SA ROCK DIGEST ISSUE NUMBER 33
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The South African Rock Music Digest
is a weekly, free, subscription e-mag,
delivered direct to your e-mailbox.
Edited by Brian Currin and
Stephen "Sugar" Segerman.
Subscription and back issue
information at the end.
Established January 1999.
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INTRODUCTION
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This e-mag is a discussion forum for rock and pop music --
South African and International -- past, present and future.
Read it, digest it, enjoy it, send in your comments
and tell your friends....
Contributions and comments:
http://www.rock.co.za/files/contactme.html
or email Brian Currin:
mailto:brian.currin@new.co.za
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CONTENTS
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In this issue:
News
Snippets
Review
Forum
Beginners guide
Hidden gems
On the net
Voting Booths
Links and ads
Back Issues
Rules
Subscriptions
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NEWS
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THE BOOK IS BACK!
Thanks to the author, Tom Jasiukowicz (who made contact with the SA Rock Digest), the book, 'The History of Contemporary Music of South Africa' published by TOGA in 1994 is once again available on-line from One World
http://www.oneworld.co.za
or e-mail mailto:sugar@cd.co.za
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AARDKLOP
Aardklop Nasionale Kunstefees - Potchefstroom
29th September - 3rd October.
http://www.aardklop.co.za/
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WOODSTOCK: THE 90'S POP CULTURE EXPERIENCE
Cathryn Pearman
It seems that the Heritage Day weekend is going to be buzzing with activity all over the country, but one event that has definitely stands out as a "gotta be there", is Woodstock - the 90s Pop Culture Experience. This celebration of 90s pop culture will be held at the Heidelberg Kloof Aventura Resort (about 50kms out of Johannesburg), and is packed with amazing musical talent and 90s style entertainment.
More...
http://www.jol.co.za/september99/woodstock22.htm
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REUNION OF SOUTH AFRICA '99
Don't forget to go see the best bands of yesteryear at the Reunion of South Africa '99 concert at the Johannesburg Stadium on Friday September 24 from 10am. The concert will feature special appearances by legendary acts such as Stimela, Juluka, Sakhile, PJ Powers and Hotline, Malombo, Sankomota, Brenda Fassie and the Mahotella Queens, who will be showing off their new lead vocalist, Bongani Zanazo. Tickets R75-R90 @ Computicket.
Info from:
Events Online
mailto:events@iafrica.com
http://www.intertainment.co.za
and...
ZA@Play
http://www.mg.co.za/mg/art/music/9909/990916-weekend.html
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SPRINGBOK NUDE GIRLS - 'SURPASS THE POWERS' TOUR DATES
The Springbok Nude Girls kicked off their 1999 "Surpass The Powers"
National Tour at The Jam last Friday. The tour, which includes 12 dates, will finish off at the Klerksdorp Festival on 15th October. In line with the tour, the Nude Girls have released a new single, 'Un-E.Z.' backed with a previously unreleased track, 'Roses For The Soul'. For all the details see the official Nude Girls site at: http://www.nudegirls.co.za
23 Sept Camel Experience - CT
24 Sept Woodstock Festival - Heidelberg
25 Sept Camel Experience - JHB
29 Sept Batt Centre - Durban
1 Oct Roxy's - JHB
2 Oct Morgan's Cat - Benoni
3 Oct 206 Live - JHB
8 Oct Cool Runnings - PTA
9 Oct Bloemfontein - venue TBA
15 Oct Klerksdorp Festival - Klerksdorp
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WAKE UP TO THE AWAKENING
Some news about The Awakening. Number 7 on Rochester Radio New York City. Number 2 on the South African Modern Rock charts. New EP, Sentimental Runaways to be released this month. Will be playing support for Diary of Dreams, german goth band, on their South African tour in February. The Awakening have been invited to play two festivals in America and one in Germany for June/July 2000. Solo album by the lead singer, Ashton Nyte will be released in Feb/March 2000.
Some news about Intervention Arts. Not My Dog, one of our new bands are currently number 1 on the SA Modern Rock Charts, and Sacrifist, another of our bands are number 9 on the same chart. Sacrifist will be doing a world tour next year. Countries include United Kingdom, Germany, Japan, Australia, USA and most of eastern Europe. Will confirm venues and dates later.
Thank You
Helgard
Intervention Arts
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SALIF KEITA
MALIAN superstar SALIF KEITA launches his national Re-connection Tour in Cape Town at the start of the Heritage Weekend, and on the eve of the One City Festival. The concert also features guitarist Jimmy Dludlu.
Sponsored by Telkom and Making Music Productions, and in partnership with the French Institute, the show takes place at the Three Arts Theatre in Plumstead on Thursday 23 September.
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SQUEAL
Squeal has just released their third album, 'Civilised?' which is now instore. The album was launched at The Roxy on September 3rd to the largest crowd that Jo'burg has seen for a long time. The first single off the album "Higher" is due to be a smash, on radio all over the country, so listen out for it!
Squeal will be performing around the country during the next few weeks, so keep an eye on your local gig-guide for more info!
Squeal are at the Buzz Bar, Pietermartizburg, Thurday 23rd September
Louise
(Squeal Publicity - Bite Me Music)
083 635 5330
mailto:bitememusic@icon.co.za
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THE CHEESE STRIKES BACK!
A spaced out Retro-extravaganza over 2 floors of absolute 70’s madness.
Featuring 10 DJ’s, out of this world acts, surprise guests, 70’s screenings, alien give-aways, Xtra-terrestrial visitations, extravagant extras and the cast of Boogie Nights teleported to our dance floor.
When: Fri. 24th September Doors open 21:00
Olmeca cocktail hour from 21:00 - 22:00
Only R20 in advance from Ticketweb http://www.ticketweb.co.za
Or R30 @Door
Where: Plum Crazi - 94-96 Long street Cape Town
A Cape town One City Festival event
Dress: Sci-Fi Cheese and 70’s glam
Galaxies of prizes for the best-(worst?? - hey it is the 70’s) dressed.
Princess Leia look-alikes in gold Bikini’s free!
Details +27 (21) 462-2659 / mailto:Info@sleaze.za.net
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SNIPPETS
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AMERSHAM
New album 'Revolving Doors' out now.
The guys were interviewed on KTV Saturday morning 18 September
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FETISH
Album launch scheduled for the 17th of October
'So Many Prophets'
1. if
2. permanent
3. so many prophets
4. leah
6. so fast
7. a reel's romance
8. mind in two
9. awkward
10. ground below
11. malice
12. fear of hurting
Info from the Fetishmusic website
http://www.fetishmusic.co.za/welcomehome.htm
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JUST JINGER
'Here's To You' is the new album from Art Matthews, Brent Harris, Denholm Harding and newcomer to the group, guitarist Danie Janse Van Rensburg.
The band's website is being updated, but in the meantime visit BMG <http://www.bmg.co.za> for more up to date info on Just Jinger.
Complete gig guide for September/October is at http://www.bmg.co.za (just click on "gig guide" button). Also gigs for Amersham, The Usual, Black Diamond and TKZee are there...
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TWO SIDES OF THE STORY
Visit the African Invasion of Rock website and read two opposing points of view on the state of SA music, past and present...
No Media Support for local Live Music - A Call for a TRC into the Arts? - Dave Marks from 3rd Ear Speaks up!!
http://www.air.org.za/reviews/general/DaveMArks.htm
"The chip on Dave Marks' shoulder is in danger of growing into an entire forest." - Sharon Gill responds.
http://www.air.org.za/reviews/general/SharonGill.htm
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FRANKIE'S PLAYGROUND (1999)
Dark and hard-driving rock from Frank Riester and his friends. Great rock vocals, sounding in places like Axl Rose and Ronnie James Dio. Powerful songs, superb guitar work and incredible drumming. The stand-out track for me is 'Speed Train'...cold shivers stuff.
http://www.riester-records.co.za/
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REVIEW
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THE USUAL - BORN IN A STORM
Sharon Gill
This band first entered the local charts in 1991, when the SA rock scene was still at the bottom of the evolution ladder, supporting acts like Duran Duran and Indecent Obsession, packing it all in at a time when playing rock music couldn’t pay the rent, and re-forming in 1995, only to top the charts within a few months with 'The Shape That I’m In'. They’re not flamboyant hot-shots, just good musicians with good material, polished and professional rockers with danceable and catchy songs - pop-rock with township undertones, a kind of Cape Town skollies-meets-Sting sound.
I once wrote that since this band has written enough material for a full album, why do they persist in releasing EPs? Now they've come up with a full album, and included four tracks from their EPs, 'The Shape That I'm In', 'Like A Vision', 'In My Head', and 'I Believe You'. If I needed proof of their popularity, I found it at the Counting Crows concert in Johannesburg, where the audience reacted almost as strongly to the support band as they did to the headliners. And they deserved it, too.
Reprinted with kind permission from The African Invasion Of Rock website
http://www.air.org.za
Buy this CD from One World http://www.oneworld.co.za
or win it here...
This week we have a copy of the new CD from the Usual - 'Born In A Storm' and a poster of the band autographed by all 4 band members courtesy of Street Level Records
<http://www.streetlevel.co.za> to give away to one lucky subscriber.
Answer this simple question: Which city do The Usual hail from?
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FORUM
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WEAR SUNSCREEN
With the success of Baz Luhrmann's '(Everybody's Free to) Wear
Sunscreen' spoken word/philosophy song, I got to thinking about similar songs. Here are some that I remember, feel free to add to this list...
Desiderata - Les Crane
A million-seller for Les Crane in 1970 - "You are a child of the universe".
Theme from 'Time' - Sir Laurence Olivier
Deeply philosophical...remember the video of this song?
19 - Paul Hardcastle
Narration and news reports over a funky dance beat and stuttered chorus of "N-n-n-n-nineteen" (the average age of the soldiers who fought in Vietnam)
Summer Prayer For Peace - The Archies
I remember this as being a spoken song, but I don't have a copy anywhere so I may be wrong.
A few South African songs have also included spoken words as part of the song; 'Understanding' by the Peanut Butter Conspiracy, 'Let Me Into Your Life' by Flood and of course, the classic intro to The Flames 'For Your Precious Love'.
Any others spring to mind?
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ROCK ARCHIVE CD-ROM
This CD-Rom is chock-full of album info and track listings for almost any pop, folk, soul and rock album you can think of between 1950-1996 (and a large number you probably can't think of!). It really does cover from Abba to Zappa (in fact A2L to ZZ Top) with almost 80 000 albums (including some bootlegs) listed - most with full track and musician info and years of release.
Unfortunately no cover pics, but you can't have everything! This CD-Rom comes from Europe so it doesn't really cover SA bands, though I did find Freedoms Children 'Astra', Johnny Clegg and Clout among the archives.
Any album, song, musician or year can be searched for, quickly and accurately. Label and catalogue numbers are also included.
For more info or to buy/trade this CD-ROM contact Werner Regenthal <mailto:wrkohnse@zaz.com.br>
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CD RE-ISSUES
A few disillusioned thoughts on SA oldie CD releases:
It dismays me that so many of the CD re-releases of old SA material
come in the form of hashed compilations. Elsewhere in the world there
is a demand for original albums - in the order and form that we used
to have it on vinyl or cassette. In SA there seems to be very little
integrity when it comes to preserving the original albums on CD.
Tic Tic Bang have been fairly good at releasing original Shifty
albums (Koos Kombuis, Jennifer Ferguson, Kerkorrel, Sankomota come to
mind) but others have not followed. Rabbitt, David Kramer, Falling
Mirror, Asylum Kids, Julian Laxton Band, No Friends of Harry, etcetera
have all been released as watered down compilations instead of some
of the classics that were originally released. This isn't what
archiving ought to be about.
Steve Kekana's English songs have now been released as a compilation which just doesn't flow anything like some of his originals (the SABC's separate language policy seems to live on in some quarters) and Roger Lucey's proposed forthcoming CD release is also due to be a compilation - when the `The road is much longer' desperately needs to be released in its original form. There has been talk too of a Bright Blue compilation. Hopefully this isn't true!
I would think that even from a financial
point of view the original albums would make more sense. It would be
interesting to compare the sales of the eVoid CD (released as the
original album) and that of say the Falling Mirror (compilation). I'm
also sure that a re-release of `The rising tide' by Bright Blue would
sell better than a compilation. Perhaps I'm wrong. Hopefully there'd be lots of good debate on this issue. It's just that I get this somewhat frustrated, vaguely unsatisfied feeling when get into the third or fourth track of yet another compilation CD. I then resort to the old vinyl or cassette copy of an original release. Even the scratches make it a better occasion!
Michael Drewett
{Editor: I would prefer to have a compilation CD than nothing at all, as most of my vinyl is long gone or destroyed, but I think there is a place for original re-issues (with bonus tracks, maybe?) and compilation releases. The collector's market in South Africa is severely under-estimated by the record companies and this lucrative market segement needs to be nurtured and pampered.}
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DEAF DRUMMER!
Although it's not about South African Music I would like to tell you about a drummer in America. I started chatting to him on a chat line and his name is Shawn Dale Barnett. Shawn is unusual in the fact that he is 100% deaf, yet he has had tremendous success in his chosen profession.
Shawn has spent 18 years on the road in 5 countries and across 51 states in the USA. His show involves drums, flashing lights and free baloons for hearing impaired people to feel the vibrations. He has opened for bands like REO SPEEDWAGON & L.A. GUNS.
He is a graduate of the Kansas school of the deaf and is in the Deaf Culture Hall of Fame in Kansas. He is also the only deaf person with a top ten hit on MTV (1987) and has played to audiences of 150,000.
Shawn is an inspiration to musicians everywhere, his resolve to be in a chosen profession although he is differently abled to the rest of us has proven to be no barrier. Sahwn would like everyone to visit his website and see what he is all about.
The website address is: http://community.webtv.net/SHAWNDRUMS/SHAWNDALEBARNETT
Maybe one day we will get Shawn out to South Africa as an inspiration to musicians and promoters across the country to recognise that deaf people do play a worthwhile role in our society. Visit Shawn's website and let him know.
Paul Mills
Green Channel Broadcast News
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A BEGINNERS GUIDE TO SOUTH AFRICAN POP AND ROCK ON CD
Brian Currin
This will be a regular feature, recommending various easy-to-find
CDs that highlight the history of SA pop and rock music.
LADY AFRICA - MARGARET SINGANA
A powerful compilation from the soulful voice of Margaret Singana.
Margaret has covered a number of classic South African rock tracks, including Freedoms Children's 'Tribal Fence', The Julian Laxton Band's 'Johannesburg' and Hawk's 'Orang Outang'.
She is probably most famous for 'Mama Tembu's Wedding' from 'Ipi 'N Tombia' and also the brilliant theme song from the Shaka Zulu TV series, 'We Are Growing' by Margaret Singana and Julian Laxton. This song went to number 1 in Holland in 1987.
Patric van Blerk wrote a few songs for her and also produced most of her albums. Trevor Rabin makes an appearance on some of her songs as well.
There are also some very strong soul songs on this CD including 'I Never Loved A Man' (sounds nothing like the Aretha Franklin song with the same title), Jimmy Cliff's 'Many Rivers To Cross' and Tammy Wynette's 'Stand Up Like A Man' (done in a reggae-style).
So if you enjoy strong female vocals with a touch of rock, a bit of Africa and a lot of soul, then 'Lady Africa' is for you.
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HIDDEN GEMS
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Yeoville Canticle - The Glee Club
from 'Girl Trouble' (Radium Wreckords, 1999 - a CD-R compilation)
The quirky humour of Jonathan "Rat" Handley is strongly to the fore in this ballad of Yeoville and especially the Cafe Casablanca.
My favourite line...
"What say you, Ramsay MacKay?
What ever happened to Freedoms Children?
In your time, you had the best band in the land"
Wonderful...
Skokiaan - Bulawayo Sweet Rhythms Band
from 'Jazz Offerings from South Africa' - Various Artists (Gallo, 1999)
The original 1950 recording of this well-known African folk song. The crackles just add to the authenticity of this vibe-y, bouncy, jazzy song featuring the alto sax of August Musarurgwa, the songs composer.
Apache - Richard Black
from 'Skadu Dans' (Street Level, 1997)
I guess the title of this CD 'Skadu Dans' (Shadow Dance) is no co-incidence as Richard has obviously been influenced by the superb guitarwork of Hank B Marvin of the Shadows. Well-known for his guitar-playing for McCully Workshop, Richard remains faithful to the original Shadows classic, whilst adding his own bright, light and breezy guitar-style.
Buy all these CDs from One World
http://www.oneworld.co.za
More "hidden gems" (old and new) in future issues...feel free to send in your suggestions.
mailto:brian.currin@new.co.za
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ON THE NET
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THE TREVOR RABIN (MUSICAL) FAMILY TREE
http://www.rock.co.za/files/trevor_rabin_tree.html
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TOP TEN ALL-TIME GREAT SA POP AND ROCK SONGS
As voted by the 322 visitors (so far) to the SA Pop and Rock Voting Booth
1.ZX Dan - Radio Rats
2.Peace On Earth - Little Sister
3.Weeping - Bright Blue
4.Hold On To Love - Rabbitt
5.You're Living Inside My Head - John Ireland
6.Cry To Me - Staccatos
7.Master Jack - Four Jacks And A Jill
8.Conquistador - Circus
9.We Are Growing - Julian Laxton & Margaret Singana
10.Dear Abbie (One Night Of Passion) - Little Sister
Bubbling under...
Taximan - éVoid
Blue Eyes - Springbok Nude Girls
Man On The Moon - Ballyhoo
Goeie Nag Generaal - Piet Botha
Miss Eva Goodnight - Crocodile Harris
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POP QUIZ
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Last weeks winner of the 2 soundtrack CDs, from Universal Music
and Kim Saville Productions, was Rushdi Harper.
Congratulations, Rushdi.
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VOTING BOOTHS
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Visit these voting booths and cast a vote for YOUR favourite...
SA Rock album, from the 60s to the 90s and beyond...
http://www.freevote.com/booth/sarock
All-time Great SA Pop and Rock song
http://www.freevote.com/booth/sapop
McCully Workshop album
http://www.freevote.com/booth/mccully
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LINKS AND ADVERTS
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SOUTH AFRICA'S ROCK FILES
The online archive for the History of South African Rock
http://www.rock.co.za/sarock/
TOO GOOD TO BE FORGOTTEN
Post your message on the SA Rock message board
http://www.insidetheweb.com/mbs.cgi/mb311757
AMUZINE
News, views, reviews and interviews
http://www.rock.co.za/
ONE WORLD
Selling South African Music to the World
http://www.oneworld.co.za/
5% discount for Digest members!
POWERZONE
The Hub of South African Music
http://www.powerzone.co.za/
INDIE MUSIC EXPLOSION
The Ultimate Independent Music Site in South Africa
http://www.indie.co.za/
GALLO MUSIC
Supporting South African Music
http://www.gallo.co.za/
BACKSTAGE
The Musician's Resource
http://www.backstage.co.za/
THE GIG GUIDE
Whats on in Cape Town
http://www.gig-guide.co.za/
ZA@PLAY
What's on around South Africa
http://www.mg.co.za/mg/art/music/menu-music.htm
SLY
Online magazine
http://www.sly.co.za/
STREET LEVEL RECORDS
Cape Town's Independent Record Label
http://www.streetlevel.co.za/
MUSICADS
Free musical equipment classifieds ad website
http://www.twisted.co.za/musicads/
SA MUSIC DATABASE
Over 100 links relating to South African music
http://members.xoom.com/samusicd/links.html
RIESTER INTERNATIONAL RECORDS
South African independent record company
http://www.riester-records.co.za/
JOL
News, updated daily
http://www.jol.co.za
FRESH MUSIC
Independent multi-faceted music group
http://www.fresh.co.za
AFRICAN INVASION OF ROCK
News, reviews and opinions
http://www.air.org.za
MOUNTAIN RECORDS
Music from and about Africa
http://www.mountain-africa.com
STAGE
SA Music magazine
http://www.stage.co.za
SCREEN AFRICA
broadcast • film • commercials • video • music • interactive
http://www.screenafrica.com
ARTSMART
arts news from Kwazulu-Natal
http://www.artsmart.co.za
MP3.COM
Listen to MP3s of South African artists
http://www.mp3.com/regions/africa/south_africa/
STRANGER THAN FICTION PRODUCTIONS
http://www.strangerthanfiction.co.uk
SPLASHY FEN
The festival, the CD, the book, the website
http://www.splashyfen.co.za
CDDB
CD Database Online
http://www7.cddb.com/
CDMAX
CD player for accessing the online CD database http://www.mindspring.com/~clark_tisdale/CDmax/
IMAGES OF ROCK
Your Ultimate Rock And Roll Experience
http://www.imagesofrock.com
SHOW VILLAGE
sound - lights - dance
http://www.showvillage.co.za
DIGITAL CUPBOARD
African music, MP3s and more...
http://www.digitalcupboard.co.za
VIBES MUSIC - N1 CITY, CAPE TOWN
Phone (021) 5953220
mailto:vibes@fast.co.za
OUTLAW RECORDS, CAPE TOWN
Branches at:
Cape Town Central (021) 4238145
Wynberg (021) 7972482
Claremont (021) 6717887
10% discount for Digest members!
RADIUM WRECKORDS
The home of the Radio Rats, The Glee Club, the Chauffeurs
and the Pop Guns
Radium Wreckords
Suite 207
Postnet
Private Bag X10
Flamwood
2572
Klerksdorp
mailto:jhandley@aghs.co.za
JEFF BECK: CRAZY FINGERS
A book by Annette Carson
mailto:carson@global.co.za
or call (011) 883 3619.
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BACK ISSUES
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All Digest back-issues can now be downloaded as one
small zip file (less than 400kb).
Go to: http://www.rock.co.za/files/sarockdigest.zip
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RULES
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For the basic rules of the Digest please visit:
http://www.rock.co.za/files/sa_rock_digest.html
or we can e-mail them to you.
_____________________________________________
SUBSCRIPTIONS
----------------
Reading someone else's copy of this e-mag?
Firstly thank the person who sent it to you, for being someone of
incredible good taste and perception...
...and then subcribe yourself by sending an e-mail to
mailto:brian.currin@new.co.za with any words or phrases that vaguely
indicate acceptance.
Or...visit http://www.rock.co.za/files/contactme.html and fill in the simple form.
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Surely not, but if you really must, then just reply to this e-mail,
saying "I hate SA music", "I'm bored" or "get me out of here" or
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"unsubscribe" has been known to work too...
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