SA ROCK DIGEST SPECIAL EDITION
(2001: A No More Space Odyssey)
http://www.sarockdigest.com
The South African Rock Music Digest
is a free, subscription e-mag, edited
by Brian Currin and Stephen Segerman
and delivered direct to your e-mailbox.
Established January 1999.
To unsubscribe - send mail to:
mailto:unsubscribe@sarockdigest.com
----------*********-----------
CONTENTS
-----------
1.TOP 30 ALBUMS OF THE YEAR
2.TOP 50 SONGS OF THE YEAR
3.CHARTS
4.WHAT'S ON
5.LINKS
6.BACK ISSUES
7.CONTRIBUTIONS
8.CONTACT DETAILS
9.SUBSCRIPTIONS
______________________________________________
1.TOP 30 ALBUMS OF THE YEAR 2000
----------------------------------
1. TajMahala - SharkBrother
2. Blk Sonshine - Blk Sonshine
3. Iron In The Sky - Robin Auld
4. A Life Less Strange - Semisane
5. Torn And Tattered - Henry Ate
6. Fragile - Saron Gas
7. Delenta - Delenta
8. Lungiswa - Lungiswa
9. In The Meantime - Watershed
10. Physiognomy Of The Soul - Bernard Binns
11. Strange World - Just Jinger
12. Relaxzor - Springbok Nude Girls
13. Grannysmith - Grannysmith
14. The Slender Nudes - Ashton Nyte
15. Lately When She Cries - Jesse Jordan
16. Almost Human - Even Flow
17. Nkalakatha - Mandoza
18. Just Another Band - Off The Edge
19. Serial Boyfriend - Frank Opperman and Prime Time Addiction
20. Reconstructing Alice - Sonja Herholdt
21. Seventies, Eighties, Nineties, Naughties - Boo!
22. Anthology - Jack Hammer
23. Presents Project Four - Brothers of Peace
24. Batsesane - Lekgoa
25. Never Ever Ever Ever - Wonderboom
26. Something To Believe - Liesl Graham
27. Miyela Afrika - Vusi Mahlasela
28. Faith In Love - Coleske
29. World - Albert Grey
30. Yvonne and Friends - Yvonne Chaka Chaka
As broadcast on SAFM on the 22nd and 29th December 2000.
------------------------------
THE TOP 20 IN BRIEF...
------------------------
No 1
Title: TajMahala
Artist: Sharkbrother
http://listen.to/sharkbrother
Why?: Our SA Rock album of the year, and it wasn't a very difficult decision, despite the strength and quality of the challengers, especially Blk Sonshine. But in the end, it had to go to the new Gauteng band Sharkbrother who released this debut masterpiece onto an unsuspecting audience. On hearing this the first few times the obvious questions arose, as in "who are these guys?", "what have they been listening to?" and "what are they on???". No clear answers have yet emerged, and no adequate descriptions of this dark, deep and vast album present themselves. You just have to hear it and spend time floating in its murky and strange depths.
'TajMahala' has already attracted the usual moody name checks (Nick Cave, "Laughing" Leonard Cohen, Roger Waters), but all comparisons pale when trying to accurately describe 'TajMahala', as this is an original, intangible and unfathomable album, unlike any SA rock album of recent memory. In there one can hear ambient gloom hop, break beats, jazz guitar, Balkan folk songs, vocals resembling those of Tindersticks' vocalist Stuart Staples, strings and arrangements that recall the very weird String Driven Thing, and the sparse bass and space of Young Marble Giants. It will hopefully impress upon many other SA artists the importance of constantly striving to produce honest and subjective work without feeling a constant need to emulate what is happening overseas. Eleven songs, slow and atmospheric arrangements, strange concepts and lyrics, and a 16-minute multi-opus called '3rdset' that settles itself down in the middle of the album and slowly unravels its many secrets and mysteries.
Sharkbrother's stated intent is "to provide a counterfoil to the proliferation of rock and jazz bands on the SA scene, providing an alternative that is beautiful and simplistic. This gels with the band's philosophy of a return to aesthetics in art and a move away from the shock tactics employed by the hardcore and the verbose technicality of the supergroup". Fighting talk or cocky hype perhaps, but that's precisely what has been achieved with the measured calm and understated depths of 'TajMahala'.
Sharkbrother are Cobus Rossouw on "guitar, vocals, ego", Steve Savage on "bass, vocals, harmonica, keyboards, percussion, programming, guitar, windchimes, and humility (although he'll argue about the last one)", and Sam Goosen on "violin, vocals, keyboards, and goat's testicle shakers". Our hearts go out, our ears go wide, our hands go clap and our lighters get raised high as we salute the finest album of the year and a huge leap forward for SA Rock.
Best Moments: natureschild, insomnia, thesea, cometothis, onlyyesterday, 3rdset, insideyoursun, autumnsong, punishment, thesea (20000leaguesundermix), americans
Look Out For: Their next album, and anything by their splinter group The Brixton Moord En Roof Orkes!
No 2
Title: Blk Sonshine
Artist: Blk Sonshine
Why?: Generally speaking, the most indispensable and wonderful album to come out of South Africa since Juluka's 'Universal Men' debut! Masauko Chipembere and Neo Muyanga are the new duo that comprise Blk Sonshine and they have combined their guitar-playing skills, songwriting talents, sweet voices and eclectic influences (Malawian/American and Botswanan/South African) to produce the most entertaining and evocative, jazz, rock, folk, reggae, kwaito and kwela SA musical fruit salad for ages.
Not a duff note, boring moment or weak section throughout this compelling and joyous collection, which was recorded in California while the duo was on tour in the US. This essential and Fresh (!) self-titled debut should become a permanent fixture on every music system in our country. It touches all the points of the SA musical compass and is unavoidably optimistic and happy. Sing along to songs that are all soon going to become very well known and let some Blk Sonshine into your life and the lives of those around you. The first great SA album of the new century!!
Best Moments: Crazy, Born In A Taxi, Birds Will Sing, Building, Bahlalefi, Agitation, Melting In The Rain, Perfect Love, Borders, I Won't Talk, Soul Smile, Finger Painting A Masterpiece.
Look Out For: The chorus of 'Born In A Taxi' (as featured in that Santam/Yellow Umbrella TV Ad): "Spend my time loving you, if that's what you want me to do, you just have to say do!".
No 3
Title: Iron In The Sky
Artist: Robin Auld
http://www.robinauld.co.za
Why?: This was just what we needed to end off a very strange year on a positive note, a cool, new album from Robin Auld. No pretensions here from this Cape-based surfer/author/folkie. Just him (with Peter Cohen on drums and Nelson Barbosa on bass), his guitar and the back of a bakkie. Ten songs from the road, about everyday people and situations, drunken girls, queens of pain, a mongoose, driving to Johannesburg and Charly going crazy. All delivered in his usual laid-back minstrel style with that warm, wise and slightly weary voice.
Best Moments: Rikki Tikki Tavi, Met Someone, Which Way To Go
Look Out For: The version of 'Which Way To Go' which Auld wrote with the late James Phillips and which he recorded live with Louis Mhlanga on guitar at the Grahamstown Festival.
No 4
Title: A Life Less Strange
Artist: Semisane
http://www.semisane.com
Why?: Rising from the ashes of Black Diamond, with new singer Tikara in tow, Sascha Muller and Chris Acker began their latest ascent to pop's mystical heights. They may even get there this time as 'A Life Less Strange' has enough power pop pieces to keep them on the charts for months. The combo of muscular rock arrangements and sweet and sassy vocals should see this band becoming SA pop's newest contenders.
Best Moments: Trying To Believe, Alright, Now I Know, Right Here, Time
Look Out For: All of the above songs, they will steal your heart!
No 5
Title: Torn And Tattered
Artist: Henry Ate
Why?: Because Karma-Ann Swanepoel is like our own Sinead - sensitive, outspoken, focused and scarily talented (not to mention her torn-up photo on the album cover!). She and some of her usual musical gang are back, and now re-appearing as the band Henry Ate, after an ill-advised band name switch to Karma. This is their third full album, and it is once again packed with 15 absorbing and hooky little pieces of good Karma and emotional musical magic. Tales of deep thoughts and fears, redemption, madness, sadness and, ultimately, happiness, All the usual Karma staples. Just more so. Her best album yet!
Best Moments: Mad Hatter, Two Seconds, Sunshine
Look Out For: The Irish whistle and bodhran that add some Celtic vibes to the joyful optimism of 'Sunshine'.
No 6
Title: Fragile
Artist: Saron Gas
Why?: Thanks to the impact of their 'Fragile' (hardly!) debut on the contemporary SA hard rock scene and its first single, '69 Tea', on the SA charts, Saron Gas finished the year as the SA noisemakers most likely to be proudly compared to Korn, Rage and Limp. But 'Fragile' rather tipped its (hard) hat to the late Kurt, giving it a slightly older grunge sound and feel. These boys will have to stay on their toes to fend off challenges from the hot, new, young bands like Not My Dog, Jimmy 12" and Roswell Kings. But for now, 'Fragile' is the SA grunge business and Saron Gas have Barney's World (tm) at their feet.
Best Moments: 69 Tea, Beer, Dazed and Abused
Look Out For: Big crunching single '69 Tea', the most unlikely but welcome SA radio chart success of the year
No 7
Title: Delenta
Artist: Delenta
Why?: Ignore that awful TV promo/hype masquerading as a comedy program and just listen to the music contained in this debut solo album from the very charismatic Jenny Delenta (henceforth known simply as "Delenta"). Produced, co-written and generally handled by Craigie Dodds, 'Delenta' is a trip hop, dance-pop collection brimming with ideas, attitudes and excellent songs. With a voice groomed in the 'Not The Midnight Mass' collective, and a wit and confidence developed as the roaming presenter on 'Options', Delenta could bring some spark and suss to the SA pop scene.
Best Moments: Fall, Sudan, Higher Ground
Look Out For: Delenta's sister Rosanna's guest vocals on the haunting 'Sudan'.
No 8
Title: Lungiswa
Artist: Lungiswa
Why?: Lungiswa "Lulu" Plaajties had more than served her apprenticeship in the Amampondo musical family/collective, and it was time for her to record her own album. MELT 2000 boss Robert Trunz made it happen and the result is our strongest contender for SA/World album of the year. 'Lungiswa' merges African rhythms and languages, acoustic and indigenous instruments, Motown and Maskanda, and her gorgeous voice in an album that is a sheer delight. From the opening lullaby version of our anthem and her spoken self-introduction right through to her impassioned version of Marvin Gaye's 'Inner City Blues', 'Lungiswa' is this year's 'Urbanzulu'.
Best Moments: Inner City Blues, The Crab Song, Fundal
Look Out For: Lungiswa's two stunning versions (in Xhosa and English) of Marvin Gaye's 'Inner City Blues' off his classic 'What's Going On' 70's soul album, an appropriate message for our times.
No 9
Title: In The Meantime
Artist: Watershed
Why?: EMI's big SA pop signing of the year (besides Henry Ate) and the resulting debut album 'In The Meantime' must have made the big shots very happy. Craig Hinds is the songwriting maestro behind these 11 tracks and Paul McIver his permanent musical partner in the band. Together they have produced a string of straight-up, hook-filled, perfect pop pieces that saw them gigging around the country and grabbing some prestigious support slots on the back of the success of the first single 'Shine On Me'. And there are many other similar sunny pop moments on this impressive first offering. Another SA band to watch very closely in 2001.
Best Moments: Shine On Me, Don't Lie To Me, Yesterday Again
Look Out For: Those power vocals on 'Shine On Me' and 'Yesterday Again'
No 10
Title: Physiognomy Of The Soul
Artist: Bernard Binns
http://www.bernardbinns.co.za
Why?: Bernard had been lying a little low since his heyday in the 80's with The Helicopters (remember 'Mysteries and Jealousies'?... of course you do!), so no one was quite expecting such a strong return to form. Despite its intense title and cover, 'Physiognomy' is a well-crafted and accessible collection of modern styles and pop treats, produced with Adrian Levi. The first impressive SA rock album released this year and still sounding fresh and enjoyable as the year finishes.
Best Moments: Mon Amie (My Friend), Toronto (Canada Moon), Tuna Free.
Look Out For: The beautiful piano intro, sweet chorus, and sexy French verbals of 'Mon Amie (My Friend)'.
No 11
Title: Strange World
Artist: Just Jinger
Why?: They had to have a go at the English scene, after dominating SA pop for a few years, and 'Strange World' was the result of their labours and new experiences. Recorded mostly in London, their third full album promised a new, poppier direction with the jaunty opening single 'Your Song'. But the rest of the album is your usual Art Matthews slow-fast moody ballads that all seem the same yet never fail to impress in their own inimitable and annoying way. It's worked for them before and will surely do the business in SA again. But is it good enough for over there? Don't cash in your bets just yet, it's a strange, strange world we live in Master Art!
Best Moments: Your Song, Wish I Could Have Told You, Remember Me
Look Out For: That gloriously jaunty piano that gives 'Your Song', and the rest of the album, a rousing opening.
No 12
Title: Relaxzor
Artist: Springbok Nude Girls
http://www.nudegirls.co.za
Why?: Impossible to ignore and foolish to write off, even when they produce an album as intentionally complex, and willfully unwelcoming as 'Relaxzor'. The Nude Girls have always plotted and trodden their own path, inviting fan devotion and critical confusion at every turn. Like they care! Apologies to all those 'Blue Eyes' fans, but this is the real deal - hard, loud, Stellenbosch rock/grunge/punk, with trumpets! Fifteen new songs to satisfy and seduce the faithful, and hopefully, new foreign fans.
Best Moments: Smiley Skull Of Faith, Unworldly Beauty, Love Provider
Look Out For: The return of Adriaan Brand's trumpet on songs like 'Unworldly Beauty', bringing back that earlier dreamy SNG sound reminiscent of Arthur Lee's Love.
No 13
Title: Grannysmith
Artist: Grannysmith
Why?: Debut album from a pop trio who can't be bothered to come up with an album title, but that's where their lack of creativity ends! Adrian Olivier (vocals and guitar), Mikey T. (bass), and Riaan Combrink (drums) more than justified BMG SA's faith in them with this consistently strong opening collection. A varied serving of sunny and sometimes overcast pop songs, wrapped in some ornate and evocative orchestral arrangements.
Best Moments: Starlight, Come Down, Getting Stronger
Look Out For: The sparkly freshness of 'Come Down' and first single 'Starlight', proving that SA pop bands are getting happy again
No 14
Title: The Slender Nudes
Artist: Ashton Nyte
Why?: Because he says so! Ashton Nyte was born with a terminal dose of overconfidence and so naturally decided to become a rock star. It's not been all beer and braais though, so, stepping temporarily away from the heaviosity of his grunge outfit The Awakening, he relaunched himself as a contemporary 'Glam Vamp Baby' and released 'The Slender Nudes' to the expected mixed reactions. But 'Nudes' proved Ashton can write and play a bit and these darkish, sinister songs throbbed, thrilled and rocked. The dance bunnies have no clue, but the little Goths understand!
Best Moments: Hunting, Glam Vamp Baby, Girlie
Look Out For: Ashton Nyte does his finest Iggy and the Sisters of Mercy impression on the menacing 'Hunting'.
No 15
Title: Lately When She Cries
Artist: Jesse Jordan
http://www.jessejordan.co.za
Why?: The song 'Eastern Bridge', which opens this debut album from this young Cape singer-songwriter-rocker, grabbed the 1999 Shell Road To Fame Pop/Rock Award, setting up the production of this 12 song album in collaboration with Alex Power. It's mostly big ballads and emotional lyrics but all with a strong pop sensibility and educated melodic touch. The playful 'Who Killed Biggie' could also provide an unexpected pop hit and you should try and catch this video which finds Jesse having a fun-filled rampage through a local shopping mall. Keep your eyes and ears on Jesse.
Best Moments: Eastern Bridge, Tears In Her Eyes, Lately When She Cries
Look Out For: Far too many references to women crying and leaving, from such a young dude.
No 16
Title: Almost Human
Artist: Even Flow
Why?: This ear-raising seven song demo from a young Gauteng five-person group impressed all with its easy grasp of rock's basics - solid and dark rhythm section, sparky and sensitive guitarists, and a female lead vocalist (Melody Kaye) who sings like a rock angel.
Best Moments: Endless, Burn, Little Mercury
Look Out For: Melody Kaye's soaring vocals and Mark Dumbleton's sparkling guitar touches on 'Endless' and 'Burn', transforming two simple compositions into emotional 70's-like Slick grunge epics.
No 17
Title: Nkalakatha
Artist: Mandoza
Why?: Earlier this year, some felt kwaito had lost a lot of the momentum built up by the quality and variety of its 1999 output. By mid-2000 it needed a champion and Mandoza (with co-composer and producer Gabi le Roux) responded with the sheer thumping cool of 'Nkalakatha', which sauntered up to the top of the radio and sales charts and refused to budge for months. The big kwaito crossover hit had arrived and there was plenty more on this very sharp album. Justifiably the year's best-selling SA album.
Best Moments: Nkalakatha, Sihathi Sewashi, Verstaan
Look Out For: The dub mix version of 'Nkalakatha'
No 18
Title: Just Another Band
Artist: Off The Edge
http://rock.co.za/offtheedge
Why?: Light and shade, soft and hard, fast and slow... this album from SA stalwarts Off The Edge is one of contrasting sounds and moods. This 3rd official album from Off The Edge was superbly produced by guitarist Peter Hanmer in Johannesburg's Foxglove studios and features the bass playing of Tony Groenewald and the soaring vocals of Judy Marshall. Their first album 'Off The Edge' was released in 1983, followed 16 years later by the highly acclaimed 'On The Run' album in March 1999. In 2000 we have 'Just Another Band'. From the heart-rending 'In My Heart' to the epic 'St Aidans' this album is a pleasure to listen to over and over again.
Best Moments: Cheating, In My Heart, St Aidans
Look Out For: The epic 21 minute suite of 'Ovation / Blueprint / St Aidans' (The 3 pieces are linked by a bass theme that sticks in the brain long after the last notes have faded... )
No 19
Title: Serial Boyfriend
Artist: Frank Opperman and Prime Time Addiction
Why?: Acting took a back seat as the Bassline's stage beckoned, so Frank Opperman and Michael Maxwell wrote these eleven gravelly urban ballads, hauled in Anton LaMour (guitar), Concorde Nkabinde (bass) and Barry van Zyl (drums), and the resulting slice of sardonic Melville blues soon began worming its way into Serial Boyfriends and Girlfriends' hearts everywhere. A frank, funny and honest album.
Best Moments: Messing With Love, Come Clean, Pink Dress
Look Out For: Frank combining twee and macho on 'Happy Birthday'. What is this religious tongue-in-chic all about then?
No 20:
Title: Reconstructing Alice
Artist: Sonja Herholdt
http://www.sonjaherholdt.co.za
Why?: South Africa's seminal "Olivia Nylstroom-Blonde" (Dusty Springbok?) celebrated her amnesty from the TRC (for earlier crimes against SA pop) and her unexpected return to the music scene by connecting with some contemporary musical "koppe" (Die Naaimasjiene's Theunis Englebrecht, and the group Spiral Staircase) and producing this mature, brave and (sometimes) rocking autobiographical album.
Best Moments: Vertigo, Winkelpoppe, From David's Diary, What Do I Do Now?, Trein Na Matjiesfontein (Malice With Alice Mix)
Look Out For: The unlisted hidden track, which is helpfully listed on the cover as: Track 13: "(Not listed) Hidden track". Sonja, but yet so far... (ouch!)
Stephen Segerman
-------------------------
JAZZ ALBUMS OF THE YEAR
1. Gathering - Marcus Wyatt
2. Pyramid - Don Laka
3. Playola - Paul Hanmer
4. Painted Faces - Selaelo Selota
5. Bleed - Tina Schouw
6. Wesley Street - Alvin Dyers
7. Smooth Africa - Various
8. New Reflections - Musa Manzini
9. Live - The Aquarian Quartet
10. Bats In The Belfry - Carlo Mombelli and the Prisoners of Strange
----------------------
BEST AFRIKAANS COMPILATIONS
1. Alternatief op Sy Beste - Various
2. Tassenberg All Stars - Various
3. Om Te Breyten - Various
4. Greatest Hits - Koos Kombuis
5. High On Blues (The High Street Blues Sessions) - Various
----------------------
AFRICAN ALBUM OF THE YEAR
* Joko (From Village To Town) - Youssou N'dour
----------------------
THE "DON'T TUNE US, WE'LL TUNE YOU" ALTERNATIVE (HEALING) MUSIC ALBUM OF THE YEAR AWARD
* Dance In Delite - Music For The Chakras - Chris Tokalon
___________________________________________
2.TOP 50 SONGS OF THE YEAR 2000
--------------------------------
And we love the way you sing your songs, la la la la la la la la la...
Title - Artist (Album/Label)
1. Born In A Taxi - Blk Sonshine ('Blk Sonshine'/Fresh)
2. Your Song - Just Jinger ('Strange World'/BMG)
3. Nkalakatha - Mandoza ('Nkalakatha'/CCP)
4. All Roads - Liesl Graham ('Something To Believe'/Gallo)
5. Shine On Me - Watershed ( 'In The Meantime'/BMG)
6. 69 Tea - Saron Gas ('Fragile'/Musketeer)
7. Right Here - Semisane ('A Life Less Strange'/BMG)
8. Endless - Even Flow ('Almost Human'/Indie)
9. Hunting - Ashton Nyte ('The Slender Nudes'/Intervention Arts)
10. Which Way To Go - Robin Auld ('Iron In The Sky'/EMI)
11. Stagefright - Boo! ('5FM Showcase 2'/SonySA)
12. Something Wrong - Wonderboom ('Never Ever Ever'/DGR)
13. Eastern Bridge - Jesse Jordan ('Lately When She Cries'/Universal)
14. Lullaby For An African Princess - Marcus Wyatt ('Gathering'/Sheer)
15. Yesterday Again - Watershed ('In The Meantime'/ BMG)
16. Fall - Delenta ('Delenta'/ Renegade)
17. In My Heart - Off The Edge ('Just Another Band'/ Off The Edge)
18. 3rdSet - Sharkbrother ('TajMahala'/Indie)
19. Mad Hatter - Henry Ate ('Torn And Tattered'/EMI)
20. Come Down - Grannysmith '(Grannysmith'/BMG)
21. As Long As - Galatia ('Back Together' EP/ BMG)
22. Slow Down - Yvonne Chaka Chaka ('Yvonne And Friends'/Digital Cupboard)
23. Smiley Skull Of Faith - Springbok Nude Girls ('Relaxzor'/Sony)
24. Two Seconds - Henry Ate ('Torn And Tattered'/EMI)
25. Inner City Blues - Lungiswa ('Lungiswa'/MELT2000)
26. Deur Die Donker Vallei - Valiant Swart ('Deur Die Donker Vallei'/Wildebeest)
27. Unworldly Beauty - Springbok Nude Girls ('Relaxzor'/ Sony)
28. African Dance - Mjojo ('Version 1'/ Digital Cupboard)
29. Mon Amie (My Friend) - Bernard Binns ('Physiognomy Of The Soul')
30. I Need Your Sex - Casey B (CD single/ DGR)
31. Gravity - Copious ('Egotourism'/ NWAR)
32. Drunken Girl - Robin Auld ('Iron In The Sky'/EMI)
33. The Rains Fell - Albert Grey ('World'/Air music)
34. Higher Ground - Delenta ('Delenta'/Renegade)
35. A Million Lights - Tree ('63'/EMI)
36. Aphrodite (feeling much more) - Coleske ('Faith In Love'/Gallo)
37. Trying To Believe - Semisane ('A Life Less Strange'/BMG)
38. The River - René Hunter ('Rene Hunter'/DGR)
39. Alright - Semisane ('A Life Less Strange'/BMG)
40. Renaissance Song - Musa Manzini ('New Reflections'/BMG)
41. Never Ever Ever Ever - Wonderboom ('Never Ever Ever'/DGR)
42. Me And My People Building - Blk Sonshine ('Blk Sonshine'/ Fresh)
43. What Do I Do Now? - Sonja Herholdt ('Reconstructing Alice'/Universal)
44. Sea Waves - Sipho Gumede ('New Era'/ Sheer Sound)
45. A Proud People - Vusi Mahlasela ('Miyela Afrika'/ BMG)
46. Satisfy - Dreamshop ('Satisfy' EP/ BMG)
47. Kwa Ndebele - Selaelo Selota ('Painted Faces'/BMG)
48. Kwaito Right - Paul Hanmer ('Playola'/Sheer Sound)
49. Touch - Lesley Rae Dowling ('Clear'/Gallo)
50. Fiesta - Tim Hoare ('Cape Mystique'/Gallo)
___________________________________________
3.CHARTS
-----------
DIGITAL CUPBOARD TOP 50 DOWNLOADS OF THE YEAR
Artist - Song (Style)
1. Choppa - Margarida (Latino Kwaito)
2. Yvonne Chaka Chaka - Mangwane (African Pop)
3. Esmile - Beautiful Thing (African R&B)
4. O'Da Meester - Wena u Bani (Kwaito)
5. Boo! - Stagefright (Munki Punk)
6. Ghetto Luv - Foreplay (R&B Kwaito)
7. Amaryoni - Abelungu (Zulu a capella)
8. THC - Say-grin (Modern Tribal)
9. Kennedy - Chaba Sena (Gospel)
10. Amaryoni - Voetsak, Go Once (Zulu a capella)
11. Ashaan - Party On (African Hip-Hop)
12. DJ Chepad - Is Is Chisa (Kwaito)
13. Oom - Whito Kwaito (Kwaito)
14. Don Carlos - Crucial Situation (oom Mix) (Reggae)
15. Kom Kom - Vuka (Kwaito)
16. African Roots - Sandla Ngena La (African Reggae)
17. Kronik - Groover (Kwaito)
18. Choppa - Bonita (Kyllex Mix) (Kwaito)
19. Fetish - Motherhush (Alternative)
20. Squeal - Lucky Fella (Modern Rock)
21. Benguela - Hypnotic (Instrumental)
22. Asqus - Blast (Dance)
23. Brixton Moord & Roof - Asyn (Afrikaans Alternative)
24. Oom - Waai die Draai (Klopse)
25. Esmile - Unity (Word of Truth) (African R&B)
26. Honeymoon Suites - Dr Strangelove (Lounge Disco)
27. Kom Kom - Kom Kom (Kwaito)
28. Fetish - Blue Blanket (Alternative)
29. Acoustic Kitchen - Coming Through (Acoustic Pop)
30. Fruit Fly Navigators - Crush (Modern Rock)
31. Moshoeshoe - Peace Ina de Land (Reggae)
32. Ras Sheehama - Nekwa Lyatsima (Live) (Reggae)
33. O'Da Meester - Zumba (Kwaito)
34. DJ Stevie - Far and Away (Dance)
35. Skeem - Umthetho Wakho (Kwaito)
36. Khumbula - Sibali (African Pop Fusion)
37. Jungle Man - Manawarile (Shangaan Reggae)
38. Skeem - Uyabasaba Nah (Kwaito)
39. DJ Chepad - Molato (Kwaito)
40. Aquarian Quartet - Oud If You Could (Acoustic)
41. E nergi - I Love the Rain (Reggae Kwaito)
42. Damn the Icebergs - Cycad (Cinematic Rock)
43. Nexus - War on the Dancefloor (Dance)
44. Katrina Fountain - Penga Babalaas (African Jazz)
45. African Roots - Times of Sorrow (African Reggae)
46. Prophets of the City - Never Again (Hip Hop)
47. Plum - Recelebrate (TripRockRap)
48. A>e>B - Pretend Cynical (Alternative Electro)
49. Jon - How the Elephant Got Its Trunk (Children's)
50. Dubula - Egoli (African Pop)
Supplied by Digital Cupboard
http://www.digitalcupboard.co.za
------------------------------
30 YEARS AGO: SPRINGBOK RADIO TOP 20 HITS OF 1970
1. Pretty Belinda - Chris Andrews
2. In The Summertime - Mungo Jerry
3. Love Is A Beautiful Song - Dave Mills
4. Burning Bridges - Mike Curb Congregation
5. Cracklin' Rosie - Neil Diamond
6. The Wedding - Jody Wayne
7. Venus - Shocking Blue
8. Ma Belle Amie - The Tee-Set
9. Daughter Of Darkness - Tom Jones
10. Carol OK - Chris Andrews
11. Come Softly To Me - Percy Sledge
12. Call Me Number One - Tremeloes
13. Lola - The Kinks
14. Brown Eyes - Chris Andrews
15. Yellow River - Christie
16. He Ain't Heavy, He's My Brother - The Hollies
17. Raindrops Keep Falling On My Head - BJ Thomas
18. Spider, Spider - Tidal Wave
19. Cha-La-La, I Need You - The Shuffles
20. Mademoiselle Ninette - Mike Holm
Info from Top 40 magazine, August 1989 and John Samson with help from Kevin Farquharson, September 2000.
South African Radio Charts 1969-1989
http://rock.co.za/charts
-----------------
SA ROCK DIGEST TOP 10 SA CLASSIC ROCK ALBUMS
1. African Day - Hawk (1971)
2. Africa She Too Can Cry - Hawk (1972)
3. Battle Hymn Of The Broken Hearted Horde - Freedoms Children (1968)
4. Boys Will Be Boys - Rabbitt (1975)
5. A Croak And A Grunt In The Night - Rabbitt (1977)
6. Live And Well - Hawk (1974)
7. Jack Of All Trades - Jack Hammer (1987)
8. In The Arena - Circus (1977)
9. Astra - Freedoms Children (1970)
10. Otis Waygood Blues Band (1970)
As voted by visitors to the SA Rock Files website:
Go here and cast your vote:
http://www.freevote.com/booth/sarock
-----------------
SA ROCK DIGEST TOP 10 ALL-TIME GREAT SA POP AND ROCK SONGS
This week [last week] Song - Artist
1. Hey Boy - Via Afrika (1983)
2. Weeping - Bright Blue (1987)
3. ZX Dan - Radio Rats (1978)
4. This Boy - Sweatband (1986)
5. Master Jack - Four Jacks And A Jill (1968)
6. See Yourself (Clowns) - EllaMental (1984)
7. As I Went Out One Morning (Damsel) - Tribe After Tribe (1985)
8. Who Killed Kurt Cobain - Koos Kombuis (1997)
9. Hold On To Love - Rabbitt (1977)
10. You're Living Inside My Head - John Ireland (1978)
As voted by visitors to the SA Rock Files website:
Go here and cast your vote:
http://www.freevote.com/booth/sapop
-------------------------
BRIAN CURRIN'S TOP 50 ALBUMS OF ALL TIME
http://www.rock.co.za/files/top50.html
______________________________________________
SOUND SOLUTIONS
http://rock.co.za/soundsolutions
1) Music Searches - Assists in recommending and finding relevant music
soundtracks for television, cinema and radio commercials and
productions.
2) Music Licensing - Assists in obtaining the publishing and recording
rights for music to be used as soundtracks for commercials and other
productions.
For more info, please contact:
Graham Katz
(Tel) 021 418 -1920
(Fax) 021 421-5831
(Mobile) 082 674 0251
(email) mailto:g.k@iafrica.com
Stephen Segerman
(Tel) 021 461-9541
(email) mailto:sugar@rock.co.za
Sound Solutions
http://rock.co.za/soundsolutions
______________________________________________
4.WHATS ON
--------------
BARLEYCORN
Cape Town's Music Club
http://twisted.co.za/barleycorn/
--------------
BASSLINE
JANUARY 2001:
Thurs 4th: SHHH...! - R30 - 9:30pm
Fri 5th & Sat 6th: A Camel Jazz Session with: MOSES MOLELEKWA - R50 -
9:30pm
Sun 7th: BIG VOICE JACK LEROLE - R30 - 9:00pm
Tues 9th: LARRY AMOS - R30 - 9:30pm
Wed 10th & Thurs 11th: QUARTET LEGACY with Andile Yenana (keys), Herbie
Tsoali (bass), Lulu Gontsana (drums), Sydney Mnisi (sax)
- R30 - 9:30pm
Fri 12th & Sat 13th: CASTLE MILK STOUT Presents: SELAELO SELOTA - R40 - 9:30pm
Sun 14th: JONATHAN CROSSLEY with Rob Watson (drums), Godfrey (perc),
Khai Horsten (bass), Reza Khota (guitar)
- R30 - 9:30pm
Tues 16th: THE FEATHER DOCTORS - R30 - 9:30pm
Wed 17th & Thurs 18th: KARMA - R30 - 9:30pm
Fri 19th & Sat 20th: MARCUS WYATT - R40 - 9:30pm
Sun 21st: MOSES KHUMALO - R30 - 9:00pm
Tues 23rd: OHM - R30 - 9:30pm
Wed 24th & Thurs 25th: SUGARDRIVE - R40 - 9:30pm
Fri 26th & Sat 27th: ZIM NGQAWANA - R50 - 9:30pm
Sun 28th 2 - 6pm: JAZZ DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM - held by - EMSHISHI JAZZ
ENSEMBLE - R20 - 2pm
Sun 28th: QUARTET LEGACY with Andile Yenana, Herbie Tsoali, Lulu
Gontsana, Sidney Mnisi - R40 - 9:00pm
Tues 30th & Wed 31st: BOO! - R40 - 9:30pm
Any queries, please phone Sydney at the Bassline: (011) 482-6915
----------------
THE BIG TREE
Gant's Centre, Strand
http://www.icon.co.za/~diner/gigs.htm
--------------
PIET BOTHA
http://rock.co.za/jackhammer
http://rock.co.za/legends/pietbotha
BREAKAWAY TOUR
January 2001:
3 - Bellville
4 - Cool Runnings, Observatory
5 - Ye Olde Thatch, Beaufort West
6 - Star Of The West, Kimberley
---------------
HARBOUR MUSIC CLUB
The Troubadour, Kalk Bay
Every Wednesday night 8:30
Entrance R15 - bar available
Rob Anderson (021) 7891021
mailto:anderson@botzoo.uct.ac.za
Nadia Scaillet (021) 4489834
mailto:noid@netactive.co.za
----------------
THE JAM
http://www.thejam.co.za
Please contact us on 021-465 2106 or e-mail us at
mailto:live@thejam.co.za. Otherwise, our web-site http://www.thejam.co.za will give you all the latest info
on what's up at The Jam.
-------------
JESSE JORDAN
http://www.jessejordan.co.za
Wednesdays January 3, 10, 17, 24, 31 Live & Loud at the "BIG TREE" Strand. Entrance Free!
--------------
JULIAN'S
http://www.julianlaxton.com
Wednesdays from 9 P.M. Blues Rock with "The Julian Laxton Band"
Fridays from 9 P.M. Blues with "The Mississippi Muthers"
Saturdays from 8.30 "THE LEGEND OF CLAPTON" featuring the Julian Laxton Band.. (Book at Computicket. Info 678-2880)
Sundays from 2 P.M. Beer Braai & Music in the Garden with Colin Shamley.
Sundays from 6.30 P.M. Fusion jazz with "Highway Jam".
-----------------
LITTLE SISTER
http://www.rock.co.za/littlesister
---------------
MISS SEPTEMBER
http://fly.to/ms09
* WEDNESDAY 3 JANUARY - BAT CAFE with Crossing Point
* FRIDAY 5 JANUARY - THE WINSTON with Mike Hunt
* SATURDAY 6 JANUARY - ZAPPAS - PMB
for more info and bookings
EUTHANASIA
Claire Angelique
mailto:euthanasia@worldonline.co.za
mailto:claire@sideshow.co.za
083 247 9665
011-6148291
---------------
ROEKELOOS - GIG GUIDE
http://www.roekeloos.co.za/musiek.html
---------------
SEMISANE
http://www.semisane.com
Further details at:
http://www.click2music.co.za
Contact:
Daniel Barker (011) 242 3000
Martin Myers (021) 447 3422
____________________________________________
5.LINKS
---------
LINKS PAGES:
3rd EAR MUSIC
http://www.3rdearmusic.com/links.html
AMUZINE
http://rock.co.za/links.htm
SA ROCK FILES
http://www.sarockdigest.com/links
VAGABOND'S WORLD
http://rock.co.za/vagabond/links
ONE WORLD
http://www.oneworld.co.za/links.cfm
SA MUSICIANS ON THE NET FROM A TO Z
http://members.tripod.lycos.nl/Rembrandt/SAArtists.html
SEARCH ENGINE:
GOOGLE
http://www.google.com
Quick and accurate, highly recommended
ARTISTS:
BERNARD BINNS
http://www.bernardbinns.co.za
PIET BOTHA
http://rock.co.za/legends/pietbotha
JOHNNY CLEGG
http://www.johnnyclegg.com
CLOUT
http://www.clout.co.za
FOUR JACKS AND A JILL
http://www.fourjacksandajill.co.za/
LIESL GRAHAM
http://www.lieslgraham.com
JACK HAMMER
http://rock.co.za/jackhammer
JESSE JORDAN
http://www.jessejordan.co.za
KOOS KOMBUIS
http://www.kooskombuis.co.za
JULIAN LAXTON
http://www.julianlaxton.com
LITTLE SISTER
http://www.rock.co.za/littlesister
OFF THE EDGE
http://rock.co.za/offtheedge
RABBITT
http://www.rabbitt.co.za
RADIO RATS
http://rock.co.za/legends/radiorats
SEMISANE
http://www.semisane.com
SHARKBROTHER
http://listen.to/sharkbrother
SKINCAGE
http://www.realmusic.co.za/skincage
AMANDA TIFFIN
http://listen.to/amandatiffin
NOA TYLO
http://www.noatylo.co.za
ARCHIVES:
3rd EAR MUSIC
http://www.3rdEarMusic.com
SOUTH AFRICA'S ROCK FILES
The online archive for the History of South African Rock
http://rock.co.za/sarock
SOUTH AFRICAN RADIO CHARTS 1969-1989
http://rock.co.za/charts
MESSAGE BOARD:
TOO GOOD TO BE FORGOTTEN
Post your message on the SA Rock message board
http://www.sarockdigest.com/messageboard
NEWS:
AMUZINE
News, views, reviews and interviews
http://rock.co.za/
AFRICAN INVASION OF ROCK
http://www.air.org.za
ARTSMART
Arts news from Kwazulu-Natal
http://www.artsmart.co.za
POWERZONE
http://www.powerzone.co.za
STAGE
http://www.stage.co.za
SHOPPING:
ONE WORLD
Selling South African Music to the World
http://www.oneworld.co.za/
RECORD COMPANIES, LABELS & STUDIOS:
AFRIMUSIK
http://www.afrimusik.com
BMG
http://www.click2music.co.za/
CAVEMAN PRODUCTIONS
Kevin Shirley's virtual cave
http://www.cavemanproductions.com
MELT2000
http://www.melt2000.com
MOUNTAIN RECORDS
http://www.mountain-africa.com
SUNSET RECORDING STUDIOS
Stellenbosch
http://www.sunsetrecording.com
RESOURCES:
BACKSTAGE
http://www.backstage.co.za/
SOUND SOLUTIONS
http://rock.co.za/soundsolutions
MAGAZINES:
AMUZINE
African Music Magazine
http://rock.co.za
ARTSMART
Arts news from Kwazulu-Natal
http://www.artsmart.co.za
STAGE
http://www.stage.co.za
RADIO:
SAFM (104-107KHz)
Sugar, Digest co-editor, chats to Bruce Millar every Wednesday at about 10.30am
http://www.safm.co.za
BOOKS:
THE HISTORY OF CONTEMPORARY MUSIC OF SOUTH AFRICA
Garth Chilvers and Tom Jasiukowicz (TOGA, 1994)
http://www.sarockdigest.com/book
LYRICS:
GIPSIE
Lyrics for various South African (mainly Afrikaans) songs
http://www.gipsie.co.za
TRIVIA:
CLIMB UP ON MY MUSIC
A site dedicated to Rodriguez, the Sugar Man
http://SugarMan.org
SPACE HYMNS
Ramases
http://rock.co.za/ramases
VAGABOND'S WORLD
Rock Trivia
http://rock.co.za/vagabond
PIOTR'S GREEN PAGES
Discographies and lyrics for the legends of rock
http://www.zetosa.com.pl/piotrus/greenpages
MUSIC ON-LINE:
DIGITAL CUPBOARD
African MP3s
http://www.digitalcupboard.co.za
We are happy to exchange links with any good website supporting SA music. A good website should be informative, regularly updated and linked back to us. If you already link to us and you believe your link should be here, please contact Brian Currin at mailto:brian@sarockdigest.co.za
<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
6.BACK ISSUES
---------------
BACK ISSUES
http://www.sarockdigest.com/archives
Online and keyword searchable
DOWNLOAD
Download all back issues of the Digest as a zip file (just over 1MB).
http://www.rock.co.za/files/sarockdigest.zip
__________________________________________
7.CONTRIBUTIONS
-----------------
This e-mag is a discussion forum for rock and pop music --
South African and International -- past, present and future.
All contributions, reviews, press releases, requests, searches and
comments are most welcome.
Please submit them to:
http://rock.co.za/contact
or email Brian Currin at:
mailto:sarock@sarockdigest.co.za
All submissions need to be in plain text e-mail format with NO attachments, please. You may, however, include URLs in your e-mails which point to websites or images on-line.
E-mails in HTML format, or e-mails all in lower-case or all in CAPITALS will tend to be ignored as they take too long to correct for inclusion in the Digest.
Any e-mail with an ".exe" file attached will automatically be trashed.
Bulk mailings which show everybody's addresses also tend to get trashed automatically.
________________________________________
8.CONTACT DETAILS
-------------------
EDITORS
Brian Currin
mailto:vagabond@sarockdigest.com
http://www.sarockdigest.com
http://rock.co.za/vagabond
Stephen Segerman
mailto:sugar@rock.co.za
http://rock.co.za
Postal Address:
Brian Currin
PO Box 521
Eppindust
7460
Cape Town
South Africa
MAIN CONTRIBUTORS
Kurt Shoemaker, USA
mailto:kurt@sarockdigest.com
John Samson, UK
mailto:john@sarockdigest.com
Shiloh Noone, South Africa
________________________________________
9.SUBSCRIPTIONS
----------------
Send an e-mail to mailto:subscribe@sarockdigest.com with any words or phrases that vaguely indicate acceptance or... visit http://www.sarockdigest.com and fill in the simple form.
--------
Want to unsubscribe from this e-mag?
Send an e-mail to:
mailto:unsubscribe@sarockdigest.com
<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Back to Index