SA ROCK DIGEST ISSUE #194 http://www.sarockdigest.com 17th March 2003 Established 27th January 1999 -------------- IN THIS ISSUE -------------- New albums coming soon from Wonderboom, Tweak and Karen Zoid... Wicked Mike reports on what's happening in Durban... Kurt reviews the Korean re-issue of McCully Workshop's debut album from 1970... John reviews the Dynamics 'Organic' CD... Carina saw Plank live... and all the recommended gigs are on www.SAgigs.com. ---------------------------------- SOUTH AFRICAN ROCK DIGEST ONLINE ---------------------------------- For a colorful and clickable HTML version of the SA Rock Digest with images, please visit http://www.cd.co.za where the online version of the SA Rock Digest can be found. Updated every Tuesday. --------------------------------------- SOUTH AFRICAN ROCK DIGEST ON THE RADIO --------------------------------------- Digest co-editor Stephen Segerman presents his SA music slot on the Bruce Millar Show on SAfm (103-106fm) on Monday evenings between 9 and 9.30pm. ------------------------------------- THE SOUTH AFRICAN ROCK ENCYCLOPEDIA ------------------------------------- From Abstract Truth to Karen Zoid, from 'Astra' to 'Zen Boulders', from 'Ag Pleez Deddy' to 'ZX Dan'... visit the South African Rock Encyclopedia at http://www.rock.co.za ----------- SAmp3.com ----------- Recent new releases on http://www.SAmp3.com include: 'Siyaya Sampler' - Dozi 'Wicked Rock' - Various Artists 'Warrelwinde' - Alta Joubert 'Like A River' - Happy420 'Inner Space' - Ken E Henson 'Through The Chaos' - Tim Wells 'Die Bom Kom' - Valiant Swart 'Write Your Name' - The Branch 'Dryfhout' - Johann Erasmus 'Let It Go' - Rubber Soul 'Say Goodbye' - Scarlet Host 'Powerzone Roadshow Sampler' - Various ------------ SAGIGS.com ------------ The SA Rock Digest list of recommended gigs can be found at: http://www.SAgigs.com. If you cannot access SAgigs.com please e-mail mailto:gigs@sarockdigest.com?subject=gigguide and we will e-mail the gig guide to you each week. ----------- ONE WORLD ----------- Selling South African Music to the World http://www.oneworld.co.za/index.cfm?bec=4321 ----------- CONTENTS ----------- 1.NEWS: New albums from Wonderboom, Tweak and Karen Zoid, Sunways, Jou Masse Rock, Wacky Woods - The Gathering 2.CHARTS: Top 30 mp3s & albums 3.NEW RELEASES: mp3s & CDs: Sweetthorn, The Narrow, Namibian News 4.USA FOR AFRICA: McCully Workshop 5.A NAARTJIE IN THE UK: Dynamics 6.HISTORY & TRIVIA: Springbok radio charts, birthdays, Vinyl Junkies 7.SOUND SOLUTIONS: A Readers Forum 8.LIVE MUSIC: Plank 9.INFO: Subscriptions & contributions _____________________________________________ 1.NEWS -------- NEW ALBUMS FROM WONDERBOOM, TWEAK AND KAREN ZOID Wonderboom will be releasing their new album, 'Tell Someone Who Cares', at the upcoming 'Rock Concert 3' at Carnival City on Human Rights Day, Friday 21 March. The band released a new song, 'Love Crash' at the end of 2002, and this is the first full-length album to be released by the Gauteng band since they first appeared around 1996. Wonderboom previously released two EP's - 'Isit?' and 'Never, Ever, Ever, Ever' - and a collection of SA covers called 'Rewind' in 2001. 'Tell Someone Who Cares' is released on the David Gresham label and the first single off the album will be 'Dead Right'. Tweak have just released 'Dirty Sanchez And The Misfit Kidz', the follow-up to their debut album, 'The Romantic Lure Of Possum Worship'. The 15 songs on the album includes the first single 'House Party', 'Sunny Days', 'She Don't Care', 'Girls Rule The World', and 'The Misfit Kidz'. Tweak are currently on a national tour to promote the album and will also be appearing in the 'Rock Concert 3' line-up. (see http://www.SAgigs.com for those Tweak tour dates). Karen Zoid's second album is called 'New World' and is being kept under tight wraps until its official launch at the KKNK Festival in Oudtshoorn later this month. Karen Zoid and her band have been showcasing some of the songs off the album in her recent Cape appearances at The Mercury and the Tassenberg Wingerdstok Festival. Besides her cover of the Mikanic song, 'Don't Push', there are a bunch of new tracks like 'Dinosaur' (dedicated at the concert to Carike!), and a tribute to Johannes Kerkorrel (called 'Johnny'?). Zoid's 'New World' album is again on the EMI label and follows her hugely successful 'Poles Apart' debut album from 2001. ----------------------- FOLLOWING THE SUN Top SA band Sunways are heading off, as the they explained in a recent press release: "So, you've heard Sunways is leaving South Africa... well, it's true! After deliberating (for all of thirty seconds) we've decided to concentrate our musical efforts abroad. It's been a fantastic five years of learning here, making new friends and fans and becoming equipped to take the Sunways indie sound to all the peculiar people out there on the planet. The band are really excited about taking the Sunways mission overseas and also can't wait to meet up with all the friends we made on our last UK tour. We feel that this is definitely the beginning of a new chapter for us, and look forward to seeing Sunways in an international context. A huge thank you to Sheer Music (especially Melissa and Mark) for the awesome support and faith in our project. Thanks also to the special fans who have written to us recently and for all the good wishes - we really appreciate it!" Final SA Gigs: Friday 21 March - Southern Cross Festival, Mooi River Tuesday 1 April - The Bassline, Melville Read http://www.cd.co.za/legends/2000plus/sunways_index.html Listen http://www.SAmp3.com/artists_l_s.html Buy http://www.oneworld.co.za/index.cfm?bec=4321&searchfor=sunways ------------------------------- DURBANDS Wicked Mike reports on the Durban rock scene: The Wavehouse, although not always getting the people figures, has long supported local bands by providing them with exposure to the youth market. Tamsyn, particularly, was behind Thursday band night. Sadly, Tamsyn's kicking for colder shores, but Ryan and Dallas will fill her slot (for now). I attended three Thursdays in a row and was amazed by Idle Minds, a bunch of school-going teenagers whom I'd never heard of, despite having formed two years ago. Two bass players took turns, two people sang, and the guitar and drum work was exceptional. Their demo now kicks from my stereo and in ensuing months I will ensure that you get to hear more about them. Two of the biggest Wavehouse events occurring within a month of each other are the Powerzone Music Festival on the 28th of this month (Jimmy 12"/Finkelsteins/Marlowe and many more) and the U18 Rock Fest (Porcelain Truck Drivers, a skater's pool party and myself DJing). Durban's Witchdoctor Records have unleashed the 'New Breed Trilogy' CD (a triple CD of extreme South African music). It screams bands such as Misericord and Tyburn who were support acts to the successful (and frenetic) The Haunted concerts last week. Amazingly, the package costs a mere R100. You can buy it through their site or from any of the bands on it. In May, metallers Entombed will follow The Haunted's steps and I have no doubt that more SA acts will be given hectic exposure. (WM) ------------------------- 'JOU MASSE ROCK' Don't let the word "Bloemfontein" scare you... Rock fans will be blown away by a 2½ hour concert (with original music only, it says here) featuring the punk outfit Curb Dogs, those melodic rockers SpringCan, and the grunge of Touchwood, three of the best rock bands currently playing in Bloemfontein. Curb Dogs are a three piece that have been together since 1997. Their music is energetic and hard-hitting and the band has gigged extensively all around the country alongside FuziGish, Hog Hoggidy Hogg, Shifty, Pet Flyz and Leek and the Bouncing Uptones. Expect their debut EP by the middle of 2003. SpringCan recently won the 'Jip Rockspaaider' competition for the Free State and represented the region at the National finals at Aardklop. They are currently recording their debut album, due this month. During 2002 they performed at the Macufe festival, sharing the stage with SA Music legend Johhny Clegg, at the Granaat rock Fees (with Perez, Wonderboom, Koos Kombuis), at Margate Opskop, Nile Crocodile, Tempos, and most recently at the Flux festival in Natal over New Year`s. Touchwood recently blew audiences away at the 2002 Battle of the Bands. This band has improved during the past couple of months with performances at the 'Jip Rockspaaider' afterparty with Wonderboom, and several appearances at University events. Their diverse music is influenced by post grunge rock. Watch out for "Jou Masse Rock" Coming to a club in your area For more details: contact Nicky or Stef @ 083 288 6886 or 072 371 2718. or email: mailto:nicky@freestateonline.co.za. ------------------------------- 'WACKY WOODS - THE GATHERING' The organisers of countless local music festivals have banded together to hold a four-day gathering over the April long weekend at Wacky Woods farm. This is set in the heart of a nature reserve and bird sanctuary on the Gamtoos River, 40 kms from PE and 500m down the road from the Gamtoos Ferry hotel (10 mins on the old road from Jeffrey's Bay). Amongst the top names performing are: Steve Newman, Syd Kitchen, Dave Goldblum, Anton Calitz, Gerard O'Brien, Gerry van Wyk and many more. The festivities kick off on Thursday April 17, with DJs from around the country playing the first night. The live music starts on Friday (18) afternoon till late, Saturday (19) afternoon till late, Sunday (20) during the day, and then patrons are welcome to stay on Monday (21) for a relaxing time before going back to the big city once again. Camping, fishing, swimming, canoeing, bird watching, hiking and surfing are some of the activities to be enjoyed in and around the farm, and there are toilets and running water. Food and craft stalls and a bar will be up and running for the weekend; any crafters interested can phone Caroline on 0836240721 to book a stall. For more info or to book phone Dave on 0825703134. Tickets are R80 all-inclusive (camping and music) for the four days. __________________________________________ 2.CHARTS ----------- TOP 30 SOUTH AFRICAN MP3s OF THE WEEK http://www.SAmp3.com This week [last week] (highest position) Title - Artist (Album/Label) 1. [2] (1) Stoute Boude - Anton Goosen en Beeskraal (''n Vis Innie Bos'/Gallo) 2. [5] (2) Siamese Sampler - Siamese ('Three Piece project'/BMG) 3. [4] (3) Beach Girl - Natalia ('The Street Level Sessions'/Indie) 4. [6] (4) LekkerByDieSee - Diff Olie ('Die Borrelbad Insident'/Boereplaas) 5. [10] (5) Bob's Your Uncle - Canaan's Banana (SAmp3.com/Indie) 6. [8] (6) Toeka Sampler - Steve Hofmeyr ('Toeka'/EMI) 7. [14] (7) Hey Mr DJ - Caytie Marvelis (Single/Indie) 8. [3] (1) Vreemdeling - Dertien (SAmp3.com/Indie) 9. [1] (1) Dinosaur - Forest Moon ('Forest Moon'/Forest Moon) 10. [7] (1) Daytripper - Joe Public ('The Terrible Two's'/Indie) 11. [16] (11) Sampler2 - Semisane ('Room2Breathe'/BMG) 12. [13] (12) Broken Innocence - Alexis ('Overload'/Pt. Music) 13. [21] (13) Vampyre Girl - The Awakening ('Sacrificial Etchings'/Intervention Arts) 14. [15] (14) Sarie - Mike de Jager ('Blue Room'/Indie) 15. [9] (9) Time - Starseed ('Three Point One' EP/WP Records) 16. [25] (16) Spook - Spinnekop ('Soet September EP'/Afrimusik) 17. [23] (17) The Warrior sampler - Ipi 'NTombi featuring Margaret Singana ('The Warrior'/Gallo) 18. [17] (17) Otis - November 5 ('617'/Indie) 19. [19] (2) Go F*ck Yourself (demo) - Janie Jones (SAmp3.com/Indie) 20. [28] (20) Diep In Gauteng - Stefan Lombard ('Alleen'/Afrimusik) 21. [11] (7) Kitty (demo) - Piet Botha (SAmp3.com/Indie) 22. [20] (1) Sheriff Bush And Deputy Blair - The Nukular Stompers (SAmp3.com/Indie) 23. [27] (23) Wish Your Were Here - Liela (SAmp3.com/Indie) 24. [30] (24) Fishes Of Men - Metalmorphosis ('Blistered'/Silva Moon) 25. [22] (22) Crowd Invasion - Bedrock ('So Where's The Party?'/Criminal Records) 26. [12] (2) Boneyard - Metalmorphosis ('Blistered'/Silva Moon) 27. [-] (27) Charlie - Lorraine Shannon ('Lorraine Shannon'/Gallo) 28. [-] (28) Open Your Eyes - KGB ('The First Born'/Mothermix) 29. [17] (7) Sweet Stellenganga - Akkedis ('Voortvlugtend'/Rhythm) 30. [-] (30) Stand By Me - Tait (Fresh) -------------- TOP 30 SOUTH AFRICAN ALBUMS OF THE WEEK http://www.sarockdigest.com/charts This week [last week] (highest position) Title - Artist (Label) 1. [4] (1) The Listening Room - Neo Muyanga (BMG) 2. [5] (2) Room2Breathe - Semisane (BMG) 3. [2] (2) Killing Time - Anika (Outbox) 4. [3] (1) Catfish - Albert Frost (Indie) 5. [1] (1) Three Piece Project - Siamese (Muskateer) 6. [13] (6) Romance And Finance - Citizen Jones (Flying Kitty) 7. [10] (7) Into The Night We Slide - Radio Rats (RetroFresh) 8. [6] (1) Forest Moon - Forest Moon (Forest Moon) 9. [8] (1) Tap Into The System - Dorp (Contains Nuts) 10. [7] (2) The Terrible Two's - Joe Public (Indie) 11. [18] (11) Luxury - Robin Auld (Free Lunch) 12. [19] (12) Sacrificial Etchings - The Awakening (Intervention Arts) 13. [9] (4) Getting Stronger - SteveVan (Silvertree) 14. [26] (14) Awakening - Happy 420 15. [20] (15) Koning Van Die Hawaiise Ghitaar - Jerry Shanahan (Gallo) 16. [16] (2) Never Before - Dayspring (Indie) 17. [11] (1) Gommora - Gommora (Gallo) 18. [12] (12) What's In A Box? - Serving Suggestion (Indie 19. [15] (4) Afrikaans Met Attitude - Vari-ous (Hoezit) 20. [14] (2) Live At Jamesons - Cherry Faced Lurchers (RetroFresh) 21. [23] (21) Khetha - Khumbula (African Cream) 22. [17] (2) The First Born - KGB (Mothermix) 23. [29] (23) Ligdag - Laurinda Hofmeyr (Rhythm) 24. [30] (24) Motive For Breathing - PetFlyz (Intervention Arts) 25. [21] (7) The Great South African Trip - Various (African Cream) 26. [22] (1) Kobus! - Kobus! (ENT) 27. [-] (27) Lorraine Shannon - Lorraine Shannon (Gallo) 28. [25] (1) Three - Sunways (Sheer) 29. [28] (1) Disclaimer - Seether (Musketeer/BMG) 30. [27] (1) Swimming With The Women - Mikanic (Rhythm) Read http://www.cd.co.za/legends/2000plus Listen http://www.SAmp3.com Buy http://www.oneworld.co.za/index.cfm?bec=4321 ----------------------- TOP SELLING CDs @ONE WORLD http://www.oneworld.co.za/index.cfm?bec=4321 1. Rodriguez - Cold Fact http://www.oneworld.co.za/index.cfm?bec=4321&ID=CDADTA7000 2. Saron Gas - Fragile (Revised Edition) http://www.oneworld.co.za/index.cfm?bec=4321&ID=CDMUS300 3. Four Jacks And A Jill - Very Best Of Vol 1 http://www.oneworld.co.za/index.cfm?bec=4321&ID=MORCD521 4. Ipi Ntombi - Original Cast Recording http://www.oneworld.co.za/index.cfm?bec=4321&ID=CDRED682 5. Mango Groove - The Ultimate Collection DVD http://www.oneworld.co.za/index.cfm?bec=4321&ID=GMVDVD005 _____________________________________________ 3. NEW, RECENT AND UPCOMING RELEASES ----------------------------------------- ------ MP3s ------ New mp3s at SAmp3.com: 'Siyaya Sampler' - Dozi Popular Afrikaans singer Dozi has released his latest CD 'Siyaya, Ons Gaan...' on EMI. Listen to a sampler of this CD at http://www.SAmp3.com and buy the CD at http://www.oneworld.co.za/index.cfm?bec=4321&ID=CDEMCJ6055 'Wicked Rock Sampler' - Various Artists See New releases below. Buy this superb compilation at http://www.oneworld.co.za/index.cfm?bec=4321&ID=WR001 'Warrelwinde' - Alta Joubert The folk-rocking 'Warrelwinde' is taken from Alta's debut CD 'Malta Bella' which was released in May last year. Buy it at http://www.oneworld.co.za/index.cfm?bec=4321&ID=RR030 'Like A River' - Happy420 A rollicking frolic with HappyFourTwenty. A comparison to Madness would not be out of place, though the Honeymoon Suites would probably be closer to the mark. Buy their CD 'The Awakening' at http://www.oneworld.co.za/index.cfm?bec=4321&ID=H4201 {Does this mean that The Awakening's next CD will be called 'Happy420'? - ed} 'Inner Space' - Ken E Henson Spacey instrumental sounds from guitar-god Ken E Henson. Henson has played for Freedoms Children and Abstract Truth, but is probably best known for his collaborations with Brian Finch as Finch and Henson. Buy 'Free And Easy - The Very Best Of Finch and Henson' at: http://www.oneworld.co.za/index.cfm?bec=4321&ID=WOND116 'Through The Chaos' - Tim Wells A fragile and gentle song of survival from Durbanite Tim Wells off his new album 'Elephant'. No connection with the White Stripes new CD of the same title. Buy Tim Wells' first album 'Fallen Through The Cracks' at: http://www.oneworld.co.za/index.cfm?bec=4321&ID=WELLS 'Die Bom Kom' - Valiant Swart Valiant gained the nickname 'Siener' Swart as this fast-paced song was first released on the 10th September 2001, and it is perhaps appropriate that Rhythm Records makes it available now on SAmp3.com as the world prepares for war. Buy Valiant Swart CDs at http://www.oneworld.co.za/index.cfm?bec=4321&searchfor=valiant%20swart 'Write Your Name' - The Branch A cool flute introduces this catchy, bouncy reggae song from The Branch, an offshoot of The Alkhebula Project. Altogether now: "I wanna write your name like a schoolboy on my satchel". Buy the CD at http://www.oneworld.co.za/index.cfm?bec=4321&ID=ALKHE001 'Dryfhout' - Johann Erasmus This track is taken from Johann's debut CD 'Kleinhoewe Op Die Maan'. 'Dryhout' is a slow and powerful piano-driven piece about life and living (and Pringlebaai). Buy his CD at http://www.oneworld.co.za/index.cfm?bec=4321&ID=RR035 And if you like him you're sure to like Stefan Lombard as well. http://www.oneworld.co.za/index.cfm?bec=4321&ID=afrimusik24 'Let It Go' - Rubber Soul Rubber Soul seem influenced by the late 60s San Francisco sound. 'Let It Go' is a song Grace Slick would love to have sung, I'm sure. 'Say Goodbye' - Scarlet Host This popular progressive-metal-grunge band has been building a loyal following on the Cape rock scene over the past year or so. The band comprises Lindsey Roussouw (vocals), Anton Marshall (bass), Kevin Jardim (guitar), and Dino Jardim (drums) and the band have just recorded their first three-song demo at Sui Studios in Cape Town with Dirk Hugo and Ramon da Silva. Those three songs are 'Tired', 'In From The Cold' and the definitive 'Say Goodbye', which makes its SAmp3.com debut this week. 'Powerzone Roadshow Sampler' - Various The Powerzone Roadshow starts on the 28th March at The Wavehouse at Gateway Centre in Umhlanga, Durban and ends on the 5th of April at Al's in Knysna. All 9 dates of this roadshow, which features Jimmy 12", Marlowe, The Parlotones, The Finkelstiens, Even Flow and Nemesis, can be found at http://www.SAgigs.com. This sampler will give you a small taste of what you can expect at these gigs. 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. Buy South African CDs at http://www.oneworld.co.za/index.cfm?bec=4321 ----- CDs ----- NEW ALBUM FROM GITO AND NIBS! Gito Baloi (Tananas) and Nibs van der Spy (Landscape Prayers) have recently completed their first collaborative album. Both musicians have solid careers in South African music with many solo and group recordings to their credit. A few years ago the two friends started jamming together. This led to a number of duet performances across the country. Now their dynamic blend of musical influences and extraordinary talents exists as the CD entitled 'Sweetthorn'. Gito and Nibs team up with two renowned middle-eastern percussionists, Elad Neeman and Yaniv, for a national tour to introduce 'Sweetthorn' to their varied audience base. The two foreigners are masters of oud, sitar, tamburka, djembe and talking drum. ------------------------- THE NARROW'S NEW ALBUM The Narrow's upcoming album, 'Self Conscious', fuses electronica, new-school indie, hardcore and modern rock. It is released by Intervention Arts, and owes as much to hip-hop influenced nu-metal as it does to the darker side of rock. The members of The Narrow are brothers Hanu and E-mail De Jong (vox and guitar respectively) who have already played every major festival and venue in South Africa and have topped every major SA rock chart as members of Not My Dog. The distinctive guitar sound and frenetic vocal style that made Not My Dog's 'Dogumentary' album a huge success are present on this album of emotional and spiritual depth. Fans of the groove of Not My Dog, the complexity of Tool and the slick modern rock stylings of Linkin Park are going to discover all that and more on 'Self Conscious'. -------------------------- 'VOLK JOU OOK' CD GIVEAWAY 'Volk Jou Ook - 18 Liefdesliedjies Vir Vrydenkende Afrikaners' was launched last week at the Sin Bin in Pretoria. The 18-track compilation has a bluesy feel to it, but there's also plenty of acoustic rock and some mighty ballads to be found. The only really familiar artist on 'Volk Jou Ook' is Alta Joubert, alongside the totally unknown Adam Tas, Seeleeu Leipoldt, Ossebra Wandrag, Blinde Bachus Nel, UZO Blaker, George Harry and Gizelle. Wildebeest are giving away three copies - the first three people to mail mailto:wildebeest@webmail.co.za with the album title will win a copy. -------------------------- WICKED ROCK - LET US BE HEARD Wicked Mike from WickedRock.co.za came up with a brilliant idea for a double CD compilation. He took some classic South African rock artists from the 90s, like Just Jinger, Henry Ate, No Friends Of Harry, The Awakening, Fetish, Battery 9 and Squeal, added some new contemporary stars, Karen Zoid and Sunways, and mixed them up with the latest upcoming bands such as The Parlotones, New World Inside and Slugs Of War. There are 38 tracks on this brave effort from Wicked Rock and well-worth the price of only R145 (at One World). To coin a phrase "every home should have one". Listen to the Wicked Rock Sampler at http://www.SAmp3.com Full mp3s and samplers of Track 4, Kelvin Declined, New World Inside, The Awakening, Sunways, Karen Zoid, Not My Dog, Battery 9 and Just Jinger can also be downloaded. Buy http://www.oneworld.co.za/index.cfm?bec=4321&ID=WR001 ------------------- NAMIBIAN NEWS Koos van Zyl's 'Stay With Me', Bedrock's 'So, Where's The Party? and a Various Artists party compilation titled 'Namib Party Pack' are all now available at One World. Koos van Zyl - 'Stay With Me' http://www.oneworld.co.za/index.cfm?bec=4321&ID=TNS001K Bedrock - 'So, Where's The Party?' http://www.oneworld.co.za/index.cfm?bec=4321&searchfor=bedrock Various - 'Namib Party Pack' http://www.oneworld.co.za/index.cfm?bec=4321&ID=TNS002C --------------- MORE REVIEWS --------------- More reviews can be found at: Open Record http://www.openrecord.co.za Amuzine http://www.cd.co.za/reviews.htm ______________________________________ 4.USA FOR AFRICA ------------------ Texas-based Kurt Shoemaker gives his unique views on SA music McCULLY WORKSHOP, INC (Beatball, BMRC-0001) Korean CD re-issue Pure Sixties music flows from my speakers, lo, these many years later. One can play spot the influences here and there, but best is to hear how The McCully Workshop sound well represents that era. This CD is lavishly packaged like a cute lil 33 1/3 long player, complete with gatefold jacket and inner sleeve. There's also a mini-poster of the band, the band's family tree from Tiny Folk and The Larfing Stocke, through versions of McCully Workshop, with cousins and descendants such as Pendulum, Borstal Boys, and Falling Mirror. Plus a booklet of liner notes by the Digest's own Brian Currin. Favorites? The hit opener, 'Why Can't It Rain' is a phenomenal single. 'Hardcase Woman' is a heady, stylish twist on the Beatles' 'Drive My Car'. 'Four Walls' has echoes of Paul Revere and the Raiders. 'Rush Hour', has Herb Alpert meets Neighb'rhood Childr'n meets Jefferson Airplane and trying to sound like a white The Fifth Dimension. On side two, 'Jackin' Around' is a loose ramble complete with drum solo. 'Head for the Moon' -- My God, an intro of narrated couplets! Tongue-in-cheek? Groovy song follows, though (and I don't not use the word "groovy" lightly). 'The Circus' is ballsy and psychedelic, with urgent rhythm guitar and frantic lead guitar. 'Years of My Life' has lovely melancholy harmony. 'Seance' closes the album with acoustic guitar, light drums, a flute, easy vocals, and an alien siren. Some weirdness and lots of prettiness. But like any good music, it is more listenable than dated. These harmonious melodies, rock beats, and far out flourishes still spin well. Read http://www.new.co.za/~currin/mccully_inc.html Listen http://www.samp3.com/artists_l_s.html Buy http://www.beatballrecords.com Kurt Shoemaker, Blanco, Texas mailto:kurt@sarockdigest.com _________________________________ 5.A NAARTJIE IN THE UK ------------------------ London-based John Samson gives his own twist on SA music ORGANIC - DYNAMICS When an album opens with someone shouting 'PAAAARRRRTTTYYYY!!!!!' chances are you're going to soon be dancing about the place, or at the very least tapping your toes in time to some nifty beats. 'Organic' by The Dynamics is no exception. The CD was financed by the band in 1996 and only 500 copies were pressed, rather a shame that they couldn't invite everyone to the party. However, those of us lucky enough to have been allowed through the front door have indeed had reason to paaaaaaarrrrttttyyyyy!!!. Despite the 1996 line up only containing ex-Asylum Kid Steve Howells from the original 1980 line up, the band remain true to the sound forged in the early eighties. That sound was a brassy, organ filled ska punk rock sound with some mbaqanga and township jazz thrown in for good measure. If you can imagine The Specials meeting Pigbag in a shebeen somewhere you will have an idea of the sound. Most of the tracks are instrumental pieces, although there are a number with lyrics, like the opener 'Party' and the call for racial harmony in 'Equal Dub'. However, it's the instrumentals that steal the show. 'Pull Up Your Socks' fairly shimmies out of your speakers while 'Good Time Kwela' is exactly what it says it is. 'Page Street' is a funky Latin Rhythm tinged township piece that'll have you playing imaginary bongo's as you bop around the lounge. The closing piece is called 'Groove for James' which I am sure is for James Phillips (which other James deserves a groove?) and is a soulful jazzy piece full of bright brassy sounds. Three of the tracks from this rather special album made it onto the equally special 'The Dynamics' retrospective recently released by Fresh music, but I think that the whole album deserves a re-release as it is strong enough in its own right. Boo! enthusiasts will want to check out Ampie Omo's trombone that proliferates throughout the album. As for me, I know I'm one in 500 who own a copy of this CD. Mine's number 265, maybe the other 499 of you out there can let me know your name and CD number. Who knows we could start a webpage role of honour for those owning this great album. Read http://www.new.co.za/~currin/dynamics.html Buy http://www.oneworld.co.za/index.cfm?bec=4321&searchfor=dynamics John Samson, London mailto:john@sarockdigest.com _________________________________________ 6.HISTORY & TRIVIA ------------------- SPRINGBOK RADIO CHARTS http://www.cd.co.za/charts This week [Last week] Title - Artist 30 YEARS AGO (16 March 1973) 1 [1] I Don't Wanna Play House - Barbara Ray 2 [5] I'd Love You To Want Me - Lobo 3 [2] Woman (Beautiful Woman) - Don Gibson 4 [6] Dreams Are Ten A Penny - Kincade 5 [8] Home Isn't Home Anymore - Alan Garrity 25 YEARS AGO (17 March 1978) 1 [1] Subsitute - Clout 2 [2] Mull Of Kintyre - Wings 3 [3] It's A Heartache - Bonnie Tyler 4 [5] Needles And Pins - Smokie 5 [7] How Deep Is Your Love - Bee Gees 20 YEARS AGO (18 March 1983) 1 [1] I Don't Wanna Dance - Eddy Grant 2 [4] Talk Talk - Talk Talk 3 [3] Maneater - Daryl Hall & John Oates 4 [2] Words - FR David 5 [8] Mad World - Tears For Fears 15 YEARS AGO (19 February 1988) 1 [2] Heaven Is A Place On Earth - Belinda Carlise 2 [1] I Think We're Alone Now - Tiffany 3 [3] (I've Had) The Time Of My Life - Jennifer Warnes & Bill Medley 4 [4] Never Gonna Give You Up - Rick Astley 5 [5] Always On My Mind - Pet Shop Boys 1973 saw Alan Garrity having his 3 consecutive top 5 hit as 'Home Isn't Home Anymore' followed 'Put Your Hand In The Hand' and 'I Need Someone' to the dizzy heights of the charts. With 5 weeks under her belt at the number 1 spot, Barbara Ray moved into second spot for number of weeks at 1 by a local artist since 1969. Dave Mills' 'Love Is A Beautiful Song' and Alan Garrity's 'Put Your Hand In The Hand' were both sitting on 4 weeks. However 5 weeks fell a long way short of 'Mammy Blue' by Charisma which had lasted 12 weeks at the top in 1971/72. 1977 and 1978 saw 2 huge musical movies being produced. Songs from 'Grease' would feature later on in 1978, but 'How Deep Is Your Love' from 'Saturday Night Fever' was the start of the phenomenal chart success they Gibb Brothers enjoyed from this movie. 'Mad World' announced the arrival of Curt Smith and Roland Orzabal, otherwise known as Tears for Fears. They were destined for greater things with their second album, but 'The Hurting' from which 'Mad World' was taken reached number 8 in the UK and 11 in SA. The single also reached number 3 in the UK. When Belinda Carlise topped the charts in 1988 'Heaven Is A Place On Earth' became the 5th consecutive US number 1 to copy that feat in South Africa. The last time 5 US number 1's had consecutively topped the SA charts was in 1980 when Michael Jackson's 'Don't Stop Til You Get Enough' was followed by Pink Floyd ('Another Brick in the Wall'), Styx ('Babe'), Captain & Tennile ('Do That To Me One More Time') and KC & the Sunshine Band ('Please Don't Go'). South African's at number 1 this week: I Don't Want To Play House - Barbara Ray (1973) Little Jimmy - Gwynneth Ashley Robin (1974) You Asked Me To - Bobby Angel (1975) Let Me Into Your Life - Flood (1976) Substitute - Clout (1978) South African New Entries this week: 17-Mar-78 Fooled Around And Fell In Love - Julian Laxton Band 18-Mar-66 For You Babe - June Muscat 19-Mar-71 We're All Playing In The Same Band - Quentin E. Klopjaeger 20-Mar-64 True Love - Charles Jacobie 20-Mar-70 Dankie - Lance James --------------- VINYL JUNKIES --------------- This section (named after the much-missed shop from Fishhoek) is for collectors of vinyl, both South African and International. MABU VINYL 34 Kloof Street, Gardens, Cape Town Hugh Masekela - 'Tomorrow' (LP) Face To Face - 'Face To Face' (LP) Hawk - 'African Day' (LP) The Jazzanians - 'We Have Waited Too Long' (LP) Pendulum - 'Pendulum' (LP) Neville Whitmill - 'Insight' (LP) Cash paid for records in saleable condition. Jacques Vosloo (+27 21) 423 7635 mailto:vinyl@sarockdigest.com ------------- VIBES VINYL Stadium on Main, Claremont, Cape Town Alan Hilton (021) 683 5676 mailto:ahilton@mweb.co.za ------------ BIRTHDAYS ------------ March 17 - Nat "King" Cole (1919, died 15 Feb 1965) March 20 - Carl Palmer (1951), ELP March 21 - Roger Hodgson (1950), Supertramp March 22 - Robin Auld (1959) March 24 - Cornelia (born Connie Möller, 1950) March 25 - Elton John (1947) March 25 - Aretha Franklin (1942) March 25 - Jeff Healey (1966) March 26 - Steven Tyler (1948), Aerosmith March 26 - Diana Ross (1944) March 27 - Tony Banks (1951), Genesis March 28 - John Evan (1948), Jethro Tull March 30 - Eric Clapton (1945) March 31 - Mick Ralphs (1944), Mott The Hoople; Bad Company March 31 - Angus Young (1959), AC/DC ______________________________________________ 7.SOUND SOLUTIONS A Readers Forum ----------------------------------- LOOKING FOR RARE RAMASES http://www.cd.co.za/ramases Wanted: any Ramases ephemera: posters; picture sleeves; autographed material; the 'Screw You/Gold is the Ring' single; the 'Ballroom/Muddy Water' single. Will pay very high prices or exchange. ANYTHING interesting wanted. Please email David Tibet at mailto:david@durtro.demon.co.uk {Ramases, though based in the UK, was very popular in South Africa in the 70s and his song 'Life Child' was even included on the 'Rock Legends' compilation released by Teal in 1990 alongside 'Smoke On The Water', 'Radar Love', Budgie's 'Breadfan' and many other superb rock tracks. - ed} ------------------------ SEARCHING FOR OLD FRIENDS First request: I went to boarding school and then later Technikon in South Africa. I am originally from Zambia, but now live in my ancestral home of Cyprus. Due to my father's death I halted my studies in Durban. I lost contact with my good friend Franco Rogantin after my address book was burnt in a fire that destroyed the house I was living in. I narrowly escaped death but lost all contact with my friends. This was a terrible blow. Franco Rogantin used to play drums for "Alcatraz" in his youth, his brother was the lead guitarist, his name Antonio. They played at some hotel in Berea I forget the name this was 1980, '81, '82. Franco also played with Johnny Teen in the Gay Marines a punk band in Durban and then started Falcon. We were students at Durban Technikon in the Fine Arts Department. Please, if you can help I would be extremely grateful. Second request: My family was very close with the Hazimarcu family and the Borsis family. The girls had a band called Peach. I read the shocking news that Penny was killed in a car crash. Terrible, so sad. Please if you have any news from any of the girls or even Alan Rosenberg who might have their details I would appreciate it. My father was very close with Angela and Carol's father when they lived in Zambia. I lost contact with every one when my address book was burnt in New York in 1986. Thanks again! Paris Pierides mailto:paris@paristattoos.com ------------------------- RANDBURG BAND SEEKS VOCALIST Original Rock/Grunge band looking for energetic vocalist. Randburg area. Influences: RHCP; Tool; Linkin Park; Rage Against The Machine; etc. Please contact: Grant (082-445-1989) or Derek (073-252-8640) ------------------------- HELP TANYA HERE, PLEASE? I am throwing a South African Karaoke Party in a bar lounge in Manhattan. I wanted to know if you could tell me names of popular South African and American artists that have sung songs about South Africa. For example, there is a song called 'we are the world, we are the children', it was sung many years ago by many famous American artists. I would be thrilled if you could tell me names of singers and their songs. Take care Tanya mailto:tmelloul@yahoo.com ----------------------- VIRGINIA LEE Please could you tell me when Virginia Lee was born, but also when she died (of cancer, I believe). Many Thanks, Geoff Tue (Germany) {Virginia was born Virginia de Jager in Port Elizabeth in 1927, she died of cancer on 7th January 1990 (thanks to Malcolm Lombard's excellent liner notes from the 'Best Of SA Pop' and 'Yesterday's Best' CDs). - ed} ------------------------ GREG PLOTZ, CALLING GREG PLOTZ! Hi there, I'm trying to locate an old friend of mine, Greg Plotz. Can you help? Thanks! Dan Byrmo mailto:danne@pp-print.se ------------------------ IN SA, IT WAS MOST HOUSEWIVES. I would like to know who was the singer of the very old hit song 'Oh Boy' in plus minus 1958-1960. I would like to trace this song and to download it as a mp3. Any suggestions where I can go looking to download this? Regards Olive mailto:danolive@telkomsa.net {'Oh Boy' was recorded by Buddy Holly and The Crickets in 1957 and hit #10 on the US charts. A good place to start looking for mp3s is http://www.vroosh.com/mp3_search.html which is a search engine that searches for free mp3 downloads. - ed} -------------------- GOT A QUESTION? Please email any musical questions to mailto:soundsolutions@sarockdigest.com -------- ADVERT -------- This section is sponsored by: SOUND SOLUTIONS Sound Solutions is a private music library in Cape Town that offers music searches, and the sourcing and recommending of songs and music soundtracks for television, film, and radio productions and commercials. Contact: Stephen Segerman - (021) 461-9541 mailto:sugar@cd.co.za -------- ADVERT -------- THE SA ROCK DIGEST PUBLICITY PACKAGES The SA Rock Digest Publicity Packages are the simple way to gain both initial and long-term exposure through our various online and offline resources. For more info please visit http://www.SAmp3.com/faq.html, or to arrange a meeting (in Cape Town) to discuss the SA Rock Digest Publicity Packages further, please contact Stephen Segerman at mailto:sugar@sarockdigest.com or call 021 461 9541. ______________________________________________ 8.LIVE MUSIC --------------- -------- EVENTS -------- STEVE LOUW AND BIG SKY AT CARNIVAL CITY Steve Louw and his band Big Sky are playing a special, one-off Johannesburg concert on 22nd March at Carnival City - the night before the World Cup Cricket Final at the Wanderers. Steve Louw will be joined on stage by the current Big Sky line-up of Willem Moller (guitar), Peter Cohen (drums), Schalk Joubert (bass) and Simon Orange (keyboards). The Carnival City concert is the culmination of a national tour to promote the album 'Beyond The Blue'. Steve Louw and Big Sky will be performing material from the new album together with previous hits such as 'Waiting for the Dawn', 'Strange Room', 'Going Down with Mr Green', and 'One Cut With A Knife' on the forthcoming dates. 'Beyond the Blue' looks set to become another hit for the band with the first two singles, 'The Road Ahead' and 'Carry Me To You', already getting extensive radio airplay. Tickets available through Computicket - http://www.computicket.com or at outlets. Phone 083 915 1234 for information and 083 915 8000 for bookings. Prices range from R75 - R100. More info on Steve Louw and Big Sky: http://www.stevelouw.com ------------------------- A GOOD CAUSE AT THE MERCURY The much anticipated 'The Cause' rock and punk festival taking place over the Easter weekend in April looks set to totally reinvigorate the festival scene in this part of the country. As a precursor they are happy to host the press launch and 'pre-festival' showcase gig at The Mercury Live on Friday 21 March. Promotions team Three Chord Records have put together a phenomenal line-up for the festival and you'll get a good sample with the evening's featured bands: My Latest Ex, Hog Hoggidy Hog & Kelvin Declined. Open to the public from 9pm. Couvert R20. ------------------------- AWAKENING OFF TO EUROPE (following item taken from European mag sideline) South African Goth Invades Europe The South African gothic rock band The Awakening will be touring Europe this summer. They have just released their first best of album, 'Sacrificial Etchings' internationally, following releases including 'Roadside Heretics', 'The Slender Nudes', 'The Fountain', 'The Fourth Seal of Zeen', 'Ethereal Menace', 'The March', 'Request', 'Risen', and 'Sentimental Runaways'. The track 'Vampyre Girl' off the new album is now available for download on the DarkLight Nocturnal Entertainment site. {'Vampyre Girl' and other Awakening songs are also available to download at http://www.SAmp3.com/artists.html - ed} ------------- LIVE REVIEW ------------- PLANK AND A PUB Carina Laubscher reporting from Brixton, SA Now these musos don't sugarcoat their lyrics. The subject matter is Brixton, a crazy city habitat, surrounded by a colourful country blessed with good stuff, but just as many crappy things. So - they sing about it. In a pub filled with unsuspecting Afrikaans patrons, most of them with eyes glued on the West Indies/Sri Lanka game. Friends and fans are ready and breathless with anticip ... ation. They know what's lurking. And so Plank assumes position. Esmé EvaKwaad on vocals. Tall and proud. Shaven skull. Long thigh-high black leather boots - heels at least 10 cm. Black-and-white dress above the knees, black shawl hugs her for the first three songs. Cigarette glowing menacingly between calm fingers, tall drink in the other hand. Some dude whispers behind me: "Stunning. I don't want to see her with hair." She opens her mouth and people shut up in mid-sentence. It's uncanny. "Ek gorrel liewer sand ..." and "Oooo Snorkelman ..." The voice commands attention. It's smoky, deep and smooth - but oh so deliciously scary. On her left is Pat Plank on lead guitar. The muso's head is equally bare, gleaming furiously under the pale yellow lights as he casually proceeds to twirl fingers and strings into knots. He even makes do when strings go sproiiiing. He is quiet but his talent isn't. Hark, all yee tuneless twits - Pat Plank's machine will not be ignored. Brixton Barnard on vocals and bass makes us jump with vicious verbal jabs and lyrics that will churn your guts. He has a dark deep smile. And shaven head. He looks straight through you. "Ek het vergeet om die beeste te voer" and in the cunningly designed 'Ballade Vir 'n Kraan, you hear: "Ons sing vir die hoere, die pimps en die boere ..." Drummer Dowel Sticks pummels you left, right and centre with a blistering beat that rattles ribcages all over the bar. They do cheeky tunes like 'Stukkend', apparently a big favourite on RadioKansel. Followed by a vicious thing called 'Smaak' with a rhythm from hell. It's about tourism. But don't be fooled. This one will throw you over the Vic Falls. screaming. Then they announce their only love song (accompanied by malicious sniggers from the band) called 'Velvet'. Yummy beyond reproach. There's 'Mariaan' with a fast-paced reggae flavour, 'Ry Maar', and 'Dit Was Die Wes-Rand', willingly sponsored by Minora. Those blades that sink beyond capillary arteries. They proceed with 'Kalm' while patrons gulp beer and stare without comprehension. Brixton tells us in that glassy voice "Hulle praat van die reënboognasie, maar buite is dit nag." Then the sound goes poooofffff. Cables are switched, switches are toggled, brows quickly become furrowed. Esmé EvaKwaad remains dangerously serene. She sips her drink, takes a slow pull from her smoke. Smiles all around when Pat Plank goes tjjooiiinnnng on the black Fender and the vitriolic tunes proceed to burn. They do 'Happy Gum Scum'. Brixton murmurs into the mike: "Ja, sodat die Engelse ons ook kan haat." Nervous titters of anticipation all around. But it's a sharp, clever tune. Like 'My Lina', the actual ending of their gig. 'Ey, Plank. Sometimes you laugh. You giggle and gasp. Then you want to scream and run away. But always - always you stay. And listen. With Esmé's last sultry kiss breathed through the mike, cigarette smoke swirling without sound - Roof Bezuidenhout comes dancing through the door with guitar on the back. Aah. Brixton Moord and Roof is armed and ready for duty. But that's another story... (CL) ---------- GIG GUIDE ---------- The SA Rock Digest list of recommended gigs can be found at: http://www.SAgigs.com. If you cannot access SAgigs.com then please e-mail mailto:gigs@sarockdigest.com?subject=gigguide and we will e-mail the gig guide to you each week. Please send all gig info to mailto:sugar@sagigs.com in a plain text e-mail. -------- ADVERT -------- This Live Music section is sponsored by: SMOKE SIGNALS http://www.cd.co.za/smokesignals A fully integrated publicity and events service, specialising in the music and theatre world. Band and concert promotion, press releases, media interviews and 'short hand hyping'. Contact: Brian Weinronk ph: (021) 4619152 mailto:brianwein@kingsley.co.za ___________________________________________ 9.INFO -------- ------ LINKS ------ Links to artists, gig guides, resources, record labels, recording studios, music trivia and more at: http://www.sarockdigest.com/links --------------- SUBSCRIPTIONS --------------- To subscribe - please send an e-mail to: mailto:subscribe@sarockdigest.com?Subject=NewSubscriber Address changes - please send an e-mail to: mailto:subscribe@sarockdigest.com?Subject=AddressChange To unsubscribe - please send a blank e-mail to: mailto:unsubscribe@sarockdigest.com?Subject=Unsubscribe BACK ISSUES http://www.sarockdigest.com/archives Online and keyword searchable PRESS RELEASES & CONTRIBUTIONS Please submit all press releases, contributions, reviews, gig & festival dates, requests, searches and comments to mailto:sugar@sarockdigest.com EDITORS Brian Currin Stephen Segerman mailto:editors@sarockdigest.com CONTRIBUTORS Don Bryce Carina Laubscher Tertius Louw Daniel Neville Shiloh Noone John Samson Kurt Shoemaker Proofed by Ronx SA Rock Digest Computer Systems maintained by Karl Hansen. Karl is highly recommended for home and office PC repairs in Cape Town. mailto:karma@iafrica.com <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>