Love That Album Podcast Episode 194 - Shane Pacey's "Cross Of The Heart"

 

LTA episodes are not usually filled with stories of soldiers suffering PTSD while on R&R, working women who have to leave their children late at night, mobsters who were guilty of violent crimes, strip clubs, police corruption or the gentrification of Kings Cross…..but here we go….

 

Welcome to episode 194 of Love That Album Podcast.

 

Over the course of the second half of the show’s life, my most frequent guest has been guitarist Shane Pacey. He’s the singer, songwriter and axe-slinger for The Bondi Cigars and The Shane Pacey Trio. He’s also a big music nerd who listens to a wide variety of albums, and I’ve been privileged to have him come on to the podcast to discuss with me some of his favourite records.

The weird thing is that until now, we’ve not devoted that much time to his own creative work. I knew that had to change.

 

In February of this year, Shane released his second solo album titled “Cross Of The Heart”. In a world where concept albums stretch to Tolkien or Asimov themes or nightmares or the 7 Deadly sins, I was taken aback when I discovered that Shane was pursuing tales of Kings Cross in Sydney. Before even listening, I knew that it would be a rich subject to mine. There are stories I knew of, but many I didn’t – be prepared folks, you’re going to get a fascinating history lesson. I’ve started reading Louis Nowra’s book “Kings Cross: A Biography” to get a greater appreciation of the history of this infamous district. Of course, Shane being a great melodicist writes some wonderful tunes, but it’s the stories and lyrics that are on show here (co written with Shane’s partner Holly Campbell).

 

Kings Cross has often been infamous for its crime, but as we discuss, it was also home to bohemians and artists. It’s not just about the stuff that made the newspaper headlines. There are many personal stories told here, and it all works beautifully. Shane and Holly’s ability to write stories brings everything to life. The SP3 drummer, adds some spice on percussion, but otherwise every instrument and vocal is played by Shane. It’s an album I recommend highly. It was great to have Shane talk about his own music for a change.

 

The album is only available digitally. Search it out on Bandcamp at https://shanepacey1.bandcamp.com/album/cross-of-the-heart

If you enjoy the show, please consider giving us a favourable review on whatever podcast platform you listen on and let your friends know that our show exists. If you don't enjoy the show, tell your adversaries to tune in. I don't care who listens.....

Love That Album is proudly part of the Pantheon Network of music podcasts. Check out all the other wonderful shows at http://pantheonpodcasts.com

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

You can download the show by searching for Love That Album on whatever podcast app you favour (except Spotify).

Download episode 194 from here.

Love That Album Episode 190 - Favourite Musical Discoveries of 2025

 

Here we are at the end of another year. I won't pretend it was wonderful....part of it was downright horrible to be honest. Buuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuut, two things made me happy – the kindness of some people and wonderful music. Love That Album is all about the music.

Welcome to episode 190 of Love That Album.

As long time listeners will know, at the end of most years, I like to reach out to some of my music loving and musically articulate friends to chat about what music excited them that year. The emphasis is on music discovery – some of it may be have been released but some of it may be 50 years old. As long as it's new for my guests, that's all that matters. I now present for you the 2025 edition of this tradition.

Joining me for this year's discussion are:

- Shane Pacey. Shane is part of the LTA furniture at this stage. Discussing music with him is always a treat. He's the front man for both the Bondi Cigars and the Shane Pacey Trio. He's a great musician, sure, but he's a passionate advocate for music history and a great raconteur in that regard. Check out his music at either https://shanepaceytriomusic.bandcamp.com/ or https://bondicigars.com/

- Farmer John (aka John Couture). Farmer John is the host of the superb Vinyl Relics podcast dedicated to the history of (mostly) obscure bands from the late 60s / early 70s rock era. He discusses albums with musicians who didn't always get their day in the sun but should have. Psychedelia, hard rock, pop and folk are his passions. He's also a guitarist and songwriter for a great band called Newport Electric. Get Vinyl Relics wherever you get podcasts, and find his music at https://www.newportelectricmusic.com/

- Brian Nankervis. In Australia, Brian needs no introduction....but for the rest of you, Brian is most famous for being the co host (with Julia Zemiro of Rockwiz) – previously a TV program (which yours truly had 15 minutes of infamy on), now a live touring show. Brian is indeed a rock music brain. He also hosts a weekly show on the ABC in Melbourne with Jacinta Parsons, The Friday Revue.

- Jeff Jenkins. Jeff is a music journalist and has been writing a weekly column called Howzat for many many years, as well as writing books about Molly Meldrum and Skyhooks. He also is a regular guest on RRR's The Australian Mood with Neil Rogers. JJ was also the very first guest to be a part of LTA 14 and a half years ago, back when most people didn't even know what a podcast was. You can read his articles at http://www.livinginthelandofoz.com/howzat.html

I'm truly grateful for these marvellous musical folk for giving me their time and great conversations.

In the off chance you were interested in what some of my favourite discoveries were this year, I have recorded solo segments I play in between my chats with my guests giving 3 albums that gave me pleasure this year – there were many more, but I didn't want this to be a 10 hour show.

If you've listened to an episode this year or sent me a correspondence or posted in the Facebook group to have music discussions or recommended LTA or See Hear Podcast to your friends or have been a guest on the show, I offer my gratitude to you.

If you’ve been enjoying the show, please consider giving us a favourable review on whatever podcast platform you listen on and let your friends know that our show exists. If you don't enjoy the show, tell your adversaries to tune in. We don't care who listens.....

Love That Album is proudly part of the Pantheon Network of music podcasts. Check out all the other wonderful shows at http://pantheonpodcasts.com

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

You can download the show by searching for Love That Album on whatever podcast app you favour (except Spotify).

Download Episode 190 from here.

Love That Album Podcast Episode 134 - Pentangle "Basket of Light"

When we think of music coming out of England in the 1960s, it's often in relation to the Mersey Beat, psychedelia, prog rock, or The Bonzo Dog Doo Dah Band. England was also going through a folk music revival in a different way to the American one in the early sixties thanks to a number of artists who saw fit to combine the traditional songs of generations gone with a contemporary approach.

Welcome to episode 134 of Love That Album podcast.

I am joined once again, by blues guitarist and vocalist, Shane Pacey, to discuss the third album from English band Pentangle, Basket of Light, released in 1969. There were other great bands like Steeleye Span and Fairport Convention that were finding ways of mixing folk with rock. Pentangle had a jazz rhythm section, a guitarist in the blues tradition, a guitarist trained classically, and a singer who leaned in both a blues and folk direction. Recipe for chaos? Nope, because these were all seasoned musicians who knew how to blend their skills into a common vision.

Shane and I talk about our earliest memories of the band, the individual members' other projects, and a whole mess of other related topics, while hopefully convincing you that Basket of Light is one of the great albums deserving of your attention.

BUT WAIT...there's more.

I spoke with British jazz flautist, Rowland Sutherland who'd been invited by the London Jazz Festival in 2019 to assemble a band and play Basket Of Light live in its entirety as a tribute to the album's 50th anniversary. We discussed Rowland's background, his other projects, and how he came to arrange these beloved Pentangle tunes

Once again, I am grateful to have Shane bring his knowledge and conversation to the show....LTA is all the better for his participation. Having Rowland talk about a project so near to his heart was an absolute treat. My gratitude to him as well for his time and insight.

You can find Rowland's music and links to his recordings at http://www.rowlandsutherland.com/

Please explore the music of Shane at both https://bondicigars.com/ and https://shanepaceytrio.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 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 134 here.

Love That Album Podcast episode 116 - Emmylou Harris "Wrecking Ball"

I'm a huge admirer of people who drastically changes they way they do things because they have no satisfaction from the “tried and true” way. This is especially true of musicians. Most of the greatest ones challenged their audiences to accept them for who they wanted to be, not what they previously were.

Welcome to episode 116 of Love That Album podcast.

By 1995, Emmylou Harris needed creative change, so she met with the hot producer of the day Daniel Lanois and made Wrecking Ball. This was an album that was far removed from the country styles of Elite Hotel, Pieces of the Sky or Roses In The Snow. She picked songs from well beloved songwriters and was backed by a band whose sound was a long way from the Hot Band. This was not a rejection of her past, merely an opportunity for her to see what else she could do.

Shane Pacey from Sydney funk and blues outfits The Bondi Cigars and The Shane Pacey Trio joins the show for the first time. Shane and I discuss all manner of songwriting and arrangements on this album and what made it one of our favourite records of the nineties.

A huge thanks to Shane not only for being a part of the show, but for his patience in sticking around while I sorted through technical difficulties which nearly killed the podcast for good (I kid you not). This was not an easy show to record, and when the solution was found, it became one of the more challenging shows I've had to edit. Technology can be a wonder, but when it turns on you, it can be vindictive.....thanks to communication tool starting with S for making this show a....memorable one. Problem now sorted. Rant Over.

Dave Blom returns with an Album I Love segment to talk about the album Big Big Love from Perth band Little Birdy from 2004. My gratitude to Dave for covering for Eric while he takes a break. Dave knows and loves music.

You can download the show from iTunes (search for “Love That Album podcast”) or from the website at http://lovethatalbum.blogspot.com.

You can listen to Shane's music and order albums from http://bondicigars.com/ or keep in touch with his activities at https://www.facebook.com/bondicigars. Both of his bands are fantastic and worthy of your attention. Blues with a groove.

Send the show 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 or recommending the show to a friend, we’d be immensely grateful.

If you enjoy what you hear, please tell a friend or ten to tune in.

Right click to download episode 116 here.