SA ROCK DIGEST ISSUE #61
The South African Rock Music Digest
is a free, subscription e-mag, edited
by Brian "Vagabond" Currin and Stephen
"Sugar" Segerman and delivered direct
to your e-mailbox.
Established January 1999.
To unsubscribe: reply to this issue
with "unsubscribe digest" as subject
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CONTENTS
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1.WHAT'S NEW - Andre Fourie benefit, Off The Edge, One World
2.ON STAGE - State of the Nation, Sudan
3.NEW RELEASES - Off The Edge, Lesley Rae Dowling, Pearl Jam, Ken Hensley
4.WOEMA - Anna Davel, Lize Beekman
5.SPOTLIGHT ON - Sugar shines a light on Colorfields
6.USA for SA - Kurt Shoemaker fans The Flames
7.CLASSIC ROCK - John Samson remembers Stingray
8.FORUM - SA Music Directory 2000, Tananas
9.REQUESTS - Freedoms Children, Falling Mirror, 4 Jacks & A Jill, Ballyhoo, Sharon Tandy
10.ON THE NET - Dinosaur Days, Aardvark search engine
11.WHAT'S ON - Oppikoppi, Little Sister, QZoo & Fruit Fly Navigators, Tumbleweeds, Authentic gigs
12.GOOSEBUMPS - Hallelujah, All Over You
13.LINKS AND ADS
14.BACK ISSUES
15.CONTRIBUTIONS
16.SUBSCRIPTIONS
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SA ROCK DIGEST - THE WEBSITE
http://www.rock.co.za/sarockdigest/
Use the website search engine to find any information published on each and every previous Digest. These archives are updated weekly.
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SA ROCK DIGEST - ON THE RADIO
Listen out between 10.15 and 10.30am on SAFM (104-107KHz) every Wednesday morning to hear Digest co-editor Stephen Segerman chatting to Bruce Millar about the lastest music news and breaking stories.
Visit SAFM on the net at:
http://www.safm.co.za
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SA ROCK DIGEST - THE MAILING LIST
We are using this small section of the Digest to assure all our subscribers that the Digest mailing list is used only for weekly dispatching of the Digest, and is not made available to any outside parties or interested groups. We promise!
To avoid viruses the Digest is sent in plain text only and in the body of the mail, not as an attachment.
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AMUZINE
http://www.cd.co.za
For more news, views and reviews on the SA and International music scene visit the Amuzine website.
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ONE WORLD
http://www.oneworld.co.za
Selling South African Music to the World
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SA ROCK FILES
http://www.rock.co.za/sarock
The online archive for the history of SA rock
The SA Rock Files webpages are updated regularly thanks to input from various fans of SA rock music around the world.
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1.WHAT'S NEW
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ANDRE FOURIE BENEFIT
As some of you may remember, on March 21st 2000, Cape Town's mega guitar talent ANDRE FOURIE died suddenly leaving his three children, Ricky (14), Ryan (11) and Samantha (19) behind. After having lost their mother, Cheryl (41) in a most dramatic way, two years ago, due to a totally unexpected and fatal brain haemorrage, while watching one of ANDRE's gigs in one of the local pubs, ANDRE's children have virtually no-one left to stay with, to look after them or to care for them. Only lately a temporary accomodation could have been organized for them, staying with some of ANDRE's relatives as long as all legal matters will have been concluded.
ANDRE, who was not only one of the most talented and amazing guitar players in South Africa, started his musical career as far back as in 1972! His career highlights include the huge and nationwide success of his former band OMEGA LIMITED, a tour with the BEE GEES through France and playing as support acts for the local concerts of DEEP PURPLE and URIAH HEEP. ANDRE was further well known for the Wednesday late night radio show he was hosting and DJ-ing on FINE MUSIC RADIO, playing fantastic music and highly supporting local bands and artists and giving them really great exposure. A support, many bands should be very grateful for (especially the bands that would not participate in the benefit concert unless they would get paid ........)!!!
However, based on the facts such as having had ANDRE as a wonderful friend, as a supporter of our label and bands, the fact that ANDRE was always there for anyone who needed his help and advice, but most importantly for the sad fact that his left behind kids that really do need the financial assistance in order to continue their school education and to have at least a little bit of financial security on the side for their difficult future, we have decided to organize a two day benefit concert for ANDRE's kids in association with the RIVER CLUB, Observatory, Cape Town on Friday 23rd and Saturday 24th of June.
The entire event is a non-profit benefit concert. Some of South Africa's greatest bands have confirmed already their support for Andre's kids in this matter and will play a set on that weekend. We will announce the final billing some time next week. Tickets will be sold at the Riverclub for R25.
During both show evenings people can further donate funds via the ANDRE FOURIE BENEFIT DONATION BOX. We have worked very hard to organize some wonderful prizes for the benefit raffle. We have contacted Skunk Anansie during their last SA tour recently and told them about the situation of Andre's kids and they have given us a free SKUNK T-Shirt and a hand-signed poster. Thanks a lot at this opportunity to this great band! Also LIVE have confirmed to donate something for our benefit raffle. Further, Andre's favorite stage guitar, which is hand-signed by Steve Morse from Deep Purple and which is in excellent condition will be auctioned during the benefit concert! Many additional smaller prices will be raffled as well (CD's, Videos, T-Shirts and more..).
We have, of course, also thought about people who won't be able to attend the benefit concert, or for friends, fans and supporters of ANDRE's who live in Gauteng or anywhere else outside of Cape Town, and about people who actually never knew ANDRE but perhaps would still like to support ANDRE's kids from a social point of view.
Any donations can be paid into the trust account for Andre's kids:
Renette Rauch Attorneys Trust Account
Standard Bank Athlone
Account-no.: 07 330 5391
Branch code: 025909
THANKS!
Riester Records
http://www.riester-records.co.za
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JUST ANOTHER BAND - OFF THE EDGE
Leon Economides
taken from the Dinosaur Days website
http://www.dinosaurdays.co.za
On January 23rd this year, we gave you a sneak preview of a track off the new album from one of South Africa's best bands. Well, the album is finally out! It's the third offering from the band, and like 1998's 'On The Run', it's excellent, except this time, this is definitely the band's piece de resistance, and it's far better than the band's two previous albums in every sense of the word. This is the album that should make people all over the world sit up and take notice of Off the Edge. As was the case with 'On the Run', the band's line-up is Peter Hanmer on guitars and keyboards, Tony Groenewald on bass and piano and Judy Marshall-Schutte, who, as this is being written, is just about ready to introduce her soon-to-be-born baby to the world of great music! Congrats, Judy, and all the best!
The new ten track CD is comprised of a stunning mix of good, solid hard rockers such as 'Cheating' and a number of superb instrumentals such as 'Ovation' and 'Blueprint'. Peter Hanmer is one of the most underrated guitarists and songwriters in this country and he has ample opportunity to demonstrate his skills on this album. Tony Groenewald's writing and bass playing skills are of a consistently high standard, and Judy is certainly a major find with the most amazing range and control. One of the many tracks that makes this album a "must buy" is the nine minute-plus epic, 'St. Aidans', which is about a beautiful church in Grahamstown, South Africa. This track would not be out of place on any of Alan Parsons' conceptual albums. We featured it on The Dinosaur Days radio show this week and the response was phenomenal!
You have it all in this album: excellent musicianship, singing and songwriting, catchy riffs and hooks, involved and emotive instrumentals and production that can rival anything, anywhere, all topped by a really dynamic sleeve with some stunning design work by PixSTAR Digital. If comparisons have to be made, take the best of Boston, Trevor Rabin, Pablo Cruise and Alan Parsons Project, merge it into one unique sound and you have an album of sheer class that can rival
anything in the current South African music scene, and can certainly hold its own against its better known overseas contemporaries. It's about time a major label sat up and took note.
Listen to The Phil Wright show tonight (11th June) at approximately 22h30 for a live interview with Off the Edge. (LE)
Off The Edge on the net:
http://www.rock.co.za/offtheedge
Dinosaur Days on the net:
http://www.dinosaurdays.co.za
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ONE WORLD
It's been three years since One World began selling SA music CDs online. Their catalogue now carries a broad range of styles, sounds and titles, old and new, but all uniquely South African. From gospel to goth and from boereorkes to Battery 9. You'll find Four Jacks and a Jill's 'Greatest Hits - Vol 2' nestling alongside Fetish, or Koos Kombuis keeping company with Kulu, Kutu, and Sibongile Khumalo. They have even got the extremely rare and culty Afrikaans album by Jim Reeves called 'Jy Is My Liefling'. (Relax, they've got plenty of copies, but on cassette only)
To mark the occasion, the One World <http://www.oneworld.co.za> site was given a fresh look and updated system and is now back at work ensuring that all, any and every SA CD title is made available online to anyone, anywhere on the planet. The Net has made it far clearer how widespread the interest in SA music is internationally. Yet, the bigger US-based online CD emporiums still don't stock CDs by Black Noise, Paul Hanmer or Scabby Annie, to name three of many. Contrary to what we may believe from all the talk about MP3's, there are still many music supporters who prefer buying their music on compact disc. And there is no point in reading about all this South African music if they cannot get to buy it or hear it. So congrats and kudos to One World and the excellent service they provide. Long may you run!
One World
http://www.oneworld.co.za
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2.ON STAGE
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WINSTON STATE OF THE NATION
Approximately 6,000 thousand email, phone and online votes are in, the fans have spoken, and the line-up for the Winston State Of The Nation concerts have been announced. The Winston State Of The Nation concert is now in its third year, and this year this major SA musical expose will be presented in both Cape Town (Three Arts, Saturday July 1) and Johannesburg (Wembley Stadium, Saturday July 8). The acts appearing are: Springbok Nude Girls, Sugardrive, Fetish, Semi Sane, Nine, Sons Of Trout, and Ready D. The Nude Girls were again the most popular band by a long stretch and received more than double the votes of the band that finished second.
The SA-only line-ups for these concerts were decided exclusively through this public vote. These seven acts will perform at both concerts with full access to top class lighting, sound, video screens, and audiences. Last year, Fetish and Nine were the two bands that emerged with the "most likely to succeed" tags. So a showcase of this scale is invaluable to all and any upcoming SA musicians. Tickets for the concerts are available through Ticketweb.
<http://www.ticketweb.co.za>
{Ed - what, nobody else voted for Freedoms Children?}
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SUDAN ROCKS THE BIRKENHEAD
Anybody remember Omega Limited? Razzle? Dave Gommersall?
Well every Friday night (and Thursdays as well, I believe), The Birkenhead Pub in Plumstead, Cape Town rocks to the sound of Sudan featuring the vocal and guitar talents of Dave Gommersall and the incredible 8-string bass sounds and vocals of Harry (surname unknown).
A setlist that includes everything from 50s rock and roll, through the Beatles, Free's 'Alright Now', Santana and right up to today's pop fare, such as 'Mambo No 5' keeps the people dancing, singing and clapping along.
The highlight for me this past Friday night was the encore of Rodriguez's 'Sugar Man' including a stunning guitar solo. For someone who doesn't dance much, I spent a lot of time on the floor, some of it just watching enthralled as Dave's fingers teased notes from his Stratocaster.
Keep on rocking guys (BC)
Omega Limited on the net:
http://www.rock.co.za/legends/omegalimited
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3.NEW RELEASES
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These new releases and any other South African CD can be ordered online at One World, the best SA CD store on the pla-Net.
http://www.oneworld.co.za
JUST ANOTHER BAND - OFF THE EDGE
Brian Currin
Light and shade, soft and hard, fast and slow... this new album from SA stalwarts Off The Edge is one of contrasting sounds and moods. This 3rd official album from Off The Edge was superbly produced by Peter Hanmer in Johannesburg's Foxglove studios. The first album 'Off The Edge' was released in 1983, followed 16 years later by the highly acclaimed 'On The Run' album in March 1999. Now just over a year since the last album we have 'Just Another Band'. From the heart-rending 'In My Heart' to the epic 'St Aidans' this album is a pleasure to listen to over and over again.
Off The Edge are Peter Hanmer on guitar and keyboards, Tony Groenewald on bass (and occasional piano) and Judy Marshall-Schutte on vocals.
The album opens with the sound effects of someone winning the jackpot and when you listen to this album, thats exactly how you will feel. 'Addiction' is a short and sweet instrumental track that quickly leads into 'Do You Believe' which is a catchy pop-rock track. Next up is 'Cheating', a chugging, pumping rock track. The Santana-style drum break in the middle allows Peter's guitar to shine for a moment.
'Don't Play Games' and 'In My Heart' both have lyrics penned by a friend of the band, Marion Brown. Judy sings Marion's words with real emotion as if they were here own. 'Don't Play Games' is a mid-tempo pop/rocker making good use of the acoustic guitar. 'In My Heart' is an incredible ballad featuring the soulful piano-playing of Tony Groenewald. Lyrics like "you've really left your mark upon my soul" raises the goosebumps and Judy's voice leaves me breathless even after repeated listenings.
'Face In The Crowd' is another bouncy pop/rocker with a catchy chorus. Great riffing from Peter. 'Creatures Of Mood' was written by the Cape Town-based Jimmy Ray Hawla. This track rocks hard without being too heavy and has a short but very sweet guitar solo.
'Ovation'. Lying next to a mountain pool, basking in the sun, then up and running through the African veldt... Powerful images are invoked from this guitar tour-de-force. Impressive, soaring guitar. "Wow" is too small a word to describe this track.
'Blueprint' could be taken from a soundtrack to an imaginary car ride through the highlands of Scotland; or is it a low level helicopter flight over the wastelands of the Artic or it could even be .... (fill in your own impressions here...). Wonderful acoustic guitar picking over textured keyboard patterns and then into some soaring electric guitar.
'St Aidans'. What a stunning, powerful track. At over 9 minutes it seems to finish way to early. Goosebumps abound as Judy's voice soars around and over the haunting lyrics from the pen of Tony Groenwald and the guitar playing of Peter Hanmer. A great track? No, a magnificent one, I kid you not...
The last 3 tracks should be taken in as one long musical epic, like 'Close To The Edge' by Yes. Listen to it as a suite in 3 sections and you'll see (hear?) what I mean. The 3 pieces are linked by a bass theme that sticks in the brain long after the last notes have faded...
In the tradition of other great rock albums like Led Zep's 'Houses Of The Holy' and ELP's 'Brain Salad Surgery', the title track is not actually on this album! It is available on their 1999 release 'On The Run'. If you haven't already got that one, get both albums now...
And I haven't even mentioned the brilliant cover art and superb packing...
"Just another band?"
No way, man!
Off The Edge on the net:
http://www.rock.co.za/offtheedge
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VARIOUS ARTISTS - OM TE BREYTEN
The cream of the current Afrikaans music scene honours the stellar writings of Breyten Breytenbach. Eighteen songs that intend to expose the emotional, historical, and relevant scope of Breytenbach’s work. ‘Om Te Breyten’ achieves that and more, it clearly exposes the depth and diversity of Afrikaans music in this new era. Valiant Swart, Amanda Strydom, Lieze Stassen, Duusman, Brasse Vannie Kaap, Battery 9, Johannes Kerkorrel, Anton, Mynie, Steve. Honours all round. Breyten up your life. (SS)
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FRANK OPPERMAN AND PRIME TIME ADDICTION - SERIAL BOYFRIEND (GALLO)
Not close to what one would expect from a Frank Opperman and Michael Maxwell collaborative album. Give a listen to ‘Serial Boyfriend’s’ stunning acoustic rock tunes with angst, cynicism, humour, power and intelligence. He’s no Sinatra this Frank (so who is?), but he’s got a fresh songwriting touch and a sincere folky delivery. ‘Come Clean’ attracts each time and has picked up some radio play. Pleasantly recommended. (SS)
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LESLEY RAE DOWLING - CLEAR (GALLO)
Eleven brooding compositions that avoid the standard verse/ chorus format for altered lyrical patterns, wrapped in some truly strong, sensitive and restrained rock arrangements. Dowling’s growly croon is as emotionally taut as ever, but there’s a new vulnerability in her voice, and a sensuality in her lyrics. ‘Touch’ boldly opens the album with a rock swagger, but ‘Size’, ‘Camp’ and ‘Jealous Heart’ settle things down with their low seductive spark. ‘Clear’ is an absorbing album that simmers throughout, always edgy but rarely exploding. When it does, towards the end on ‘Swimmer’, it feels timely. And then the delicate ‘Quiet’ wraps it all up. Semi-sweet, a little dry, mildly intoxicating. I wonder what her wine’s like? (SS)
Lesley Rae Dowling on the net:
http://www.rock.co.za/legends/lesleyraedowling
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BINAURAL - PEARL JAM (Sony Music)
Sounds like the Jammers trawled through somebody's old collection of early 70s Led Zeppelin, Who, Hawkwind, Creedence and Jethro Tull albums, listened to them intently, added a few pearls of wisdom, some sweet jams and ended up writing some great rock tunes. Jeff Ament's time in Three Fish with SA-born, Tribe after Tribe front-man, Robbi Robb seems to have rubbed off here as well. "Binaural" means listening with both ears, so go for it. Recommended, but not for Kenny G or Michael Bolton fans. (BC)
Pearl Jam on the net:
http://www.pearljam.com
http://www.pearl-jam.com
http://www.sonymusic.com/artists/PearlJam/
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SMOOTH AFRICA - VARIOUS ARTISTS (HEADS UP)
A strong collection of SA smooth jazz which gives great value to whoever buys it and deserved exposure to all these great artists.
(SS)
Heads Up on the net:
http://www.headsup.com
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THE ANTHOLOGY - KEN HENSLEY (Castle Music)
Big fans of 70s era Uriah Heep will remember the incredible keyboard sounds created by Ken Hensley. An accomplished guitarist and occasional singer, Ken also followed a simultaneous solo career while with Uriah Heep. This brand new compilation CD release from Castle (distributed by Sony Music SA) contains highlights from 3 of the best albums from Ken's back catalogue; 'Proud Words On A Dusty Shelf' (1972), 'Eager To Please' (1975) and 'Free Spirit' (1980). (BC)
Ken Hensley on the net:
http://www.ken-hensley.com
Uriah Heep on the net:
http://www.uriah-heep.com
Interested in other Rock Legends, such as Jimi Hendrix, Led Zeppelin, Deep Purple, Pink Floyd, etc? Then please visit:
http://www.rock.co.za/vagabond
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4.WOEMA
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Twee liedjieskrywer-sangeresse wie se nuwe CD's gerus beluister kan
word, is Anna Davel ("Te diep") en Lize Beekman ("Cake"). Beekman se
debuutalbum van 'n paar jaar gelede, "Eyes of a Child", het haar
gevestig as 'n belowende nuweling wie se werk veral beïndruk vanweë die
onopgesmuktheid en mooiheid daarvan. Sy is 'n uitstekende liedjieskrywer wat veral baie goeie ballades skryf (soos "Iemand het gesê" en "Soutmansland Tema") en haar toonsetting van Breyten Breytenbach se "rooiborsduif" is eweneens 'n knap stukkie werk. "Cake" sluit af met twee uitboulsnitte: "I promise" en "Something to say". Beekman is bygestaan deur puik musikante, en dis veral Juan Oosthuizen se vaardigheid en veelsydigheid op die kitare wat imponeer.
Anna Davel se "Te diep" is 'n sterk debuut. Sy skryf besonder goeie
liedjies, soos "Slaapdans", "Pers", die uitsonderlike "Bo die wind" en
"Duisend". Haar weergawe van Herman van den Berg se "Kruispad" skop gat
en "Gatswaai" is 'n jollie, uitbundige affêre. Haar vertolkings is
trefseker en so sensitief op die ballades dat 'n mens amper hoendervel
kry. Dis beslis die moeite werd om ondersoek in te stel na hierdie album - Davel is 'n nuweling wat op grond van hierdie sterk debuut nog baie aandag sal kan trek met haar werk.
Albei albums is uitgereik deur JNS Musiek.
Navrae: mailto:info@jns.co.za.
Theunis Engelbrecht
mailto:theunis99@worldonline.co.za
These and any other SA CD is available online from One World
http://www.oneworld.co.za
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5.SPOTLIGHT ON... COLORFIELDS
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This exciting, eclectic and hugely original group formed early in 1997.
They then proceeded to scorch a trail across the SA rock landscape with
a hard and diffuse modern rock sound and a series of incendiary live
performances. The six founder members of the band were Ash Read (drums), Nick Hazel (guitar and groovebox), Ben Amato (keyboards and groovebox), Josh Hawks (bass), Lyndon Shearson (didgeridoo) and Tim Parr (guitar).
Read, Amato and Hazel had worked together in the band Skyminer, whose
album ‘Last One On The Planet’ was a minor gem. Parr had a long history
of classic rock bands and performances behind him, including the brief
but shining pop perfection of Elemental with then-spouse Heather Mac.
After his excellent but under-promoted solo album ‘Still Standing’
failed to achieve creditable success, Tim Parr threw in his experienced
lot with Ash Read and Colorfields was born. Josh Hawkes and Lyndon
Shearson later left the band and in 1999, Jorge Carlos joined the on
bass, linking well with Ash Read to form a muscular and innovative
rhythm section. Founder member, Nick Hazel, left the band during ’99 and Jorge Carlos returned to his solo career in 2000, leaving Tim Parr and Ash Read to forge a new direction for Colorfields.
The Colorfields’ sound is a hard-edged mixture of heavy percussion, trip hop, dub and reggae, electronic sounds and rock. Their material was developed and tested on audiences nationwide during several tours and appearances at most of the major SA festivals including notable gigs at Splashy Fen, OppiKoppi and Rustlers. Their debut 13-track album
‘Incidents’ was recorded at the London Connection by Andy Byskup and
Dave Maclean and released to huge word-of-mouth expectation in late
1998. That debut offering contained enough ideas and songs to keep a
dozen other bands in business for a year. Capturing the swirling grunge, dub, world, drum ‘n bass and kwaito cloud hanging over Table Mountain and bottling it in this 43-minute classic album was no mean feat. But Ash Read, Tim Parr and the band managed just that, creating one of the most electric and thrilling indie SA albums of the decade.
The title track appeared in two versions on the album. The first was a
throbbing "Talking Zeppelin-Heads" mental instrumental that had to be
heard to be believed. It was followed and equalled by ‘Cell’, the first
single, a two-speed emotional ballad that soared and glided around Ash
Read’s clattering drums, gorgeous harmonies and a violin-led Floydian
backing. ‘Crack Back The Whip’ was a six-minute industrial funk workout, taut, tight and explosive and ‘(Fall Off A) Flat World’ was a spat-out, sneering but endearing punk thrash. ‘The Tides’ was a cathartic mid-album brooding instrumental before the band surged back with the jerky groove of ‘Energy Scratch’, the razor-sharp dub of ‘Give It Up’ and the drum, bass and didgeridoo of ‘Energy Roots’. ‘Incidents Reprise’ did just that before the gentle, folky ‘Shock’ brought this absorbing album to a close.
There have been continual rumblings from Tim Parr’s studios in Gardens,
Cape Town, but no confirmations regarding the band’s new line-up or any
upcoming material. But leave it to Tim Parr and Ash Read to figure it
all out, the Colorfields story isn’t over just yet. (SS)
Stephen Segerman
mailto:sugar@cd.co.za
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6.USA FOR SA
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THE BEST OF THE FLAMES
These guys take a song and make it theirs -- the singers are utterly
convincing. The Flames have soul chops down, but they don't just go through the emotions: they convey feelings with each song. One feeling I get from every Flames song is sincerity, as if any given song were Flames-penned out of their own heartbreaks or joys.
The Flames do other people's songs but that doesn't make them a cover
band, As mentioned, The Flames take a song and make it their own. Their choice of material is excellent, ranging from crooners such as "For Your Precious Love", "When Something's Wrong with My Baby", "A Place in the Sun", to stompers such as "Knock On Wood", "Hold On I'm Comin'", and "Land of a Thousand Dances".
"Try a Little Tenderness" has always been one of my favorite songs, and
still is. The big horn finish of "Hold On I'm Coming" or "Restless" is
exciting. The plaintive melody of "When Something's Wrong with My Baby"
sticks with one. These and other songs, sixteen total, make this best-of set a consistently satisfying CD of solid and sincere soul and R&B.
While the slower, crooning, emotional songs often stand out on this CD,
much of the material is composed of mid-tempo boppers and uptempo
whamma-jamma tunes ("whamma-jamma" being a positive, superlative adjective in retro-reviewer-speak). In other words, The Flames sometimes slow the pace down for the lovers in their audience, but the rest of the time they let the dancers break a sweat.
The basic CD liner notes give little more than some praise, a few tidbits of info, and the listing of the five musicians -- not even a clear photo. Four of the musicians handle vocals, but if the singer's voice is clear, strong, and catches your attention, it's probably Blondie.
"Purple Haze" is a hard-hitting version of Jimi's song. I've heard many versions of "Purple Haze" because it was a favorite of all the bands that played high school dances in the Cazenovia High School gym in Upstate New York. Anyway, heard through headphones or by speaker blast, this version song sounds like one Jimi would have gotten a kick from. The busy psychedelic sounds are all right, but somewhat distracting at first. The vocals convince (as they convince on all of these Flames tracks).
This best-of collection is the work of another fine South African group
with a few albums that could do with rereleasing. If you're still not
convinced, check out The Best of The Flames and maybe Blondie will give you a better understanding....
Kurt Shoemaker, Blanco, Texas
mailto:kbshoe@hotmail.com
This and any other SA CD is available from One World
http://www.oneworld.co.za
The Flames on the net:
http://www.the-flames.com
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7.CLASSIC ROCK
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OPERATION STINGRAY - STINGRAY (1980, Nitty Gritty Records)
This is a good solid AOR album from a sort of an SA supergroup. Band members Dennis East, Mike Pilot (ex-Tidal Wave) and Danny Anthill are all stars in their own right. The title track opens the album and has an "Eye of the Tiger" feel to it and most of the tracks could easily have come from the big rock band of the US like Journey, Boston etc. Julian Laxton lends a hand with some great production work. Dennis East's vocals are strong and there is a great Beach Boy-esque moment on "One night lady" where the band get some brilliant harmonies going. "Devotion" is the album's ballad which has a big sound and catchy chorus. If there is one criticism of this album it's that it lacks invention and replicates the American sound. Still it does it really well.
John Samson, London, England
mailto:Thesamsons@aol.com
Stingray on the net:
http://www.rock.co.za/legends/stingray
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8.FORUM
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SOUTH AFRICAN MUSIC INDUSTRY DIRECTORY 2000
MIDI Trust and Sun Circle Publishers are proud to announce the release of the third edition of the South African Music Industry Directory, previously known as the Music Africa Directory. The directory is the most comprehensive directory to date with over 2500 listings of key people and companies in the music industry. If you are involved in the music industry, or want to be involved, you need the directory.
The South African Music Industry Directory is available for R50 (plus R10 postage where applicable) from the MIDI Trust offices.
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
THE MIDI TRUST: 011-482-7037
mailto:miditrus@netactive.co.za
AUTHENTIC IDEAS: 011-646-6467
mailto:samid@authentic.co.za
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TANANAS
Tananas will be appearing at WOMAD in the UK, in Reading, on Friday 21st July. They weren't included in the advance publicity, but are confirmed in the official brochure which says this is "... part of an exclusive festival visit to the northern hemisphere."
So, last year Juluka was reason enough to go, this year Tananas are!
Details available at http://www.womad.org
(Which reminds me how strange it is that there's no Tananas home page.
Leastways none that I could find!)
Nick Shears, UK
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9.REQUESTS
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FREEDOM OF INFORMATION
1) Thanks to you I have finally been able to get hold of 'Astra'. And it is every bit as good as I remember it when I last heard it some 28 years ago!
2) The CD liner notes say the original master tapes got burnt, but another set was found, hence the CD. However, the production notes say the CD was recorded directly from vinyl. Do you know which is correct?
3) Do you know if the members of the band are getting any royalties from the CD sales of 'Astra', or, if not, who is?
Ian
mailto:iannai@ntlworld.com
Freedoms Children on the net:
http://www.rock.co.za/legends/freedomschildren
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FOUR JACKS AND A JILL
I'm an American record collector, and after visiting your SA rock site, I realize that I know next to nothing about South African rock, and plan to revisit to educate myself a little. The reason I happened upon it was because I was looking for some kind of image to accompany the Four Jacks and a Jill entry in my collection database. I was glad to find a photo of the group itself on your site, but I wondered if you might have (or know of) an image of the album (or any album) on which the song appeared.
James Girard
mailto:jpgirard@ixks.com
---------------
SHATTERED
I'm looking for Falling Mirror's 'Shattered' CD.
Thanks.
Luis
mailto:luisdv@icon.co.za
Falling Mirror on the net:
http://www.rock.co.za/legends/fallingmirror
---------------
LOOKING FOR SHARON TANDY
I was at college in the 1960s. I've played drums all my life - from pop to 'progressive rock' through again to blues. For twelve years I've been in a successful blues band in Newcastle upon Tyne, UK.
If you're like me you'll have a few records you remember from different periods in your life. Mine were mostly the 60s. While I was playing in Carley Hill Blues Band as a 21 year old I always secretly preferred soul or pop. At that time I found a single - OUR DAY WILL COME by Sharon Tandy.
A close friend has a copy - I was his best man but he still won't part with it. I've tried recording it but it's too scratchy by now so I'm no better off.
As a last resort I searched the web and found a list of singles which had featured Sharon in 1967/8 and details of a band called Fleur de Luys. The singles were all on Atlantic and that's the end of the trail. I can't find anything else at all. Suddenly, there you are, voting for a song by Sharon Tandy!
Where is she? Does she still record? How can I find listings of her work or copies/CDs by her?
Cheers,
Alan Arkless,
Medomsley,
County Durham.
UK
mailto:arkady@cix.co.uk
{Ed: Sharon's real name is Finkelstein and she had a Springbok #9 in 1977 with 'I Believe In You' a duet with Graham Clarke. It was a cover of a song from Holland by Sandra & Andries. She also teamed up with Dave Ornellas from Hawk, called themselves Harvest and had a Springbok #10 hit in 1978 with 'Welcome Home' - a cover of the old Peters and Lee song which hit UK#1 in 1973.}
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BALLYHOO
I am a South African working/living just outside London. Just two nights ago my brother in law and I sat and listened to SA music (Radio Rats, Bright Blue, Ella Mental, Rabbitt, etc.) Do you know if any Ballyhoo music is available on CD??! I have 2 LP's, but would like to get something on CD. I only have 'Man on the moon' on a compilation CD.
Eric von Wielligh
mailto:bokke@sunnyspells.freeserve.co.uk
______________________________________________
10.ON THE NET
---------------
DINOSAUR DAYS
http://www.dinosaurdays.co.za
First the radio show, then the CD, now the website.
Dinosaur Days has just recently moved to its own domain
http://www.dinosaurdays.co.za
Well done to Phil Wright and Leon Economides for an excellent show and to Japie Marais for a wonderful, well-researched and up-to-date website.
Listen to 5FM on Sunday nights between 11pm and 00.30am to hear music you never dreamed they would play on the radio... ever!
----------------
AARDVARK
http://www.aardvark.co.za
Great South African Search Engine
{Ed: Aardvark was also the name of a great South African band... where are they now?}
______________________________________________
11.WHATS ON
--------------
OPPIKOPPI
http://www.oppikoppi.co.za
3-6 August - Northam
11-13 August - Worcester
August in South Africa means OppiKoppi, and this year the biggest (and best?) SA music festival will not be restricted to its usual Bushveld location in Northam. Due to a large demand from the Cape fans, the OppiKoppi organizers have arranged for a scaled down version of the festival to be held on the weekend following the northern version. The festival planned for Worcester (one hour out of Cape Town), will be hosted at the "Kleinplasie" grounds and will be a slightly scaled down "highlights" package of the bushveld leg. At this point it is envisaged that three stages (as opposed to the normal five) will be the Mainstay Main stage, a Savanna Jazz & Progressive stage and an intimate acoustic stage. Similar to the bushveld event the scope and scale of the Worcester leg will be nurtured and expanded in future years.
Acts appearing at both events include Springbok Nude Girls, Boo!, Cut La Roc (UK), Not My Dog, Interzone, Carlo Mombelli & the Prisioners of Strange (with Johnny Fourie), James Phillips 5 Year Tribute, Van der Want/ Letcher, Duusman, THC, Aavaaz, Colossal Head, Delta Blue, Firing Squad, Frosted Orange, Blues Broers. Other names confirmed for the Northam event only (so far) are Groinchurn, Selaelo Selota, Frank Opperman and Prime Time Addiction, Jimmy 12", Waddy Jones and Project 2501.
The five stages at the Northern Province event are the Mainstay Main stage, The Gauloises "le Bleu" stage, The Tassenberg Acoustic and Dance stage and the Savanna Jazz & Blues stage. After the success of impromptu performance artists during the 1999 festival, the 2000 festival will also feature a brand new performance art area as well. Confirmed acts at this early date are THC, Groinchurn, Not My Dog, Jimmy 12", and Aavaaz. Also appearing will be the regional winners of the OppiKoppi 'Battle of the Bands', including Caffeine Substitute (Durban), Kombat Fudge (PE), The Jon Savage Band (Grahamstown), Leak & the Bouncing Uptones (Pretoria), Tweak (JHB), Black Camel (Bloemfontein), and Subtle Change and No I.D., who won the Stellenbosch and Cape Town finals respectively.
It is also hoped that the new festival in the Cape will go a long way towards creating a high quality sustainable festival circuit in Southern Africa, which is one of the express aims of Carl Hoffman and the Oppikoppi organization. Now in its 6th year, OppiKoppi has grown in size and scope to become one of the most relevant and cutting edge showcases of mainly South African music. Moving from a rock based start the festival has grown to incorporate a wide array of music including, rock, jazz, dance, world, cabaret, folk, acoustic and traditional music as well as late night DJ'ing. The diverse nature of the festival has resulted in thousands of music lovers of all descriptions flocking to the festival as an almost spiritual (Glastonbury-type) annual pilgrimage.
Tickets for both events are available from Ticketweb from 10 May and will be priced at R220 for the Northam leg and R200 for the Worcester leg. Prices include access to all the stages, toilets, showers and camping facilities. Ticketweb can be contacted on 0861400500 or http://www.ticketweb.co.za.
A great deal of information regarding both festivals is available on the Oppikoppi website. A regular Oppikoppi update, with the latest news and information, can also be obtained by subscribing to the Oppikoppi mailing list from the website or by emailing mailto:oppikoppi@icon.co.za
OPPIKOPPI - FARM NOOITGEDACHT - NORTHAM
P.O BOX 56
NORTHAM
0360
PHONE: 014 - 7860597
FAX: 014 - 7860034
WEBSITE: http://www.oppikoppi.co.za
E-MAIL: oppikoppi@icon.co.za or oppikoppi@sigidi.co.za
-------------
LITTLE SISTER
http://www.littlesister.co.za
June 15 - Lesley's Bar, Long Rd. Greymont - phone 6730350
June 16 - Norwood Mardi Gras
June 17 - Elmar Park Edenvale, Crn 1st Ave and Boeing Road, Edenvale
July 1 - Northmead Mall, First Street, Northmead, Benoni
July 19 - Messina
July 28 - Trichard
July 29 - Glenn Marais, Crn Veld and Dann St, Glen Marais, Kempton Park
----------------
QZOO
http://www.qzoo.co.za
http://www.qkumbazoo.co.za
June:
Mon 12 Newcastle
Wed 14 Nelspruit - Lloyds
Fri 16 JHB - Bump Nightclub
Sat 17 Pretoria - Stardust
Supported by the Fruit Fly Navigators
-------------
WOODSTOCK SA
22nd to 25th of September
Heidelberg Kloof - Gauteng
Contact mailto:woodstock@authentic.co.za
--------------
TUMBLEWEEDS
5 Section Street
Paarden Eiland
Cape Town
(021) 510 6371
Friday 16th - The Aquarian Quartet
---------------
AUTHENTIC GIGS - JUNE, NATIONWIDE
SUGARDRIVE MINI TOUR
Wednesday 21 June
Sugardrive "In the Circle" - Bassline, 7th Street, Melville
Thursday 22 June
Sugardrive "In the Circle" - Bassline, 7th Street, Melville
57
Friday 16 June
57, Saron Gas and DJ Jordie - Kriel High School, Kriel
WATERSHED
Thursday 22 June
Watershed, Sshhh..., Up The Creek, Hilda Street, Pretoria
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
AUTHENTIC IDEAS: 011-646-6467
EMAIL: mailto:authentic@authentic.co.za
--------------
SPRINGBOK NUDE GIRLS
Thursday 15 June BAT CENTRE, Durban 031-3320451
Saturday 17 June INDIGO NIGHTCLUB, Port Elizabeth 041-5861078
____________________________________________
12.GOOSEBUMPS
-----------------
What magical music moment gives you goosebumps? It could be song, an album, a live performance or even just the intro riff of your favourite song ('Smoke On The Water', anyone?).
E-mail us and tell us about your goosebump moment.
mailto:sarockdigest@crosswinds.net
-------
JEFF BUCKLEY
The first one that comes to mind is Jeff Buckley's version of Leonard Cohen's "Hallelujah" on his album "Grace" (1994). If you have never heard Jeff Buckley, your life is incomplete. "Grace" is one of the best albums of the 90's and Buckley was probably the greatest talent of the 90s generation of rock musicians (vastly superior to the likes of Kurt Cobain) and superior even to Billy Corgan. We are talking about a phenomenal singer, great writer, and accomplished guitarist. Buckley could do justice to his own 90's alternative-cum-Zeppelin guitar bombast songs, as well as those of such diverse writers and singers as Cohen, Van Morrison, Edith Piaf, Alex Chilton's Big Star, Detroit's original garage rockers MC-5, and others. You never knew what he was going to pull out of his hat to stun you with. Give a listen to his just-released live album, "Mystery White Boy," recorded in 1995-96 in Melbourne, Sydney, Paris, Lyon, Seattle, San Francisco, and Hamburg. It concludes with an encore performance of "Hallelujah."
Bill Wolfe
Bakersfield, California, USA
(Kurt Shoemaker is not the only Yank who follows SA music: long live Springbok Nude Girls and Goddank vir klank!)
-----------
ALL OVER YOU
Ed Kowalczyk from LIVE sings 'All Over You' on an unplugged album and
there's this part when he just does the most amazing things with his voice that makes me shiver.
Nadia
____________________________________________
13.LINKS AND ADVERTS
-----------------------
ARTISTS:
SA ROCK LEGENDS
http://www.rock.co.za/legends
SA MUSICIANS ON THE NET FROM A TO Z
http://members.tripod.lycos.nl/Rembrandt/SAArtists.html
ROBIN AULD
http://www.robinauld.co.za
BERNARD BINNS
http://www.bernardbinns.co.za
PIET BOTHA & JACK HAMMER
http://www.rock.co.za/legends/pietbotha
KOOS KOMBUIS
http://www.kooskombuis.co.za
LITTLE SISTER
http://www.littlesister.co.za
OFF THE EDGE
http://www.rock.co.za/offtheedge
SPRINGBOK NUDE GIRLS
http://www.nudegirls.co.za
VALIANT SWART
http://www.valiant.co.za
ARCHIVES:
THE LEGENDS OF SOUTH AFRICAN ROCK
Where SA rock legends still live
http://cd.co.za/legends
SOUTH AFRICA'S ROCK FILES
The online archive for the History of South African Rock
http://cd.co.za/sarock
MESSAGE BOARD:
TOO GOOD TO BE FORGOTTEN
Post your message on the SA Rock message board
http://www.insidetheweb.com/mbs.cgi/mb311757
NEWS:
AMUZINE
News, views, reviews and interviews
http://www.rock.co.za/
AFRICAN INVASION OF ROCK
News, reviews and opinions
http://www.air.org.za
ARTSMART
Arts news from Kwazulu-Natal
http://www.artsmart.co.za
JOL
News, updated daily
http://www.jol.co.za
LOCAL BEAT
Entertainment news
http://entertainment.iafrica.com/localbeat/recommendedgigs
POWERZONE
News, classifieds and much more...
http://www.powerzone.co.za/
WALL OF SOUND
Up-to-date news on the International music scene
http://www.wallofsound.com
WHATS ON:
BARLEYCORN
Cape Town's Music Club
http://twisted.co.za/barleycorn/
THE BIG TREE
Gant's Centre, Strand
http://www.icon.co.za/~diner/gigs.htm
HARBOUR MUSIC CLUB
The Troubadour, Kalk Bay
Every Wednesday night 8:30
Entrance R15 - bar available
Information:
Rob Anderson (021) 7891021
mailto:anderson@botzoo.uct.ac.za
Nadia Scaillet (021) 4489834
mailto:noid@netactive.co.za
TAMBOER
Pretoria entertainment guide
http://www.tamboer.co.za
ZA@PLAY
What's on around South Africa
http://www.mg.co.za/mg/art/music/menu-music.htm
SHOPS:
MUSICA
SA's music retail chain
http://www.musica.co.za
ONE WORLD
Selling South African Music to the World
http://www.oneworld.co.za/
OUTLAW RECORDS, CAPE TOWN
http://www.outlawrecords.co.za
Branches at:
Cape Town Central (021) 4238145
Wynberg (021) 7972482
Claremont (021) 6717887
RENEGADE MUSIC
New & Used CD's
Strand concourse Cape Town
Tel (021) 4185436
N1 City Goodwood
Tel (021) 5952436
VIBES MUSIC
N1 CITY, CAPE TOWN
Phone (021) 5953220
mailto:vibes@fast.co.za
RECORD COMPANIES, LABELS & STUDIOS:
BEATROOT MUSIC
http://www.beatrootmusic.co.za/beatrootmusic.htm
CAVEMAN PRODUCTIONS
Kevin Shirley's website
http://www.cavemanproductions.com
FRESH MUSIC
Independent multi-faceted music group
http://www.fresh.co.za
GALLO MUSIC
Supporting South African Music
http://www.gallo.co.za/
MELT2000
Independent label
http://www.melt2000.com
MIGHTY MUSIC PRODUCTIONS
http://www.mightymusic.co.za/
MOUNTAIN RECORDS
Music from and about Africa
http://www.mountain-africa.com
MUSIC FOR THE MASSES
Off Centre * Tic Tic Bang * Season To Taste * Shrapnel
Local & imported product
mailto:tictic@iafrica.com
mailto:tasty@iafrica.com
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
RIESTER INTERNATIONAL RECORDS
Independent SA record company
http://www.riester-records.co.za/
STREET LEVEL RECORDS
Cape Town's Independent Record Label
http://www.streetlevel.co.za/
SUNSET STUDIOS
Stellenbosch Recording Studio
http://www.freeyellow.com/members2/sunsetsound/index.html
TEQUILA MUSIC
The Home of African Music
http://www.tequila.co.za
TL MASTERING
http://www.tl-mastering.com
Digital Mastering, Editing and Remastering
mailto:prozak@iafrica.com
phone: 082 701 5096
RESOURCES:
BACKSTAGE
The Musician's Resource
http://www.backstage.co.za/
PEDRO THE MUSIC MAN
Music teacher
http://users.iafrica.com/m/mu/musicman
ROCK ARCHIVE CD-ROM
For more info or to buy/trade this CD-ROM contact:
Werner Regenthal
mailto:wrkohnse@zaz.com.br
ROCK DAY BY DAY
The history of rock as it happened
http://www.rockdaybyday.com
SA MUSIC DATABASE
Over 100 links relating to South African music
http://members.xoom.com/samusicd/links.html
SHOW VILLAGE
sound - lights - dance
http://www.showvillage.co.za
MAGAZINES:
AMUZINE
African Music Magazine
http://www.cd.co.za
SLY
Online magazine
http://www.sly.co.za/
STAGE
SA Music magazine
http://www.stage.co.za
RADIO:
DINOSAUR DAYS
The radio show, the CDs, the website
http://www.dinosaurdays.co.za
CAPITAL RADIO 604
Remembering Capital 604 (1979 to 1996)
http://www.Capital604.com
FMC RADIO
Internet radio supporting local music
http://www.fullmoonconcerts.co.za
SAFM
South African Radio Station
http://www.safm.co.za
BOOKS:
THE HISTORY OF CONTEMPORARY MUSIC OF SOUTH AFRICA
Garth Chilvers and Tom Jasiukowicz (TOGA, 1994)
http://www.rock.co.za/files/book_order.html
KOOS se SONGS
Koos Kombuis
http://www.oneworld.co.za
TRIVIA:
CLIMB UP ON MY MUSIC
A site dedicated to Rodriguez, the Sugar Man
http://www.rock.co.za/files/rodriguez.html
IMAGES OF ROCK
Your Ultimate Rock And Roll Experience
http://www.imagesofrock.com
POP SHOP TRACK LISTINGS
A tribute to those great Pop Shop albums
http://members.tripod.lycos.nl/Rembrandt/PopShop/PopShopHome.html
SPACE HYMNS
The only known website for Ramases
http://www.rock.co.za/ramases
VAGABOND'S WORLD
a rock music trivia site
http://cd.co.za/vagabond
PIOTR'S GREEN PAGES
Discographies and lyrics for the legends of rock
http://www.zetosa.com.pl/piotrus/greenpages
FESTIVALS:
SPLASHY FEN
The festival, the CD, the book, the website
http://www.splashyfen.co.za
OPPIKOPPI
http://www.oppikoppi.co.za
RUSTLERS VALLEY
http://www.rustlers.co.za
MUSIC ON-LINE:
CDDB
CD Database Online
http://www7.cddb.com/
CDMAX
CD player for accessing the online CD database http://www.mindspring.com/~clark_tisdale/CDmax/
DIGITAL CUPBOARD
African music, MP3s and more...
http://www.digitalcupboard.co.za
MP3.COM
Listen to MP3s of South African artists
http://www.mp3.com/regions/africa/south_africa/
MP3 SOFTWARE
Links to download sites
http://www.rock.co.za/files/mp3software.html
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14.BACK ISSUES
---------------
BACK ISSUES
http://www.rock.co.za/sarockdigest
On-line and keyword searchable
__________________________________________
15.CONTRIBUTIONS
-----------------
This e-mag is a discussion forum for rock and pop music --
South African and International -- past, present and future.
All contributions are welcome, send them to:
http://www.rock.co.za/contact
or email Brian Currin at:
mailto:brian.currin@new.co.za
All contributions in plain text e-mail format with no attachments, please.
The following types of contributions may be ignored
as they take a while to fix:
HTML format e-mails (Outlook users, please note)
e-mails all in lowercase
e-mails all in CAPITALS
e-mails with attachments
Any e-mail with an ".exe" file attached will be automatically trashed so please don't even try.
________________________________________
16.SUBSCRIPTIONS
----------------
Send 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/sarockdigest and fill in the simple form.
--------
Want to unsubscribe from this e-mag?
Surely not, but if you really must, then just reply to this e-mail,
saying "I'm bored" or "get me out of here" or "I've had enough" or whatever. I'll get the idea, eventually.
"unsubscribe digest" has been known to work too...
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