SA ROCK DIGEST ISSUE #232 http://www.sarockdigest.com Established 27th January 1999 12 January 2004 ------------- IMPORTANT! ------------- If you do not receive your copy of the weekly SA Rock Digest on a Monday, then it is possible that something in our wonderful web world has gone unavoidably vrot out there. In such a case, please remember that the whole, new Digest gets regularly uploaded in full on the Amuzine website by Wednesday every week, so you can always find it there at http://rock.co.za If you would like to send off an email to the Digest about anything, you are always very welcome to do so ... but please resist the urge to simply "reply-to" this newsletter. If you would like to contact us, please rather send an email to: mailto:editor@sarockdigest.com?subject=Digest ---------------------- IN THIS WEEK'S ISSUE ---------------------- We have been having some SA Rock Digest distribution hassles this past week, falling foul of some new (and generally welcome!) anti-spam devices, but all seems back to normal now. However some of our subscribers did miss last week’s edition of the Digest, so we have added some of that edition’s important articles to this week’s edition. There’s Nadia Neophytou’s look at the SA music names to watch in 2004 ... Anton Goosen and Barney Simon were inducted into the SA Rock Hall Of Fame and John Samson looks back at Barney Simon’s fantastic contribution to SA music ... The big early year rock buzz is focused on the Cape Town ska-punk scene with The Rudimentals’ ‘More Fire’ topping the Digest charts and selling well ... Hog Hoggidy Hog just releasing their ’Naked’ single with extra tracks and videos ... and Fokofpolisiekar’s debut single, ‘As Jy Met Vuur Speel Sal Jy Brand’ is being snapped up at the band’s frenzied performances. These three bands are headlining a ‘Big Birthday Bash’ in Hout Bay this week, and are looking at some Johannesburg gigs in the near future. If you are an “elder” of the Eastern Cape rock scene, then there is still time to register for the ‘On The Go 2004’ Reunion Concert in Port Elizabeth - all details below ... The Cape Town Festival has been officially named as one of the flagship events for ‘The Cape of Great Events’ ... Marq Vas recently connected with Tribe After Tribe frontman, Robbi Robb, and sent us the interview (with some interesting views on Seether!) ‘Fame - The Musical’ recently celebrated its 100th performance in South Africa ... We spotlight Cape Town Metalcore band, Toyland ... LAD takes an early 2004 look at Old Mol, one of the best SA bands of 2003 and certain to be huge in 2004 ... Kurt Shoemaker writes from another continent about Arno Carstens’ ‘Another Universe’. Carina was at the wild TUKS FM Mother Ring New Year’s party in Pretoria ... TEMPO’S, that popular venue in Zandspruit, will be re-opening on 18th January ... Brian Currin reviewed the triumphant Seether homecoming gigs and James Stewart writes an inside report about his recent Kirstenbosch gig, supporting Ronan Keating. There's also the usual weekly mp3 and album charts, recommended SA gigs, letters to Sound Solutions, old SA charts, and Vinyl and CD store specials ... And that is some of SA music, this week ... ---------------- EDITOR'S NOTE ---------------- If you miss any issues of the Digest, then you can still read each week's Edition, in full colour, online at http://rock.co.za (updated Wednesdays). You can also find all the Previous Editions of the Digest archived at: http://www.sarockdigest.com/archives The deadline for Digest submissions and SA gig info is Friday 12 noon. If you would like to contact us, please do not reply to this newsletter! Rather send an email to mailto:editor@sarockdigest.com?subject=Digest Thanks! Ed. ------------------------------------- SOUTH AFRICAN ROCK DIGEST ONLINE ------------------------------------- For a full-colour and clickable HTML version of the SA Rock Digest with images, please visit http://rock.co.za where the online version of the SA Rock Digest can be found. Updated every Tuesday. -------------------------------------------- SOUTH AFRICAN ROCK DIGEST ON THE RADIO -------------------------------------------- Digest co-editor Stephen Segerman presents his SA music slot on the Bruce Millar Show on SAFM (104-107FM) on Monday evenings between 9 and 9.30pm. ----------------------------------------- THE SOUTH AFRICAN ROCK ENCYCLOPEDIA ----------------------------------------- From Abstract Truth to Karen Zoid, from 'Astra' to 'Zen Boulders', from 'Ag Pleez Daddy' to 'ZX Dan' ... visit the South African Rock Encyclopedia at http://www.rock.co.za ------------ SAGIGS.com ------------ The SA Rock Digest list of Recommended Gigs can be found at: http://www.SAgigs.com ----------------------------------- ONE WORLD - ONLINE SA CD STORE ----------------------------------- Selling South African Music to the World http://www.oneworld.co.za/index.cfm?bec=4321 ------ GEMM ------ GEMM is your best source for those otherwise impossible-to-find music titles on Record or CD! http://sugarmusic.gemm.com ----------- CONTENTS ----------- 1.NEWS: Big Birthday Bash, Cape Town Festival, Robbie Robb, ‘Fame - The Musical’, Bands to watch in 2004, On The Go reunion festival. 2.CHARTS: Top 30 SA mp3s & albums 3.NEW RELEASES: SA mp3s & CDs: Hog Hoggidy Hog, Old Mol, Toyland. 4. USA FOR AFRICA: Arno Carstens - ‘Another Universe’ 5.A NAARTJIE IN THE UK: Growing Up With Barney 6.HISTORY & TRIVIA: Springbok Radio charts, birthdays, Vinyl Junkies 7.SOUND SOLUTIONS: Letters and requests, a Readers' Forum 8.LIVE MUSIC: Events round-up, SA Punk, TEMPO’S, TUKS FM Mother Ring Party, Seether, James Stewart. 9.INFO: Subscriptions & contributions ___________________________________________ 1.NEWS --------- THE BIG BIRTHDAY BASH! - WITH THE RUDIMENTALS, HOG HOGGIDY HOG, HALF PRICE, AND FOKOFPOLISIEKAR It is party time in the Cape Town ska-punk family as Hog Hoggidy Hog’s Mike Horne (15 Jan) and George W Bacon (16 Jan), and Half Price’s Peter Grey (17 Jan) are all celebrating their birthdays. The three decided to combine their celebrations in order to lay on the first big punk/ska party of 2004 and have put together a top class line-up of bands and other various forms of entertainment. The bands appearing are Fokofpolisiekar, Half Price, Hog Hoggidy Hog, Rudimentals. The setting for this show is by the harbour in the scenic little town of Hout Bay. The venue is Dirty Dicks where the last few parties have been great successes. The four bands appearing have not shared a bill to date so excitement among Cape Town’s skate tribe is high. Those bands in brief: Fokofpolisiekar: This band has been creating quite a stir on the scene in the last few months with their debut gig and CD release (‘As Jy Met Vuur Speel Sal Jy Brand’) packing one of Cape Town’s largest venues to capacity. The band is made up of musicians from old bands who made a name for themselves in their own right including New World Inside and 7th Breed. They are a group of Afrikaners who are not afraid of their heritage, they have loud guitars, they live rock ‘n roll, sing in Afrikaans and have a lot to say too. The fresh approach of this band has filled a void in the music scene and they are fast on the way to becoming a household name just by being themselves. www.fokofpolisiekar.co.za Half Price: Everyone’s favourite drunk punks, Half Price will more than likely be even drunker than normal as it is front man Pete’s 21st on this night. These guys are infamous for their crass behaviour, crude jokes and songs about t*tties and beer, but at the same time, contrary to popular belief, Half Price are not all just fun and games, a lot of their lyrics also have strong social messages in them and with their new guitarist adding to an already powerful sound, Half Price are definitely a band to check out. Even if you hate their music, they are extremely entertaining. www.drunkpunk.co.za Hog Hoggidy Hog: The Hogs are reputed to be one of the Godfathers of SA punk rock, they started out back in 1995 when the punk scene in Cape Town existed of them and about 5 friends… now still blowing away audiences almost 9 years later, Hog Hoggidy Hog have become somewhat of an institution on the South African punk scene. HHH combine everything from energy and mayhem to punk, ska and African jazz, resulting in them being one of the few punk bands in SA to be able to create and play a totally original style of music. The Hogs outspokenness and unwillingness to conform have often surrounded the band with controversy, but they are still notorious for their energetic live show more than anything else. If you haven’t yet had the Hog experience, do yourself a favour. (read more about the Hogs’ new single, ‘Naked’, in the CD section below) www.hoghoggidyhog.com The Rudimentals: The cross-cultural line-up and diverse influences of this band have created a true SA sound that somehow manages to appeal to just about everyone in our cross-cultural society. They have eight musicians giving this big band a big sound. They play a combination of old school 2-tone ska mixed up with African reggae and Jazz. Always dressed to kill, the Rudies deliver the goods every time with front man Mr Boss’ charismatic personality whipping any genre of audience into a skanking frenzy. The Rudimentals, although they have only been around for a short time, have skanked their way into the hearts of audiences far and wide and are already seen as one of the most respected bands in the country. The Rudies’ debut album, ‘More Fire’, is now available and is currently topping the SA Rock Digest album charts. Their infectious tunes are bound to get even the stiffest of feet stomping. www.rudimentals.co.za The organisers are going all out with the sound and lighting and there will also be various drink specials through the night including a free shooter to everyone that comes through the door (while stocks last). In between the bands, and afterwards to keep the masses entertained and partying all night, will be DJ Cookbook (aka DJ Oyster Eyes), who has been pumping punk and ska tunes at every major Cape Town punk event for the last 5 years. 16 January 2004 - Pete, George and Mike’s Birthday Bash: Fokofpolisiekar, Half Price, Hog Hoggidy Hog, Rudimentals Dirty Dicks, Hout Bay 20:00 R30 only Merchandise from all of the bands will be available at the show. -------------- ANTON GOOSEN AND BARNEY SIMON FOR SA ROCK HALL OF FAME http://www.rock.co.za/halloffame We started off 2004 on a respectful note with the inductions of Afrikaans folk-rock legend, Anton Goosen, and Barney Simon, the hugely influential and dedicated SA Radio DJ, into the South African Rock Hall Of Fame. Here's why... ANTON GOOSEN (Inducted 1/1/2004) Anton Goosen's songs had been widely recorded by artists like Sonja Herholdt and Carike Keuzenkamp, but it was with his 1979 debut album, 'Boy Van Die Suburbs', that he established himself as a solo artist. It is widely acknowledged that 'Blommetjie Gedenk Aan My' off this album was the first ever Afrikaans rock song and has gone on to influence a whole generation of Klank Rockers. Not only has he been prepared to take Afrikaans music in new directions, but he has been a socially and politically astute musician. He was quick to realise the changes that were happening in South Africa and in 1988 brought out the album, 'Winde Van Verandering' (English: Winds of Change). He took this a step further in 1990 when he opened Houtstok (a show that he had thought up and organised) with the highly controversial song, 'Wit Kaff*rs Van Afrika'. He has continued making fine music, most recently with the superb Bushrock Band and in 2003 he celebrated 21 years in the music industry with a concert at the Pretoria State Theatre where a host of big name Afrikaans stars joined in to pay tribute to a man highly deserving of his place in our Hall of Fame. BARNEY SIMON (Inducted 1/1/2004) Barney 'The Skin' Simon started out as an engineer to DJ Keith Lindsay on Radio 5's 'Saturday Shadow Show'. He soon worked himself into a position where he was co-hosting the show as one half of the Terrible Twins, ultimately ousting his other half and converting his show to 'The Powerhaus'. Barney's late night radio show became essential listening for all SA rock fans. His love of all things alternative meant that South Africans were now being broadly exposed to the UK indie scene with bands like The Fall, Fields of The Nephilim, Bauhaus and many, many more. But Barney also embraced the South African alternative rock scene, championing such early local luminaries as Dog Detachment and No Friends Of Harry as well as a generation of SA bands and artists thereafter. As an ardent supporter of local talent, and the single most influential SA rock DJ of the past 20 years, it was only a matter of time before Barney Simon would be inducted into our Hall of Fame. (see the full story about Barney Simon in John Samson's 'A Naartjie In The UK' section below) SA Rock Hall Of Fame is at: http://www.rock.co.za/halloffame -------------- THE CAPE TOWN FESTIVAL "10 Years Of Democracy" 14 to 22 March 2004 The Cape Town Festival is entering its fifth year of existence and has as its theme for 2004, ‘10 Years of Democracy’. The Cape Town Festival has also been named as one of the flagship events for the Cape Of Great Events. The Cape Town Festival is under the leadership of new CEO, Yusuf Ganief, who hails from Lansdowne, Cape Town, and the festival is set to offer Capetonians of all ages a wonderful, enriching experience. The Cape Town Festival is the Mother City's premiere arts and cultural showcase, bringing together the best in local and international dance, visual arts, music, film, photography, spoken word, theatre and nightlife. The festival will bring the city centre to a standstill as public spaces are converted into visual arts exhibition corners, performance stages and other wonderful (and naughty!) platforms The festival caters to all of the city's residents and visitors alike. Its creative use of public spaces enables the opening of the inner city to the people of Cape Town, inviting one and all to become part of this enriching cultural milieu. Over 70 000 people will attend this multi-faceted event this year. This arts, culture and heritage festival is on a par with top calibre international festivals and covers the full spectrum of arts genres including performing and literary arts, video and media arts as well as cuisine and heritage - promoting diversity and unity in the city. The Festival events include: 1. Night Vision: a nocturnal celebration of the CBD, utilising galleries, clubs, restaurants, bars and public spaces. Events include an Eco-fashion show, the Bo-Kaap After Dark festivities, Social Dance on the Square, the World Music Stage, an emerging artist competition and an art night route. 2. African Summer Stage: A two-day musical extravaganza presented against the magnificent backdrop of Table Mountain. Featuring the cream of our local and international African artists. This is a multi-cultural music event that crosses music genres and boundaries. 3. In-Touch: a series of community mini-art festivals - taking the festival to the people and inviting the world into the communities. Community Centres and libraries host a fusion of modern and traditional arts and crafts. 4. Art in the Gardens: This partnership with the Company Gardens and Iziko Museums creates the perfect ambience to showcase the best of art in all its forms. Highlights include the Hearts & Hands craft fair, Democracy X visual exhibition, 'Music Of The Cape' stage and authentic Cape Cuisine. Look out for the eclectic children's festival featuring circus acts, storytelling, recycling workshops and magic acts. ... And much, much more! Date: 14 to 22 March 2004 Venue: All over Cape Town. Focus areas: Company Gardens, CBD, Manenberg, Khayelitsha, Langa, Bonteheuwel, Artscape, V&A Waterfront, the Oude Libertas Contact: Yusuf Ganief or Andrea Abrahams Tel: + 27 21 465 1166 or 082 348 4084 Website: www.capetownfestival.co.za e-mail: mailto:info@capetownfestival.co.za -------------- FAME TURNS 100 A special milestone was reached over the weekend as ‘Fame - The Musical’ celebrated its 100th performance in South Africa. This musical has played successfully around the world and continues to have standing ovations and capacity houses at the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC) where the show runs until 31 January. Amongst the many well-known artists in the cast are Idols judge, singer and TV star Mara Louw, Carlo McFarlane from Backstage, the popular TV series, Kate Normington, Dale Cutts, Mike Huff, Shelley Meskin, Neels Clasen, Relebogile 'Lebo' Mabotja, Craig Norris, Nikki Rowan, Natasha Staples and Keeno-Lee Hector. Tickets from Computicket. -------------- ‘ON THE GO 2004’ REUNION CONCERT Register online at www.audio-trax.com/Website/Register.html January 2004 Update: ‘The Legends of On the Go’ CD will be launched on Tuesday, 13th January 2004, at the Boardwalk Casino in Port Elizabeth. The compilation contains tracks by Ken J. Larkin, Duncan Mackay, The Dealians, Gene Smith, Tank, Barry van Zyl, Paul Mattisson, The Zeroes, Alistair Coakley and Peter & Brendan Ross. This will also be the official launch of the ‘On the Go 2004’ re-union concert. Both Tony Yoko and Anton van Rooyen will join Gene Smith in Port Elizabeth for this occasion. They will be meeting with the Musicians at 7 o’clock at the Boardwalk Casino. They will notify you by email/fax or please keep an eye on this site and Bob Eveleigh’s column for more details. They hope to finalise entries at this time so please try to attend. The organisers have recently engaged the services of Wren Mast-Ingle from MI5 (a public relations company) to deal with the media and handle advertising and sponsorships. You can contact him via their email address mailto:onthego@audio-trax.com or his own email, mi5pro@icon.co.za or 011 8885592. Please note that registration to participate at the concert closes on the 15th of January 2004, and for the bands that means confirming the members of the band as well as a proposed song list (at least 10 songs of that era). The organisers would like to avoid repetition of the same songs so prepare enough even though you will not use all of them. The same registration rules apply to talent section entrants though you would only need to submit 3 songs. The organisers would like to give as many people as possible a chance to participate but we want to stress that priority will go to 'On the Go' winners. To date the organisers have had an enthusiastic response from a lot of the guys. Confirmation of their intention to participate in 'On the Go' 2004 has come from The Tomboys, Pleasure Machine, Express, Steal, 2nd Generation, Phase One, Department of Music, Mad Dog, the Bits 'n Pieces, The Jets and Maiden Voyage. On the talent section Gaynor Smith & the Shepherd Sisters, Peter & Brendan Ross, Rod Johnson and Dr. Howard Nock have all registered. Duncan Mackay, Gene Smith, Alistair Coakley, Barry van Zyl, 'Smelly' Fellows, Paul Mattisson, Anton van Rooyen, Tony Yoko, Tienie & Gaynor Smith as well as Melvern Wong & Geoffrey Carter from the Jets and Brendan Ross will travel to P.E. for this occasion which will be compered by Ken J. Larkin. The organisers have also had contact from Russell Cooper now resident in Australia as well as Arnold Davidson (Zeroes) in Canada. Once again the organisers want to request that you send current and past photos and info for use on the website, Bob Eveleigh's column in 'The Herald' and eventually the 'On the Go 2004' programme and the photographic exhibition at the concert. You can email it to onthego@audio-trax.com. As this concert is a fundraising event in the Eastern Cape the organisers are looking for sponsors, helpers and advertisers, so if you have any ideas please contact them. There are contact details for all the guys on the 'Contact' page, so if you want to find missing members for your band, go and look there. Also have a look at the 'Gallery' to see what some of us look like these days and what we are doing! This is a joint initiative by ex Port Elizabeth Musicians: Anton van Rooyen, Tony Yoko & Gene Smith. In association with: The Herald, Radio Algoa, The Boardwalk Casino, Audiosure, &Tempo Music And it is all in aid of Child & Family Welfare Organisations in the Eastern Cape. -------------- LISTEN OUT FOR THESE NAMES IN 2004!! Nadia Neophytou lists some new and recommended South African musical talent for 2004: We've said goodbye to 2003 and welcomed 2004. Casting an eye to the next 12 months, here are some bands and artists who should do some great things: * Rise - this band follows the tradition of ensembles like Sons of Trout and Hog Hoggidy Hog by having a large number of members in the group. Rise performed at Oppikoppi Tshwane and their jazzy summer tunes were the perfect precursor to the holiday season. Currently the band has a live recording available as a demo for press purposes only but my advice is it should be tweaked and made available as a commercial release pretty soon - even just to keep summer forever in the air! * MXO - this cool cat is a veritable potjiekos of influences. From Busi Mhlongo to Bill Withers and Herbie Hancock, MXO is finding his space on the SA music shelf as a funky, soulful acoustic singer. He managed to launch his debut e.p. 'Another Day', at the Bassline, just before the legendary venue closed its doors. In his earlier life he was a member of the duo Roots2000, so 2004 should see a full solo release. Oh, and maybe a few more stage appearances with New Porn rocker Arno Carstens - since meeting at his launch, the two have taken a liking to singing each other's songs on stage. * Pebbles - that sweet voice breaking through the rap verses of both the H20 and Tumi & the Volume debut albums belongs to the songstress from the Outrageous Records stable. Earlier this year, she treated us to the title track on the Expressions album. Always in the wings, waiting to support whoever's on stage, the time is right for this star to shine and release her own album. * Summersault - these verified 'boys of summer' (sorry, couldn't resist) have had great success with their single on 5fm. Lucky for them, the song was liked by the station's management and 'Bad Days Are All Gone' has given the band something to build on. Having been snapped up by Authentic Ideas who will be taking care of the band's management, the guys should hopefully do a nation-wide tour this year. Nadia Neophytou -------------- THE ROBBIE ROBB INTERVIEW Marq Vas recently connected with Tribe After Tribe front man, Robbi Robb, and sent us this interview: From the wild days fronting one of South Africa’s first real “attitude” acts, the ‘Asylum Kids’, to taking the country by storm with ‘Tribe After Tribe’ and then leaving Africa for foreign shores, I get to hang with the elusive and media-shy ‘Robbi Robb’. MV: Greetings African brother, much has happened since your decision to leave South Africa for the US, what has been the biggest challenge you have had to face to date? RR: In South Africa there was no “music business" really - one just played because one loved to play. That sort of innocence has been difficult to maintain and I think I did lose it for a while, but got it back when we did the Three Fish record. Since then I have pretty much been my own man and do not care for the ‘star maker machinery’. MV: After the initial signing to Megaforce and the tour with Pearl Jam, T.A.T. seemed ready for the big time but then seemed to disappear with speculation rife that the band was all but over. How have you managed to hold it all together through all the ups and downs? RR: You use the words up and down which in a sense reminds me of push-ups. I guess the ups and down in life if they don’t kill you strengthen you in certain ways. Also I refer you to the article on the Robbi Robb website regarding practice. MV: Word has it that the ‘white Zulu of African rock’ has mellowed with advent of a major change in his life, that of meeting that ‘special’ person! How has this affected your music and/or your life in general? RR: Yes I have met a special person but I do not feel that it has mellowed me out in any way rather it has encouraged me and inspired me to reach into places I have never been before. She is a Goddess of extreme beauty and soaked in goodness and all things of value, - I feel like a scoundrel next to her - a diamond in the rough so to speak. There is a lot to do for me to rise to the occasion with grace and dignity, no place for mellowing out really. MV: Take us through a typical day in the life of Robbi Robb RR: There is nothing typical from day to day. But each day is filled with Magik!, studying, writing, thinking and making love. MV: Are you still in touch with the scene in South Africa and do you ‘keep an ear out’ for what’s being played on the scene there? RR: No. MV: I have been a staunch supporter for putting people in their place when they claim that ‘Seether’ are the first band to ‘make it’ abroad when you and ‘T.A.T’ were the true pioneers, what’s your take on ‘Seether’ and their ‘success’? RR: Thanks for setting them aright. I have no idea who Seether is - sorry. MV: ‘Enchanted Entrance’ what an album! I could not believe what I was hearing! Congratulations on an absolutely superb offering. The ‘African’ sprit flows strongly through the album but I cannot help but feel there is some Middle Eastern/Eastern type undertone on the album, your comment to this? (See Vas review of 'Enchanted Entrance') RR: I find there is more melodic depth in eastern and Middle Eastern music and so have as a result been soaking myself in much music from those cultures. I do the Oud and the Saz and an instrument called the Vina. So these instruments do influence my guitar playing and the other decisions I might make unconsciously MV: The latest album takes a total fresh approach mixing trance type grooves with an array of African percussion instruments to cleverly mixing in of samples, yet not losing that ‘Rock’ feel. How would you explain the style of music that ‘T.A.T’ offer these days? RR: Courageous might be a short explanation, and there is a sort of reckless abandonment in the creating of the music. Very little comes from the intellect but more from a state of listening and channelling, it is very psychic music so to speak. MV: Why no touring schedule in support of the album apart from the sprinkling of dates in Germany? RR: That’s all down to music business I guess. We are willing but touring costs money and I ain’t got it. MV: Finally, what drives and inspires Robbi Robb? RR: Loneliness and Beauty. RR: Thanks for your continued support May goodness and gladness be with you MV: and the same to you my brother. 'Tribe After Tribe’ official website and mp3 downloads http://www.robbirobb.com/ Vas review of 'Enchanted Entrance' here http://www.marqvas.com ---------------------------------------------------- 2. CHARTS ---------- TOP 30 SOUTH AFRICAN MP3s OF THE WEEK http://www.SAmp3.com 1. [1] (1) Hands Down - Track 4 ('Demo'/Indie) 2. [3] (1) All The World - Zen Arcade ('Release'/Indie) 3. [5] (3) Face - Ystervark ('Living It Up'/Indie) 4. [14] (4) Fokokpolisiekar - Fokofpolisiekar ('As Jy Met Vuur Speel Sal Jy Brand'/ Rhythm/Bowline) 5. [15] (5) Sobriety Friend - Old Mol ('Rock The Bedsprings'/Legend) 6. [2] (2) Time To Change - Grant Nuss ('Diversity'/Bowline) 7. [4] (4) Twisted - Believable Addiction (Indie) 8. [9] (8) Anything - Mike de Jager and Adrian Clark ('With These Hands'/Indie) 9. [11] (9) Mowgli - Zero Tolerance ['A Perfect Life'/Indie) 10. [16] (10) Duiwel Kom Ons Haal - Springcan ('Are You Confuzed?'/Indie) 11. [12] (11) Life Away - My Shade ('Bedtime Musick'/Indie) 12. [6] (6) Scream (demo) - Velve (Street Level) 13. [7] (1) Above My Room - Jo Day ('The Truth'/Indie) 14. [8] (4) Vi@gra La Buena - Nukular Stompers ('Can Of Worms'/Street Level) 15. [10] (5) Trash Like You - Martin Rocka And The Sick Shop ('Trailer Rash'/Gosatango) 16. [17] (16) My Favourite Song On The Radio - What Now?! ('Let Us Be Heard'/Wicked Rock) 17. [21] (17) Lovesong - The Dolly Rockers ('The Heat'/Indie) 18. [23] (18) Rise - Sonar ('Bittersweet' EP/Indie) 19. [22] (19) Met My Stukkende Kitaar - Koos Kombuis & Valiant Swart (''n Jaar In Die Son'/Rhythm/Bowline) 20. [18] (1) Things 2 Consider - Skwirmish ('The EP'/Indie) 21. [24] (21) The Countdown - Bluescream ('Bluescream'/Indie) 22. [19] (4) Woman - Soil 7t7 ('Soil 7t7'/Indie) 23. [29] (23) Step Outside - Luna ('Luna'/Indie) 24. [13] (5) Meisie Van Die Ooste - Alta Joubert ('Warrelwinde'/Hoezit) 25. [27] (25) Blah Di Blah - Drop Dead Gorgeous ('Melt with Me'/Indie) 26. [25] (22) Seether Sampler - Seether ('Disclaimer'/Musketeer) 27. [-] (27) Antipodean Dirge - Tim Wells Band ('Elephant'/Indie) 28. [26] (14) Rock And Roll Man - Bedrock ('Recovery'/Criminal Records) 29. [-] (29) Afrikaans Surfer Boy - Vanessa Van ('Leef Die Droom'/Bowline) 30. [-] (30) To Confide In - Lazarus ('Parallax View'/Indie) -------------- TOP 30 SOUTH AFRICAN ALBUMS OF THE WEEK http://www.sarockdigest.com/charts This week [last week] (highest position) Title - Artist (Label) 1. [1] (1) More Fire - The Rudimentals (Indie) 2. [5] (2) Perelsvoordieswyne - Best Of - Johannes Kerkorrel (Gallo) 3. [4] (3) Melt With Me - Drop Dead Gorgeous (Indie/Bowline) 4. [6] (4) Power - Tribe After Tribe (RetroFresh) 5. [2] (1) Rock The Bedsprings - Old Mol (Legend) 6. [10] (6) Luna - Luna (Indie) 7. [11] (7) 'n Jaar In Die Son - Koos Kombuis & Valiant Swart (Rhythm/Bowline) 8. [3] (1) The Truth - Jo Day (Indie) 9. [8] (3) Breathe Sunshine - Various (Amabala) 10. [7] (3) Diversity - Grant Nuss (Indie/Bowline) 11. [15] (11) Mkhukhu Funkshen - Skwatta Kamp (Gallo) 12. [9] (2) Hello Crazy World - Prime Circle (David Gresham Records) 13. [12] (12) Can Of Worms - Nukular Stompers (Street Level) 14. [13] (1) Jika Jika - freshlyground (Freeground) 15. [18] (15) Flat To Round - David Foster (Rhythm/Bowline) 16. [23] (16) The Heat - Dollyrockers (Indie) 17. [25] (17) African Dope Sound System - Various (African Dope) 18. [14] (1) Verspreide Donderbuie/Scattered Thunder - Amanda Strydom (JNS) 19. [19] (4) Sagtevlei - Alex Van Heerden and Derek Gripper (Open Record/Bowline) 20. [17] (1) Another Universe - Arno Carstens (Epic) 21. [29] (21) Muti Media - Kalahari Surfers (African Dope) 22. [16] (5) Tassenberg All*Stars Volume 4 - Vari-ous (Trippy Grape/Bowline) 23. [20] (1) Inbluesstation - Delta Blue (Merchant/Bowline) 24. [-] (24) 21 Gunslut - Soulja (Indie) 25. [22] (22) Blomdoorns - Derek Gripper (Open Record) 26. [21] (21) Sliq Angel - Sliq Angel (Sony) 27. [24] (1) Chasing The Sun - Karen Zoid (EMI) 28. [26] (1) Back Seat Driver - Tait (Fresh) 29. [28] (14) Rough Cuts - Janie Jones (Sugar Music) 30. [27] (2) Johnny Clegg - A South African Story - Live (Value) READ http://www.rock.co.za/files LISTEN http://www.SAmp3.com BUY http://www.oneworld.co.za/index.cfm?bec=4321 _____________________________________________ 3. NEW, RECENT AND UPCOMING RELEASES ------ MP3s ------ All the mp3s listed here are available to download at http://www.SAmp3.com - the biggest South African mp3 website in the world. --------------- TOYLAND - ‘BLISS’ Toyland are the biggest band on the current Metal/Hardcore (Metalcore) scene in Cape Town. ‘Bliss’ is the first single to be released as a download off their 2003 album, ‘With Every Breath’, on Witchdoctor Records. Read all about Toyland in the CD section below. -------------- 'ANTIPODEAN DIRGE' - TIM WELLS BAND This is the second mp3 off Tim Wells’ 'Elephant' CD (which was released before the White Stripes album of the same title, by the way). Not sure why this is called a dirge as it bounces with life. Brendan Jury's viola is strongly to the fore here. -------------- 'SO ADIOS' - SUMARÉ Take a listen to new singing sensation Sumaré with the title song from her debut album recorded mainly in Afrikaans with a few English songs. It includes self-penned songs as well as some covers like 'Blue Bayou' and 'Gloryland'. -------------- 'AFRIKANER SURFER BOY' - VANESSA VAN As summer really starts to heat up here in South Africa, and in Cape Town especially, pop newcomer Vanessa Van will get the beach party going as she sings about her 'Afrikaner Surfer Boy'. -------------- 'TO CONFIDE IN' - LAZARUS Lazarus blew us away with their first hit 'Make It Your System' and this new track will do the same. A slow, powerful rocker with a catchy hook, "I need to, I need to, I need to tell you how I feel..." -------------- SEARCH FOR MP3's Use the SAmp3.com onboard search engine, powered by Google, to search for mp3s on http://www.SAmp3.com by artist or song title. ----- CDs ----- HOG HOGGIDY HOG - ‘NAKED’ Cape Town’s longest running, and most popular ska-punk band have released a new single. The 6-piece group, known for their album, ‘Driving Over Miss Davie’, and their manic live performances, have opened 2004 with the release of their eagerly-awaited new three-track single. The release contains three singles, namely ‘Naked’, ‘Peter Wino’ (live, with guest appearance by Mr Ross), and ‘John And Phillipp’s Song’. The song ‘Naked’ was recorded at Sunset Studios and was produced by Theo Crous of Springbok Nude Girls. The ‘Naked’ single also contains five videos! Those videos are for the songs ‘Time 4 Love’, ‘John And Phillipp’s Song’, ‘Crack Wh*re’, ‘Just A Lie’, and ‘Flag Of Freedom’ (Live). The Hogs current line-up is George W Bacon (vocals), Lee Lips (trumpet), Amos Keefo (aka Aids) (guitar), Sean Smout (bass), Rrrrosstafari (trombone) and Mike Horne (drums). ‘Naked’ is released on the [3] Chord Records label and is currently available at Mabu Vinyl & CD and will be soon at other indie CD stores in Cape Town and all over SA. www.hoghoggidyhog.com Mailto:mail@hoghoggidyhog.com -------------- '21 GUNSLUT' - A SOULJA'S STORY (New and acclaimed Cape Town hard rock band, Soulja, had a very interesting: year in 2003, the year they emerged on to the SA rock scene, supported Sepultura, and released their debut album, '21 Gunslut'. As 2004 begins, Soulja tell us their story and their plans for the year.....) After losing a lead guitarist and bassist at the end of 2002, it all seemed like a fatal train wreck of plan and vision for Soulja. Having being included on the bill for the upcoming Wingerdstok Lifestyle Festival to be held in Villiersdorp in February, a guitarist and bassist were in dire need. To the rescue with his Fender shining like a rare gem in the darkness came Lee Radmall, ex-guitarist from Blunt and Juice. Lee hooked up Curve on bass (incidentally also from the embers of the now defunct Blunt) and in no time a set was developed for the festival. The crowd was successfully wooed and that was the start of 2003 for Soulja. Sessions were booked with Paris Lucas (legendary sound engineer hailing from Fish Hoek) and the first ever recordings of the band in its current line-up were completed by April. Further sessions, which would later make up the content of Soulja 's debut album, carried through for the rest of the year until September. Soulja were invited to play with Arno Carstens' new solo adventure, New Porn, which proved to be one of their most memorable performances. 2003 also saw Soulja perform a repertoire of songs, specially adapted for the ''unplugged'' realm, to a packed Mercury Lounge. Although almost as loud as the electrified set, it proved that the band could not only adapt to this sometimes arduous procedure of reconstructing songs to suit the acoustic guitar and softer drumming, but also that they allowed themselves to be adapted for the folk less interested in the tumultuous pummeling of an electrified set. As winter set in, Warren (vox) and Stuart (drums) headed for the warmth of Natal/Transkei for inspiration, and to meet up with a few folk who might aid them in our quest for exposure. An honourable man in Durban by the name of Wicked Mike helped them by setting up a temporary website on his Wickedrock SA Rock portal. Here was somebody who believed in an uprising of some form in SA Rock, which Soulja were glad to be part of. Various performances with Cape Town-based bands followed at Mercury Live and The Armchair Theatre, the most memorable being those with The Spindle Sect, 7th Son and the Rudimentals. September saw Soulja travelling up to Johannesburg, in one Volkswagen minibus, to play support for Brazilian Metal legends, Sepultura. The thrill of performing with a band of this stature by far outweighed the somewhat dampening effect of a rushed soundcheck. Following this event by a month came the Bloemfontein's Macufe Festival which was headlined by bands like Boo!, Karen Zoid and the Nudies, who as always, were absolutely awe-inspiring. For the first time ever and right after their set, the band membrs were swamped by a small mob of teenagers requiring autographs from us on anything from discarded drumsticks to an exposed breast. Soulja loved Bloemfontein and will return to die Rosestad this year, for sure. The next couple of months were governed by furious amounts of energy and foresight, channeled into the mixing of the remaining tracks recorded by Paris, and executed into the planning of what was to be the launch of Soulja's totally independently mixed and produced debut album, '21 Gunslut'. Then came the launch of the album, held at Stones Pool Bar in Long Street: a night starting off with unplugged renditions of 'Science' and 'Royal Tommy' through to the manic gyrations of 'Girl Power' and 'Fok Amerika'. The crowd turnout and response was absolutely phenomenal, but then came the nadir. It was both unfortunate and disturbing to learn that Warren and Gregory (rhythm git and backing vox) had been involved in a horrible car smash. Greg suffered some bruising but it was Warren who sustained more serious, but thankfully not life-threatening, injuries. However, it's only about a month since the accident and Soulja are back on form with Warren performing more like an erect (Don't you mean "upright"? - Ed.) Michael Stipe than the usual cavorting self that he is on stage, naturally still nursing the battle wounds of the launch. Recent Soulja performances include the Circus Ninja showcase party held near Newlands which went off very well. The real stars of the night were the people behind Circus Ninja and Sub_Urban Magazine though (Thanks to Dom!!!). The Firlands Rock The Bay Festival was something a little different though. Being the last band on the playlist and due to the fact that the whole act was delayed by 3 hours, Soulja only took to the stage at 4 o'clock! A band member explains: "This will definitely serve as the band's most memorable gig to date. All of the 1500 folk that came to the festival during the day began dissipating at a steady rate after a class performance by Wonderboom at 1am. A few isolated whistles after Soulja's set in the now darkened void of the field made it seem that the band were some sort of strange rescue craft atop our stage in an ocean of silence, searching for survivors clinging to floating debris after a doomed ship-sinking. Our captain of course, was none other than Barney Simon, who stayed to the last and bitter end of a successful festival Our thumbs up to the one heroic man who still holds the lamp in the name of SA Rock with a sense of pride and establishment that no one has ever dared to wrestle from him. Thanks Barney!" Soulja will be taking some time out from performing during January to write new material, but punters will be able to catch them at the MP4 Music festival, to be held in Stellenbosch in February. Also watch out for future performances with Fokofpolisiekar and The Spindle Set in Cape Town. A tour of Natal and Jozi will undoubtedly take place later in the year. Those who want to order copies of '21 Gunslut' can do so at this stage by emailing mailto:soulja@icon.co.za '21 Gunslut' is now available at Mabu Vinyl and CD and SO NOW? in Cape Town, and in your nearest CD Wherehouse, and other stores nationally, by March. -------------- SPOTLIGHT ON: TOYLAND Toyland was formed in Cape Town as a three-piece at the beginning of 2002 with an initial line-up of Alastair Pursch (dums), Nicolas Rix (vocals) and Wallace Warner (bass). During 2002 Cape Town's newest and heaviest metal/hardcore band began by playing as many shows as they could around the city. Three months later they decided to record a 6-track EP at DLK Recording Studios. Toyland picked up some airplay on 5fm during Barney Simon's Night Zoo Show, which gave them broad exposure and developed a solid fan base for the band in South Africa. In April 2002 Toyland set up their official website at www.toylandtheband.com The band did not tour during 2002, choosing to remain on the local Cape Town scene and build a following in their hometown initially. Despite the small Metal/Hardcore (Metalcore) scene in Cape Town Toyland still played as many shows as possible. Towards the end of 2002, Annis Moriera (guitar) joined to add a second 7-string guitar to the music. This added an important new dimension to the band. In 2003, after a lengthy break over the festive season, Toyland returned to playing more gigs in the early part of the year. Mid-February saw the band returning to the recording studio - this time the acclaimed Paris Studios in Fish Hoek - to record their debut album, ‘With Every Breath’. The album was recorded, mixed and mastered in just 5 days and was released on Witchdoctor Records. Toyland then played at their first Festival, The Cause, an AIDS and HIV benefit, which ran over the entire Easter Weekend in Hangklip. There were about 40 bands at the Festival and Toyland had a mid-day 30min set. Soon after that weekend, on the 7th of May, Entombed, the acclaimed Swedish Metal band, came to SA for a national tour, organised by Witchdoctor Records. Toyland were invited by Witchdoctor Records to support Entombed at the Cape Town show. Since then, Toyland won the Cape Town ‘Last Band Standing - Battle Of The Bands’ Competition. The band then did a nationwide tour to promote ‘With Every Breath’. Toyland are planning on touring Australia, Europe, and the US during 2004. Toyland’s current line-up is: Nicolas Rix - Vocals, Joe Mullin - Guitar, Annis Moriera - Guitar, Wallace Warner - Bass, and Alastair Pursch - Drums Discography: ‘Toyland’ (6 track EP) ‘With Every Breath’ (WR0012CD) - Full length 14 track debut album released on the 3rd of November 2003 under Witchdoctor Records. Distributed nationally by Alter Ego and internationally by Witchdoctor Records. Toyland contact info: www.toylandtheband.com Mailto:toyland@telkomsa.net Download 'Bliss' by Toyland: http://www.SAmp3.com --------------- THE ZAZONE.COM SA BAND SPOTLIGHT http://www.zaZone.com LAD, the dedicated webmaster of zaZone.com, usually throws his regular spotlight on one of the many SA bands currently affiliated to his SA music site. OLD MOL Old Mol is a styling four-piece punk band from Johannesburg. The members are Dylan (aka Deel) on vocals, Brian (aka Cyril) on lead guitar (he also sings/rap's the two Cyril tracks on the CD); Conan (aka Green) who plays drums and Arlyn (aka Arly) who plays bass. The band members have a great sense of humour and this shows in their website and in their music. Although the members have known each other for quite a while they only formed the band about two years ago and finalised the current line-up just over a year ago. The band members are all still young and are studying at present. Old Mol has played at several venues, including a new rock bands festival at Sting and at Roxy's and have played alongside bands such as Jo Day and Toxic Shame. Sting (and Showcase) rates as their favourite due to their sound and Roxy's for their vibe. Their CD 'Rock The Bed Springs' is an excellent collection of punk rock tracks which showcases this band’s talent. My favourite song on the CD is 'She Said She Was a Dancer', which was written by Jon Buckley - it has a nice melody with some excellent drumming. When it comes to writing songs the band bases their work on things they know like girls, drinking, partying, etc. What I wanna know is: does anyone know ANYTHING about girls... The band takes things as they come and are working on material for a new album... Because of band commitments with holidays, etc Old Mol will not be playing until late-Jan 2004. If you're in an SA Band or are an SA artist and would like to appear in this slot please mail mailto:tony@zazone.com Note: zaZone.com information: zaZone.com is now WAP enabled! You can now see the gigs per area or by artist/band by visiting http://www.zazone.com/wap on your cellphone. Watch out for more announcements of interesting things happening at zaZone.com! Sponsored by zaZone.com Promoting SA Music... http://www.zazone.com Download 'Sobriety Friend' by Old Mol at http://www.SAmp3.com -------------- Email your mp3 reviews to mailto: editor@sarockdigest.com?subject=mp3reviews Download South African mp3's from http://www.SAmp3.com South African Music: Loud 'n Proud -------------- ONE WORLD http://www.oneworld.co.za/index.cfm?bec=4321 Selling South African Music To The World --------------- MORE REVIEWS --------------- More reviews can be found at: Open Record http://www.openrecord.co.za Amuzine http://rock.co.za/reviews.htm ______________________________________ 4.USA FOR AFRICA ------------------- Texas-based Kurt Shoemaker gives his unique views on SA music. ARNO CARSTENS - ‘ANOTHER UNIVERSE’ [CDEPC8256 2003] Overall, 'Another Universe' creates a nice mood. It rocks, and I feel good. This music makes one feel deeply good, without the music being chirpy and music hall. Some songs are quiet and lovely, others climb to the ceiling on solid rock. Some echoes eerily reminiscent of Springbok Nude Girls drift in once or twice, but only because Arno's voice is distinctive, not because this is SNG Mark II. In fact, here he engages in fewer vocal histrionics, giving us plenty of his velvety, but lead rock singing, voice. Moody music at the commencement on 'Something We Started', followed by the sincere 'Another Universe’, the title track and worthy of the radio play it has received--a song inspiring one to sing along moodily and deeply. The album's intensity climbs through the course of the CD until by the heart-thumping rock of tracks 10 and 11, 'African Sunrise' and 'Woman', we are rolling down the highway with no one in our way. The music swells and becomes heart-lifting rock. The louder I make the rock anthem 'African Sunrise' the better I feel. 'Viva la Liberty' sounds like it could be billed as with "lead vigorously-strummed acoustic guitar played by Valiant Swart." But it's Albert Frost. If Arno's singing and song writing isn't enough to cause a reach for the wallet, Albert Frost's guitar playing on this "never ending song", and the others should. Adding a novel sound to the big guitar rock is Brendan Jury, formerly of Urban Creep, on violin. Other songs on this entirely warm, but decidedly electric, rock record are 'Tonight's Dragons', 'Cooler Lifestyles', and the CD closer, the emotionally evocative 'Sleeps with Tigers'. That last is one of my three or four favourites here. Today I played Arno's album while five classes of high school seniors, seventeen- and eighteen-year-olds, silently read a short story in the textbook. Without fail, every class asked who was playing. Even the janitor, when he came in to sweep up after school, asked who was playing. Now that's a testimony to the broad appeal of Arno Carstens. I hope Arno has a never-ending career making music so enjoyable, with the help of Albert Frost and Brendan Jury filling out the sound so much that they make it feel three-dimensional. Rock with universal appeal, without sacrificing quality or intelligence. Kurt Shoemaker, Blanco, Texas mailto:kurt@sarockdigest.com -------------- 5.A NAARTJIE IN THE UK London-based John Samson gives his own twist on SA music: GROWING UP WITH BARNEY I first became aware of Barney Simon as a voice chirping in the background as the engineer on Keith Lindsay's 'Saturday Shadow Show' which was broadcast on Saturday afternoons on Radio 5 (now 5FM). As the only decent Hi Fi in the house happened to reside in the same room as the TV and other members of the family wanted to watch the Saturday afternoon sport, I was forced to listen to the show on the headphones. And it was in these headphones that Barney grew from being a voice chirping in the background to THE SKIN!!!!! As he moved from behind the engineering desk to being behind the mike, he slowly introduced more and more alternative music. Previously only known to me as obscure album covers in such wonderful places as Street Records in Braamies, bands like The Cure, The Smiths, Bauhaus and Joy Division suddenly became sounds. There was nothing quite as exciting as reading about a new band in the authoritative British rock mag The NME and then hearing them on the The Powerhaus (as Barney eventually renamed the show) that weekend. Softly Softly Catchee Monkey is not really a punk ethic, but just like the punk rockers that he championed, Barney was quietly raising the two fingers at the establishment (both at the SABC and in general) and getting away with it. Brick by brick he broke down the barriers that had formularised our music consumption and it was a soundtrack to one's journey through puberty. Into this mix, Barney always insisted on throwing in local bands and it was through him that I got to know and love the music of Dog Detachment and No Friends of Harry to name the biggies. But it wasn't just the biggies we got to hear. I still have a copy of the 12" of Durban band the Swanhunter's collaboration with UK indie band Chakk called 'Bloodsport' which I first heard on the Powerhaus, although I'm still looking for a copy of Naked Voice's 'Where Was' which if memory serves had some local connection. Barney can probably be likened to John Peel, one of the most respected DJ's in the UK, in that he is prepared to listen to, and promote the obscure and otherwise ignored, especially in the local context where he has tirelessly gone about promoting SA talent. He is a giant of the local music scene and played a huge role in shaping my music tastes as I grew up. Yes, looking back Alien Sex Fiend were probably more intriguing for their name than their music (other than the brilliant 'I Walk The Line') and Tik & Tok's 'Summer in The City' is not quite as good as The Lovin' Spoonful's version, but The Skin was still prepared to give it a go and be adventurous and it's this that I took away from his show and continue to seek out new and interesting music, not being afraid to listen to anything. However, my one abiding memory of The Skin's Saturday show and one for which I am eternally grateful is that it was on this show that I first heard The Klaxtons' 'Clap Clap Sound'. I guess that despite all he has done, Barney is still a mere mortal. John Samson, London mailto:john@sarockdigest.com _________________________________________ 6.HISTORY & TRIVIA -------------------- This week John Samson, our SA Charts archivist, also goes back to look at the top songs of the various years: SPRINGBOK RADIO CHARTS - HITS OF THE YEAR FROM 15/20/25/30 YEARS AGO TOP HITS OF 1973 (30 years ago) 1. I Don't Wanna Play House - Barbara Ray 2. Heaven Is My Woman's Love - Tommy Overstreet 3. Sorrow - David Bowie 4. I'd Love You To Want Me - Lobo 5. We Believe In Tomorrow - Freddy Breck A 22-week run (6 of which at the top) ensured that local lass Barbara Ray took the top spot for the year with 'I Don't Wanna Play House'. Despite 7 weeks at the top, Tommy Overstreet was relegated to 2nd place for the year, but 'Heaven Is My Woman's Love' was still in the top 5 at the end of the year. David Bowie's 'Sorrow' also suffered from not completing a full chart run within the year. It was number 1 as the year ended. TOP HITS OF 1978 (25 years ago) 1. Rivers Of Babylon - Boney M 2. Substitute - Clout 3. Kiss You All Over - Exile 4. Staying Alive - Bee Gees 5. Mull Of Kintyre - Paul McCartney & Wings Clout's 'Substitute' entered the charts in the first week of 1978 and went on to top the charts for 8 weeks in January through to March. However a midyear run of 11 weeks at the top meant that Boney M's 'Rivers Of Babylon' was the hit of the year. At least Clout finished higher than John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John who ended up at number 17 for the year. A Digest favourite, 'The Buccaneer', by McCully Workshop finished 6th. TOP HITS OF 1983 (20 years ago) 1. Words - FR David 2. I Don't Wanna Dance - Eddy Grant 3. Total Eclipse Of The Heart - Bonnie Tyler 4. Up Where We Belong - Joe Cocker & Jennifer Warnes 5. Every Breath You Take - The Police One-hit wonder FR David walked away with the top spot for 1983. The Frenchman had spent a total of 25 weeks in the top 20, 7 of them at number 1. The Jim Steinman (he of 'Bat Out Of Hell' production fame)-produced 'Total Eclipse Of The Heart' had also spent 7 weeks at number 1 but only ended up at number 3 for the year. Joe Cocker and Jennifer Warnes' theme from the movie 'An Officer And A Gentleman' ended up 4th. Lloyd Ross's 'Vyfster' was the highest local song at number 14. TOP HITS OF 1988 (15 years ago) 1. Never Gonna Give You Up - Rick Astley 2. (I've Had) The Time Of My Life - Bill Medley & Jennifer Warnes 3. I Should Be So Lucky - Kylie Minogue 4. Heaven Is A Place On Earth - Belinda Carlisle 5. Perfect - Fairground Attraction Stock, Aitken and Waterman were cleaning up worldwide in 1988 and South Africa was no exception. Rick Astley's 'Never Gonna Give You Up' at number 1 for the year and Kylie's 'I Should Be So Lucky' at number 3 were both products of SAW's Hit Factory. Jennifer Warnes returned with another duet and another movie hit with '(I've Had) The Time Of My Life' from 'Dirty Dancing' preventing SAW from having the top 2 hits of the year. Cinema's 'My Kind Of Girl' finished 17th. -------------- SPRINGBOK RADIO CHARTS http://rock.co.za/charts This week [Last week] Title - Artist 30 YEARS AGO (11 January 1974) 1 [1] Sorrow - David Bowie 2 [2] Angie - Rolling Stones 3 [7] The Peacemaker - Albert Hammond 4 [10] Photograph - Ringo Starr 5 [4] Heaven Is My Woman’s Love - Tommy Overstreet 25 YEARS AGO (12 January 1979) 1 [2] Mary's Boy Child - Boney M 2 [1] Kiss You All Over - Exile 3 [6] Cindy - Peter, Sue & Marc 4 [3] Y.M.C.A. - Village People 5 [7] Place In Your Heart - Nazareth 20 YEARS AGO (13 January 1984) 1 [2] All Night Long - Lionel Richie 2 [1] The Safety Dance - Men Without Hats 3 [8] Karma Chameleon - Culture Club 4 [7] Say Say Say - Paul McCartney & Michael Jackson 5 [3] Cruel Summer - Bananarama 15 YEARS AGO (14 January 1989) 1 [1] The Locomotion - Kylie Minogue 2 [2] Domino Dancing - Pet Shop Boys 3 [4] She Wants To Dance With Me - Rick Astley 4 [3] The Race - Yello 5 [10] I Want Your Love - Transvision Vamp http://rock.co.za/charts ------------- CHART CHAT ------------- The top 5 at the beginning of 1974 was filled with big names. Bowie, The Stones, Ringo (okay he was bigger as part of the Beatles than solo) and Albert Hammond, the latter being famous for being the father of Albert Hammond JR. of The Strokes. 'Sorrow' was Bowie's first hit to chart in SA and would also be his only number 1. In fact he would have to wait 8 years before he saw the top 5 again when his collaboration with Queen ('Under Pressure') made number 4. Christmas came late in 1979 as Boney M's festive favourite 'Mary's Boy Child' made that leap from 2 to 1. Swiss trio Peter, Sue & Marc's 'Cindy' enjoyed a better placing in SA than in their native Switzerland where it only made it to number 4 (3 years earlier mind you). George Orwell said nothing in his book '1984' about the year starting with Men Without Hats being number 1. However, their 10-week run at the top was halted by Lionel Richie. The Culture Club followed up the success of 'Do You Really Want To Hurt Me' which had made number 11 with their UK and US number 1, 'Karma Chameleon'. Rumour has it that it was while recording together that Paul McCartney suggested to Michael Jackson that he invest in song publishing rights. He must have regretted this when Jackson outbid him for the publishing rights to The Beatles’ songs. 1989 would be the last year of the SA Singles charts, in fact they only ran till 11 February that year. Kylie started the year as she had finished the previous, at number 1. Transvision Vamp followed up the wonderfully titled 'Tell That Girl To Shut Up' (which didn't make the SA Top 20) with 'I Want Your Love' which raced up the charts. South Africans at number 1 this week: Mammy Blue - Charisma (1972) The Buccaneer - McCully Workshop (31 December 1978) Look Out Here Comes Tomorrow - The Dealians (1971) South African New Entries this week 01-Jan-71 Mango, Mango - Tidal Wave 02-Jan-76 Sha La La La - Buttercup 04-Jan-74 Sweet Mama - Richard Jon Smith 05-Jan-73 Home Isn't Home Anymore - Alan Garrity 05-Jan-73 Locomotive Breath - Rabbitt (Cover of the Jethro Tull Song) 05-Jan-80 Where Have All The Flowers Gone - Roy Bulkin 06-Jan-78 Subsitute - Clout 07-Jan-66 Come Back Silly Girl - Staccatos 07-Jan-72 All Of The Time Girl - Dealians 08-Jan-71 Sing Out Glory - Bernie Brown 09-Jan-70 Fairy Tales - John Edmond 11-Jan-74 The Tips Of My Fingers - Peter Vee 14-Jan-77 Blue Water - Julian Laxton Band 14-Jan-83 Vyfster - Lloyd Ross (From the TV show of the same name) 15-Jan-71 Cry Blue Bird Cry - Rising Sons 17-Jan-64 Mockin' Bird Song - Charles Jacobie 17-Jan-75 You Asked Me To - Bobby Angel 17-Jan-81 Love Connection - Plastik Mak John Samson ----------- BIRTHDAYS ----------- Jan. 13 - Trevor Rabin (1954), Rabbitt; Yes Jan. 16 - Roy Bulkin (1952, died 19 Jan. 1996) Jan. 19 - Janis Joplin (1943, died 4th October 1970) Jan. 20 - Crocodile Harris (born Robin Graham, 1950) Jan. 22 - James Phillips (1959, died 31 July 1995) Jan. 24 - Tony Cox Jan. 25 - Steve Newman (1952) Jan. 30 - Allan Faull (1949), Falling Mirror Jan. 31 - Johnny Rotten (1956), Sex Pistols; PiL _____________________________________________ 7.SOUND SOLUTIONS --------------------- A Readers' Forum featuring a selection of the email requests, questions, searches, and other pieces of random info we receive each week at the Digest. Sometimes we can assist, other times we look to you, our collectively well-informed and erudite readers to please contact these writers and help out as well. Thanks if you do! -------------- SA IGGY POP TRIBUTE Hi, I am busy organising a South African tribute to Iggy Pop and am looking for South African Bands to cover Iggy/Stooges songs in their own style. If any bands want to contact me my e-mail is mailto:eriepap@wam.co.za or sms 072 - 4550668 I hope many South African bands will submit songs. Love + Peace & keep up the great work. Ernesto, Sound Action Distribution. Mailto:eriepap@wam.co.za -------------- MCCULLY’S WORKSHOP Hi, How can I find McCully Workshop’s ‘Villa muddy water’ and ‘fame and fortune’ at CD or mp3 level. Thanks, Dion Mailto:dionh@telkomsa.net Ed. - Sorry these tracks have never been released on CD, but there is talk of a "best of" CD sometime in 2004 which could include these songs... -------------- HEINZ I've been looking everywhere for a place that sells Heinz Winckler's album 'One Step Closer', and the only place I found isn't able to ship to the U.S., Thanks! Tina Briggs Mailto:TinaBriggs21@msn.com ED. - I'm sure you will find that Heinz CD at One World, the South African CD store at http://www.oneworld.co.za/index.cfm?bec=4321 -------------- THE [BRACKETS]??? Hi, I’m looking for The Brackets, do you have any info on this 60`s SA group? Thanks, Colin Alexander Mailto:colina@armscor.co.za ED. - We asked Tertius Louw, our resident expert on these matters, and he told us the following: The Brackets recorded for EMI on Parlophone label during 1966/1967 Discographical info: Counting/You make me feel good - Parlophone 1966 45-SPD 385 Surf City/These things don't happen everyday - Parlophone 1966 SPD 406 My babe/She's my summer girl - Parlophone 1967 SPD 419 Ain't that true love baby/Any day now - Parlophone 1967 SPD 439 Band Members: Mike Pilot Russel Pope Ken Haycock Barry Rogers/Mike Koch Pilot/Koch were founder members of Tidal Wave. -------------- FLASH HARRY WANTED Hello, I am an American who lived in South Africa between 80-82, I promoted concerts there through my Company Progressive Productions. Could you help me locate CD's for the group Flash Harry from that time, I would be most grateful and prepared to pay for it. With thanks, Anthony Fischler Mailto:a_fischler@yahoo.com -------------- SA JAM PARTNERS IN LONDON WANTED Hi, My name is Scott and I've been living in London for about 5 years now and am going nuts playing in English bands! Basically this pop stuff is driving me nuts and I need to play some good old fashioned SA rock again. Do you know of any connections in London who are also going nuts like me. I'm a bass player and I live in St. Albans just outside Watford. I can play most styles including funk, etc and my style is similar to Flea from the Red Hot Chillies. Any help would be great, thanks for a great site. Scott Bremner Mailto:scott@creativeleap.com -------------- SA ORIGINALS SOUGHT Is there still a possibility to buy these South African Originals? I want to pay well. Looking for Freedoms Children, Abstract Truth, Otis Waygood, The Third Eye. Thanks, jean Mailto:jjobses@planet.nl -------------- A CLASSIC BENTLEY Hi, My name is Tenille Bentley and by the last name you can tell that I am related to AL - one of the rock legends from South Africa. Al Bentley is my father and we now all live in Australia. We had an awful tragedy and someone stole all of my dad's material and his old vinyls etc. And I am wondering if you can help me in any way. I want to get hold of some of my father’s merchandise as a birthday gift which he would be eternally grateful for. And I am hoping you can help me or at least lead me to someone that can help me get some of dad's old material. I would be so grateful if you could help me. PS I am now following in my father’s footsteps in the music industry. Please feel free to look at my website to see the pass down of talent from my father to me. www.bentleypromotions.com Please help me get some of my father’s material back again - it is priceless to him as you can well imagine. Thanks so much Tenille Bentley (AL Bentley's daughter) Mailto:tenille_bentley@telstra.com -------------- SA AIRPLAY? Hi, We are promoting a debut 4 track EP recording by a new British rock act called WASTED STATE. Who are the best radio stations and radio DJ's in South Africa who feature and play new music? We would like to make contact with them to assist in our promotion. Many thanks... SLAVE records. United Kingdom Mailto: mailto:sploj3@yahoo.co.uk Ed. Um, speak to Mark Pilgrim.... --------------- COPPERFIELD Dear Editor, Please wish everyone at SARD a very Happy Festive Season. If I send you info regarding my band Copperfield ('So you win again' '78, 'Rock & Roll Singer' '75 and 'Pilot of the Airwaves' '80) will you consider adding it to your publication sometime? I have friends in UK & Stateside who read SARD all the time. By the way the band is still alive and well, tho we have sort of diversified a bit, we still gig and have plans for a new album in 2004. Keep up the good work. Best Regards Peter (The Wolfman) Taylor Mailto:mailto:petert@worldonline.co.za --------------- TEMPO'S EURO BAR GIGS?? Dear Sirs, As a lover of live rock music, I used to visit Tempo's Euro Bar in Zandspruit. Usually I found the program in www.sagigs.com http://www.sagigs.com, but recently I do not find any listings any more. Would you have a suggestion where to find more info on their program. In fact I am living in The Netherlands and come to SA a few times a year and then enjoy the rock music in Tempo's very well. Also would appreciate any suggestion on where to go in the Witwatersrand for live (classic) rock music. I am familiar with the Blues Room, but that can't compete with Tempo's Sunday afternoon. Look forward to your reply. I will be in SA from 7-12 January. Happy holidays regards Henk Timmers Mailto: henktimmers@uni-one.nl Ed. - See the Tempo’s article in the Live section below... --------------- WHERE INDEED!?! Hi, Where in the UK might I buy CD's of the singer Bles Bridges? Thank you John Mailto:johnrichardson141@tiscali.co.uk Ed. - Not sure about in the UK, but online you can try One World http://www.oneworld.co.za/index.cfm?bec=4321&searchfor=bles%20bridges --------------- REMEMBER 'NO JACKET REQUIRED'??? Hi, I'm hoping you might be able to help me. I'm trying to find a copy of a programme called 'No Jacket Required' that was a national talent contest in the eighties. My mum was on it while we lived in South Africa and won it in 1987. Unfortunately we had to move back to England and so she never got to see the final programme. I'd love to get a copy of this for her so if anyone knows anything about this programme please get in touch. Thanks, Katy Mailto: skateyj@yahoo.co.uk --------------- HELP NEEDS JOE PLEASE... BOAT SINGER?? Hi, I like to purchasing CD Tapes or records - the singer the name Eduardo Jaime, Boat singer, in the 60 to 70 Gallo Africa is the Editor. See what you can find Joe Mailto:joemachial@msn.com --------------- HELP SAL HERE! Hello and Happy Holidays, I was wondering if you had these 2 SA CD releases. New or used is fine. Aeroplanes - 'Best Of/Greatest Hits' Various - 'Sharp Cuts Volume 2' Please let me know. By the way I am in the USA. Thanks so much. Cheers, Sal Mailto:daleki@optonline.net Ed. The Aeroplanes' 'Greatest Hits' album is currently available on CD no CDCJM 001. Possibly copies available at http://www.oneworld.co.za/index.cfm?bec=4321 Or maybe one of our readers has a copy to sell to Sal? --------------- SA PUNK CLASSIC RELEASES! Hi, Does anyone, anywhere have any desire to re-release classic SA punk records? Please tell me!! I'm looking for anything "classic" perhaps Wild Youth and Johnny Teen's associated bands, The Asylum Kids, Dog (Detachment), etc. I had a cassette compilation of SA punk called "Afrika Corps", but I seemed to have misplaced it. The bands on the cassette were: Rotors, Powerage, Wild Youth, Gay Marines, Ultra White Lovers, and a few others, some cuts were live and some were studio recordings. If I can somehow locate that particular compilation, then I guess that would be a start. Cheers Josh Edson Mailto:murdermissle@yahoo.com --------------- DESPERATELY SEEKING OTIS DUDES Hi, I came across your article about Otis Waygood from SA Rock Digest Issue #209 recently because I have been doing some research into the band's flautist, Martin Jackson. I was wondering if you had any contact information for any members of the band, so that I could ask them about Martin. The reason I ask is because Martin was my dad - although I never knew him as such. I think he died in the mid-70s, going a bit mad before he did so - and I would like to find out a bit more about him if I can. If you have any contacts I can write to, or email, that would be great. Kind regards Nick Mailto:nwhittome@yahoo.co.uk --------------- SWEET VIRGINIA Hallo All at SA ROCK DIGEST, I wrote to you some time ago with a view to obtaining Virginia Lee LPs. This succeeded beyond my wildest expectations - a very big thank you here to John Lyle!! However, I would now like to go further and ask if any of my fellow record collectors have any documentation and/or videos, etc of Virginia Lee - I'm particularly interested in any videos/films of any of her concerts, TV appearances; but I'm also very interested in putting together as complete a picture of her career as is humanly possible. May I thank your readers in advance for any help they can give me. Replies please to e.mail: I will, of course, pay any costs involved, and I will answer each and every one of any e.mails that I'm lucky enough to receive. All the very best for 2004! Geoff Tue Wegberg, Germany Mailto:Geoff.Tue@t-online.de --------------- ITS JACK LONDON, LOOKING FOR OSMOSIS! Hi, My name is Jack, I'm in London, and a friend of mine is doing some research on Osmosis, rock and roll band from Cape Town in the 1970's. Any idea where I might be able to get some info? Thanks Jack Mailto:justjack@mailbox.co.za Ed. - All we know is that they had a Springbok Radio hit in 1973 with a song called 'She (Didn't Even Remember My Name), a cover of 'Vado Via' by Italian singer Drupi, which was recently covered by HOT RS as 'He (Didn't Even Remember My Name)'. --------------- NOT THE EVERLY BRU'S Hi, Help please ! Back in 1958 - 1959, a duo rather like The Everly Brothers had a hit with a tune called "PARKIN" (Or Parking). I've forgotten who they were - can someone recall them? Perhaps your archivists will have the info, because I'm sure they charted at the time. Better still, perhaps a reader has a copy of the single! Thanks, John Lyle Mailto:johnlyle@iafrica.com --------------- KIMBERLY JIM AND WHO? Hi, Can somebody please tell me who the female singer is on the Jim Reeves album 'Kimberley Jim'. She features on the track 'My life is a gypsy'. I'm betting on Maureen Donne but it could be any one of several singers of the era. Thanks, John Lyle Mailto:johnlyle@iafrica.com Ed. Hi John, we have the actual LP soundtrack from 'Kimberly Jim' in front of us but it has no info as to who did those female vocals with Jim. The only females listed (as actresses) on the sleeve are Madelaine Usher and June Neethling. I suggest you search through the many, excellent Jim Reeves websites for that singer's name.... -------------- LOOKS LIKE JOHNNY'S DOWNGRADING EMPTY 3'S AGAIN Do yous know weather them Eye Pot things come in any other flava than apple? Johnny from Boksburg ------------- GOT A QUESTION? Please email any musical questions to mailto:editor@sarockdigest.com?subject=soundsolutions ----------------------------- THE DIGEST CLASSIFIED ADS ----------------------------- To advertise in this section please email: mailto:editor@sarockdigest.com?subject=classifieds --------------- GRAPHIC DESIGN Me and a mate of mine do Graphic Designing - so if any bands need designs done or CD designs done as well as photographs taken we can do it. We both studied graphics and photography, and passed all our study levels at college and tech, we will design at the best rates! (hopefully) Contact Mignon: 083 785 1878 Craig: 082 681 3306 Mailto:craig_henning@mondi.co.za -------------- RIPCHORD LOOKING FOR SONGS FOR TV SERIES The SA Travel series, ‘Going Nowhere Slowly’, is still looking for more songs for the soundtrack. They only start shooting the new series at the end of January so you've some time as there are another twenty-six episodes to go! Thanks to all the bands who have sent in music and have participated so far! Artists can mail a CD and short biog to: Aidan Harper Ripchord PO Box 12540 Mill Street 8010 Ripchord offer rehearsal rooms and recording studio Website at www.ripchord.co.za --------------- MUSICIANS WANTED FOR CAPE TOWN BANDS 1) Bassist & second guitarist required for Alternative/Grunge band, Nothing Said. Ph: 0833806215 or 0833806850 2) Hardcore band looking for even more hardcore vocalist (But must be able to sing!!!) Influences: System of a Down, Queensryche, Korn, etc. please phone Dale 083 207 2989 or email mailto:dale@ripchord.co.za --------------- GEMM Your best source for impossible-to-find music! http://sugarmusic.gemm.com -------------- MABU VINYL & CD Cape Town's finest Record and CD store is now at the Top of Long Street - Diagonally opposite the Long Street Baths. Visit our new CD Sale Stall on the Pavement Piazza in front of the shop. Mabu stocks SA and International Record and CD titles and a growing list of independent SA CD and CD-R releases. Latest Vinyl additions: Mick Jade - ‘Time’ (LP) Mango Groove - ‘Hometalk’ (LP) Tidal Wave - ‘Tidal Wave’ (LP) David Kramer - ‘Delicious Monster’ (Signed LP) John Berks - Best Of (LP) Leigh Summer - ‘Get Together’ (LP) Ratau Mike Makhalemele - 'Thabang' (LP) The Dealians - 'Dance For The Dealians' (LP) Finch And Henson - 'At Home In The Dark' (LP) Falling Mirror - 'Shattered' (LP) Dog Detachment - 'Fathoms Of Fire' (LP) The Flames - 'Soulfire' (LP) Juluka - 'Work For All' (LP) Latest independent SA CD additions: Basemental Platform (debut album) Bluescream - 'Bluescream' Guy Buttery - 'When I Grow Up' Fokofpolisiekar - 'As Jy Met Vuur Speel Sal Jy Brand' freshlyground - 'Jika Jika' Forest Moon - ‘Forest Moon’ Hog Hoggidy Hog - ‘Naked’ EP Kalahari Surfers - 'Muti Media' Lazarus - 'Parallax View' MoodPhase5ive - 'Steady On' Rudimentals - 'More Fire' Not The Midnight Mass - 'Live At The Planetarium' Nukular Stompers - 'Can Of Worms' Soulja - '21 Gunslut' Dave Van Rensberg - ‘Chilled Alaskan DJ’, ‘Sunuoka’, ‘Rise of Black Dawn’ Various - 'Silvertab Harambe Dope Sessions' Various - 'African Dope Sound System' Various - 'Breathe Sunshine' Various - 'A Moment In Cape Town' (Revised edition) Zero Tolerance - 'A Perfect Life?' We buy and sell LP's and CD's Please contact: Jacques or Stephen (Ph): 021 423 7635 (Cell): 082 534 6006 mailto:mabu@sugarmusic.co.za Mabu Vinyl & CD Shop 2 Buitenkloof Centre 8 Kloof Street, Gardens. Cape Town -------------- VIBES VINYL Stadium-on-Main, Main Road, Claremont This week's specials: Ballyhoo - 'Ballyhoo' (LP) Ballyhoo - 'Standing Room Only' (LP) Ballyhoo - ‘Man on the Moon' (LP) Ballyhoo - 'Ballyhoo Too' (LP) Ballyhoo - 'Alive' (LP) Keith Blundell and the Balladeers - 'Dick King's Ride' (LP) Brian & Dennis - '2 of a Kind' (LP) Clout - 'Clout' (LP) Clout - 'Six of the Best ' (LP) Ge Korsten - 'In the Cango Caves/die Kango-Grotte' (LP) Dealians - 'Dealians Greatest Hits' (LP) John Edmond - 'Greatest Hits of John Edmond' (LP) Neville Nash - 'Ordinary Guy' (LP) Neville Nash - 'Kind Hearted Man' (LP) Neville Nash - 'Why?' (LP) Steve Newman - 'Your Mother's Very Worried About You' (LP) No Friends of Harry - 'Into the Valley' (LP) No Friends of Harry - 'Fifteen Seconds' (LP) Richard Jon Smith - 'Richard Jon Smith 1' (LP) Wall Street Crash - 'No Strings Attached' (LP) We pay top prices for top quality. Want Lists Welcome! Call us at: 021-683 5676 Postal address: PO Box 24045, Claremont, 7735. mailto:claus@vibesvinyl.com Visit our website at http://www.vibesvinyl.com Website catalogue now also at Gemm and Netsounds: http://www.vibesvinyl.gemm.com and http://www.netsounds.com/vibesvinyl -------------- DEEP PURPLE FANS The very popular Deep Purple Web Index - the ultimate Deep Purple resource on the web - now has a new home at http://www.deeppurple.co.za -------------- VAGABOND MUSIC & WEB (now part of the Sugar Music Group) Get your band or business online. We design from scratch or take over the maintenance when your hotshot designer gets bored with updating. Our design philosophy is to create sites that pull people in and keep them coming back, through user-friendly designs, good web architecture and cost-effective web-marketing. If you want a quick, friendly and fun website, then Vagabond Music Web is your answer. Vagabond Clients include: Duncan Mackay Bluescream Street Level Fresh Music Rhythm Records Entertainment Industry Services Piet Botha Off The Edge 25 Hour Studio Gregs Golf Tours 4 Sure Golf Tours James Stewart Tait Bright Blue Jack Hammer Janie Jones Brian Finch Soil 7t7 Rodriguez Steve Louw and Big Sky Lorraine Shannon Joe Public Please contact Brian on 082-567-8779 or visit http://www.sugarmusic.co.za for more info. --------------- SOUTH AFRICAN MUSIC QUOTA COALITION Support the SAMQC, as this SA musicians' initiative, looking to greatly increase the amounts of SA music played on the nation's radio stations. Join the movement, sign up, or read more at http://www.samqc.org.za -------------- * To have your advert featured in the Digest Classifieds, and to find out the prices to do so, contact mailto:sugar@rock.co.za The Sound Solutions and Digest Classified sections are sponsored by SUGAR MUSIC: Sugar Music promotes, markets, informs, exposes and spreads the good word about SA Music in all forms and genres through its various web and media channels including the SA Rock Digest, Amuzine, SAmp3.com, SA Gigs, SA Klank, the SA Rock Encyclopedia, the SA Rock Hall of Fame, the One World online CD store, Sound Solutions, SAfm, and Mabu Vinyl & CD. Contact: Stephen Segerman - (021) 461-9541 mailto:sugar@rock.co.za ______________________________________________ 8.LIVE MUSIC --------------- ------------------- UPCOMING EVENTS ------------------- Full details at http://www.sagigs.com Watch out for: THE CAPE TOWN FESTIVAL - The Cape Town Festival is the Mother City's premiere arts and cultural showcase, bringing together the best in local and international dance, visual arts, music, film, photography, spoken word, theatre and nightlife - 14 to 22 March 2004 THE BIG BIRTHDAY BASH! - With The Rudimentals, Half Price, Hog Hoggidy Hog, and Fokofpolisiekar - at Dirty Dicks, Hout Bay - 16 January 2004 THE INDEPENDENT ARMCHAIR THEATRE - This week's highlights at the Observatory music venue include The Comedy Allstars - Plugged, Tribe, Dolly Rockers, and Mann Friday DAN PATLANSKY & THE MISSISSIPPI MOTHERS - "The Mutha's" announce a string of dates around Johannesburg for the rest of January. VUSI AND JUDITH FOR GIANT STEPS MUSICAL FESTIVAL - Vusi Mahlasela and Judith Sephuma, two of BMG Africa's biggest names, will be headlining gigs at the Giant Steps Music Festival at Spier in Stellenbosch in March 2004. BOO! IN EUROPE - All those dates and venues THE WORLD IN A GUITAR - This acclaimed musical show has been touring nationally over the past few months and is now heading towards Durban (Sneddon Theatre - 20 January - 8 February) and East London (Guild Theatre -13 - 14 February) FOKOFPOLISIEKAR - New Cape Town Afrikaans punk band promoting their debut EP, 'As Jy Met Vuur Speel Sal Jy Brand', around the Peninsula with some Gauteng gigs in the pipeline. ROBIN AULD BAND - Robin Auld is back from his concert season in New York for some gigs around Cape Town. JULIANS - Julian Laxton's very popular music venue has moved to 120 Republic Rd, Malanshof, Randburg, and is re-opening again. UPCOMING INTERNATIONAL ARTISTS IN SA: SMOKIE - This successful '70's/'80's pop group is still "firing on all five cylinders" and will be touring South Africa in 2004 on 'The Hit Box Tour '04' from 25 February onwards. NEW MODEL ARMY - Alter-Ego Productions is proud to announce the forthcoming tour to South Africa of this "legendary" band in March 2004 - TEMPO’S TO RE-OPEN (Henk Timmers from the Netherlands asked about Tempo's Euro Bar in Zandspruit - here is the news about Tempo’s for Henk and other supporters of this great venue) TEMPO'S will be re-opening on 18th January with JHB's first beach, beach volley ball, swimming pools, beach bar, outdoor amphitheatre, and Thatch Bar. Tempo's now has six themed bars & three platforms to showcase talent in the New Year. The bands appearing from 18th January will be - Mean Mr Mustard, Mad Brad & Dion. TEMPO’S new operating hours will be from 9am - 2am on Sundays & on Saturdays we will continue with the RP Studios "battle of the bands". -------- SA PUNK -------- By Daniel Neville Maiden League Records is proud to bring you yet another exclusive event within the Cape Town area. On February 7th come on down to Muizenberg to the Wipeout Cafe & Bar to see some of Cape Town's finest bands! This event will be one of the most diverse line-ups we have seen for a long while! Making their first appearance on the underground scene for a long time is Sedwick. The band has recently narrowed down their name to Sedwick from Sedwick the Salesman and have taken on a new musical style. They are now playing some of the best emo/rock in Cape Town, which is well worth watching kids! Some Kind of Wonderful are one of the most intense projects to come out of Cape Town in recent times. They play pop-punk/electronica style music which still keeps the essence of guitarist/vocalist Raffi's old musical projects "New World Inside" and "Joystick." Their music is likely to appeal to most people who enjoyed bands like New World Inside as well as those who are seeking something original. Drunken punkers Half Price are always a fun band to watch. Between drunken performances and getting stripped they produce some of Cape Town's fastest and most intense music. Lyrically they always have something to say! And finally War-on-Salt. These ska-punkers know how to get a crowd started and know how to make good music. Some really amazing guitar, bass and drum work that is constantly improving. These guys need no introduction! To come and see all 4 of these bands for only R20 get out to Wipeout Cafe & Bar on February 7th. Doors open at 21:00 bands start at 21:15. See http://www.SAgigs.com for details and other SA Punk gigs. ---------------------- LIVE IN SOUTH AFRICA ---------------------- TUKS FM MOTHER RING NEW YEAR’S PARTY Tuks FM thought it would be a good idea to take 2004 by the whatnots and shove it right into party mode. They were right. OK, so the whole thing happened in a very very beeg airplane hangar, way out in the skids of Swartkops Airport. And they came in droves. I didn’t count them, but rumour has it that there were 7 000 bods milling about, swigging on beer and that horrid blue Aftershock, sending SMSs and clogging the cellular highway, waiting with bated breath for Soil 7t7, BOO!, The Narrow and other drooled-over body parts. There were bar counters stretching into infinity, biltong and boerewors roll stalls, and thousands-but-thousands of tiny yellow Cruciale boxes. Three brown pills guaranteed to de-sponge your liver and magically remove the gunk from your eyes the morning after. And the spirit was high. Like just before Christmas, when you know you’re going to get that Ferrari Testarossa or those Seether backstage passes or the latest Asterix hardcopy … Kisses were flung about like candy. Maybe it was the Aftershock, who knows. But from the moment Abel Kraamsaal’s guitar string broke with “Saad Van Die Psigopaat”, things shifted from “Wait for the aeroplane to go over, Dude” to “YEAH C’MON YOU NUMBSKULLS, LET’S ROCK THIS STEEL CAGE!!!!” First the acts. Tiny woman (oldish face, but mighty fine bod) clad in fishnets and skimpy golden outfit, doing the curling thing with beeg beeg snake. Then there were the dudes juggling chainsaws, and yes, they did remember to switch them off before hurling them at each other. There were clowns whirring around on scooters with happy red noses and blue glittery waistcoats, and a lot of people with JOU MA! T-shirts running up and down the stage, shouting into walkie-talkies and checking that no illegals enter the VIP area or pee/throw up/dance on the equipment. Then there were the bands. The steel walls slurped up every sound from the mikes and flung it against the roof, turning notes and chords into a cacophony resembling the Witches of Eastwick doing a porn soundtrack. Utterly abominable. But, as time passed and beer flowed, one’s ears got used to it. Sort of. Just in time to scream in unison for Soil 7t7. Franco appeared with guitar sporting multicoloured little disco-tiles, and Jay had a tie. Bets’ upper body was covered in something that looked like a shirt. For about two minutes. Then everything just went BWWOOSHH!! Franco lost the shirt, shook the suspenders off his shoulders, and killed the stage with the brightest grin south of the Sahara. Jay was guttural and very very slick. Behind him Bets showed sleek arms and chest, and everybody lost gallons of sweat. And we screamed like loons. “Franco!!! RESPECT!!!!!!” Ayup, the respect flowed like lava. For The Narrow, much more so with Hanru doing the dark “…scream … SCREAM … SCRRREAMM!” while throttling the mike, and the crowd bopping, yelling, rattlling, shaking and falling head first into life as we know it. And then there was Prime Circle. The young Ross Learmonth with the voice as old as the moon. From the moment he opened his mouth and Marco, Dirk and Gerhard started blending into what tasted like exquisitely succulent earfood, I stood transfixed, covered up to my eyebrows in gooseflesh, gaping in a stupor like some drugged-up whale. I didn’t know the songs. But I saw what “Hello” did to the crowd when Prime Circle closed their set. And yessss. Methinks something very wicked this way comes. Wicked, talented and sublimely addictive. BOO! took the rest of the night. Crappy old sound or not - Ampie Omo made it kneel and lick his shoes, while Boney Leonie drummed himself into a perfect percussion palaver. Chris Chameleon was fearless and sliced through the smoke-filled air with souped-up bass and a crystal voice stuck in Devil’s Chimney. His hair tied up in frenzied little tufts, his torso bare, brown and beefy. In “Ben Hur” he mutated. Contortions took him from the top of his head, through his neck, the sweat on his arms, sinewy abdomen, through the white pants, and for almost the whole climax in this song, this dude RIPPLED every bloody beat - with guitar clung to his body, the crowd grimacing and screaming in tune. It was insane. So the counting came. “Seven! Six! Five! Four! Three! Two! One … PHHOOAAAHRRR!!!! JAY!! IIIIEEEAAAAAAAAAAAUUU!!!!”, with here and there a thundering “JOU MAAAAAAA!!”, and something that sounded like “Nappy New You!!!!!!!!!!” The year 2004 landed in Hangar no 14, Swartkop Airforce Base. Tuks FM, bless your soul for making us go. Katvrou -------------- SEETHER RETURN TRIUMPHANT (Brian Currin was at The Mercury to watch Seether on their 2004 SA homecoming tour) I had the privilege of seeing power trio Saron Gas play at the Jam in Cape Town on the 14th December 2001 on the eve of their leaving for the US to try, as Judas Priest sang, 'Take On All The World'. Reviewing that show I wrote: "Saron Gas seemed to have mastered the elusive art of combining the energy and attitude of nu-metal with superb tunes and even sing-along choruses...". On the first weekend of this new year, I had the privilege of seeing them again, though a number of things have changed. The Jam is now the Mercury Live, Saron Gas is now Seether, the 3-piece is now a 4-piece, and the drummer has changed (a few times!). The current Seether lineup consists of Shaun Morgan (nee Welgemoed) taking guitar and vocal duties, Dale Stewart (the other original member) on bass and vocals, Pat Callahan on guitars and John Humphrey (from the Nixons) on drums. Barney Simon introduced the band by reminding us that, "if it's too loud, you're too old" and then Seether roared in with 'Gasoline' which is currently in the Billboard top ten Modern Rock Tracks chart (and was the SA Rock Digest Song of the Year in 2002). They ploughed through all their hits and popular tracks including 'Hang On' from the 'Daredevil' soundtrack. 'Fine Again' (Billboard's number 9 Modern Rock Track of the Year 2003) was dedicated to the late Dave Williams of fellow Ozzfest touring partners, Drowning Pool. Morgan keeps his face hidden almost all the time behind a mane of hair, and he doesn't talk much. That's OK as we are not here to see his face or hear him speak, but rather to listen to the anger in his singing as he includes us in his healing process from his lack of acceptance as a teenager. In his solo spot during the set ('Take Me Away' with just him and his electric guitar) he looked like Andrew WK (without the bloody nose) and sounded like Kurt Cobain, tortured and alone. As he is quoted on the Seether website, "This, I suppose, is the only way I can purge, but it is therapeutic." On the side of the stage sat lead singer from Evanescence, Amy Lee, Shaun's current girlfriend who he has described as "the girl he's been looking for his entire life". Amy Lee joined the band onstage for the closing number and though she may be small in size she has a huge voice, which soared above the grinding rock like the offspring of a banshee and an angel. When Saron Gas left in January 2001 we wished them all the best as they plunged into the unforgiving US market. Now 2 years later they return home, acclaimed as new Rock Gods. As the chorus of the anthemic 'Out Of My Way' from the 'Freddy vs Jason' soundtrack says; "Nobody's gonna stand in my way, give it up, son, I'm doing it my way". You better believe it. READ http://rock.co.za/legends/2000plus/seether_disclaimer.html LISTEN http://www.SAmp3.com/samplers.html BUY http://www.oneworld.co.za/index.cfm?bec=4321&searchfor=seether%20saron -------------- DIARY OF A SUPPORT ACT: (James Stewart supported Ronan Keating for two his concerts at Kirstenbosch Gardens in Cape Town. Here is James’ report of the event) While having a chat with John Fishlock from Universal Music Publishing in around October 2003, he mentioned that there was a possibility of playing support to Ronan Keating, 'should he make some calls?'. I said, 'fantastic'. Not wanting to piss the promoter off by incessant calling, we just-sort-of-left-it, thinking they'd call us if we had the gig. Just for certainty, John followed up around two weeks before the performance date and reported the horrifyingly exciting news that the gig was on! I had to put a band together. Fast. My partner at Street Level, Richard Black, was ordained "orkesmeester" and faithfully promised to summon available muso's and kick them into shape. He hasn't ever let me down before, but this one had me running scared. So I get an email from New York. Dan Heyman - piano player of gospel proportions, the writer of 'Weeping' and as luck would have it, coming home to Cape Town for the holidays. Serendipity? Fate? He said he'd do the gig. We were on our way. Next Richard is telling me that saxophonist Hilton Mowday is in town from Sydney and he's up for it too. We called Dave Evans in on drums and 'fast' Eddie Jooste on double bass. Tait guitar player Quinton Jansen gave up his holiday in Plett to do the gig and we rounded things off with the up and coming Julia Jacobsen on backing vocals. We had two and a half rehearsals to get a thirty-minute set together with an 8-piece band. The first two practices were hardly inspiring. We had a final rehearsal at Street Level Studios on the day of the gig, packed our gear and made our way the 'the amphitheatre of the gods' in Kirstenbosch Gardens. There's a hell of a lot of crap to carry with an 8-piece band. As expected our sound-check was delayed by the endless noodlings of an international touring band such as Ronan's, but we waited patiently in the brilliant botanical sunshine for our gap. We got around 25 minutes before the gates opened. I've got to tell you, the level of professionalism on that stage was an eye opener. The sound engineers & techies were incredibly helpful and they quickly cracked us a fantastic stage sound. Grateful thanks and respect have got to go to Johan Griesel, Gorksie, Revel & Graham. Halfway through the sound-check, the gates were opened and a torrent of screaming Ronan fans threatened to sweep the entire structure down the valley into the greenhouse. The vibe was electric. The band galvanised. I went for a shower. We went on at 7.55pm. I was presented by the MC as Dave Stewart, which upset my manager. I thought it was hilarious. We played a great set on that first night to a capacity audience in an awe-inspiring venue. 'The Shape That I'm in’ and 'Weeping' brought the house down and by the end of a 30-minute set (felt more like 5) we had made around 5000 new friends. The second night brought with it a magical summer evening. The previous night's chilly breeze and cloudy mountain-doek gave way to a balmy twilight. The audience were mellow, drunk on beauty and weather and the band played from the heart. I was determined to grab this one firmly and do a set 'for me' - to hell with entertainment, so I really got stuck in and had a blast. Before I knew it I was saying goodnight. It was a perfect start to what I feel will be an important year for the South African & international music industry. I hope you have a classic!!! James Stewart Special thanks for a great 2003 go to: Richard & Chris at Street Level Steve "Sugar" Segerman & Brian Currin (SA Rock Digest & Sugar Music) John Fishlock of Universal Music Publishing Martin Drake of MDA Management See some photos from these gigs at: http://www.jamesonline.co.za James Stewart has released his lastest mp3, 'Gravity', in an exclusive agreement between his website www.JamesOnline.co.za and www.SAmp3.com Please visit http://www.jamesonline.co.za and click on the "Download Gravity" link. ----------- GIG GUIDE ----------- The SA Rock Digest list of recommended gigs can be found at: http://www.SAgigs.com Please send all gig info, in a plain text e-mail by Friday 12noon, to: mailto:sugar@sagigs.com?subject=gigs ___________________________________________ 9. INFO ------- ------ LINKS ------ Links to artists, gig guides, resources, record labels, recording studios, music trivia and more at: http://www.sarockdigest.com/links ---------------- SUBSCRIPTIONS ---------------- To subscribe - please send e-mail to: mailto:subscribe@sarockdigest.com?Subject=NewSubscriber Address changes - please send e-mail to: mailto:subscribe@sarockdigest.com?Subject=SubscriberAddressChange To unsubscribe - please send e-mail to: mailto:unsubscribe@sarockdigest.com?Subject=Unsubscribe ------------ BACK ISSUES ------------- http://www.sarockdigest.com/archives Online and keyword searchable ----------------------------------- PRESS RELEASES & CONTRIBUTIONS ----------------------------------- Please submit all press releases, contributions, reviews, gig & festival dates, requests, searches and comments to: mailto:sugar@sarockdigest.com?subject=SARockDigest ---------------------- EDITORS AND PUBLISHERS ---------------------- Brian Currin & Stephen Segerman mailto:editors@sarockdigest.com?subject=SARockDigest --------------- CONTRIBUTORS --------------- BC - Brian Currin SS - Stephen Segerman JS - John Samson KS - Kurt Shoemaker CL - Carina Laubscher (Katvrou) TL - Tertius Louw SN - Shiloh Noone DN - Daniel Neville ML - Moonshine Lee LR - Lindsay Ravenscroft NN - Nadia Neophytou WM - Wicked Mike DB - Don Bryce DM - David Marks DS - Don Sweeto LAD - LAD MC - Michael Currin (Curmic) MR - Mick Raubenheimer JFB - Johnny From Boksburg And others too numerous to mention, but gratefully acknowledged! 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