This website is part of the South African Rock Encyclopedia
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Benjy says...
Greetings classic rock fans,
Thursday's special on early
70's prog rockers, Jade Warrior, certainly evoked a varied response from
listeners; some likening them to a harder version of Jethro Tull, others a
combo of fusionists Syprogyra meets Santana. Whatever influences they wore on
their sleeves (and there were many from folk to rock to African to jazz),
one thing is certain 'tho, Jade Warrior were one of the most eclectic and
interesting bands to emerge from the UK 'underground' movement. I can highly
recommend their two Vertigo albums "Jade Warrior" and "Released" for
starters, both released in 1971 ..... This coming Thursday will see us return
to Aussie rockers AC/DC with a feature on the Bon Scott years - when one
looks at the great singers of the classic rock era ('66-'85) the names Paul
Rodgers, Robert Plant, Ian Gillan, Roger Daltrey, Freddie Mercury, David
Coverdale, Ronnie James Dio and others are obvious choices for most rock fans.
However it is, in my humble opinion, a mortal sin that Bon Scott is not
included in the Top 10 list of rock's greatest vocalists - Bon had everything
a frontman needed ....
he possessed a voice that could melt paint at 40
yards, a rock 'n roll swagger second to none, a wonderful and disarmingly
humorous songwriting gift and most importantly Bon Scott was a star! Anyone
who has seen the early AC/DC videos will attest that his on-stage persona,
especially his unique rapport with dynamo guitarist Angus Young, was the
stuff of rock and roll legend. No disrespect to ex-Geordie and current
incumbent, Brian Johnson, but Bon was AC/DC .... So join me for a loud, lewd and
raucous 45 minutes this coming Thursday as we crank the volume to 11 with
Bon Scott and AC/DC ... LET THERE BE ROCK! ..... agree/disagree? Have your
say at rockofages@icon.co.za
ROA NEWSLETTERS INFO ... you may have noticed that the weekly newsletter has
not been as regular as normal. Besides the move to Joburg which has impacted
on the delivery, I have found it increasingly difficult to find the time to
collate all the information required timeously and deliver you a quality
read each and every week. Many of you may know that I run a small music label
which takes up most of my day, plus answering the many ROA queries and mails
has also cut into my time. There is also a wealth of rock news and gig info
that comes in every day which needs sifting through ..... so what I am going
to do is mail out a full newsletter every second week and a reminder email of
whats on this week's show every alternate week. Thanks for your
understanding.
Rock of Ages presents "Footstomping Music"
The distribution problems that plagued the initial release seem to have been rectified, however if you do have a problem finding the album please email the information to me so that I can take it up with the distributors. In the meantime you can securely order the album via the Rock of Ages website. Click on www.rock.co.za/rockofages for details.
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| Rock Of Ages Presents Footstomping Music |
- Grand Funk Railroad - Footstomping Music
- Deep Purple - Burn
- Uriah Heep - Look at yourself
- Black Sabbath - Sweat Leaf
- Thin Lizzy - Chinatown
- Robin Trower - Too rolling stoned
- Mountain - Never in my life
- Wishbone Ash - Blowin' free
- Foghat - I just wanna make love to you
- Budgie - Baby, please don't go
- Santana - Toussaint l'Overture
- Alice Cooper - Muscle of love
- Nazareth - Go down fighting
- Blue Oyster Cult - The Red & the Black
- Lynyrd Skynyrd - Gimme back my bullets
- Free - The Hunter
- Taste - What's goin' on
Buy this 'Footstomping Music' CD direct from Rock Of Ages
Rock Of Ages Recommendations
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| Symphony X - Paradise Lost |
Over the last year or so I have become a fan of Symphony X (better late than
never!). Their brand of progressive metal fused with old school melodic rock
has become a firm fave on the show and their 2002 album "The Odyssey" is one
of the best albums of the genre. The band's new album "Paradise Lost"
(SPV/Inside Out) *** is packed with shredding, fret burning histronics courtesy of Vai acolyte Michael Romero(some of his licks are
ridiculous), sweeping majestic keyboards washes and soaring vocals from
Russell Allen as Symphony X fly through a set of songs loosely based on the
Apocalypse. OK lyrically it's pretty much sword 'n sorcery/end of the world
stuff which quite frankly is pretty passe but they make up for it with
virtuoso musicianship and loads of energy ... plus they sound like they are
having a ball. Although I for one would like to see/hear the newer metal
bands write about something other than St Nick, fire 'n brimstone, armageddon, etc, I
guess that's what a lot of fans want .. I dunno ... horses for courses, not
so? Anyway if you like your metal hard, fast and brutal with a progressive
edge check this album out ......
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| Planet X - Quantum |
The SPV/Inside Out label is becoming the
premier prog metal and melodic rock imprint, they have been releasing some
amazing stuff over the years. I picked up a copy of an album by a band that
I had read about, Planet X - their album "Quantum" (SPV/Inside Out) **** is one of the finest 'nu-prog' albums that I have heard for years ... They are pretty much a prog supergroup with members drawn for some of the leading
lights of the movement including keyboardist Derek Sherinian and drummer
Virgil Donati BUT the exciting thing is that on guitar is none other than
the legendary Allan Holdsworth whose tasty playing has graced the likes of
Soft Machine. This instrumental album is what you would expect from a bunch
of classy players - breakneck time signatures, mind boggling solos and
wonderfully blissful 'chill' passages ... definitely worth investigating....
Ratings:
***** Volcanic....not to be missed.
**** Seismic....highly recommended...buy it!
*** Aftershock....solid effort.
** Damp squib really!
* Do I need to explain this?
Rock Of Ages News
VAN HALEN ANNOUNCEMENT ON MONDAY
We understand that there will be a major press conference on Monday, August
13, to ann ounce Van Halen's re-union tour of America. This is expected to
be a late '07 50-date arena tour. Tne band's line-up will be David Lee Roth
(vocals), Eddie Van Halen (guitar), Wolfgang Van halen (bass) and Alex Van
Halen (drums).
NOT AGAIN!
Wisdom says that The Doors Jim Morrison died in his Paris flat's bath on
July 3,1971. But recently it was claimed that he died of a heroin overdose in
the toilets of the Rock and Roll Circus Club and was taken home by two
dealers who tried to revive him by putting him in the bath .. Who says? Owner
of the club, Sam Bernett made the claim in time for the French release of his
book "The End-Jim Morrison"....HO HUM!
STING..ING
"They might beat each other to death but I think that they'll put their
differences aside in order to feel like rock stars one more time"....Sting's
son Joe on the Police completing their World Tour.
MUTT 'N DEF
Def Leppard are writing new material with producer (and ex South African)
Robert John 'Mutt" Lange for an album to be called "Songs from the Sparkle
Lounge". This is the first collaboration since 1999's "Euphoria".
YARDBIRDS BACK?
There are reports that The Yardbirds are planning a re-union tour in
October. This would feature guitarist Jimmy Page, bassist Chris Dreja and
drummer Jim McCarty. No word on who'd be brought in as vocalist. More soon.
SLY SAYS
Legendary pop soul superstar (and rock's resident kook) Sly Stone tells
Vanity Fair what he's been doing since he went AWOL in the late 70's "Going
around, jumping in and out and up and down" ?????
NEW FOUND DRUGS BUST
New Found Glory's tour bus was pulled over by Indianapolis police, and
mushrooms and marijuana allegedly confiscated. However, the band were
allowed to proceed to Cincinnati for their next scheduled live performance
on the Warped tour. But roadie Declain DeWier was arrested and charged with
possession, and the bus was also impounded.
KEEF BOOK
Keith Richards is working on his autobiography. This will be published by
Little, Brown And Company in 2010.
HOPE FOR HEART SINGER
Heart singer Ann Wilson releases her debut solo album next month. Called
'Hope & Glory', it's a covers record, and includes 'Immigrant Song' (Led
Zeppelin), 'Bad Moon Rising' (Creedence Clearwater Revival), 'Goodbye Blue
Sky' (Pink Floyd) and 'War Of Man' (Neil Young).
'DC GO DIGITAL
AC/DC have done a deal with Verizon to make their entire back catalogue
available digitally. But, amazingly, the cost for each album digitally will
be higher than that of the CD equivalent.
MARTIAN BEDLAM
The Mars Volta release new album 'Bedlam In Goliath' during the Autumn.
NIRVANA GO GAMING
The whole of the classic Nirvana album 'Nevermind' has been licensed to
Electronic Arts for use in the upcoming game 'Rock Band'.
MINISTRY COVER FAREWELL
Ministry are to release a covers album as their farewell record. This is to
feature tracks from Black Sabbath, Deep Purple, Bob Dylan, the Doors,
Rolling Stones, Beatles and Magazine.
Keep the rock real...
Benjy
Contact Rock of Ages
Email:
Website: www.rock.co.za/rockofages
Snail mail:
PO Box 782022, Sandton 2146
Studio phone: 089-1102003
Disclaimer:
The views, opinions, rants, raves and ramblings expressed on this website are the author's own and in no way reflect the views of Radio 2000 or the SABC.
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Latest Playlist
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All the playlists are available in the
Playlist Archives.
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| Live Gigs |
Boulevard Blues Band
12th Berties Mooring, Gordons Bay
19th Berties Mooring, Gordons Bay
23rd Simonsvlei Wine Estate, Paarl
25th Flaming Fox, Parklands
26th Guzzlers, Milnerton
31st Berties Mooring, Gordons Bay
Burglars Dog
31st August Valley Tavern, Midrand
Japan & I / The Kiff /The Smoots
25th August Trotters, Boksburg
Tanz Café, Bryanston
16th Wonderboom
17th Louise Carver
24th Chris Chameleon
Chromium
18th Tempos, Randburg
25th Sundowners
31st Zeppelins
Flat Stanley
11th August - News Cafe Bloemfontein (Loch Logan Waterfront)
17th August - News Cafe Sun Coast Casino (Durban)
18th August - News Cafe Greenpoint (Cape Town)
Robin Auld
11th Old Boys Club, East London
Death Valley Blues Band / Red House / Martin Rocka
10th August Carnival City
19th August Back2Basix
Japan and I
18th August The Bohemian, Richmond JHB
Dirty Skirts
17th August 88 Lounge, William Rd, Norwood, JHB
The Hellphones
18th August The Mystic Boer, Kelner Street, Bloemfontein
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| You say it's your birthday... |
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| August 8 |
| The Edge (David Evans) - U2 - 1961 |
| John David - Dr. Hook - 1942 |
| Rikki Rocket - Poison - 1961 |
| August 10 |
| Ian Anderson - Jethro Tull - 1947 |
| August 11 |
| Eric Carmen - Raspberries - 1949 |
| Jim Kale - Guess Who - 1943 |
| Mike Hugg - Manfred Mann - 1942 |
| Erik Brann/Braunn - Iron Butterfly - 1951 |
| August 12 |
| Mark Knopfler - Dire Straits - 1949 |
| August 14 |
| Slim Dunlap - The Replacements - 1951 |
| David Crosby - Crosby, Stills Nash & Young, Byrds - 1941 |
| Dash Crofts - Seals & Crofts - 1940 |
| August 16 |
| Barry Hay - Golden Earring - 1948 |
| August 17 |
| Sib Hashian - Boston - 1949 |
Courtesy of
About ClassicRock
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| Birthday Archives
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Stay tuned every Thursday 8-12pm for the best in classic rock on RADIO 2000.
Your Host
| Benjy Mudie |
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| Then |
Now |
Benjy Mudie is a self confessed 'rockaholic' with little chance of recovery... a music obsessive whose entire life has been spent in search of the lost chord... from discovering Jimi's "Are you experienced" at 13, he has constantly devoured music through lp's, singles, tapes, cds, dvds, books, magazines, film, concerts, radio, tv and the internet. His entire working life has also been music related: from running a record store and later joining WEA Records in the mid 70's through to his 21 year A&R/Marketing stint at Tusk Music where he signed some of the biggest names in South African rock and pop. The last 8 years have been spent nurturing new talent at his indie label Fresh Music and reissuing classic albums as part of it's ongoing Retro series.... To say that 'music is his first love' (to paraphrase John Miles's classic song) is somewhat understated.
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