SA ROCK DIGEST ISSUE #96
http://www.sarockdigest.com
4th March 2001
The South African Rock Music Digest
is a weekly, free, subscription e-mag,
edited by Brian Currin and Stephen Segerman
and delivered direct to your e-mailbox.
Established 27th January 1999.
To unsubscribe - send mail to:
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CONTENTS
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1.NEWS - Off The Edge, Helen Desbois, Retro Fresh, This Is My Song, Justin Bergh, Southern Cross Festival
2.CHARTS - Top Selling SA CDs, Top SA Albums, Top SA Songs, Top 20 MP3 downloads
3.CD REVIEWS - Venessa Nolan
4.CLASSIC ROCK - Tim Buckley, Finch & Henson, Robin Auld
5.LIVE REVIEWS & GIG INFO - Mel C
6.FORUM, REQUESTS & FEEDBACK - Virus Hoaxes, Just Jinger, Jugular Jive, Shaka Zulu, Steely Dan, Chris Hattingh
7.LINKS
8.BACK ISSUES
9.CONTRIBUTIONS
10.CONTACT DETAILS
11.SUBSCRIPTIONS
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PRESS RELEASES AND CONTRIBUTIONS
Press releases:
Please submit all press releases to Sugar at mailto:sugar@cd.co.za by Friday each week.
Contributions:
Please submit all contributions, reviews, gigs, requests, searches and comments by filling in the form at:
http://www.rock.co.za/contact
or email Brian Currin at:
mailto:sarock@sarockdigest.com
Further info and contact details are at the end of this newsletter.
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1.NEWS
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NEW SINGER FOR OFF THE EDGE
Giselle Mynhardt has joined Off The Edge as they start recording their 4th official album. Judy Marshall had moved to Australia last year after the success of 'Just Another Band' which was released in March 2000. Read more on their website at:
http://www.rock.co.za/offtheedge
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WHO IS HELEN DESBOIS?
The name Helen Desbois initially caught our attention as one of the recent SAMA nominees in the 'Best Pop/Rock Single' category, for her song 'Anything'. Both the name and the song didn't jangle any immediate bells and it was obviously overshadowed by Casey B's surprise inclusion in the same group. But it seems Helen has her sights set far higher, as 'Anything', already appears on the soundtrack of the new Gwyneth Paltrow/Ben Afflek film, 'Bounce', which recently began its screening in SA. It's not often that a SA song lands on a mainstream Hollywood soundtrack, alongside the likes of Beth Orton, Carly Simon, Morcheeba, and Sophie B Hawkins.
'Anything' was written by Pam Sheyne, one of the hottest international songwriters of the past few years, whose recent successes include Christina Aguilera's smash hit 'Genie In A Bottle', and the recent No.2 Billboard sensation, 'He Loves You Not', by Dream. Helen's CV includes children's theatre, TV and cinema commercials, TV drama, a number of stage musicals, and a recent appearance in the very successful stage production of Ben Elton's 'Popcorn'. 'Anything' is released on Gallo Records. (SS)
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SA ROCK LEGENDS RE-ISSUED BY RETRO FRESH
March... Hawk - African Day; Falling Mirror - Johnny calls the chemist; The Dynamics - The Dynamics; éVoid - Here comes the rot
April.... Dog Detachment - Best kept Secrets; The Sweatband - The Sweatband; Freedom's Children - Galactic Vibes; Peach - On loan for evolution; Circus - In the Arena
May... Suck - Time to suck; Abstract Truth - Silver Trees; Falling Mirror - Zen Boulders; Lesley Rae Dowling - Unravished Brides;
Hawk - Africa she too can cry
June.... Otis Waygood - Simply Otis Waygood; Via Afrika - Scent of scandal; Freedom's Children - Astra; Tribe after Tribe
The Legends Of SA Rock
http://www.rock.co.za/legends
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THIS IS MY SONG
A 2CD compilation (in a slim-line jewel-case) of 50 all-time pop classics from the 50's, 60's and 70's, plus a 51st 'bonus' track - a brand new recording of the title track by the legendary Rockets from Cape Town.
This treasure-chest of golden musical memories embraces songs of an inspirational, emotional and romantic persuasion - songs of hope, love and dreams.
A full review should be appearing here soon.
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JUSTIN BERGH TO SUPPORT COLLECTIVE SOUL
Cape Town pop rocker Justin Bergh has just been announced as the support act for the March 8 Cape Town show by US superstars Collective Soul. Young Justin released his hard rocking debut album ‘Love The Sinner’ in 2000 and has enjoyed much airplay success with his hits 'Love The Sinner Not The Sin' and 'No Ordinary World'.
The gig is a big breakthrough for the young singer/songwriter and he is obviously hugely excited about the prospect of opening for one of the biggest names in contemporary rock 'n roll, as he explained on hearing the news: "I’m over the moon! Obviously a little nervous, yet excited to be supporting such a great band. It’ll be great!"
Justin will be doing a 30 minute set consisting of his above-mentioned hits, as well as his next single 'Me and You', and other album favourites- 'Let It Bleed' (not a Stones cover), and 'So Satisfied' (definitely not a Stones cover).
For further information or an interview with Justin contact:
Daniel Barker
BMG Records Africa
Tel: 011 242 3000
Fax: 011 242 3030
Email: mailto:daniel.barker@bertelsmann.de
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THE SOUTHERN CROSS FESTIVAL 2001
The Southern Cross Festival 2001 will be staged for the third time this year in Middlerus, Mooi River Valley, Kwa-Zulu Natal from 30 March to 1 April. The organizers have promised a weekend of entertainment bigger and better than before with an exceptionally strong line-up of top local artistes.
Over five thousand people are expected to join in the weekend activities, which includes various stages, a dance arena, lifestyle and outdoor activities against a mountain backdrop and 7.5kilometres of the Mooi River. The Mooi River has been tested for Cholera and has been pronounced safe and free of infection. The National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) will be present throughout the festival to help revellers who indulge in the river tubing and other water sports.
Whilst the full line-up is yet to be released, organizers have confirmed that top rock acts such as the Springbok Nude Girls, Sugardrive and Saron Gas will perform alongside exceptional artistes such as Tananas, Landscape Prayers, and Amakool. Southern Cross Promotions supports local musicians, by providing them with opportunities to showcase, and to share the audience of mainline international artistes. The event will showcase collaborations between black and white musicians and encourages racial development.
Tickets are available through Ticketweb @ R190.00, (earlybird special R175 until 14 March 2001) or through the Kwa-Zulu Natal Folk clubs @ R150.00, or at the gate @ R200.00 and are available immediately.
More information will be released at the forthcoming media briefing.
Otherwise, please contact:
Authentic Ideas - Beth or Nancy
Phone: 011 646 6467
email: mailto:beth@authentic.co.za
email: mailto:nancy@authentic.co.za
Website: http://www.sxpromo.com
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2.CHARTS
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2a. TOP 10 SOUTH AFRICAN CDs
1. Saron Gas - Fragile
2. Mandoza - Nkalakatha
3. Mango Groove - Best Of
4. Kombuis, Koos - Greatest Hits
5. Kerkorrel, Johannes - Die Ander Kant
6. Springbok Nude Girls - Relaxor
7. Rauch, Laurika - Hei, Mevrou Brown
8. Masekela, Hugh - Sixty
9. Fassie, Brenda - Amadlozi
10. Fassie, Brenda - Memeza
Supplied by One World
http://www.oneworld.co.za
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2b.THE SA ROCK DIGEST TOP 20 SOUTH AFRICAN ALBUMS OF THE WEEK
This week [last week] Title - Artist (Label)
1. [1] Full Circle - Toxic Shame (Universal)
2. [-] Burn - Venessa Nolan (Rhythm)
3. [3] Keeping It Real - Fudge (Indie)
4. [11] Steady On - Moodphase 5ive (African Dope)
5. [4] Play My Way - Matthew van der Want (Bitchin' Pitchin')
6. [6] Gathering - Marcus Wyatt (Sheer Sound)
7. [5] IT - Various Cape Town Artists (Nkomo Records)
8. [2] Fragile - Saron Gas (Musketeer)
9. [7] Bootleg (live) - Piet Botha and Jack Hammer (Pofadder)
10. [12] Otis Waygood Blues Band - Otis Waygood Blues Band (RetroFresh)
11. [9] TajMahala - Sharkbrother (Indie)
12. [-] In The Circle - Sugardrive (Undercover)
13. [10] Relaxzor - Springbok Nude Girls (Sony)
14. [8] Sounds Delicious - Home Cooking (Indie)
15. [13] Tattered and Torn - Henry Ate (EMI)
16. [14] Blk Sonshine - Blk Sonshine (Fresh)
17. [18] Via Afrika - Via Afrika (Retro Fresh)
18. [19] Iron In The Sky - Robin Auld (Value Music)
19. [16] Greatest Hits - Koos Kombuis (Gallo)
20. [15] Shattered - Falling Mirror (Tusk)
Sponsored by Networld
http://www.new.co.za
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2c. THE SA ROCK DIGEST TOP 20 SOUTH AFRICAN SONGS OF THE WEEK
This week [last week] Title - Artist (Album/ Label)
1. [1] Afrodisiac - Jorge Carlos (‘African Spirit’/Spirit Zone)
2. [-] Why - Venessa Nolan ('Burn'/Rhythm)
3. [8] Still Want You Back - Age Of Innocence ('Nowhere Land'/Indie)
4. [4] U Are Not What You Are - Fudge ('Keeping It Real'/Indie)
5. [2] One Time - Matthew van der Want ('Play My Way'/Bitchin' Pitchin')
6. [17] Rise 'n Shine - Moodphase 5ive ('Steady On'/African Dope)
7. [10] What The Hell - Ghost ('Presentation'/demo)
8. [12] Lebohang - The Getout ('Emerge and See'/Wizards)
9. [3] Indian Ocean - Home Cooking (‘Sounds Delicious’/Indie)
10. [14] Johnny Calls The Chemist - Falling Mirror ('Shattered'/Tusk)
11. [5] Sittin' (Take Me Home) - Toxic Shame ('Full Circle'/Universal)
12. [11] Meteor - Sugardrive ('In The Circle'/Gallo)
13. [13] Dreams - Age Of Innocence ('Nowhere Land'/Indie)
14. [7] Welcome To Azania (live) - Jack Hammer ('Bootleg'/Pofadder)
15. [9] Give Me The Good News 1994 Remix - Crocodile Harris (EP/One World)
16. [16] Emptiness High - Venessa Nolan ('Burn'/Rhythm)
17. [6] Dolly Mae (live) - Blues Broers ('Cellar Tapes'/Guava)
18. [18] Finger Painting A Masterpiece - Blk Sonshine ('Blk Sonshine'/Fresh)
19. [19] Hey Boy - Via Afrika ('Via Afrika'/RetroFresh)
20. [20] Dirt - 1931 Raygun ('It'/Nkomo)
Sponsored by Networld
http://www.new.co.za
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2d.DIGITAL CUPBOARD'S TOP 20 SOUTH AFRICAN MP3 DOWNLOADS
This week [last week] Title - Artist
(Style)
1. [1] Beautiful Thing - E'smile
(African R&B)
2. [4] Wena U Bani...? - O'Da Meesta
(Kwaito)
3. [2] Margarida - Choppa
(Latino Kwaito)
4. [3] Abelungu - Amaryoni
(Zulu a capella)
5. [5] Is Is Chisa - DJ Chepad
(Kwaito)
6. [20] Makoti - Yvonne Chaka Chaka
(African Pop)
7. [9] Kom Kom - Kom Kom
(Kwaito)
8. [6] Sandla Ngena La - African Roots
(African Reggae)
9. [7] Alien Hand Symphony - asqus
(Experimental Dance)
10. [13] Asyn - Brixton Moord & Roof Orkes
(Afrikaans Alternative)
11. [RE] Mina Ngeke Ngilunge - Yvonne Chaka Chaka
(African Pop)
12. [-] Nothing Seems To Shake Me - New Clouded Yellow
(Alternative)
13. [15] Foreplay - Ghetto Luv
(R&B Kwaito)
14. [12] Happy Mzanje - Katrina Fountain
(African Jazz)
15. [8] Sibali - Khumbula
(African Pop Fusion)
16. [NE] Skyscrapers - Liela Groenewald
(Afrikaans Folk)
17. [10] Bonita (Kyllex Mix) - Choppa
(Kwaito)
18. [18] Thina Siyajabula - Impulse
(African Gospel)
19. [RE] Motherhush - Fetish
(Alternative)
20. [RE] I Love the Rain - E nergi
(Reggae Kwaito)
Supplied by Digital Cupboard
http://www.digitalcupboard.co.za
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3. CD REVIEWS
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BURN - VENESSA NOLAN
Commuters driving in and out of Cape Town via the Table Bay Boulevard recently have been treated to a huge Musica billboard featuring a black and white, close-up photo of a moody, attractive, hair-swept face alongside the words "Venessa Nolan" and "Burn". That’s some impressive and confident opening publicity for an unknown, new SA artist, but sometimes you really do have to make sure that the public is made well aware of certain important things. One of them is that ‘Burn’ is the new, personal and powerful, 38-minute, 10-song, debut album from the lady in the picture. It may not be of musical interest to some of those drivers, but if you are someone who has been noticing and appreciating the marked increase in the number of South African rock singer-songwriters who are releasing intelligent albums aimed at heads and hearts, but not feet, then this billboard carries some very good news.
Venessa Nolan is a Cape Town-based pianist singer-songwriter who has quietly emerged after a broad musical education at UCT Music School and Bellville’s Contemporary Music School. She then spent four skills-honing years as pianist on a handful of Mike McCullagh’s pop/rock revues (’60 and 70-Something’, ‘Stage Fright’), and a further three-year "apprenticeship" at the Silver Tulip Studios in Camps Bay. Three of the songs on ‘Burn’ - ‘Losing Control’, ‘I Won’t Give Up’, and ‘With You’ - were produced earlier by Nude Girl Theo Crous. ‘With You’ immediately caught the attention of Barney Simon at 5FM and other campus station playlisters. So Venessa headed back to the Sunset Studios and completed the ‘Burn’ album, this time alongside producer Jurgen von Wechmar.
These are all Venessa’s own compositions and although the track ‘With You’ did get decent airplay, this album is not remotely a few potential hits with some filler. Instead, ‘Burn’ is an accomplished and mature album with 10 slow-burning, sensitive and solid ballads, all built around a strong piano writing and playing core, and intelligent arrangements. There’s plenty of anxiety, anger, hope and joy in songs like ‘Haunted’, ‘Fragile’, ‘Glorious Gem', and the infectious ‘Emptiness High’, and worthy contributions from the backing musicians, specially Wayne Pauli on emotive guitar, supporting keyboard flourishes from Nicolette Strachan and restrained and empathetic drum and bass from Carl Treunich and Dave Adamson.
‘Burn’ takes its own sweet time, and each song’s personality reveals itself gradually. There’s a touch of Michelle Breeze’s moody lyrics and vocals (‘Don’t Drag Me Down’), and a few traces of Lesley Ray Dowling’s recent sound and style as well, which is not surprising as Von Wechmar also worked on Dowling’s ‘Clear’ album. Combine the best elements of those two angsty Cape rock divas and you get some idea of what Venessa has achieved with ‘Burn’.
This manifests itself best on the stirring, closing track, ‘Why’, whose poignant lyrics, including - "Is there anyone that listens to the news when all you hear is senseless killings. Is there a light at the end of darkness, is there a reason for this?" - echo the hopes and fears of many South Africans these days over some sombre piano and distant, guitar groans. Venessa Nolan clearly has the ability to pour out songs that are beautiful, inspiring, and achingly personal; yet which grow more, instead of less, intriguing as ‘Burn’ slowly insinuates itself into your heart, which it definitely did to mine. A small, brave, stunning, billboard-sized album. (8) (SS)
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4. CLASSIC ROCK
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SHILOH'S CORNER
TIM BUCKLEY
From amidst the flowery sixties came a golden voice that spanned the range from baritone to tenor. His name was Tim Buckley, a highly respected poet, singer, songwriter that started his career in the early sixties with bassist Tim Fielder (later with Buffalo Springfield and Blood, Sweat and Tears). The lucky break came when Frank Zappa's manager, Herb Cohen, spotted him in a coffee shop and got him a deal with Elektra in 1966. Buckley was a fragile, poetical character that gave himself freely to creative visions. His close association with John Sebastian and Jerry Yester of Loving Spoonful stimulated his desire to explore avant-garde jazz. He even recorded in Swahili. During Buckley's career he released nine albums which had considerable variations. His finest release, Goodbye and Hello, had actually made the charts and his musical ability had the admiration of Jacques Brel and opera singers Paul Robeson / Leontyne Price.
He insisted on improvisation that in one sense proved financially disastrous, yet his loyal following were larger than what was perceived and appeared in splashes of colour everywhere. In the seventies he stepped out of the heady paisley folk of the sixties and released his Greetings from L.A., a funky jazz album drenched in soul and lyrical genius. Buckley's music gave us mirrors, which fuelled creative fires from beginning to end. A memorable concert in 1968 at the Queen Elizabeth hall, London, with his original line up and on short notice, Danny Thompson on bass from Pentangle, revealed the true dimension of this hippie genius.
His prime gift was the way he used his voice to carry the lyrics. He never sold his integrity for money, and nor did those that stuck by him and in the words of Lee Underwood (his lead guitarist), he did with his voice what Hendrix did for the guitar, what John Coltrane did for the saxophone. In June 29, 1975, Buckley died of a morphine overdose. Buckley's son Jeff, who barely knew his father, launched his career in 1994, which also sadly ended with a drowning in the Mississippi River. In June 1977 Down Beat magazine gave us a virtuous epitaph: "He held hands with the world for a while, he burned with a very special flame, he re-etched the face of the lives of all who knew him, he gave in fire and fury."
In my own personal life and career in music no musician / poet has touched me more deeply than Tim Buckley. He is the image of Flower Power, the sincerity of soul, expounding what every junkie sought after - to live forever in love, peace and harmony.
In 1992 I had the honour of listening to Jeff Buckley as a rather unknown back-up guitarist for Stone Roses. As I closed my eyes, without a doubt, the ghost of Tim once again tainted the walls of the Paradiso in Amsterdam. Like father to son, son of the father.
Shiloh Noone, Cape Town
mailto:shiloh_noone@hotmail.com
http://www.sarockdigest.com/shiloh
Blues and Variation
Fine Music Radio 101.3 FM
Wednesdays 10 pm
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USA FOR AFRICA
Texas-based Kurt Shoemaker gives his unique views on SA music
FREE AND EASY - THE VERY BEST OF FINCH AND HENSON (1993)
http://www.rock.co.za/legends
Fine singing and songwriting from the duo of Brian Finch and Ken E. Henson. According to the liner notes by David Marks, Finch and Henson have paid dues "6 nights a week sometimes five hours a night for twenty years." They've also been in a few bands that have brand-name recognition: Freedom's Children, Abstract Truth, LeeMen Ltd., and others. They've also worked with some greats: 'Mutt' Lange, Kevin Kruger, and David Marks at 3rd Ear Music, and some musos who have worked with Finch and Henson call them greats.
I put this CD on expecting a folkier sound, but the cool steel breeze of 'Oh Brother (You've Got a Long Way to Go)' blew in instead. The title track song 'Free and Easy' is eminently sing-along-able. 'Belinda Lou' was a hit for Finch and Henson and also appeared on the first 'Sharp Cuts' compilation. The only cover tune is a fine version of Warren Zevon's 'Roland, the Headless Thompson Gunner'. The songs on 'Free and Easy' range from electric folk to spacey rock, as with 'Cherry Rose' and 'Lonely Spaceman'.
Some songs are pretty rock, and there is nothing wrong with pretty music. Other songs have moody vocals and soaring ethereal guitars ('Playgrounds In Paradise'), down home country ('Good Times' and 'I Love You a Little More Everyday'), or melodic and hooky ('Lazy Woman'). Fine songwriting, excellent guitar-playing, convincing singing -- what more does one ask for?
Brian's singing is always convincing. He lives the song he is singing and is not a human jukebox that mechanically turns out a performance, but a quality singer and songwriter. Henson consistently plays lovely leads and plucks beautiful fills, as on 'Free and Easy'. He picks a note-filled guitar and seems to be trying to empty it of notes.
I can't say Ken and Brian sound like Loggins and Messina, because they don't. Nor can I say they are like the Eagles, though there is a touch of California in their sound. I can't make those comparisons because the Finch-penned songs, and the one Finch and Henson share credits on (the driving 'Kokstad'), all sound like Finch and Henson. Thirteen songs are Brian Finch compositions -- and he composes a fine tune. Finch has plenty of music in him, and plenty of ways to say it.
Some songs are punched into rock territory by a back beat and assertive guitars. In the book, 'History of Contemporary Music of South Africa', Chilvers and Jasiukowicz describe Henson as "...master of the laid back guitar", but to me he sounds more like a master of finesse playing.
Just as a live show by Finch and Henson goes down well with the audience in Durban or Cape Town, I am sure a Finch and Henson show would be a hit with a Texas audience at Luckenbach Dance Hall, 22 miles down the road from here.
Kurt Shoemaker, Blanco, Texas
mailto:kurt@sarockdigest.com
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JOHN SAMSON
London-based John Samson gives his own twist on SA music
LOVE KILLS - ROBIN AULD (1991 in SA, 1995 in Germany)
http://www.rock.co.za/legends/
After living in London for a bit Robin Auld returned to S.A. and made the album 'Love Kills'. The album went on to win the OKTV Award for best rock album and it's not hard to see why. Auld is able to write quality AOR songs and delivers them with gusto, but is able to retain a laid back feel throughout.
The first half of the album is pure rock, while in the second half he starts introducing an African township element, particularly on 'Lucy' which has all the feel of a Bright Blue song. The guitar contribution by Johnny Clegg on 'Charlie Go Crazy' adds to this feel. On top of this, there are some brilliant rock guitar riffs to keep the pure rock contingent happy (Check out the intro to 'Perfect Day').
Robin's rough edged vocals are taken from the Bryan Adams school of voice (with Joe Cocker as headmaster), although they are thankfully never given the full groin straining, face distoring treatment. This control compliments the relaxed nature of the songs.
The track listing could probably win the award for the most number of non-cover versions on a rock album, there's 'Love Kills' (not the Freddie Mercury song), 'Perfect Day' (not the Lou Reed song), 'Mandy' (thankfully not the Barry Manilow song), not Prince's 'Dirty Mind' and neither is it Nick Cave's 'Lucy'. It is also the only album I know of that contains a song about Sasolburg.
This is an album full of feel good, laid back but still rock, township tinged songs that are pleasant on the ear. Carefully crafted and perfectly executed, it's another quality offering from one of South Africa's premier songwriters.
John Samson, London, UK
mailto:john@sarockdigest.com
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SPRINGBOK RADIO CHARTS: 30 YEARS AGO
http://www.rock.co.za/charts
Friday, 5 March 1971
This week [last week] Title - Artist
1. [2] Knock Three Times - Dawn
2. [4] Rose Garden - Lynn Anderson
3. [1] No Matter What - Badfinger
4. [3] I Hear You Knockin' - Dave Edmunds
5. [5] Look Out Here Comes Tomorrow - The Dealians*
6. [12] Do It - Neil Diamond
7. [8] See Me, Feel Me - The Who
8. [9] Mendocino - Mike Holm
9. [10] Sailing - Fuzz*
10. [6] Gypsy Woman - Brian Hyland
* SA artists
Supplied by John Samson
mailto:john@sarockdigest.com
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SA RADIO CHARTS 1969-1989
http://www.rock.co.za/charts
South African artists who were at number 1 this week:
I Don't Wanna Play House - Barbara Ray (1973)
Substitute - Clout (1978)
Supplied by John Samson
mailto:john@sarockdigest.com
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TOP 10 SA CLASSIC ROCK ALBUMS
1.Africa She Too Can Cry - Hawk (1972)
2.African Day - Hawk (1971)
3.Battle Hymn Of The Broken Hearted Horde - Freedoms Children (1968)
4.Boys Will Be Boys - Rabbitt (1975)
5.Live And Well - Hawk (1974)
6.A Croak And A Grunt In The Night - Rabbitt (1977)
7.In The Arena - Circus (1977)
8.Jack Of All Trades - Jack Hammer (1987)
9.Astra - Freedoms Children (1970)*
10.Otis Waygood Blues Band (1970)*
As voted by visitors to the SA Rock Files website
http://www.freevote.com/booth/sarock
* Available on CD from http://www.oneworld.co.za
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TOP 10 ALL-TIME GREAT SA POP AND ROCK SONGS
1.Master Jack - Four Jacks And A Jill (1968)
2.Hey Boy - Via Afrika (1983)
3.Weeping - Bright Blue (1987)
4.As I Went Out One Morning (Damsel) - Tribe After Tribe (1985)
5.This Boy - Sweatband (1986)
6.See Yourself (Clowns) - EllaMental (1984)
7.ZX Dan - Radio Rats (1978)
8.My Kind Of Girl - Cinema (1988)
9.Who Killed Kurt Cobain - Koos Kombuis (1997)
10.Special Star - Mango Groove (1989)
As voted by visitors to the SA Rock Files website
http://www.freevote.com/booth/sapop
All these songs are available on various CDs if you look hard enough.
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BIRTHDAYS - MARCH
1 - Roger Daltrey (The Who) (1945)
2 - Karen Carpenter (1950, died 4 Feb 1983)
2 - Lou Reed (1943)
6 - Dave Gilmour (Pink Floyd) (1946)
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5.LIVE REVIEWS AND GIG INFO
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MELANIE C LIVE IN CONCERT
at Carnival City, Top Arena, Gauteng - Feb 2001
by André Bakkes
The crowd arriving for the first concert on SA soil by a member of the Spice Girls (Sporty Spice, in case you didn’t know), ranged in age from about 8 to 60, giving a strong indication of how broad Melanie Chisholm’s SA fanbase actually is. Support band Henry Ate started proceedings at 8 with a slowish song before Karma and her gang began raising the temperature, getting the whole crowd bopping and excited. But their set seemed too short (a good sign!) and the wait for Melanie C seemed a bit long, begging the question - why not give the support band more than the regulation 30 minutes?
When the main set began, the crowd seemed a bit overawed [Of course they were! She’s a Spice Girl!!, um, sorry - Ed], but Melanie loosened them up and they soon overcame their 'awe’ and started enjoying the show. Mel C has been dubbed "The Spice Girl that grew up" [More like "grew out" - Ed] and displayed the enthusiasm, cool and drive which has seen her achieve great success, both on the charts and on stage, away from the "Girls". She has a vibrant solo act, and her energy got through to the crowd, specially when she sang ‘Ga Ga’ and ‘I Turn To You’. Audience participation increased dramatically as she lifted her act and continued to communicate with the wild fans.
Melanie C delivered all those big hits off her ‘Northern Star’ album (all of which she wrote herself) - ’If That Were Me’, ‘Go!’, ‘Northern Star’ - and the show ended with ‘Never Be The Same Again’, which brought the house down and ended the concert on a powerful note. As an extra gesture from this one-off SA appearance, the Cotlands Baby Shelter and the Variety Club Charities for Children were the beneficiaries of the proceeds from this concert. Nice one Melanie!!
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AUTHENTIC ARTISTS GIGS
Sugardrive ("Mentos In The Circle Tour")
Saturday 10 March - Boogie Nights, Lynwood Rd, Pretoria
Wednesday 14 March - Mr Price, Pavillion, Durban. Closed to the public.
Wonderboom
Saturday 17 March - Boogie Nights, Lynwood Rd, Pretoria
57
Thursday 15 March - Up The Creek, Hilda Rd, Hatfield, Pretoria
Barney Simon
Friday 16 March - Bourbon Street, Potchefstroom
Justin Vee
Saturday 10 March - Numbers, East London
Manuel
Saturday 10 March - Numbers, East London
More info on any of these gigs or artists c/o:
AUTHENTIC IDEAS: 011-646-6467
Beth: 083-463-8712
email: beth@authentic.co.za
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BASSLINE
http://www.basslinejazzclub.co.za
MARCH 2001
Tues 6th: TONY COX - R 30 - 9:30pm
Wed 7th & Thurs 8th: LANDSCAPE PRAYERS - R 30 - 9:30pm
Fri 9th & Sat 10th: CASTLE MILK STOUT presents:
JOHNNY FOURIE & ALLEN KWELA
- R 40 - 9:30pm
Sun 11th: 4:30pm - 5:30pm - M7 lecture with Abdullah Ibrahim - R 30 (All
proceeds go to the M7 project!)
7:00pm - ABDULLAH IBRAHIM - SOLO - R 100
Tues 13th: TONY COX - R 30 - 9:30pm
Wed 14th & Thurs 15th: LIONEL BASTOS - R 30 - 9:30pm
Fri 16th & Sat 17th: CASTLE MILK STOUT presents: MOSES KHUMALO (sax) - R
30 - 9:30pm
Sun 18th: NIBS VAN DER SPY (Landscape Prayers) & BRENDAN DURY (Ohm ) - R
30 - 9:00pm
Tues 20th: UMANJI - R 30 - 9:30pm
---------------
BINARY
Friday the 9th of March 2001 - Binary will be headlining the RED -
Festival that will be held at RAU in D - Lab. R15 gets you in.
Bands start at around 17h00; DJ's will take over the second part of
the evening. Flat World Society & Tweak will be there as well.
Wednesday the 14th of March @ Demolition (Cnr Hillcrest and Conrad
Dr, Blairgowrie) / R10 @ door.
---------------
FETISH
March 20 - The Jam
March - Bloemfontein Festival (Dates TBA)
April - Bargos in Durban (Dates TBA)
---------------
HARBOUR MUSIC CLUB
The Troubadour, Kalk Bay
Every Wednesday night 8:30
Entrance R15 - bar available
Rob Anderson (021) 7891021
mailto:anderson@botzoo.uct.ac.za
Nadia Scaillet (021) 4489834
mailto:noid@netactive.co.za
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‘HARBOUR’ - THE KALK BAY MUSICAL
"There’s a mellow moon a-hiding behind the Harbour wall tonight, I could dance in its reflection if I could get out behind the lights". David Muller, the flamboyant and well-known local actor returns to the stage as ‘Tommy’ in the HomeGrown Kalk Bay musical play, ‘Harbour’, written by Seymour Howe, now brought back by popular demand.
The musical presents a slice out of the life of a local fisherman, ‘Tommy’, whose family have run the seas around False Bay since before the railway line came through. Tommy leads the audience on a mystical journey from Kalk Bay to Devil’s Peak, from Smitswinkel Bay to Namaqualand, sharing his simple insights into "Life, Laughter and Loss", and the two loves of his life - his faithful boat, ‘Maraai KB 683’, and his not-so-faithful "goose", Maraai. The play is woven around the music of Bill Knight, a Cape-based singer-songwriter of long standing.
Don’t miss this delightful, warm and amusing musical at:
The Troubadour, Kalk Bay on March 9 & 10.
Booking is essential - Phone Ken at 782-2268.
Contact Bill Knight direct: mailto:smitsite@mweb.co.za
Or see http://www.billknight.faithweb.com
--------------
THE JAM
43 De Villiers Road, District Six, Cape Town - next to The Shack
March
Wed 7: Boo!
Fri 9: Stanton Warriors
Sat 10: Homegrown
Sat 17: Boogie Down Knights
Tue 20: Fetish
Sat 24: Funkromania IRMA
Fri 30: Alternative Nation
Sat 31: Algorythm
For any more info, please contact us on 021-465 2106
or e-mail mailto:live@thejam.co.za
--------------
JULIAN'S
http://www.julianlaxton.com
Wednesdays from 9 P.M. Blues Rock with "The Julian Laxton Band". R25
Ladies free till 10pm.
Thursdays from 9 P.M. Unplugged blues with "The Mississippi Muthers
Duo". No cover charge.
Fridays from 9 P.M. Blues with "The Mississippi Muthers". R30.
Saturdays from 8.30 "THE LEGEND OF CLAPTON". Last Show Feb 24 featuring
The Julian Laxton Band. A musical review of the life and music of Eric
Clapton from his school days till present. Book at Computicket/door. R60 . Coming soon "The Legend of Jimi Hendrix".
Info 011-678-2880
Sundays from 2 P.M. Beer Braai & Music in the Garden with Colin Shamley.
Sundays from 6.30 P.M. jazz/blues/jungle Fusion with "Highway Jam". R25
---------------
KOOS KOMBUIS
http://www.kooskombuis.co.za
7 Maart: NTN, Windhoek
30 Maart: Woordfees, HB Thom, Stellenbosch
11, 12, 13, 14 April: KKNK, Banketsaal, Oudtshoorn
---------------
MUTTZ NUTTZ
MuTTz nUttZ are a new band, and they're about to take their dog show on the road. Check 'em out at The Big Easy in Kensington on Tuesday 13 March. 69 Langerman Drive, Kensington.
---------------
NORTH SEA JAZZ FESTIVAL
African Harvest North Sea Jazz Festival - Cape Town 2001
4 Stages - 2 Nights - over 30 African & International Acts
Website: http://www.nsjfcapetown.com
Contact: Rashid Lombard/ Clarence Ford
c/o ESP-Afrika - http://www.espafrika.com or
Email: mailto:rashid.l@mweb.co.za
---------------
OPPIKOPPI
http://www.oppikoppi.co.za
9th-12th August: Pretoria, Fountains Valley
17th-19th August: Worcester, Kleinplasie
---------------
ROEKELOOS - GIG GUIDE
http://www.roekeloos.co.za/musiek.html
---------------
SPLASHY FEN
http://www.splashyfen.co.za
________________________________________________
6.FORUM, REQUESTS AND FEEDBACK
-------------------------------
VIRUSES, SPAMS AND CHAIN LETTERS
This has actually nothing to do with SA Rock Music, but since the SA Rock Digest is an e-mag we felt it important to talk about hoax virus warnings, spam mail and chain letters.
Firstly, please remember that the Digest subscriber list is totally confidential and you will never see anybody else's addresses in the "mailto" list and we will never send anything to that list except the Digest.
Any legitimate virus warning e-mail will usually include a website link to a webpage with more info and no reputable corporate company will ever ask you to mail everyone in your address book.
We at the Digest have enough virus protection, plenty of good luck, and lots of money, so please stop sending us (and your friends) hoax virus warnings, chain mails and get rich quick schemes.
Thanks
The editors
----------------
JUST JINGER
Can you help me regarding a band called JUST JINGER? I am receiving requests for this band, and no one here has heard of them. As far as I know they haven't got a UK deal, can you guide me to a company who can?
Thanks
ALAN ROWETT
Senior Producer: BBC World Service
e-mail: mailto:alan.rowett@bbc.co.uk
----------------
JUGULAR JIVE
Does anybody remember a song circa 1973/74 called 'Jugular Jive' by Norman Greenburg and His Horrorock Band? They also had another song called 'The House On The Hill', I think. These songs have "haunted" me for years and I would love to find them (and more about the band). Can anybody help?
Brian
brian@sarockdigest.com
--------------------
WE ARE GROWING
The TV series "Shaka Zulu", originally shown in the mid-eighties, is being re-broadcast on SABC1 on Sunday evenings at 20h00 starting on the 4th March. The theme song from this series is the incredible 'We Are Growing' sung by the late Margaret Singana (she sadly passed away on 22 April 2000). The song was written by Patric van Blerk, Julian Laxton, Dave Pollecutt and Margaret herself. 'We Are Growing' went to number 1 in Holland in 1989.
The late William C. Faure, director of the series had this to say:
"It seems appropriate that one of the veteran greats of the South African Music Industry, Margaret Singana, rightly named "Lady Africa", should have been chosen to sing the title music on the series of Shaka Zulu. She gives to this musical tribute, to one of Africa's Greatest Leaders, a powerful and richly-voiced dimension, a dimension which I feel is a valuable asset, as we humbly attempt to do the story of this legendary King, justice."
Margaret Singana on the net
http://www.rock.co.za/legends/margaret
--------------------
THE STEELY GRAN FAN CLUB RESPONDS!
[The Digest received this email in response to last week's sacrilegious comments about Fecker and Bagen's (three!) Grammy Awards]
Dear Friends,
It is with this letter that we, the Fans Of Real Music (FORM), officially denounce and protest the selection of Steely Dan's 'Two Against Nature' as the Grammy Award's 'Album Of The Year'. We, the loving fans of Eminem, Madonna, Britney Spears, Coolio, N'Sync, Christina Aguilera, The Backstreet Boys, Dr. Dre, Metallica, Limp Biscuit (sic), Snoop Doggy Dog and The Deftones urge you to boycott ALL music that utilizes ANY of the following musical elements: Melody, harmony, phrasing, dynamics, arrangement, good intonation, tonality, modulation, improvisation, real instrumentation, more than two sections and lyrics we understand.
We also ask you not to listen to any music that DOES NOT contain acceptable subject matter. Acceptable subject matter would include ONLY the following: Death, gang rape, mayhem, gender changing, bigotry, masturbation, public defecation, penile implants, John Rocker, and school bombings. We are profoundly convinced that Mr. Dan is either a communist or an agent of Napster as his covert actions against the Great Recording Industry are obviously an attempt to take food out of the mouths of our country's most loved artists. We urge you to not purchase or see any music that is "jazz based" or has "jazz influence" as it undermines the purpose of music in America. We ask you to write your local representative as Steely Dan's attempts to destroy the Great Recording Industry can not go unnoticed.
--------------
CHRIS HATTINGH
http://www.mp3.com/ChrisHattingh
My name is Chris Hattingh and I'm a former Durban drummer (although I now live in Florida, USA and play the guitar). I currently have a track from my latest CD on the mp3.com instrumental metal charts. The track is called "I Am Not A Viking" and the CD is called "Shred Head". It's a parody on 10 of the greatest rock guitar legends of the past century, and each of the 10 tracks on the album characterizes the playing style of a different famous guitarist. I had some fun with the track titles (each title hints at who the guitarist is that I'm emulating on that particular track, and the listener has to guess who it sounds like). The CD has been getting a great response here in the States, particularly in those circles where people like their guitar playing a little on the scary side.
There are 21 of my songs from 3 different albums available for listening on my mp3.com artist page, and many of them are also available for FREE download. The CD's are also available for sale on my artist page.
Thanks in advance,
Chris Hattingh
http://www.mp3.com/ChrisHattingh
--------------
SOUND SOLUTIONS
http://www.rock.co.za/soundsolutions
A Cape Town-based music resource that offers two main areas of expertise and assistance:
1) Music Searches - Assists in recommending and finding relevant music
soundtracks for television, cinema and radio commercials and
productions.
2) Music Licensing - Assists in obtaining the publishing and recording
rights for music to be used as soundtracks for commercials and other
productions.
For more info, please contact:
Stephen Segerman & Graham Katz
(Tel) 021 461-9541
(email) mailto:sugar@cd.co.za
______________________________________________
7.LINKS
---------
LINKS PAGES:
3rd EAR MUSIC
http://www.3rdearmusic.com/links.html
AMUZINE
http://www.rock.co.za/links.htm
SA ROCK DIGEST
http://www.sarockdigest.com/links
VAGABOND'S WORLD
http://www.rock.co.za/vagabond/links
ONE WORLD
http://www.oneworld.co.za/links.cfm
SA MUSICIANS ON THE NET FROM A TO Z
http://members.tripod.lycos.nl/Rembrandt/SAArtists.html
VETSEUN
http://www.afrikaner.co.za/tronk10
Koos, Piet, Valiant, Duusman, Akkedis, Battery 9 and much more...
SEARCH ENGINE:
GOOGLE
http://www.google.com
Quick and accurate, highly recommended
ARTISTS:
BERNARD BINNS
http://www.bernardbinns.co.za
BIZARRE BAZAAR
http://www.geocities.com/bizabaza
PIET BOTHA
http://www.pietbotha.com
JOHNNY CLEGG
http://www.johnnyclegg.com
CLOUT
http://www.clout.co.za
FOUR JACKS AND A JILL
http://www.fourjacksandajill.co.za/
LIESL GRAHAM
http://www.lieslgraham.com
IAN HENDERSON
http://www.ianhenderson.co.za
JACK HAMMER
http://www.pietbotha.com
JESSE JORDAN
http://www.jessejordan.co.za
KOOS KOMBUIS
http://www.kooskombuis.co.za
JULIAN LAXTON
http://www.julianlaxton.com
LITTLE SISTER
http://www.littlesister.co.za
BOBBY LOUW
http://www.bobbylouw.co.za
OFF THE EDGE
http://www.rock.co.za/offtheedge
RABBITT
http://www.rabbitt.co.za
RADIO RATS
http://www.rock.co.za/legends/radiorats
RODRIGUEZ: CLIMB UP ON MY MUSIC
A site dedicated to Rodriguez, the Sugar Man
http://www.sarockdigest.com/rodriguez
SEMISANE
http://www.semisane.com
SHARKBROTHER
http://www.sharkbrother.com
AMANDA TIFFIN
http://listen.to/amandatiffin
NOA TYLO
http://www.noatylo.co.za
ARCHIVES:
3rd EAR MUSIC
http://www.3rdEarMusic.com
SOUTH AFRICA'S ROCK FILES
The online archive for the History of South African Rock
http://www.rock.co.za/sarock
SOUTH AFRICAN RADIO CHARTS 1969-1989
http://www.rock.co.za/charts
NEWS:
AMUZINE
News, views, reviews and interviews
http://www.rock.co.za/
AFRICAN INVASION OF ROCK
http://www.air.org.za
ARTSMART
Arts news from Kwazulu-Natal
http://www.artsmart.co.za
JAZZNEWS RENDEZVOUS
http://www.egroups.com/group/JazznewsRendezvous
This Newsletter is posted weekly on Sundays and looks at the
world of Jazz in South Africa and beyond. Recommended.
POWERZONE
http://www.powerzone.co.za
PUTUPOT
http://www.putupot.com
STAGE
http://www.stage.co.za
TAMBOER KRANTJIE
http://www.pretoria.co.za
http://www.tamboer.co.za
SHOPPING:
ONE WORLD
http://www.oneworld.co.za/
Selling South African Music to the World
RECORD COMPANIES, LABELS & STUDIOS:
AFRIMUSIK
http://www.afrimusik.com
BMG
http://www.click2music.co.za
CAVEMAN PRODUCTIONS
Kevin Shirley's virtual cave
http://www.cavemanproductions.com
MELT2000
http://www.melt2000.com
MOUNTAIN RECORDS
http://www.mountain-africa.com
SUNSET RECORDING STUDIOS
Stellenbosch
http://www.sunsetrecording.com
TL MASTERING
http://www.tl-mastering.co.za
RESOURCES:
BACKSTAGE
http://www.backstage.co.za/
SOUND SOLUTIONS
http://www.rock.co.za/soundsolutions
RADIO:
SAFM (104-107KHz)
Sugar, Digest co-editor, chats to Bruce Millar every Wednesday at about 10.30am
http://www.safm.co.za
BOOKS:
THE HISTORY OF CONTEMPORARY MUSIC OF SOUTH AFRICA
Garth Chilvers and Tom Jasiukowicz (TOGA, 1994)
http://www.sarockdigest.com/book
MP3s:
DIGITAL CUPBOARD
http://www.digitalcupboard.co.za
We are happy to exchange links with any good website supporting SA music. A good website in our opinion should be informative, regularly updated and linked back to us. If you already link to us and you believe your link should be here, please contact Brian Currin at mailto:sarock@sarockdigest.com
<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<
8.BACK ISSUES
---------------
BACK ISSUES
http://www.sarockdigest.com/archives
Online and keyword searchable
DOWNLOAD
Download all back issues of the Digest as a zip file (just over 1.3MB).
http://www.rock.co.za/files/sarockdigest.zip
__________________________________________
9.CONTRIBUTIONS
-----------------
This e-mag is a discussion forum for rock and pop music --
South African and International -- past, present and future.
Press releases:
Please submit all press releases to Sugar at mailto:sugar@cd.co.za
Contributions:
Please submit all contributions, reviews, requests, searches and comments by filling in the form at:
http://www.rock.co.za/contact
or email Brian Currin at:
mailto:sarock@sarockdigest.com
All e-mail submissions need to be in plain text e-mail format with NO attachments, please. You may, however, include web addresses (URLs) in your e-mails which point to websites or images on-line.
E-mails in HTML format, or e-mails all in lower-case or all in CAPITALS will tend to be ignored as they can take too long to correct for inclusion in the Digest.
Any e-mail with an ".exe" file attached will automatically be trashed.
Bulk mailings which show everybody's addresses also tend to get trashed automatically. Just use the "bcc" (blind carbon copy) function on your e-mail programme.
________________________________________
10.CONTACT DETAILS
-------------------
EDITORS
Brian Currin
mailto:vagabond@sarockdigest.com
http://www.rock.co.za/vagabond
Stephen Segerman
mailto:sugar@cd.co.za
http://www.cd.co.za
Postal Address:
Brian Currin
PO Box 521
Eppindust
7475
Cape Town
South Africa
MAIN CONTRIBUTORS
Kurt Shoemaker, USA
mailto:kurt@sarockdigest.com
John Samson, UK
mailto:john@sarockdigest.com
Shiloh Noone, South Africa
mailto:shiloh_noone@hotmail.com
http://www.sarockdigest.com/shiloh
________________________________________
11.SUBSCRIPTIONS
----------------
Send an e-mail to mailto:subscribe@sarockdigest.com with any words or phrases that vaguely indicate acceptance or... visit http://www.sarockdigest.com and fill in the simple form.
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