1979 hit 'I Will Survive' featured in 'Adventures Of Priscilla, Queen Of The Desert' 15 years later. Local lad Richard Jon Smith was spending a 3rd straight week at the top. Canadian band Promises entered the top 5 with 'Baby It's You'. The song failed to chart in the UK and the US but did make number 11 in Switzerland. The number 1 in 1984 was the hit theme tune from the movie 'Footloose'. South Africans were also running out and buying 'The Clap Clap Sound' in their droves. This tune ranks alongside 'The Birdie Song' for annoyance levels, but despite this, it still made it into my collection (blush). Cyndi Lauper meanwhile was vying with Madonna to be the big female star of the '80's. Although we know who won this battle, 'Girls Just Wanna Have Fun' is still fondly remembered. South Africans at number 1 this week: Put Your Hand In The Hand - Alan Garrity (1971) Michael Row The Boat Ashore - Richard Jon Smith (1979) South African New Entries this week: 24-May-74 Haai Casanova - Glenys Lynne (Afrikaans version 'Hey Joe MacKenzie') 25-May-73 Kentucky Blues - Lauren Copley 26-May-72 With This Ring - Dickie Loader 27-May-77 Make Her An Angel - Roy Bulkin 28-May-71 When Love Comes Knocking At Your Door - Dealians 29-May-70 Working On A Good Thing - The Outlet John Samson ---------------------------- LM RADIO CHARTS From this week we will be taking a look back at the LM Radio charts from 35 years ago: LM Top 20 from 25 May 1969 1 [1] Get Back - The Beatles 2 [5] Goodbye - Mary Hopkin 3 [2] Pinball Wizard - The Who 4 [3] Aquarius/Let The Sunshine In - 5th Dimension 5 [4] Sorry Suzanne - The Hollies 6 [6] Windmills Of Your Mind - Noel Harrison 7 [12] Hair - The Cowsills 8 [8] In The Bad Bad Old Days - The Foundations 9 [13] My Way - Frank Sinatra 10 [7] Everyday People - Sly And The Family Stone 11 [9] Good Times - Cliff Richard 12 [11] Boom-Bang-A-Lang - Lulu 13 [19] My Sentimental Friend - Herman's Hermits 14 [14] 1st Of May - The Bee Gees 15 [16] Hawai Five O - The Ventures 16 [17] Proud Mary - Creedance Clearwater Revival 17 [10] Indian Giver - 1910 Fruitgum Co 18 [-] Love Me Tonight - Tom Jones 19 [-] Come Back And Shake Me - Clodagh Rodgers 20 [15] Monsieur Du Pont - Sandie Shaw Comments: After knocking the Beatles off the UK Number 1 spot with 'Those Where The Days', Mary Hopkins looked set to repeat this feat on LM's chart. Dean Martin and Cilla Black gave way to Tom Jones and Clodagh Rodgers. Big movers were The Cowsill's 'Hair' and Herman's Hermits' 'My Sentimental Friend'. The biggest flop was by the 1910 Fruitgum Company who fell 7 places. The same week they actually climbed a place on the Springbok Charts. Previous week's top 5 hits 1 [5] Get Back - The Beatles 2 [3] Pinball Wizard - The Who 3 [1] Aquarius/Let The Sunshine In - 5th Dimension 4 [2] Sorry Suzanne - The Hollies 5 [10] Goodbye - Mary Hopkin (Courtesy of Marius Terblanche from Ladysmith in KZN) ------------------------ BIRTHDAYS May 27- Cilla Black 29 - Mike Ross 31 - Junior Campbell 31 - Tully McCully (born Terence McCullagh, 1953, McCully Workshop, Falling Mirror, BlueScream)
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 ---------------------------- LOOKIN' FOR A ZULU COWBOY! Hi, Please could you help me.... Been trying to find any CD/Tape/LP with Tommy Dell's song called 'Zulu Cowboy'. I live in the UK now, but would be most grateful if you could possibly let me know where I can buy this from Is there by any chance, a Tommy Dell website I could visit in the hope of trying to find this song/CD etc.... ? Many thanks Maria Mailto:maria.bull2@ntlworld.com Ed. - We actually have a copy of the 'Best Of Tommy Dell' CD, and it is a double CD with 40 or more songs, but it doesn't have the song 'Zulu Cowboy' on it.... -------------- THAT ELUSIVE BAND O' GYPSEYS Hi, Any further news on the new Band O' Gypseys CD as I'd love to get hold of a copy. I used to watch them regularly at Spiros/Rainbow Resort (?) the drag strip on the old Heidelberg road, just outside Alberton, in the early/mid 70s! Kind regards Stephan Ed. - We suggest you contact Robbie Sanna, who is the guy handling the release. I'm sure you can get a copy from him directly. He is at mailto:shabi@global.co.za -------------- FUNKY HOUSE Hi, A few years ago an album was released under Universal Sound and Music called 'Funky House' by Justin and Lalicia one on one. There is a track on there that I would like to remix but I do not know the name of it because it is on cassette. It goes "cutting, scratching, mixing and thumping"...."like cutting beats...". Please can you help me find out the name of that song and do you know of songs that are similar to this one, I have one called 'E Shamba' by 'Junior Jack' do you know of others? Thank you kindly Musician and Dj Wheels of Steel Gareth Bannister Mailto:eliakimangle@yahoo.com -------------- "ALMOST THE SOUND OF MUSIC"??? Hi, I'm looking for a CD/tape of a musical I saw at the Grahamstown festival in 1989/1990. It was produced and presented by "Not the Midnight Mass" (is this correct) and was called "Almost the Sound of Music". I believe that CD's were sold at the door. Do you know where I can get a copy of this CD/tape? Regards Barry Ashman Mailto:bashman@jgm.co.za John Samson replies: Hi Barry - I run the NTMM fansite and their discography can be found at: http://www.sarockdigest.com/midnightmass/mass_discography.htm Of those by the group, only 'Live At The Planetarium' is available. Mabu Vinyl in Cape Town has a copy of that CD, or else try One World at: http://www.oneworld.co.za/searchresults.asp?AffiliateID=4321&artist=midnight %20mass I'm not sure of the status of the solo work. -------------- DUNNO, DO THEY HAVE EMAIL IN LONDON?? Hi, Firstly, I hope to subscribe at some stage. (Great! Thanks! - Subscription Editor) But need to know where and what has happened to the musicians John Oakley-Smith and Sean Bergin (Abstract Truth). I am living in London for a time; and just really would LOVE to know ... Thanks! Annie Mailto:freeannie2000@hotmail.com Ed. - speaking of Abstract Truth, RetroFresh head honcho, Benjy Mudie told us that 1970's 'Silver Trees' is due for CD re-issue sometime very soon. This debut album from prog-rockers Abstract Truth featured Sean Bergin, Kenny Henson, George Wolfaardt and Peter Measroch and is considered a classic by those who know about such things. -------------- JY'S VER VAN KOOS MY TJINA! Hi, A while ago I got hold of a song by Koos Kombuis called "Ver van die Ou Kalahari". I want that song again as I lost it when a virus wiped out my PC. Please tell me where I can download that again. Thankx a stack Renier Jonas China -------------- BY THE EARS? Hi, How can I get hold of Eugene Havenga? Zac United States Mailto:zac@zachilon.com -------------- GLENNYS LYNNE AND LM Hi, I would like to get hold of Glennys Lynne's "Not because I am bad" (not sure about the title), a single, perhaps the very first she made and before she joined Four Jacks and a Jill, as well as Jackie Frisco's "When you ask about love" way back from 1962. I had the Jackie's single but in a thoughtless moment gave it away to a friend a long time ago.. I was very happy to see a chart listing of the former LM Radio hit parade and would like to thank Marius Terblanche from Ladysmith in KZN for his willingness to share it with us. Do you have more listings? What can we do to get hold of other lists? It would be great to have all the lists and for me particularly those from 1962 when I started listening to LM Radio. Is there anybody who has information about the songs and how we could get access to the LM Hit Parade listings? Kindly drop me a line. Regards, Dr Willem Schurink Mailto:willems@acc.co.za (012) 9985574 or 082 779 2294 -------------- LOOKING FOR ALAN GOODWIN Hello from Canada. Do you know where we might contact Alan Goodwin? We are having a navy 50th reunion in SA in 2006. v Ronnie Wilson Mailto:ronjbw@telus.net -------------- HUH?!? do you know a band call "daimond dog" ? thay played in jhorberg in 1991 in a place called dylan and a place called dixi (sorry 4 my english). please if u know whats happend with this band sent me deatails.... Sigal Mailto:sigall10@yahoo.com -------------- TWENTY TEN, BUT THAT'S A RUGBY SCORE Howzit It like says in the paypa's that like South Efrika has won the 2010 Sokka Whirled Kup. I just wantid to say congrat relations to Banana Banana on winning the kup, but howcome can they win a kup what hasn't already been played yet. Is this like one of them krikit things what like Hansie yoused to do? Johnny from Boksburg -------------- GOT A QUESTION? Please email any musical questions to editor@sarockdigest.com ----------------------------- ----------------- 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: David Christie - 'Back In Control' (LP) Supertrax - 'So Good To Be Here Brothers And Sisters' (LP) Jonathan Butler - 'With Special Guests Ruby Turner And Hugh Masekela' (LP) Baxtop - 'Work It Out' (LP) Juluka - 'Universal Men' (LP) Latest independent SA CD additions: Zinkplaat - 'Karoo Poison' EP Various - 'Hola Cape Town!' Ezra - 'Funk 'n Roll' Top Sellers (in alphabetical order): 340ml - 'Moving' Arbor - 'Tower Ape' (Indie) Bed On Bricks - 'Humanarium' (Bowline) Bluescream - 'Bluescream' (Independent) Benguela - 'Sui' (Open Record) Chiaroscuro - 'A Definition' (Independent) Dollyrockers - 'The Heat' (Independent) Brian Finch - 'Never Look Back' (Independent) Fly Paper Jet - 'Live' Fkofpolisiekar - 'As Jy Met Vuur Speel Sal Jy Brand' (Rhythm) freshlyground - 'Jika Jika' (Independent) Forest Moon - 'Forest Moon' (Independent) Godessa - 'Spillage' Goema Captains Of Cape Town - 'Healing Destination' (Mountain) Derek Gripper - 'Blomdoorns' (Open Record) Hog Hoggidy Hog - 'Naked' EP (3 Chord) ISLA - 'Lick The Lion' (Independent) Kalahari Surfers - 'Muti Media' (African Dope) Syd Kitchen - 'Quintessentially' [No Budget] Lions Of Zion - 'Iternal Fire' (Independent) Mitsoo - 'Afterglow' EP (Indie) MoodPhase5ive - 'Steady On' (African Dope) Not The Midnight Mass - 'Live At The Planetarium' (Independent) Russ Nerwich - 'Beyond The Walls' (Independent) Off The Edge - Site Under Construction (Independent) Plush - 'All That Is Should Be' (Independent) The Rudimentals - 'More Fire' (Independent) Sedwick The Salesman - 'The Realisation Of Purpose' Colin Shamley - 'Born Guilty & Other Stories' (2CD set) (3rd Ear Music) Soulja - '21 Gunslut' (Independent) SteveVan - 'Getting Stronger' (Independent) Tumi and the Volume - 'At The Bassline' (Sheer) Various - 'Silvertab Harambe Dope Sessions' (African Dope) Various - 'African Dope Sound System' (African Dope) Various - African Dope Volume 1' [Sony] Various - 'Cape Of Good Dope' (African Dope) Various - 'Breathe Sunshine' (Amabala) Various - 'A Moment In Cape Town' (Revised edition) (Afribeat) Various SA Artists - 'Big Red' - From the TV series 'Going Nowhere Slowly' [Ripchord] Zero Tolerance - 'A Perfect Life?' (EP) (Independent) This week's best-selling CDs at Mabu Vinyl & CD are: 1. 'Moving' - 340ml 2. ''As Jy Met Vuur Speel Sal Jy Brand" - Fokofpolisiekar 3. 'Big Red' - Songs from the TV series 'Going Nowhere Slowly' 4. 'Spillage' - Godessa 5. 'Sui' - Benguela 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: African Jazz Pioneers - 'African Jazz Pioneers' (LP) Blend - 'Blend Live - Specially Blended' (LP) Rod Bolin - 'Rod Bolin' (LP) Neil Cloud - 'St. Cloux' (LP, yellow vinyl) Dolly Rockers - 'Consume Me' (LP) Knights - 'Invasion' (LP) Dickie Loader & the Blue Jeans - 'Greatest Hits' (LP) Rising Sons - 'Rising Sons....Live!' (LP) Stone Jug - 'Stone Jug' (LP) New record accessories, now in stock at Vibes Vinyl:- - Turntable replacement needles available from us. - We have a wide range of 12" Maxi Singles in stock. - Now available: soft plastic sleeves for 7" Singles. We pay top prices for top quality. Want Lists Welcome! Call us at: 021-683 5676 Postal address: PO Box 24045, Claremont, 7735. mailto:vibesvinyl@mweb.co.za Website catalogue now also at Gemm and Netsounds: http://www.vibesvinyl.gemm.com and http://www.netsoundsmusic.com/vibesvinyl -------------------- GEMM GEMM is your best online source for those otherwise impossible-to-find music titles on Record or CD! http://sugarmusic.gemm.com -------------------- THE DIGEST CLASSIFIED ADS ----------------------------- To advertise in this section please email: editor@sarockdigest.com -------------- FRENCHMAN LOOKING FOR SOUTHERN AFRICAN DISTRIBUTION Gèrard Emilien, a singer/songwriter from France, contacted zaZone.com and mailed them his debut CD. The 10 track CD, entitled "Rêves" is relatively easy, laidback listening with the majority of songs being sung in French. (7 are in French and the rest are in English) Some tracks feature backing violins, saxophone and/or keyboard work. He is currently writing material for his second CD which should be released around Jan 2005. He is looking for someone to distribute his CD in the African region, especially places like Mauritius and Reunion. If you are interested in listening to and helping Gèrard please contact mailto:tony@zazone.com Gèrard Emilien's website is http://www.emilien-music.com LAD If you're an SA band/artist and would like to appear in the regular zaZone slot, please mailto:tony@zazone.com! Remember to point your mobile phones to http://www.zazone.com/wap and your computer based browsers to http://www.zazone.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 Sound Solutions and 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 KAREN ZOID - Karen will be performing on the 25th of May at Trance Sky (the old Bassline) in Mellville, Johannesburg in association with Levi's FUZIGISH - The 'Exploited and Distorted Tour '04' kicks off with the big launch party at the Roxy in JHB (June 5), and heads off across the country. STEVE LOUW - Singer/songwriter Steve Louw will be playing an unplugged set at the Dorp Street Theatre in Stellenbosch on Friday, 28 May 2004. http://www.stevelouw.com DELTA BLUE AND BED ON BRICKS - These two popular Cape bands are heading in the right direction with great upcoming plans for the year and great shows to keep your social schedule up and running. GOEMA WEEKEND AT CAFÉ DISTRIX - 'Healing Destination', the debut album by the Goema Captains Of Cape Town, is Mac McKenzie's brilliant musical tribute to the Cape Town Goema scene and will be launched at 104 Darling St, Cape Town on Fri. 28th and Sat 29th May 2004. ARNO CARSTENS AND NEW P*RN - Arno Carstens is taking some time out from his burgeoning career in TV commercials to perform at a series of concerts around South Africa during May. SKA TISSUE - Maiden League Records brings you the Cape Town leg of Nelspruit's Ska Tissue's national tour. THE INDEPENDENT ARMCHAIR THEATRE - This week's line-up includes The Dollyrockers, Arbor, Son of a Thousand Blues, The A Bomb, Cruel April and guests, Straight And Narrow, Comedy All Stars - In Lower Main Road, Observatory, Cape Town. THE RUDIMENTALS - Cape Town's ska-punk sensations have lined up a string of gigs over the next few weeks. ---------------------- UPCOMING INTERNATIONAL ARTISTS IN SA: BJORN AGAIN - The most successful ABBA tribute band in the world and will be returning to SA in June following their successful 2002 tour. 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. ------------ GIG FOCUS ------------ STEVE LOUW LIVE IN STELLENBOSCH Singer/songwriter Steve Louw will be playing an unplugged set at the Dorp Street Theatre in Stellenbosch on Friday, 28 May 2004. Louw will be joined on stage by keyboard stalwart Simon Orange (Valiant Swart, Frosted Orange, Blues Broers) for an acoustic reworking of the songs that have been playing on South Africa's airwaves for the last ten years. Expect unplugged versions of such rock classics as 'Waiting For The Dawn' and 'Going Down With Mr Green' as well as dobro-drenched, country blues-influenced, new material. Expect an evening of acoustic rock by one of South Africa's best-known singer/songwriters. Doors open at 20h00 and the show starts at 21h00. Book at Dorp Street Theatre on (021) 886-6107. READ LISTEN BUY http://www.stevelouw.com -------------- LICK THE LION LAUNCH Ilsa Schrader will be launching her debut solo CD, 'Lick The Lion', at Blacksheep Towers on Wednesday 26 May. Blacksheep Towers is situated at 4 Buiten Street (c/o Long - next to Lolas). Doors open at 20h00 and you can get pre-sold tickets at R20 or they will cost you R40 at the door Copies of the 'Lick The Lion' CD available at Mabu Vinyl & CD in Cape Town And online at http://www.oneworld.co.za/default.asp?affiliateID=4321 -------------- VNVNATION CAPE TOWN SHOW CANCELLED Alter Ego regrets to inform Cape Town fans that they have unfortunately had to cancel the Cape Town show due to lack of pre sale tickets. Cape Town fans who have already bought their tickets can either get a full refund, or, if they can get to the Pretoria show then your Cape Town ticket will be valid at Zeplins, Pretoria. Alter Ego apologises for any inconvenience this may have caused to supporters who have already bought tickets. Please note anyone wanting to go to the Pretoria show that tickets are selling fast. As a suggestion: www.kulula.com has great specials on airfares at the moment for anyone who is willing to come up to Gauteng to see a once in a lifetime show by VNVNATION, one of the most popular EBM bands on the planet! For more details please email: Mailto:info@alter-ego.co.za -------------- MANDOSINI As part of its Music Memory and Heritage Programme, the District Six Museum will be hosting a concert by world-renowned musician Mandosini, an exponent of traditional Xhosa music. Mandosini has performed extensively, most notably at the World of Music, Art and Dance festival (WOMAD) and more recently at the Commonwealth Conference in Nigeria. She is a traditional mouth bow player and uhadi singer, and will on Tuesday be supported by Hilton Schilder (percussion) and Nocawe (backing vocals and percussion). This concert forms part of the Museum's research work into Indigenous Music and is supported through the City of Cape Town's Grant-in-Aid programme through the Department of Social Development and the Arts and Culture office. For more information contact Shamila Rahim at (021) 466 7121 or e-mail at: shamila@districtsix.co.za Date: Tuesday, 25 May 2004 Time: 17h30 for 18h00 Venue: District Six Museum, 25a Buitenkant Street, Cape Town -------------- RP STUDIOS EMERGING SOUNDS COMPETITION It is official - four emerging unsigned bands - will get to record an album and have it released through Sheer Music over the next twelve months! The next Nelspruit leg of the RP Studios Emerging Sounds takes place during June. The Vaal leg is on track this month. JOHANNESBURG - RP STUDIOS EMERGING SOUNDS Saturday, May 29 - JHB monthly finals Tempos - 191 Hans Strydom, Kyasands, Randburg Event starts at 15:00 and there is a R30 cover charge · Module 69 · Cherry Pill · Sixty Nine · Circle of Friends · More Than Likely PRETORIA - RP STUDIOS EMERGING SOUNDS Thursday, May 27 - NILE CROCODILE - R10 cover charge · Anti Cemetary · Nothing alike · Kickstand VAAL - RP STUDIOS EMERGING SOUNDS Friday May 28 - PERFECT MANHATTEN - R10 cover charge · 3-Ply · 8th Day · Running High For further information contact Simon "Squire" Foulds on 082 770 7524. -------------- SA PUNK*SKA*METAL*HARDCORE By Daniel Neville First things first - you may have noticed that from this week, this section's name has changed from just 'SA Punk' to 'SA Punk*Ska*Metal*Hardcore!' This gives us some broader scope to include other related genres of music... it's also an important move because the different styles of (SA) rock music are becoming more interwoven and there is an increasing number of hybrid bands arriving on the scene who don't necessarily fit into the purely punk vibe. -------------- The FuziGish 'Exploited and Distorted Tour '04' kicks off with the big launch party at the Roxy in JHB, and heads off across the country. All the details above, we'll be there! -------------- Upcoming SA Punk Gigs: Sat 29 May - Cape Town - Drum Cafe - R20, 9pm Soulja 3 Chord Theory Laderkane Sat 29 May - Cape Town - Alphen Center Hall - Constantia - R20, 7pm Charity Show - To raise money for destitute women and children Five bands - will play in this order: 3 Chord Theory Dingus Zero Tolerance Captain Stu and the Llamas -War-On-Salt- Daniel Neville mailto:daniel@neville.za.net ------------------- LIVE IN SA ----------- COUNTRYBILLY BREAKOUT III Mercury Live, Cape Town, Friday 14 May. The fellas at The Mercury Live have done it again with the third Countrybilly Breakout on May 14. Hosted and organised by Cape Town's own Three Bored White Guys, these guys (inc. Greg of The Dollyrockers) know how to present good ol' blues in a fresh, entertaining and often hilarious way. Rockabilly, Blues and Country come to life on stage and spread to the dance floor while some people (like me) prefer to watch and take it all in. This is real music and with international success for The White Stripes, Strokes, B.R.M.C. and The Datsuns, it's about time it took off here. We have the bands... The Diesel Wh*res from Jo'burg (and Martin Rocka and the Sick Shop at Countrybilly Breakout II) are as good as the aforementioned international bands and they play with more power & passion than any of the trendy Punk (read Pop) bands could ever do. Martin Rocka are more Rockabilly, while The Diesel Wh*res combine elements of Country (Johnny Cash), Rock (Elvis) and Alternative Rock (Nick Cave & The Pixies) into a highly original and powerful sound. Both bands really rocked as anyone who witnessed these gigs will testify. With a little more support they would rule!!! I can't wait for the next Countrybilly Breakout but in the meantime let's keep the spirit alive. Check out The Tornados at The Mercury Lounge on Tuesday 25 May for Cape Town Rockabilly at its best and don't forget The Dollyrockers who also play Alternative Country. South African Garage Rock starts here. Yahoo! (Ernie Pap) -------------- GOTHFEST Featuring Sanguis et Cinis - with support bands: Revelus and The Awakening Mercury Live, 30 April The GothFest started late, with many of the Goths having to wait on the stairs for more than an hour. However, the resulting atmosphere of more-than-gothic gloom soon lifted when Revelus - the latest newcomers to the Cape Town alternative music scene - took the stage. This was the band's debut performance, but its members are experienced musicians from other bands, including Gramlich, Sacraphyx and Pothole. With a pedigree like that, it's not surprising that the band played a professional set of original songs, apparently after only a few months of rehearsals. Also not surprising was the sound - something like a half-half mix of `90`s goth-rock (Rosetta Stone style) and grinding metal-rock. The vocals and lyrics were squarely in the Goth zone, with song titles like 'In Shadow and Velvet Curtain', but the drums and guitar energised the mix with more violent metal patterns. As if this weren't enough, the band added extra interest with two live percussionists and a pair of delectable PVC-clad dancing girls. They should certainly attract more people into the Goth scene, and it's great to see that real goth-rock is still being made in South Africa. The Awakening were on next. Ashton Nyte and his ever-changing group of support musicians have been playing for some 10 years, so most of the crowd had seen them before. This time, they were stripped down to Ashton, a guitarist and a keyboardist, with the rest of the music provided by recorded backing tracks. This arrangement didn't really treat the music adequately, and the sound was often thin. The guitarist proved his ability with some solos and fast picking, but was mostly drowned out of the mix by Nyte's overpowering vocals. After another intermission, Sanguis et Cinis finally made their appearance sometime around 1 am. By this time, many of the guests had left and those that remained were tired and subdued, so crowd response was minimal. This was unfortunate, since this band had come all the way from Austria to play us their fresh goth-rock sounds. Taking the guitar and bass collaboration from classics like Sisters of Mercy, they modernised their music with synth (there was a PC on the stage) and a combination of male and female vocals. Fortunately, they took the absence of crowd support in their stride and maintained good humour. The vocals were harsh and gloomy, the guitars sweeping and rhythmic, the backing tracks dense enough to create a strong wall-of-sound effect. All in all, a very good package for those of us who love goth-rock, and not too different from our local Revelus. Francis Bryan --------------------- 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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