SA ROCK DIGEST ISSUE #224 http://www.sarockdigest.com Established 27th January 1999 3 November 2003 ---------------------- IN THIS WEEK'S ISSUE ---------------------- SA rocker, Justin Bergh, returns with a new album called 'Out Of My Hands' ... Danny K will be supporting Craig David on his SA Tour beginning in Johannesburg on Sat 8 November ... Bed On Bricks are set to launch their 'Humanarium' album, and an SA tour to promote the album ... Splashy Fen 2004 promises to be an even bigger and better "Ultimate Outdoor Experience" ... Andre Kriel is the new guitarist with the Jo Day B*A*N*D*. The FMR Jazz Workshop Biggish Band (JWBB), an amateur Big Band based in Cape Town, and led by trombonist Jannie 'Hanepoot' van Tonder, have lined up some gigs for the end of the year ... SA guitar hero Larry Amos, rated as the "best blues guitarist in the country" has been making some notable live appearances on the North Coast ... Musician Todd Rundgren argues that the labels have mishandled downloadable music. New mp3's this week are a pick of the best tracks by the new bunch of SA rock bands like The Fallen, Morning Haze, Skwirmish, Ystervark and more ... New albums reviewed this week are: 'Breathe Sunshine', the first release on the Amabala Records label ... a double-CD "Best Of" compilation from the late Johannes Kerkorrel ... Luna's self-titled debut album ... an EP called 'Bitterwaste' by Sonar from East London ... The Rudimentals' new debut album, 'More Fire' ... and Tribe After Tribe's 'Power' reissue on the RetroFresh label. There's a spotlight piece on Liesl Graham ... LAD updates us about Soulja ... John Samson reviews an album by Oil And Water ... Kurt Shoemaker tells us about that No Friends Of Harry RetroFresh compilation ... Carina reviews a Dan Patlansky and The Mississippi Muthers gig at the Blues Room in Sandton ... And watch out for some cool Cape sounds at 'Radio Bijou' at The Curve in Observatory. Freshlyground continue to pack out every venue they play, so they have generously arranged a "Month of Sundays" series of November gigs ... Daniel Neville was also at The Rudimentals' 'More Fire' CD Launch at The Valve in Cape Town and added his review of the gig ... Hog Hoggidy Hog are launching their new single, 'Naked', at the Purple Turtle ... Steve Newman and Tony Cox have scheduled some Johannesburg concerts. There's also the usual weekly mp3 and album charts, recommended SA gigs, letters to Sound Solutions, old SA charts, Vinyl store specials, and SA punk gigs ... And that's SA Music (This) Week! ---------------- EDITOR'S NOTE ---------------- If you miss any issues of the Digest, then you can still read each week's Edition, in full colour, online at: http://www.cd.co.za (updated Tuesdays). You can also find all the Previous Editions of the Digest archived at: http://www.sarockdigest.com/archives The deadline for Digest submissions and SA gig info is Friday 12 noon. If you would like to contact us, please do not reply to this newsletter! Rather send an email to mailto:editor@sarockdigest.com?subject=Digest Thanks! Ed. ------------------------------------- SOUTH AFRICAN ROCK DIGEST ONLINE ------------------------------------- For a full-colour 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 Daddy' to 'ZX Dan'... visit the South African Rock Encyclopedia at http://www.rock.co.za ------------ SAGIGS.com ------------ The SA Rock Digest list of Recommended Gigs can be found at: http://www.SAgigs.com ----------------------------- ONE WORLD ONLINE CD STORE ----------------------------- Selling South African Music to the World http://www.oneworld.co.za/index.cfm?bec=4321 ----------- CONTENTS ----------- 1.NEWS: Justin Bergh, Danny K and Craig David, Bed On Bricks, Splashy Fen 2004, Jo Day, The FMR Jazz Workshop Biggish Band, Larry Amos, Radio Bijou, Todd Rundgren and mp3's 2.CHARTS: Top 30 SA mp3s & albums 3.NEW RELEASES: SA mp3s & CDs: The SA Wild Breed; Luna, Zero Tolerance, Sonar - Tribe After Tribe's 'Power', The Rudimentals' 'More Fire', 'Breathe Sunshine', Liesl Graham, Soulja. 4.USA FOR AFRICA: No Friends Of Harry - 'The Present Has Passed' 5.A NAARTJIE IN THE UK: Oil And Water - 'Evolution Of Water' 6.HISTORY & TRIVIA: Springbok Radio charts, birthdays, Vinyl Junkies 7.SOUND SOLUTIONS: Letters and requests, a Readers' Forum 8.LIVE MUSIC: Events round-up, SA Punk - The Rudimentals, The Hogs, freshlyground, Cox and Newman 9.INFO: Subscriptions & contributions _____________________________________________ 1.NEWS --------- JUSTIN BERGH SET TO RELEASE 'OUT OF MY HANDS' ALBUM For the past year, the young South African singer/songwriter, Justin Bergh, has been working with some big names in the US music industry, travelling to Vancouver, and through to Los Angeles via New York and Miami, while still finding the time to absorb all these experiences and record his new full-length solo album, called 'Out Of My Hands'. Talking about this new release, Bergh said: "I am really proud of my new album. It's been a long road over the last two years, writing, travelling, and performing, from singing national anthems for rugby test matches, to opening shows for overseas bands, to playing famous rock clubs like The Bitter End and Arlene's Grocery in New York. A lot of long, hard studio work went into the making of this album, and above all it's just so rewarding to finally have the record ready for my patient fans." 'Out Of My Hands' is a classic slice of contemporary pop rock, to follow 'Love The Sinner' Bergh's debut BMG release from 2000. The new album takes its name from the first single, 'Out Of My Hands', that was issued exclusively to radio in 2002 and then made available on the 'Ultimate' compilation album. The track was co-written by Justin with Canadian singer/songwriter Brian Howes over in Vancouver. Justin also brought things back home by working on several album tracks with noted singer/songwriter James Stewart at Street Level Studios in Cape Town. Stewart is the former lead singer of legendary Cape rockers The Usual, founder of smack! Productions and also currently embarking on a solo recording career. Former Bright Blue members Tom Fox (guitars) and Peter Cohen (drums) also lent their considerable skills to the Street Level recordings, along with a number of younger Cape-based musicians. James Stewart, who also co-wrote the new track, 'Misunderstood', spoke about these recording sessions: "We were looking to add an extra dimension to Justin's impressive tracklist, and create some material that would show off other facets of Justin's talent, while retaining the sense that this is an album, not merely a collection of songs. It's also the all-important second album - so we were really cautious of not falling into the trap of repeating what was on the first, to keep the audience guessing. Having been presented with some really strong material in the first place made our job of pushing and pulling much easier. We wanted to range across the territories of pop, anthemic rock and had a crack at some old school - I mean really old-school in 'Runaway' - which we decided to keep entirely acoustic to get some perspective on the huge rock power chords that have come to signify a Justin Bergh record". Justin Bergh explained the thinking behind 'Out Of My Hands': "Being my second album, I really needed and wanted it to be strong, and I believe that I've accomplished just that. I experimented with a lot of new sound ideas, yet still kept it true my style. It may be a little bit heavier than my first album - which I believe is a positive step in the right direction - but we've also got a great mixture of songs. Ranging from ballads like 'Out Of My Hands' and 'I Wonder' through to the much harder stuff like 'Not A Day Goes By' and 'More', including a great acoustic ballad 'Run Away', so there's a nice feel and dimension to the album". With a long list of upcoming live and promotional performances scheduled - and a coastal tour taking place over the upcoming festive period - just keep an eye on Justin Bergh and an ear out for 'Out Of My Hands' 'Out Of My Hands' Tracklisting: 'Misunderstood', 'Not A Day Goes By', 'Out Of My Hands', 'How Did You Know?', 'Runaway', 'Here With You', 'Losing My Soul', 'I Wonder', 'Don't Know Why', 'Where Were You', 'The Standard', 'Too Late (Now I'm Gone)', 'More', 'Runaway' (Acoustic) -------------- DANNY K TO SUPPORT CRAIG DAVID ON HIS SA TOUR SA pop star, Danny K, will be supporting UK garage star, Craig David, on his SA tour, which begins this week. Danny K is currently promoting his new, second album, 'J23'. Cell C Music Spectacular, in association with 5fm, is bringing Craig David to SA for a three-concert tour with dates in Johannesburg, Durban and Cape Town. The 21-year-old Craig David has toured the world several times over, recently selling out a tour of UK venues and headlining a prestigious LA radio concert with Christina Aguilera and Nelly. His 2000 debut album, 'Born To Do It', sold over seven million copies worldwide, and garnered gold, platinum and multi-platinum status in over 20 countries. He is also the only artist to have been nominated for a record six UK MOBO Awards and recently scored a chart-topping hit earlier this year, teaming up with Sting for the hit 'Rise and Fall' (a No.1 on 5fm). Catch Craig David on Saturday 8th November at The Dome in Johannesburg, on Sunday 9th November at Durban's International Convention Centre and on Tuesday 11th November at The Velodrome in Cape Town. Tickets are priced from R105 (excluding service charge) and are available from Computicket. -------------- BED ON BRICKS - GIGS, CD LAUNCH AND TOUR Bed On Bricks will be launching their debut CD, 'Humanarium', at the Mercury Live in Cape Town on 19 November 2003. This event will also kick off Bed On Bricks' first nationwide tour, stretching from the Cape to the Garden Route, Klein Karoo, Free State, Gauteng and East Coast. More details on those tour dates and venues will be released shortly. Before that, Bed On Bricks will be playing once again at the Independent Armchair Theatre in Observatory, Cape Town on Friday 7 November 2003, as well as at The Hidden Cellar in Stellenbosch on Saturday 8th November 2003. Bed On Bricks is the brainchild of super Sons of Trout vocalist Mike Hardy. Mike features on lead vocals and saxophone along with Schalk van der Merwe on bass guitar, Tim Rankin on drums and guitarist Dave van de Linden. The band has produced some new material that will be showcased in their performances at The Armchair Theatre and The Hidden Cellar. Sven Blumer of Stage Magazine, writing about this intriguing new Cape group said: "The calibre of the musicians plus the creative arrangements in the songs ensured the best live-music experience. For the growing musicians of the country, this band offers the perfect opportunity to see how to go about performance in a professional manner." LISTEN http://www.SAmp3.com -------------- SPLASHY FEN 2004 Easter Weekend - April 8-12 Completing the transformation which began with the 'awakening' of Splashy Fen 2003, our country's mighty and best loved open-air lifestyle celebration promises the freshest ever delights for body and mind with Splashy Fen 2004. Not only will South Africa's longest-running festival maintain its well-deserved reputation by satisfying all-inclusive musical tastes with a genre-defying mix of breakthrough and firmly established artists, but Splashy Fen 2004 is now also fully geared to connect devotees of the Great Outdoors with every 'must-see, must-do' attraction of this premier slice of our Zulu Kingdom. For the uninitiated - and there's a whole new generation primed and eager to taste 'The Experience' - Splashy Fen is a constantly evolving saga spanning 15 years of inspiration and dedication. The adventure is set in those pristine, river-fed pastures which nurture the 'trout country' hamlets of Underberg and Himeville in the Southern Drakensberg range. Splashy Fen is perched atop the crossroads linking three of our provinces' much publicised 'destinations' - the soaring uKhahlamba-Drakensberg Park World Heritage Site with its unique and priceless Stone-Age Cave Art , the Boston-Bulwer Beat where adrenalin-junkies from around the globe fling themselves into thin air aboard para- and hang-gliders, and the once upon a time 'Bandit Territory' of East Griqualand - 19th Century smugglers' paradise for those rebel souls who regularly outsmarted the British Empire. All are near enough at hand to make excursions from the Festival Site both easy and convenient, plus their attractions guarantee rewarding experiences in a most visitor-friendly region. Splashy Fen General Manager, Pedro Carlo, believes the era has dawned for expanded horizons and opportunities for festival-goers to enjoy a wider range of buzz. "There are now so many extras on offer to make the Splashy Experience even bigger and better...and local communities are welcoming this new vision. It's going to be fresh and unbeatable!" Facilities in these picturesque surrounds have been fine-tuned to international class - including the many B&B alternatives to on-site 'roughing it' - and have contributed significantly to our Kingdom's well-documented and ongoing Tourism Boom. Time to give something new a go... It's not only around the Festival that vast improvements will be noticed, but also every aspect within the site itself. The result is an even more harmonious environment for 'Splashy Fenners' to pursue an increasingly diverse spectrum of interests. From the range of musicians to the tantalising menu of catering treats (no need to cook your own here!), fun distractions for hard-to-please kids to guidance for navel-gazers, parking spots to porta-loos...Splashy Fen 2004 will doubtless live up to its claim as the all-improved model - fresh off the drawing board. Eight thousand-plus revellers made the 'pilgrimage' last time ... here's to a few thousand more! Details of each new development will appear in a forthcoming series of Media Releases, but in the meantime, would-be Performers, Crafts/Food Market Stallholders and Volunteers will find online application forms at the revamped website www.splashyfen.co.za Pedro Carlo Tel/Fax: +72 (0) 31 563 0824 Cell: +72 (0) 82 892 6176 Email: c-weed@iafrica.com -------------- JO DAY GETS A NEW GUITARIST As reported last week, Jo Day's guitarist Darren Drawbridge has officially resigned from the Jo Day band. It was, we understand, for "personal reasons", and the remaining members issued a statement saying that "...we respect Darren's decision and wish him the best. He will be missed and will always remain a true friend of the B.A.N.D." Jo Day further explained that: "Keeping the quest as 'low-key' as possible, the search for a replacement was on. One of the first calls was to the respected Pretoria musician, Andre Kriel, the singer and guitarist for the popular rock/metal band 'Orange'. If any suitable guitarists were available, Andre would know. Due to changing circumstances within 'Orange', Andre was able to suggest the perfect man for the job... HIMSELF!" After only two rehearsals, somehow the news had 'leaked' and both Andre and Jo day were bombarded with congratulations, queries, and requests for interviews. This not only took them by surprise, but also filled them with a sense of pride in both the fans and the SA music industry itself "who truly do support their own". Andre's first gig with Jo Day was at Burn in Durban last week. Kriel still has a few commitments to 'Orange' later in November, and will join the B.A.N.D. full-time from the beginning of December '03. Between now and then, all Jo Day gigs will still take place - with either Darren, Jon Buckley or Andre on guitar. LISTEN http://www.SAmp3.com -------------- THE RETURN OF THE JWBB The FMR Jazz Workshop Biggish Band (JWBB) is an amateur Big Band based in Cape Town, and led by trombonist Jannie 'Hanepoot' van Tonder. The JWBB have lined up some gigs for the end of the year having returned from their first trip up the West Coast where they successfully hosted the Jazz Picnic at the Langebaan Festival. The JWBB play their own brand of indigenous fare, half of which are new original compositions, and the rest their footstomping renditions of South African Jazz standards JWBB-style (i.e. hats-on-shoes-off ...). The JWBB's original compositions are by Mertyn Barrow, David Ledbetter, Douglas Armstrong, John Davies and there are also arrangements of some lesser-known masterpieces by the likes of Zakes Nkosi, Hugh Masekela, Dollar Brand, Chris McGregor and other SA jazz luminaries Recent guests with the JWBB include Mike Horn (Golliwog, D.A. Band), Mandisi Dyantjis, Ross MacDonald (The Rudimentals), Eddie Boyd (Salsa Candela). The gigs lined up for the next two months are: 28 November - Pinelands Town Hall, Fund Raiser for Gaia Waldorf School in Oude Molen Village 6 December - Independent Armchair Theatre 14 December, Oude Libertas, Stellenbosch, Summer Season Sunset Concert The full FMR Jazz Workshop Biggish Band line-up is: The Saxes: Chris Dippenaar, John Ntshibilikwana, John Thorne, Graham Thorne, Nick Green Trumpets: Charlie Heyes, Douglas Armstrong, Dumani Katywa, Stephen Draper Trombones: Andrew O'Donoghue, Shelley Williams, Simon Hough, Matthew Grant Rhythm (gt, pno, bs, dms): Rick Beckman, Ralston van der Schyff, Sidney McKinnon, Mike Horn -------------- LARRY AMOS GIGS Widely regarded by his peers as the "best blues guitarist in the country", SA guitar hero Larry Amos has been making some notable live appearances on the North Coast recently. Larry Amos began his professional career as a solo artist with his first gig in the Persian Room at the Four Seasons Hotel in Durban. He also performed on the TV show, 'Beat 79' doing one of his own compositions, 'Mother Nature'. Baxtop was formed in Johannesburg in 1978 with Larry Amos, Tim Parr, Fuzzy Marcus and Bruce Williams and was billed as "the best blues-rock-boogie band that never came out of the American South". Garth Chilvers, co-author of the authoritative 'History of Contemporary Music Of South Africa', rated the band's 'Work It Out' album* as one of the Top Ten Best Albums of South Africa. Baxtop became South Africa's top original blues-rock band, and had a number one hit with 'Jo Bangles' and also won a Sarie Award. The band then toured as support with Millie Jackson on her South African visit. Rogan Coles, a music writer of the time, when describing the guitar playing of Larry Amos, said: "However, what struck me about him were his awesome abilities and that phenomenal guitar work of his and the way he made that instrument work. Everything was so fluid and slick. He did things that I had never seen and heard of before. Cigarette stuck in the strings up in the neck, near the keys of his guitar, standing in the light of a solitary flood light and he would let it crank - slowly and uncertainly at first and then, as he got into his stride ... things just happened. This wasn't a Jimi Hendrix extravaganza (as seen on film). It was just one man and his guitar and he just went places with it where I have never been or heard of before". In 1995 Larry and Tim Parr supported Crosby, Stills and Nash at the Standard Bank Arena and were complimented by them for their performance, and for Amos' outstanding song, 'Let The Sun'. 'Let The Sun'" is among the tracks featured on Larry Amos' CD 'Going Up' which is on sale at his gigs. * A vinyl copy of Baxtop's debut album 'Work It Out' is currently available at Mabu Vinyl (see 'Vinyl Junkies' section below) LISTEN http://www.SAmp3.com -------------- RADIO BIJOU Radio Bijou is a weekly Wednesday night broadcast of fine music for the feet as selected by enchanting people across Cape Town City. The broadcast takes place at the Curve Bar at the Bijou Cinema in Observatory, and stars Ghislain and Quintin behind the bar, Mao on the moves and Moes at the door. Radio Bijou is hosted by Harris. Ultimately it will become a multimedia broadcast live onto the web. Radio Bijou has hosted a series of charming characters so far. There's been Upstairs Eric from the pan-African market, swinging with East African dub. Then the femme fatale family of Emmerentia and Tomas played Kansas City swing, these two are naughty old friends who share the craziest collection of swing this side of the Kit Kat Club. And last Wednesday, Miss Cherry Devil, the hip hop troubadour of Hamburg, blessed the Bijou with the grandest gospel hop. November guests include Simon Shoes, pan-African adventurer for the Geographical Information Services; Tracy Cibrefibre, a fantasy design entrepeneur with an award for the greatest amount of music downloads ever credited to one single person; Maclean of Maclean mastering, he's mastered some of the most significant albums to come out of Cape Town, and has an ear aligned with the most digable of planets; Zayd Minty is the former director of the Cape Town Festival, one of the city's cultural godfathers and he has terrific wardrobes in London and Rome. Radio Bijou is Part I in the re-emergence of the Curve. Coming soon... The Red Rock City Circus on Fridays, and the return of Sambafrique - music muti, on Saturdays. Appearing shortly on Radio Bijou Wednesday November 5 - Maclean aligns the digable planets Wednesday November 12 - Simon Shoes, a digital adventurer in Africa Wednesday November 19 - Zayd Minty at the intersection of world routes ------------- AND FINALLY.... ----------------- TODD RUNDGREN AND MP3'S Musician Todd Rundgren is known for such 1970s pop hits as 'Hello It's Me', but his wizardry as a producer, music video pioneer and explorer of computer technologies is legendary in the industry. Since 1998, his recordings have been underwritten by PatroNet, a subscription service that gives his loyal fan base online access to works in progress. The music industry veteran argues that the labels have mishandled downloadable music. Rundgren writes: Music is a sacrament. This has been true for thousands of years of human history, save the last 100 or so. I'm sure it was not Edison's purpose to debase such an important aspect of our collective liturgy, but what would one expect when something that was once ephemeral and could only be experienced at the behest of other humans is reduced to a commodity on a shelf. The mechanisms of music, how and why it affects us the way it does, are still mystical even to a cynical older record producer like myself. Who denies the depth and power of this medium has simply forgotten, in the face of the relentless Philistine argument, that all things can be commoditised regardless of their sacred origins -- that all music is worth exactly what the RIAA says it is. Most musicians who have enjoyed any success under this model are in an ethical bind: On one hand, you may believe that your survival depends on effective marketing of a commodity; on the other, you realise that your truest expressions are being trivialised to fit properly into a pre-allotted space. How many times have I heard the argument, "Love the record, but we don't hear a third single -- back to the studio"? I must remind my fellow players that for the vast majority of history we have only been appreciated for the quality of human expression we could produce at the moment. Great performances were only memories in the minds of those who witnessed, each unique except perhaps for the calliope at the local merry-go-round which was, of course, a machine. The plain reality is that, except for a few notable aberrations, musicians will always be more appreciated, certainly in a financial sense, by live audiences than by labels and the listeners they purport to represent. The seemingly quaint idea that recordings were promotion for great performers is no less true today. Ask Phish. Ask also whether, as a musician, you ever believed the RIAA was actively protecting your interests until they got into a fight with their own customers and started using your name, your so-called well-being, as justification. And when the customers became sceptical they became the enemy. And to follow the RIAA's logic, customers are therefore the enemies of musicians. Let us ignore the fact that if you ever got compensated for your contribution, it would have been because your manager and lawyer (and many before) forced the labels to recognise your labour in financial terms. The reason why the RIAA comes off as a gang of ignorant thugs is because, well, how do I put this -- they are. I came into this business in an age of entrepreneurial integrity. The legends of the golden age of recorded music were still at the helm of most labels -- the Erteguns, the Ostins, the Alperts and Mosses by the dozens. Now we have four monolithic (in every sense of the word) entities and a front organisation that crows about the fact that they have solved their problems by leaning on a 12-year-old. Thank God that mystical fascination with the world of music has been stubbed out -- hopefully everyone will get the message and get over the idea that the musician actually meant for you to hear this. The RIAA protects musicians like the musicians union protects musicians: They reward hacks and penalise those outside the system. The labels are Not making this stink out of principle. They are not interested in the rights of musicians who don't sell any records for them. That myth was exploded when Warners dropped Van Morrison for "lacklustre sales." This stink is about a bunch of dumb-asses blaming the public for doing what the labels could have -- and should have -- done 10 years ago. I know because I told them so, each and every one individually and relentlessly: Put the music on a server so you can deliver on-demand services to people's homes. Seems so stupidly simple now. After nearly 40 years in this business I know who my friends are. I know it isn't the labels who lost interest in my "fringe audience" decades ago. It is that fringe audience who still await any recording or performance I may come up with despite the RIAA trying to drive some symbolic wedge between me and my listeners just because their ass is in a sling. Don't do me any favours. Audiences and musicians are on the same side. Musicians come from the audience (unlike record execs who come from the ranks of failed musicians). We experience together the mystical sacrament that a musical performance can represent. Additionally, we will be comfortably if not handsomely compensated by that audience if we can deliver a suitably affecting performance with some regularity. It's time to let the monolith of commoditised music collapse like the Berlin Wall. Musicians can make records if they feel like it, or not. Wide open pipes are ready to transport us, mainstream and fringe alike, into the ears of an eager audience who appreciates us and is more than willing to financially support us. Get out of the way if you can't lend a hand because ... you know the rest by heart. Published Oct. 22, 2003 The Hollywood Reporter ---------------------------------- 2.CHARTS ---------- TOP 30 SOUTH AFRICAN MP3s OF THE WEEK http://www.SAmp3.com 1. [2] (1) Plan My Attack - Soulja (Indie) 2. [3] (2) Castles (Remix) - Freshlyground ('Jika Jika'/Freeground) 3. [5} (3) Things 2 Consider - Skwirmish ('The EP'/Indie) 4. [6] (4) Lilly Dance - De-Javu (Single/Bowline) 5. [1] (1) James Brown (I Ain't) - Martin Rocka & The Sick Shop ('Martin Rocka & The Sick Shop'/Gosatango) 6. [9] (6) Rich Folks Hoax - Amanda Strydom ('Verspreide Donderbuie/Scattered Thunder'/JNS) 7. [4] (1) Cosmo Girl - The Fallen (Indie) 8. [12] (8) Suikerbossie Blues - Jakkie Louw ('Klein Karoo Cowboy'/Afrimusik) 9. [13] (9) Ek En Jy En Die Kaap - Lize Beekman ('Iemand Het Gesę'/Indie) 10. [10] (8) Sugar Man - Rodriguez ('Cold Fact'/PT Music) 11. [7] (1) Humanarium - Bed On Bricks (Indie) 12. [15] (12) Above My Room - Jo Day ('The Truth'/Indie) 13. [14] (13) Only If It Rains - Off The Edge ('Site Under Construction'/Indie) 14. [18] (14) Meisie Van Die Ooste - Alta Joubert ('Warrelwinde'/Hoezit) 15. [11] (2) Milk Cow Blues - Delta Blue ('Inbluesstation'/Merchant Records) 16. [20] (16) All The World - Zen Arcade ('Release'/Indie 17. [24} (17) Woman - Soil 7t7 ('Soil 7t7'/Indie) 18. [8] (2) Jaded Mind - Morning Haze (Indie) 19. [22] (19) Misvuurtjie - Laurinda Hofmeyr ('Ligdag'/Rhythm Records) 20. [25] (20) Time To Change - Grant Nuss ('Diversity'/Indie) 21. [26] (21) Scream (demo) - Velve (Indie) 22. [-] (22) Viagra La Buena - Nukular Stompers ('Can Of Worms'/Indie) 23. [17] (1) Summer Sun - Zen Arcade ('Release'/Indie) 24. [-] (24) Trash Like You - Martin Rocka And The Sick Shop ('Trailer Rash'/Indie) 25. [-] (25) Die Ballade Van Dracula Havenga - Andries Bezuidenhout ('Insomniak se Droomalmanak'/Rhythm) 26. [28] (26) Twisted - Believable Addiction (Indie) 27. [-] (27) Jerk Motormouth - Michael Payne ('DeCOMpress'/Indie) 28. [30] (1) Beach Girl - Natalia (Indie) 29. [19] (2) The Meaning Of Goodbye - James Stewart (Street Level) 30. [-] (30) Face - Ystervark ('Living It Up'/Indie) -------------- TOP 30 SOUTH AFRICAN ALBUMS OF THE WEEK http://www.sarockdigest.com/charts This week [last week] (highest position) Title - Artist (Label) 1. [1] (1) Another Universe - Arno Carstens (Epic) 2. [3] (2) Jika Jika - freshlyground (Freeground) 3. [5] (3) Verspreide Donderbuie / Scattered Thunder - Amanda Strydom (JNS) 4. [6] (4) Sagtevlei - Alex Van Heerden and Derek Gripper (Open Record) 5. [9] (5) Rock The Bedsprings - Old Mol (Legend) 6. [11] (6) Greatest Hits - Tsepo Tshola And Sankamota (CCP) 7. [2] (1) Inbluesstation - Delta Blue (Merchant) 8. [4] (2) Johnny Clegg - A South African Story - Live (Value) 9. [7] (2) Sui - Benguela (Open Record) 10. [13] (10) Vari-ous - Tassenberg All Stars Volume 4 (Trippy Grape) 11. [10] (1) Back Seat Driver - Tait (Fresh) 12. [22] (12) Hello Crazy World - Prime Circle (David Gresham Records) 13 [17] (13) Diversity - Grant Nuss (Indie) 14. [8] (5) Our World - Soweto String Quartet (BMG) 15. [14] (1) Release - Zen Arcade (Indie) 16. [18] (16) Rough Cuts - Janie Jones (Sugar Music) 17. [16] (1) Chasing The Sun - Karen Zoid (EMI) 18. [25] (18) The Truth - Jo Day (Indie) 19. [20] (19) J23 - Danny K (Gallo) 20. [23] (19) Insomniak se Droomalmanak - Andries Bezuidenhout (Rhythm) 21. [24] (21) Various Artists - The Thula Project/ An Album Of SA Lullabies (Worldgoround) 22. [15] (1) No Warning - Jo Day (Legend) 23. [19] (4) The Remix Collection - Brenda Fassie (EMI) 24. [12] (3) Slow Rain (The Complete Celtic Rumours) - Celtic Rumours (RetroFresh) 25. [21] (4) Klein Karoo Cowboy - Jakkie Louw (Afrimusik) 26. [-] (26) Melt With Me - Drop Dead Gorgeous (Indie) 27. [27] (2) Rocking Against The System Vol 2 - Various (RetroFresh) 28. [26] (4) Drop The Debt - Various (Sheer) 29. [-] (29) Flat To Round - David Forster (Rhythm) 30. [28] (2) Homegrown Vol 2 - Various (EMI) READ http://www.rock.co.za/files/sarock_legends_2000.html LISTEN http://www.SAmp3.com BUY http://www.oneworld.co.za/index.cfm?bec=4321 _____________________________________________ 3. NEW, RECENT AND UPCOMING RELEASES ------ MP3s ------ All the mp3s listed here are available to download at http://www.SAmp3.com - the biggest South African mp3 website in the world. --------------- 'THE WILD BREED' The Pick of the best tracks by the Hottest New SA Bands of 2003! -------------- The Fallen - 'Cosmo Girl' "...Cosmo girl living in her own little world...". A bright and breezy vibe, driven by a power riff, to kick off the summer. (MC) -------------- Skwirmish - 'Things 2 Consider' A typical new SA punk rock band with loads of energy and a variety of tempos. 'Things 2 Consider' has cool drumming, raw guitar solos and catchy upbeat mosh riffs. (MC) -------------- Soulja - 'Plan My Attack' Nu-Rock band, Soulja, have been successfully storming the SAmp3 charts with their debut release. Full album on the way, read more below. (MC) -------------- Lazarus -'Make It Your System' 'Make It Your System' features a bubbling bass, drums and guitar brew with Niels Bouman's naked vocals riding the storm into the big chorus of "give me asylum from where I'm fleeing, some silence, to soothe my being...". Second single due soon. (SS) -------------- 13 (Dertien) - 'Vreemdeling' 'Vreemdeling' is a slow-burning acoustic rock song that builds into a cool guitar solo. (BC) -------------- Morning Haze - 'Jaded Mind' All the typical punk rock features are here; plucking, drumming, riffs and shouting things like "Go", but in a completely new and unique blend, to form a different yet highly effective mix. (MC) -------------- Springcan - 'Ugly' 'Ugly' chugs and churns along with spacey vocals and an Edge-y guitar sound. -------------- Ystervark - 'Face' One might be surprised to hear English rock from an Afrikaans named-band (Ystervark means "porcupine") that comes from Bloemfontein. Give them a listen; they deserve it. (MC) -------------- And watch out for something from Old Mol, and a new song from Janie Jones, coming to SAmp3.com soon. All the above tracks are listed on the front page of http://www.SAmp3.com ----------------- SEARCH FOR MP3's Use the SAmp3.com onboard search engine, powered by Google, to search for mp3s on http://www.SAmp3.com ----- CDs ----- LUNA - 'LUNA' [INDIE] Since her first appearance on the SA music scene in 2002, in an Afrimusik production called 'Eve: women in the garden of song', Luna has been attracting a lot of the right kind of attention. In that production she performed alongside well-known artists such as Lesley Rae Dowling, Laurinda Hofmeyr, Eugenie and Nicole Holm. The 'Eve' show was taken to Aardklop 2002 and KKNK 2003. Luna is a singer/songwriter from Stellenbosch who has been performing her own original music to a growing band of followers and who has just released her debut album's worth of new material. Luna's songs are a mixture of blues and jazz with some upbeat folk thrown in, similar in parts to both Lesley Rae Dowling (a local influence) and Kate Bush. In Early 2003 Luna hooked up with Francois Kruger (Springbok Nude Girls), Barry Steenkamp (Akkedis) and Tinus van Dyk. Since then they have performed at various events and festivals such as Wingerdstok 2003, KKNK 2003, the Cederberg Festival 2003 and Oppikoppi 'Luna' was recorded by Jurgen von Wechmar at Sunset Studios in Stellenbosch. The musicians on the album include drummer Francois Kruger (drums), Barry Steenkamp (bass), and Tinus van Dyk (guitar). The songs on 'Luna' are mostly downbeat emotional ballads, all written by Luna. The songs are (first single) 'Step Outside'. 'All You'll Need', 'Lady', 'Four-four Time', Grapevine', 'Lullaby', and 'Winter's Near' Luna has been very well received on her two recent tours to Gauteng where she received extensive media coverage. She has also made some high profile appearances on SA TV magazine programs such as e-TV's 'Nightlife', 'Kwęla', and 'Passella'. This debut CD, which is currently only available for sale at her live gigs, has been selling well and Luna is currently doing pre-production on her next CD, which is due for release early next year. -------------- RUDIMENTALS LAUNCH 'MORE FIRE' CD Lindsay Ravenscroft and Daniel Neville were both at The Valve last week to see and hear the Rudimentals launch their new CD, 'More Fire' (It was a huge event on the Cape Town music scene and merited two reporters!). Here Lindsay discusses the launch and new album. Look also in the SA Punk section below for Daniel's more detailed review of the gig. The line-up for the evening's launch at The Valve also included Spindlesect, 7th Son and DJ Dubmasta China. We arrived at the venue at about 9:30 to find the queue already spilling around the corner. We crept a little closer and slowly made our way up the old theatre stairway. At the door lovely ladies dressed in black and white were selling copies of 'More Fire'. High ceilings, balconies and an immense stage greeted the first band, Spindle Sect, along with a generously-packed room. The multi mc-ed magnitude of Spindle Sect squeezed on to the stage. Their mesmerising, precise sound filled the room and roused the dance floor. The female vocalist from Spindle Sect was commandeered by the following band, 7th Son, for a song. A refreshing musical alliance. The big boys take the stage next. The Rudimentals perform catchy brass tunes like 'Dub Too Much', some of the old favourites like 'Gangsta', and the excellent, funky ska rhythms of 'Mr Skunk' and 'Noh TV'. Energetic frontman, T-Boss, fires up the crowd and draws everyone into their vivacious live act. The Rudis have been gigging now for two years and are hoping to tour Germany and Switzerland next year. Good luck, guys! Their CD, 'More Fire' unfortunately does not reflect the same level of energy and vibrancy experienced from the stage. The launch and the packaging of the CD itself were stylish and of a professional standard, yet the sound quality of the recording does not enjoy quite the same standard. Nothing beats the Rudimentals LIVE! (LR) Tracks from The Rudimentals' album 'More Fire': 'Rudimentals inna Da House', 'Suzanne', 'Wear A Hat', 'Dub Too Much', 'Big Boss', 'Gangsta' 'Mr Skunk', 'Slow Down', 'Rubbah Glove', 'Moonska', 'Storm Inna D-cup', 'Noh TV'. 'Two Boots', 'Foolhearted And Nervous' -------------- SONAR - 'BITTERWASTE' [INDIE] Sonar is a four-piece band from East London who have just released the 'Bitterwaste' EP. The band is Sasa (v, g), Travis (g), Les (d), and Shaun (b) and has been around for the past three years. Their style incorporates punk, reggae, ska, and hard rock. 'Rise' will be the first of the three punk/metal tracks off the 'Bitterwaste' EP to be released as a single/mp3 in the next few weeks. The description "punk/metal" is accurate here with 'Rise' starting off sounding like a typical lumbering dinosaur of a heavy metal riff, but quickly undergoing a two-stage evolutionary speeding-up into its fast and energetic true punk identity. Sasa's vocals cutting through the squall with anger and defiance at a broken relationship: "All this time that I wasted getting over you ... I rise, I rise, I won't come begging back to you". The band have already released a full debut album called 'Ping', followed here with this 'Bitterwaste' EP which also features the song 'Know Me', and a moody ballad called 'Crystal Ball'. Another power release from the East London lads. -------------- JOHANNES KERKORREL - 'PERELSVOORDIESWYNE - BEST OF' Gallo Records SA have released a double CD compilation of the best of Johannes Kerkorrel to mark the artist's tragic death in 2002. The compilation is titled "Perelsvoordieswyne", ("pearls before swine"), and includes a selection of the best songs from the influential Afrikaans singer-songwriter's albums like 'Tien Jaar Later', 'Eet Kreef', 'Bloudruk', 'Ge-trans-for-meer', 'Cyanide In The Beefcake', 'Sing Koos du Plessis', and 'Die Ander Kant'. Johannes Kerkorrel won four major South African music awards during his career, including "Best Male Artist of the Year", and released six albums between 1996 and his death. He toured extensively to Europe and was very popular in Holland, as well as in Belgium, where he also hosted a weekly programme on Belgium Radio, reporting on news events in South Africa. The forty-two-year-old Kerkorrel was found hanging from a tree at a holiday resort in Kleinmond last year. Kerkorrel sprang to prominence in 1986 when he went on stage in a satirical political cabaret at the Green Room in Cape Town. In the same year, he moved to Johannesburg, his birthplace, to join another political cabaret before he embarked on his singing career with artists such a Nataniel, Koos Kombuis and Gerrit Schoonhoven. Kerkorrel was also a member of the alternative Afrikaans group, the Gereformeerde Blues Band and was a leader of the 'Voelvry' movement. As an alternative musician, he fell foul of the conservative Afrikaans establishment because of his criticism of and rebellion against the autocratic nature of the apartheid government of the time. 'Perelsvoordieswyne' concludes with three demo versions of the songs 'Ek Hoef Nie Meer To Dink Nie', 'Ek Gaan Aan', and 'Afrika, O' Afrika'. -------------- TRIBE AFTER TRIBE - POWER [RETROFRESH] Fronted by the radical and uncompromising rock vision of guitarist Robbi Robb, Tribe After Tribe were one of the hardest-hitting rock bands of the mid- to late 80's. 'Power' is their debut album which was released in 1985 and includes all the original tracks as well as three newer "bonus" tracks courtesy of Robbi Robb. TAT have gone on to greater things in the U.S., releasing several critically acclaimed albums. The liner notes on this Tribe After Tribe 'Power' reissue are by the man himself, Robbi Robb. We cannot reprint the full liner notes right here (you can read them in their entirety at http://www.freshmusic.co.za/tat_liner.htm), but here is a small sample of Robbie's "memoirs": "Change was coming and the risks were getting to have more serious consequences. Neil Aggett was a friend, we learnt a helluva lot from him about what was going on behind the scenes. It was a strange backdrop for to fall in love - the crazy feelings that surrounded us, growing up in a country going through such intense changes, made life unusually more vivid - ultra vivid as we used to say… Many of us felt we were constantly stepping on cautious ground…I never was too cautious; a wild man at heart or a wild hearted man - angry to boot. The Sunday Times called me the angriest young man of the South African rock scene…even still in a ring of fire I invoked the clowns - bring on the clowns - keeping it real by playing the clown, yea! even the clowns….while fires are burning at your feet! Anneline Kriel won the crown of beauty after the horny cameras dethroned or beheaded the queen. Then she married the Sun City God, the Donald Trump of South Africa. They were in and out of the news all the time - wild parties - separations - reconciliations and finally the inevitable… she was always leaving him. All this while the kids in Soweto were burning books and schools, cops were shooting into the crowds wounding and killing young kids and the revolution was getting into gear. It was the wedding of the year - a strange love affair. It was a crazy backdrop for to fall in love - the sort of shit the mainstream media fed us and what society read for breakfast. Tribe After Tribe, like the Asylum Kids, were a photocopy of the times or a prison tattoo, I cannot tell the difference sometimes, nevertheless it was inevitable that the story of Anneline K should make it to the record. It happens to be my favourite song on the record." "In black and white this kingdom stands in ruins but not remains" (RR) The 'Power' tracklisting is: 'As I Went Out One Morning (Damsel)', 'Cautious Ground', 'Monkey's Wedding', 'The Watch', 'Life Of A Love Song', 'Here It Comes', 'Ballad Of Anneline K', 'Suburb In The South', 'Swans', 'History', 'Childspeak' Check out the latest Tribe After Tribe news at www.RobbiRobb.com Buy 'Power' at http://www.oneworld.co.za/index.cfm?bec=4321&id=freshcd140 -------------- VARIOUS - 'BREATHE SUNSHINE' [AMABALA] This new 'Breathe Sunshine' compilation on the Amabala Label is subtitled "Chilled Electronic Beats from Cape Town and Johannesburg". 'Breathe Sunshine' is a brightly-packaged double-CD that was launched in London in September and is now available at One World. The CD sleeve explains the concept behind the 'Breathe Sunshine' release: " For many years South Africa was seen as a source of more traditional sounds that usually fall into the "world music" genre. Since the lid of Apartheid was lifted in the early '90's, many musicians and artists have been hard at work trying to change this perception by fusing western influences with an African flavour. This CD showcases these artists". Amabala Records is a company based in London, Johannesburg and Cape Town. It was started a few years back by Trenton Birch with the intention of bringing SA artists, and their music, to broader international attention. Amabala has arranged music festivals and has now released this compilation of fresh new sounds from artists like Felix Laband, Egyptian Nursery, African Rhythm Travellers, Gringo Bros, KB, Ben Amato, Kalahari Surfers, Weasilboy, Omitsu, and Dino Sofos with the title track. Jack Foley, writing for the IndieLondon.com website, posted the following review: One of the undisputed perks of carrying an alternative/independent sounding name and attitude, is that you get to hear stuff that you might otherwise never listen to, or realise even exists. There is the crap, of course, as with any line of reviewing, but when a new 'find' comes along, it is genuinely worth getting excited about - as much as, say, the new album from The Strokes, DJ Shadow or Coldplay or U2. In the short time that IndieLondon has been going, we've had music sent to us direct from the US and Australia (not bad, for a London-based site!), and have now heard from South Africa. 'Breathe Sunshine', like its long title suggests, is a compilation of chilled electronic beats from Cape Town and Johannesburg, that was kindly sent to us by the good people at Amabala Records. And it is a frequently surprising collection of records, all of which incorporate African rhythms, instruments and lyrics, into a broad spectrum of chill-out influences. Better suited to the late-night, down-tempo chilled crowd, of Radio 1's Blue Room fame, or Cafe Del Mar, this is a frequently mesmerising collection of tracks which mostly hit the target as effortlessly as a cool breeze on a hot Summer's day. And while the African influence is prevalent on several tracks, it never threatens to take over, with plenty of tracks worthy of consideration on any of the Ibiza-based chillout compilations, or evoking memories of some of the beats and samples that Nitin Sawhney incorporates into much of his work (see Human). The highlights include Beifus' funky 'Chemical Fire', which retains its African roots, while also sounding a little like early Chemical Brothers mixed with a little Beloved; or Felix Laband's upbeat, breezy, 'Run Alive Run', which possesses an orchestral feel more akin to The Avalanches, and a beat and guitar loop that really makes you want to get up and dance. Dino Sofos' hopelessly chilled out opening track, 'Breathe Sunshine', featuring the laidback vocals of Delenta, sets things going in fine style, with its breathy vocals, dream-like soundscapes and neatly observed piano, while the Kalahari Surfers' 'Kicked By The Ball', evokes memories of an early morning sunrise over the ocean, or the type of Mali music that Damon Albarn has helped to bring to a wider listener base. The album features some better-known artists, such as Craigie Dodds (well known as the Sugababes producer here in the UK), as well as the lesser-known likes of Dino Sofos and the African Rhythm Travellers. But while not every track captures the imagination all of the time, and certain others take a while to fully get into, this compilation is an excellent introduction to a new area of chillout which succeeds in achieving exactly what it set out to - ie, act as an ambassador. One can only look forward to volume two with relish. Full article at: http://www.indielondon.co.uk/music/cd_breathe_sunshine.html 'Breathe Sunshine' track listing: Dino Sofos, feat. Delenta ('Breathe Sunshine'), Egyptian Nursery ('Still'), Weasilboy ('Loungy Bastardos'), Felix Laband ('Run Alive Run'), Kalahari Surfers ('Kicked By The Ball'), Ben Amato ('Kumnandi'), Gringo Bros. ('L'aube'), KB ('O A Lla'), Cafe Settee ('Sunset Cabriolet'), Gringo Bros ('Leader'), African Rhythm Travellers ('No More War'), Beifus ('Chemical Fire'), Omitsu ('Afro Snap'), Beat Pharmacy ('Happy Daze') 'Breathe Sunshine' is available at http://www.oneworld.co.za/index.cfm?bec=&ID=AMABALACD001 -------------- SPOTLIGHT ON: -------------- LIESL GRAHAM "There is something about Liesl Graham... a bright, radiant energy that emanates from every sentence, every nuance of body language, animated lyrics and remarkable melodic tapestries expel emotion in every chord and verse." So writes Frenzy magazine, and indeed, in a whirlwind of instant pop stars and mass-produced boy/girl bands, encountering singer-songwriter Liesl Graham is like coming home. The South African-born rock/pop artist whose music is edgy and insightful has been described as "velvet-voiced, with songs of substance". Following the acclaim of her first record released in South Africa, 'Something to Believe', Liesl was invited to perform in the Seychelles Islands and at Gaffenberg festival in Germany, Europe. As a passionate live performer, the standing ovation she received in Germany was a defining moment in her career. She realised her music could transcend borders and that an even bigger market exists for her unique sound beyond South Africa. A meeting of minds occurred with producer Niklas Fairclough of Northwind Studios, who has had extensive experience in both the US and UK markets. Together they captured the powerful energy of Liesl's songs and the emotive textures of her voice to create a truly original blend of rock/pop material for exposure to the international market. Liesl uses her music as a form of self-therapy. "Writing songs is how I vent my feelings, whether it's love, anger, frustration... the songs are like confessions of my soul," Liesl says. Intense lyrics, often probing and with a spiritual quality, reflect her college background in the human sciences as well as her upbringing in the previously unstable political environment of South Africa. She laughingly adds that being the youngest in a large family has influenced her even more, "I always had to fight to have my say but now music has become my ultimate form of expression, I've found my voice, so to speak." Liesl has an appreciation for many different styles of music. "A great song is a great song, no matter who's singing it. On a career level though, I'm really inspired by serious artists like Sheryl Crow and Lenny Kravitz or bands like U2. There's an honesty and substance to their music that I admire, they just keep getting better. That's worth aiming for," she smiles. Liesl's first project, 'Something to Believe', was a collection of self penned songs reflecting her down to earth persona. "Good rock coming from a girl with balls..." was how a leading music magazine reviewer described it. The album was nominated for a South African Music Award and her songs have received constant airplay throughout the nation. The single 'All Roads' went to number one on many radio stations and was also released on different compilation albums, one containing mainly international artists which sold close to 100 000 units and another which showcased the best of South African music. From playing clubs for a couple of years and working as a session singer, Liesl progressed to performing for packed venues around the country. She has worked with many of South Africa's top artists and musicians, most notably Johnny Clegg (of Johnny Clegg and Savuka fame), who describes her as the best voice to come out of South Africa. Sometimes challenging, sometimes questioning, sometimes just downright feel-good songs, but always real, always authentic, and always expressions of the heart - that's how Liesl Graham writes her music. "I don't necessarily want my songs to be analysed or explained; I simply want to move people. The gift of music is like a journey, both for the artist and the listener - a place of self discovery and release." Her new material has been specifically prepared to showcase her to the international market, and "confessions of the soul" or "songs of substance", call them what you will, there is no doubt, Liesl Graham's enticing vocals and passionate, catchy music are the real deal. (BastardMedia) Liesl Graham is appearing live at the Independent Armchair Theatre in Observatory, Cape Town on Monday 3 November. -------------- THE ZAZONE.COM SA BAND SPOTLIGHT -------------------------------------- http://www.zaZone.com LAD, the dedicated webmaster of zaZone.com, throws his regular spotlight on one of the many SA bands currently affiliated to his SA music site. SOULJA Soulja is a five-piece hardcore rock band from Cape Town, with Warren on vocals, Lee on lead guitar, Greg on guitar and backing vocals, Curve on bass and Stuart on drums. Their style is a mix of nu-metal, pop rock, rapcore, punk and hard rock... all rolled into one... Which is very good because their songs don't land up all sounding similar, each has a sufficient measure of different genres to keep audiences listening to the band. Soulja has been around since 2001 and have gone through several changes. After their fourth gig, Soulja was asked to play at the popular Splashy Fen festival! They've also played at Wingerdstok 2003; Mercury Live; the Whammy Bar and headlined at The Cause Punk Music Festival. The band also supported Brazilian rock legends Sepultura in Johannesburg on their SA tour. They also headlined at the recent Macufe Rock Festival in Bloemfontein with Boo!, Karen Zoid and The Springbok Nude Girls to name a few. Soulja will be playing the SL Student Sessions on 9th Dec 2003 at Mercury with 7th Son, Spindle Sect, and ARBOR. Thereafter Warren will be travelling down(/up?) to Knysna to arrange and finalize several gigs for the New Year. On the 26th of Dec 2003 they will be joining bands such as Cutting Jade, Jo Day, Lazarus and more at the Firlands rock festival! Next year Soulja will embark on uplifting rock and its related genres with several other bands in the Western Cape and hopes that it will be the start of great things to come for the music industry in the Cape. The mp3 'Plan My Attack' is currently doing well on SAmp3.com (Number 1 this week!). This song is, in my opinion, a very (ROCK) radio friendly track and has a nice mix of melody and lyrics. Soulja's work covers their approach to what's happening in South Africa and how the past affects their lives; politics, sex; day-to-day struggles; killings and things that we all have to deal with but usually ignore. The band, by their own admission, has realised that some people will dislike them and their stance on the issues they sing about, but they accept this and know that there will be others that will like them. They put their heart and soul into their work and it will pay off! The band is currently working on their site, www.soulja.co.za, but there is more than enough to keep you busy for a while... Check this band out -- they're energetic, powerful and dynamic. The band will be launching their album on 18 Nov 2003 at Mercury Live in Cape Town. LISTEN http://www.SAmp3.com LAD If you're in a SA Band or are a SA artist and would like to appear in this slot please mail mailto:tony@zazone.com Sponsored by zaZone.com Promoting SA Music... http://www.zazone.com -------------- Email your mp3 reviews to mailto: editor@sarockdigest.com?subject=mp3reviews Download South African mp3's from http://www.SAmp3.com South African Music: Loud 'n Proud -------------- ONE WORLD http://www.oneworld.co.za/index.cfm?bec=4321 Selling South African Music To The World --------------- 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. NO FRIENDS OF HARRY -- 'THE PRESENT HAS PASSED' [RETRO FRESH FRESHCD 129] So what's wrong with dark once in a while? Sometimes some people just want to paint the world black ... and then time passes and we take one day at a time again, and let the sun wash over us. The hard vocals and lyrics of 'Competition Rules' allow no rose-coloured glasses. A realpolitik of life is that sometimes winners don't say, "Excuse me" as they "...play without the rules." No holds barred bass, too, played up front like a four-string lead guitar. The title song reinforces their grim world where the individual fights. Here Rob McLennan, vocals; Ian Wiggins, guitar; Dave DeVetta, bass; and Annette McLennan, drums, are in control of a hard rocker that is constantly threatening to careen, crash, and burn. 'Paint it Black' is the Stones song, yes, but Harry style--with enough pout and swagger and nihilistic attitude to turn the head of even a jaded Jagger. But while listening to this song I wonder, as I do every time I hear 'Paint it Black', what does a blue seagull have to do with anything? Less to do with the blues, perhaps, and more to do with the product of Owsley's bathtub.... Anyway, a fine full-speed take on an old favourite. Our music has few songs based on 19th Century poems, but 'Into the Valley' uses Tennyson's 'The Charge of the Light Brigade' for lyrics. Quite well done, it's an epic in four and a half minutes that sings of both honour and nihilism. Even when the band thunders they use some breezy melody. 'Sun Wash Over Me' is actually pretty. No Friends of Harry also perform well on introspective slower tunes like 'I Lose Faith', and get high marks in the haunting ballad category with 'True in a Way'. And we end with the righteously slammin' 'Taking a Trip (To Somewhere Else)' that needs no Play Loud instructions. 'The Present has Passed' starts strong and grows and evolves from unremittingly dark Gothic rock to towering hard rock. Not a pale tune here, they don't do anything but rock hard--and No Friends of Harry never go la-la-la on us. They start and end with throaty, deep, electrified songs that brighten my day with real rock, by whatever sub-genre you call it. READ LISTEN BUY: http://www.freshmusic.co.za/retrofresh.htm 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: OIL AND WATER - 'EVOLUTION OF WATER' Everybody knows that Oil and Water don't mix, so I guess that they got all the tracks down in one take. Either that or they got their friends Gin and Tonic in to help with making the 'Evolution of Water'. Oil and Water's 'The Freefall Of Love' appeared on the second C-Weed album that highlighted Durban talent and also appears here. Coming from Durban and having a blonde lead singer and bandleader (Bruce Johnson), one is tempted to view this as surfer music. While it does not resemble the classic Beach Boy surfer sound, there is a real feel of South African surfer music here as comparisons to Robin Auld spring to mind. It's that gentle, laid back rock sound that Auld has been so successful with that one finds here. Essentially this is an album of guitar-driven melodies that conjure up images of sun, sand and sea, but as the album progresses an edge of melancholy creeps in as though the clouds are coming over and spoiling the surf. 'Progress of Peter' as the penultimate track has a quite sad feel to it, with Bruce asking "Why do I fall so easily, why do I let you down like this?" This is probably the emotional low of the album, but it is followed by the 5th and final track, 'Learn To Fly', which starts out as a trip hop meets a spaced-out Edi Brickell's 'What I Am' hook, but has a feisty, heavier chorus that ultimately leads one to the conclusion that this is the best track on the album (as well as being the conclusion to the album). This short album is by no means perfect. It's accomplished, but there are a number of rough edges. I suspect that this was their first outing in the studio that leads to this raw sound. Don't be put off by it as it lends an innocent charm to the product and they are an impressive live act as their support slot for Dorp last year in London proved. There seems to be a lot of potential in this band, which, according to the sleeve notes of C-Weed Version 2.0 is a project band. So I guess one needs to watch the evolution of (oil and) water. 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 (26 October 1973) 1 [1] Baby Blue - George Baker Selection 2 [2] Clap Your Hands And Stamp Your Feet - Maria 3 [4] Heaven Is My Woman's Love - Tommy Overstreet 4 [5] I Wanna Live - Tommy Oliver 5 [6] Funny Face - Barbara Ray 25 YEARS AGO (27 October 1978) 1 [1] Baker Street - Gerry Rafferty 2 [3] Dancing In The City - Marshall & Haine 3 [2] Thank You For The Music - Abba 4 [4] No Hollywood Movie - Lesley Hamilton 5 [5] Shadow Dancing - Andy Gibb 20 YEARS AGO (28 October 1983) 1 [1] Candy Girl - New Edition 2 [5] The Safety Dance - Men Without Hats 3 [2] Every Breath You Take - The Police 4 [6] I Guess That's Why They Call It The Blues - Elton John 5 [3] Puttin' On The Ritz - Taco 15 YEARS AGO (20 October 1988) 1 [1] Perfect - Fairground Attraction 2 [2] Simply Irresistible - Robert Palmer 3 [4] Wap Bam Boogie - Matt Bianco 4 [3] Underneath The Radar - Underworld 5 [12] The Race - Yello http://www.cd.co.za/charts ------------- CHART CHAT ------------- While the George Baker Selection enjoyed their 3rd week at the top in 1973, Barbara Ray's 5th top 20 hit went top 5. It was her 3rd hit so far to make it this high. Other local act Maria was spending her 10th week in the top 5. Only 19 songs ever spent more than 7 weeks at number 1, this week in 1978, Gerry Rafferty's 'Baker Street' became one of them. John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John had recently vacated the top 5 with 'You're The One That I Want' which was sitting at 6, however, their second big hit from 'Grease', 'Summer Nights', entered the top 20 at number 19 this week. Elton John's 'I Guess That's Why They Call It The Blues' was the longest title for a song charting in the 80's (32 letters), but fell well short of the record held by the Bellamy Brothers' 1979 hit 'If I Said You Had A Beautiful Body Would You Hold It Against Me' which contained a massive 50 letters. 'I Guess...' was Elton's 9th top 20 hit, all of which so far had made the top 10. Fairground Attraction, like Gerry Rafferty, passed the 7 weeks at the top mark as 'Perfect' entered its 8th week at 1. Switzerland's Yello comprised Boris Blank and eccentric millionaire industrialist, professional gambler and member of the Swiss golf team Dieter Meier. 'The Race' became only the second Swiss single to make top 5, the first being Peter, Sue and Marc's 'Cindy' nearly 10 years previously. South Africans at number 1 this week: Mammy Blue - Charisma (1971) South African New Entries this week: 27-Oct-67 Timothy - Four Jacks & A Jill 27-Oct-72 Hello-A - Sharon Tandy & Billy Forrest 28-Oct-77 Face Of An Angel - Clive Risko 28-Oct-77 I Never Loved A Man (The Way I Love You) - Margaret Singana 28-Oct-83 Shadows - eVoid 29-Oct-71 Get Me Some Help - Neville Whitmill 29-Oct-76 A Million Drums - Dennis East 30-Oct-70 Stand Up For The Lady - Rising Sons 31-Oct-69 Backstreet - Outlet 31-Oct-81 Love Hurts - Mattisson Brothers 01-Nov-68 Sonbrilletjies - Al Debbo John Samson --------------- VINYL JUNKIES --------------- This section is for collectors of South African and International vinyl. -------------- MABU VINYL Cape Town's finest vinyl store is now back at the Top of Long Street. At No. 2 Kloof Street - diagonally opposite the Long Street Baths. Opening specials: Baxtop - 'Work It Out' (LP) Blend - 'Let's Blend The Night Together' (LP) Malapoets - 'Malapoets' (LP) David Kramer - 'Jis, Jis, Jis' Live - (2LP) Steve Kekana - 'Don't Stop The Music' (LP) Morris Goldberg - 'Jazz In Transit - Live At The Baxter' (2LP) Please contact: Jacques Vosloo - 082 534 6006 mailto: vinyl@sarockdigest.com -------------- VIBES VINYL Stadium-on-Main, Main Road, Claremont This week's specials: District Six - 'Akuzwakale' (LP) Sweet Ride - 'The Sweet Ride Album' (LP) Pieter-Dirk Uys - 'Skating on Thin Uys' Soundtrack (LP) Wired to the Floor - 'Art and the Dollar' (LP) V/A - 'Flying Circus - La Freak du Sud Rock Nouveau' (LP) V/A - 'King Kong' All African Jazz Opera (LP) We pay top prices for top quality. Want Lists Welcome! Call us at: 021-683 5676 mailto:claus@vibesvinyl.com Visit our website at http://www.vibesvinyl.com Website catalogue now also at http://gemm.com/s.cgi/VIBESVINYL ----------- BIRTHDAYS ----------- 5 - Koos Kombuis (born Andre le Roux du Toit), 1954 9 - Alexis 12 - Jonathan Martin (Jack Hammer) 16 - Peter Vee (born Peter Paoliello), 1946 26 - Guy Buttery, 1983 If you have info on any South African artists' dates of birth, please send them to mailto:brian@rock.co.za?subject=birthdays ______________________________________________ 7.SOUND SOLUTIONS --------------------- A Readers' Forum featuring 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 and erudite readers to please contact these writers and help out as well. Thanks if you do! -------------- 'MIAMI VICE' DUDE HAS ROGER DEAN BOOK FOR SALE Hi, I recently found the book ':Views:' It is signed twice by Mr Dean. One is to a Mr. Andre Giles (whoever he is) - The other signature is signed in very large gold ink. If anyone is interested, please write me at: 1710 West Euclid Ave. space 15-B El Centro, California (zip code - 92243) Sorry I do not have a computer as yet. Thank you, Don Johnson READ http://www.rock.co.za/files/roger.html -------------- FOX OFF Hi I'm really saddened to read that Tom Fox, one of the Cape's (and South Africa's) top guitarists, will be leaving for New Zealand. Tom has since the early '80's been an inspiration to a good few fledgling axemen who have been trying to copy his unique style. Anyway, may the "land of the silver fern" be richer in what is truly still South African. Go well Tom, swing that axe! Thanks for the good music Moutie Kimmie (currently living and working in Brunei - Darussalam) Mailto:moutiek@absamail.co.za -------------- SA MUSIC TOURS? Hi, We are an inbound tour operator operating from Bryanston and we have had a request from one of our agents in the US for a package based on a South African music experience. I've searched the web but haven't had much luck with finding any information about events happening May/June 2004. They are interested in any music festivals that they could attend in the Cape or Natal area, as well as visiting music schools or any music related organisations, as well as music radio stations. They would also like someone with a musical background to lead the tour and we would need to arrange that person. Any assistance you can give me would be great. Thanks, Susan Walley Mailto:susan@africanoutposts.co.za -------------- WANTS TO BUY SOME COLD LUGGAGE Hi, I would like to get the 'Suitcase Vol Winter' CD. Please advise me where I can get it. Tried everywhere! help! Brad Keyter Mailto:bradkeyter@hotmail.com ED. - It's available at One World: http://www.oneworld.co.za/index.cfm?bec=4321&id=WILD005 -------------- SUIKERBOS EK WIL JOU HE Hi How can I get a record of 'Suikerbossie Blues' please? Keith Mailto:wilsweb@hotmail.com ED. - It is available on Jakkie Louw's 'Klein Karoo Cowboy' CD from One World, order it at: http://www.oneworld.co.za/index.cfm?bec=4321&ID=AFRIMUSIK27 -------------- IN FROM THE COLD Hi I'm looking for a good condition LP copy to buy of the '80s SA goth/alternative 'In From The Cold' compilation. It was released in SA in the late 1980s and the compilation included 'The Gathering.' Can you help? Thanks, Lucien Mailto:nicole@medaccess.co.za Ed. - I recall seeing a copy of that LP at Mabu Vinyl a while ago. I suggest you phone/contact both these Cape Town vinyl stores, as one of them may have it (contact details for both those stores in the Vinyl Junkies section above). -------------- BOSSFAN ALERT! Hello, I did an internet search and found that you have been able to supply some South African record collectibles or info. Are you able to help me with any of the following Bruce Springsteen records? The Bruce Springsteen South African 7" Singles that I am looking for are: "The Ties That Bind / I'm A Rocker" SSC 5207 - I am after this one most of all!!! "Sherry Darling / Cadillac Ranch" SSC 5178 "Hungry Heart / Wreck On The Highway" SSC 5146 "Badlands / Streets Of Fire" SSC 1759 "Prove It All Night / Factory" SSC 1738 "Born To Run / Tenth Avenue Freeze-out" SSC 1420 Do you have any of these for sale, or any others ? Could you also tell me if "The River" and "Atlantic City" were released as 7" singles in South Africa? Thanks. Mark Bahlen Mailto:mbahlen1@ford.com -------------- SAVAGE GARDENING Hi there! Is there anyone here that went to/knows anyone who went to one of the Savage Garden concerts in December of 2000? (Johannesburg, Durban & Cape Town) I would really appreciate it if you would get in contact with me because I am a HUGE Savage Garden fan (even though they have broken up) and would like to know more about the concerts. Thank you for your time cheers Tanya Mailto:mloots@iml.com.na -------------- AN IRISH JOKE Howzit That oke what sung 'Living inside my head' was he from Northern Ireland or the Republic of? Johnny from Boksburg Ed. - In fact you might know him Johnny... he's real name is John Griffith and he went to Boksburg High School in the 70's. -------------- GOT A QUESTION? Please email any musical questions to mailto:editor@sarockdigest.com?subject=soundsolutions ----------------------------- THE DIGEST CLASSIFIED ADS ----------------------------- To advertise in this section please email: mailto:editor@sarockdigest.com?subject=classifieds -------------- VAGABOND MUSIC & WEB http://www.vagabond.za.net Get your band or business online. We design from scratch or take over the maintenance when your hotshot designer gets bored with updating. Clients include: www.freshmusic.co.za www.rhythmrecords.co.za www.eiservices.co.za www.pietbotha.com www.gregsgolftours.co.za www.25hourstudio.com www.jamesonline.co.za (James Stewart) www.4suregolftours.com www.tait.co.za www.sugarmusic.co.za Contact Brian on 0825678779 or use the form at http://www.vagabond.za.net/contact --------------- 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 -------------- GET YOURSELF A NEW REDIRECTABLE EMAIL ADDRESS Are you tired of complicated hotmail or yahoo email addresses, or is your corporate address very uncool? Or is your favourite nickname already taken? For only R150 per year we will supply you an email address such as mailto:yourchoiceofname@rock.co.za which will redirect to your current address. Choose from the list below: sarockdigest.com rock.co.za samp3.com saklank.com sagigs.com sugarman.org Email: mailto:CanIgetAnewEmailAddressPlease@rock.co.za for details. -------------- The Sound Solutions and Digest Classified sections are sponsored by: SUGAR MUSIC - 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 ______________________________________________ 8.LIVE MUSIC --------------- ------------------- UPCOMING EVENTS ------------------- Full details at http://www.sagigs.com Watch out for: VALIANT SWART - Stellenbosch's favourite rocker (and TV dish), is back in town following a very busy tour itinerary. Valiant and his band (Simon Orange on keyboards, Vernon Swart on drums, Schalk van der Merwe on bass, and Mel Botes on electric guitar) will be performing in Stellenbosch's legendary live music venue, The Hidden Cellar, on Wed 12 and Thurs 13 November. freshlyground - The Cape Town group will be performing a "Month Of Sundays" series of Sunday afternoon gigs for the whole of November at the Distrix Cafe in District Six ECLECTIC CIRCLE - A showcase of some original live acoustic music by previously heard of musicians and some unheard of ones, like Tristan Waterkeyn, Simon van Gend, O Zed Zee whY, Major Jack and the Lieutenants, Tara, Matthew Rice (Stark Raving Sane), Gavin Haynes, Rory, Cate Hornby, John, Mark Harris, + very special guests - Sat 8 Nov - Acoustic Cafe, Muizenberg RADIO BIJOU - a weekly Wednesday night broadcast of fine music for the feet as selected by enchanting people across Cape Town City. The broadcast takes place at the Curve Bar at the Bijou Cinema in Observatory HENRY ATE - Karma will be playing some "solo with guitar" gigs in Cape Town, every night this week. Karma is off to the US, so these are really her last gigs in Cape Town for a while. ANTON GOOSEN AND LISE SWART - Live dates in November announced. DAVE GOLDBLUM - The acoustic guitarist and songwriter will be playing three dates in Cape Town in November. Dave's compilation album, 'The Dave Goldblum Collection', will be available at these gigs, the only place you can get it if you don't live in PE! CASTLE LAGER WORLD MUSIC FESTIVAL - To be held at Ratanga Junction on 18/19/20 December 2003. To prepare for the event, the 18 finalists will stage a mock concert on 15 and 16 November (9 bands per night) at Rockerfellows, Montague Drive, Montague Gardens. OPPIKOPPI FESTIVAL - PRETORIA/TSHWANE - 28 & 29 November 2003 CINDY ALTER - The ex-Clout vocalist will be returning to South Africa to perform two concerts at The Agterplaas in Melville, on the 21st and 22nd of November. Cindy will be backed by the Tony Russel Quintet, and will be playing songs from 'Silver Moon' and 'Dark Heart'. SWAMP FUNK QUARTET - Appearing every other Friday until the end of November at the Acoustic Café (neé Wipeout), corner of Main and Atlantic roads, Muizenberg. SUGAR BUSH FESTIVAL 2003 - Thursday 18 December - Sunday 21 December in KwazuluNatal SHEER ARTISTS ON TOUR - Sheer Sound vocalist and guitarist extraordinaire, Louis Mhlanga, is touring the Netherlands and Belgium with double-bass player, Eric van der Westen. Louis and Eric are performing until November 9th, with a special guest appearance by Malian guitarist/vocalist Habib Koite on five of their gigs. INDEPENDENT ARMCHAIR THEATRE - Live in Observatory, Cape Town this week are: Liesl Graham, Golliwog, Bed on Bricks, Nick Turner and Dave Van de Linden SEMISANE - South Africa's premier pop/rock band return with new material, and new lead singer Holly Rose. A nationwide tour is planned for November/December Upcoming International Artists in SA: CRAIG DAVID - Cell C Music Spectacular, in association with 5fm, is bringing Craig David to SA for a three-concert tour with dates in Johannesburg, Durban and Cape Town. RONAN KEATING IN SA - Big Concerts International, Jacaranda 94.2 and KFM 94.5 are very proud to announce that Ronan Keating will be performing in Sun City for New Year's Eve, 31 December and in Cape Town's picturesque Kirstenbosch Gardens on the 2nd of January 2004. LIVE - Big Concerts, in association with 5FM, have announced that US rock band Live will be returning to SA for another three live dates in late November. -------------- FRESHLYGROUND'S "MONTH OF SUNDAYS" CONCERTS And Zolani's doing 'Ella' freshlyground's recent Cape Town gigs have seen unprecedented crowds arriving for what have been mostly small club appearances. At the group's recent Independent Armchair Theatre gig, many fans were turned away from the packed Observatory venue! The group's debut album, 'Jika Jika', continues to sell consistently with 'Castles', the group's debut single, picking up radio play all over SA and doing well on the samp3.com charts (currently #2). Zolani Mahola, the group's 22-year-old vocalist, is currently performing an Ella Fitzgerald tribute show, called 'The First Lady Of Song', at On Broadway in Table View. To accommodate all those who want to see freshlyground in the "fresh", so to speak, the group will be performing a series of Sunday Afternoon gigs for the whole of November. These gigs will be held at the Distrix Cafe in District Six, a great venue that offers a stone garden and braai facilities, so bring your own food. Doors open at 13h00 - R30 (the band plays 15h00-17h00) Distrix Cafe on Hanover 106 Upper Darling Street District Six, Cape Town call 4627118 for details -------------- GUITAR MAESTROS STEVE NEWMAN AND TONY COX IN CONCERT Hot on the heels of the hugely successful show, 'The World in a Guitar', two of the key musicians in the show - Steve Newman and Tony Cox - will be performing in Jozi. Steve and Tony have become national icons of guitar playing in South Africa and have played together for 22 years. Steve is well known for his innovative work with SA supergroup, Tananas. Tony, a highly-acclaimed solo artist, has received multiple nominations at the South African Music Awards (SAMA), and has twice won the Best Instrumental category - for 'Matabele Ants' (2001) and 'China' (2003). Steve and Tony's duo album, 'About Time', was also nominated for both Best Instrumental and Best Duo album at the 2003 SAMAs. The show programme incorporates an eclectic mix of well-known and original tunes. Don't miss the opportunity to experience the passion, beauty and breathtaking talent of these two great South African guitarists in full flight. DATES: Saturday 15 and Sunday 16 November 2003 TIME: 20:00 (doors open 19:30) VENUE: Rascasse (at the Roxy), cnr Main Rd and 5th Avenue, Melville TICKETS: R55 ADVANCE BOOKING: Ticketeasy 011 788 8891 MORE INFORMATION: Haley 083 325 6583 or Joanne 083 604 0956 PS - 'The World in a Guitar' continues its national tour at the Baxter Theatre in Cape Town over the festive season (16 December to 3 January 2004), then moving to Durban in late January and East London in mid February. -------- SA PUNK -------- By Daniel Neville THE RUDIMENTALS - THE 'MORE FIRE' ALBUM LAUNCH The Valve, Cape Town - October 2003 The Valve? Someone told me it was a lesbian bar, cool I thought, either way it was where the long awaited release of the Rudimentals' debut album was to take place, So that's where I went on a rather chilly Saturday night. There were tons of people queuing to get in so I ended up standing around waiting to get in for a good 45 min. but that was all right since there were lots of interesting people to talk to like this guy who told me he was the president of Peru, he smelt a bit like Rum though. Once I got through the door I was handed four condoms (what the hell was I going to use those for at a show?) and a CD which I put away to look at later. The venue was way cool - it had this huge marble balcony and massive pillars; it looked very upper class and large, therefore perfect for an album release of this nature. Then at about 10:30 the MC, Sean Wienand from the Mercury, announced the first supporting act, Spindle Sect. I had never heard these guys before so I was not quite ready for the onslaught of metal/rapcore/hardcore-type sound that issued forth from the speakers. I spent most of their set watching the guys play especially the dude who was doing the keyboard/synthesizer thing, oh and laughing at their guitarist who was wearing his T-shirt like an Osama Bin-Laden thing around his head. After Spindle Sect's set the crowd was treated to The Rudimentals' music video for 'Noh TV' which was projected through a data projector on to the wall. The video got a nice round of applause before the crowd settled down to watch 7thSon. I have always found that if I chill to this band I usually enjoy them more so that's what I did, chill. I did notice however that they had acquired a trumpet since the last time I saw them and it was sounding pretty sweet. During their set I bumped into some dirty little punks who were planning to use the condoms as water bombs but I reminded them that if they did that they would most likely be thrown out, so sulking they went away to see if they could bum some money for a beer. Next up were the boys everyone had been waiting for, The Rudies, they took to the stage like fire and began an amazing set, one of the best I have ever seen. At this point I looked down at the floor and saw a mixture of beer spillage, condoms, broken glass and Hogs flyers being trampled by the modest pit that the infamous Rude Boys had created. So I jumped into the pit as well and after bumping into the president of Peru (smelling even more like Rum) and getting hit over the head by Sean Snout's beer bottle, my lift patted me on the shoulder and told me that it was time to go. And so (for me at least) ended the rudest show I have ever been to. [DN] -------------- HOG HOGGIDY HOG ARE AT IT AGAIN Sat 8 Nov - Purple Turtle Hog Hoggidy Hog are releasing and launching their new single, 'Naked'. On it will be the new single (obviously!), a live track, and a multimedia CD-ROM with 4 music videos including 'Just a Lie', 'Crack Wh*re', 'John And Philippp's Song' and 'Time 4 Love'. Sat 8 Nov - Purple Turtle Bands: Hog Hoggidy Hog, Tonight We Die, Incoruptus, Vol Entry: R20 The EP's price is R50 + Free entry to anyone who buys the CD PS: The Hogs have announced that their previous plans to hold the release at Boogaloos in Century City had to be scrapped following a late cancellation by the venue. A Hogs spokespig said "Apparently we are banned from the venue because we got really drunk and made a commotion the last time we played there! The strange thing is that we've NEVER played there before?" (Maybe you just don't remember that gig boys? - Ed.). The band's spokespig went on to suggest to all the Hogs' supporters that some "Hogs Snouts" be placed in some appropriate places as a protest. The band said their fans would understand what that meant! -------------- SA Punk Gigs This week's highlights: DURBAN - BURN - Fri 7 Nov (R30; 9pm) Fuzigish The Diesel Wh*res Mr Smug PRETORIA - THE NILE CROCODILE - Sat 8 Nov (R15;8pm) ATFN Shadowlord PIETERMARITZBURG - THE VAULT - Sat 8 Nov (R20;9pm) Fuzigish Diesel Wh*res See http://www.SAgigs.com for details and other SA Punk gigs. -------------- LIVE IN SA ---------- THE MUTHERS AT THE BLUES ROOM Blues Room in Village Walk, Sandton, has this monthly thing called VIP night. Three blues bands are asked to come do a set each, and those musos can invite as many guests as they want. Entry is free, but the cigars sure ain't and the blues flow thick and hard. And so, Dan Patlansky and the Mississippi Muthers take the floor this very recent Thursday night from about 21:30. And a captive audience it is not. Still, I find myself to be rather afraid. Very afraid. Because the Dan dude got better. For crying out loud, he's turning 22 in December and already he's writing tunes like 'Mongolius', 'Blue Hanglider', 'Mississippi Muthers Blues', and 'Standing At The Station' with drummer Gordon Legg. He put Stevie Ray Vaughn and Jimi Hendrix to the side where he can still see them, but they don't pluck the strings of the Fender bitch. She belongs to Dan. He improvises on covers like BB King's 'Sweet Sixteen' and gives it that languorous but luscious Patlansky twang. The song grows into seven, eight - almost ten minutes. But boredom remains in the head of the sloshed barfly over yonder, hiccupping to the beat of 'Take Me Home'. Never you mind that Dan, Gordon Legg on drums and Mike van Tonder on bass can put what seems like hours into one song. Just sit quietly on your chair (I parked my butt on the stairs in front of the dance floor - the sound is an animal in that spot), let the beat take you away from your scurrilous budget and that cantankerous mother-in-law. Then take the rush of sound from Dan's guitar - whether it's the Strat or the Tele, just take it. The growls that he yanks out of them with a left hand you can barely see. Feel the heat of the blues grow in your gut, the way the riffs and quiet bass solos ease your crabbiness right out the door. You will go back to your house with the windows and kitchen, the overgrown shrubs and those beastly ants in the bath - 'Got my guitar' still lodged behind your skull with its nutty rhythm and cocky tune, but you won't mind. The blues by Dan Patlansky and the Mississippi Muthers sure as hell kicks butt at any time of a ratty day. LISTEN http://www.SAmp3.com "Do you have the right to sing the blues? Yes, if: a. You're older than dirt b. You're blind c. You shot a man in Memphis d. You can't be satisfied No, if: a. You have all your teeth b. You were once blind but now can see c. The man in Memphis lived d. You have a retirement plan or trust fund" Anonymous e-mail - "Blues Credentials" Carina Laubscher Melville -------------------- ----------- GIG GUIDE ----------- The SA Rock Digest list of recommended gigs can be found at: http://www.SAgigs.com Please send all gig info, in a plain text e-mail by Friday 12noon, to: mailto:sugar@sagigs.com?subject=gigs ___________________________________________ 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 e-mail to: mailto:subscribe@sarockdigest.com?Subject=NewSubscriber Address changes - please send an e-mail to: mailto:subscribe@sarockdigest.com?Subject=SubcriberAddressChange 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?subject=SARockDigest ---------------------- EDITORS AND PUBLISHERS ---------------------- Brian Currin & Stephen Segerman mailto:editors@sarockdigest.com?subject=SARockDigest --------------- CONTRIBUTORS --------------- BC - Brian Currin SS - Stephen Segerman JS - John Samson KS - Kurt Shoemaker CL - Carina Laubscher (Katvrou) TL - Tertius Louw SN - Shiloh Noone DN - Daniel Neville ML - Moonshine Lee LR - Lindsay Ravenscroft WM - Wicked Mike DB - Don Bryce DM - David Marks LAD - LAD MC - Michael Currin (Curmic) And others too numerous to mention, but gratefully acknowledged! Proofed by Ronx A SUGAR MUSIC PRODUCTION http://www.sugarmusic.co.za <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>