This episode looks at Johnny Cash’s “The American Recordings”, a series of 6 albums released on American Records between 1994 and 2010.  By 1994, when he signed to Rick Rubin’s American Records, it looked like Cash’s career was all but done. However, Rubin had other ideas and, over the next 10 years, worked with Cash to produce some of the most memorable work of his career. Part of this process involved Cash covering songs by some of the greatest artists of the late 20th Century - U2, Nine Inch Nails, Nick Cave, Tom Petty and Leonard Cohen.  He’s not performing the songs in his usual country style, but simply as Johnny Cash.  It’s a great story, with a fabulous playlist! Jeff's found 5 bands you would not believe exist, including Mac Sabbath, a parody of Black Sabbath with lyrics about fast food, and Shat, a band that is offensive in every possible way, whose lead singer’s costumes are draped with dildoes!  Our "Album you must listen to before you die" is “Arrival” by Abba.  Reviewers weren’t convinced.  Neither is Jeff.  Have a listen and see what Mick thought. References: Winny Puhh, The Residents, Mac Sabbath, Shat, TISM, Taylor Swift, Tortured Poets Department, Abba, Arrival, American Records, Rick Rubin, Def Jam, Shel Silverstein, “A Boy Named Sue”, “Solitary Man”, The Highwaymen, The Man in Black, Johnny Cash, Waylon Jennings, Willie Nelson, Kris Kristofferson, June Carter Cash, “Bitter Tears”, “Ballad of Ira Hayes”, Bruce Springsteen, “Highway Patrolman”, U2, Zooropa, “The Wanderer”, “Personal Jesus”, “The Mercy Seat”,  “Streets of Laredo”, John Cale   Johnny Cash American Recordings – Full albums Johnny Cash – Our episode playlist Discogs’ listing of all 6 covers Interview with Rick Rubin re “Hurt”  Ten Bands you Won't Believe Exist

“Songs for Drella”, Lou Reed & John Cale’s marvelous 1990 posthumous tribute to Andy Warhol, offers an intensely personal view of Warhol with songs and playing that rank among the finest in either man’s career. Their first collaboration since The Velvet Underground, nearly 20 years earlier, led to both artists vowing never to work with the other again. Our album today, suggested by listener Nick Farmer, is “El-Rayo-X" (1981) by multi-instrumentalist David Lindley. We hadn’t come across this album before, and we both agree it’s a lot of fun - mainly reggae-influenced beat, but clearly Californian.   Lindley sounds familiar, probably because of his presence on albums by so many others we love – Warren Zevon, Jackson Browne and Linda Ronstadt to name but a few. In the segment, Lunacy, Legends and Lies we look at how Black Sabbath’s Tony Iommi only stopped setting drummer Bill Ward on fire after Bill’s mum called Tony a "barmy bastard" who should "grow up", and recount how, in 1989, Slash ran naked and bleeding through a resort hotel after a hallucination.  This episode has lots of stuff you may not have known before, and isn’t that the fun of it? References:  The Factory, Banksy, Bowie, “Andy Warhol”, “15 minutes of fame”, Metallica, Master of Puppets, Stone Temple Pilots, MTV Unplugged, Valerie Solanis, Nico, “Waiting for the Man”, White Light/White Heat, “Words for the Dying“, Dylan Thomas, “New York”, The Church of St. Anne's Brooklyn, “Berlin”, Czechoslovakia, viola, “Fragments of a Rainy Season”, “Hallelujah”  Our email: MickandthePhatman@Gmail.com  Songs for Drella – Album El-Rayo-x – David Lindley Werewolves of London - David Lindley; Late Night with Jules Holland Song for Drella – The Movie Fragments of a Rainy Season – John Cale Nobody Like You VideoInterview Part 2

We all know that rock and pop stars live in a different universe to us mere mortals.  Many make strange demands for things that must be provided before they’ll perform a show.  Today, we look at stars’ demands – whether extreme or reasonable, or blindingly hilarious!  You won’t believe some of them.    In Jeff's Rock News, Keith Richards has covered Lou Reed’s, “Waiting for the Man”, U2 has played a residency at the Las Vegas Sphere, an unheard Jimi Hendrix song has been included in a time capsule placed on the moon, Deep Purple has released a 50th Anniversary video for “Smoke on the Water” featuring dragons and John Fogarty's Australian tour is cancelled.    Our “Album You Must Listen to Before You Die” is Orchestral Maneuvers in the Dark’s “1981 debut, Architecture and Morality.  We didn’t think much of it!  It’s fun episode.  Enjoy.   References:  Orchestral Maneuvers in the Dark, Architecture and Morality, Keith Richards, The Power of the Heart: A Tribute to Lou Reed, U2 Sphere Residency, Odysseus Moon lander, Space Blue, Deep Purple, Smoke On The Water, Machine Head, Dweezil Zappa, John Fogarty, tour demands, tour riders, Rock mythology, Rose Tattoo, Canterbury Leagues Club, Angry Anderson, “Paper fucking towels!”, Taylor Swift, Paul McCartney, Madonna, Frank Sinatra, Grace Jones, Metallica, Guns’n’Roses, Justin Bieber, Eminem, Peter Gabriel, Ozzy Osbourne, AC/DC, Iggy and The Stooges, Bob Hope impersonator, Van Halen, brown M&Ms, The Foo Fighters, Weird Al Yankovic

Bob Mould is the founding member of Husker Du, one of the most influential guitar bands of the 80’s.  Husker Du’s wall-of-sound guitar approach was as influential as REM in creating alternative rock, and created an environment which allowed Nirvana, The Pixies and The Foo Fighters to succeed. In the early-90's, Sugar, Bob’s next band, built on that with a thrash/melodic collection of songs, particularly on “Copper Blue”.  Since then, Bob’s kept the flame alive for guitar-based rock with a solo career that is still giving us marvellous albums like 2012’s “Silver Age” and 2020’s “Blue Hearts”. Mick saw Mould in Sydney on his Copper Blue 20th Anniversary tour, and it still ranks as one of the best he’s seen.  Our “Album you Must Hear before you Die” is Joan Armatrading’s self-titled 1976 gem.  Unusually, both Mick and Jeff love this album.   In “Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door”, the boys salute Melanie Safka, who has passed away after a career that stretched from being one of only 3 female acts at Woodstock to duetting with Miley Cyrus (it’s great!).  They also wonder why “Death by Shooting” is a major category of death for rappers!? The playlist is pretty damn good, too!! Enjoy.  Episode playlist Dead RappersBob Mould; What's In My BagMelanie Live Netherlands

Have you ever NOT bought an album based on a poor review?  You’re not the only one!  Would it shock you to learn that the critics likely know less than you about music?  This episode, we look at how often (supposed) expert critics got it so wrong with some of the best albums of our time.  Victims of such poor efforts include Led Zeppelin, David Bowie, Pink Floyd, AC/DC and The Beatles!  We also start a new segment we think we’ll call, “The Crazy World of the Rock Gods”, where we look at things rock stars have done that are so absurd, you couldn't possibly make them up!  Enjoy.     References: Billy Idol, Keith Moon, James Brown, Rolling Stone, Led Zeppelin, “Abbey Road”, The Beatles, “Something”, George Harrison, Black Sabbath, Pink Floyd, “Wish You Were Here”, AC/DC, “High Voltage”, “Ram”, Paul McCartney, “Exile on Main St.”, The Rolling Stones, “Low”, David Bowie, “Harvest”, Neil Young, “Blood on the Tracks”, Bob Dylan, “Never Mind the Bοllocks, Here’s the Sex Pistols”, Sex Pistols, “Pretty Vacant”, “Bad”, Michael Jackson, “The Kick Inside”, Kate Bush, The Velvet Underground and NicoPlaylist - Brilliant albums Badly Reviewed

This week, we talk about successful artists who blew it all with dumb decisions.  Youth, fame and amazing amounts of money – what could go wrong?  Our “Album You Must Hear Before You Die” is the wonderful Aladdin Sane, by David Bowie. The cover artwork, featuring a lightning bolt across his face is one of the best-known images in rock, while the album marks Bowie’s tougher, heavier attempt to conquer America.    In Rock News, we hear about Gene Simmons, The Eagles, Iron Maiden, Journey, Judas Priest, Kansa, Lynard Skynyrd and ZZ Top, and raise the age-old question, “Why can’t the members of KISS just get along?”  Enjoy   References:  David Bowie, “Aladdin Sane”, Ken Scott, The Jean Genie, Globite bag, George Best, MC Hammer, David Crosby, TLC, 50 Cent, Lauryn Hill, Fugees, “Killing Me Softly”, Meat Loaf, “Bat Out of Hell”, Ted Nugent, Billy Joel, Leif Garrett, Willie Nelson, Mick Fleetwood, Harry Nilsson, Michael Jackson, Peter Green, Bill Nighy, Billy Mack, Love Actually, Warren Zevon Episode Playlist - Fame is no guarantee against stupidityNickelback album ranking

Rolling Stone just released “The 250 Greatest Guitarists of all Time”.  Naturally, we take issue with the list, who's on it, who’s been left out, the balance, and everything else! We’re back for another season of opinionated comment on all things from the golden era of rock’n’roll.  Hold on & enjoy the ride!  References: Rolling Stone’s “250 Greatest Guitarists”, Globite School Case, David Lindley, Mick Ronson, Shane MacGowan, Nick Cave, Wrecking Crew, Christone 'Kingfish' Ingram, Bob Mould,  Shane McGowan’s funeral - YouTube Playlist - Greatest Guitarists – well, some of them, anyway! Rolling Stone Playlist RecommendationsAlan HoldsworthAl Di MeolaPolyphia Fan Covers

We looked at some exceptional music this year, and Jeff inflicted some real crap on our listeners.  Sensational Alex Harvey Band, Lou Reed, Ed Kuepper and Hallelujah – and that barely scratches the surface. And we got a new Globite School Case!   And, in case you were wondering, we'll be back on Sunday 28 Jan 2024.  Subscribe and get an automatic reminder! Books:The Number Ones – Tom Breihan You Are Beautiful & You Are Alone – Jennifer Otter Bickerdike SAHB Story – Martin Kielty (authorised by the entire band – obviously NOT Alex!) Half Deaf, Completely Mad – Tony Cohen (with John Olson) Sound Man – Glyn Johns A Life – Deborah Conway References:  Dylan, Knebworth, The Doobie Brothers, Nico, New York, David Hurley, Yes, Jeff Buckley, Leonard Cohen, Kiss at Australian football grand final, The Smiths, Nirvana, Shane McGowan, Rod Stewart, Tracey Chapman, 1001 Albums You Must Hear Before you Die, Robert Dimery, The Wall, Pink Floyd, So, Peter Gabriel, Talking Heads, Remain in Light, Extreme Kayaking, Cookers, Influencers, Coachella, AI, Chat GPT, Bored Ape Yacht Club, Bitcoin, Donald Trump, Mr Beast, The Pixies, Steve Hackett, Sisters of Mercy, Underground Lovers, Nirvana, Nevermind, Queen, Bohemian Rhapsody, John Cale, Angels, Mi-Sex, Leaves Me Blind, The Number Ones, Tom Breihan, You Are Beautiful & You Are Alone, Jennifer Otter Bickerdike, SAHB Story, Martin Kielty, Half Deaf Completely Mad, Tony Cohen, Sound Man, Glyn Johns, A Life, Deborah Conway, The 250 Greatest Guitarists of all Time, Bali, Bintang, Alam Kul Kul  Spotify playlistKiss at the AFL Grand FinalGordon RamsayLoren Gray talks CochellaGovernor General's wife sings about invasive species

We look at songs from a few of the major protest movements in our lifetime – racism, Vietnam, Ireland, Margaret Thatcher! From Woody Guthrie, through Springsteen and Dylan, to racism and Vietnam and the UK's  Margaret Thatcher, to present-day Australia, we look at some of the great protest songs.  Some of the stories behind those songs will take your breath away.   Our “Album You Must Hear before You Die” this time is Talking Heads’ awesome “Remain in Light” from 1980.  This album has been hailed as Talking Heads' greatest statement, the last and most accomplished of the trio of albums they recorded with Brian Eno (another of our idols). Seemingly timed to coincide with our review, the live movie “Stop Making Sense” has been completely restored and is in 4K on the big screen - 40 years on!  We also talk about how Ed Kuepper achieves such a big sound in concert using a special edition Fender Stratocaster. There’s sure to be stuff you didn’t know here!  References:  Ed Kuepper, Fender FSR Stratocaster X, Talking Heads, “Remain in Light”, Brian Eno, “Once in a Lifetime”, “My Life in the Bush of Ghosts”, USA – Vietnam, Women's & Black rights, Woody Guthrie, Springsteen, Cisco Houston, Bob Dylan, “Hurricane”, “Eve of Destruction”, Barry McGuire, “A Change is Gonna come”, Sam Cooke, “People Get Ready”, Curtis Mayfield, Rod Stewart & Jeff Beck, “Strange Fruit”, Billie Holliday, James Brown, Stevie Wonder, Grandmaster Flash & The Furious Five, NWA, Public Enemy, Buffalo Springfield / Steve Stills & Neil Young, “I Feel Like I'm fixin’ to die Rag”, Country Joe and the Fish, Edwin Starr, Give Peace a Chance, John Lennon/Plastic Ono Band, Aretha Franklin, The Smiths, Billy Bragg, Elvis Costello, Robert Wyatt, The Cranberries, Midnight Oil, Goanna, Warumpi Band, Archie Roach Protest Playlist18,000 sing TotoKiss mass Russian GroupSmells Like Teen Spirit We Will Rick You

Matthew Sweet, an American guitarist, has had a criminally understated career, marked by a sensational solo album, “Girlfriend”, three terrific albums with Susanna Hoffs from The Bangles, “Under the Covers” (Vols 1, 2 and 3) and some very tasty soundtrack work, including the Austin Powers movies. In 2014, he also appeared as Apu’s singing voice in an episode of The Simpsons.   Our “Album you Must Hear Before you Die” is “Rid of Me” by P J Harvey.  We hated it and can't pretend otherwise!  She was, at one point, in a relationship with Nick Cave, who admitted that he “still had a certain amount of work to do on (his) understanding of the concept of monogamy.”    Jeff is totally impressed that Kid Rock’s built his own personal copy of The White House, with a gold elevator right in the middle.  Of course, Kid Rock’s claim to fame is that he had a hit single which sampled Warren Zevon’s “Werewolves of London”.  We also try some of Mr Beast’s chocolate – pricey but available at your local supermarket. Not very good, really. Enjoy.  ___________________________________________________________ References:  Michael Stipe, “Girlfriend”, “Evangeline”, “I’ve Been Waiting”, Girlfriend – musical/stage show, Robert Quine, Richard Lloyd, Television, Tuesday Weld, Susanna Hoffs, Under the Covers, “How Soon Is Now?”, “Austin Powers in Goldmember”, Lloyd Cole, "Chelsea Hotel", I'm Your Fan: The Songs of Leonard Cohen, “The Simpsons” P J Harvey Rid of MeGirlFriendUnder the Covers Mathew Sweet and Susanna Hoffs

REM is often viewed by casual listeners as a lighter-style rock band.  This is deceptive, with the band offering complex songs with obscure lyrics, brilliant playing, covers, and an incredible refusal to compromise.  Mick and Jeff talk through REM's development from their rock cliche start – the singer, Michael Stipe, met guitarist Peter Buck in the record shop where Buck worked - to their becoming one of the biggest-ever bands in the world – all without selling out.   MOJO Magazine called them "an ensemble growl adorned with heavenly harmonies"  which describes perfectly how their beautiful melodies, with disaffected, jaded lyrics, were influenced by The Velvet Underground. In turn they influenced such key bands as Nirvana and Pavement, as well as Radiohead, Coldplay, Pearl Jam, The Pixies and The Smiths.  Our “Album You Must Hear before You Die” is 1971’s “Aqualung” by Jethro Tull.  It’s a special album full of brave variations – from gentle acoustic breaks to Martin Barre’s power chords and Ian Anderson’s tough vocals.  The Dickensian quality of many of the lyrics challenges organised religion. Mick & Jeff both have great memories of this album, including the night that Jeff’s keyboard player from his band, Ocean, blew the crowd away with the piano intro lifted from “Locomotive Breath” during a show south of Sydney.   We look at The Stones' new album, “Hackney Diamonds”, their first in 18 years. Jeff thinks it’s pretty good, but Mick still keeps comparing every new Stones record to “Exile on Main Street”.  Jeff brings some bad news.  The Bored Ape Yacht Club, famed distributor of NFTs (as credible as digital currency!) has gone belly-up, driving another nail into the digital con artist industry. References:  Rolling Stones, ‘Hackney Diamonds’, ‘Angry’, ‘A Bigger Bang’, Bored Ape Yacht Club, “1001 Albums You Must Hear before You Die”, Robert Dimery, Jethro Tull, “Aqualung”, Martin Barre, Ian Anderson, “Locomotive Breath”, “Hymn 43”, REM, Athens Georgia, Bill Berry, Peter Buck, Mike Mills, Michael Stipe, Wuxtry Records, Patti Smith, Television, The Velvet Underground, Dr. William Dement, Mandolin, “Out of Time”, Hofner bass, "Monster”, “Lifes Rich Pageant”, “Document”, “Femme Fatale”, “Pale Blue Eyes”, "So. Central Rain", alternative rock, Don Gehman, “The Flowers of Guatemala”, “Strange”, “Murmur”, “Fables of the Reconstruction”, "The One I Love", "Exhuming McCarthy", “Finest Worksong”, “The End of the World As We Know it”, “Green”, “World Leader Pretend”, “Out of Time“, “Automatic for the People”, John Paul Jones, "Everybody Hurts", "What's the Frequency, Kenneth?", "Bang and Blame"Rolling Stones Angry Start Me UpEpisode PlaylistTony Martin REMDavid Essex V REM

Cover versions – always fascinating!!  Occasionally, an artist will cover an obscure song, or a deep cut by another artist and make it their own.  But what about when the song has ALREADY been a hit?  Sometimes it works; sometimes it doesn’t; sometimes it ends up in court! This episode, we’re looking at examples of all three.  Our “Album You Must Hear Before You Die” is, believe it or not, “And other bits of material” by Paper Lace, the most successful band to come out of Nottingham, UK.  The hit single from the album, “The Night Chicago Died” topped the Billboard Hot 100 and sold over three million copies!  Who’d have thought it? Jeff also follows up with some rock news looking at Ozzy Osbourne and Bruce Springsteen's efforts to stay on the stage.   References:  Bob Dylan, The Freewheelin’ Bob Dylan, The Beatles, A Hard Day’s Night, Lennon & McCartney, cover versions, “Blowin’ in the Wind”, Peter Paul and Mary, Leonard Cohen, “Suzanne”, The Great American Songbook, Colonel Tom Parker, Elvis, All Along the Watchtower, Knockin' on Heaven's Door, Mr. Tambourine Man, Tainted Love, Soft Cell, Gloria Jones, Me and Bobby McGee, Janis Joplin, “Pearl”, “Sittin’ on the Dock of the Bay”, Otis Redding, Kris Kristofferson, I Love Rock 'n' Roll, Joan Jett & The Blackhearts, The Arrows, Sex Pistols, Steve Jones, Paul Cook, Without You, Badfinger, Harry Nilsson, Mariah Carey, Led Zeppelin, Nobody’s Fault but Mine, Joan Baez, Anne Bredon, “In my time of dying”, Blind Willie Johnson, “Dazed and Confused”, Jake Holmes, Inspired by Jake Holmes, David Bennett Piano, Whole Lotta Love” Muddy Waters, You Need Love, Willie Dixon, The Small Faces, “You Need Loving”, “Rock’n’Roll”, Little Richard, “Keep a-Knockin'”, Stairway to Heaven, Taurus, Spirit, back-payment of royalties to the original artist, Hallelujah, Leonard Cohen, John Cale, “I’m Your Fan”, Jeff Buckley, I Will Always Love You, Dolly Parton, Whitney Houston, The First Cut is the Deepest, Rod Stewart, Cat Stevens, Reason to Believe, Tim Hardin, The Man Who Sold the World, David Bowie, Nirvana, Girls Just Want to Have Fun, Cyndi Lauper, Robert Hazard, Love Hurts, Nazareth, Everly Brothers, Turn the Page, Jon English, Metallica, Bob Seger, A Hazy Shade of Winter, Bangles, Simon & Garfunkel, I'm a Believer, The Monkees, Neil Diamond, RESPECT, Aretha Franklin, Otis Redding, Moonlighting, Bruce Willis, David Addison  Bob Dylan, cover versions, Peter Paul and Mary, Leonard Cohen, Tainted Love, Without You, Led Zeppelin, Jake Holmes, Hallelujah, John Cale, RESPECT, Aretha Franklin Episode PlaylistYouTube Links:Jake Holmes - Dazed and Confused TrumpI Live Rock and Roll - Joan KirnerOnce in a LifetimeDavid Bennett Pian - 8 Led Zeppelin songs that "rip off" other songs The Man Who Sold the World - Nirvana

Everyone has heard of Leonard Cohen, but not so many know much about him.  With this episode, we look to give you a taste of Mr Cohen – his views on life, women and songwriting; his extraordinary influence on modern songwriting; his legacy, and, of course, “Hallelujah”!  A world that never had Leonard Cohen in it would be a much lesser place indeed. Jeff gives us his holiday report on a visit to the only Museum in the world dedicated to penises, whose prime exhibit is a plaster cast of Jimi Hendrix’ tackle. (It’s true!!) We give an update on our Ed Kuepper episode, with a report on his live concert in Sydney in September, which was fantastic! We take a quick look at a few of the icons we’ve lost so far this year including Tom Verlaine (Television), Burt Bacharach, Andy Rourke (The Smiths), Francis Monkman (Sky, 801), and Sinead O’Connor.  In honour of Sinead, our Album You Must Hear Before You Die is her “I Do Not Want What I Haven’t Got” (1990), which we both agree is an absolute cracker of an album.  Haven’t heard it?  The link is in the show notes. References:  Iceland, Icelandic Phallological Museum, Jimi Hendrix' penis, Cynthia Albritton, Cynthia Plaster Caster, Ed Kuepper, Steve Harwell, Smash Mouth, Tom Verlaine, Television, Burt Bacharach, Tim Bachman, Cliff Fish, Paper Lace, Gordon Lightfoot, Andy Rourke, Francis Monkman, 801, Tina Turner, Tony Bennett, Sinead O'Connor, Rodrigeuz, Robbie Robertson, Jimmy Buffett, Globite store  Sydney Airport, “1001 Albums You Must Hear before You Die”, Robert Dimery, I Do Not Want What I Haven’t Got, “Nothing Compares to You”, The Young Ones, Alexei Sayle, Tom Waits, “There’s a crack in everything / That’s how the light gets in”, “The Future”, Bill Clinton, Hillary Clinton, Janis Joplin, Kris Kristofferson, “Chelsea Hotel #2”, “Tower of Song”, "Famous Blue Raincoat",  "Everybody Knows", Concrete Blonde, “Bird on a Wire”, Willie Nelson, “Hallelujah”  ___________________________________  Other References This episode's playlist I’m Your Man - Leonard Cohen Songs of Love and Hate - Leonard Cohen I Do Not Want What I Haven’t Got - Sinead O’Connor Rare on Air - Amazon - Tori Amos/Leonard Cohen spoken word intro Rare on Air Vol 1 – all songs Ed Kuepper – Live Song List 21 Sep 23 Ed Kuepper - Live Sep 2023 The Young Ones – Leonard Cohen vampire reference YouTube Links Bon Jovi Hallelujah - O2 Arena June 24th 07

Michael Jackson’s “Thriller” – one of the biggest hit albums of all time - also marks a quantum change in how rock music was marketed and sold.   Brought up as part of The Jackson 5, Michael saw himself as an entertainer crossing musical genres and categories. He almost single-handedly made music videos into a serious art form.In those days, with typical video budgets around $50k, the video for “Thriller” had a budget of $1m and a top Hollywood director in John Landis. Total recording budget for the entire album was $750k! Our “Album you must hear Before you Die” is  “So”, Peter Gabriel’s 1986 blockbuster, produced by Daniel Lanois, an Eno disciple who’d just produced U2’s “The Unforgettable Fire”. The hit single from this album, “Sledgehammer” also had a dynamite film clip featuring state-of-the art stop-motion photography.   In Jeff’s Rant, he is surprisingly gentle to Justin Bieber.  Who’d have thought it possible? There’s lots in this episode to enjoy.  We hope you do!  References:  Justin Bieber, Ricky Gervais, Peter Gabriel, Daniel Lanois, So, world music, Manu Katché, Youssou N’Dour, Sledgehammer, Redeye Records, Don't Give Up, Kate Bush, Big Time, Tony Levin, In Your Eyes, Red Rain, Jerry Marotta, Number Ones, Tom Breihan, Billie Jean, I want you Back, The Wiz, Off The Wall, Quincy Jones, Beat It, biggest-selling album of all time, Singing in the Rain, John Landis, An American Werewolf in London, Moonwalk, Vincent Price, Welcome to my Nightmare, The Black Widow, Steve Lukather, Toto, Eddie Van Halen, Bad, Madonna, Bruce Springsteen, Phil Collins, George Michael, Weird Al YankovichEpisode PlaylistEat ItFatSmells Like Nirvana

Marianne Faithfull's journey from 60's elfin-voiced beauty to grande-dame of rock music has given us some wonderful music, including Broken English, inspired by the Baader-Meinhof terrorist gang.   We look at her career, focusing on what this album meant for her. Many may know the title-track single, but the album brings a bunch of stunning tracks we know you’re going to really enjoy discovering, including, “The Ballad of Lucy Jordan” and Lennon’s “Working Class Hero”. Our “album you must listen to before you die” is Pink Floyd’s gloomy masterwork, “The Wall”, a stunning vision of British society said to be “so unremittingly dismal.... that it makes gloom-mongers such as Randy Newman or Nico seem like Peter Pan and Tinker Bell”. Needless to say, we love it, not least for the wonderful production by Bob Ezrin. (“Berlin”, Peter Gabriel”, and “Billion Dollar Babies” )In “Rock News”, Jeff brings us up to speed with upcoming tours by Roger Waters, Bruce Springsteen, Yes, and Kiss, Oh, goody! References: Roger Waters, Frankfurt, Germany, Brian Johnson, Bruce Springsteen Day, Yes, George Thorogood and the Destroyers, Kiss, The Wall, Pink Floyd, Enmore Theatre, Countess Eva Von Sacher-Masoch, Steve Vizard, Paul McCartney, Here, There and Everywhere, Rolling Stones, Keef, Wild Horses, heroin addiction, Broken English, Island Records, Chris Blackwell, 1001 Albums you must listen to before you die, Robert Dimery, Working Class Hero, The Ballad of Lucy Jordan, Shel Silverstein, Dr Hook and the Medicine Show, Stevie Winwood, Richard Lowenstein, Dogs in Space, Dangerous Acquaintances , A Child’s Adventure, Intrigue, Kissin’ Time, Before the Poison, Blazing Away Episode Playlist

In 1975, “Pampered Menial” was released to 5-star critical ratings. It was not a commercial success. However, in the years since, it has become a gem, possibly one of the greatest albums of the 70’s!  David Surkamp’s surreal 4-octave voice has been compared to Robert Plant.  Matched with Siegfried Carver's violin and Steve Scorfina's guitar, it creates a stunning work of art – intricate and majestic with guts and delicacy in equal measure. With this episode, we want to open more ears to an amazing piece of symphonic rock/metal. Our “Album you must hear before you Die” is 1974’s “Crime of the Century” by Supertramp.  Produced by Ken Scott of Bowie fame, this album is where their sound came together as a kind of Pink Floyd-lite. Mick and Jeff saw them live around this time where their light show was similar in many ways to the light/movie show Floyd toured in the mid-late ‘80’s.  Mick’s comments on this album are quite contentious. Jeff wants to awaken listeners to the sport of extreme kayaking, with a proposal for a 970m drop over Angel Falls in Venezuela.  Mick is not convinced. While they’re about it, Mick and Jeff pay tribute to their teen broadcast heroes - Roy & HG who still address callers to their program “Bludging on the Blindside” with “Happy Rugby League” Enjoy! ____________________________________________________________ References: Roy & HG, Bludging on the Blindside, tandem kayaking, 1001 Albums You Must Hear before You Die, Robert Dimery, Crime of the Century, Supertramp, Bloody Well Right, Crime of the Century, Rick Davies, Roger Hogson, Dreamer, Pavlov’s Dog, David Surkamp, Richard Nadler, Siegfried Carver, Steve Scorfina, Song Dance, Julia, Late November, Once and Future King, At The Sound of the Bell, She Came Shining, Yes, Bill Bruford, Roxy Music, Andy Mackay Pampered MenialEpisode PlaylistSkyaking

As a special treat, this episode features four tasty albums from the golden age of Rock.   Rick Wakeman’s “Journey to the Centre of the Earth”, accused of hastening the arrival of punk, and of justifying the need for it, ultimately sold over 14 million copies.  Go figure! “Not Fragile” by Bachman Turner Overdrive, topped the charts in USA and Australia proclaiming that “you ain’t seen nothin’ yet”!  The pick of the crop, the self-titled “Bad Company” was hailed as “swing and swagger with power chords”.  Arising from the ashes of Free and Humble Pie, Bad Company was one of the first bands to be dubbed a “supergroup” Our album that “You Must Hear before you Die” is Bowie’s "Young Americans" (1975), the album that first got America’s attention and laid the groundwork for “Heroes”, two years later.   Jeff also has plenty to say about fake American “influencers”, especially at events like Coachella!   Enjoy!! References: Young Americans, David Bowie, One Damn Sing, John Lennon, Fame, Across the Universe, A Day in the Life, Carlos Alomar, King Arthur on Ice, Jules Verne, orchestral concerts, The Who, Tommy, A&M Records, David Hemmings, Grumpy Old Men, Not Fragile, Randy Bachman, You Ain't Seen Nothing Yet, Roll on down the Highway, Paul Rodgers, Simon Kirke, Free, Mick Ralphs, Mott the Hoople, Boz Burrell, King Crimson, Peter Grant, Swan Song Records, Straight Shooter, Shooting Star, Led Zeppelin, Houses of the Holy, Hipgnosis, Can't Get Enough, Movin’ On, Bad Company, Rock Steady, Ready for Love Cochella Fashion 2023Episode Playlist

Nico – one-time member of The Velvet Underground - is an enigma in modern rock music.  Despite her wide-ranging influence, her music is not for the faint-hearted.  Mick saw Nico at the Sydney Trade Union Club in 1986 and it was a concert unlike any other. She's not for everybody, or even most people, but have a listen, you’ll hear something new and might just broaden your view on the rest of the music you listen to. We discuss why we don’t play actual music on our podcast (licensing laws!) and why we put a curated playlist to help you get a feel for what we talk about.  We like to think of our podcast as journalism for your ears! Our album "You Must Hear Before You Die” is Too-Rye-Ay by Dexy’s Midnight Runners, featuring the single, “Come On Eileen”, the only single from the album to be a hit.  Adding strings (violin, viola and cello) to the band's existing horn section created a joyous riot of Irish music-influenced pop and soul, with a potent mix of S-E-X! Enjoy!  References:  Martin Mull, TripleJ, APRA, 1001 Albums You Must Hear before You Die,  Robert Dimery, Too-Rye-Ay, Dexy’s Midnight Runners, Kevin Rowland, Come On Eileen, Van Morrison, Velvet Underground, Songs They Never Play on the Radio, Chelsea Girls, John Cale, Lou Reed, Roxy Music, Eno, June 1, 1974, Sydney Trade Union Club, Christa Paffgen, Andy Warhol, The Factory,  Andrew Loog Oldham, I’m Not Saying, Gordon Lightfoot, The Plastic Exploding Inevitable, I’ll Be Your Mirror, All Tomorrow’s Parties, Femme Fatale, Desertshore, The Marble Index, Janitor of Lunacy, Nico, Cale and Lou Reed, Bataclan ‘72, Heroes, Bowie, The Blue Angel, Siouxsie and the Banshees, The Cure, Morrissey, Iggy Pop, Elliot Smith, Bjork, Peter Hook, Marianne Faithfull Books You Are Beautiful, and You Are Alone – Jennifer Otter Bickerdike UPTIGHT!  The Velvet Underground Story – Victor Bockris (Reed, Cale, Stones)  Nico, Songs they never play on the radio - James YoungThe PlaylistThe Love Boat with Andy Warhol

In 1989, Lou Reed released his tour de force, “New York”.   Many see this album as part of Reed’s holy trinity of spectacular albums - “Velvet Underground & Nico”, “Berlin” and “New York”. Commercially & artistically successful, this album took everything back to basics, and Reed himself was quoted as saying, “This is as good as it gets – two guitars, bass and drums”. Mick and Jeff both love this late-career revival album for its strong songs, caustic lyrics, perfect observations and great word play. This deals with the "everyday" – domestic violence, child abuse, corruption, politics – and it’s grittier for that reality.   The album you must hear before you die is 1988’s self-titled “Tracey Chapman”.  This album, very different to what was on the charts at the time, received 6 Grammy Award nominations, winning 3. The big hit from this album was “Fast Car", which sold strongly around the world, and still features in lists of the Greatest Songs of All Time.  Needless to say, Mick and Jeff think it’s a terrific single on a terrific album   Jeff leaps into the world of fashion with tips on the biggest style trends for men in 2023.  The boys talk about Abbey Road and Star Wars parody T-shirts, with Mick’s Peruvian t-shirt featuring llamas crossing the famous road. They’ve found Abbey Road shirts featuring not only The Simpsons, but The Depps (yep, Johnny Depp), The Sherlocks (of the Holmes variety), Dr Who and a Social Distancing design, with each person 1.5 metres apart!  We think you're going to love this episode.  We sure did!  References:  Lou Reed, New York, Abbey Road, llamas, 1001 Albums You Must Hear before You Die, Robert Dimery, Tracey Chapman, Fast Car, Elektra, Talkin’ ‘bout a revolution, Billboard Hot 100, Globite School bag, Berlin, Dirty Boulevard, Songs for Drella, John Cale, Velvet Underground reunion tour PlaylistStyle trends for men 2023Linda Hurley song about invasive species to Australia

Mick has discovered an excellent book - “The Number Ones – Twenty chart-topping hits that reveal the history of pop music” by Tom Breihan (Hachette Books, NY) - one of the best books ever written on how songs get, or don’t get, to the top of the charts. A great story in the book is how Vanilla Ice came to be the first artist to lose all their earnings from a hit through lawyers suing them for copyright infringement.  In a story with more twists than an Agatha Christie novel, all the profit from the  first “rap” single to top the charts was  gobbled up by lawyers, after Vanilla Ice sampled "Under Pressure" without clearance from Bowie or Queen.  Other gems in the book include:  The Miracles’ “Shop Around”, Motown’s first hit, was kept out of the top spot by "Calcutta" by Lawrence Welk (Who?  WTF?) “The Twist”, by Chubby Checker, led to a wave of “Twist”-labelled hits. Except that, in this case, it was made “nicer” for white audiences, so that white DJs would play it.  Human League’s “Don't You Want Me, Baby?” became a breakthrough hit simply because MTV needed video clips when they started up, and most existing bands weren’t set up to provide them. Our album you must hear before you die (with thanks to Robert Dimery) is The Pogues’ “Rum, Sodomy and the Lash” from 1985. The title is based on Winston Churchill’s quote that “English Naval tradition was nothing but rum, sodomy and the lash.”  Elvis Costello, who produced the album, saw his role as capturing the Pogues’ “dilapidated glory”, with the band heavily influenced by alcohol, and their name meaning, in Gaelic, “Pogue mahone”, or “up your arse”!  Musical gems abound on the album, not least in Ewan MacColl’s “Dirty Old Town”, and Eric Bogle’s “The Band Played Waltzing Matilda” (listed as one of the 30 Greatest Australian songs of all time). We love The Pogues, and you should, too. Jeff has uncovered some gems from the mind of Donald Trump and his supporters, as well as discovering that the man has an ego bigger than the most deranged rock star. Another jam-packed episode!  _______________________________________________________________ Books “The Number Ones.  Twenty chart-topping hits that reveal the history of pop music”, Tom Breihan, Hachette Books, New York The Show PlaylistTrump Justice for AllTrump the Best