Love That Album Episode 40 - Richard Clapton - The Great Escape

It was 1982 - the Australian popular music landscape had a number of iconic albums released: Men at Work's "Business As Usual", Midnight Oil's "10, 9, 8...", Goanna's "Spirit of Place", Cold Chisel's "Circus Animals" and Richard Clapton's "The Great Escape". Richard was already revered as one of Australia's greatest songwriters recording music that was identifiably Australian combining a bit of surf music, hippie ideals and lyrics that would not have been out of place on early Bruce Springsteen records.In 1982, he wanted to try something a little different.

Looking at what his peers were doing, he developed a tougher sound for The Great Escape utilising the skills of  the great Mark Opitz (Cold Chisel, Angels) as producer. For episode 40 of Love That Album, Michael Pursche of Sitting In a Bar In Adelaide podcast and I discuss this album, some of what went on before that, and a discussion Richard made on a certain teen TV pop music show with its "professional" host. The album starts off frantic and ends off with Richard at peace with his environment. In between, there's a song that is (in my opinion) one of the greatest, if not THE greatest pop song written in this country. The musicians on board include a who's who of the day, including members of INXS who Richard had previously produced.
Eric Reanimator returns to discuss the music of cowpunk outfit, The Divine Horsemen in his segment An Album I Love. Download the show either from http://lovethatalbum.blogspot.com or search for "love that album" in the iTunes store.

The podcast can also be listened to via Stitcher Radio. Download the app from stitcher.com, and listen to any episode streaming over your Android or Apple device after searching for “love that album”.

Send me any feedback at rrrkitchen@yahoo.com.au (written or mp3 voicemail) or join the Facebook group at http://www.facebook.com/groups/lovethatalbum and start a discussion on the best TV appearances by a rock act.


Michael's podcast can be found at http://adelaiderockshow.mevio.com

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Love That Album Episode 39 - Aimee Mann - Bachelor No. 2

For episode 39 of Love That Album, I’m joined by Thomas Deja of the Better In The Dark podcast to discuss Aimee Mann’s album from 2000 Bachelor No. 2 or The Last Remains of the Dodo.

This was Aimee’s third album, released after buying back the recordings from her unsupportive record company declaring it to have no commercial appeal (which shows part of the reason why real music lovers hold record companies in contempt). She sold it very successfully from her website until getting a wider reaching distribution deal. Aimee shares excellent company with the likes of Jon Brion (ex-Jellyfish, The Grays), Buddy Judge and husband Michael Penn to produce a suite of songs that are all at once sweet and bitter. These songs would be like eating a nice piece of apple cake, only to find out the fruit has gone rancid. The sweet melodies and harmonies are wrapped around lyrics that are bitter, accusatory, self deprecating, and resigned. What I love about some of these songs is that Aimee sings from the perspective of someone whose view of events is not necessarily reliable. This really makes for more interesting listening than some songwriters who always take the self-righteous line. I really enjoyed hearing Thomas’ take on these fine songs. We also briefly discuss some of these songs’ linkage to the terrific P.T. Anderson film, Magnolia.

Eric Reanimator returns to discuss the brilliant album by Neko Case, “Fox Confessor Brings The Flood” in his Album I Love segment

Download the show either from http://lovethatalbum.blogspot.com or search for "love that album" in the iTunes store.

Send me any feedback at rrrkitchen@yahoo.com.au (written or mp3 voicemail) or join the Facebook group at http://www.facebook.com/groups/lovethatalbum and start a discussion on anything musically related.

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Love That Album Episode 38 - That'll Be The Dust

Love That Album episode 38 is doing something a little different to the usual – we’re not discussing an album. Wha????????????????????????

"Silva and Gold" podcast’s Doctor Zom and I spend the show discussing two great British movies from the early seventies – 1973’s “That’ll Be The Day” and 1974’s “Stardust”. Both films feature a lot of rock and roll, and are centred on the power it has over its audience, but unlike previous filmic excursions on LTA, we’re not discussing the soundtrack. David Essex stars in both films as Jim Maclaine and his rise from fairground attendant to rock star. Jim is a narcissist, and does not let friendships, family duty or basic human decency get in his way from getting what he wants out of life. The first film covers the period from the late 50s where he drops out of school to work at a seaside carnival, and the second covers his rise and fall with his band The Stray Cats. I think it’s a retelling of Faust in a way.

Besides David Essex, the films feature Ringo Starr, Keith Moon, Adam Faith, and Larry Hagman in what was surely a precursor to J.R. Ewing. Zom and I have a lot of enjoyment discussing these great, gritty films and hopefully, our chat will inspire you to discover or revisit them. As from previous visits to the podcast, I love having Zom’s insight and contribution.

Eric Reanimator returns to discuss an anthology of songs by The Troggs. Wild Thang......

Download the episode either from http://lovethatalbum.blogspot.com or search for "love that album" in the itunes store.



Send me any feedback at rrrkitchen@yahoo.com.au (written or mp3 voicemail) or join the Facebook group at http://www.facebook.com/groups/lovethatalbum and start a discussion on your favourite rock related movie.

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Love That Album Episode 37 - The Zombies - Odessey and Oracle

For episode 37 of Love That Album, I’m happy to welcome Simon and Brian of the truly excellent Sodajerker on Songwriting podcast (download at www.sodajerker.com)

In 1968, The Zombies were in the unfortunate position of not really having achieved the sort of success they deserved. History had been far kinder to many of their contemporaries. They decided they would record one final album (at Abbey Road, no less). It even had the ignominious misspelling of the title on the album cover – Odessey and Oracle. A year after its release, Al Kooper had released the album on CBS in the US and the band had a smash hit with the single “Time Of The Season”. This was ironic for two reasons. The obvious one was the band had split up and there was to be no promotion. The second, more subjective irony was that this song was not typical of the style of the rest of the record.

Sodajerker and I discuss the dark themes sung about on this album (war, prison, dying lonely, and that old staple, relationship heartbreak) made more palatable by glorious melodies and harmonies. This album is a bona fide classic that needs to be in every pop lover’s collection. Listen to this episode and have us convince you why.

Eric Reanimator returns to discuss Hawkwind’s eponymous album in his Album I Love segment.

Download the episode either from http://lovethatalbum.blogspot.com or search for "love that album" in the itunes store.

Send me any feedback at rrrkitchen@yahoo.com.au (written or mp3 voicemail) or join the Facebook group at http://www.facebook.com/groups/lovethatalbum and start a discussion on your favourite underrated bands.

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Love That Album podcast Episode 36 - Elliott Smith - XO

It’s time for the first episode of Love That Album podcast in 2013, and I thought I’d start the year with a depressing album to discuss….sort of.

For episode 36 of LTA, I’m joined by JuanJose De laCruz of The List Music Podcast to talk about Elliott Smith’s 1998 album, XO. This was Smith’s first major label release, and he was able to sonically expand on the sound he’d created on previous albums like Either/Or. This had beautifully tasteful arrangements with piano, mellotron, occasional string arrangements and breathy vocal harmonies, as well as the standard band structure of guitar, drums and bass – and Elliott is playing most of it himself. The beauty of the music is in contrast to the lyrics that are often angry and show signs of depression. Did Smith (whose cause of death has never been fully substantiated) really have strong depression or are these songs just him getting feelings out of his system. There are moments on the album that have positive spins that appear to contradict the common wisdom that Smith suffered from depression. It was truly wonderful having such a great chat with Juan and getting his insight about an album we both love.

Eric Reanimator returns to LTA in 2013 to discuss Mark Lannegan’s album Whiskey for the Holy Ghost. It’s another great segment from Eric.

Download the show either from http://lovethatalbum.blogspot.com or search for "love that album" in the itunes store.

Send me any feedback at rrrkitchen@yahoo.com.au (written or mp3 voicemail)  or join the Facebook group at http://www.facebook.com/groups/lovethatalbum and start a discussion on your favourite sad songs.

Right click to download and save Episode 36 here