SA ROCK DIGEST ISSUE #218 http://www.sarockdigest.com Established 27th January 1999 22nd September 2003 ---------------------- IN THIS WEEK’S ISSUE ---------------------- Well done to all of you who answered last week’s trivia question about Hugh Masekela. You can find the answers at the end of the ‘News’ section below... US band Live are promoting their new album, ‘Birds Of Pray’, and are returning to SA for another three concerts in Nov, to follow their successful 2000 SA tour. And, interestingly enough, Live will be the first stadium-sized international rock band to visit SA since, you guessed it, Live themselves .... Across in the “States”, Vusi Mahlasela’s US release, ‘The Voice’, is getting heard and admired ... Musketeer Records are very proud to announce that Candice has signed an album deal with Sony UK. That’s impressive news on its own and we all wish Candice good luck as she leaves for London. But using the opportunity and media release to vent against the blonde pop singer’s critics seems ill-timed and petulant. There’s a Castle Lager World Music Festival happening in Cape Town in October, but it is not, as the name suggests, a huge three day event - it will instead be a rock/ alternative/ reggae band competition ... Sheer Sound have some news and new releases ... Robin Auld updates us with SAMQC activities ... Muto are the “new Perez” ... Dave Marks has some 3rd Ear news and a short Johnny Cash obituary ... That Hugh Masekela trivia question from last week is answered ... Freshly Ground have released their debut album ‘Jika Jika’ and you can now hear the first single ‘Castles (Remix)’ at www.SAmp3.com ... ‘Rock The Bedsprings’ is the debut album from JHB rock band Old Mol. Amanda Strydom releases a new album of original songs and a few covers including 'Rich Folks Hoax' by Rodriguez, which is available to download as an mp3 ... Off The Edge have been in the studio since March recording the prophetically titled 'Site Under Construction'. Listen to the first pre-release from their 5th official album at www.SAmp3.com ... and forget about the 'Macarena' and the 'Ketchup Song', this summer you will be doing the 'Lilly Dance', thanks to Cape Town band De-Javu. Skwirmish are a Cape Town pop-punk trio with a new EP, called ‘The EP’, and the single ‘Things 2 Consider’ now available at www.SAmp3.com ... zaZone’s LAD is off to Woodstock 5 (and we’re expecting a full report) but he still managed to tell us all about Orange, a new band from Pretoria ... Buckfever Underground’s ‘TAFL’ gets yet another glowing review in the ‘Varsity’ magazine ... Amersham is also the name of a stop on John Samson’s tube ride home, so he is jolted into reviewing that band’s album, ‘Wearing Thin’ ... Kurt Shoemaker has been catching bands like The Turtles and The Grass Roots at a festival in Texas, but hankers after the SA sounds of Splashy Fen. Carina saw the Mississippi Muthers live, and survived to tell the tale ... Don Bryce went to a John Fletcher musical evening in East London and found out that ‘Unchained Melody’ was written in 1917!? ... Daniel Neville gets very emotional about the upcoming ‘Riot In The Madhouse’ Ska-Punk Fest in Cape Town. He fronts Zero Tolerance and they’re on the bill as well! ... There’s the usual bunch of readers' letters to Sound Solutions ... the Top 30 SA MP3 and Album Charts ... and there’s a short list of some recommended upcoming Live SA music Events - with a fuller list, and all the details of those SA concerts, at http://www.SAgigs.com ---------------- 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: Live, Candice, Vusi in the US, Castle Lager World Music Festival 2.CHARTS: Top 30 SA mp3s & albums 3.NEW RELEASES: SA mp3s & CDs: freshlyground, Skwirmish, Old Mol, Amanda Strydom, De-Javu 4.USA FOR AFRICA: Splashy Fen 5.A NAARTJIE IN THE UK: Amersham - ‘Wearing Thin’ 6.HISTORY & TRIVIA: Springbok Radio charts, birthdays, Vinyl Junkies 7.SOUND SOLUTIONS: A Readers' Forum 8.LIVE MUSIC: Events round-up, SA Punk, ‘Riot In The Madhouse Festival, John Fletcher. 9.INFO: Subscriptions & contributions _____________________________________________ 1.NEWS ---------- LIVE RETURNING TO SA Big Concerts International, in association with Edgars and 5fm, have announced that US rock band, Live, will be returning to SA for another three shows in November. Live played a series of acclaimed and packed concerts in SA in 2000 and have a large following among local rock fans. The ‘Birds Of Pray’ Tour will start in Johannesburg on 22nd November at the Dome in Northgate. The other two concerts will be at the Durban Exhibition Centre on September 25th and finally at the Belville Velodrome in Cape Town on November 28th. Live, a band that came of age in the early ‘90’s, have just released their sixth album, ‘Birds of Pray’. The band’s members, singer Ed Kowalczyk, guitarist Chad Taylor, bassist Patrick Dahlheimer, and drummer Chad Gracey first performed together 16 years ago at their school talent show in York, Pennsylvania. With nearly 20 million albums sold, Live continue to be a solid force around the world. Their successes include two No. 1 albums on the Billboard Top 200 album chart, five No. 1 singles and nine Top 10 singles. The band are heading to South Africa after having performed at a string of spring festivals in the States. The band’s most recent European tour saw them playing to over 700 000 people as special guests on the Bon Jovi tour, and headlining their own show with Coldplay and Supergrass as special guests. Tour dates: Saturday 22nd November - Dome @ Northgate, Johannesburg Tuesday 25th November - The Durban Exhibition Centre Friday 28th November - Bellville Velodrome, Cape Town Tickets: Computicket - www.computicket.com Computicket Call Centre - 083 915 8000 -------------- CANDICE SIGNS TO UK LABEL "It is with a certain quiet satisfaction that we announce the signing of Musketeer Records' artist Candice to Sony UK in London. This flies beautifully in the face of a popular local industry opinion that Candice was destined to fail spectacularly. Is there something that SA record execs know that those in the London-based majors don't?" So reads the opening paragraph of the very smug press release, received from Musketeer Records, announcing the deal that was signed in September at Sony's London headquarters after six months of negotiation. Musketeer Records go on to mention the significant coup in the detail of the contract, which is that the debut Sony album for Candice will receive both a UK and a US release; and also that a video is scheduled for shooting around the end of the year. This will back the advance first single, 'Hello', in January/February. The second single will coincide with the album release in the UK around April 2004. Candice is leaving for London soon, to work with some of pop music's most esteemed songwriters: Rick Nowels, Guy Chambers and Paul Barry. Musketeer Records end the announcement by stating that... "We trust that Candice will succeed in a similar fashion to Musketeer label mates Seether (who are approaching gold status in the States). May this add considerable weight to our South African Music Renaissance". Should we finish by saying amen, or ahem...? -------------- THE CASTLE LAGER WORLD MUSIC FESTIVAL 18, 19 and 20 December at Ratanga Junction, Cape Town ZaZone.com is proud to announce that 2003 will be the inaugural year for the Castle Lager World Music Festival. The qualifying rounds will begin on October 4th and run till the end of November, culminating in the finals on the 18th, 19th and 20th of December at Ratanga Junction, Cape Town. Only original bands playing in the rock, alternative and reggae genre will be eligible, and over 100 bands will be accepted into the event. The qualifying rounds and semi-finals will be hosted at Rockerfellows in Montague Gardens, Cape Town. Bands can enter by e-mailing mailto:jivepro@lantic.net or by calling Jive Promotions on 084 359 5073 or (021) 552 3216 Website: http://www.castlelagerworldmusicfestival.com -------------- SHEER SOUND NEWS - SEP 2003 SA record company, Sheer Sound, has announced that as from September 2003 they have moved the distribution of their catalogue to Sony Music South Africa. The company is also pleased to announce a decrease in their Euro export price as of October 2003. From July 2003, the Sheer Sound catalogue has been available in the UK, due to the distribution deal concluded with New Note Distribution, based in Kent. They will be distributing the entire catalogue, starting with new releases as well as making back-catalogue titles available. One of the recent additions to the Sheer Sound stable of artists is jazz guitarist Allou April, who is based in Cape Town and has been involved in the music industry for many years. Sheer Sound recently released his debut album, ‘Bringing Joy’. The second track off the album, ‘A Place Called Love’, is a duet with R 'n B star TK. This track made its way into the South African Billboard Top 100 last month, entering at number 93. This is timed with the release of the music video of this track. The new releases from Sheer Sound for September 2003 are: * Various Artists - 'African Ivories' * Ratau Mike Makhalemele - 'The Very Best Of' * Joe Nina - 'Angeke Ng'phinde' (I'll never do it again) * Nana Coyote - 'Majaja' www.sheer.co.za -------------- VUSI MAHLASELA MAKING HIS VOICE HEARD IN AMERICA There has been an overwhelmingly positive US response to Vusi Mahlasela following the release of ‘The Voice’, the Mamelodi troubadour’s first US album in July. ‘The Voice’ introduced the US to the best of Vusi’s music via a 14-song compilation from his five BMG Africa solo albums, ‘When You Come Back’, ‘Wisdom Of Forgiveness’, ‘Silang Mabele’, ‘Miyela Africa’, and ‘Jungle Of Questions’. Vusi signed a long-term record deal with New York-based ATO Records in late 2002, and the label, co-owned by South African-born US music superstar Dave Matthews, released the album. New York Times music critic Jon Pareles recently had this to say about ‘The Voice’: "...Vusi also has a voice that leaps out of the music: grainy and gentle down below, rising to a clarion falsetto. The music on his first American album, 'The Voice', moves between sleek renditions of South African rhythms and more internationalist pop along the lines of Sting or Dave Matthews. His lyrics are the sentiments of a perpetual activist, but the rolling three-chord grooves lift him above his earnestness." Both Dave Matthews and his ATO partner Chris Tetzeli have themselves long been Vusi fans, and were excited about him joining their small roster of artists, which includes UK singer/songwriter David Gray. Speaking recently with Billboard magazine, Dave Matthews said: "Vusi has a light on in him - and that's something he would share with Bob Marley or Neil Young, Marvin Gaye, Miles Davis - he has that sort of profound beauty about him. I always think we're headed toward the next Dark Ages, but then it's people like Vusi that give me hope that culture and civilization will survive. And I don't mean that in any small way - I mean that absolutely." Mahlasela’s previous foray into the US was in July, his fifth trip in the last nine months. In April he shared the famous Carnegie Hall stage with the icons Hugh Masekela, Angelique Kidjo and Paul Simon. July saw him appearing to acclaim at the huge annual Bonnarroo Festival in Tennessee, alongside US music legends like James Brown and Neil Young. Prior to his departure in July, representatives of Castrol South Africa presented Vusi with two 'Afri-Can' acoustic tin can guitars in Johannesburg. The handcrafted guitars, which are made in Cape Town using tins supplied by the oil firm, form part of a six guitar donation to the Vusi Mahlasela Music Development Foundation (VMMDF), Vusi's music educational operation that is housed in Pretoria's State Theatre. Vusi taught himself to play guitar using a tin can instrument, so the guitars have a special significance for him, and will be ideal for use by budding guitar students. An album featuring songs by the VMMDF students has been recorded and will be released on Vusi's new Mmino Wa Tshwane label later this year. * Don't forget to catch Vusi Mahlasela and his Proud People's Band backing outfit at The Bassline in Melville, as they perform the historic last ever gigs at this legendary live venue on Friday 26 & Saturday 27th September. Vusi has long been a Bassline crowd favourite, and with the club now moving to undisclosed new premises, this is going to be one massive farewell party! Bookings are essential so phone Brad on 011 482 6915 now! -------------- ADIOS PEREZ, HULLO MUTO Matthew Wilkinson and Mike Goddard are two of the (now four) ex-members of SA rock group Perez, and they have decided to reunite to form a new outfit called Muto. The duo has written new material and are heading to Cape Town for some shows in which they will be accompanied on bass by Andy Lund of Cape Town band Roswell Kings. We forget where the name “Perez” came from, possibly the name of a friend of the band members, but there’s no doubt where the name ‘Muto” derives from. "Muto Kenji" was an ancient Japanese guru who belonged to a special clan called “the tribe”. These folk were far more evolved than the rest of the clans, and were regarded as outcasts but very respected. One of their traits was an acute sense of hearing - being able to hear things most could not. Duality and the ability to make oneself invisible were other characteristics of “the tribe”. The name "Muto" comes from these very ideas. Muto will be performing in the Cape Town area on these dates: Fri 10 October: Bohemia, Stellenbosch Sat 11 October: Whammy Bar, Table View Mon 13 October: Independent Armchair Theatre, Observatory -------------- 3RD EAR NEWS 3rd Ear Music will no longer be presenting shows at the Blue Bottles - Rather sad and late news; but this was a mutual decision. Some really great shows were presented these past few months and although reasonably well attended - a few of them packed out - the musicians and the BB were not getting the numbers needed to make it worthwhile. As ever, 3rd Ear had hoped for some commercial sponsor support, but with advertisers focussed on the likes of pop stars, pop idols and retro cover shows, it didn't seem fair to keep the pro-musicians holding out for a minimum basic and a door-deal. (Do pro-sports people work off gate-deals? Just wondering!). So thanks to those in the media who supported the music & to the Blue Bottles. Musicians who would like to perform one-off events should contact Anthony @ (031) 332-2787 Keep a 3rd Ear out for the digitally re-mastered masters out of the Hidden Years Music Archive: Hugh Masekela - ‘Live in Lesotho’; John Oakley-Smith - ‘Matinees on Saturdays’ & other masterpieces; Colin Shamley - ‘Born Guilty’ & other verdicts. They should be ready within the next 3 to 4 weeks. The current 3rd Ear Music/HYMAProject catalogue can be viewed on the website. Among many are: Stephane Grappelli - ‘1976 Durban City Hall Concerts’; 14 Shabalala - ‘Maskandi Magic’; Brian Finch - ‘Bringing Back The Good Times’; Roger Lucey - ‘21 Years Down The Road’ (Now number 14 on the SA Rock Digest charts ... would you believe ... 23 years later!!!); Splashy Fen - ‘Celebrating 10 Years of Mountains, Music & Festivals’; Azumah - ‘Long Time Ago’ & more. www.3rdearmusic.com -------------- OBITUARY: JOHNNY CASH The Legend Moves On ... He don't need no Stetson ... a wonderful & long set ... 26.02.1932 - 11.09.2003. RIP With sincere condolences! David Marks See original pics of JC from Dave Marks’ photo album: Newport Folk Festival July 1969 - with wife June Carter & Carl Perkins & from TV in New York. Nashville Skyline - Bob 'n Johnny April 1969. 3rd Ear Music Company (Est. 1969) The Hidden Years Music Archive Project (Est. 1994) Website: www.3rdearmusic.com -------------- JAMES PHILLIPS DOCUMENTARY RESCHEDULED Lloyd Ross has told us that that the date for the screening of the James Phillips documentary has been changed and it will now be shown on SABC 1 on the 29th of September at 22:00. -------------- TRIVIA QUESTION RESULTS Well done to all of you who knew the answer to last week’s trivia question, which was: Hugh Masekela had a big US hit with 'Grazing In The Grass' in 1968, but please tell us which two well-known international rock songs featured Hugh Masekela on trumpet as a guest artist (on the one he was name-checked in the song as well!)? The first (of many) correct answers, received from Johnny from Boksburg! (go Johnny go!) was: ‘So You Want To Be A Rock And Roll Star’ by The Byrds; and ‘Monterey’ by Eric Burdon and The Animals (which includes the lyrics: ”Hugh Masekela’s music was black as night”). ‘Monterey’ was Eric Burdon and The Animal’s tribute to the artists who appeared at the Monterey Pop Festival in California in 1967. Those included Janis Joplin, Jimi Hendrix, The Who, Otis Redding, The Mamas And The Papas, and ... Hugh Masekela! Dave Marks supplied the following extra info: Re: Your Hugh Masekela Question When 3rd Ear brought CSN out to SA, the main thing that David (Crosby) wanted to do while in Johannesburg was meet up with Hugh again. Dave still remembered those sessions and how Hugh explained the "A" thang to him. He couldn't believe it! That was when Hugh did the standout trumpet solo for the Byrds on the McGuinn/Hillman Monkees send-up tune of "So You Want To Be a Rock 'n Roll Star?" - recorded 4th March 1967. As Hugh had promised to do a peep or two on my album (Hidden Years - Feel Free), we agreed to give David a thrill and surprise him when the band finally got to the Standard Bank (Arena). It was really a lovely and emotive meeting. (Hugh came with Cedric). There were quite a few others (rock songs) on which Hugh appeared by the way - Hothouse Flowers among them - not just two; but they escape me now... Kind regards David mailto:thirdear@iafrica.com Ed/Judge. - So everyone who entered wins a year's free subscription to the Digest! ---------------------------------- 2.CHARTS ---------- TOP 30 SOUTH AFRICAN MP3s OF THE WEEK http://www.SAmp3.com 1. [1] (1) Summer Sun - Zen Arcade ('Release'/Indie) 2. [3] (2) Humanarium - Bed On Bricks (Indie) 3. [4] (3) The Meaning Of Goodbye - James Stewart (Street Level) 4. [7] (4) Cosmo Girl - The Fallen (Indie) 5. [8] (5) Milk Cow Blues - Delta Blue ('Inbluesstation'/Merchant Records) 6. [10] (6) Jaded Mind - Morning Haze (Indie) 7. [2] (2) Springbok Sampler - Springbok Nude Girls (Sony) 8. [12] (8) Master Jack - David Marks ('The Hidden Years'/3eM) 9. [5] (1) Make It Your System - Lazarus ('Parallax View'/Indie) 10. [14] (10) Fabulous Day (Kwaito Mix) - Redd-Angel (Sexy Records) 11. [9] (3) Affliction - Scarlet Host ('Do It Yourself Volume 1' EP/Indie) 12. [6] (2) Fallacy - Not My Dog (Wolmer) 13. [16] (13) Let Me Know - Ystervark ('Living It Up'/Indie) 14. [17] (14) Crystal Clear - Seven Day Story (Indie) 15. [20] (15) 4X4 - Steve Hofmeyr ('Toeka'/EMI) 16. [11] (8) House (mix) Of The Rising Sun - Hot RS ('I Get So Excited'/EMI) 17. [15] (1) Madiba 1990 - Bright Blue (SAmp3.com/Bright Productions) 18. [18] (14) Makweru - Tananas ('Splashy Fen'/3eM) 19. [19] (1) Fallen - Velve (Single/Street Level) 20. [13] (2) Geek - Jakkie Louw en Daai Band ('Klein Karoo Cowboy'/Afrimusik) 21. [-] (21) Plan My Attack - Soulja (Indie) 22. [24] (17) Save Your Love For Me - Grant Nuss ('Diversity'/Indie) 23. [RE] (19) James Brown (I Ain't) - Martin Rocka ('Martin Rocka & The Sick Shop'/Gosatango) 24. [21] (5) Race Past The Sun - Dolly Rockers ('Glory Glory'/Indie) 25. [30] (25) Alie Barber Theme - Alie Barber ('Alie Barber' TV Soundtrack/Thrive!) 26. [-] (26) Sugar Man - Rodriguez (‘Cold Fact’/PT Music) 27. [22] (2) Hillary - Mitsoo (Indie) 28. [23] (1) Donkey Rattle - Felix Laband ('4/4 Down The Stairs'/African Dope) 29. [25] (6) War - 12th Avenue (Demo/Indie) 30. [-] (30) Sign Language - The Famous Roaches ('Splashy Fen'/3eM) -------------- TOP 30 SOUTH AFRICAN ALBUMS OF THE WEEK http://www.sarockdigest.com/charts This week [last week] (highest position) Title - Artist (Label) 1. [2] (1) Back Seat Driver - Tait (Fresh) 2. [3] (2) Inbluesstation - Delta Blue (Merchant) 3. [1] (1) Release - Zen Arcade (Indie) 4. [7] (4) Sui - Benguela (Open Record) 5. [8] (5) Drop The Debt - Various (Sheer) 6. [4] (4) Klein Karoo Cowboy - Jakkie Louw (Afrimusik) 7. [5] (1) No Warning - Jo Day (Legend) 8. [6] (2) Rocking Against The System Vol 2 - Various (RetroFresh) 9. [11] (9) The Remix Collection - Brenda Fassie (EMI) 10. [15] (10) Johnny Clegg - A South African Story - Live (Value) 11. [12] (11) Slow Rain (The Complete Celtic Rumours) - Celtic Rumours (RetroFresh) 12. [9] (1) Chasing The Sun - Karen Zoid (EMI) 13 [10] (4) Kicking and Screaming - Toxic Shame (Legend) 14. [13] (1) TNTLC - BOO! (BMG) 15. [17] (15) Our World - Soweto String Quartet (BMG) 16. [23] (16) Another Universe - Arno Carstens (Epic) 17. [14] (2) Homegrown Vol 2 - Various (EMI) 18. [22] (18) Sagtevlei - Alex Van Heerden and Derek Gripper (Open Record) 19. [16] (7) The Present Is Passed (The Best Of) - No Friends of Harry (RetroFresh) 20. [19] (2) Healing Destination - Mac McKenzie and The Goema Captains Of Cape Town (Afribeat) 21. [18] (9) The First Lady And The Boys - Tamara Dey (Gallo) 22. [21] (1) Die Mamba - Piet Botha (Rhythm) 23. [20] (9) Roger Lucey - 21 Years Down The Road (3eM) 24. [25] (24) Rough Cuts - Janie Jones (Sugar Music) 25. [24] (1) Wrapped In Stone - Watershed (EMI) 26. [-] (26) Jika Jika - freshlyground (Freeground) 27. [26] (6) Amandla! - OST (BMGSA) 28. [28] (2) Soil 7t7 - Soil 7t7 (Indie) 29. [27] (1) Mellow Drama - Phringe (USM) 30. [-] (30) Rock The Bedsprings - Old Mol (Legend) 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. -------------- FRESHLYGROUND - ‘CASTLES (REMIX)’ (FREEGROUND) http://www.SAmp3.com/mp3/freshly_ground_castles.mp3 ‘Castles’ is the opening single, and more up-tempo remixed version of the album track, from freshlyground’s just-released, first album, ‘Jika Jika’. This toe-tappin’ slice of afro-salsa pop’s full title is ‘Castles In The Sky’, but that languid album version has been speeded up for this video and radio mix (which is also included on the album under the shorter title, ‘Castles (Remix)’). So this is the version that you will be hearing on the radio and that you can download at http://www.SAmp3.com. ‘Castles (Remix)’ has a lightness of tune and lyric, but is still an infectiously repetitive single with Xolani’s wistful vocals floating over the band’s trademark style, a winning combo of pretty much any branch of the SA music tree you can name. More on freshlyground and ‘Jika Jika’ below. http://www.freshlyground.com -------------- SKWIRMISH - ‘THINGS 2 CONSIDER’ (INDIE) http://www.SAmp3.com/mp3/skwirmish_things_to_consider.mp3 The cover of Skwirmish’s debut EP has the band emulating that ‘Jackass’ movie poster, with the three of them hurtling along in an out-of-control shopping trolley. The dynamic punk sound on ‘Things 2 Consider’, and the other three songs on ‘The EP’ EP, stay well within the SA punk formula as laid down by Wheatus and formerly adopted by Tweak. That would be young whiny vocals over gnarly guitars that drive the song through more whiplash-inducing time changes then the entire ‘Back To The Future’ movie trilogy. But hey, it’s what the young punters are bopping to these days and the sheer speed and power of these SA punk bands and their manic music is far better for the kids’ ears then Justin Timberface, and the current particularly poor pop posse. So jump aboard the Skwirmish trolley and see where it takes you. ---------------- AMANDA STRYDOM - 'RICH FOLKS HOAX' (JNS) http://www.SAmp3.com/mp3/amanda_strydom_rich_folks_hoax.mp3 Amanda Strydom has never been one for sticking to convention and her new CD 'Verspreide Donderbuie / Scattered Thunder' is no exception. On this varied album Amanda covers the Rodriguez classic 'Rich Folks Hoax' in a soulful bluesy style. The arrangement is by Janine Neethling and Juan (Floors) Oosthuizen's fuzz-guitar solo is really superb. Altogether now; "the moon is hanging in the purple sky...". ----------------- OFF THE EDGE - 'ONLY IF IT RAINS' (INDIE) http://www.SAmp3.com/mp3/off_the_edge_only_if_it_rains.mp3 Brand new song from Off The Edge, featuring new vocalist Clint Cunningham. After 3 albums being female-fronted, Off The Edge have returned to their roots by bringing in a male voice. Clint has a strong rock voice, and this Peter Hanmer composition is a mid-paced country-rock style song (think Jackson Browne or Bruce Hornsby) with acoustic guitars, superb piano from Dave Sharp (remember him from Feather Control?) and sweet angel backing vocals from Age of Innocence's Sherry Jones. This is the first track taken off their soon-to-be-released 5th official album 'Site Under Construction'. http://www.cd.co.za/offtheedge ----------------- DE-JAVU - 'LILLY DANCE' (BOWLINE) http://www.SAmp3.com/mp3/de_javu_lilly_dance.mp3 Summer is on its way in South Africa and this year's "Feel Good Hit Of The Summer" could just be 'Lilly Dance' by Capetonian quintet De-Jávù. Think Matt Bianco teaming up with Modern Talking with some synth treatments on the voices. And the lyrics contain all the instructions you need; "... to the left, to the left, to the right, to the right, turn around and face to the front ... and shake, shake, shake to the lilly dance". Available at http://www.oneworld.co.za/index.cfm?bec=4321&id=bowcd004 ----------------- SEARCH FOR MP3's Use the SAmp3.com onboard search engine, powered by Google, to search for mp3s on http://www.SAmp3.com. ----- CDs ----- FRESHLYGROUND - ‘JIKA JIKA’ (FREEGROUND) This eagerly awaited debut album by South Africa’s coolest new musical collective was launched to over 1000 frenzied supporters and media at The Studio in Cape Town two weeks ago. Freshlyground are the six-person Cape Town group looking to establish a fresh, new South African World music sound with their blend of SA jazz, folk, kwela, rap, and unique lounge swing. The ‘Jika Jika’ album has 11 tracks (and a video) and includes freshlyground’s first single, ‘Castles In The Sky’, alongside staple live favourites like ‘Mali’, ‘Mowbray Kaap’, and ‘Rain’. Freshlyground are setting up a string of gigs over the next few months, to promote and spread the sweet sounds of ‘Jika Jika’. These will also include rescheduled dates for their postponed Gauteng visit. ‘Jika Jika’ was mostly produced by Simon Atwell, Aron Turest-Swartza, and Dave Subkleve, with Ben Amato taking production credit for both ‘Castles In The Sky’ and the ‘Castles’ remix. The album’s full tracklisting is: ‘Train Love’, ‘Ocean Floor’, ‘Rain’, ‘Castles In The Sky’, ‘Feels Like Sunday’, ‘Mbira #2’, ‘Zipho Phezulu’, ‘Mali’, ‘Castles (remix)’, ‘Mowbray Kaap’, and ‘Nomvula’. 'Jika Jika’ is available at CD Wherehouse, Cape Town and online at: http://www.oneworld.co.za/index.cfm?bec=4321 -------------- OLD MOL - ‘ROCK THE BEDSPRINGS’ Old Mol are a new young rock band out of Johannesburg who have just released their debut album, ‘Rock the Bedsprings’, under the watchful eye of Jon Buckley (Jo Day, Toxic Shame). Consisting of four guys, all from Johannesburg, Old Mol write their own songs and have been gigging in the JHB area for the past 18 months. ‘Rock the Bedsprings’, was launched in early September at a concert at Sting Club in Midrand. The CD is released by Legend Music and includes the single, ‘Sobriety Friend’, which has already been playlisted by 5FM, and has received fairly successful airplay. The musical director and producer of the CD is Jon Buckley who has helped the band immensely with his vast musical knowledge and experience. The band consists of Dylan Weakley (19 - songwriter, lead vocalist, and guitarist), Bryan van Niekerk (19 - songwriter, vocalist and lead guitarist), Conan Green (19 - drummer), and Arlyn Culwick (21 - bass guitarist). And the name? Well the band originally needed a bassist and remembered a primary school science teacher called Mr. Mol, who turned out to be a little too old for the band. But in honour of the ageing science teacher, the boys named themselves Old Mol. Sweet! -------------- SKWIRMISH RELEASE AND LAUNCH ‘THE EP’ EP Thursday 25th September - Mercury Lounge Skwirmish is the zany and popular new Cape Town pop-punk rock trio who are about to launch their debut CD called, simply, ‘The EP’. The band has been building a strong live following this year, and four of their live favourites - ‘Party Song’, ‘Chicks’, ‘Things 2 Consider’, and ‘Unfaithful’ - are included on this first release which was recorded at Paris Studios in Fish Hoek, Cape Town. Initially Skwirmish only consisted of the kindergarden pals bassist Sean Twomey (18) and guitarist Josh Thilo (18). The band then evolved through various drummers and many names - Oxymorons, Finch, Left Hand Domination, Dumbfound and Flabbergasm - until they finally found the right name, and a drummer. Matt Keeson (20) joined the band in December 2002 and Skwirmish was formed. Skwirmish’s sound blends hardcore punk, emo, fast rock and pussy pop into a cool mix that (they reckon) “can cheer up the saddest bloke”. Skwirmish, along with fellow Cape Town band, Serving Suggestion, will be holding a double launch for their new CDs at the Mercury Lounge on Thursday 25th September. Serving Suggestion will be releasing the follow-up to their debut EP, ‘What’s In The Box’. Their new album is called ‘Try Whistling This’ The Skwirmish & Serving Suggestion Double CD Launch will be happening on Thursday 25th September at Mercury Lounge (43 de Villiers Street, Zonnebloem, Cape Town). Doors open at 9 and cover charge is R10. More information about the 'The EP' CD (R30!) or the band at www.skwirmish.tk or contact Sean on 083 355 7751. mailto:skwirmish@punkass.com Serving Suggestion at www.servingsuggestion.co.za -------------- THE BUCKFEVER UNDERGROUND - ‘TEACHING AFRIKAANS AS A FOREIGN LANGUAGE’ (Bastard Revolution Speeches, 2002) By Ian Rijsdijk (Ed’s Note: Buckfever Underground’s ‘Teaching Afrikaans as a Foreign Language’ album has become somewhat of a minor cult item in a mostly cult-free SA rock scene (not forgetting though, Sharkbrother’s ‘Taj Mahala’ which still draws plenty requests). Ian Risjdijk has been falling for its low-fi poetic charms and wrote this for a recent edition of the UCT ‘Varsity’ publication) Surely one of the most original South African albums in years, The Buckfever Underground elicit more interest in one song than a room full of Idols and Stars. No bullshit retreading of flabby R&B tunes, stale-piss house beatz, or cud-chewing emo rock angst - this is an original South African album. Buckfever came to attention five years ago with their specific brand of musical drollery and, with their song ‘The Highveld (is a shit place to be in winter)’ finding a wider audience, released their debut album, ‘Jou Medemens is Dood’. This second release finds them in similarly sardonic mood, though with a fuller musical backing, the jagged piano riffs and drum rhythms offsetting Toast Coetzer’s monotone delivery. Essentially the songs are bilingual stream-of-consciousness poems accompanied by drums, bass, and piano, and they reflect a South Africa rarely dealt with by commercial radio stations obsessed with marketing gimmicks and ex TV presenters. ‘Who Cares’, the opener, catalogues the drudgery of getting up and going to work, the borderline psychosis of the words complemented by a jangly discordant piano, and laid over a rolling bassline. ‘Sonsverdusitering’ comes across like a hangover, backed only by a dreamy echoing guitar, while ‘Die Bure’ is funny in the most worrying way, its violent imagery accompanied by a lazy bass and drum rhythm, and meandering chimes. Pick of the album is ‘Love In A Time Of Visas’, as descriptive of one aspect of South African identity as any song released in the last ten years. “Who are those people? Do they really bank at Nedbank?” They are The Buckfever Underground, and you should listen. Ian Rijsdijk Re-published by courtesy UCT ‘Varsity’ BUY http://www.oneworld.co.za/index.cfm?bec=4321&searchfor=buckfever LISTEN http://www.SAmp3.com/songs_t_z.html -------------- THE ZAZONE.COM SA BAND SPOTLIGHT -------------------------------------- http://www.zaZone.com LAD, the dedicated webmaster of zaZone.com, is heading up to Johannesburg to attend the Woodstock 5 Festival next weekend. We are expecting a full and detailed report from the man who doesn’t miss a trick. But LAD still had time, while packing, to throw his regular spotlight on one of the many SA bands currently affiliated to his SA music site. This week: ORANGE I can easily describe Orange as one of my favourite rock outfits. They are a four-piece Pretoria-based band who have been together since November 2000. They have many varied influences which range from old school classic rock to nu metal (when I phoned Andre the other day I heard joy around the world... ) The band is Jaco (J) on guitar and vocals; Andre (KingSnake) on guitar and vocals; Jaco (Jaxx) on bass and Kobus (the RAT) on drums and percussion. Orange reached the regional finals of the Emerging Sounds battle of the bands in 2002; won the 2002 Emerging Sounds/RP Studio demo deal; and had regular airplay with their first hit ‘This Is It’ on 5fm, Tuksfm, UCT Radio, East Rand Radio and 97 FM. They also reached the finals of the 2003 Emerging Sounds Battle of the Bands and the finals of the Top10 TuksFm Rock Idols competition. Their follow-up single, ‘Crazy’, has been aired on TuksFm. The band has a solid sound, good ideas and a big helping of talent and are definitely a band to watch in the future. The good news is that Orange are currently working on a six-track EP at Grey Studios with Producer/Engineer Dave Cohoe (Saron Gass/Seether) Keep an eye on their website: http://www.orange-theband.co.za for more information. Their song, ‘This Is It’, has (as stated) been very well received (and is in almost every collection of MP3's that I have) and is a great song with a cool melody, great rhythm and excellent lyrics. The chorus is great, but one of the nicest things about the song is the fact that all of the lyrics are audible (and easy to sing along with). It will be available on SAmp3.com in the near future. Where to catch Orange? 25 - 28 Sept. - Catch da KingSnake in da Mix @ The Club Mix Tent for some groovy jammin. Watch out for some killer drumming circle action combined with juicy Deep House tunes.... and the first ORANGE Remix Launch. Fri 03 Oct. @ Nile Croc celebrating the birth of da KingSnake with ORANGE @ Shadowlord Live !! Sat 11 Oct. @ The Macufe Fest in Bloem with Springbok Nude Girls, Boo, Kelvin Declined, Rhutz, Springcan .... it goes on and on and ........ In closing I'd like to quote the band’s messages to "da jam": J: "go big or go home"; Jaxx: "Just do it"; Rat: "We're selling dope at factory prices" and KingSnake: "Party till you PUKE!" 'nuff said! 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. VARIOUS ARTISTS - ‘SPLASHY FEN - DISC 2’ I hear this two CD set as a compact version of an entire Splashy Fen weekend, with each act performing one song and the set changes taking only lightning-fast seconds. In two CD’s, we move from lazy afternoon mellow and gifted singing and songwriting on the first disc, to the second disc, representing the louder evening sets with folk as well as palpable rock. Progessing past sunset on the second disc, each act adds energy, instruments, and personnel, forbidding anyone to yawn, stretch, and call it a night. 'Talking in Sign Language', a Dave Goldblum song performed by The Famous Roaches not only has some fantastic guitars, but they flash dizzily from speaker to speaker - a nice effect for a live concert. Heather Mac, of Ella Mental fame, and Mark Harris perform her composition 'Bittersweet', creating with two guitars and vocals a fuller sound than one might think, thanks to her strong voice. Neill Solomon picks up the pace with the counter-rhythmic and optimistic, even uplifting, 'In the Year 2000' (this two-CD set is copyrighted 1999). The evening performances, as I think of the second disc, has more performers we think of as rockers: those already mentioned, The Kerels (who most assertively rock), Urban Creep, and others, including Lesley Rae Dowling's unique voice. Our evening performers rock in the night hard and fast, but we close with the virtuosity of Tananas performing 'Makweru'. And so we head to the campgrounds, to our fires, guitars, and singing. Aside from my favorite songs, there are many others of beauty on 'Splashy Fen'. In fact, overall, rock artists included, the performers seem to strive for the lovely as well as the honest. The second disc builds, adds real rockers to the playlist, and ends the evening rather wild, especially compared to the Kumbaya-gentle folk festival of the first disc. LISTEN http://www.samp3.com/3rdear.html BUY http://www.oneworld.co.za/index.cfm?bec=4321&id=sf001/002 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: AMERSHAM - ‘WEARING THIN’ Living in London I am constantly reminded of Amersham. This is mainly because one of the final stops on the tube line that takes me home is called Amersham. The trains are therefor known as Amersham trains. However, this does not mean that Amersham play Underground music. In fact from my stop on to Amersham the tube runs mostly above ground. Of course all that gives you no idea about the music of Amersham so let's explore that in a bit more depth. 'Wearing Thin' seems to nestle somewhere between Pop Rock and grunge. It never gets that heavy growling guitar and screaming vocals of grunge, but there is something decidedly grungy about their looks on the cover and certainly in the youth oriented lyrics. Yet Adam Lomas' vocals have a clean cut feel to them that makes the album more accessible to a mainstream audience than a pure grunge album would be. The band has a great ability to craft out memorable tunes like 'Brilliant Fantastic', 'She Has A Name', 'Matchbox' and the bouncy 'Leaded Red Balloons' with its helium induced vocals. But it's the live version of 'Bob' with its funky guitar and bluesy harmonica that probably steals the show on this album. With a title like 'Wearing Thin', one could have been concerned that the 'Shammers were running out of material after only their second CD outing. But this was not the case as the impressive 'Upside Downside' was still to come as well as the sort of Greatest Hits in 'Revolving Doors'. So I guess that 'Wearing Thin' refers to the physical CD after repeated listenings, which I'm sure is what happened to a good number of copies of this album. READ http://www.cd.co.za/legends/90s/amersham_index.htm BUY http://www.oneworld.co.za/index.cfm?bec=4321&searchfor=amersham 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 (14 September 1973) 1 [2] Take Me To The Mardi Gras - Paul Simon 2 [1] Clap Your Hands And Stamp Your Feet - Maria 3 [9] One And One Is One - Medicine Head 4 [7] Ashes Of Love - Dickey Lee 5 [15] Baby Blue - George Baker Selection 25 YEARS AGO (15 September 1978) 1 [1] Baker Street - Gerry Rafferty 2 [4] Thank You For The Music - Abba 3 [3] You're The One That I Want - John Travolta & Olivia Newton-John 4 [2] Rivers Of Babylon - Boney M 5 [5] Love Is In The Air - John Paul Young 20 YEARS AGO (16 September 1983) 1 [1] Baby Jane - Rod Stewart 2 [2] Buffalo Soldier - Bob Marley 3 [4] Every Breath You Take - The Police 4 [3] Flashdance - Irene Cara 5 [5] Johnny B Goode - Peter Tosh 15 YEARS AGO (15 September 1988) 1 [1] Perfect - Fairground Attraction 2 [3] Underneath The Radar - Underworld 3 [5] Simply Irresistible - Robert Palmer 4 [2] Rise To The Occasion - Climie Fisher 5 [6] Shipyard Town - Gerry Rafferty http://www.cd.co.za/charts ------------- CHART CHAT ------------- As half of the duo Simon & Garfunkel, Paul Simon had failed to top the SA charts, peaking at 3 in 1969 with 'The Boxer'. In 1973 he enjoyed his 2nd number 1 in as many years as 'Take Me To The Mardi Gras' took him to the top. Medicine Head followed up their 1972 album 'Dark Side of The Moon' (a year before Pink Floyd's of the same name) with a mathematically incorrectly titled album called 'One And One Is One'. The title track found its way into the SA top 5 in 1973. Country singer Dickey Lee had begun his career on the Sun record label, made famous for "discovering" Elvis. With the massive success of the movie 'Grease' and the phenomenal success of 'You're The One That I Want' which topped both the UK and US charts, it was surprising to see the song dropping in 1978 without having reached the number 1 spot. 'Summer Nights' the other smash hit from the movie only peaked at number 9. Was this South Africa's backlash against Travolta & Newton-John for keeping Clout off the UK top spot? For the 4th week running, the 1983 top 5 consisted of the same 5 songs. This week The Police, whose 'Every Breath You Take' had been losing ground, were finding new support for what many regard as their finest single. Gerry Rafferty was still holding onto the top spot this week in 1978. Ten years later his 'Shipyard Town' climbed up into the top 5. While this song did well in South Africa, (reaching number 8 on the Radio 5 charts, number 7 on the Capital 604 charts and number 13 on Radio 702's charts) it failed to chart in either the UK or the US. South African's at number 1 this week: Paradise Road - Joy (1980) Hak Hom Blokkies - David Kramer (1980) Woodpecker From Space - Café Society (1985) South African New Entries this week: 14-Sep-79 Kinders Van Die Wind - Laurika Rauch 15-Sep-78 Sunday, Monday, Tuesday - Sweet Promise 17-Sep-71 Hey - Hedgehoppers 17-Sep-71 Silver Threads And Golden Needles - Barbara Ray 18-Sep-64 People Say - June Muscat 18-Sep-82 She Can't Say That Anymore - Billy Forrest 19-Sep-69 Abergavenny - Quentin E. Klopjaeger (aka Billy Forrest) 19-Sep-69 Katrina's Theme - Jill Kirkland 19-Sep-86 This Boy - Sweat Band 20-Sep-74 My Hart Het 'N Kleine Venster - Glenys Lynne (from Four Jacks & A Jill) 20-Sep-85 Champions Of Good - Tom Inglis 21-Sep-79 Better The Devil You Know - Stingray John Samson --------------- VINYL JUNKIES --------------- This section is for collectors of vinyl, both South African and International. -------------- MABU VINYL Please note!!! Cape Town's finest vinyl store has moved is NO LONGER at its new premises at Mermaid Building; Buiten Str (between Long and Loop Strs). Due to unforeseen circumstances, the shop has had to move again. We will have details of the new address as soon as we get them. Please contact: Jacques Vosloo 082 534 6006 mailto:vinyl@sarockdigest.com -------------- VIBES VINYL Stadium-on-Main, Main Road, Claremont This week's specials: Dollar Brand (Abdullah Ibrahim) - 'Mannenberg' (LP), Zimbabwean pressing Hot R.S. - 'Forbidden Fruit' (LP), Zimbabwean pressing Elvis Presley - 'Revival' (LP), larger picture, without 'Revival' border, unique SA only pressing Elvis Presley - 'Golden Hits of ...' (2LP), unique SA only pressing Rodriguez - 'Cold Fact' (LP), Zimbabwean pressing Rodriguez - 'After the Fact' (LP), Zimbabwean pressing 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 ----------- BIRTHDAYS ----------- September: 29 - Marq Vas 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 readers to please contact these writers and help out as well. Thanks if you do! -------------- LETTER FROM LEIGH Hi! Phew! The fundraising benefit festival I coordinated for KRVM here in Eugene, Oregon, USA has come and gone, and was amazing. It was a daylong event, with 11 bands, 2 stages, silent auction, food, and much fun. While I would have loved to see SA artists on the bill, there will be plenty of opportunities in the future. There was a South African connection, however. The sound company that provided great sound for the Main Stage acts wanted a CD to play for the brief gaps while switching from stage to stage, and I gladly handed over "The Best of Mango Groove" for them to play. The sound of 'Hellfire' and 'Special Star' blasting around a baseball stadium in America was a treat. Payoff for me was meeting two South Africans - one as a result of hearing Mango Groove! Tsepo plays bass for Thomas Mapfumo, who now lives in Eugene. He heard the music, and sought me out: after 5 years of living here, meeting 2 homies on one day made all the pain of being so far from home a little more worth it. Thanks to those who wanted to come play - plans for BeneFest 2004 are getting underway, and I have promised a bigger and better show. I'll keep you all informed! Leigh Barrett Mailto:krvm919@hotmail.com Eugene, OR 97404 USA -------------- PAUL MCIVER’S EMAIL Hi, Last week you had a letter from Paul (ex-Watershed) who is now working with Brian O'Shea at The Farm Studios, or Musketeer Records, as it is now known. Paul mentioned that he is also doing recordings for private clients at his home-studio in JHB. Please could you give us Paul’s contact email address? Thanks, Peter Ed. - Paul’s email address is mailto:pmciver@absamail.co.za - and no requests for pics of Candice please! -------------- ‘ON THE GO 2004’ CORRETION Hi, Thank you for including the write-up about the ‘On The Go 2004’ bands competition happening next March in Port Elizabeth. I noticed I had made an error in the release, the website address should be: http://www.audio-trax.com/Website/On_the_Go.html Regards Anton van Rooyen Mailto:avr@audio-trax.com -------------- THE FANTASTIC BAGGYS IN SA (Ed. - we received two separate queries abut this well-known US surf pop band’s SA releases in one week ... weird, huh?) 1) Hi, Looking for SA albums by The Fantastic Baggys, Ride The Wild Surf and Surfer's Paradise on Imperial. In the USA they were never released. Also some other (local) people are singing on those releases. In the USA by the way Phil Sloan and Steve Barri were involved. Could you shed some light on these releases? Thanks, Bas Siewertsen Mailto:info@goldenclassics.nl 2) Hi, I found a very well researched history website of the success and influence of the Fantastic Baggys (and P. F. Sloan) in South Africa. I'm looking for copies of the second and third Baggys albums. Can you direct me to a seller? Cheers, Mike Griffiths mikegriffiths6@yahoo.com Ed. The website you found Mike, and the one you are looking for Bas, is Tertius Louw’s fantastic Fantastic Baggy’s webpage at: http://www.rock.co.za/files/fantastic_baggys_index.htm which was originally inspired by Richard Haslop's segment broadcast on SAfm last year and archived at: http://safm.co.za/programmes/current/roots/hh26062002.html -------------- WHO (DIDN’T) LET THE (BABOON) DOGS OUT Hi, Why has David Kramer's 1986 album "Baboondogs" never been released on CD? Cheers Gavin Dalgleish Mailto:gav_mich@global.co.za -------------- GOOD GENES Hi, I know Gene Rockwell has recorded “Die jare gaan verby" (“those were the days”) on the Apple label. Could you give me more info or where I could find this? Thanks, Michel Mailto:mcl@wanadoo.es -------------- KISMET KATE Hi, I (think I) heard a song by Kate Normington on Radio 2000 a while ago called 'Come Together'. Is there anywhere I can listen to a sample of this (mp3) please? If I did hear right, this lady and her band are a worthy musical phenomenon to be further explored. Thanks Ken Everett Mailto:everett@vwsa.co.za Ed. - Hi Ken (not the UK DJ by any chance?). That Beatles song off ‘Abbey Road’ was covered by Kate Normington as the opening track on her 2001 album, ‘Mother’s Daughter’, released on the SAFM/Sheer label. No mp3 of the song is available at www.SAmp3.com and not sure about elsewhere. But this excellent CD (SSCD 071) is available through http://www.oneworld.co.za/index.cfm?bec=4321&id=SSCD071 -------------- DRIED TIME PARASITES??? Hi, I am trying to track down an industrial group called Dried Time Parasites. I am a journalist from Cape Town. Apparently they are a real intense depro band - do you know how and could get hold of them? any help would be great. Thanks, Stephen Timm Cape Town Mailto:stephentimm@yahoo.com -------------- CLEARLY NOT A RELATIVE Hi, I heard about the SA band - Saron Gas. Where did this band get their name from? Michael Saron Mailto:michael.saron@csfb.com Ed. Sarin was the lethal nerve gas used in the Tokyo subway terrorist attack in 1995. But here's a quote from the http://www.hiponline.com website: "... Seether (originally Saron Gas, a name they plucked from the back of a sound effects CD not knowing its sinister connotation)...". -------------- OLD SA BANDS Hi There I am looking for a band called B-World. They did a song called 'Rain'. Did they ever record an album? Also looking for a band called Jester. Think they were a JHB band, but played occasionally upstairs at the Vic Bar on Point Road, Durban in early 90's. Anyone know what happened to this band or if there is any material available from them. Regards TonyD Mailto:tony@davidson2452.freeserve.co.uk -------------- JOHNNY DOES GEOGRAPHY Howzit Did half those Nude Girl ous come from Boksburg and half from Springs? I was just wondering if that's how come they call themselves the Spring-bok Nude Girls? Johnny from Boksburg -------------- 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 and www.tait.co.za Contact Brian on 0825678779 or use the form at http://www.vagabond.za.net/contact --------------- SOUTH AFRICAN MUSIC QUOTA COALITION AN UPDATE FROM ROBIN AULD: I did a bunch of radio and press interviews. The Mail and Guardian ran an article on the issue, including a quote from the Metro FM music manager who reckoned that if the quota went up "half of those songs would not be up to international standard and would sound out of place". As his view probably echoes much of our commercial radio music managers’ opinions, I replied with a letter which appeared in last week's M&G and is included (see below) for SAMQC members to check out. There are a couple of things which have come up in recent weeks, the most important one being our bottom line on percentage. There are two tiers of comparison for SA, one being other African countries like Ghana and Nigeria at 75% and 80%, and countries like Canada, Ireland and France ranging from 30% to 40%. After several weeks of discussing and arguing with various people in all sorts of positions, it is my opinion that we should have a phasing in option whereby the introductory commercial radio quota comes in at 40% for 1 year, bringing it level with public and community stations. I know that many people will feel that this is a climb down, but having been at the sharp end of the debate for some time now I feel it will be harder to shoot down, and believe me there are folks shooting. There are a few reasons why I feel that this option is justified: Firstly, throughout my various interviews, I have picked up a genuine sense of dismay from the public and community stations who went on to 40% on 22nd August. That we are asking for a further 10% as they try to adjust, alienates a large support group. Asking for a level percentage all round would engender solidarity rather than us appearing to hammer them further. The professional servicing of product to all stations is an area that is lacking from our side, and I spoke to several campus stations who were not getting included in send-outs and were battling to find stuff. We all know it's there, but the relationship between the SA- owned industry and the broadcast industry is still developing. We need to recognize that it will take some time and an introductory option gives the dialogue time to evolve. Secondly, where the English speaking commercial stations are concerned, the more I go into it the more I see a colonial legacy that will be hard to dislodge. The dream of self proclaimed "rooted in Africa" station 5fm actually playing the African pop we want to hear like Jeff Maluleka, Wanda, Van der Want Letcher or Karen Zoid is some way off, and there are a lot of pretty culturally retarded people in strong positions of power. 40% is in line with 1st world countries such as Canada and France and will be hard for this particular camp to argue against. Lastly, where the African comparisons are concerned, many black stations are already playing 70%. The phasing in option will not affect people already up to speed, either in the broadcast industry or the public, and we would encourage the advocates of 75% to maintain their position. The phase-in targets the real problem stations with a position tailor made for them. Other news is that I have spoken with the Arts and Culture Deputy Minister's office and will be delivering a declaration of intent from the coalition in the interests of getting her aware of us in the run-up to next year's activities. The Big Issue article didn't make September, but we are assured it's happening for October. We also now have a phone in line, kindly set up by George Fourie of www.clubbersguide.co.za , the number is 082 233 5555. With regards to the Proudly South African campaign, opinion is completely divided as to whether we should join, and the right decision needs a little more time which brings me to the last matter. While I am overseas from mid September to November, I will still be pushing things along and be in touch via email until my return when I will be back on homeground with renewed vim and vigour. During this period webmaster Jannie van Tonder will still be handling much of the admin and dialogue will still be processed by both of us. In conclusion, I am happy to report that the issue is now successfully making its way from the niche interest it was previously into the broader public debate. Some 'dof' South Africans aside, people know in their hearts that the situation is wrong, and we just have to help them into what they already know. There are abundant grounds for optimism that next year will see the aims of the Coalition easier to pursue and much closer to realization. Thank you all and best regards, Robin Auld mailto:info@samqc.org.za -------------- This is Robin Auld’s response to Metro FM as it appeared in the Mail & Guardian: Subject: Local music content In the interests of debating vigour on the issue of local music content on SA radio, I would like to respond to a statement by Metro FM music manager Fistaz Mixwell. He claims that with a higher quota, "half of those songs aren't going to be up to international standard and they will sound out of place". Most of the South African production houses, labels and artists currently finding interest in the international market while denied airplay at home know what SA station managers mean when they talk of "standards". There will never be enough SA music to fill the quota as long as it has to fit the foreign format. While influence is one thing, South African musical identity will never be an American or English one, and why should it be? Furthermore, just because the latest disposable R&B offering from America has had a fortune spent on it, so what? Let me quote the case of Black Sonshines' "Born in a taxi". A production with two guitars and two vocals, it was predictably turned down by all stations on "format" grounds. After being picked for an ad campaign, it was massively popular with South Africans of all tastes and is now a bona fide homegrown hit. How many hundreds of songs that didn't have the fortune of being selected for an ad campaign has SA radio turned down? SA radio needs to talk less about playing the hits, and more about making the hits. If one considers that local content in France is at 40%, and Ghana at 75%, that ICASA has allowed SA commercial radio to straggle along at 25% is cause to marvel, besides perpetuating the outdated projections of cultural inferiority as espoused by Mr Mixwell. The SAMQC would be happy with even a level 40% all round, and anyone in this day and age claiming that South Africa can't manage this should have their credentials checked. Too many commercial station music managers have under-developed critical faculties where homegrown talent is concerned, mainly because, having no interest, they don't know what South African music is, who makes it or where it lives. South African audiences have proved themselves quite capable of grasping local nuance and reference where the local TV soaps are concerned, why should music be any different? Mr Mixwell is quite right. Much South African music does sound out of place on SA radio, despite having national followings in all genres. My question to him and his fellow travellers is this: Right now, is it the nation’s music that is "out of place" in South Africa today, or your format? Yours sincerely, Robin Auld South African Music Quota Coalition www.samqc.org.za -------------- 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: SOUND SOLUTIONS - 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: MISSISSIPPI MUTHERS - Tuesday evening (23/9), Dan Patlansky and The Mississippi Muthers are doing the blues thang in Yulunga, 4th Avenue, Melville. Since the 24th is a public holiday, you can stay for the third, even the fourth set. And Dan's bringing the Hondo. That moody old brown hag of a guitar with the thickest strings south of the Congo. He will slide you into oblivion. You have been warned. Bookings: (011) 726-7056 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. VUSI MAHLASELA - Friday 26 & Saturday 27th September - Vusi and his Proud People's Band backing outfit will be at the The Bassline in Melville, as they perform the historic last ever gigs at this legendary live venue. ANDY NARELL - The world's most renowned steel pan master is once again touring South Africa for four performances in September. SHARON KATZ LIVE IN SA - The South African Grammy-nominee and international performer, will be returning home to South Africa with her world-class band, and special guest, Dolly Rathebe, for performances at Manenberg's Jazz Café in the V&A Waterfront on Friday and Saturday nights, 3 & 4 October, at 9:30pm. RAINSHINE COMING TO SA - American rock band Rainshine will be playing at Woodstock 5 later this month and The Macufe Festival in October. The band are extremely popular on the American independent circuit, with a sound that has been compared to Stone Temple Pilots, NIN and the Foo Fighters, and recently released a full-length CD, 'Fallen Hero'. IMPALA INDABA - Impala Hotel Potchefstroom - Do 25 Sept: Piet Botha/Jack Hammer - Vr 26 Sept - Gatskop met Anton Goosen en die Bushrockband. AWESOME AFRICA 2003 - Standard Bank Joy of Jazz presents the fifth Awesome Africa Music Festival, which will be held this year in Durban's inner city district as part of the Inner Thekwini Urban Renewal Management Programme (iTRUMP) - Main festival: 27 & 28 Sept KAREN ZOID - Special gig at Roxy's Mellville Jo'burg on the 23rd of September. The following day is a public holiday. 4 Oktober 2003 - MFM 92.6 bied aan in samewerking met Levi's & Mystic Boer - Mystic Teater Show - HB Thom Teater, Stellenbosch - R50 TAIT - The only Cape Town gig before Tait embark on a nationwide tour, with their good mate Justin Bergh, will be at the Armchair Theatre on Friday 26th September. Support will be from Steve Van and Rust. Details at http://www.tait.co.za RP STUDIOS EMERGING SOUNDS COMPETITION - Bookings now taking place for October - for further information contact Simon "Squire" Foulds on 082 770 7524. Upcoming important dates below. MICHAEL BUBLE IN SA - The 25 year-old Canadian vocalist will be kicking off his tour in Cape Town, on Wednesday the 8th at His People Centre, he will then be heading to Johannesburg for two performances at Carnival City, on Friday the 10th and Saturday the 11th of October. THE KLIPPIES AND COLA STUDENT SESSIONS - A venture by Bastard Media along with SL Magazine, MFM, UCT Radio, The Independent Armchair Theatre and Die Mystic Boer, establishing a campus centred live music circuit, Bands based on or around UCT and Stellenbosch University are grouped in pairs (one from each university area) and perform together on consecutive Tuesdays at Die Mystic Boer and The Independent Armchair Theatre. MBIRA DZAVADZIMU - Voice of the Ancestors' Workshop - With Mbira masters, Dingiswayo Juma and Zivai Pondamari from Zimbabwe - Wed 24th - Sun 28th September 2003 @ Marimba House WOODSTOCK 5 - The 2003 version begins on Thursday 25th and runs until Sunday 28th September at its new home at Roodeplaat Dam, just north of Pretoria. Confirmed bands include Tweak, Wonderboom, Mean Mr Mustard, Pink Noise, Cutting Jade, The Narrow, Zen Arcade, Jo Day, Soil 7t7, El Camino, and Thirteen. THE MACUFE ROCK FESTIVAL 2004 - This year's Macufe Rock festival rock concert is at the University of the Free State's Shimla Park in Bloemfontein on the 11th of October 2003. With Karen Zoid, Springbok Nude Girls, Boo, American band Rainshine, SpringCan, Disselblom, plus 6 other SA bands will shake your world for the ridiculous ticket price of R30.11th of October 2003 - 12 hours, 12 bands. Details of all these events at http://www.SAgigs.com -------- SA PUNK -------- By Daniel Neville ‘RIOT IN THE MADHOUSE’ - PUNK/SKA FESTIVAL Over the last few years the punk/ska scene in Cape Town has exploded into a mass phenomenon that no-one could have expected. Even though it is still an underground movement, it is currently by far the most popular alternative to the mainstream. The mainstream promoters and media have tried their best to write it off as another passing phase, or seen it as an unsightly sore on the face of what the world has for so many years been conditioned to believe how music should be. The thing that no-one who isn't involved doesn't seem to understand is that this is not just a music style, but it's also a lifestyle and a unique culture whose general ideas and expressions are a threat to the greedy powers that be that buy and exploit the music industry for their own personal gain. (Don’t beat around the bush Daniel, tell us how you really feel - Ed.) Hogmosh and DrunkPunk Productions are two non-profit organisations that have both been heavily involved in the punk/ska scene over these last few years. By putting on shows and organising tours in and around the Mother City, they have contributed significantly to the growth of the scene. These two organisations are forming a collaboration in order to bring you the biggest and best punk/ska show that Cape Town has ever seen - Cape Town's premier punk/ska festival - ‘Riot In the Madhouse’. The ‘Riot In the Madhouse’ festival will take place in what used to be part of Falkenberg mental institute. We have the best punk/ska bands in the Mother City performing, they are: Hog Hoggidy Hog - whose name is synonymous with great punk and ska, not only in Cape Town but in the entire country. The Rudimentals - who are another huge crowd favourite whose irresistible African ska sound is guaranteed to get everyone skanking like there was no tomorrow. Half Price - the notorious drunk punks who will be appearing live in their underwear. Hoax - who have made a name for themselves over the years and who always put on a good show. War-on-Salt - most regulars at the Purple Turtle will tell you they are the best band in the world! False Pretence - with their fast paced punk and radical views what would a fest be without them. Zero Tolerance - who with their own brand of punkish ska, have recently entered the scene with a huge bang. The Doppler Effect - who are undoubtedly the best new school punk (maybe even metal) band in the Mother City. The Recruits - come and see what a bunch of young high school boys can do. 2 Weeks Old - who do the best (and only) cover of Rancid’s ‘Maxwell Murder’ in Cape Town. This event will take place outside with a huge festival size stage, the biggest sound and stage ever used in the country for an exclusively punk/ska festival. With the merchandise stalls, Bar Area (for over 18's only), food stalls, DJ’s and plenty of other entertainment this will be more than just a punk show, it will be a punk/ska lifestyle exhibition and if anything an event definitely not to be missed. Sat 11 October 2003 Venue: PJ's - Odemoulen Village - next to Vincent Palloti Hospital. Bands: Hog Hoggidy Hog, The Rudimentals, Half Price, War on Salt, False Pretense, Hoax, Zero Tolerance, The Doppler Effect, The Recruits, 2 Weeks Old Time: 12:30-0:00 Entry: R40 only! This Event is open to all ages, so bring the family along! Contact: Phone Lee: 0827756868 Marcus: 0826879853 Daniel: 0733703792 See http://www.SAgigs.com for details and other SA Punk gigs. -------------- LIVE IN SA MISSISSIPPI MUTHERS By Carina Laubscher And so Patlansky took the stage Last Friday eve there were only about 40 sober patrons in Café Barcelona. The others were faffing around with ole Bacchus. Dan Patlansky and The Mississippi Muthers gave us the swamps, the bourbon, the stinkin' outhouse, the hot mama with the intoxicating cleavage and hairy armpits - and then there was the blues. Oh yeah Baby the thrill she ain't gone no more. Riffs from hell, Strat and Tele slugging it out for attention, three strings went sproinnnnggggg within three songs, and Dan played with Gordon Legg on drums, Mike Lobster on bass and a room with blues junkies like there was no tomorrow. And eventually the realisation dawns. The blues is Prozac in remission. "Woke up this mornin' an' mah overdraft she was a whore ..." LISTEN http://www.samp3.com/artists_l_s.html ---------------- JOHN FLETCHER: CENTRE STAGE AT THE GUILD THEATRE, EAST LONDON By Don Bryce Amazing how much magic can be woven by stage lighting, smoke, a single red drape, a voice and a piano. John Fletcher and Elma Swanepoel undeniably enchanted Friday night's capacity crowd at the Guild Theatre with a highly accomplished performance. Legend has it that there is a ghost in every theatre. If there is one at the Guild, even if it had a malevolent streak like the one in Phantom of the Opera, it would have been appeased by the opening number, John Fletcher's rich, velvet rendition of Music of the Night […close your eyes and let the music set you free…]. There is no right or wrong way to do Gershwin's Summertime, indeed it lends itself to varied interpretations. Their version was a mixture of improvised jazz and opera. Elma was allowed latitude here, and she demonstrated her expertise with jazzy riffs and big crescendos. John introduced Elma at this point. Highly skilled, trained and experienced as a pianist and percussionist, she has been performing for 30 years. She has played with all the major orchestras in the country, and toured the world with the Drakensberg Boys' Choir. John himself obtained a doctorate in administrative law before training in singing at Rhodes, Cambridge and the Royal College of Music. He has strong EC connections, with parents in King William's Town and a house in Kidd's Beach which he tries to visit once or twice a year with his wife, his son of 6 and daughter of 3. The beautiful music collage South Africa Changing followed. Although originally commissioned by SAA to commemorate a new flight route, it symbolises the peaceful changes in our country. For the rest we heard everything from Bach to Bizet to Eric Clapton, but for sheer vocal callisthenics, who would dare to try Gilbert and Sullivan's ‘The Nightmare Song’ with about 600 words delivered rapid fire in a couple of minutes! Who knew that ‘Unchained Melody’ was written in 1917? Not I. Every generation claims the song as its own. That's what made Centre Stage so interesting. In addition to performing the songs so freshly and brilliantly, John had an absorbing tale to go along with each. Sparkling raconteur that he is, he likes to lead his audience astray with a twist: "Elma is a superb pianist, her playing spoiled only by one thing..my singing!" Then he goes off mock-sadly into the wings and leaves her at the mercy of the taxing Ponchinelle by Rachmaninov. Elma sailed through with practised ease, as she did in her second solo, the jazz classic, Cole Porter’s It’s de-Lovely. I would like to write so much more about this concert, but space is limited. Suffice it to say that John and Elma put on a polished performance, with classical, jazz and traditional material selected from John's highly successful shows, Songs For All Time, CLASSIC junXion and PASSION. Centre Stage was devised by John in conjunction with Rotary International and the sponsors, the Nedcor Foundation and Budget Rent-a-Car, with proceeds going towards the Eradication of Polio Campaign. It consisted of a demanding, 18 performance countrywide tour culminating in two shows at the Guild. Don Bryce ----------- GIG GUIDE ----------- The SA Rock Digest list of recommended gigs can be found at: http://www.SAgigs.com Please send all gig info to mailto:sugar@sagigs.com?subject=gigs in a plain text e-mail by Friday 12noon. ___________________________________________ 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 --------------- John Samson Kurt Shoemaker Carina Laubscher Tertius Louw Daniel Neville Moonshine Lee Wicked Mike Gabi Muller Don Bryce David Marks Robin Auld LAD Proofed by Ronx A SUGAR MUSIC PRODUCTION http://www.sugarmusic.co.za <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>