SA ROCK DIGEST ISSUE #233 http://www.sarockdigest.com Established 27th January 1999 19 January 2004 ------------- IMPORTANT! ------------- 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 ---------------------- Limp Bizkit (possibly) and Counting Crows (definitely) will be touring South Africa in the next few months ... Hog Hoggidy Hog are heading to Johannesburg for a mini-tour ... Powerzone and Sovereign Music have announced their new ‘Incubate’ initiative to find and expose new SA talent ... There is a big buzz at the moment about an artist called Abel Kraamsal, find out who he is below ... Splashy Fen 2004 is happening on the Easter weekend (April 8-12) ... The popular Savanna Up The Creek Festival will again take place from the 6th to the 8th February on the banks of the beautiful Breede River, near Swellendam. Online retailer, Amazon.com, is being investigated by the British record industry in a probe into cheap CDs ... The David Gresham Record Company will be launching a campaign in search of local repertoire in the form of Acid Jazz otherwise known as "Chill out" ... Find out about the sweet African sounds of Radio Afrodicia ... The consistently undervalued South African singer Sharon Tandy makes her CD debut covering her golden era in the mid-late 1960s ... We find out all about Glow and hear their new mp3 release ... Franschhoek-based music composer and producer Jerome Arthur has come up with a truly original idea: a musical celebration of wine ... And Forest Moon are set to release their second album, ‘Stardrift’, in May ... David van Rensburg is the prolific producer behind releases from Chilled Alaskan DJ and others. We take a look back at the classic album, ‘Killing Time’, by Trans Sky ... Brian Currin reviews the new Yes DVD ... LAD tells us all about Liquid Sky ... John Samson discusses Brian Finch’s album, ’Never Look Back’ ... Kurt Shoemaker casts his Texan view on Cindy Alter’s ‘Dark Heart’ album. On the live music front, Saharadja is Indonesia's top World Music Band and is making its South African live debut ... Find out about the Shotgun Sessions at The Mercury Lounge in Cape Town ... Bed On Bricks performing songs off their new album, 'Humanarium' has Katvrou Carina purring like a kitten ... Saras Sewsunker was at the Seether concert in Durban, and sent us a review. 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: Limp Bizkit, Counting Crows, Hog Hoggidy Hog, Incubate, Abel Kraamsaal, Splashy Fen, Up The Creek, Amazon, “Chill Out” with DGR, Art Kelly. 2.CHARTS: Top 30 SA mp3s & albums 3.NEW RELEASES: SA mp3s & CDs: Sharon Tandy, Glow, Jerome Arthur, Trans Sky, Chilled Alaskan DJ. Forest Moon, Yes DVD. 4. USA FOR AFRICA: Cindy Alter - ‘Dark Heart’ 5.A NAARTJIE IN THE UK: Brian Finch - ‘Never Look Back’ 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, Bed On Bricks, Seether. 9.INFO: Subscriptions & contributions ___________________________________________ 1.NEWS -------- LIMP BIZKIT AND COUNTING CROWS FOR SA The first two big acts due to tour South Africa in 2004, unless you count Ronan Keating, have been announced. A message on the Limp Bizkit website at www.limpclub.com says that the huge US band, fronted by the fabulous Fred Durst, will be playing live in SA in April on the following dates: April 2nd - Velodrome Cape Town April 4th - Westridge Park Stadium Durban April 6th - The Dome Johannesburg These dates were unconfirmed by a South African source at time of going to press, and that April 2nd date could be an April Fool's day red herring, so watch this space ... But Counting Crows are definitely coming back to South Africa! Big Concerts and 5fm Music have announced the return of American super-group Counting Crows, who will be heading south this March. Kicking off their tour in Cape Town, on the 17th of March, they will then be performing in Port Elizabeth on the 18th, Durban on the 20th, and finally Johannesburg on the 21st of March. Their South African tour in 1999 proved a huge success, as they played sold-out shows country wide, and now they are on their way back, fresh off their most successful US tour, and having just released their “Best Of” collection, ‘Films About Ghosts’. The album features songs from every phase of Counting Crow's ten-year recording career, and also includes two new tracks, ‘She Don’t Want Nobody Near’ and a sensational cover of the Grateful Dead classic, ‘Friend of the Devil’. Their last studio album, ‘Hard Candy’, has already sold over 1.3 million copies worldwide. Counting Crows formed in 1989, when singer Adam Duritz and guitarist David Bryson began performing as an acoustic duo. Taking the name Counting Crows from an old English rhyme, the duo expanded to include musicians Matt Malley (bass), Charles Gillingham (keyboards), and Steve Bowman (drums). Their 1993 debut album, ‘August and Everything After’, contained the hits, ‘Round Here’, ‘Omaha’ and ‘Mr. Jones’, and has sold over 6 million copies. Their subsequent albums include ‘Recovering the Satellites’ (1996), ‘Across A Wire: Live in NY’ (1998), ‘This Desert Life’ (1999), and the massive 2002 hit, ‘Hard Candy’, which featured Joni Mitchell’s ‘Big Yellow Taxi’ with Vanessa Carlton. Altogether, Counting Crows has sold more than 18 million albums worldwide. Tickets available from Computicket now. Tour Itinerary: Wednesday 17th - Bellville Velodrome, Cape Town (R125; R200 and R275*) Thursday 18th - UPE Sports Arena, Port Elizabeth (R125; R175 and R225*) Saturday 20th -Westridge Park Tennis Stadium, Durban (R125; R175 and R225*) Sunday 21st - The Dome @ Northgate, Johannesburg (R125; R200 and R275*) *Please note these prices are exclusive of Computicket service charges www.bigconcerts.co.za -------------- HOGS HEADING FOR JOZI! Wrench Productions Presents: The Hog Hoggidy Hog Jozi Mini Tour They say every dog has its day. So it stands to reason that every hog has its night, and that night would have to be Fri 30th January at the Horror Café in Newtown, Johannesburg. Johannesburg, get ready to rumble. Cape Town’s favourite misfits, Hog Hoggidy Hog, are going to rock the Newtown precinct to its roots, along with Fuzigish, Misled, Humphrey the Teacup and The Kiddie Fiddlers. Spinning the decks will be the king of the dancehall, King Ska SA. 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. 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. Fuzigish join their pals HHH for a night of madness and will be pumping out those fat ska beatings that they are so well known for. Having toured Europe twice, these party rockers can play their songs in four different languages. The crazy, Ramonesque Humphrey the Teacup seem to crop up everywhere these days. Can you handle their crazy dress sense, turbo driven guitars and 80’s synch sounds? Too much for you? The Kiddie Fiddlers were rumoured to have broken up. But like most horror movies, they have returned for the sequel: The Kiddie Fiddlers - Loud guitars that go grrrr in the night Part 2. Let the screaming begin. Misled. Heard of them? Well now is the time! They got a great CD out and they play progressive, hardcore, punk rock. This 4-piece is going to bust out some mean tunes. And if that line-up is not good enough for you, we got the skankiest man in town - DJ King Ska SA - spinning tracks between and after the bands. It all starts at 8pm and entrance is R40-00. You get a free zine at the door and there will be some kick-ass drink specials. So what the F%$& will you be doing on Fri 30th January? The Hog Hoggidy Hog Jozi Mini Tour. Fri 30th January at the Horror Café in Newtown, Johannesburg. See you there, Team Wrench. Ed. - Read more about Wrench Productions in the Digest Classifieds below. -------------- INCUBATE Powerzone and Sovereign Entertainment are proud to announce ‘Incubate’, a new initiative to assist in the development of SA's up-and-coming bands. Artists are invited to submit their applications to perform on Wednesday nights at the Roxy Rhythm bar in Melville. The aim of the initiative is to spot young talent and assist them in gaining exposure. Bands who impress will be invited to perform on Fridays and Saturdays along side South Africa's top bands. Sovereign Entertainment undertakes to facilitate opening slots with artists such as Marlowe, Prime Circle and The Finkelstiens just to mention a few. These performances could lead to further opportunities such as management and record deals. Powerzone will endeavor that the crowd will be filled with music industry execs, top SA artists and members of the press to ensure the most effective exposure possible. Wednesday nights at The Roxy are set to become the new launch pad of the next generation of Superstars in South Africa. If you are an artist or band wishing to participate, please contact mailto:raphael@sovent.co.za for availability and details. Line up for the Incubate Launch 28th of January 2004: High Society Stick up Kid Kill Joy -------------- WHO OR WIE IS ABEL KRAAMSAAL?? There is a big buzz at the moment about an artist called Abel Kraamsaal. Katvrou, our eagle-eyed reporter up in Gauteng told us: "Yes, Abel's the coolest dude. They even have his name in this week's Huisgenoot editorial letter for offering free guitar lessons to some needy girl. And his music ain't too shabby, either. Whooaa and then there's the bod, and the face - ah well, all in all a rather delectable package". So that's what he looks like, but who is he?? Abel Kraamsaal started out after Koos Kombuis invited him to do a guest spot on one of his shows in 2002. Abel played a few of his first songs and decided to start writing seriously when the audience responded well to his music. After about a year of writing and "playing dodgy bars to test the material and what works in which crowds", he invented his stage name and joined the Afrikaans music circuit. Why the name we asked?: Abel explains: "Kraamsaal was chosen because of the parallel meaning - it's the birthplace for human beings, but also a figurative birthplace for dreams and creativeness. I encourage my audience to never to stop dreaming, that's the only way a dream can come true". Abel hooked up with the talented Gian Groen (Spinnekop) and played guest spots for him, and again there were good responses from the audiences. In April 2003 Abel was invited by Dirk Uys to perform at the KKNK. The response was overwhelming and the word started to spread. Abel and Gian went to the studio to start recording the first album, 'Woorde op 'n Wynboks'. Abel then tackled Gauteng to spread the word even further and after about 20 shows in two months in Gauteng a broad fanbase was established. The 'Woorde op 'n Wynboks' CD was very well received and was nominated as one of the Top 5 CD's for 2003. A very high accolade for the first year. Abel's plans for 2004 include doing as many Cape Town-based shows as possible, doing at least two Gauteng blitz tours, KKNK and Aardklop, but most importantly, recording and releasing the second album. The second album has been written and is waiting for the right time to release. For bookings, call 082 456 5137. (SS) --------------- SPLASHY FEN 2004 - EASTER WEEKEND APRIL 8 - 12 Completing the transformation which began with the 'awakening' of Splashy Fen 2003, our country's mighty and best loved open-air lifestyle celebration promises the freshest ever delights for body and mind with Splashy Fen 2004. Not only will South Africa's longest-running festival maintain its well-deserved reputation by satisfying all-inclusive musical tastes with a genre-defying mix of breakthrough-and firmly established artists, but Splashy Fen 2004 is now also fully geared to connect devotees of the Great Outdoors with every 'must-see, must-do' attraction of this premiere slice of our Zulu Kingdom. For the uninitiated - and there's a whole new generation primed and eager to taste 'The Experience' - Splashy Fen is a constantly evolving saga spanning 15 years of inspiration and dedication. The adventure is set in those pristine, river-fed pastures which nurture the 'trout country' hamlets of Underberg and Himeville in the Southern Drakensberg range. Splashy Fen is perched atop the crossroads linking three of our province's much publicised 'destinations' - the soaring uKhahlamba-Drakensberg Park World Heritage Site with its unique and priceless Stone-Age Cave Art , the Boston-Bulwer Beat where adrenalin-junkies from around the globe fling themselves into thin air aboard para- and hang-gliders, and the once upon a time 'Bandit Territory' of East Griqualand - 19th Century smugglers' paradise for those rebel souls who regularly outsmarted the British Empire. All are near enough at hand to make excursions from the Festival Site both easy and convenient, plus their attractions guarantee rewarding experiences in a most visitor-friendly region. Splashy Fen General Manager, Pedro Carlo, believes the era has dawned for expanded horizons and opportunities for festival-goers to enjoy a wider range of buzz. "There are now so many extras on offer to make the Splashy Experience even bigger and better... and local communities are welcoming this new vision. It's going to be fresh and unbeatable!" Facilities in these picturesque surrounds have been fine-tuned to international class - including the many B&B alternatives to on-site 'roughing it' - and have contributed significantly to our Kingdom's well-documented and ongoing Tourism Boom. Time to give something new a go... It's not only around the Festival that vast improvements will be noticed, but also every aspect within the site itself. The result is an even more harmonious environment for 'Splashy Fenners' to pursue an increasingly diverse spectrum of interests. From the range of musicians to the tantalising menu of catering treats (no need to cook your own here!), fun distractions for hard-to-please kids to guidance for navel-gazers, parking spots to porta-loos... Splashy Fen 2004 will doubtless live up to its claim as the all-improved model - fresh off the drawing board. Eight thousand-plus revellers made the 'pilgrimage' last time... here's to a few thousand more! Details of each new development will appear in a forthcoming series of Media Releases, but in the meantime, would-be Performers, Crafts/Food Market Stallholders and Volunteers will find online application forms at the revamped website www.splashyfen.co.za Pedro Carlo Tel/Fax: +72 (0) 31 563 0824 Cell: +72 (0) 82 892 6176 Email: c-weed@iafrica.com Website: www.c-weed.com --------------------------- SAVANNA UP THE CREEK 2004 Organisers have confirmed that some of South Africa's top comedians and bands, representing a host of genres, will perform at the Up The Creek Festival taking place on the banks of the Breede River, near Swellendam, between February 6 and 8, 2004. The bill to date includes Arno Carstens’ New Porn, Hog Hoggidy Hog, Flat Stanley, Jack Hammer, Fokofpolisiekar, Wonderboom, Moodphase5ive, Godessa, and Tumi & The Volume. Kora Awards nominees, freshlyground, will also be blowing your mind live, loud and proudly South African. Comedians Cokey Falkow, Dave Levinsohn, Alan Adams and Chris Forrest will be there too and those loveable lunatics, Corne and Twakkie, take to the stage with "The Most Amazing Show". Book your place at this uniquely intimate, star-studded festival. For a mere R360, you've assured your spot at the Savanna ‘Up The Creek’ Festival. To make your booking, contact: mailto:claudia@felix.co.za or mailto:sandra@felix.co.za Telephone number: (021) 671-4360 6th to the 8th February on the banks of the beautiful Breede River, near Swellendam. www.upthecreek.mweb.co.za -------------- AMAZON ALSO UP THE CREEK Online retailer Amazon is being investigated by the British record industry in a probe into cheap CDs. The British Phonographic Industry (BPI) is looking into whether it breaks UK laws by selling cut-price music. The BPI said it was questioning as routine whether Amazon was selling CDs obtained outside the European Economic Area, contravening UK law. It is already suing retailers CD-Wow and Play.com for allegedly sourcing music from cheap overseas suppliers. Amazon is one of the most successful online retailers. Initially known for selling books, it has diversified into other markets including music, with the average price of a CD under £10 and some as low as £5. A BPI spokesman said: "This is a standard routine. We look at many websites to determine if the product is legitimate. If we find a net retailer is importing music from outside Europe, then they are infringing copyright law." Many web retailers have built up their businesses by offering CDs considerably cheaper than high street shops. But there is a concern that products are being brought in from areas such as Asia, therefore bypassing import laws. Online sales have helped revive a struggling music economy with increased album sales, although the market saw a 7% drop in profits last year. Amazon investigated over CD sales, read more at: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/low/entertainment/music/3380307.stm -------------- DGR LOOKING FOR “CHILL OUT” TRACKS The David Gresham Record Company will be launching a campaign in search of local repertoire in the form of Acid Jazz otherwise known as "Chill Out". In light of the massive success of other Gresham product such as Café Del Mar and the Buddha Bar series, DGR believes that this will create a new platform for local-based "Chill Out" talent to be exposed to the international market. David Gresham Records represents some of the biggest Chill Out labels in South Africa including Irma, Le Marquis, Global Underground and Wagram. DGR will be offering the artist/producer a worldwide publishing and licensing contract for both local and international compilation clearances, should the production & genre fit the company's vision. Please post or drop off demo's addressed to Andrew Mitchley, along with your contact details and marked "plug tracks" to: 59 Bowling Ave, Kramerville, Sandton, Johannesburg or P O Box 46020, Orange Grove, 2119, South Africa Andrew Mitchley Marketing/Radio E-mail: promosales@gresham.co.za -------------- BOO! IN LONDON BOO! South Africa's funkiest band, are back in London for one show only. They will be performing on Friday the 6th of February at the Halfmoon in Putney. Tickets are £12 and can be pre-booked online through Ticketweb by clicking on the link below: http://www.ticketweb.co.uk/user/?region=uk&query=detail&event=83952 This show will sell out so book early to avoid disappointment. For more info email: mailto:boo@black-pepper.net READ http://rock.co.za/legends/90s/boo_index.html BUY http://www.oneworld.co.za/index.cfm?bec=4321&searchfor=boo -------------- AN IMPORTANT MESSAGE ABOUT ART Dear SA Rock Digest "Elder" Music Followers, You know how they say a person gets to look a lot like their pet or car after a time? I mean how doesn't Art Kelly remind me of his Double Bass? In the dimlit Rumours on Rocky Street for 15 years - give or take another 15 or so pre-history - shut-eye, stroking neck huddled so close over the body, they actually began to look double. Seriously, Art doesn't feel too good folks - He has cancer. A telephone call, a joke, some fruit 'n veg? His daughter Emma is out from Ireland and Hospice are paying him regular counselling visits; but all is not lost. Having the comfort of his music comrades share a joke or a memory, or giving Kelly a piece of your mind - if you think it's over-due - will help. Give him a call - or speak with Emma - (011) 648-6077. Kind Regards David Marks 3rd Ear Music Company (Est. 1969) / The Hidden Years Music Archive Project (Est. 1994) Website: www.3rdearmusic.com thirdear@iafrica.com Tel +(27)(31) 207-5314 / Fax + (27)(31) 207-5305 ---------------------------------------------------- 2. CHARTS ---------- TOP 30 SOUTH AFRICAN MP3s OF THE WEEK http://www.SAmp3.com 1. [4] (1) Fokofpolisiekar - Fokofpolisiekar (SAmp3.com/Rhythm/Bowline) 2. [5] (2) Sobriety Friend - Old Mol ('Rock The Bedsprings'/Legend) 3. [1] (1) Hands Down - Track 4 ('Demo'/Indie) 4. [2] (1) All The World - Zen Arcade ('Release'/Indie) 5. [3] (3) Face - Ystervark ('Living It Up'/Indie) 6. [9] (6) Mowgli - Zero Tolerance ('A Perfect Life'/Indie) 7. [7] (4) Twisted - Believable Addiction (Indie) 8. [10] (8) Duiwel Kom Ons Haal - Springcan ('Are You Confuzed?'/Indie) 9. [11] (9) Life Away - My Shade ('Bedtime Musick'/Indie) 10. [6] (2) Time To Change - Grant Nuss ('Diversity'/Bowline) 11. [8] (8) Anything - Mike de Jager and Adrian Clark ('With These Hands'/Indie) 12. [16] (12) My Favourite Song On The Radio - What Now?! ('Let Us Be Heard'/Wicked Rock) 13. [18] (13) Rise - Sonar ('Bittersweet' EP/Indie) 14. [17] (14) Lovesong - The Dolly Rockers ('The Heat'/Indie) 15. [19] (15) Met My Stukkende Kitaar - Koos Kombuis & Valiant Swart (''n Jaar In Die Son'/Rhythm/Bowline) 16. [13] (1) Above My Room - Jo Day ('The Truth'/Indie) 17. [15] (5) Trash Like You - Martin Rocka And The Sick Shop ('Trailer Rash'/Gosatango) 18. [14] (4) Vi@gra La Buena - Nukular Stompers ('Can Of Worms'/Street Level) 19. [21 (19) The Countdown - Bluescream ('Bluescream'/Indie) 20. [23] (20) Step Outside - Luna ('Luna'/Indie) 21. [20] (1) Things 2 Consider - Skwirmish ('The EP'/Indie) 22. [25] (22) Blah Di Blah - Drop Dead Gorgeous ('Melt with Me'/Indie) 23. [30] (23) To Confide In - Lazarus ('Parallax View'/Indie) 24. [27] (24) Antipodean Dirge - Tim Wells ('Elephant'/Indie) 25. [12] (6) Scream (demo) - Velve (Street Level) 26. [29] (26) Afrikaner Surfer Boy - Vanessa Van ('Leef Die Droom'/Bowline) 27. [26] (22) Seether Sampler - Seether ('Disclaimer'/Musketeer) 28. [22] (4) Woman - Soil 7t7 ('Soil 7t7'/Indie) 29. [24] (5) Meisie Van Die Ooste - Alta Joubert ('Warrelwinde'/Hoezit) 30. [28] (14) Rock And Roll Man - Bedrock ('Recovery'/Criminal Records) -------------- 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. [3] (2) Melt With Me - Drop Dead Gorgeous (Indie/Bowline) 3. [4] (3) Power - Tribe After Tribe (RetroFresh) 4. [6] (4) Luna - Luna (Indie) 5. [7] (5) 'n Jaar In Die Son - Koos Kombuis & Valiant Swart (Rhythm/Bowline) 6. [2] (2) Perelsvoordieswyne - Best Of - Johannes Kerkorrel (Gallo) 7. [5] (1) Rock The Bedsprings - Old Mol (Legend) 8. [16] (8) The Heat - Dollyrockers (Indie) 9. [8] (1) The Truth - Jo Day (Indie) 10. [15] (10) Flat To Round - David Foster (Rhythm/Bowline) 11. [9] (3) Breathe Sunshine - Various (Amabala) 12. [10] (3) Diversity - Grant Nuss (Indie/Bowline) 13. [11] (11) Mkhukhu Funkshen - Skwatta Kamp (Gallo) 14. [14] (1) Jika Jika - freshlyground (Freeground) 15. [17] (15) African Dope Sound System - Various (African Dope) 16. [12] (2) Hello Crazy World - Prime Circle (David Gresham Records) 17. [13] (12) Can Of Worms - Nukular Stompers (Street Level) 18. [21] (18) Muti Media - Kalahari Surfers (African Dope) 19. [24] (19) 21 Gunslut - Soulja (Indie) 20. [20] (1) Another Universe - Arno Carstens (Epic) 21. [18] (1) Verspreide Donderbuie/Scattered Thunder - Amanda Strydom (JNS) 22. [19] (4) Sagtevlei - Alex Van Heerden and Derek Gripper (Open Record/Bowline) 23. [22] (5) Tassenberg All*Stars Volume 4 - Vari-ous (Trippy Grape/Bowline) 24. [23] (1) Inbluesstation - Delta Blue (Merchant/Bowline) 25. [-] (25) Humanarium - Bed On Bricks (Bowline) 26. [25] (22) Blomdoorns - Derek Gripper (Open Record) 27. [-] (27) With Every Breath - Toyland (Witchdoctor) 28. [27] (1) Chasing The Sun - Karen Zoid (EMI) 29. [28] (1) Back Seat Driver - Tait (Fresh) 30. [26] (21) Sliq Angel - Sliq Angel (Sony) 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. --------------- GLOW - ‘TAKE YOU DOWN’ http://www.SAmp3.com Following on with our series of tracks from bands on the Witchdoctor Records label, this week we feature young Pietermaritzberg noise-merchants, Glow. Read more about Glow in the CD section below. -------------- FULL METAL RACKET http://www.SAmp3.com Here's a selection of South African mp3s to bang your head to... 'Bliss' - Toyland 'Flesh' - MetalMorphosis 'Bleed' - Loogaroo 'War' - 12th Avenue 'Porn' - Jo Day 'Martyr' - The Awakening 'Twyfelaar' - Battery 9 'Anything' - Mike de Jager with Adrian Clark 'Impressed' - My Shade 'Rise' - Sonar 'Je T'adore' - Vaseline Rats (featuring Mike de Jager) 'Arthritic Shredfest' - Too Old To Rock 'Affliction' - Scarlet Host 'Twisted' - Believable Addiction 'Plan My Attack' - Soulja --------------- TOP 50 SONGS OF 2003 The full list of the Top 50 songs of 2003 is at: http://www.SAmp3.com/top50_2003.html -------------- 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 ----- SHARON TANDY TO RELEASE HER DEBUT CD! ‘You Gotta Believe It's ... Sharon Tandy’ [Ace/Big Beat CDWIKD 233} Due for release January 26th 2004 The consistently undervalued South African singer Sharon Tandy makes her CD debut with this long-overdue compilation, which charts the period in the mid-late 1960’s after Frank Fenter whisked the young girl from Doornfontein away from South Africa to Swinging London, to subsequent critical acclaim but an undeserved lack of success. Something of an enigma amongst 1960’s connoisseurs, this 26-track anthology includes virtually all of Sharon's UK singles for Pye and Atlantic 1965-69, upon most of which the singer was accompanied by psychedelic avatars, the Fleur De Lys, (featuring Gordon Haskell, author of the vintage SA hit 'Lazy Life' and recently a successful artist in his own right in the UK). Tracks such as 'Daughter Of The Sun', 'Gotta Get Enough Time' and the in-demand mod anthem, 'Hold On,' have been sought-after collectors' items for years. Sharon was equally adept at state of the art pop, as evidenced by gems such as 'The Way She Looks At You', 'You've Gotta Believe It' and 'Perhaps Not Forever', the latter written by Bill Kimber of Couriers, who contributes two other songs, as does fellow SA ex-pat Mike Noble. And a full seven tracks, including five previously unissued, derive from Sharon's legendary 1966 session at Stax in Memphis, where she was backed by Isaac Hayes and Booker T & The MGs. The copiously illustrated package features an in-depth look at Ms Tandy's career, with full co-operation from the lady herself. Those resident in the UK, take note: Sharon will perform songs from ‘You've Gotta Believe It's ...’ at a not-to-be-missed special show at the 100 Club, 100 Oxford Street, London, Thursday February 19th (her band will include compilation producer Alec Palao on bass). More info at www.acerecords.co.uk Ed's note - Sharon Tandy was born Sharon Finkelstein and besides her successes listed above she also recorded duets with Billy Forrest ('Hello-A'), Graham Clarke ('I Believe In You') and with Hawk's Dave Ornellas as Harvest. They had a big hit in 1978 with 'Welcome Home'. -------------- NEW FOREST MOON ALBUM IN MAY ‘Stardrift’, the new album from South African chart-toppers, Forest Moon, is scheduled for release in May. Forest Moon is a loose association of musicians from around the world who gather at Forest Moon Recording Studio in the Cape winelands town of Franschhoek to record an interesting mix of music. “This time around we’re featuring the talents of Craig McNaught, a hugely gifted young singer-songwriter,” says producer, Greg Gordon. “We haven’t moved too far away from the sound of the first album, but we have used a greater number of musicians from various backgrounds,” he says. Contributions come from: * Craig McNaught - vocals, guitar and keys. Craig is a 20-year-old musician from Franschhoek; * Greg Gordon - vocals, keys and drums. Greg is a producer and sound designer based in Franschhoek; * Shaun Johannes - bass and keyboard session player from Cape Town; * Catherine Hanson - a singer who has worked all over the world - she’s on backing vocals; * Other people who helped include Hog Hoggidy Hog’s Lee Thomson and Johannesburg session player Reudi Wagner on brass. “There’s some really great stuff on Stardrift,” says McNaught. “The sound is contemporary but we’ve made it enduring - I think people will still be playing these songs years from now. There’s an interesting mix of rock, folk and world music on the album.” Gordon, who worked with US mega-star Dave Matthews, is handling production while the polish is provided by respected Cape Town mastering engineer, Koos Turenhout. “We’re going to be touring the album mid-year which is a first for us but there is already a lot of support,” says Gordon. Final release details including track listings and tour dates will be available in April. contact: mailto:contact@forestmoon.co.za www.forestmoon.co.za http://www.forestmoon.co.za -------------- SPOTLIGHT ON: GLOW Out of the insular small town that is Pietermaritzburg beats a strong musical pulse, where likeminded musicians gravitate towards each other out of passionate necessity. Glow began here in 1999, when four school friends starting messing around with music, their highest goal being the ability to 'get chicks'. As with most bands in most towns, over the next few years the line-up changed. Members joined and left, their common thread being a deep friendship and an almost manic enthusiasm for music. Individually, the members of Glow have been playing music for around seven years, dabbling in other bands before they found each other and began to unleash their particular brand of noise upon enthusiastic audiences. What that noise is defies categorisation, although the term "post-modern emo-core power-punk heavy riff-rock pop-metal" may begin to capture the essence of Glow. It is this elusive, yet highly contagious, essence, their uncanny knack of composing songs which crawl under your skin, make their way inside your skull, screaming to be sung along to, beating their way back out of your chest, which has garnered them a diehard core of loyal fans. Glow's influences are sufficiently congruent to produce a musical synergy, yet diverse enough that their music and performances never lack originality. David contributes his own particular brand of vocal melodies, Jordan is constantly striving for the intelligence of heavy intricate rock, Matt is the funky pulse of the band and Ferenc ties it all up and 'makes it sound good'. The brotherly connection between these three overflows out of their music and on to the stage. Their past two years have consisted of gigging relentlessly in their home town and surrounding areas, sharing stages with great bands and friends such as Saron Gas and Jimmy 12". Splashy Fen first invited them to perform in 2000 and they have been asked back to the festival in 2001 & 2002, even though 2001's lack of a Blunt Development stage saw them enjoying the festival as patrons rather than performers. The band also graced the stage of Southern Cross 2002. When Durban nightclub Burn recorded their second compilation of South African rock, Glow was an obvious addition along with such heavyweights as Fruit Fly Navigators and Pestroy. And to crown it all, Glow also reached the semi-finals in the RP Emerging Sounds Competition 2002 and were nominated for "Best New Hard Rock Band" in the Burn Awards 2002. At Splashy Fen 2003 they played the Coca-Cola Free Stage, and on the merit of this performance they were invited to play on the Carling Black Label Stage later in the festival. They have recently recorded a four-song self-titled demo, which they will use for promotion purposes. With the average age of the band members sitting at 21, Glow have their entire musical lives ahead of them. During 2004, they would like to see themselves record an album, play more major South African festivals and break into daytime radio. Talented, enthusiastic and intelligent, they have the dynamism and drive to be the latest star in South Africa's musical firmament. They entered the Witchdoctor Records Battle of the Bands competition in 2003 and came 3rd and also supported the mighty Sepultura in September at the Bat Centre in Durban. And they may have even gotten a few chicks along the way. Glow are: David du Preez - Lead Vocals Jordan Margaritov - Guitar, Backing Vocals Ferenc Vurovecz - Drums Matt Draper - Bass, Backing Vocals Listen to Glow’s single, ‘Take You Down’, at http://www.SAmp3.com -------------- MUSIC THAT CELEBRATES WINE: ‘CONFESSIONS IN RED’ Franschhoek-based music composer and producer Jerome Arthur has come up with a truly original idea: a musical celebration of wine. "This first release, entitled 'Confessions in Red', reflects the natural scenic beauty of Franschhoek, and the characteristics of the magnificent Red wine produced in this area... a muse that never seems to sleep" says Arthur. "The laid-back, earthly, sometimes heavy sometimes melancholic and warm characteristics of Red wine are reflected in tunes with a similar feel." The result is a contemporary collection of mouth-watering melodies, cinematographic soundscapes and ethereal rhythms, a unique soundtrack that will make your lazy lunches, stylish dinner-parties and long drinks an unforgettable event. Says Cape Town-based music magazine BPM: "It is proof of an artist maturing and becoming a master ... this is not just background music, the mastery and pure beauty of the production scintillates and enhances those feel-good times. The occasional vocals are stylish and African, enhancing the sophisticated feel of the album". The Red album is currently available from www.jeromearthur.co.za or from these fine shops and restaurants in Franschhoek: Falcks, Touches&Tastes, Delicious, Topsi&Co, La Cotte Inn, Jaywalk Café, Col'Cacchio, House of Wines and Franschhoek Wine Valley & Tourist Association (look out for those CD holders in the shape of a wine bottle, designed by local artist Kobus). The next album, ‘Confessions in White’ (celebrating white wine in slightly more up-beat, light and refreshing tunes) is expected to be released by the end of SA summer. Jerome Arthur runs his own music label and the composition/production studio "Caramel Music" on one of Franschhoek's idyllic farms. You can contact Jerome at Tel (021) 876 3994 or e-Mail contact@jeromearthur.co.za. [Courtesy The Tatler, Franschhoek] -------------- FOUR NEW RELEASES FROM INNOXCENT VILLAGE MUSIC Chilled Alaskan DJ is actually David van Rensburg, composer, former guitarist of cyber-punk band Obnoxshis, and now delving in electronica. David has produced and released a number of albums recently. ‘Title X’ was the first album to be produced (in 5 months) after getting a PC and software and utilising strong beats, guitar riffs and TV samples. Songs from ‘Title X’ have been featured on Blunt world extreme sports video, Smorgasboard and Pits & Pieces surfing videos, the ‘Bad Girls’ documentary and the ‘Black River’ documentary. Second release, ‘Somewhere We Are Alive’, is not so much an album but more a collection of songs in preparation for the next official release, influenced by Plastikman, System Of A Down, Dark Soho, and That Twin Guy. Tracks include -Eradikultivate, The Flies Have Seeds and SOD. 'Case Study #13' by Rise Of Black Dawn is a mini-album and, as David explains: "...Is the project where any thing goes, probably more guitar-orientated than anything else. It explores the beauty of 'when I wasn't here', the comment on abuse from an abused perspective in 'crayons,' the daydreaming of 'beautiful dream', the 9/11 realism of 'sunburst (unfinished empathy)' and the otherworldliness of' 'never die (unhuman)". Songs from ‘Rise Of Black Dawn’ have been heard on the big screen on the outstanding local surfing video, ‘Cosmic’, by Leaping Louse Production. It has some guest appearances - guitar playing by John Richardson, vocals by Ramon da Silva, and all the songs written by David van Rensburg, except ‘When I Wasn't Here’ by John Richardson. David’s other release is ‘Me Saki Saki’, a 5-track album by Sunuoka, an ambient pop project with "songs for girls - they like them - these are simple songs about loss, love, relationships gone bad, friends past, present, future". The songs were written, arranged, played, produced, and sung by David van Rensburg, with backing vocals by Eeen Monoman. Live appearances will feature Carlos Soffat on vocals. All these albums were produced at the Innoxcent Village Studio, with vocals recorded at Sui Studios. All these titles are available at Mabu Vinyl & CD in Cape Town. Innoxcent Village Music Mailto:ivmusik@metroweb.co.za -------------- DVD REVIEW: YES - ‘YESSPEAK’ (2 DVD, Classic Pictures UK) (Classic Pictures have begun releasing music DVD’s in South Africa featuring classic rock acts. This week, Brian Currin reviews the new Yes DVD) Yes was formed in 1968 by Jon Anderson and Chris Squire and though the band has gone through numerous line-up changes, here they are, 35 years later, still going strong. Classic Pictures UK have released this superb 2 DVD documentary, YesSpeak, which as the name implies, is Yes speaking. There is plenty of concert footage from their recent world tour, but it is the insightful, frank and humorous interviews with the individual members that makes this DVD a must-have. The Who's Roger Daltrey narrates this 3 hour plus film, which features the current line-up of Jon Anderson (vocals), Chris Squire (bass), Steve Howe (guitars), Alan White (drums) and Rick Wakeman (keyboards). Alan White originally joined the rest of this line-up in August 1972 as the replacement to Bill Bruford during the 'Yessongs' tour. These 5 highly talented musicians recorded what many consider the ultimate prog-rock album of all-time, 'Tales From Topographic Oceans', in 1973. This DVD does not run linearly, but rather the 10 chapters can be watched in any order, as they throw the spotlight on the 5 musicians involved and then on subjects like "Yes Music", "On The Road", "Full Circle", etc, each one a separate 20 minute or so documentary in its own right. Not sure if this is a unique approach, but I found it refreshing to be able start with "Spotlight On Rick" (chapter 8), and then jump to "There's Always Been A Yes" (chapter 3) without losing anything along the way. The interviews are frank and open and full of anecdotes and history, like how their first album got onto the UK charts thanks to a postal strike! The musicians are interviewed individually in relaxed environments and the editing is superb in that you never actually hear a question being asked. The interviews and backstage scenes are interspersed with live footage (and audience response) which really adds to the enjoyment of this DVD. The second disc also contains a full audio-only live set, which should be listened to like a CD, but if you do leave your TV on, it features a slide-show of pictures from the concerts. For more info please visit www.ClassicPictures.co.uk -------------- SPOTLIGHT ON A CLASSIC SA ALBUM TRANS SKY - 'KILLING TIME' [BANGCD 039] When film director John Boorman came to South Africa in 2003 to shoot the feature film based on Antjie Krog's book, 'Country Of My Skull', he spent a lot of time researching the music to be used in soundtrack to the film. Among the many artists and songs he heard was Trans Sky's 'Killing Time' album. The music on the album introduced John Boorman to Warrick Sony, with whom the director eventually chose to work on the film's final soundtrack. When the members of Urban Creep decided to go their own ways in 1997, their viola-playing, singing and songwriting pivot, Brendan Jury, with two number one hits ('Sea Level' and 'Slow Thighs') notched on his pen, began looking for a new musical project. He connected with Warrick Sony who had moved to Cape Town to run the revamped and re-digitised Shifty Studios. Sony was responsible for the six "undesirable" Kalahari Surfers albums that had achieved word-of-mouth plaudits and eventually rare cult status both in SA and abroad. He was also renowned for his soundtrack and production work but was looking to use his ideas in a band format. Initially the two collaborated on the music for various TV, film and theatre projects. Their musical accompaniment for artist William Kentridge's acclaimed multimedia production, 'Ubu and the Truth Commission', drew much attention including that of the new world-music label, MELT 2000, who signed them for, amongst other projects, a fusion with percussion legends, Amampondo. But their primary goal was to produce an album that captured their "melting pot" of influences, textures and sounds on a contemporary and relevant album. 'Killing Time' was released in 1998 on the Tic Tic Bang label and immediately became the flavour of the year, catching the cusp of the SA rock and trance scenes and disappointing neither. They were honoured with the support set on Massive Attack's national tour and the word spread. The huge anticipation and expectation that preceded 'Killing Time's' arrival in mid-1998 was completely justified. Warrick Sony and Brendan Jury's range of musical dialects from trip hop, big bop, doo wop, indie pop, digital drum 'n bass to traditional African, promised much and delivered the most exciting and original SA album of the year. The duo co-wrote almost half these songs with the balance made up of fresh versions of their best work from their Urban Creep and Kalahari Surfers' days. Jury's powerful rock anthem, 'Slow Thighs', was the first Trans.Sky single and reappears (slowed-down) here as 'Walking On Water' (so good, they named it twice!). The Surfers’ 'Limpet Mine' shines and spooks from its '90’s polish and 'Let's Go To The Beach', from that same era, also gains a new dimension from its muted synthesizer and jungle rhythm stew. 'Blue Flame', with its 'Lady Madonna' vocals, opens the album with a shimmering mixture of guitar licks and soft drums. The first single off the album, 'Dust And Bones', has Jury doing Bowie, over a haunting and relentless rhythm. 'Michelangelo Dreaming' is their decent stab at drum & bass with theatrical vocals. 'Durban Poison' is a slow, stoned groove and the title track is a red-hot '60’s funk blast with Jury snarling his "stream of consciousness" lyrics over the top. 'Killing Time' is Trans-endental medication! (SS) Tracklisting: Blue Flame, Dust And Bones, Michelangelo Dreaming, Memory Of Water, Durban Poison, Let's Go To The Beach, Killing Time, Limpet Mine, Dark Continent, Let's Build A Shack, Walking On Water, Temptation --------------- 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. LIQUID SKY This week we look at the enthusiastic Liquid Sky, who are Moon on lead voice, France on drums and electronics, Zee on bass guitar and Robin on guitar. The band has been around since 1998 and provides a glam look with a pop rock feel. Even though Moon’s voice may give the impression that the band is trying to follow international trends and sounds it's only because he was born in Montreal, Canada (but does have a South African father!). He's been back in South Africa for 6 years now. The rest of the band are all born and bred Capetonians. Their hit single, ‘Precious’, was recorded in an astounding 17 hours at SABC's studios as part of the SL unearthed competition. (It was featured in the May 2003 issue) The band also won the first RP Studios Unearthed competition and has played at the Standard Bank Arena, the Bellville Veledrome, 3 Arts, Oppikoppi, Wingerdstok and clubs all over South Africa. (In fact they've already toured SA four times!) The band will be playing at the Mercury Lounge in Cape Town on the 28th of January and have a few festival gigs lined up, but as yet unconfirmed. They will also be performing at several of the Stones bars/venues in the Western Cape during Feb and March. The band will be releasing an as-yet-unnamed 10-track album on the 3rd of April at Stones in Long Street (Cape Town). This band has a fantastic sound and brings a fantastic combination of glam, pop and rock to SA music! Their website, www.liquidskyarmy.co.za is under reconstruction and should be live in about a week or two. If you're in a SA Band or are a 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 -------------- 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. CINDY ALTER - ‘DARK HEART’ [ALTER MUSIC AND INHALE MUSIC EXHALE ENTERTAINMENT] Nice work by an American singer-songwriter who has rock sensibilities, not afraid to sound a tad Nashville, and writes songs with a folk awareness of lyrical nuances. No, she writes with a poet's language awareness. And Cindy Alter has many friends, her sidemen and sidewomen, who play tight and precise music. Cindy once sang and played in Clout, but now is a solo artist living in California. Yup, we got her now. But we'll share. The album opens with satisfying rock, not quite soft rock--the guitars are too assertive for that, and 'Shooting Star' seizes the attention. Similar to Arno Carstens’ 'Another Universe', Cindy Alter also has a song titled 'Land of the Free'--a theme that should be on everyone's minds these days. This one is about growing up in the Fifties and going to the Vietnam War, though it could be about any war and any couple living a life now real. 'Pretty Wings' is a bittersweet-sounding song about growing and losing innocence, and even if not an angel who has lost his or her wings, maybe we are still able to find paradise. The next track, 'Alive' sings about life and flying, about "I'm finally letting go." At track six, 'Close the Door', the guitars go steel and Cindy's singing goes country, but that's okay, it's no more country than the Eagles. The title track is number seven, right at about the heart of the album. 'Dark Heart' is about being alone and wiser at the End of Something Meaningful. A thoughtful song, inspiring singing along with feeling. 'Emotionally Blind' is also country-flavored by Cindy's voice and the steel guitar, while 'Slow Down' is a boot-stompin' number punctuated by a rich fiddle. Then the album returns to razor-sharp guitars and rousing numbers. The drum and horn section introducing 'Tied to Me' tells us a turn has been made even before the sassy vocals begin. On 'Kindness', Cindy sings slow and serious, accented by a sweet, yet fiercely electric, guitar. 'Fall to My Knees' is perhaps the one throwaway, or hastily recorded, tune here. The two-footed slamming drums, and buzzing, sawing guitar of 'Out of My Mind' gets us up on our feet for the show's close with a big rock sound, one strong in all aspects from voice to instruments to lyrics. Overall, a CD of emotional fire, with some folk-rock-country moments, and lyrical strength throughout. 'Dark Heart' has an emphasis on words about feelings, flying, being trapped, and escaping. God is mentioned enough to be a significant reality in Cindy's lyrics. Ultimately, though bittersweet, this is an optimistic work--as both Americans and South Africans should be optimistic about life. Cindy is quite a talent for both our nations to share. 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: BRIAN FINCH - ‘NEVER LOOK BACK’ Brian Finch's recorded career began in 1974 when 'Bringing Back The Good Times' hit the shelves. Since then he has worked closely with Ken E. Henson and did not produce another solo album till 2002's 'Hero Of Heroes'. Then a year later, 'Never Look Back' hit the shelves and... oh darn I've just looked back when I was told not to. Sod it, I don't care what Brian says, it's worth looking back when you’re looking back at quality. Finch is probably South Africa's finest purveyor of country-tinged rock. There is a real sense of openness and freedom in his music, giving one a feeling of travelling through wide-open vistas with no cares. But there is also a gritty undercurrent that makes you realise that those 'Ghost Riders In The Sky' that he sings of are Hell's Angels on their Harleys, as leather-clad vocals jostle for space with pounding engine-throb guitars while the drums mark the passing of the road beneath the wheels. More Riders come along in the boogie beat sound of the down 'n dirty 'Long Riders From Nam' which is quite haunting, but at the same time possesses an intriguing allure. There is though a gentler side to Finch that shows through in the one or two "love songs" dotted around the CD. 'Beautiful Feeling' asks the question 'Are you lonely tonight?' and suggests that you 'sail away with me in a ship across the sea'. 'Woman In You' is more upbeat with a 'Sultans Of Swing'-type guitar and Brian's vocals are gruffer, while 'Fire Light' is a beautiful, mystical tune. Long-standing fans of Finch will be hoping that this ‘2 albums in 2 years recording feast’ will continue as they have waited long enough for new solo material, but those of you who are only now getting to know his music (which you can do at www.SAmp3.com free of charge) will, I'm sure, be drawn into this laid-back rocker’s world. John Samson, London mailto:john@sarockdigest.com READ, LISTEN, BUY http://www.rock.co.za/brianfinch _________________________________________ 6.HISTORY & TRIVIA -------------------- SPRINGBOK RADIO CHARTS http://rock.co.za/charts This week [Last week] Title - Artist 30 YEARS AGO (18 January 1974) 1 [1] Sorrow - David Bowie 2 [3] The Peacemaker - Albert Hammond 3 [2] Angie - Rolling Stones 4 [4] Photograph - Ringo Starr 5 [8] The Wonder Of Your Love - Jody Wayne 25 YEARS AGO (19 January 1979) 1 [1] Mary's Boy Child - Boney M 2 [2] Kiss You All Over - Exile 3 [5] Place In Your Heart - Nazareth 4 [4] Y.M.C.A. - Village People 5 [3] Cindy - Peter, Sue & Marc 20 YEARS AGO (20 January 1984) 1 [1] All Night Long - Lionel Richie 2 [3] Karma Chameleon - Culture Club 3 [4] Say Say Say - Paul McCartney & Michael Jackson 4 [2] The Safety Dance - Men Without Hats 5 [5] Cruel Summer - Bananarama 15 YEARS AGO (21 January 1989) 1 [1] The Locomotion - Kylie Minogue 2 [3] She Wants To Dance With Me - Rick Astley 3 [2] Domino Dancing - Pet Shop Boys 4 [5] I Want Your Love - Transvision Vamp 5 [9] Don't Worry Be Happy - Bobby McFerrin http://rock.co.za/charts ------------- CHART CHAT ------------- 'Angie,' which dropped a place in 1974, was rumoured to be about the wife of David Bowie who was holding the top spot this week. However it was apparently about Keith Richards' new daughter, 'Angela'. Jody Wayne's 'The Wonder Of your Love' was his 5th top 20 hit but the first to make top 5 since 1970's chart-topping 'The Wedding'. 'Mary's Boy Child' had spent December of 1978 at the top the UK charts. It was ousted in the first week of 1979 by the Village People's 'Y.M.C.A.'. In South Africa, it was enjoying a second week at the top with the Village People sufficiently far away for it not to feel threatened. Nazareth would have to wait 4 years before having another SA hit with 'Love Leads To Madness'. 1984 saw Culture Club edging ever closer to the top, but unable to dislodge Lionel Richie who was simultaneously topping the SA Album Charts with 'Can't Slow Down'. Yes were at number 2 on the album charts with '90125', but the Trevor Rabin-penned hit, 'Owner Of A Lonely Heart', was still a week away from entering the singles chart. A little song that Bobby McFerrin wrote jumped into the top 5 in 1989, and the title of it jumped into our language. The video accompanying this jaunty little a cappella number featured comedian Robin Williams, who later sang a cover of 'Come Together' with McFerrin on the Beatles Tribute Album, 'In My Life'. Kylie meanwhile spent her 9th week at number 1. South Africans at number 1 this week: Look Out Here Comes Tomorrow - The Dealians (1971) South African New Entries this week 19-Jan-68 Master Jack - Four Jacks & A Jill (Calm down now Kurt) 19-Jan-73 I Don't Wanna Play House - Barbara Ray John Samson ----------- BIRTHDAYS ----------- 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! -------------- HERE IS THE NEWS! Hi Some years ago there used to be a hot band in Cape Town called THE NEWS. The two musicians I can remember were Robert Schoonraad (Stretch?) on guitar/vocals and 'Dish' Devey on drums. Does anybody know what happened to these fine musicians. Thanks, Paul Speich Ed. - Here is the news!... a reply, directly from the source... Hi Paul - The Digest forwarded your (above) email to me to answer your question. I'm Paul Jarvis and played guitar with the band, The News. The fourth member was Malcolm "Mac" MacDonald who played bass. When the band split "Stretch" Schoonraad went to America and "Dish" Devey went to London. In fact the band broke up largely due to "Stretch" and "Dish" wanting to spread their wings overseas. Mac and myself remained in Cape Town where we still live and "Stretch" and "Dish" still both live overseas. Schoonraad played all the clubs up and down Sunset Strip for years and today is technical manager for Westlake Audio studios in Hollywood California and a sought after session muso. He is married and has a daughter. Ric played for eVoid in London and a few other successful original British bands. He still plays and works for Canadian Broadcasting Corp. based in London. He is married with three kids. Mac still plays here in Cape Town and I started a band again a few years ago called "Back on Track" specialising in mostly '70's music. I have Dave Lewarne (ex Blues Broers) on drums with me. I was telling Brian Currin in an email how surprised I am that so many people at our gigs recognise me and ask about The News. It shows, hopefully that our efforts were not in vain all those years ago. I hope this is of help to you Paul and forgive me if I don't recognise, or have forgotten your name (I'm old now you know). If you need any more info feel free to contact me. Keep well. Paul Jarvis Mailto:jarvispa@sabc.co.za Trace the branches of the Safari Suits and The News at: http://www.SteveLouw.com/family_tree_frame.html -------------- LOOKING FOR VINYL Hi, Just wondering if anyone knows what the last LP/CD was in the Springbok hits series and also in the Pop shop series? I do have no 73 (looking for 72) in the Springbok series and have no 51 in the Pop Shop series on CD. I am looking for any info about the following. They were on the Springbok hits series and I am looking for the name of the artist of the original song. I have asked several people but to no avail, I can send you a clip of the song that is on the Springbok hit LP if that could help. If you know of anyone else I can maybe ask please let me know. Title - year - cat no (composer) record co (comments) Shine on - 1980 SH48-12 (I Townley) flying duck (not Spirits Rejoice 1981) Whole lot of woman - 1976 SH30-04 (Davies) Leatrec (not Martin Rainwater 1950's) Also looking for the seven single of ‘Just tell her that I love her’ by Tommy Oliver (only available on seven single ala Tommy. He never released that song on an LP). I am also looking for info on the following: The Radio Rats, The 4th Reich, Powerage, SOD (Surf or Die), Riot Squad SA, The Gay Marines, Ultra White Lovers, Wild Youth, Warspike, Le Metro Trois, Dog Detachment, The Leopards, The Rotors, Screaming Foetus. Thnx Kobus Niceguy Mailto:jgb1900@yahoo.co.uk Ed - Pop Shop 51 was the last in series. Detailed info on the Radio Rats can be found at http://www.rock.co.za/radiorats and on Dog Detachment at http://www.rock.co.za/files/dogdetachment.html -------------- LOOKING FOR LYRICS? Hi, I am looking for lyrics. Especially South African music. Thanks. I enjoy your website Estelle Mailto:estelle@cyberhost.com.na -------------- SOWETO STREET MUSIC Hi, I was wondering if you could help me. Years ago, a friend loaned me a tape to listen to. I loaned it to another friend who lost it. It was called "Soweto Street Music". For ten years I have tried different times to find it in record stores or on the internet. Recently, I think I found the name of the label... Trax Music Ltd. It would have been released sometime around the late eighties to early nineties. I would love to buy a copy of this CD if I could ever find one. Thanks in advance for your help. Sincerely, Jennifer Jennifer Gentzler Mailto:jennifer4house@yahoo.com -------------- SORRY, WRONG PUBLICATION Hi, I'm looking for prices on car music system. I want to buy a front loader for my car that is compatible to a shuttle and that front loader must be able to play MP3's. Also some nice prices on subwoofers and Amplifiers. I will be very happy if I could get this information before Wednesday. Thanking you in anticipation, Ayanda Ed. Gulp! By Wednesday... Anyone want to help out here? -------------- STANDER DELIVER Hi, I have had the mother of all problems trying to locate a copy of the soundtrack album to the independent movie "Stander" which I saw in South Africa last month. I tried all the CD stores I know while in the country, but couldn't find it before I had to leave to return home to the UK. I did a search on your website, which revealed nothing. Can you help with this at all? Has the soundtrack been released yet? Is it possible to order it? If not, do you know what label it is being distributed on? All I know is that David Holmes worked on the soundtrack. Best regards Dan Bloch Mailto:danbloch1972@magicaldesk.com Ed. - We have also been trying unsuccessfully to track down a CD copy of the ‘Stander’ soundtrack, but to date, cannot even find an online list of the songs on the soundtrack, compiled by David Holmes. Out of interest, a song that is not on the soundtrack, but that deals with the same subject, is the classic 'Fort Lauderdale (The Ballad Of André Stander)' by Jack Hammer. This song was originally released on 'The Judas Chapter' album in 1990, and then re-recorded and released on 'The Anthology' CD in 2000. READ http://www.rock.co.za/jackhammer LISTEN (to both versions of 'Fort Lauderdale') http://www.pietbotha.com/stander/ BUY http://www.oneworld.co.za/index.cfm?bec=4321&searchfor=jack%20hammer -------------- KHAYA TUNES Hi, I am looking for a CD with the music of the ‘80's usually played on Khaya with various international artists eg Just Us and Music Trance. The music was played by Sekgale Mokgotsi on Saturday afternoon. I will be grateful if there is such a CD on market that I can buy for myself. Sanna Khaya listener Mailto:Monyaduoam@gpg.gov.za -------------- SALLY WILLIAMS NOUGAT?? Hi, Hope you can help - I'm trying to get a copy of Jak de Priester's new CD called ‘Sally Williams Nougat’, but to no avail. Can you maybe get it? Regards Walther Mailto:waltmeyer@worldonline.co.za -------------- PIXIE THE PROMOTER? Hi, I’m a music promoter in the UK, just recently moved from South Africa, and would like to know if you would like me to promote South African music for you and the bands trying to make it big in the UK and USA like Seether did! I have contact with some well-known producers in London and in Liverpool where I live. I could get the bands played on Radio 1 and on local radio stations around my area! Let me know by email soon! Yours, Sarah (just call me Pixie - all my mates do!) Mailto:cute_pixie@hotmail.com -------------- GET YOUR OWN ZOID TODAY! Hi, Following the huge success of the Karen variety, it seems like someone in Holland is trying to reproduce this success. Check out: http://members.lycos.nl/frx/zoids/customs.html Cheers John -------------- WHERE’S THAT INTERSECTION? Hi, I bought the new Bed On Bricks album called ‘Humanarium’ last week (it’s great!). Inside the CD’s are two stunning 360-degree day and night photographs of a city intersection, with the Bed On Bricks poster taking up the whole side of a building. They are amazing shots, but where is that photo taken? Cheers, Sue Ed. - That intersection is in Cape Town (home of The ‘Bricks, or is it The ‘Beds, or maybe even BoB?) and is more specifically in Gardens, where Long Street meets Kloof Street meets Orange Street meets Buitensingel Street. Strangely enough, If you look closely at that photo, you can also see the Mabu Vinyl record and CD store which is situated on that particular intersection, and which is also, coincidentally, where copies of the new Bed On Bricks CD, Humanarium, are currently available! Weird huh!?! -------------- JONI MITCHELL - ISN’T THAT THE EX-ALL BLACK COACH Hi I wonder if you can help me. I am a member of the Joni Mitchell Discussion List. One of the projects being run by a list member is a collection of all covers of her songs by various artists around the world. At the moment I am looking for copies of two recordings, both of "Both Sides Now". The first is by Philip Moolman, off a 1994 release entitled "Philip Moolman" - I am assuming that this is the same Philip Moolman was on some some South African TV shows a while ago, and also tried his hand at singing at one stage. The other is by Steve Lonsdale, off a 1970 release, which charted on Springbok Radio during September 1970. Any format of these tracks would be appreciated. Thanks Ron Mailto:flopit@mweb.co.za Ed - Steve Lonsdale was the voice for the Staccatos on their classic 'Cry To Me' single in 1968/69. He released a solo album 'Hard To Handle' in 1970 which included 'Both Sides Now'. Read more at http://rock.co.za/legends/60s/staccatos_index.htm 'Both Sides Now' by Steve Lonsdale was released on a limited edition triple compilation CD, titled 'The Wonder Of Your Love', by Gallo in 1999. -------------- WHAT KIND OF NAME IS MUFF? Hi! Many years ago I browsed a copy of the book "Music in the Mix" by Muff Anderson and found it fascinating. I am now looking for a copy but have not had any success in finding it via the internet. Any leads? I am also looking for The Spectres' album "Be Bop Pop". Is this available anywhere? Thanks for a great service, Alastair mailto:arkhome@ccii.co.za Ed. - We heard rumours that the ‘Music In The Mix’ book was being reprinted and would be generally available again, but have heard or seen nothing since. Original copies of the book can still be found in some second hand bookshops in SA though. Same with The Spectres album, which can still be found on vinyl, but was never reissued on CD. -------------- THE DOOLEYS Hi, Dennis East's 'Stone Walls' was recorded by The Dooleys as an album track. (Later a hit in Japan) The Dooley family grew up in Ilford, Essex and moved in the early ‘70s to Manchester. At the height of their success the group comprised of 3 brothers (Jim, John and Frank) and 3 sisters (Kathy, Anne and Helen). The group was completed by drummer Alan Bogan and Bass guitarist Bob Walsh, who married sister Anne. A couple of names may even be familiar to you as Anne and Bob Walsh and Helen Dooley now live in Somerset West and still perform under the name SHIRAZ. For more about the DOOLEYS, please visit my site http://unashamed.pop.mysite.freeserve.com Cheers Mike Williams Mailto:mlw@fsmail.ne PS Please get in touch if you have any info on Shiraz. Thanx. -------------- IT'S A STRANGE, STRANGE WORLD How come that Jill chick needs so many jacks? Does she like have a 4-wheel drive? 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 -------------- IGGY POP SA TRIBUTE ALBUM Hi, My name is Ernesto (A.K.A. Ernie Pap) and I run a small indie distro called Sound Action. Right now I am busy working on a South African tribute to Iggy Pop. I am looking for South African Bands to cover Iggy Pop/Stooges songs IN THEIR OWN STYLE. Each band who submits a cover will get a master cd-r copy to sell for themselves. Thanks, I sure hope some South African Bands will respond. I have a bunch of bands who have already committed to this project but not enough. More info please sms Ernie 072- 4550668 or tel 021 - 7905241 or e-mail Mailto:eriepap@wam.co.za Thanks! Ernesto -------------- WRENCH PRODUCTIONS Wrench Productions, started in 2003 by Roy Potterill and Patrick Burns, strives to organise events with a sense of professionalism and integrity. After organising various highly successful local events, Wrench has established itself as a reliable company that operates with integrity and friendship towards the artists it deals with. The folks at Wrench aim to bring out underground, as well as more widely known performers, from within our nation’s boundaries and abroad. Wrench Productions, based in Johannesburg, South Africa, was founded when a need for professionalism in the counter-culture/underground scene was noted. It aims to bring out and organise events for artists with a social message, grow the scene, and to establish mutually beneficial relationships with those they work with. If any artists/performers are interested in working with Wrench or need any sort of promotion, please get in touch with us so we can discuss a range of available options. Wrench Productions Mailto:wrenchproductions@hotmail.com -------------- SINGER Lead Vocalist required by established Christian rock group, Antioch. Must have a stunning voice, be an extrovert, energetic performer. Skills like songwriting, guitar or keyboard a bonus. Contact Paul 082 903 5918 to arrange audtion Thanks! -------------- AGENT WANTED FOR NIGHT SHUTTLE Night Shuttle is looking for an agent to procure gigs for the coming year, and possibly beyond. The duo is Cape Town-based and has been performing since 1996, although we have been quiet for last 2 years/18 months. We were a Rock 'cover band' doing the rounds around Cape Towns' Pubs, with all the 'other' Rock cover bands. We have changed our whole repertoire of music and now lean towards Jazz, Latin Jazz, some ballads, and have taken a very nostalgic ride down memory lane doing music by Hoagy Carmichael, Carlos Tom Jobim, Classic Jazz standards and have also composed some originals. Agents looking for new performers are welcome to contact Guy & Lesley at the below address for further details. Question: Are there any Real live n' breathing Entertainment Agents out there? Lets see if we get a surprise. Thanks Guy & Lesley. Night Shuttle mailto:nightshuttle@absamail.co.za Ed. - Guy was one of the very first subscribers to the SA Rock Digest back in the last century!, We remember a phone call Guy made to complain about the Digest coming out a few days late! Heh heh... -------------- LISTEN TO SOME AFRODICIA Nigerian born Nnamdi Moweta - "DJ Nnamdi" - hosts the latest African Music favorites in Afrobeat, Afropop, Fuji, Highlife, Hip Hop, Makossa, Reggae, Punta, Soukous, Zouk, Brazilian, Latin, and Indian Sufi rhythms. There are also interviews (Femi Kuti, Mariam Makeba, Angelique Kidjo, Koffi Olomide, Les Nubians, MC Solaar) and they are video streaming 24/7 on Radio Afrodicia from Hollywood. at http://www.afrodicia.com/ "The Gods do not want the music to break into the International scene as a fashion they (The Gods) want it to break in as a serious cultural Episode." Fela Anikulapo Kuti Afrodicia Mailto:afrodisearch@yahoo.com --------------- GEMM Your best source for impossible-to-find music on record or CD! http://sugarmusic.gemm.com -------------- MABU VINYL & CD Cape Town's finest Record and CD store is now at the Bottom of Kloof Street/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: The Bats - ‘Weltevrede’ (LP) Soundtrack - ‘District Six - The Musical’ (LP) Koos du Plessis - ‘Herbegier’ (LP) Anton Goosen se Kommisie Van Ondersoek - ‘Winde Van Verandering’ (LP) Malapoets - ‘Life Is For Living’ (LP) Spider - ‘Spider’ (LP) Hotline - ‘Burnout’ (LP) Latest independent SA CD additions: Basemental Platform (debut album) Bed On Bricks - ‘Humanarium’ Bluescream - 'Bluescream' Guy Buttery - 'When I Grow Up' Chilled Alaskan DJ - ‘Title X’ Chilled Alaskan DJ - ‘Somewhere We are Alive’ Fokofpolisiekar - 'As Jy Met Vuur Speel Sal Jy Brand' (EP) freshlyground - 'Jika Jika' Forest Moon - 'Forest Moon' Goema Captains Of Cape Town - ‘Healing Destination’ Hog Hoggidy Hog - 'Naked' EP Kalahari Surfers - 'Muti Media' Lazarus - 'Parallax View' (EP) MoodPhase5ive - 'Steady On' Rudimentals - 'More Fire' Not The Midnight Mass - 'Live At The Planetarium' Nukular Stompers - 'Can Of Worms' Rise Of Black Dawn - ‘Case Study #13’ Soulja - '21 Gunslut' Sunoka - ‘Me Saki Saki’ Various - 'Silvertab Harambe Dope Sessions' Various - 'African Dope Sound System' Various - ‘Cape Of Good Dope’ Various - 'Breathe Sunshine' Various - 'A Moment In Cape Town' (Revised edition) Zero Tolerance - 'A Perfect Life?' (EP) 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: Jo Day - 'One Woman' (LP) Happy Ships - 'Happy Ships' (LP) Kalahari Surfers - 'Living in the Heart of the Beast' (LP) Koos Kombuis - 'Niemandsland' (LP) Soul Joe - 'Soul Joe plays the Hits' (LP) Sweet Chocolate - 'Takin' me back' (LP) V/A - 'A Naartjie in our Sosatie - Rebel Rhythms' (LP) V/A - 'Forces Favourites' (LP) V/A - 'Sounds Around' (LP) V/A - 'Voelvry - Afrikaanse Musiek vir Vandag' (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, please contact mailto:sugar@rock.co.za The Sound Solutions and Digest Classified sections are sponsored by SUGAR MUSIC: Sugar Music promotes, publishes, 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 RUDIMENTALS - Cape Town's ska-punk sensations have lined up a string of gigs over the next few weeks. SAHARADJA - Indonesia's top World Music Band is making its South African debut and will be performing at The Showcase, at Banbury Cross Johannesburg, in January and February 2004 (details below) LIQUID SKY - Wed 28 January - At The Mercury Lounge - with guest band Niche BENGUELA - Wed 21st January - Mercury Lounge - Always a cool gig! HAPPY FOUR TWENTY - This Cape Town band is sporting a new line-up and have announced their gigs for early-2004 including Independent Armchair Theatre (Friday 23rd January), and opening the Up The Creek Festival 2004 (Friday 6th February) 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 DAN PATLANSKY & THE MISSISSIPPI MOTHERS - "The Muthas" announce a string of dates around Johannesburg for the rest of January. VUSI AND JUDITH FOR GIANT STEPS MUSIC 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 LONDON AND EUROPE - BOO! are back in London for one show only on Friday the 6th of February at the Halfmoon in Putney as part of their current European Tour 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: COUNTING CROWS - The popular US band, fronted by Adam Duritz, will be returning to SA in March to promote their new, greatest hits album, 'Films About Ghosts' LIMP BIZKIT - Unconfirmed dates in SA in April have been announced on the US rock band's website WITCHDOCTOR RECORDS ANNOUNCES SA TOURS BY KONKHRA, ENTOMBED, AND KATAKLYSM - Konkhra's 'Reality Check SA Tour 2004' is in January), Entombed, those Swedish masters of metal, return to our shores for two exclusive shows in April, and Kataklysm, the Swedish masters of metal, return to our shores for two exclusive shows in May 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 -------------- SAHARADJA TO DEBUT IN SOUTH AFRICA Saharadja, Indonesia’s top World Music Band, is making its South African debut; they will perform at the premier music venue, The Showcase, at Banbury Cross, Johannesburg in January 2004. Saharadja hails from Bali in Indonesia and consists of six musicians who play a fascinating and diverse array of instruments including the Tabla, Sarod, Didgeridoo, Bass Guitar, Jembes, percussion, Classical and Flamenco Guitar, to name but a few. Their music is a glorious one world eclectic mix of traditional, classics, pop standards and Celtic reel. Their South African debut show, ‘Saharadja -Bring Back Bali’s Smile’, features a collection of their original material fused with their own thrillingly unique spin on such classics as Sting and the Police’s ‘Roxanne’; John Lennon’s ‘Imagine’; the glorious jazz standards ‘My Funny Valentine’, and ‘Georgia On My Mind’;and Johannes Brahm’s ‘Humgarian Dance’. There is even an Indonesian take on Celtic Reel with the frenzied and show-stopping ‘Lord Of The Dance’. Through the music, ‘Saharadja -Bring Back Bali’s Smile’tells the story of their journey, which celebrates the best mix of World Music styles. ‘Saharadja -Bring Back Bali’s Smile’ is a warm Island embrace, touching in its energy, love and overwhelming longing for Bali to have its innocence returned after the devastating terrorist attack in 2002. They breathe new life into World Music, allowing a whole new view of the World to unfold…, playful yet serious, tender but pulsating, a world where all countries join together to become One World. Saharadja are: Rio Sidk (Band Leader, Vocals, Trumpet and guitar), Sally Jo Third (Electric Violin), Gede Yudana (Acoustic Classic and Flamenco Guitar), Ajat Lesmana (Didgeridoo and percussion),and Barok Khan (Banjo, Tabla, Sarod) Saharadja will perform at The Showcase Theatre, Banbury Cross from 21st January to the 8th February. There will performances on Tuesday to Saturday at 8.30pm, with a special early evening on Sunday performance at 6.00pm. Booking is at Computicket or at the venue on 011 794 4382. E-mail: bridget@buz.co.za Saharadja website:www.rioandsally.com -------------- SHOTGUN SESSIONS 2004 At the Mercury Lounge - 43 De Villiers Street, Zonnebloem, Cape Town Second call for performers: Hello musicians, singers, bands, poets, comedians and other crazy people... The Shotgun Sessions 2004 will be starting up Monday January 19. If you have a band, solo project or improv group, you can book 20 minutes on the Mercury Lounge stage on Manic Mondays. This is an ideal opportunity for you to break in your new band or demo CD, or promote an upcoming gig. A drum kit and engineer will be provided, but you will need to book as limited slots are available each week. Bookings will be accepted and confirmed by E-MAIL ONLY: mailto:urge@worldonline.co.za Each week, a list of confirmed appearances will be mailed out. Each week carries 4 performances and a feature act whenever appropriate, and is at the promoter's discretion. Current booked dates will start from January 19, with scheduled times: 22:00-22:20; 22:30-22:50; 23:00-23:20; 23:30-23:50. Unfortunately performers will not have the choice of time slot. The time slots are confirmed in the mail announcing the following week's performances. In other words, you may reserve a slot for Monday the 19th, but you will not be able to choose your time slot. Bands are encouraged to keep their set-up as simple as possible. basic instruments and amps only. If you have a set-up that differs greatly from a two guitars/one bass/ three vocals format, please advise timeously. If you need to, you may book slots weeks in advance, subject to availability. Anton Marshall URGE EVENTS MEDIA mailto:urge@worldonline.co.za -------- SA PUNK -------- By Daniel Neville Currently still on his world tour..... See http://www.SAgigs.com for details and other SA Punk gigs. ---------------------- LIVE IN SOUTH AFRICA ---------------------- BED ON BRICKS By Katvrou On the Pretoria Showgrounds the reigning Oppikoppi vibe evaporated quickly. Nothing was like Northam - this is the city, man. You won't find a speck of dust or thorns in your underwear. But there were a few dudes who broke through the crappy sound barrier and made a lot of antennae (and some ovaries) quiver with excitement... Bed on Bricks. On the Skelm Stage they showed us they ain't scared of no tokoloshe. Mike Hardy on vocals, Schalk van der Merwe on bass and vocals, Tim Rankin on drums and some possessed dude called Dave van der Linden doing things to a guitar that would have made Marilyn Manson blush. Yeah. I kid you not. This man is insane. And once you've seen him live, you'll appreciate the debut CD without end. Two songs stood out without even trying too hard. "War" with its reggae beat and laid-back but unnerving anti-war vibe, and that manic percussed "Dummachicabopachica". You can't help it. You put the beer down and go get down in front of the stage. And the rest was … well ummm-errr … the rest of the set was dangerously wicked. Sharp and borderline vitriolic lyrics, all put together to get your brain into thinking gear. And it was easy to see. A quiet confidence blending guitars, voices and drums into a hybrid sound of funky jazz, rock and freshly peppered vocals - with the occasional guttural dark bass streaks. "Humanarium" cannot be tolerated by the lazy or the lethargic masses. Bed On Bricks wants to talk to you. And at the same time churn your soul with some of the best tunes and thoughts offered in a long time. "If you scratch between all the torn and strife that is basted on our everyday, and influential in every way, as long as our minds are free - don't forget simplicity..." in "Hide" is but one of the corners where Bed On Bricks puts you to chill for a bit. But beware. The strings in this song will muck with you. It's unlike anything you've ever heard. Strong and slick, but very dark, revved to the max, thickly vibrating like some fat arachnid on its web. "What You Got" opens the CD and from there on you just slip into the groove without losing a beat. "Have you ever taken a little time out to think, what if you were 10 years old and your family lives to drink ..." only gets balanced by the catchy "I know-I know-I know-I know-I know-I know-I know what you GOT!". You will get a taste of Dave's guitar virtuosity. Oh yeah. You will. Then, when you get to "Humanarium", anything goes. "Today I saw a man selling a goldfish in a plastic bag, on the corner of Upper Orange Street - how strange I thought it must be for these two lifelong friends - like being in a large humanarium." You get to meet a large Nigerian, plastic dolphins, and a bank manager with a fake smile. And some "wire chickens to feed at night when you're stoned and lonely." "City" and "Low Fly" offer a breezy trip (with rubber soles on yer shoes) into personal reflection and the heart of the social city. "Still I smile and enjoy my wine" walks right next to "Feeling sorry for yourself is not going to get you off your shelf." "Low Fly" oozes luscious and succulent colours without names, it picks up speed with every beat, but it corners on rails. Smooth. Very smooth. Your individuality will establish your response on "Flight Of The Panda Bear", "Blame", "Hold Me Down", "Eyes" and "Friends". Not once does the standard slip. Bed On Bricks impeccably portrays the cleverly disguised angst-filled mind of the loner, but this band is equally competent in showing how bloody great it is to be alive. And to play in a band called Bed On Bricks. "You've been working too hard, take it slow, kick off your shoes, come eat in my pad, even though the food is crap and looks nothing like the ad." Get your aura into that humanarium. Carina Laubscher Melville ---------------- SEETHER - LIVE IN DURBAN 7 January 2004 It was a dark night and fixing to storm. The lightning held off but it did THUNDER!!! The rain came down and we got soaked to the skin. It was worth it. The Durban leg of Seether's tour had some unexpected moments with the band and the support acts having to contend with the seasonal conditions. Faultline did their best. The lead vocalist has a great voice and they did well in the wet. I did feel for them - especially as a moment or two was similar to the current radio advert - "Everybody clap your hands pleeeeeaase". What doesn't kill you makes you stronger... and this band looks to be going from strength to strength. (cliché, I know but it fits!) The long wait between sets was a pain. If I sound whiney it's because I'm whining. No pass-outs may have contributed to my boredom - I could easily have killed time by enjoying the attractions of the climbing wall. I'd like to climb much higher than halfway. I understand the safety concerns surrounding the restriction but I think it could have been handled better. The Seether stickers on sale didn't do justice to the Band. And any posters had to be protected from a drenching. Always carry a raincoat or jacket in Durban's rainy season - protection is the mark of a smart person! Soul Proxy were as good as they were expected to be and better. They got more people going thanks to their excellent set and fans’ familiarity with them. Their song, 'Solitaire' (currently on rotation on 5fm), was a strong ending and left the crowd on a high note. Unfortunately rain, sound checks and safety checks combined to cause a delay before Seether took the stage. Creed, Metallica and Nirvana (among others) were played and broke the monotony and the unexpected moshing smashed it. Finally, Seether, and words almost fail me. What an experience, they took the stage like the conquering heroes (of the music industry) that they are. It was a powerful performance that overcame the bad weather and had the crowd in a frenzy of jumping, moshing and headbanging. Never take on a Hard Rock fan or Metalhead - they have much endurance and will outlast you. And then they'll mosh you into submission. Back to the show... the great songs were a big success. The mad moshing to the soundtrack hits ‘Out of My Way’ and ‘Hang On’. Old favourite, ‘Gasoline’, had security lining up to prevent collapse of the ...Fragile... fence. I guess the venue managers didn't account for the alternative energy of Seether fans. To anyone who decided not to come once the weather turned - I actually can't think of an insult. What I can say is that braving the wet was worth the reward of outstanding Hard Rock. And I'd do it again. By Saras Sewsunker. ----------- 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! Proofed by Ronx A SUGAR MUSIC PRODUCTION http://www.sugarmusic.co.za <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>