Love That Album Episode 151 - Interview with Serge Fiori of Harmonium

 

You know what it's like when you discover a band that was around a long time ago, and then you inevitably go down a rabbit hole and discover a whole lot more music in a “Kevin Bacon six degrees of separation” kind of way? That's happened to me over the last few months.

Welcome to episode 151 of Love That Album.

A few months back, Christian Swain at Pantheon Podcasts (who supports Love That Album, See Hear and a ton of other music shows) asked me if I knew of the 70s band from Montreal called Harmonium. At the time, I'd never heard of them, so I did some investigating…..I fell in love with what I heard. Their small but wonderful back catalogue started out as Laurel Canyon-esque like folk which evolved into progg-ish and art rock. It's not quite prog rock in the way that early Yes or Genesis were – there's not millions of time signature changes for one thing – but it does share some of the more classical song structures those bands started out with. Listening to their music led me to discover that Montreal was a major centre for prog bands, so I listened to some of those other bands as well.

The band were hugely popular in Canada, but separated in 1978 at the top of their game. In 2020, their songwriter and lead singer Serge Fiori was approached to give his blessing for a re-arrangement of the entire Harmonium catalogue as a symphonic work. The result is Histoires Sans Paroles: Harmonium Symphonique. This is not the first time that a classically oriented interpretation of rock music has been attempted, but Harmonium's music seemed tailor made for such a reinvention. There's a wider sonic palette for the music to work under.

I was offered the opportunity to speak with Serge for the show, and I was hugely keen to do so. He's a lovely guy who had a lot to say about the Quebec music scene of the 70s, as well as hearing his music translated into a medium different from its original conception. It's not easy to hand off your creative work to someone else to reinterpret, but to say Serge was delighted with the result would be an understatement. This album is all the more amazing considering it was recorded under 2020 pandemic conditions!!!!! A big feat for an orchestra.

Serge is completely grateful for all that being a musician and composer has given to his life, and he is grateful to Simon LeClerc, arranger and conductor of the Montreal Symphony Orchestra, for respecting the spirit of the music.

Obviously, many thanks to Serge for his time, but additional thanks also go to Christian Swain for starting this off and and to Lisa Roy at Rock & Roy for making it happen.

You can get Histoires Sans Paroles: Harmonium Symphonique in physical medium or download formats from https://www.harmoniumsymphonique.com/

Download this episode of LTA from wherever you prefer getting your podcasts.

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. 

Proudly Pantheon

Download episode 151 from here.

Love That Album Podcast Episode 150 - Interview with Steve Berlin about Los Lobos' "Native Sons"

Anyone who's listened to the podcast for a while or hung around the LTA Facebook group long enough knows that my favourite working band is Los Lobos. You'd also possibly be aware that group saxophonist and keyboard player Steve Berlin has joined me on LTA in the past AND on See Hear.....well, Steve's baaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaack.

Welcome to episode 150 of Love That Album.

Los Lobos have released a new album in 2021 called Native Sons. The fact that they (or any band) are able to record and release new music in lockdown is astonishing. As great as Louis Perez, David Hidalgo and Cesar Rosas are as songwriters, for this album, they are drawn to the music that influenced them along the way by heroes and peers specifically from Los Angeles....people like Lalo Guerrero, Jackson Browne, The Blasters, The Beach Boys, War and others.

Steve and I speak about the role of these musicians in Los Lobos' development, Christmas music, working through Covid, the father of Chicano music, Ry Cooder, Tom Waits and a lot of other topics. Once again it was my privilege to have him back on the show – recorded 3 hours before Lobos were due to hit the stage!!!

If you're in the US and are able to see Los Lobos live, DO IT. They put on wonderful shows, and you'll be supporting working musicians in this crazy time. You can check out their gig listings at loslobos.org

Download this episode of LTA from Spotify, Stitcher or iTunes (search for “Love That Album podcast”)....or wherever you prefer getting your podcasts.

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. 

Proudly Pantheon

Download episode 150 from here.

Love That Album Podcast Episode 149 - Soundtrack of Oz: A Rock 'n' Roll Road Movie

The 1970s going into the early 1980s are generally regarded as a purple patch of Australian cinema – The Australian New Wave. Film makers had financial support. Audiences wanted to see their own backyard on the big screen (before bloody cultural cringe set in again). There were films that focused on T&A and machismo, there were a lot of period pieces, and there were tales of crime. The films weren't always successful, but there was a spirit about them that's still exciting. Audiences recognised themselves in film (although they denied it when Wake In Fright came out).

So, where does Oz: A Rock 'n; Roll Road Movie (aka 20th Century Oz) fit in? Where does an adaptation of The Wizard of Oz that sees Dorothy as a groupie who dreams she's on a highway headed for the big city to see a concert featuring The Wizard with a surfer, a mechanic and a biker as her company actually stand in the canon of local 70s cinema?

Welcome to Love That Album episode 149.

Why am I starting the blurb for a music discussion podcast with a description about movies? Especially in reference to a film that's already been discussed on the See Hear Podcast (episode 33...hint hint)

Well, the film has a soundtrack, you see......

Previous LTA interview subject Sarah Carroll and her son George Carroll Wilson are both huge fans of the film. I invited them onto the show to talk about the soundtrack. Of course, you can't really discuss a soundtrack without reference to the film itself. We also had a lengthy discussion about the Australian music scene of the period, the history behind the key players involved with the music and the film (Ross Wilson and Chris Lofven), and of course the music itself and how it worked in the context of the story.

BUT WAIT....THERE'S MORE.....

One of the exciting thing about the soundtrack of Oz is that it features the debut of a band that became very big in the late 70s, Jo Jo Zep and the Falcons. This episode features an interview with ex-Falcon Wayne Burt who wrote their songs for this film. I was rapt to speak to someone in the thick of it from the period.

My huge gratitude to Sarah, George and Wayne for making this such a fun show to record.

You can find out more about Sarah at https://www.sarahcarrollstarparade.com/

George's music is available at Bandcamp https://pollyman.bandcamp.com/music

Until Umbrella chooses to re-release the film, it's on Youtube at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ATiiOGg_ZyQ

….and you can search out the See Hear episode with myself, Bernie, Tim and the Projection Booth's Mike White discussing Oz downloading from https://seehearpodcast.blogspot.com/2020/05/see-hear-podcast-episode-33-oz-rock-n.html

Download this episode of LTA from iTunes (search for “Love That Album podcast”)....or wherever you prefer getting your podcasts.

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. 

Proudly Pantheon

Download episode 149 from here.

Love That Album Podcast Episode 148 - 10th Anniversary Episode Part 2

 

Welcome to part 2 of the Love That Album 10 Year Anniversary extravaganza. If you missed the first part, I asked 7 previous co hosts to recommend some favourite albums recorded over the lifespan of the show. In part 1, I had the first four guests (Ian McFarlane, Jeff Jenkins, Eric Peterson and Heather Drain).

The three remaining guests who will share the albums they treasure over the previous decade are:

• Billy Pinnell, host of the EON-FM / MMM-FM Album show and all round music guru.

• Shane Pacey, lead guitarist and singer for The Bondi Cigars and Shane Pacey Trio.

• Brian Nankervis – Comedian, adjudicator for Rockwiz, broadcaster at RRR and ABC Radio Melbourne and all round raconteur.

I'm thrilled at these wonderful people have given my little podcast the time of day and have been happy to talk music with me, not just for this episode, but over the life of the show.

You can check out Bill's thoughts at his Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/billypinnell and go through the archives of his podcast, The Music Show.

Shane's activities (gigs, albums etc) can be found at https://shanepaceytrio.com.au/ and https://bondicigars.com/

You can catch Brian every Friday afternoon on Radio Melbourne with Jacinta Parsons (archived here) https://www.abc.net.au/radio/people/jacinta-parsons-and-brian-nankervis/11865916 or at Rockwiz live shows (when not in lockdown). Also, his classic TV comedy Let The Blood Run Free is on Youtube at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nQquowNAFBo&list=PLLnadaPaanlBJCQAh3CvT-6JzMtj-WBh0

Download this episode of LTA from Spotify, Stitcher or iTunes (search for “Love That Album podcast”)....or wherever you prefer getting your podcasts.

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 148 from here.

Love That Album Podcast Episode 147 - 10th Anniversary Episode Part 1

 

A decade ago (July 14, 2011 to be precise), I unleashed the first episode of Love That Album podcast on the world. Music journalist and massive Bruce Springsteen fan, Jeff Jenkins and I debated which was a better album from the Boss – The Wild, The Innocent and the E Street Shuffle (me) or Darkness On The Edge of Town (Jeff).

I had no idea what I was doing in regards to audio quality (I still don’t), editing or how the discussion would go. In 2011, however, podcasting was not as ubiquitous as it’s become, so I didn’t feel any embarrassment at throwing the show out there with others that put far more work into making their programs great.

Welcome to the 10th anniversary edition of Love That Album.

I’m not under any illusions that this little show of discussions with fellow music fans about records we (mostly) love is in the upper stratosphere of the medium. However, I’ve loved (nearly) every conversation that I’ve had with marvellous people who were giving of their time, spirit and enthusiasm…and that counts for plenty. Also, anyone who ever downloaded an episode to actively listen also receives my huge gratitude. You're grouse!!!!

While not wanting to go overboard on this, I did think that celebrating the show running for 10 years was appropriate. My idea was to ask 7 previous guests to talk about some favourite albums released during its lifetime. To that end, I have broken up the show into two separate episodes because I didn’t think that a 4 hour plus episode would work for anyone (with the possible exception of fans of The Projection Booth).

For this first part, you will hear from Jeff Jenkins, music writer and author Ian McFarlane, host of LTA: The Compilation Edition Eric Peterson, and music / film writer and author Heather Drain. Get your pens and paper out to take notes for some great album recommendations you’ll need to follow up. In the end, creating this podcast has given me the opportunity to reach out to these and many others to talk about music – one of my favourite things to do, no matter what Frank Zappa said.

You can read Jeff's Howzat weekly articles at http://www.livinginthelandofoz.com/howzat.html

You can follow all of Heather's writing at https://www.mondoheather.com/

You can check out Ian's encyclopediac knowledge of Australian music at https://www.thirdstonepress.com.au/

Download this episode of LTA from Spotify, Stitcher or iTunes (search for “Love That Album podcast”)....or wherever you prefer getting your podcasts.

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 147 from here.

Love That Album Podcast Episode 146 - Live Albums I Dig

 

Remember episode 133 of the show where I spoke with hosts of some of my favourite shows within the Pantheon Podcast Network about their favourite live albums? You don't? Go back and listen to that show....I'll wait.

Welcome to episode 146 of Love That Album.

So after that episode came out, no one at all asked me, “What are some of YOUR favourite live albums???” With the scheduled episode for this month being deferred to next year, now is the perfect time to answer that non-asked question. On this episode, I pick three live albums I love, highlight why I dig 'em, and make the case that you should chase them up.

That's it....no long ramble. Just download and listen.

Oh....while you're reading this, I will put in a mention about next month's shows. The podcast is turning 10 years old!!!! I will be releasing two (count 'em) episodes to celebrate.

Download this episode of LTA from Spotify, Stitcher or iTunes (search for “Love That Album podcast”)....or wherever you prefer getting your podcasts.

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 146 from here.

Love That Album Podcast Episode 145 - Interview with Dan Warner and James Stewart of The Warner Brothers

 

Melbournians are a resilient lot. We had some of the harshest lockdowns anywhere in the world during 2020 (very necessarily – I won't argue with anyone on that point). Most of us got through it with good humour, grace, and countless Zoom meetings. One song kept going through my head the whole time – it should have become the Victorian state anthem....that song was “Stuck In Melbourne” by The Warner Brothers.

Welcome to episode 145 of Love That Album.

Back in the mid 80s, musicians and songwriters, Dan Warner and James Stewart started performing around Melbourne as a duo before expanding to a full band lineup calling themselves The Warner Brothers, heavily influenced by rootsy / Americana styles. They played many many shows around town, and truly lived the rock and roll lifestyle. Under that name they independently released the excellent Talking In Your Sleep album (years before crowd-funding was an even an idea never mind a reality).

Who would have thought that a big international film and music conglomerate would threaten a small Melbourne band over their name??? They changed their name to Overnight Jones, recorded a couple of albums, then went their separate ways in the late 90s. All went on to other projects, before reforming annually for one-off shows to the faithful.

I'm thrilled to have Dan and James on the show to talk about their experiences with radio programmers, record producers, and band bookers. I found the conversation entertaining as hell...they are passionate about music.....and we discuss their back catalogue as well.

The WB / OJ albums are currently not in print, but listen for a great announcement late in the show for their forthcoming reissue. Meanwhile you can get Dan and James great solo albums from

https://danwarner.bandcamp.com/ and https://jamesstewartcarcane.bandcamp.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 barbecue, over coffee, on social media….whatever way you choose, consider me grateful.

Download episode 145 from here.