Love That Album Podcast episode 144 - Interview with Jeff Apter about "Behind Dark Eyes: The True Story of Jon English"

When I  was growing up, before even becoming a fan of rock music, there was one name I knew very well – Jon English. He made a huge name for himself in the first Australian production of Jesus Christ Superstar as Judas – Tim Rice is supposed to have declared him the finest performer of the role.

Welcome to episode 144 of Love That Album

I welcome music writer and biographer Jeff Apter to the show. He's just had his latest book published “Behind Dark Eyes: The True Story of Jon English”. We talk about Jon's career as song interpreter, songwriter, actor (on TV and stage), rock star, composer, and family man. There are many musicians who go into acting (and vice versa) but few went into everything with the gung-ho that Jon did. Did I mention he was also hugely funny?? I'm not referring to his appearances on All Together Now – anytime he was on a stage with the Foster Brothers or as an actor, he owned the audience with his humour as well as THAT singing voice.

Jeff has released what I believe is a terrific biography that is respectful and devoted without being enslaved to the subject.  It covers the exultation of his early chart success and the disappointment at having the work he prized the most largely ignored are covered. On many levels he was a huge success in Australian entertainment, but he was also heartbroken that what he believed was his greatest artistic achievement didn't get its due respect. We had a great conversation about all aspects of Jon and his work. If you're a fan or you're new to him, I hope you get something out of this episode.

If you're looking for Jon's music on physical media, you can pick up his albums in multi cd packs labeled as Anthology. There's also a great comp called Six Ribbons – The Ultimate Collection. If you prefer streaming, there's that option as well.

My huge thanks to Jeff for his time. You can order the book from https://www.booktopia.com.au/behind-dark-eyes-jeff-apter/book/9781925868463.html or if you're outside of Australia https://www.bookdepository.com/Behind-Dark-Eyes/9781925868463. You can check out Jeff's other work at http://jeffapter.com.au

Download this episode of LTA from Spotify, Stitcher or iTunes (search for “Love That Album podcast”).

Love That Album is proudly part of the Pantheon Podcast network. Go to http://pantheonpodcasts.com to check out all their great shows.

You can send me feedback at rrrkitchen@yahoo.com.au (written or mp3 voicemail) or join the Facebook group at http://www.facebook.com/groups/lovethatalbum

If you’d consider writing an iTunes review I’d be immensely grateful. However, it’d be even better if you told a friend about the podcast and Pantheon – at a barbecue, over coffee, on social media….whatever way you choose, consider me grateful.

Download episode 144 from here.

Love That Album Podcast Episode 143 - Interview with Sarah Carroll about Live At The Continental and Star Parade

   

“Good evening, everybody." 

“Give a round of applause for the bar staff”

These could be expressions you might hear from any musician in any bar around the world....but there was only one musician in the world who'd utter these AND the following....
“Let's hear it for Shane O' Fucking Mara, everybody”

That musician is Chris Wilson.

Welcome to episode 143 of Love That Album podcast.

Chris was a hometown hero in Melbourne....he deserved to be revered around the world. He brought operatic majesty to the blues. A great harp player, a singer, a songwriter, and a blues historian. Every gig he performed was an event.....I can't describe why, you just needed to be there.

In 1994, he released a live album, “Live At The Continental”. The Conti was a favourite haunt in Prahran in Melbourne for local and international bands, usually in the roots world. After an absence from live performing, Chris was joined by guitarist Shane O'Mara and pianist Jex Saarelaht to do a combination of Chris' originals and some blues covers at what became a beloved venue for him. The resulting album became a huge favourite amongst Chris' fans and earned him many new ones. In 2021, a second new edition of the CD has been released with a whole raft of songs absent from the first edition. It's also been released on record for the first time ever.

Chris sadly passed away in 2019 from cancer. The Australian music scene is far poorer for his loss.

Sarah Carroll is a singer, songwriter, and multi instrumentalist who has produced some brilliant music of her own with country outfits like The Junes, The Cartridge Family and Git. Back in 2017, under the moniker of Sarah Carroll and The Left Wing she released a collection of short stories set to music (my definition) called “Star Parade” and in 2020 she collaborated with guitarist Shannon Bourne to release the EP “Medicine” with songs of joy and heartache.

Sarah, as Chris' wife has had much pain to endure at his loss, but she wanted to make sure that his legacy was still felt. She oversaw the re-release of Live At The Continental. She joined me for a great discussion about this landmark album as well as her own work. I hope this show means as much to you as it does to me.

You can get a copy of Live At The Continental from https://www.cheersquad.com.au/releases/live-at-the-continental/ or Sarah's recordings from https://sarahcarroll.bandcamp.com/

Sarah has curated a Spotify play list of music from herself, Chris and their two musically talented sons, Fenn and George at https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1znUA33Bkry0kDJTSdQEic?si=Th8Q352sSQaOrVBehmLiKA&utm_source=copy-link&nd=1

Download this episode of LTA from Spotify, Stitcher or iTunes (search for “Love That Album podcast”).

Love That Album is proudly part of the Pantheon Podcast network. Go to http://pantheonpodcasts.com to check out all their great shows.

You can send me feedback at rrrkitchen@yahoo.com.au (written or mp3 voicemail) or join the Facebook group at http://www.facebook.com/groups/lovethatalbum

If you’d consider writing an iTunes review I’d be immensely grateful. However, it’d be even better if you told a friend about the podcast and Pantheon – at a (socially distanced) barbecue, over coffee (on Skype), on social media….whatever way you choose, consider me grateful.

Download episode 143 from here.

Love That Album Podcast Episode 142 - Michael Nesmith and the First National Band "Magnetic South"

 

So many musicians have become popular based on one thing the caught the public's imagination. Daring to try something different artistically could be a “bad career move”. Of course, some musicians might have been “hiding in plain sight” with their real artistic ambitions all along.

Welcome to episode 142 of Love That Album, the first episode for 2021.

Michael Nesmith along with Peter Tork, Davy Jones and Micky Dolenz spent the latter half of the sixties rallying against the image bequeathed on them by NBC and Don Kirshner. The Monkees wanted to show that they could be (and were) a real band. Right from the start, Mike would infuse his own songwriting with his love of country music.

However, country is only a small part of the Monkees' own sound. When he announced he was quitting (4 days after McCartney announced The Beatles were no more), he already had plans for his next ensemble, The First National Band. Over a period of a little over a year, they released three brilliant albums, allowing Nesmith to finally make his approach to country music the focus.

I am joined by musician, songwriter, comedian and regular co host on All Time Top Ten Podcast, Joe Lavelle to look at the first of those First National Band albums, Magnetic South. Of course we look at a range of things peripheral to the album like The Monkees (duh!), the real origins of country rock, being a musician known for comedy (and a pioneer in music video), Brazil and the link between Magnetic South and Star Trek.

It took a year to get around to this episode (I move slower than zombies in a George Romero film), but it was worth it. Joe is a great conversation partner – something you'd know if you've heard him on the ATTT podcast. It was a pleasure and privilege for me to finally have him on the show.

You can find the music for his jazz ensemble Brandy Sidecar at https://brandysidecar.bandcamp.com/album/the-christmas-3-ep

Ben Eisen's All Time Top Ten podcast can be found at https://alltimetoptenpod.com/

Download this episode of LTA from Spotify, Stitcher or iTunes (search for “Love That Album podcast”).

Love That Album is proudly part of the Pantheon Podcast network. Go to http://pantheonpodcasts.com to check out all their great shows.

You can send me feedback at rrrkitchen@yahoo.com.au (written or mp3 voicemail) or join the Facebook group at http://www.facebook.com/groups/lovethatalbum

If you’d consider writing an iTunes review I’d be immensely grateful. However, it’d be even better if you told a friend about the podcast and Pantheon – at a (socially distanced) barbecue, over coffee (on Skype), on social media….whatever way you choose, consider me grateful.

Download episode 142 from here.

Love That Album Podcast Episode 141 - Sound As Ever: Australian Indie 1990 – 1999

The 1990s were musically diverse, but are often recalled in the popular consciousness as the moment the so-called Seattle sound kicked down your door, and got you to include its flannel shirt in your next wash. Gone were the horrible Linn drums and over produced slickness of the 1980s....guitars, bass and drums were back. What was previously "alternative" now forced its way into the mainstream.

Welcome to episode 141 of Love That Album Podcast.

It cannot be argued – Australian music was in a very healthy state during the nineties, definitely from an artistic perspective. People loved to go hear live music and support local bands – the pub scene was carrying on a long tradition from previous decades of providing stages for musicians to do their thing....despite the disgusting disease that was poker machines being allowed into Victorian pubs early in the decade making some venues less musician friendly.

Scott Thurling started up a label called Popboomerang in the early 2000s to support the musicians he loved. He spent a large part of the previous decade seeing as many bands as he could physically get to. It comes as a surprise to no one that his knowledge of Australian independent music from this period is second to none (as is his record and CD collection).

Early on in the pandemic lockdown in Victoria, Scott and Jane Gazzo started a Facebook group dedicated to those indie bands. The group exploded with punters and musicians all willing to share stories, photos and paraphernalia. Wanting to expand the collective experience, they hit upon a plan to get as many previously unreleased songs from bands of the period and release a CD. In 2020, they released TWO albums filled to the brim with songs previously lying around gathering dust.

My great friend and previous LTA presenter, David Blom joins me to talk with Scott about Sound As Ever: Australian Indie 1990 – 1999, Volumes 1 and 2. We talk about the era, the politics, the culture, the venues, and most importantly, the songs on these anthologies.

Join the SAE group (it doesn't matter if you were there at the time or even know these bands) at https://www.facebook.com/groups/SoundAsEver.

Order the CDs or downloads from https://soundaseveraustralianindie90-99.bandcamp.com/music

Download this episode of LTA from Spotify, Stitcher or iTunes (search for “Love That Album podcast”).

Love That Album is proudly part of the Pantheon Podcast network. Go to http://pantheonpodcasts.com to check out all their great shows.

You can send me feedback at rrrkitchen@yahoo.com.au (written or mp3 voicemail) or join the Facebook group at http://www.facebook.com/groups/lovethatalbum

If you’d consider writing an iTunes review I’d be immensely grateful. However, it’d be even better if you told a friend about the podcast and Pantheon – at a (socially distanced) barbecue, over coffee (on Skype), on social media….whatever way you choose, consider me grateful.

Download episode 141 from here.

Love That Album Podcast Episode 140 - Duke "Genesis"

 

Do you like Patrick Bateman? We're not actually here to discuss American Psycho, so the point is probably moot.

We ARE here, however to discuss Bateman's favourite band outside of Huey Lewis and the News, Genesis.

Welcome to episode 140 of Love That Album.

Popular myth suggests that the world is broken up into two sorts of people – those who like their rock music straight forward and edgy, and those who like virtuoso noodling with complex counterpoint and time signatures. That latter group group can be broken up into two groups – those who like Gabriel-era Genesis, and those who like 80s pop Genesis. The problem is, what about the four albums in between? (Or maybe the problem is I'm just talking guff).

In 1980, the trio of Phil Collins, Mike Rutherford and Tony Banks released what could be considered their final album that tipped its hat to the more progressive rock days while looking forward to the popular monster that they would become in the 1980s. That album is Duke.

I am joined by sound engineer, Frank Verderosa. Up until last year, he was a part of the Gilbert Gottfried's Amazing Colossal Podcast team. He's a long time Genesis fan across all eras, but this album holds a very strong place in his heart. We had a great discussion with focus on Duke, but also discuss whether the latter Genesis albums are bereft of prog of any sort (and whether the early albums are completely free of pop), sound production values, film arcs and broadway musicals....and noticeably avoid any talk of serial killers. We DID make note of one thing that would guarantee Gilbert Gottfried's interest in having Phil Collins on his show....tune in and find out.

I was thrilled to have Frank on as guest. Keep an eye out for when he finally unleashes his podcast Unsung: The People You Don't Know You Know...it's gonna be great. If you have any audio needs or just want to read what he's up to sound-wise, go to https://www.frankverderosa.com/

Download this episode of LTA from Spotify, Stitcher or iTunes (search for “Love That Album podcast”).

Love That Album is proudly part of the Pantheon Podcast network. Go to http://pantheonpodcasts.com to check out all their great shows.

You can send me feedback at rrrkitchen@yahoo.com.au (written or mp3 voicemail) or join the Facebook group at http://www.facebook.com/groups/lovethatalbum

If you’d consider writing an iTunes review I’d be immensely grateful. However, it’d be even better if you told a friend about the podcast and Pantheon – at a (socially distanced) barbecue, over coffee (on Skype), on social media….whatever way you choose, consider me grateful.

Download episode 140 from here.

Love That Album Podcast Episode 139 - Interview with Charles Jenkins of Icecream Hands

 

You don't need me telling you that 2020 has...uhhh....not exactly been a highlight for a whole heap of reasons besides the obvious ones ramming their way into your consciousness every day for months.

BUT.......I'm here to tell you there's a beautiful rose that grown out of the dirt.

Welcome to episode 139 of Love That Album podcast.

If you've hung around the Facebook page for this podcast long enough, you'll know I'm obsessed with Melbourne band Icecream Hands. No one expected an album of new material from these master music craftsmen....and yet, just when we needed it most, they delivered one to us, No Weapon But Love. This is the first album in 13 years from the band (who have remained busy with other musical activities in the meantime).

One of the two main singers and songwriters for the band, Charles Jenkins, returns to LTA for the first time in 7 years to discuss the album a lifesaving operation, The Zhivagos, academia, and how Charles' love of cricket not only made him into a songwriter, but how the West Indies Cricket Team determines the sequence of an album!!!! It's twue, it's twue.....

Download this episode of LTA from Spotify, Stitcher or iTunes (search for “Love That Album podcast”) or you can download from the website at http://lovethatalbumpodcast.blogspot.com/2020/10/love-that-album-podcast-episode-139.html

Love That Album is proudly part of the Pantheon Podcast network. Go to http://pantheonpodcasts.com to check out all their great shows.

A special shout out to Melbourne film maker Chris Franklin for leading me to his excellent short film about Charles called No Tears In The Writer. It's a great 17 minutes of insight into how Charles works. It's streaming at https://www.franklinimage.com.au/charles-jenkins.html

You can purchase a copy of No Weapon But Love on CD or record at https://icecreamhands.bandcamp.com/releases 

(No word if the gents are taking orders for 8 track cartridge or player piano roll.....)

You can send me feedback at rrrkitchen@yahoo.com.au (written or mp3 voicemail) or join the Facebook group at http://www.facebook.com/groups/lovethatalbum

If you’d consider writing an iTunes review we’d be immensely grateful. However, it’d be even better if you told a friend about the podcast and Pantheon – at a (socially distanced) barbecue, over coffee (on Skype), on social media….whatever way you choose, consider me grateful.

Download episode 139 from here.

Love That Album Podcast Episode 138 - Van Morrison "Saint Dominic's Preview"

 

The history of music (indeed, the history of humankind) is littered with tales of poor behaviour. It can range from stories of murder, molestation and drugs, to reports of every-day obnoxiousness.

Welcome to episode 138 of Love That Album Podcast.

As music fans, we make conscious decisions to either overlook or take to heart the behaviour of those we put on a pedestal for their art. We decide whether to separate the art from the artist or hold them accountable for behaviour and beliefs we cannot separate from their output.

Throughout the career of George Ivan Morison, there have been reported incidents of rudeness and poor treatment of those around him. This is in complete contrast to his music which dwells in themes of love, nature and spirituality – both musically and lyrically. In September 2020, he has tested his fanbase and given fuel to his detractors for the announcement that he is releasing new songs in protest of Covid-19 lockdown. Is this consistent with previous Van-isms or is this one step beyond?

I am joined by drummer, author, music producer and Van Morrison megafan Pat Thomas to discuss the 1972 release Saint Dominic’s Preview. It is an album that celebrates all that is beautiful in life by a man who sounds like he really believes it. However, it would be disingenuous if we didn’t take the time to discuss the walking contradiction that is Van Morrison (….and yes, we talk about the news of his Covid stance). We also discuss the place his music has in our hearts, his behaviour, his connection to Belfast, and where the album stands developmentally in connection to his catalogue.

There are artists I refuse to give patronage to for repulsive views that others have no issues with. My continued enjoyment of Van’s music may be in contradiction to others’ beliefs – so be it. There is no one size fits all.

My huge thanks to Pat for taking the time to join me for a great (virtual) fireside chat. Until he releases his book analysing the work of Van Morrison, you can read his thoughts at https://www.facebook.com/Listen-to-the-Lion-musings-on-Van-his-band-street-choir-102018017848023/ You can order his books “Listen, Whitey! The Sounds of Black Power 1965 – 1975” and “Did it! Jerry Rubin: An American Revolutionary” wherever great books are available from.

Download this episode of LTA from Spotify, Stitcher or iTunes (search for “Love That Album podcast”). Love That Album is proudly part of the Pantheon Podcast network. Go to http://pantheonpodcasts.com to check out all their great shows.

You can send me feedback at rrrkitchen@yahoo.com.au (written or mp3 voicemail) or join the Facebook group at http://www.facebook.com/groups/lovethatalbum.

If you’d consider writing an iTunes review we’d be immensely grateful. However, it’d be even better if you told a friend about the podcast and Pantheon – at a (socially distanced) barbecue, over coffee (on Skype), on social media….whatever way you choose, consider me grateful.

Right click to download episode 138 here.