Hi again

Welcome to the 3rd RockIt Scientist newsletter!

Firstly, thanks to everyone who has sent in their Top 30 albums of all-time lists - they've been posted on the site and are there for all to see! If you haven't yet posted your list, and if you're keen to, please feel free to send it in via the "Contacts" page - the lists can be viewed on the "Feedback" page.

Feedback

On the subject of feedback, it would seem that the Latin Rock and Horn/Brass Rock bands that've been featured on The RockIt Scientist thus far, are the listener's top choices! The response to bands such as Ides of March, Malo, Cold Blood, Lighthouse, Tower of Power, Heaven, If, Alan Bown, Keef Hartley Band, Chicago, Blood, Sweat & Tears, El Chicano, Chase, Greatest Show on Earth, Tribe of Gypsies, Mandrill and others, has been fantastic and is very encouraging. You can be sure that you'll be hearing much more similar music on the show in the weeks and months to come!

Requests

The requests are starting to come in thick and fast, even from subscribers who are overseas and who can't access the show! Although The RockIt Scientist isn't exactly a request programme, you're welcome to send your suggestions/requests, and if they fit in with the show's format, and if I have the album/track you'd like me to feature (obviously!), I'll do what I can to accommodate you. Many of the track requests I've received are from bands whose albums aren't available on CD yet, but, as they say in the movies, "Ve haff vays und means!" If you hear the odd snap, crack or pop, remember that vinyl is not dead!

Anybody who sends in a request for a rap, dance, pop, techno or similar tune will win a free trip to the beautiful Valley of a Thousand Hills in KwaZulu Natal. The only proviso is that you'll have to spend a week on each hill, with your sole company being a radio, sans on/off button, that alternates only between 94.7 and 5fm!

Playlists

As always, thanks must go to webmaster supreme Brian Currin, who wastes no time in posting the playlists on the website. The latest playlist is usually posted by no later than the Monday or Tuesday of the following week. If it's late, blame me, not Brian!

Bands/artists you can expect to hear/read about on the show/website in the not too distant future include Soft Machine, Brand X, Mogul Thrash, Gnidrolog, Tempest, Billy Cobham, Al Di Meola, Freedom's Children, Jethro Tull, Fuzzy Duck, Joe Bonamassa, Tony Joe White, Nektar, Therion, Mario Frangoulis, April Wine, Jean-Juc Ponty, Passport, Judas Priest, Sweatband, Molly Hatchet and so on (nothing like namedropping, hey??). Seriously, though, the Valley of a Thousand Hill-types aside, the aim of The RockIt Scientist show and website is to cater for most musical tastes.

Gigs

It's that time of the year when many bands and artists are very busy playing the clubs and venues. If you have details of any forthcoming gigs or happenings, please let us know and we'll do what we can to help by punting them for you. If you are a venue owner/manager, please provide us with address and contact numbers, as well as band/artist line-ups, dates, cover charge, etc.

If you're in a band and would like your gigs mentioned on the show, please email me your details/dates, etc at least a week, if possible, before the gig(s).

Gig info can be found here »»».

Remember that, from a coverage perspective, The RockIt Scientist is broadcast on 1485am Radio Today between 21H30 and 23H30 every Wednesday and the same show is repeated on the following Friday between 22H30 and 00H30. The show can also be accessed via the DStv audio channel 70.

New Releases

Once again, thanks to Kenny Tlale at Sheer, Debbie Moore and Duncan Shelwell at Gallo, Rui de Sousa of High Fidelity in the Killarney Mall (who is bringing in the Frontiers Record label, amongst others), Lee and Grant at Alter Ego (SPV/InsideOut and others) and Bojan at SonyBMG for supplying some really great new music. It's Christmas time, so haul out the wallets and purses and BUY, BUY, BUY!

Downloading music is a no-no and it sucks. Nothing beats the real McCoy!

Remember that music stores such as Look and Listen (check the phone book for a store near you), Compact Discovery in Edenvale, Gauteng (011) 609-0624 - Wayne, or High Fidelity (011) 486-4639 - Rui or Adrian, are the places to go for great music and dvd's, music or otherwise.

If they don't have a particular CD or DVD in stock, they should be able to order it for you quite easily.

Recommended new CD and DVD releases:

Mel Botes - Flight of Birds

A first for The RockIt Scientist, in that no less than four tracks from an album (in this instance, this album), were featured on the playlist of the week 16 November and 18 November.

Excellent new album from vocalist/guitarist/multi-instrumentalist and songwriter Mel Botes, who RockIt Scientist listeners will remember as being the brains and talent behind the brilliant David's Confession. Mel Botes is a highly regarded musician, songwriter and actor, and this album has been three years in the making. It's a conceptual prog-type album of varying styles and it features one of South Africa's most acclaimed musicians, bassist Denny Lalouette, together with guitarist Mauritz Lotz, drummers Vinnie Henrico and Wynand van der Walt, keyboard player Andrew Roos, bassist Dave Manchip.

We mentioned before that this country has some really good musicians that, quite simply put, really aren't appreciated for their capabilities or talents, especially by the media and some radio stations. Mel Botes and musicians like Dan Patlansky, Peter Hanmer, Johan Laas, Clint Cunningham and others, fall into this category. A great pity, because we may regret that apathy one day. Read Clint Cunningham's letter in this regard here »»»

The album is available via Mel's website, www.melbotes.co.za, or through Seedy's Compact Discs in Hatfield, Pretoria. (012-362-5841).

The two winner's of a copy of the CD are Hera Stavrinos of Monument Park and Terry Meiring of Stellenbosch.

Listen/watch out for details of an interview with Mel and Peter and Clint from Clint & Co in the not too distant future!

Cream - Royal Albert Hall - London May 2-3-5-6 2005 (Reprise Records WBCD 2100, DVD WB 0349-70421-2)

Undoubtedly one of the albums of the year! This is power stuff from one of the best and best known hard rock trios. Eric Clapton, Ginger Baker and Jack Bruce got back together and recorded this fantastic double CD during their long-awaited tour that was apparently completely sold out. Tickets were reportedly selling at hundreds of Pounds, which just goes to show that rock music is still, and will always be, a force to be reckoned with! It's a fantastic recording, with great bottom end, and the band sound as if they'd never split all those years ago.

The CD's been released locally through Gallo, and whilst you're blowing your head off in the car to "White Room", "Sunshine Of Your Love" and "Crossroads", throw the odd hint to your loved one that the concert was also captured on a fantastic double DVD, complete with interviews with Baker, Clapton and Bruce, and that it would make a stunning Christmas prezzie!

If there's one CD and/or DVD combo you need to get this year, this is it!

Deep Purple - Rapture Of The Deep (Eagle Rock Records ER 20083-2)

Firstly, thanks very much to Sean Longley of Compact Disc Wherehouse in The Zone, Rosebank, for getting me an imported copy of this album (although it has been released locally). Yes, I know that I say it every time Deep Purple release a new album, but this band can do absolutely NOTHING wrong in my eyes! This album, which features Don Airey on keyboards (he replaced Jon Lord a few years ago - this is his second album with the band), is classic Deep Purple. Steve Morse is a revelation - he's brought a freshness into the band that has ensured that they remain at the top of the pile. Ian Gillan is sounding great, Roger Glover is a stable and solid as ever, and Ian Paice? Well, he's not my best drummer for nothing! I've said it before and I'll say it again: as long as Deep Purple are still around, rock music is in good hands. You really can't go wrong with this album. ("Wrong Man" was featured on this week's playlist. If THAT track doesn't demonstrate a band that's tighter than a new convict's butt, then nothing will!).

Rapture Of The Deep (including bonus track 'MTV', not released on the South African pressing) is available to download as legal mp3s at subscription website, eMusic.com.

Journey - Generations (Sanctuary Records 06076-84774-2)

Once again, supplied by Sean at Compact Disc Wherehouse. This is an import copy, and I'm not sure if it's to be released locally. Journey have been around for years and they're brilliant at what they do. They're certainly one of the classiest bands around, and "Generations" doesn't disappoint. It doesn't have a stand-out track such as "Send Her My Love" or "Wheel In The Sky", but it's still packed with great rockers and the odd ballad that made this band so famous. Steve Augeri, who replaced Steve Perry, is a fantastic vocalist - it took the band quite a while to find someone to replace the unique Perry, and Augeri is the perfect choice. The other members are (still) drummer Deen Castronovo (if you wanna see a great drummer at work, get the "Journey Live 2001" dvd - this guy should be a chef, he cooks so well (yes, weak, I know!), bassist Ross Valory, keyboard player/guitarist/vocalist Johnathan Cain, and the man himself, guitarist Neal Schon, who took time off from his "other " band, Soul Sirkus, to remind you that he has few equals.

Pat Travers & Carmine Appice - Live at The House of Blues (Escape Music NMS 032)

Guitarist Pat Travers and drummer Carmine Appice are amongst the finest musicians in their respective fields, Travers as a soloist and Appice as a member of Cactus, BB&A and others. They're joined by bassist T.M.Stevens on this power-packed hard rocking single live album that was recorded earlier this year. Travers & Appice also recorded a studio album about a year ago (a track from the album was featured on this week's playlist).

Acoustic Nights 2 - Various (Compilation) (Sony & BMG/Universal CDBSP3131)

This fantastic double CD is a collaborative effort between Bojan Andrejevic of SonyBMG and Chris Venter of Universal Music, both very experienced and knowledgeable in the field of compiling and releasing compilation CDs. The acoustic album features tracks from the likes of Sheryl Crow, Styx, Kansas, Cat Stevens, Shawn Phillips, Donovan, Lou Reed and Heart. Thirty six tracks in all, well compiled and at a pretty decent price, make this the perfect Christmas gift.

Numbers From The Beast - An All Star Salute To Iron Maiden (Restless REST 73798)

From the Rykodisc stable comes this great single CD which features some of the biggest names in hard rock/metal field, covering some of Iron Maiden's best known tracks. The idea of having some of these musicians together in the same band seems quite unlikely yet incredible, because they really sound great together! If the idea of having Joe Lynn Turner (vocalist with Deep Purple/Brazen Abbot), together with Chris Slade (drummer with AC/DC and Uriah Heep) and guitarist Bob Kulick (Balance/Meatloaf) or Dee Snider (vocalist with Twisted Sister), together with guitarist George Lynch (Dokken/Lynch Mob), covering tracks such as "2 Minutes To Midnight" or "Wasted Years" fires your jets, then this is for you! Maiden are obviously, and quite rightly so, highly regarded by many of their contemporaries in the hard rock/metal field, and this tribute by some of the greats does them proud!

More new CD releases in the next newsletter.......

Recommended new DVD's

As mentioned earlier, the double live Cream is not even a debate. Buy or Die!

Status Quo - The Party Ain't Over Yet.....40 Years of Status Quo (Warner Music Vision 2564-62717-2)

You're probably aware of the new studio album "The Party Ain't Over Yet...", which was officially launched here in SA a few months ago. This double DVD captures Quo at their glorious best: it's a candid documentary that covers earlier rare performances as well as later material. They're one of the oldest bands in the world, and they've managed to keep their famous name and style of boogie hard rock alive and well.

The Who - Tommy and Quadrophenia - Live (Warner Music Vision 0349 70500-2)

You need to get this three DVD set for the packaging alone! It's a stunningly put together "box set", which includes a fantastic recording of Tommy, recorded at The Universal Amphitheatre in Los Angeles in 1989. The Quadrophenia DVD features special guests PJ Proby and Billy Idol, and the Live Hits is a sort of "Best of" featuring appearances at Giants Stadium in the US in 1989, as well as an interview with Billy Idol. All in all, more than four hours of music, complete with extras, photos, MX DVD Interactive Visual Commentary and interviews. A must for Who fans!

More new DVD releases in the next newsletter......

I will shortly be placing my own personal recommended DVD list on the site (view under the "Recommendations" page)

Bits and Pieces

Negotiations with various parties regarding the release of a number of RockIt Scientist compilation CD's are going ahead. Thank you to interested people for their patience! More news to follow soon.

Mabu Vinyl is one of Cape Town's best music stores and is situated in the city opposite the Long Street Baths at the top of Long Street. Here you can find a wide range of new and second hand LP's, 7" and 12" singles, CD's, DVD's, videos, music cassettes, magazines, books and more. Mabu also stocks a full range of the RetroFresh catalogue, some Rhythm Records titles (i.e. Fokofpolisiekar), as well as harder to find SA CD's like Sharkbrother, Off The Edge, BlueScream and a large range of current releases by SA independent artists like The Wild Eyes, Captain Stu and the Llamas, Mind Assault, Polstar, Lark and others. We also buy records, CDs and DVD's. Contact Stephen Segerman of Sugar Music with any requests or questions at the shop (021 423-7635) or email mabu@sugarmusic.co.za

Collectible vinyl/cd junkies in the Knysna area can visit The CD Hut, Shop 27/28, Pledge Street Square, 48 Main Road, Knysna. Contact Steve and Anne De Meuse on 044-382-5939 or knysnacdhut@yahoo.com. If you happen to visit this beautiful part of the country during the December holidays, The CD Hut is a great place to browse through if you're looking for that elusive LP or CD. Steve and Anne are very knowledgeable and friendly and will no doubt be able to introduce you to some great music.

If you're in Cape Town, visit "Vibes Vinyl". This is a vinyl-only shop, run and owned by Alan Hilton, a respected and very knowledgeable vinyl and music collector. Alan also owns "Vibes", one of the country's best music stores.

(Contact 021-683-5676 or vibesvinyl@mweb.co.za)

For great second hand and new CD's, DVD's, LP's and Videos, visit "MicOgram" in Northcliff (Pick 'n Pay Centre, Beyers Naude Drive & Milner Street, Northcliff, Gauteng. Tel: (011) 782-4275 - Derek) or at FNB Bank City, shop C11, I First Place, FNB Bank City, Simmonds Street, Joburg City, Gauteng. Tel: (011) 492-2975. or 0833013234 - Jeff)

(CD's/LP's/DVD's/Videos also urgently needed!)

The RockIt Scientist is not alone in his quest to introduce you to some of the best music in the world:

South African radio is very fortunate to have the likes of Benjy Mudie ("Rock of Ages" on Radio 2000), on Thursday evenings between 20H00 and midnight) and Shiloh Noone ("Blues and Variation" on Fine Music Radio 101.3fm), in the Cape area, on Wednesday evenings between 22H00 and midnight), both of whom are extremely knowledgeable and play great music. Shiloh is a serious fundi on the subject and his book, ''The Seeker's Guide To The Rhythm of Yesterday", is essential reading. Benjy is widely regarded and respected for being, amongst other things, the person who released classic albums by South African bands such as Freedom's Children, Hawk and others, on his Fresh Music record label.

Grateful thanks to the lovely Rosemary Royeppen, who presents her own daily show on 1485am Radio Today, for her support, encouragement and interest, and also to Morne Zeelie of Radio Jacaranda for his faith, enthusiasm and belief.

It's through people like these that bands and artists such as Off The Edge, Clint & Co, Mel Botes and many other South African artists are given the support and encouragement to continue making great music, in spite of the best efforts of other radio stations to ignore these artists. (Read Clint Cunningham's comments about this situation here »»»)

And lastly, of course, please remember to tune in to The RockIt Scientist Show on 1485 Radio Today, every Wednesday evening between 9.30 and 11.30pm, and again on Fridays between 10.30pm and 12.30am. If you have DStv, it's also available on the Audio channel 70.

Please take it easy - there are some really weird people out there, especially at this time of the year.

Leon.