SA ROCK DIGEST ISSUE #66
The South African Rock Music Digest
is a free, subscription e-mag, edited
by Brian "Vagabond" Currin and Stephen
"Sugar" Segerman and delivered direct
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Established January 1999.
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CONTENTS
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1.WHAT'S NEW - Amabala, Woodshed, Tightlines - a Robin Auld book, Tananas & WOMAD
2.ON STAGE - Bush in Cape Town
3.NEW RELEASES - Ashton Nyte, The Jayhawks, Showcase 2, Lungiswa
4.USA for SA - Kurt Shoemaker listens to Just Another Band
5.CLASSIC ROCK - John Samson plays Rabbitt
6.FORUM - SA Music Week, Nic Martens remembers Freedoms Children, Four Jacks And A Jill, The Sitar in pop music, SA Music on US Radio
7.REQUESTS - Looking for Colin Shamley
8.CHARTS - Top 20 CD sales and Digital Cupboard's Top 10 Downloads
9.ON THE NET - Ptior's Green Pages, Jon Lord, Oznet Charts
10.WHAT'S ON - Frank Opperman, Roll Over Beethoven 2000, Oppikoppi, Ashton Nyte, Sunways, Little Sister, Not My Dog, Woodstock SA
11.LINKS AND ADS
12.BACK ISSUES
13.CONTRIBUTIONS
14.SUBSCRIPTIONS
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SA ROCK DIGEST - THE WEBSITE
http://rock.co.za/sarockdigest/
The SA Rock Digest archives are online, up-to-date and searchable.
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SA ROCK DIGEST - ON THE RADIO
Every Wednesday morning at about 10.30am on SAFM (104-107KHz), hear Digest co-editor Stephen Segerman chatting to Bruce Millar.
Visit SAFM on the net at:
http://www.safm.co.za
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The Digest mailing list is used only for the weekly dispatching of the Digest, and is not made available to any outside parties or interested groups. We promise!
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AMUZINE
http://rock.co.za
For more news, views and reviews on the SA and International music scene visit the Amuzine website.
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ONE WORLD
http://www.oneworld.co.za
Selling South African Music to the World.
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SA ROCK FILES
http://rock.co.za/sarock
The online archive for the history of SA rock
Regularly updated thanks to input from various fans of SA music around the world and sometimes even the musicians themselves.
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1.WHAT'S NEW
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THE AMABALA MUSIC FESTIVAL 2000
Amabala Productions is a South African owned, London based company run
by South Africans Neil Rawlinson, Mike Seale and Trenton Birch. Amabala
was established by Neil Rawlinson in September 1999, although he had run it as a side project since late 1998. In September Amabala Productions will be hosting The Amabala Music Festival 2000 which will showcase six of South Africas top acts namely Springbok Nude Girls, Just Jinger, Nagual, Sugardrive, Henry Ate (Karma), and comedian Barry Hilton. This will be the first time that all these acts have performed together on a live stage in the United Kingdom. The sheer diversity that these acts will represent on stage will encourage South Africans from all over the United Kingdom to attend this event.
There will be two shows at the Shepherds Bush Empire. They will run for
approximately six hours each and in between the bands sets, comedian
Barry Hilton will keep the audience entertained. There will be South
African related food and products available as well as artist
merchandising. Amabala will aim to create a festival atmosphere with a
distinctly South African flavour, and are already planning a larger and
broader musically representative event for 2001. These two concerts will take place in the first week of September (Friday 8th and Saturday 9th) to ensure that there is no clash with any of the bigger festivals.
Amabala is also setting up their Amabala Online website which will allow browsers to remain updated about news and developments from within the SA entertainment sector, including album reviews, gig guides, and there are plans to provide an online SA CD store to cater for the UK market.
Further info c/o Authentic Ideas (011 646-6467) or Amabala online at:
http://www.amabala.co.uk
(email: mailto:samusic@amabala.co.uk)
{Ed: I could'nt get this weblink to work}
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WOODSHED
Cape Town-based original band Woodshed will be launching its second CD, Hand Made, at the Independent Armchair Theatre, Lower Main Road Observatory (Cape Town), Saturday July 29th at 9 PM.
The CD, the band's second, is self-produced. The 12 tracks were recorded at Paris Studios in Fish Hoek, engineered by Paris Lucas, and mastered by Jason Boshoff.
For more information, please call Woodshed at 686-4038, 788-2311, or 082-6020-4330. Alternatively, visit the band's site at http://www.fly.to/woodshed, which includes MP3s of three of the songs on the new CD.
Hand Made reflects the band's stylistic diversity, with songs ranging from a solo acoustic number, All I Can Believe, to the decidedly heavy Believe. "The overall sound is groovier, more sparse. We spent a lot of time listening to ourselves, understanding our collective style, and as it turns out we're less of an 'acoustic' band than many had thought," says guitarist Ted Baumann. "The acoustic guitar is still there, but Hand Made highlights Andrew's magnificent fingerstyle playing rather than rapid-fire strumming, as in the past." Indeed, the band made good use of the guitar-friendly room ambience at Paris Studios -- known for its recordings of local grungers Lithium -- to explore more electrified effects. Hand Made also gives singer Janisch an opportunity to demonstrate his remarkable pitching, many of the vocal tracks having been flawlessly double-recorded.
The band's first release was Mindwalk (1997), on the Street Level/BMG label. MP3 tracks from Mindwalk are available for download on http://www.friedjam.com.
Woodshed is:
Andrew Janisch: Vocals and guitars
Ted Baumann: Vocals and guitars
Gary Verster: Drums and vocals
Woodshed employs several freelance bassists.
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TIGHTLINES - ROBIN AULD (A BOOK!)
OUTLINE: Fishing, music, friendships and culture. Playing in a band, dreaming of steenbras, a friend who goes AWOL, and a skop-skiet-en-donder ending in the Eastern Cape & life in sunny South Africa. Funny, yet not without insight, this book is an immensely enjoyable read. South Africa needs more books like this. To purchase a copy (paper and e-books available) of Tight Lines, or to read a sample chapter online, click here: http://www.compress.co.za/catalogue/fiction/tightlines.htm
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Robin Auld is a well-known South African musician. Not many know of his hidden writing talents... To find out more about Robin Auld please visit http://www.robinauld.co.za
REVIEWS:
Fabulous, but I like happy endings.
Barbara Hudson-Bennet, The Bay Book Club
Ja, not bad. Liked the fishing bits.
Bakkies Laubscher, Tyger Valley Spray Painting and Panel Beating
Misguided. I failed to see the humour.
Mrs Q Kordmer, Mellville Literary Review
This Mr Auld can write but I prefer romance, really.
Ms Estelle Fleck, Plumstead Travel
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TANANAS & WOMAD WORLDWIDE
After a successful gig at WOMAD SA, Tananas were invited to perform at
WOMAD Reading-UK, Seattle and Singapore. That time has arrived. Tananas
once again fly in from all over the Globe and kick off the tour this
week (20th July). WOMAD introduces the world to legendary artists from
around the world honoring the spirit and celebrating a living cultural identity no matter what origin.
Tananas will be sharing the stage with the likes of Suzanne Vega, Paula
Cole, Femi Kuti, Youssou N' Dour & Bonnie Raitt. Sony music are
delighted that Tananas have been selected to represent South Africa & we all wish them well on their tour.
Their latest album 'Seed' has been released in US through Globetrotter,
UK (Sony Music). Upcoming releases; Italy (Sony Music) & Singapore (Sony Music). Sony Singapore have proposed doing a Tananas Showcase to the whole of Sony Asia just after WOMAD Singapore which will be broadcast live through one of the main TV Network channels in Asia.
Tour Schedule
WOMAD Reading 21, 22, 23 July
WOMAD Seattle 28, 29, 30 July
WOMAD Singapore 30th Aug - 3rd Sept
Live Webcast
WEN (World Entertainment Network) based in US will be attending
WOMAD Seattle providing a full live webcast during the entirety of the
festival weekend.
To view WOMAD Seattle as it happens please go to: http://www.wen.com
For further WOMAD info go to http://realworld.on.net
For further info please contact Paul Thackwray at Sony Music
011 328 8500 or email: mailto:paul_thackwray@sz.sonymusic.com
Kerry Friedmann - Tananas Management (before 20th July)
082 455 3447 / email: mailto:dewberry@iafrica.com
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2.ON STAGE
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BUSH LIVE AT CULEMBORG
This was the second in a continuing series (we hope) of small semi-
private gigs where a big international band supplies the live music.
Last time it was the Violent Femmes, this time Bush flew in from their
European Festival duties to play a concert each in Johannesburg and Cape Town. These underground events, with very low-key marketing but huge expenses, are sponsored by some ciggy-makers looking to create different ways to attract their users now that most of the other avenues have dried up. But you dont have to be a smoker to get one of these exclusive invitations. Some were handed out, some were made available via a phone number printed on some surreptitious posters in the city.
There have been some discontented rumblings in the local music media
about these private affairs. The elite attitude they create, and the
lack of concern for all those genuine fans of these bands who cant get
close to these intimate gigs. Fair points, but these are still just
private parties. If we heard that some breadhead in Constantia threw a
21st for his kid and flew Leftfield/REM/Macy Gray (pick one) in for the
evening, should we feel equally cheated for not being able to see them?
So Bush played live and loud to about 600 "guests" in a warehouse in the Culemborg exhibition centre on the Foreshore in Cape Town. Nagual warmed up the party with a trippy session in a dingy ante-room before the doors to the actual venue opened and it was lights, action and Gavin Rossdale. I doubt one could see Bush anywhere in the USA in such a small venue. There its all stadiums and festivals. Here it was smallish, with uncrowded bars around the perimeter and plenty of room. Rossdale writes all the Bush material so it gets to sound a little similar, with most of these thundering songs driven along by the double guitar attack of Nigel Pulseford and Rossdale and power rhythm section of the hairy Robin Goodridge (drums) and the stoic Dave Parsons on bass. They play their share of grunge classics - Comedown, Everythings Zen and Glycerine off their debut Sixteen Stone; Swallowed off the 6-million-selling Razorblade Suitcase; The Chemicals Between Us, Warm Machine and Letting The Cables Sleep off their recent, third album, The Science Of Thing. Rossdale does the hair-flinging, power-chording, lifting the masses front-man thing. He also moved off the stage to play a guitar solo alongside a well-known wheelchair-bound local music fan who gloried in his air guitar duo with this rock idol. Generally a strong concert although there were some varied complaints about the sound, volume, venue etc, but hey, it was free so shut up and enjoy it. I swear, some people just always complain!
Bush is the English band who had to go to the USA, and adapt their sound to the 90s grunge style, to achieve their mega success. Back home in the UK the press and public have still not been won over by their local lads. It doesnt seem to worry them at all, would it worry you? They are riding a very good wave and gave as good as they could to a small group of Capetonians as they did to a heaving mass at a German festival a few days earlier, as we saw on VH1. But it would be better if these brief forays down south by these bands are the fore-runners to full tours were all their fans can catch them. But thanks to the smoke-ous who set this up, Id mention them but we were asked not to. And we dont know who is coming next but would love to get another invite. A bird in the hand, as they say is worth two in the ... (SS)
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3.NEW RELEASES
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ASHTON NYTE - THE SLENDER NUDES (Intervention Arts)
http://www.ashtonnyte.com
Glam rock lives! Sounds like Ashton Nyte played his old Bowie albums over and over, watched the "Velvet Goldmine" movie about 20 times and then produced this stunning album of new original songs in a glamorous style. It rocks, it struts, but most of all it glitters! (BC)
THE JAYHAWKS - SMILE (Columbia/SonyMusic SA)
A superb album from American acoustic rockers The Jayhawks. Strong, sometimes romantic lyrics, great catchy tunes, excellent harmony vocals and some incredible guitaring, though I would have preferred even more guitar solos. Listen to this CD late at night with a special friend, and go ahead... smile. (BC)
VARIOUS ARTISTS - SHOWCASE 2 - the 5FM SA Singles Collection
(SonyMusic SA)
The second in the 'Showcase' series. The first CD concentrated on SA bands of the 90s, this time the focus is on recent SA singles. A wonderfully eclectic mixture of pop, rock, dance and reggae. Includes 'I Love To Truck' by the Rasta Rebels and 'World' by 5FM DJs F and Martinengo which samples the theme from Jeff Wayne's 'War Of The Worlds'.
Bands featured include Sugardrive, Springbok Nude Girls, Tananas, Fetish, Saron Gas, Karma, Boo!, Wonderboom, Naked and Amersham.
Other tracks include Mark Gillman's Gillmaniacs with YaNaUmShayin' (Woman 2 Woman mix)', Derek "The Bandit" Richardson's Pure Bliss with 'Swim With The Dolphins', Foot C Foot C with a cover of the old Nancy Sintra hit 'These Boots Are Made For Walking' and Heatseeker's smash hit 'Xplicit'.
A great collection on one CD... a showcase indeed, get it now.
(BC)
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LUNGISWA
This is the debut offering from Lungiswa "Lulu" Plaatjies, the niece of
Dizu Plaatjies and a part of the Amampondo set-up since the age of
seven. Lulu was 10 when she worked on Amampondos debut album,
Uyandibza and derived many influences from her grandfather who was a
traditional healer and who exposed Lulu to the music at the African
ceremonies they would attend together. Her musical education continued
in Johannesburg where she learned to sing in a variety of styles and
languages including Zulu, Xhosa and Scatho. In 1993, while attending the We Have To Mix concert at the Baxter Theatre in Cape Town, Lulu met Robert Trunz, the head of MELT 2000 who agreed to help her produce her first album and who introduced her to Tony Thorpe who contributed
greatly to this album.
Lungiswa is an album that straddles the African and World music
genres. With Amampondo providing the strong percussive background,
Lungiswa sweet, plummy voice ranges through these many different sounds
and styles giving the album a broad and intriguing appeal. She narrates
her musical history in the second track (Intro Song) after beginning
the album with a slowed-down six-minute choral version of Nkosi Sikelel iAfrika. These are followed by Lulus Xhosa version of the Marvin Gaye classic, Inner Cuty Blues. Lulu retains the songs melody but rewrote the lyrics to give it a relevant and touching message. Her straight cover of the same song, with the original English lyrics, closes off the album.
But covers aside, there are many impressive moments on this album to guarantee Lungiswa a place in the future of SA music. Theres the jazzy percussive Oh Re Yayay, the energetic Ska-ish instrumental Tribal Song, and the traditional Zimban. But the highlight of this album is the song Fundal which introduces regular thumping drums and a beguiling melody to turn this into a World Dance classic. Robert Trunz and producer Tony Thorpe had enough confidence in Lungiswas talent and background to allow her a free reign with the material on display here.
The result is an album that is going to turn Lungiswa into a household
name both in SA and overseas. (SS)
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4.USA FOR SA
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JUST ANOTHER BAND - OFF THE EDGE
http://rock.co.za/offtheedge
I love this album. This is wonderful rock: songs in the Off the Edge
style, but more so. These songs contain bits and ideas that show Off the Edge is moving ahead with great creativity. This is an album of winning songs. Here's how the tracks sound in thumbnails that will become larger when you listen to them:
'Addiction' -- When this instrumental track opens, it sounds like we're
at a private party. Nice almost gentle opening which introduces the album.
'Do You Believe' -- The first song showcasing Judy's wonderful, clear,
and beautiful singing. This song sounds dramatic when it starts, following the instrumental first cut as it does.
'Cheating' -- a loping and go-ahead tune. An unsolicited endorsement
comes from my hipper-than-I-ever-was 10-year-old daughter who sings along to this song. Also, this is one of the songs with interesting stylistic touches different from previous Off the Edge work.
'Don't Play Games' -- An plea for honesty is a relationship: desire,
doubt, and hope.
'In My Heart' -- Achingly beautiful song. Judy sings of the past and
Peter's guitar fills echo like memories; a slow song alternating with
defiant bursts as if the singer and guitarist are railing against the past. A beautiful song.
'Face In the Crowd' -- Similar theme to 'In My Heart', but more rockin'
about how the days come and go and after this heartbreak, Judy is "one more face in the crowd".
'Creatures of Mood' -- This one had my son bopping spontaneously. Catchy hook, very catchy.
'Ovation' -- Thunderous Off the Edge instrumental rock alternating with
soaring guitar interludes.
'Blueprint' -- An instrumental with nice keyboards and guitar over a
rock-steady bass in a cool groove. This song showcases Peter's talent well. And what's that? Peter making a touch of penny whistle sound with the keyboards?
'St. Aidans' -- Long closing track with a bass similar to 'Blueprint',
which helps the unified flow, actually. Judy returns to close us out with a song about a vision of an angel in the St. Aidans church in Grahamstown. Chugging bass, beautiful guitar work, and heartfelt vocals makes for wonderful Off the Edge music.
Throughout this CD, Tony's bass guitar steps more to the fore in a few
songs -- more than in previous OTE albums, and become some of those
different, or new, stylistic touches on this disc. This album is a great mix of Judy's singing and instrumentals. She packs emotion into her singing. Peter's guitar-playing is artful, deliberate, and masterful -- wonderlik! He and the other members clearly went to pains to have this album flow from track to track with unity. A wonderful album of mature and creative rock.
'Just Another Band' is a great album -- but if Off the Edge was really
"just another band" the planet's music scene would be much more competitive than it is.
Kurt Shoemaker, Blanco, Texas
mailto:kbshoe@hotmail.com
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5.CLASSIC ROCK
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A CROAK AND A GRUNT IN THE NIGHT - RABBITT
http://rock.co.za/legends/rabbitt
I was a little young when Rabbitt were at their peak and had not yet
developed an interest in music. All I remember about them was my grandmother complaining about the racket these long haired boys were making when they appeared on Pop Shop. So when I came across "A Croak.." about a year back, I though I'd better check out what the fuss was all about.
My initial reaction was that they are not as hard rock as I expected. There are hints of Jazz in the intro to "Everybody's Cheating" but the over all feel of the album is one of 70's glam rock which I suppose it was. The use of the piano on a number of tracks is reminiscent of Billy Joel and Elton John of the same era.
There are some nice rock ballads and some quite tuneful pop numbers some almost Beatles-esque. One highlight for me is the cover of Freedoms Children's "Tribal Fence" where they are joined by Margaret Singana. It is a up tempo version and one I find less "busy" than the Freedoms Children version, but does not have the same depth as the original.
"A Love You Song" is the vehicle for a great guitar work out for (I presume, as the album I bought didn't have any sleeve notes) Trevor Rabin and is the other highlight of the album. You can see why supergroup Yes took him on.
Overall this is a solid album but I must say that I was a little
disappointed. I guess you had to be there to have really appreciated this, or maybe my grandmother just psychologically scarred me for life.
John Samson
mailto:Thesamsons@aol.com
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6.FORUM
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SA MUSIC WEEK
Hey there, Mac here from KZ Net Radio,
I'm sure you are aware that, 28 August - 02 September 2000 is SA MUSIC WEEK!
KZ NET RADIO supports local music and we would like to continue this trend by dedicating 2 weeks of "airtime" [the week before and the week of SA MUSIC WEEK] to local S.A. Music!
If you have any SA music, of any musical genre, that you would like to have played on KZ Net Radio, please let me know a.s.a.p. [as I have to plan the playlisting...].
Here is the Cape Town postal address:
Macangel
C/o KZ Net Radio
P.O. Box 38
Seapoint
8060
SA Music all the way...
...Neptune KZ Net Radio, let the music play...!!!
DJ Macangel (aka Mac Engelbrecht) - DJ & Producer
KZ Net Radio - http://www.kznet.co.za
Sound FX - http://www.comm.lia.net/macangel
E-mail - mailto:macangel@kznet.co.za
Cell - 082-960 1196
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FREEDOMS CHILDREN REMEMBERED
http://rock.co.za/legends/freedomschildren
Nic Martens
My involvement with Freedoms started in 1965 when I replied to an ad for a keyboard player in a new band. When I arrived for the audition in Yeoville at "Nick's" house (can't remember the surname) I met Colin (Pratley), Ramsay (MacKay), Billy Andrews, and "Nick" (Lead Guitar) and promptly joined. (I was bored with my day job anyway). We rehearsed for about two months, and then (what was to become a pattern) things fell apart. Colin, Ramsay and myself left for Irene in Pretoria to join Mick Jade to start what was the beginning of Freedoms Children. We were joined by Gary (lead guitar) and Angelo (rhythm) from Ishowe (friends of Ramsay). I am not sure where the Lehman Ltd name came into it (perhaps because it was Mrs Lehman's house we were staying in, (Mick's future mother-in-law) but that was the name of the band at that time. I did not know about the Leeman Ltd band in Durban). We rehearsed at the Town Hall and caused quite a stir with the local Calvinists. (Die Duiwel se musiek).
We did a few concerts (a stunned reaction from the audience), but again it all fell apart. Ramsay left for Ishowe, Colin to Springs.
I was approached by the Patterson brothers to join the Navarones, but said that unless Colin was included, I was not interested. They agreed. After several months of doing covers, I was bored out of my mind, so convinced Colin to leave for Durbs and to for us join up with Ramsay, Gary and Angelo - 1966. My brother-in-law drove us to up to Ishowe but Gary and Angelo weren't interested. A few days later Ramsay joined us in Durbs, then Kenny (Henson). (Also a singer whose name I can't remember). We were rehearsing at the Macabre Club during the day (the "Bats" were the resident band) and one evening after rehearsal we decided to rename the band. Ramsay came up with the name "Freedom Sweet". I suggested "Freedoms Children" and the band was born. Unknown to me (I did not have family in the club business) Jimmy Thompson replaced me, to give the band a gig at the Macabre. I joined the "Noel McDermott Band" playing at a dump called the "Palace Hotel" (doing early Moodie Blues, covers and soul material).
Late 1967 I was approached by John E Sharpe to join his "John E Sharpe's Blues Band" in Joburg, playing at the "Downstairs Club". John (Rhythm and Vocals), Les Goode (Bass), Ivor Back (Drums), Julian Laxton (Lead) and myself on keyboards (a really great band).
This was the happening times in SA music. (Freedoms at the 505, "Folk" at the Troudabadour and "Blues, covers and Jazz" at the Downstairs.) The club attracted all the musicians from the other clubs after midnight, and it often became a "Jam" till dawn. I was doing a lot of session work ('Battle Hymn' and many others).
Early '69 I felt it time to get serious about life (had a fatal run in with "Mozart", and there was no contest), so I joined EMI as a recording engineer. Recorded an Abstract Truth album (Big "B" - Brian Pretoruis producing) and many others (saved all my money and early 1970 left for London). I had an intro to Frank Slaughter (Chief Engineer Abbey Road, who later started "Air" studios with George Martin), but because of work permits, I could not take up the job offer. He gave me full reign of Abbey Road for four months, one hell of an education. Watched many of the top producers and groups record.
When I returned to SA and went to EMI Studios (looking for work), Colin and Ramsay, who were starting the rehearsal and recording of 'Astra', asked me to join them on keyboards, and engineer the album. (I had one week to learn the entire repertoire). Working as recording engineer and musician was never going to be easy. What many are unaware of, is that 'Astra' was recorded from a Friday night, to the Monday morning (no sleep for me), on a four track Studer, eight fader Siemans valve mixer, an echo plate, with some help from a Lesley amp and a modified echo box. There was no interference from the other members, so I was free to experiment and create as I felt.
We did a concert at the Joburg City Hall (amazing), for the release of
'Astra', and left on tour to Durbs. It was time (for me) to leave once again, the pattern repeating itself.
In 1973 Colin approached me to rejoin Freedoms. Trevor Rabin (Lead), Ronnie (Robot) Freeman (Bass), Brian Davidson (Vocals), Colin & myself. I developed the project "State of Fear" which appeared very "political" but was rather a mystical reference. I recorded the title "State
of Fear" with Freedoms and later again with Trevor and others as a session release, but the single was banned outright by the SABC and Government. Only Swazi Radio ever aired it. I still have the Master Tape. Trevor said, his solo was the best he has ever recorded. Trevor & Ronnie had to do their Military training, so again "Things fall apart". Even in the '90's the pattern repeats itself.
It has always appeared to me, that "Freedoms Children" drew into herself, the collective genius of eclectic elements (glued together with imagination), but could neither sustain nor control the power that emanated from the union.
Nic Martens, July 2000
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FOUR JACKS AND A JILL
In the late 1960's, Four Jacks and A Jill came to the US and performed in Washington, DC. I met them and got to be friends with them. We stayed in touch for a few years after that, then lost contact. I am trying to re-establish ties with them, as well as attempting to locate their recordings, old and new, on compact disc, if they exist. Do you have any way to contact them for me? Please let me know, one way or the other, if you would. Thank you in advance for anything you can do.
Best always,
Len Jaffe
mailto:ggubser2@cs.com
{Ed: I went to http://www.fourjacksandajill.com and found a band called Four Jacks And A Jill with absolutely NO connection to SA's popsters... s'trange but s'true}
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THE INTRODUCTION OF INDIAN SITAR INTO THE WORLD OF SIXTIES PAISLEY POP
One would often think that the introduction of Indian sitar into the western world of sub-culture was wilfully driven by sitar guru, Ravi Shankar. Certainly the influence of this charismatic figure greatly enhanced the esoteric state of being amongst the hippie culture. Most notably George Harrison of the Beatles, with his regular excursion into India, brought forth the profound 'Norwegian Wood' in 1965 off the album 'Rubber Soul'. It was this popular melody that most likely popularised the sitar to the greater appreciation of mass media. The roots, however, are found in November 1964, when the first recording of 'Heart Full of Soul' by the Yardbirds was engineered by Brian Auger with rather unusual sounds blended in. An authentic Indian sitar player was brought into the studio, including a tabla player along side. Unfortunately the sitar player could not get the 4/4 time signature right, and due to the fact that the Yardbirds were a road group, the original would not be able to be played to live audience. Jeff Beck stood in and used his fuzz machine with a tone blender which created a similar and extremely effective sound.
Further afield in northern London, Ray Davies of the Kinks has just released a single, 'See My Friends', flavoured with esoteric Indian Sitar, which reached the top ten in the UK in 1965. The hippies were hard at work, even across the waters where Brian Wilson of the Beach Boys, strongly influenced by Phil Spector's Wall of Sound, would introduce Indian sitar into his concept album, 'Pet Sounds'. Flying your freak flag was the name of the game and everybody was hopping on, namely James Lowe and his powerful back-up, commonly known as The Electric Prunes, would soar into the charts with 'I had to much to dream last night', capturing the power of feedback guitar and Indian sitar. Alex Chilton of the Boxtops came forth with 'Cry Like a Baby' in 1968 while Joe South resurrected his hippy theme tune, 'Games People Play', using the full flavour of Indian sitar. Even the conservatives played the incense game namely B.J.Thomas - 'Hooked on a feeling', and old folkie Donovan, with the assistance of Shawn Phillips, assisting him on sitar with the original full version, 'Sunshine Superman'.
His majesty, prince Jones, gave the Rolling Stones powerful inroads into the hippie culture with 'Paint it Black' and 'Mother's Little Helper', while sitar obsessive, Dave Mason of Traffic, gave the band it's first two singles, 'Paper Sun' and 'Hole in my Shoe'. Eastern intrigue had caught the day and you may well have found yourself in a dance hall, jiving to the sound of 'Green Tambourine', by the Lemon Pipers, or sitting cross legged on the floor to the sound of Eric Burdon. Folk roots of Indian sitar could be sourced in David Lindley's blue grass band Kaleidoscope as far back as 1965, while slow boat Chris Farlowe of the Thunderbirds tried to jump on the band wagon with 'Moaning'.
By 1967 the official funeral of the hippie was recorded in Haight Ashbury, yet Ravi Shanker would still project his influence at Woodstock and the concert for Bangladesh. Certain elements of Psychedelia embraced the Eastern intrigue with a permanence when a very young South African, Alan Mostert formed his band Quintessence that shook the foundations of Psychedelia in the late sixties in the UK. Of course one must understand that this was old hat to Jazz guitarist John McLaughlin who formed a band called Shakti, influenced by South African guitarist, Johnny Fourie and would go forth with greater power in the Mahavishnu Orchestra. The age of sitar had finally come to an end, and would only find revival in the early nineties when son of actress Haley Mills, Crispian, would launch his Brit Pop band, Kula Shaker, but that's another story.
Shiloh Noone
mailto:shiloh_noone@hotmail.com
Rock Historian
Fine Music Radio,
101.3 FM Wednesday 10pm, Blues and Variations
-------------
SA MUSIC ON USA RADIO
Love letting you all know what SA music is being played here in the old USA...
KWVA:
Qkumba Zoo
Lesley Rae Dowling
Black Camel
Kwela Tebza
Kutu
Black Camel
Sugardrive
Jabu Khanyile
Squeal
Tim has placed Kutu, Kwela Tebza and Jabu Khanyile on the CMJ list, which is a magazine that features the top 10 playlists in the different genres by American radio stations.
KRVM:
All of the above, plus
Linda Kekana
Big Sky
Lucky Dube
And for Rodriguez fans, the man got airplay on Tuesday's 5 - 7pm show!
Regards
Leigh Barrett
mailto:wimusic@hotmail.com
1641 Wilson Street
Eugene, Oregon 97402
USA
______________________________________________
7.REQUESTS
-------------
COLIN SHAMLEY
I am trying to find any information on Colin Shamley, folk singer from the early 70's as I know him. Are there any recordings avaliable? Does he still play? Etc.
Hope you can help me, thanks for your time,
Rohan
(over in the UK now)
mailto:nagapie@hotmail.com
______________________________________________
8.CHARTS
----------
SA TOP 20 CD SALES CHARTS
Based on sales at the Seedys and One World "offline" stores in Pretoria
and http://www.oneworld.co.za online
1. Glen Lewis (Mixed By) - Numero Uno
2. Juluka/Savuka - Best Of
3. Solly Moholo - Motlhang Ke Kolobetswa
4. Sibongile Khumalo - Immortal Secrets
5. Miriam Makeba - Homeland
6. Linda Kekana - Rebirth
7. Various - Om Te Breyten
8. Mzambiya - From Zola To Hollywood
9. Blk Sonshine - Blk Sonshine
10. Don Laka - Pyramid
11. Blk Sonshine - Blk Sonshine
12. Hugh Masekela - Sixty
13. M'du - Twenty 4 Seven
14. Heavy Dee Crew - 45 BPM
15. Selaelo Selota - Painted Faces
16. Fetish - So Many Prophets
17. Choppa - Margarida
18. Springbok Nude Girls - Surpass the Powers
19. Zim Ngqwana - Ingoma
20. Bongo Maffin - IV
-----------
DIGITAL CUPBOARD WEEKLY TOP 10 DOWNLOADS
http://www.digitalcupboard.co.za
Position [last week] Title - Artist (Genre)
1. [1] Foreva - Lickerish (Modern Rock)
2. [-] Captain Cash - Oom (Pop)
3. [2] Margarida - Choppa (Latino Kwaito)
4. [3] Beautiful Thing - E'smile (African R&B)
5. [15] Bonita (Kyllex Mix) - Choppa (Kwaito)
6. [4] Blue Blanket - Fetish (Alternative)
7. [-] Hizo - Spex (African Hip Hop)
8. [-] Hypnotic - Benguela (Instrumental)
9. [13] Motherhush - Fetish (Alternative)
10. [19] Vuka - Kom Kom (Kwaito)
______________________________________________
9.ON THE NET
---------------
PTIOR'S GREEN PAGES
http://www.zetosa.com.pl/piotrus/greenpages/
Detailed discographies with cover scans and lyrics for the Legends of Rock. Pink Floyd, Led Zeppelin, Deep Purple, Budgie, Camel, King Crimson, Jimi Hendrix, Yes, Genesis, ZZ Top, Dream Theatre, Emerson, Lake And Palmer, etc...
Song lyrics are arranged by album or alphabetically by song title.
A masterpiece of a website and highly recommended. Go visit...
http://www.zetosa.com.pl/piotrus/greenpages/
--------
JON LORD
http://www.crosswinds.net/~jonlord
Deep Purple's keyboard wizard now has his own website created by a fan.
--------
OZNET MUSIC CHARTS
http://www.q-net.net.au/~methinks/oz_net_music_chart.html
Charts, charts and more charts. Archive of Australian, UK & US #1 Hit Singles from 1956 to 2000. Also features an All-time Top 1000 and
"The Hit List" of every chart topping artist from 1956 to 1999.
______________________________________________
10.WHATS ON
--------------
SAFM PRESENTS THE WHITE HORSE WHISKY TOUR featuring
THE FRANK OPPERMAN BAND
Wed 19th
Worcester Worcester East Primary School 8:00pm
Fri 21st
Kimberly Hoffepark Recreation Club 8:00pm
Sat 22nd
Bloemfontein Mystic Boer 9:30pm
BASSLINE MANAGEMENT
Mailto: bassline@icon.co.za
--------------
ROLL OVER BEETHOVEN 2000
Where Rock 'n Roll and Classical music collide...
you'll be screaming for more!!
Directed by Duck Chowles
WEDNESDAY 9 AUGUST 2000
Baxter Concert Hall
8:15pm
R50,00 per ticket
Support the Pinelands Folk Choir
Tickets from Jackie:
082 458 1597
531 5134
National Women's Day!
Bring your significant other!
--------------
OPPIKOPPI
http://www.oppikoppi.co.za
3-6 August - Northam
11-13 August - Worcester
To see what Trek 2000 is all about visit www.oppikoppi.co.za
With the Belgians ready to come visit, all the bands confirmed and the
festival only 3 weeks away, there's little left but to await a damn good
time. The complete program rolls out like this :
NORTHAM
Aavaaz
Absolute Zero
Adamu
Ashton Nyte
Bizarre Bazaar
Beeskraal
BVK
Boo!
Boomslang
Battery 9
Blk. Sonshine
Blunted Stuntman & Skekrou
Bradley Bionic & The Chop Suey Crew
Bob & Al
Busi Mhlongo
Carlo Mombelli & The Prisoners of Strange(Featuring Johnny Fourie)
Collosal Head
Citrus
Cut La Roc (U.K)
Christo Strauss
Delta Blue
Dondo
Da Knott & Myles
Duusman
Fidget
Firing Squad
Fuzi Gish
Frank Opperman
Fruit Fly Navigators
Gloria Bosman
Groinchurn
Interzone
James Phillips 5 Year Tribute
Jaques du Preez
Jimmy 12"
Jonathan Crossley
Kampi Moto
Kwassa Nkemba
Liela
Lilo
M
Mesadoth
Message
Michelle Constant
Moses Molelekwa
Music Ye Africa
Moodphase5ive
Nine
Niki Blumenfeld
Never Machine Forever
Not My Dog
OHM
Piet Botha
Ready D
Saron Gas
Selaelo Selota
S'bu
Soulwax (Pukkelpop,Belgium)
Springbok Nude Girls
Sshhh......
Sugardrive & Plum (The Yang Circle)
Sunways
Slugs Of War
Skeem
Starseed
Superjuice
Squeal
Stoff
Syd Kitchen
T!
Tidal Waves
Tim Parr
THC
The Kerels
van der Want & Letcher
Voël
Valiant Swart
Vlakplaas
Waddy Jones (Project 2501)
Wadee
Willem Fourie & The Lightning Brothers
Zita Swoon (Pukkelpop,Belgium)
FRIEDJAM.COM BATTLE OF THE BANDS WINNERS
Black Camel (Bloemfontein)
Caffiene Substitute (Durban)
Kombat Fudge (Port Elizabeth)
Leek & The Bouncing Uptones (Pretoria)
No ID ( Cape Town)
Subtle Change (Stellenbosch)
The Jon Savage Band (Grahamstown)
Tweak (Johannesburg)
WORCESTER
Aavaaz
Adamu
Black Milk
Boo!
Blues Broers
B.D.I
Blk. Sonshine
Blunted Stuntman
Brasse Vannie Kaap
Carlo Mombelli & The Prisoners of Strange(Featuring Johnny Fourie)
Copious
Cut La Roc (U.K)
Cape Comedy Collective
Delta Blue
Duusman
Errol Dyers
Firing Squad
Frank Opperman
Frosted Orange
Groinchurn
Gurkha
Heel art Collective
Interzone
James Phillips 5 Year Tribute
Jaques du Preez
Jack Hammer
Jo Rowlands Band
K*A*A*S
Krushed & Sorted
Liela
Madame Freak
Mung
Not My Dog
Phambili
Paul Hanmer
Piet Botha
Quake + Spekta
Rosswell Kings
Robin Auld
Ready D
Springbok Nude Girls
Spinnekop
Suda
THC
The Cusp
Tidal Waves
Tim Parr
Valiant Swart
Vusi Mahlasela
van der Want & Letcher
Wonderboom
OPPIKOPPI - FARM NOOITGEDACHT - NORTHAM
P.O BOX 56
NORTHAM
0360
PHONE: 014 - 7860597
FAX: 014 - 7860034
WEBSITE: http://www.oppikoppi.co.za
E-MAIL: oppikoppi@icon.co.za or oppikoppi@sigidi.co.za
--------------
ASHTON NYTE
http://www.ashtonnyte.com
Sat 22 July - The Shaft (Lynnwood Rd, Pretoria)
Tues 25 July - Roxy Rythm Bar (Melville, Jhb)
Fri 28 July - A2K (Stellenbosch)
Sat 29 July - The Purple Turtle (Cape Town)
Fri 4 August - Oppikoppi Festival (Northam)
--------------
SUNWAYS
July Gigs
Fri 21 Abelarde Sanction with Zen Arcade
Fri 28 Abelarde Sanction with Zen Arcade & special guest:
Matthew v d Want
ABELARDE SANCTION GIGS - FREE TEQUILA SHOOTERS FROM CUERVO GOLD
August Gigs
Fri 3 Oppikoppi
Start of COLOUR ME IN Tour
September
Woodstock 2000
Festival of Living Treasures
Sunways will be touring the country between the end of August and the
beginning of October, including dates in Bloemfontein, Pretoria, Kimberley, Johannesburg, Durban, Shongweni, Heidelberg, Hillcrest, Margate and Springs. The tour will coincide with the official release of their first full length album THE MOON IS A SPOON since their critically acclaimed debut release NO MORE HEAVY.
Sunways can be contacted at mailto:sunways@mweb.co.za
---------------
LITTLE SISTER
http://www.rock.co.za/littlesister
29 July, Lesley's Bar
5 August Atlas, 28 Star Road, Atlasville, Atlaspark
12 August, Fountains, Cnr Russel & Harper, Benoni
19 August, Northcliff Centre, Cnr Df Malan & Milner Ave, Northcliff
26 August, Key Largo, Cnr North Rand & Trichardt St, Boksburg
2 September, Satellite Friendly, Cnr Eleventh & Charl Cilliers Street, Boksburg
23 September, Glenn Marais, Cnr Veld & Dann St, Glen Marais, Kempton Park
24 September, East Rand Traders Center
25 September, Summerfield, Cnr Braun & Jim Fouche Streets, Verwoerdpark, Alberton
27 September, Kimberley Show
30 September, Richards Bay
7 October, Cotlands Gala Night and draw for Harley Davidson motorbike
14 October, Upington "Raisin Festival" time 20:00
----------------
NOT MY DOG
thu 20 July - Not My Dog & Roswell Kings @ Hidden Cellar - Stellenbosch
fri 21 July - Not My Dog & Brasse Vannie Kaap @ The Jam - Cape Town
sat 22 July - Not My Dog & Roswell Kings @ The Big Tree - The Strand
other:
sat 5 Aug 23:30 - Oppikoppi Trek 2000 Northam
sat 12 Aug 22:15 - Oppikoppi Trek 2000 Worcester
thu 7 Sep - Evolution, Pretoria
sat 9 Sep 23:00 - Opgerok Technikon, Pretoria
fri 22 Sep - The Nile Crocodile, Glenwood Rd, Pretoria
sat 30 Sep - Boogie Nights, Lynnwood Road, Pretoria
Thu 5 Oct - Tuks Joolplaas, Pretoria
--------------
WOODSTOCK SA
22nd to 25th of September
Heidelberg Kloof - Gauteng
Contact mailto:woodstock@authentic.co.za
____________________________________________
11.LINKS AND ADVERTS
-----------------------
ARTISTS:
SA ROCK LEGENDS
http://rock.co.za/legends
SA MUSICIANS ON THE NET FROM A TO Z
http://members.tripod.lycos.nl/Rembrandt/SAArtists.html
ROBIN AULD
http://www.robinauld.co.za
BERNARD BINNS
http://www.bernardbinns.co.za
PIET BOTHA & JACK HAMMER
http://rock.co.za/legends/pietbotha
KOOS KOMBUIS
http://www.kooskombuis.co.za
LITTLE SISTER
http://www.rock.co.za/littlesister
OFF THE EDGE
http://rock.co.za/offtheedge
ASHTON NYTE
http://www.ashtonnyte.com
PLASTIC OCEAN
http://www.plasticocean.co.za
SPRINGBOK NUDE GIRLS
http://www.nudegirls.co.za
VALIANT SWART
http://www.valiant.co.za
TITUS
http://www.crosswinds.net/~glassmoon/titus/titus.htm
ARCHIVES:
THE LEGENDS OF SOUTH AFRICAN ROCK
Where SA rock legends still live
http://rock.co.za/legends
SOUTH AFRICA'S ROCK FILES
The online archive for the History of South African Rock
http://rock.co.za/sarock
OZNET MUSIC CHARTS
Archive of Australian, UK & US #1 Hit Singles from 1956 to 2000.
http://www.q-net.net.au/~methinks/oz_net_music_chart.html
MESSAGE BOARD:
TOO GOOD TO BE FORGOTTEN
Post your message on the SA Rock message board
http://www.insidetheweb.com/mbs.cgi/mb311757
NEWS:
AMUZINE
News, views, reviews and interviews
http://rock.co.za/
ARTSMART
Arts news from Kwazulu-Natal
http://www.artsmart.co.za
POWERZONE
News, classifieds and much more...
http://www.powerzone.co.za/
WALL OF SOUND
Up-to-date news on the International music scene
http://www.wallofsound.com
WHATS ON:
BARLEYCORN
Cape Town's Music Club
http://twisted.co.za/barleycorn/
THE BIG TREE
Gant's Centre, Strand
http://www.icon.co.za/~diner/gigs.htm
HARBOUR MUSIC CLUB
The Troubadour, Kalk Bay
Every Wednesday night 8:30
Entrance R15 - bar available
Information:
Rob Anderson (021) 7891021
mailto:anderson@botzoo.uct.ac.za
Nadia Scaillet (021) 4489834
mailto:noid@netactive.co.za
TAMBOER
Pretoria entertainment guide
http://www.tamboer.co.za
TUMBLEWEEDS
5 Section Street
Paarden Eiland
Cape Town
Contact: Nikki (021) 510 6371
ZA@PLAY
What's on around South Africa
http://www.mg.co.za/mg/art/music/menu-music.htm
SHOPS:
MUSICA
SA's music retail chain
http://www.musica.co.za
ONE WORLD
Selling South African Music to the World
http://www.oneworld.co.za/
OUTLAW RECORDS, CAPE TOWN
http://www.outlawrecords.co.za
Branches at:
Cape Town Central (021) 4238145
Wynberg (021) 7972482
Claremont (021) 6717887
RENEGADE MUSIC
New & Used CD's
Strand concourse Cape Town
Tel (021) 4185436
N1 City Goodwood
Tel (021) 5952436
VIBES MUSIC
N1 CITY, CAPE TOWN
Phone (021) 5953220
mailto:vibes@fast.co.za
RECORD COMPANIES, LABELS & STUDIOS:
BEATROOT MUSIC
http://www.beatrootmusic.co.za/beatrootmusic.htm
BMG
The Usual, Just Jinger, TKZee and others
http://www.click2music.co.za/
CAVEMAN PRODUCTIONS
Kevin Shirley's website
http://www.cavemanproductions.com
FRESH MUSIC
Independent multi-faceted music group
http://www.fresh.co.za
GALLO MUSIC
Supporting South African Music
http://www.gallo.co.za/
INDIE MUSIC EXPLOSION
http://www.indie.co.za
MELT2000
Independent label
http://www.melt2000.com
MIGHTY MUSIC PRODUCTIONS
http://www.mightymusic.co.za/
MOUNTAIN RECORDS
Music from and about Africa
http://www.mountain-africa.com
MUSIC FOR THE MASSES
Off Centre * Tic Tic Bang * Season To Taste * Shrapnel
Local & imported product
mailto:tictic@iafrica.com
mailto:tasty@iafrica.com
RADIUM WRECKORDS
The home of the Radio Rats, The Glee Club, the Chauffeurs
and the Pop Guns
Radium Wreckords
Suite 207
Postnet
Private Bag X10
Flamwood
2572
Klerksdorp
mailto:jhandley@aghs.co.za
RIESTER INTERNATIONAL RECORDS
Independent SA record company
http://www.riester-records.co.za/
SHEER SOUND
http://www.sheer.co.za
STREET LEVEL RECORDS
Cape Town's Independent Record Label
http://www.streetlevel.co.za/
SUNSET STUDIOS
Stellenbosch Recording Studio
http://www.freeyellow.com/members2/sunsetsound/index.html
TEQUILA MUSIC
The Home of African Music
http://www.tequila.co.za
TL MASTERING
http://www.tl-mastering.com
Digital Mastering, Editing and Remastering
mailto:prozak@iafrica.com
phone: 082 701 5096
RESOURCES:
BACKSTAGE
The Musician's Resource
http://www.backstage.co.za/
PEDRO THE MUSIC MAN
Music teacher
http://users.iafrica.com/m/mu/musicman
ROCK ARCHIVE CD-ROM
For more info or to buy/trade this CD-ROM contact:
Werner Regenthal
mailto:wrkohnse@zaz.com.br
ROCK DAY BY DAY
The history of rock as it happened
http://www.rockdaybyday.com
SHOW VILLAGE
sound - lights - dance
http://www.showvillage.co.za
MAGAZINES:
AMUZINE
African Music Magazine
http://rock.co.za
SLY
Online magazine
http://www.sly.co.za/
STAGE
SA Music magazine
http://www.stage.co.za
TOP FORTY
http://topforty.worldonline.co.za
RADIO:
DINOSAUR DAYS
The radio show, the CDs, the website
http://www.dinosaurdays.co.za
CAPITAL RADIO 604
Remembering Capital 604 (1979 to 1996)
http://www.Capital604.com
SAFM
South African Radio Station
http://www.safm.co.za
BOOKS:
THE HISTORY OF CONTEMPORARY MUSIC OF SOUTH AFRICA
Garth Chilvers and Tom Jasiukowicz (TOGA, 1994)
http://www.rock.co.za/files/book_order.html
KOOS se SONGS
Koos Kombuis
http://www.oneworld.co.za
TRIVIA:
CLIMB UP ON MY MUSIC
A site dedicated to Rodriguez, the Sugar Man
http://www.rock.co.za/files/rodriguez.html
POP SHOP TRACK LISTINGS
A tribute to those great Pop Shop albums
http://members.tripod.lycos.nl/Rembrandt/PopShop/PopShopHome.html
SPACE HYMNS
The only known website for Ramases
http://rock.co.za/ramases
VAGABOND'S WORLD
a rock music trivia site
http://rock.co.za/vagabond
PIOTR'S GREEN PAGES
Discographies and lyrics for the legends of rock
http://www.zetosa.com.pl/piotrus/greenpages
FESTIVALS:
SPLASHY FEN
The festival, the CD, the book, the website
http://www.splashyfen.co.za
OPPIKOPPI
http://www.oppikoppi.co.za
RUSTLERS VALLEY
http://www.rustlers.co.za
<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
12.BACK ISSUES
---------------
BACK ISSUES
http://rock.co.za/sarockdigest
On-line and keyword searchable
__________________________________________
13.CONTRIBUTIONS
-----------------
This e-mag is a discussion forum for rock and pop music --
South African and International -- past, present and future.
All contributions are welcome, send them to:
http://rock.co.za/contact
or email Brian Currin at:
mailto:sarock@new.co.za
All contributions in plain text e-mail format with no attachments, please.
The following types of contributions may be ignored
as they take a while to fix:
HTML format e-mails (Outlook users, please note)
e-mails all in lowercase
e-mails all in CAPITALS
e-mails with attachments
Any e-mail with an ".exe" file attached will be automatically trashed so please don't even try.
________________________________________
14.SUBSCRIPTIONS
----------------
Send an e-mail to mailto:vagabond@new.co.za with any words or phrases that vaguely indicate acceptance or... visit http://rock.co.za/sarockdigest and fill in the simple form.
--------
Want to unsubscribe from this e-mag?
Surely not, but if you really must, then just reply to this e-mail,
saying "I'm bored" or "get me out of here" or "I've had enough" or whatever. I'll get the idea, eventually.
"unsubscribe digest" has been known to work too...
<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
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