Love That Album Episode 180 - The Beach Boys "Sunflower" and "Surf's Up"

 

Time to get your surfboards waxed, get into your togs,and head to the beach.....if you're in the Southern Hemisphere. While you're splashing in the southern waves, you might want to soundtrack your time with music from the band most identified with Northern Hemisphere beaches....except we're not discussing any beach songs. Huh?

Welcome to episode 180 of Love That Album.

It had been a while since I had my beloved team of Shane Pacey and Kerry Fristoe on the show, so I invited them to join and gave Kerry the pick of album to discuss. She selected the 1971 Beach Boys release, Surf's Up. I added their 1970 album – the debut album on the Brother Records label – Sunflower to the mix. I felt that the albums are tied together in some ways (and given the recent box set of these sessions, Feel Flows, so do the Beach Boys). They're also quite different in many ways. We're here to contrast these albums from each other, and what came before it.

But wait.....we have another wonderful guest. Joining the show for a second time is Lisa Torem. She's about to publish a book in early 2025 called “Beach Boys 1965-1979: (On Track)”. She knows her BB, that's for sure. The conversation goes to interesting places as we discuss the group's relation to ecology, politics, 1950s wistfulness, lust, harmonies (not fraternal....the other kind), musical sincerity, and much more. We look into the merits of each BB as songwriter, and why it seemed their popularity declined in the US before rising slightly with the release of these albums. Shane and I crack bad puns....I get taken over the coals for reading too deeply into something (isn't that what this show is about????) In other words.....it's a typical LTA.

There's a specialist podcast about the Beach Boys I recommend called “Sail On”...so check them out (AFTER you listen to us, of course).

Check out Lisa's website at https://www.lisatorem.com/  to see what she's up to, and how to get a hold of her books. We discussed Suzanne Vega last year, but she's written about other musicians as well. Turns out Lisa herself is a musician / songwriter as is her daughter Madi Torem. Madi has just released a single called Look Both Ways Before You Cross My Heart written by Lisa. Give a watch of the music video...great song...Madi has a touch of Stevie Nicks to my ears. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Wk2KjbTkso

You can look around Shane's work at either https://shanepaceytrio.com.au/ or at https://bondicigars.com/ There's a terrific live gig with the Trio at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q1iDpLOMQTw

You can read Kerry's terrific film essays at https://prowlerneedsajump.wordpress.com/ and tune into her every month on See Hear podcast.

Download this episode of LTA from your podcast app of choice (not Spotify) or from the website at 

Love That Album is proudly part of the Pantheon Podcast network. Go to  https://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

Download episode 180 from here.

Love That Album 179 - Interview with Glen Humphries, author of "Aussie Rock Anthems: The Stories Behind Our Biggest Hit Songs"

 

As music lovers, we've all had a soundtrack to our lives....it's provided to us by the radio. Maybe at this point in the 21st century, that's less of a given. Was it the internet that killed the radio star? Who can truly say, but for most of the rock era, radio has provided songs that millions of music fans would discover, sing along to, discuss with their friends, learn to play on their instrument of choice, get amorous to, get stoned to, or cherish for some personal reason.

Welcome to episode 179 of Love That Album.

It's been said that in the early days of rock and roll, tyranny of distance made Australian music tougher than its Northern Hemisphere counterparts. Henry Silva might have asked, “Bullshit Or Not?” What is for certain is that Australian rock musicians could often become huge in their home country, but not raise an eyebrow anywhere else (the reverse is also true, but that's a story for another episode).

Author Glen Humphries has just published a terrific book called “Aussie Rock Anthems: The Stories Behind Our Biggest Hit Songs". He writes 40 essays about popular songs from the 1960s through to the first decade of the 21st century. These essays tell stories about songs that many Australians grew up with. Some became popular outside our borders, some didn't. These songs show a huge diversity – where else will you get Shadap You Face occupying the same tome as Khe Sanh? At some stage or another, these songs all meant something to the wider Australian populus, and Glen weaves fascinating tales that cover politics, sporting pride, cultural cringe, and musical invention. I was rapt to have someone to discuss these songs with me. Neither of us were fans of every one of the songs covered in the book, and inevitably, people will argue about what was left out. What's important is that these songs all have interesting backstories and are worthy of being celebrated.

Tune into find which songs Glen and I absolutely detest...and those we love.

You can watch the videos of all the songs in the book at:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5-hDK76bIps&list=PLJN0hAdSkVNXxaVd4l4hWOAa3l5u85rAH&fbclid=IwY2xjawFJFx5leHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHTzxc0uDiMYmVj1_cUK_A_2TDL93qk8AIbZ7I4wJ_XSchZykEzkHEKWB5Q_aem_uII4NG3Lme6zceP8Gxn8Ig

or you can listen to the Spotify playlist at: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/28mak27jhmIWSFsYGGlFgC?si=iOUWpNq-QfmuHUVDsB9erA&pi=dtdCj9ZKQYKeC&nd=1&dlsi=6991f678a35947b1

You can get the book from the usual places you get books (like bookstores) or Amazon or at https://www.geldingstreetpress.com/product/aussie-rock-anthems-top-40/

Download this episode of LTA from your podcast app of choice (not Spotify). The wider back catalogue of episodes can also be found at https://lovethatalbumpodcast.blogspot.com

Love That Album is proudly part of the Pantheon Podcast network. Go to  https://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

Download episode 179 from here.

Love That Album Podcast Episode 178 - Three Random Albums

 

In some previous episodes, rather than speaking about a single album for a long time, myself (and maybe a guest) will speak about 3 albums each for a short time

In some previous episodes, rather than having a guest to chat with me about music, I'll carry on by myself. I'm not a fan of this notion, but if it's a choice between no who or a solo show, I'll do the latter.

Welcome to episode 178 of Love That Album.

This episode is a hybrid of both concepts. I am doing a partial solo show discussing 3 records in short form – two by myself, one with my friend Pat Monaghan. Circumstances dictated the solo segments, but opportunity allowed the collaboration....thanks, Pat.

Previous shows where I did the shorter segments were called Mystery Box. I wouldn't reveal what was under discussion until you tuned in.....not doing that here. I'm going to call this Three Random Albums (even though they're not) and reveal here that they are:

So Long, Noodle House – Hot Apple Band

Ramona – Grace Cummings

Back To The Cat – Barry Adamson

Three very diverse albums (two from the previous 12 months). Tune in, get some album talk, have fun.

Check out the swish new website for Pat's rekkid store, Rocksteady Records (https://www.rocksteadyrecords.com.au/) or go say hello in person if you live in Melbourne town.

Download this episode of LTA from your podcast app of choice (not Spotify). The wider back catalogue of episodes can also be found at https://lovethatalbumpodcast.blogspot.com

Love That Album is proudly part of the Pantheon Podcast network. Go to https://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

Download episode 178 from here.

Love That Album 177 - Discussion with Georgia Rose Lucas, Carla Fuchs and John Penhallow about Sandy Denny's legacy

 

Sorry for this episode being a little late….I’d meant to get it out earlier, but who knows where the time goes?????

If you’ve not deserted me…..Welcome to episode 177 of Love That Album.

Carrying on with the Fairport Convention connection of episode 176, I welcome three wonderful guests to the podcast this time around – all connected to the great Sandy Denny.

Firstly, there’s a return visit from John Penhallow, the first manager of Fairport. He’s done a lot of archival work in relation to Sandy’s music over the years, and we discuss that.

Then, there’s Sandy’s daughter, Georgia Rose Lucas and musician / composer Carla Fuchs. The two of them are behind an album released in 2023 called Songbird. Carla composed new music to lyrics written by Sandy in her journals that were never previously recorded. The two of them collaborated to make this project come to existence.

Not on the show, but huge thanks as well go to Elizabeth Hurtt, wife of the late Trevor Lucas, who took the time to tell me about the journey of these lyrics in Sandy’s journals. There had been a plan many years ago for many artists to utilise her words for new songs….that didn’t happen, but we explain what DID in the show’s discussion. Huge thanks to Elizabeth for filling me in.

My gratitude to all these wonderful folk for taking the time to talk about the Songbird project, the Attic Tracks songs put out on cassette and then CD by John on Raven Records years ago, Redgum, and Sandy’s life and music.

If you wish to search out a copy of Carla’s album, it’s available on Bandcamp at:

https://talkingelephantrecords.bandcamp.com/album/songbird

Download this episode of LTA from your podcast app of choice (not Spotify). The wider back catalogue of episodes can also be found at https://lovethatalbumpodcast.blogspot.com

Love That Album is proudly part of the Pantheon Podcast network. Go to https://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

Proudly Pantheon.

Download episode 177 from here.

Love That Album Episode 176 - Interview with Richard Thompson

I could write a lengthy blurb for this episode of the show as I normally do, or I could just say, “Ladies and gentlemen, I present my interview with Richard Thompson”......what's that? You need more? Okay.

Welcome to episode 176 of Love That Album.

If you've listened to early episodes of the show or hung around the Facebook group for the podcast or know me in real life, you'd know that Richard Thompson looms large in my love of popular song. He's always been a triple threat: one of the greatest guitarists (acoustic AND electric) in contemporary music. He has a wonderfully expressive singing voice (a point not acknowledged as much as it deserves). Then.....the man has a gift with writing stories – not for books or films, but for songs. The thing is he paces his tales like an author or scriptwriter would, and that's what sets him apart from his peers.

There are dark songs about lack of hope. There's songs of an unhealthy obsession with Elvis. Songs of self deprecation, survivor's guilt, and refusing to be shackled to society's rules also exist in his songbook. Is that too dark? Okay then, there's also songs of Egyptian mummies, Kenny G, and celebrating a great night out....and yes, there's songs of love including THAT song about two lovers and a motorcycle. In case you get the impression it's all about his lyricism, there's a strong gift of melody abundant in his catalogue.

This year, Richard turned 75 and celebrates with his umpteenth new album, the excellent Ship To Shore. We discuss his new rekkid, some past favourite songs of mine (cos why wouldn't I?), his guitars, Margaret Thatcher, his parents' generation that went through World War 2, and character assassination (ummm....via song, not actual assassination).

This is a show I've wanted to do for years, so I hope you enjoy listening as much as I enjoyed putting it together. Please tell your friends about this one....then about every other episode. Huge thanks to John Penhallow, Simon Tassano and Brad Oldham for making this possible.

Download this episode of LTA from your podcast app of choice (not Spotify). The wider back catalogue of episodes can also be found at https://lovethatalbumpodcast.blogspot.com

Love That Album is proudly part of the Pantheon Podcast network. Go to https://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

Proudly Pantheon.

Download or stream episode 176 from here.

Love That Album Episode 175 - Grace Jones "Nightclubbing"

 

In the history of pop music, how often has a performer had the chance to try something radically different from what they were known for? Sure, there are some artists who evolved over the course of their career, so where they ended up was radically different from where they started. I suspect, however, the list of performers who were known and appreciated for a style who then made a big  change is a lot smaller.

Ladies and gentlemen, we’re here to present the case of Grace Jones.

Welcome to episode 175 of Love That Album.

Grace Jones is that rare case of artist who was a model, then went on to have an ongoing career as a respected singer. Her first trilogy of records were rooted in the disco scene where she had a strong following. Then….Studio 54 closed, Disco Demolition happened in Chicago, and disco music finished its moment in the mainstream. Most artists would persist with what they know and fade away or go on nostalgia tours.

Grace Jones isn’t most people.

With the encouragement and support of Island Records head Chris Blackwell, she was put in a studio with the kings of reggae, and musicians representing the rock and emerging techno scene. She released her 4th album, Warm Leatherette album in 1980….very different from anything she’d done before. In 1981, she released the album many see as the pinnacle of her career,

Nightclubbing. It’s a mix of interpretations of others’ songs and a few originals. Make no mistake – everything she sings, she owns, but the support of the Compass Point Allstars really elevates the record. This was the band Grace was meant to perform with.

I am joined by Sam Whiles, the host of the excellent “Paul Or Nothing” (a show dedicated to the life and work of Paul McCartney) to discuss Nightclubbing and other aspects of Jones’ work and life. We had a great conversation that I hope you will enjoy. It’s not often….well never….that I’ve had a podcast where J.G Ballard, Donna Summer, Iggy Pop and Vanda and Young are all brought up. Frankly, LTA is all the better for it.

My gratitude to Sam for suggesting this album as the focus for the episode. If you want to hear him talk McCartney, check out Paul Or Nothing on your favourite podcast apps or at https://mccartneypod.podbean.com

Download this episode of LTA from your podcast app of choice. The wider back catalogue of episodes can also be found at https://lovethatalbumpodcast.blogspot.com

Love That Album is proudly part of the Pantheon Podcast network. Go to https://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

Proudly Pantheon.

Download episode 175 from here.

Love That Album Podcast Episode 174 - Yes "Close To The Edge"

 

When the history of late 70s punk music is discussed, a point often raised is that bands like The Sex Pistols and the Damned and The Saints were reacting to the over complexity of prog bands. Certainly, it makes for a good quote, but Steve Jones is on the record as being a fan of Fleetwood Mac and Queen and other “dinosaur” bands punk was supposed to sweep away. I can’t recall for sure, but I THINK I read somewhere that Yes was some punk guitarist’s favourite band. Really, if so much of that early era of British punk was about great pop songs with buzzsaw guitars, I believe I can make a case that Yes was a band (unlike, say, early Genesis) that also played around with standard pop structure…..just for considerably longer than 2 minutes at a time. There’s the link between punk and prog (at least Yes’ approach to it).

Welcome to episode 174 of Love That Album podcast.

For the first LTA of 2024, I am joined once again by Bondi Cigars' guitarist Shane Pacey to talk about what is often considered the pinnacle of prog rock, Yes’ 1972 album Close To The Edge. We talk about rock music's progression to....ummm...prog rock, the Bill Bruford vs Alan White debate, and we also bring up Bach, King Crimson, AC/DC and Cossack Funk (you read that right!!!).

…..and Shane tells a first hand account of an unexpected musician who was a big fan of Yes (and was Shane's first guitar teacher.....you gotta tune in to find out....)

We had a lot of fun with this one

You can find Shane's music on line at

https://shanepaceytrio.com.au/ or

https://bondicigars.com/ or

https://shanepacey.bandcamp.com/album/the-gardener.

Download this episode of LTA from your podcast app of choice. The wider back catalogue of episodes can also be found at http://lovethatalbumpodcast.blogspot.com

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

Proudly Pantheon.

Download Episode 174 from here.