SA ROCK DIGEST ISSUE #74
The South African Rock Music Digest
is a free, subscription e-mag, edited
by Brian Currin and Stephen Segerman
and delivered direct to your e-mailbox.
Established January 1999.
To unsubscribe: reply to this issue
with "unsubscribe digest" as subject
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CONTENTS
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1.WHAT'S NEW - New Nudies album, Shark attack, Geraas Oppie Plaas, Woodstock SA, Arts Alive, Awesome Africa, Flames re-union
2.CHARTS - Top 10 CDs, Top 20 SA songs, Top 20 Rock Albums, Top 10 SA MP3 downloads, Springbok Radio 30 years ago
3.ON STAGE - Amabala
4.NEW RELEASES - André Hattingh
5.USA for SA - Kurt Shoemaker looks at Bernard's soul
6.CLASSIC ROCK - John Samson remembers éVoid
7.FORUM - Sugarman by Monkeywrench, Shilo remembers Spirit
8.REQUESTS - CDs, Liesl Graham
9.ON THE NET - Liesl Graham, 3rd Ear Music
10.WHAT'S ON - Frosted Orange, Harbour Music Club, Boney M, Rustlers Valley, Liesl Graham, Sonja Herholdt, Little Sister, Not My Dog, Halcyon, Sunways, Fruit Fly Navigators
11.LINKS AND ADS
12.BACK ISSUES
13.CONTRIBUTIONS
14.SUBSCRIPTIONS
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1.WHAT'S NEW
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NUDIES RETURN
There will be a new Springbok Nude Girls album this year. Instore release date is 1 November 2000. The title is still to be announced.
The album will contain 15 tracks all produced by Springbok Nude Girls
and mixed by Kevin Shirley (Black Crowes, Silverchair, Aerosmith, Iron
Maiden, Big Sky, etc) at the Hit Factory, NYC.
Listen to Barney Simon at 23h00 on Tuesday 19 September for the SA debut of the first single.
The Springbok Nude Girls will be touring in December to promote
this new album so keep checking out the website for future plans/ gigs.
http://www.nudegirls.co.za
The Springbok Nude Girls performed in London at the Shepherds Bush Empire this past weekend as part of the Amabala Music Festival featuring top South African acts. (See review under the "On Stage" section)
The Nude Girls will also be performing at the Woodstock Festival in
Heidelberg on Friday 22 September and at the Geraas Oppie Plaas Festival in Hermanus on Saturday 23 September.
After performing at Nelson Mandela's Birthday Concert in 1999 the Springbok Nude Girls' song 'I Love You' will be on a compilation put together by former South African President, Nelson Mandela which will be released internationally with all proceeds going to The Nelson Mandela Children's Fund. Other top South African artists on the CD include Sibongile Khumalo, Hugh Masekela, M'du, Bongo Maffin, Tananas, Jonas Gwangwa, Don Laka etc.
GODDANK VIR KLANK!
Springbok Nude Girls on the net:
http://www.nudegirls.co.za
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SHARKBROTHER - TAJ MAHALA
At last! The CD release we've all been waiting for! SHARKBROTHER'S release of their album TAJ MAHALA offers a South African alternative for those of us interested in really beautiful music.
The album features the talents of Cobus Rossouw (guitar and vocals), Steve Savage (bass, programming and vocals) and Sam Goosen (violin and vocals). It pursues the SHARKBROTHER philosophy that rejects popular modern shock tactics in art and embraces a return to aesthetics. Preview listeners have compared the music to that of Leonard Cohen and Nick Cave, but have also commented on the Individual style of the work and especially the diversity of it's approach.
The album includes two experimental electronic tracks as well as a Remix of THE SEA by Jeff Fletcher. The first of the two experimental tracks, simply called 3RD SET is a 19 minute musical collage of '20's nostalgia samples, a Serbian folk song and strong anti-war themes.
AMERICANS; the second electronic track, takes a hard look at the
Americanized nature of our culture.
TAJ MAHALA as a whole is a showcase for the beauty and style. Those in the know have come to expect from SHARKBROTHER. Fine musical tunes, lyrics giving a fresh look at human relationships, Folk arrangements with Rock and Jazz overtones.
The album was engineered by Steve Savage at the Sharktank.
A launch party will be held on 20 October at the ABELARDE SANCTION in
Brixton (on the corner of Ripley and Fulham roads).
For more information please go to http://surf.to/sharkbrother
For media information and pictures please contact Joanne Jaques on:
mailto:joannejaques@hotmail.com
Cell: 083 604 0956
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GERAAS OPPIE PLAAS
http://www.geraasoppieplaas.co.za
Music Festival
22-25 September
Hermanus
Boo!, Mars Bonfire, Blackie Swart, Spinnekop, Akkedis, Jesse Jordan, Fling the rat, Delta Blue, Encore, Juliet Jade, Vanessa Nolan, Patricia Lewis, Wayne Pauli Blues Band and many others...
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WOODSTOCK POP CULTURE EXPERIENCE
http://www.woodstocksa.co.za
22-25 September 2000
There has never been a festival like this before in the entire country. "Woodstock is the only festival designed by kids for kids," says organiser Nancy Hillary of Authentic Ideas. "We sat with groups of youngsters of all ages, took into account what they would like, added what we would like, asked a few grown ups what would convince them to bring their kids along, and we believe we have created the ultimate festival for all ages."
There are over 60 different food stalls. The organisers have built individual villages in different food styles: i.e. a venison village, a chicken village, a traditional Portuguese village, an Indian food village, a traditional South African food village, and so forth. All the usuals such as hamburgers, stir fry, Hare Krishna food, hotdogs, chip 'n dips, pancakes, potjiekos, etc. will also be available.
There are over 70 top rock, pop, hip hop bands that are all contemporary and cutting edge. Bands on the line-up include Sugardrive, Wonderboom, Valiant Swart, Squeal, Sunways, Springbok Nude Girls, Nine, Brasse Vannie Kaap, Boo!, Prophets Of Da City, Jimmy 12", Blk Sonshine, OHM, Fruit Fly Navigators, Halcyon, Groinchurn, Saron Gas, Ethel My Love, Battery 9, Mike Hunt, Crossing Point, Not My Dog, Plum, plus many more.
There are over 20 of South Africa's top deejays in all electronic forms.
There are electronic games, a 200 kiloton swimming pool, beach volley ball, rock wall climbing, skating, a full street course, a diving pool, foefie slides.
Woodstock also sports the first ever floating lounge. The "Jameson's floating lounge" is a series of inflatable couches that hang on the pool whilst you sip cocktails and watch the main stage.
The Red Bull Vert Ramp is the most accurate vertical ramp in the world and will be there free of charge to skaters.
There are three beer villages, 12 bars and a cocktail village (sporting it's own flare barmen!).
Woodstock also features tagging (graffiti artistes) which is a new concept in SA festivals.
There are over 40 fleamarket stalls.
There are two coffee caravans with every single type of coffee, tea, delicacies and cakes.
"One of the things we learnt from other festivals," explains Nancy, "is that KIDS is not one big generic term. We have divided all of our jungle gyms so that the under fives don't get moshed up by the under tens. We have older music for adults, a marquee playing classic music with a separate bar and spit braai near the kids adventure playground which consists of roto-gladiators, human-bowling, trampolines, jumping castles, etc.
"We close the main stage down at 1am but keep the alternative marquee running all night. The 24-hour Dance Valley is there for dance people and the alternative marquee is there for alternatives if you don't want to go to bed, but if you do, they're far enough away not to bother you."
Woodstock is three festivals in one: an x-treme sports festival with the top guys in each category from around the country, a live music festival with an alternative marquee, a punk stage and a main stage, and a dance music festival with different dance music each night from trance to hip hop to jungle to drum 'n bass to house to progressive trance.
This is the only festival that has bothered with a dedicated punk/hardcore/new breed stage. This is not a 'throw away' stage - it has a huge sound rig and intelligent lighting, so that even the fringe bands are treated and presented professionally. It is also the only festival in the country that features a movie house playing totally free cult and classic videos all weekend.
It's an easy drive with no dirt roads, and less than 5 hours from Durban. There are clean toilets, hot showers, playgrounds, caravan parks with electricity and everything that you need to keep the family happy. The first 5000 cars through the gate get added value packs which include presents from the sponsors.
"Woodstock is a youth festival," says Nancy. "We have made sure that every age will have fun."
TICKET prices: R190 excluding Computicket booking fee. R220 at the gate. Kids under 12 are free.
Gates open Thursday 21 September, and close Monday 25 September.
For more information, connect to http://www.woodstocksa.co.za or e-mail mailto:authentic@authentic.co.za
Submitted by Sharon Gill for Authentic Ideas
mailto:sharongill@netactive.co.za
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THE 9th ANNUAL ARTS ALIVE INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL
The 9th annual Arts Alive International Festival welcomes spring 2000
with a rich and varied programme. Musicians from Brazil, home grown
legends, wild and wacky street theatre performers, poets, artists and
dancers from all over the world will converge on the Johannesburg to
celebrate the arts during one of Africa's leading cultural events.
Arts Alive runs from 1 to 30 September 2000, bookings through Computicket.
Spotlight on: Cheikh Lô
Senegalese world music luminary, Cheikh Lô will perform at the 9th
annual Arts Alive International Festival in Johannesburg from 1 - 30
September 2000. Although his appearance may belie it, Lô's sound is not
reggae, instead the Mbalax rhythms (originally a type of drumming and
dancing for Wolof celebrations) form the bases of his music. The focus
is on his lead vocals, acoustic guitar, sabar drums, bass tama (talking
drum) and flute with keyboards and drum-kit giving texture.
Born in 1995 in the small town of Bobo Dioulasso in Burkina Faso, Lô
grew up speaking Bambara, Wolof and French. During his teens, Lô
listened to all types of music but was especially interested in the
Zairean Rumba, rooted in Cuban rhythms, all the rage in West Africa
during the 1950s. At 21 Lô played percussion with Orchestra Volta Jazz.
He moved to Dakar in 1970 where he began playing drums for the
progressive singer, Ouza. In 1984 he joined the house band at the Hotel
Savana as a drummer and singer. He moved to France in 1985 where he
worked as a session musician in the Parisian recording scene. On hi
return to Senegal he found that with his very long dreadlocks he was not welcome at the Savana so began to look for someone to produce his own music.
Youssou N'Dour first encountered Lô when he worked as a session musician in 1989, playing drums and singing the chorus on an album N'Dour was producing for the traditional Wolof Griot singer N'diaga M'baye. "Whenever he sang the chorus I was overwhelmed by his voice," explains N'Dour, "but I really got to know him from his album Doxandeme. Lô's first album 'Doxandeme' (Immigrants) was released in 1990. He sang about the experience of a Senegalese abroad and despite some reservations he had about the production not being professional enough, with it he won the Nouveau Talent award in Dakar. The following year he began work on music for what would be his second release 'Ne La Thiass'.
Four years later he gave his demo to N'Dour and in 1995 they went to
work on production in N'Dour's Xippi Studio in Dakar. Ne La Thiass was
released locally on N'Dour's Jololi label and was an instant success. It was released internationally on World Circuit Records in 1996 to
coincide with Lô's performance in The Jololi Revue tour. In 1997 he made his debut tour to Europe with his band, N'Diguel where he received rave reviews. "A rare talent destined to become one of world music's biggest stars," The Times. "A compelling performer with the energy and personality to match that of the early Bob Marley," The Guardian.
Since then Lô has performed extensively to critical acclaim and has been the recipient of numerous awards. In 1997 he was awarded Best Newcomer at the Kora All-African Music Awards, in 1998 he toured the US as part of the Africa Fête line-up with Papa Wemba and Salif Keita and in 1999 he received the prestigious Ordre National de Merite de Léon by the president of Senegal.
Catch this remarkable world music talent at Arts Alive when he performs
as part of a double bill with Beth Carvalho on 23 September 2000 at Mega Music Warehouse. Tickets cost R100, book at Computicket or purchase at the door.
Cheikh Lô is presented in conjunction with the French Institute (IFAS).
Discography:
1999 Bambay Gueej
1991 Ne La Thiass
1990 Doxandeme
Bridget van Oerle
Buz Publicity and entertainment Consultants
mailto:buz@artslink.co.za
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AWESOME AFRICA MUSIC FESTIVAL
A LIVING TREASURES AFRICA PROJECT
CULTURE---COMMUNITY---ENVIRONMENT
Shongweni Resources Reserve, KZN
22-25 September 2000
"A multi-dimensional, international celebration of music, art, dance and theatre in a glorious natural environment. It will excite, inform and promote our cultures and natural heritage to the world."
FLAMES RE-UNION
(featuring Blondie Chaplin, Ricky & Steve Fataar)
http://www.the-flames.com
A nostalgic homecoming for Blondie Chaplin and Ricky Fataar for the Mayor's Awards mean that by popular demand a Flames reunion is inevitable. Not a year goes by without their vast legion of fans across South Africa demanding to see the remaining Flames together on one stage again - and the time has arrived! Blondie's recent work with The Beach Boys and The Rolling Stones and Ricky's with Bonnie Raitt, John Hiatt and a host of others have ensured them legendary status in their home town.
Awesome Africa Music Festival
Shongweni Resources Reserve, KZN
22-25 September
Book @ Ticketweb
Tickets - R45 per day
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2.CHARTS
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TOP 10 SOUTH AFRICAN CDs
Based on sales at the Seedys and One World "offline" stores in Pretoria
and http://www.oneworld.co.za online
1. Mandoza - Nkalakatha
2. Revolution - Revolution
3. DJ Nasty - 2
4. Positive K - Plus 8 Various Mixes
5. Not My Dog - Dogumentary
6. Vusi Mahlasela - Miyela Afrika
7. Arthur & All Stars - Kwassa Kwassa
8. Various - Fresh House Flava 4
9. Koos Kombuis - Blou Kombuis (live)
10. Bayete - Thobekile
Supplied by One World
http://www.oneworld.co.za
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THE SA ROCK DIGEST TOP 20 ROCK ALBUMS OF THE WEEK
Recent albums from around the world that keep us rocking
This week [last week] Title - Artist (Label)
1. [5] Something To Believe - Liesl Graham (Gallo)
2. [4] Bushrock 1 (live re-issue) - Wildebeest (Wildebeest)
3. [-] Galactic Vibes (re-issue with bonus tracks) - Freedoms Children (Buy Or Die)
4. [14] Physiognomy of The Soul - Bernard Binns (Hedonist)
5. [1] Tassenberg All Stars (live) - Various (Rhythm)
6. [6] Fallen Through The Cracks - Tim Wells Band (Independent)
7. [2] Anthology - Jack Hammer (Wildebeest)
8. [3] In The Meantime - Watershed (EMI)
9. [7] The Best Of Robin Auld Vol. 1 (TicTicBang)
10. [8] Reconstructing Alice - Sonja Herholdt (Universal)
11. [10] While No One Was Looking - Little Sister (Gallo)
12. [9] Smile - The Jayhawks (Sony)
13. [15] Om te Breyten - Various Artists (Gallo)
14. [12] The Best Of Juluka/ Savuka featuring Johnny Clegg (EMI)
15. [11] No Security (live) - The Rolling Stones (Virgin)
16. [19] Just Another Band - Off The Edge (Independent)
17. [17] Serial Boyfriend - Frank Opperman and PTA (Gallo)
18. [20] Land Of No Cadillacs - Famous Curtain Trick (Universal)
19. [18] Showcase 2: the 5FM Singles Collection - Various (Sony)
20. [13] Best Of The Decade - Big Sky (Epic)
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THE SA ROCK DIGEST TOP 20 SOUTH AFRICAN SONGS OF THE WEEK
A current and random list, based on accessibility, availability on CD,
and general like-ability
This week [last week] Title - Artist (Album/ Label)
1. [1] All Roads - Liesl Graham (off album ‘Something To Believe’/
Gallo)
2. [-] Right Here - Semisane (off album 'A Life Less Strange'/ BMG)
3. [6] Those Days - Just Jinger (off album ‘Here’s To You’/ BMG)
4. [2] Birds Will Sing - Blk Sonshine (off album ‘Blk Sonshine’/ Fresh)
5. [3] Follow The Sun - Cool Funk (off the EP ‘Walking On Sunshine’)
6. [5] Die Mystic Boer - Valiant Swart (Live version off ‘Tassenberg All Stars’/ Rhythm Records)
7. [4] Yesterday Again - Watershed (off album 'In The Meantime'/ BMG)
8. [8] Born In A Taxi - Blk Sonshine (off album 'Blk Sonshine'/ Fresh)
9. [7] Trying To Believe - Semisane (off album 'A Life Less Strange'/
BMG)
10. [-] Cheating - Off The Edge (off album 'Just Another Band'/ Off The
Edge)
11. [15] Vuka Vuka - Manhattan Brothers (off album ‘The Very Best of the Manhattan Brothers’/ Gallo)
12. [11] Fundal - Lungiswa (off album 'Lungiswa'/ MELT2000)
13. [13] Dr Malombo - Tananas (off album 'Seed'/ SonySA)
14. [10] Fiesta - Tim Hoare (off album ‘Cape Mystique’/ Gallo)
15. [-] Hoelykit? - McCoy Mrubata (off album ‘Hoelykit’/ Sheer)
16. [12] Sonny Boy - Sibongile Khumalo (off album ‘Immortal Secrets’/
Sony SA)
17. [RE] My Hope Is In You - Youssou N’Dour (off album ‘Joko’/ Sony)
18. [18] Inner City Blues - Lungiswa (Xhosa version off album
'Lungiswa'/ MELT2000)
19. [19] A Million Lights - Tree (off album '63'/ EMI)
20. [9] Let It Bleed - Justin Bergh (off album ‘Love The Sinner’/ BMG)
Sponsored by Networld
http://www.new.co.za
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TOP 20 SOUTH AFRICAN MP3 DOWNLOADS
This week [last week] Title - Artist (Style)
1. [3] Margarida - Choppa (Latino Kwaito)
2. [1] Hypnotic - Benguela (Instrumental)
3. [8] Wena U Bani...? - O'Da Meesta (Kwaito)
4. [-] Undertow - Pistolfish (Modern Rock)
5. [RE] Nekwa Lyatsima (Live) - Ras Sheehama (Reggae)
6. [6] Nothing Seems To Shake Me - New Clouded Yellow (Modern Rock)
7. [2] Party On - Ashaan (African Hip Hop)
8. [15] Say-Grin - THC (Modern Tribal)
9. [5] Lucki - Boo! (Munki Punk)
10. [7] Stagefright - Boo! (Munki Punk)
11. [10] Beautiful Thing - E'smile (African R&B)
12. [-] Get Me a 303 - MantratraX (Dance)
13. [-] Face - she. (Alternative/Electro)
14. [20] If I - Damn the Icebergs (Cinematic Rock)
15. [-] Toyi Toyi - oom (Reggae)
16. [18] He's In It - Scrape (Punk/Ska)
17. [4] Pretend/Cynical - A>e>B (Alternative/Electro)
18. [RE] Hey Mama - Ndilimani Cultural Troupe (African Reggae)
19. [-] Peace Ina De Land - Moshoeshoe (Reggae)
20. [11] Motherhush - Fetish (Alternative)
Supplied by Digital Cupboard
http://www.digitalcupboard.co.za
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SPRINGBOK RADIO CHARTS
this week 30 years ago
This week (last week) Title - Artist
1 (2) The Wedding - Jody Wayne
2 (5) Lola - The Kinks
3 (1) In The Summertime - Mungo Jerry
4 (3) A Song Of Joy - Miguel Rios
5 (6) Down The Dustpipe - Status Quo
6 (7) Neanderthal Man - Hotlegs
7 (4) Sally - Gerry Monroe
8 (9) Keep On Smiling - James Lloyd
9 (10) Let It Be Me - Percy Sledge
10 (11) Lady D'arbanville - Cat Stevens
Supplied by John Samson
{McCully Workshop played on Jody Wayne's 'The Wedding' in 1970, but they are probably not too proud of that one, though it did hit #1 for 3 weeks on the Springbok charts - ed}
McCully Workshop on the net:
http://rock.co.za/mccully
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3.ON STAGE
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AMABALA, LONDON
After tonight I think it is safe to say that rock music is alive and well in South Africa. London was rocked tonight by 5 of SA's finest. For those of us who have been here for a while it was a good opportunity to check out first hand what's been going on since we left and I'm pleased to say that it is good.
Unfortunately I missed Nagual as I had work commitments so can't comment on them. Barry Hilton was in fine form and it was good to hear the accent again and a few words that I haven't heard for a while (skraal, Leb, jol, zol etc). The Capetownians seemed to get most of the brunt of his humour.
Henry Ate presented some great rock songs, a couple getting quite loud but on the whole a pleasant listen. What impressed me most was the lead vocalist's voice, strong and gutsy, a perfect female rock voice.
Sugardrive was enjoyed along with a boerewors roll topped with Mrs Balls (chutney for foreigners). These guys rocked in a Pearl Jammy/Rage against the Machine-y kinda way. Moving from hardcore grunge to softer rock with ease, but always melodic.
The Springbok Nude Girls nearly blew the lid off the Shepherds Bush Empire. Their arrival on stage was heralded by a barrage of sound and demonic growlings from lead singer Arno Carstens who for reasons known only to him was dressed in a long black dress. Of the 4 groups I saw this was certainly the loudest and hardest rocking of the lot. Harsh music from a harsh country. Crowd surfers came to the fore during this set and the audience were well fired up. New album due in December.
{More info under new release section - ed}
An air of anticipation surrounded the arrival of Just Jinger who strolled nonchalantly onto the stage. They delivered a polished set of acoustic and electronic rock. Some folk in SA had told us that they had got too big for their boots and that their music wasn't as good as it used to be, but if this is not as good as they used to be, then they must have been pretty darn awesome before. They played some new material from their forthcoming album (due for release on 3 October) which varied from hard rock to Latino type rock. "Sugarman" received a huge welcome. These guys have taken that song and (almost) made it their own.
As I travelled home on the tube munching on my Simba Fruit Chutney Chips (crisps to foreigners) supplied by one of the sponsors, I do think I felt a little homesick. Today's South African rock artists probably have the greatest opportunities ever available to groups from the South. Let's hope they can build on this impressive start in one of the world's music capitals.
Amabala on the web
http://www.amabala.co.uk
Cheers
John (Samson)
mailto:Thesamsons@aol.com
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4.NEW AND RECENT RELEASES
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ANDRé HATTINGH - JOURNEY OF LOVE
At the age of 13 Andre Hattingh was touring South Africa on a professional basis with her sister in the singing duo Group Twee. By 17 years old, she had been awarded a bursary to study singing in Austria and at 20, Andre completed a degree at Durban University - majoring in speech and drama together with studies in music.
Apart from her stage and film performances, Andre became a household name hosting SABC TV's very popular Bangalory Time for some years and during this period she honed her song-writing skills, being required to write and perform a new song live on air each week. In addition to this Andre went on to host her own TV comedy series The Andre Hattingh Show, again writing extensive material for the series. Being fluent in Zulu and familiar with township music, she worked on a collection of songs with a distinct African sound, many of which were included in her TV shows.
In 1987, Andre diversified her talents and has since established herself as one of South Africa's leading lights in ethnic fashion design, bringing out special collections such as the one used for the opening of the Lost City. In 1999 Andre was invited to Paris to show her Images Of Africa collection with tremendously successful results.
During the last two years Andre has stepped back into music. Experiencing a life of rich and sometimes painful experiences, her song writing has matured, culminating in a recent collection of songs based on her Journey Of Love. The ten tracks on the album are honest and heart-felt compositions - all self-penned and autobiographical in nature.
Using some of South Africa's finest musicians, Journey Of Love has brilliantly fused Afro-influences with Celtic sounds, as the musicians successfully combine traditional instruments such as fiddle, mandolin and flutes with the more contemporary sounds of guitar, saxophone, bass, keyboards and drums.
This fusion of sound is best brought across on tracks like the stunning single Always Belong To You and the beautiful There's A Love Lost. Essentially a fine adult contemporary album, Journey Of Love is full of surprises like the spicy Half-Hearted Lover and the raunchy You Are My Man.
(Extracts from Gallo press release)
For more information, please contact Caroline Hillary on (011) 788-0519 or mailto:carolineh@gallo.co.za
Management: Rael Birns & Associates (011) 783-7487 or mailto:raelb@netactive.co.za
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5.USA FOR SA
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PHYSIOGNOMY OF THE SOUL - BERNARD BINNS (Independent)
The first day I had 'Physiognomy of the Soul' I listened to it
three times, and have averaged twice a day since then. I enjoy it
immensely and shall have to come up with new superlatives to review this CD.
When I first heard about 'Physiognomy....', I checked out the sound bytes at http://www.bernardbinns.co.za and was teased by those snippets. I figured that the only way I would be disappointed in the CD was if, after 45 seconds, the songs made radical changes and became kazoo marches.
'Physiognomy of the Soul' is at times avant garde, at times modern
rock, hard and electric, while other songs sound like an organic growth from the music of The Helicopters. A few tracks use minimalist lyrics well, 'Toronto (Canada Moon)' for one. The occasional minimalist lyrics are pleasant listening as they are not dead time for a disc jockey to talk over, as during a long slow fade. They are not quite refrains, they create a definite mood. Listen to 'Scorch', also, for this effect. Overall, 'Physiognomy of the Soul' is smart, intelligent stuff.
The opening song, 'Hypocrite', is cool and urban, hip and jazzy. Like
the rest of the tracks, pay attention to the neat, pleasant, or interesting sounds Binns intersperses in the background.
'One Good Love' is meant to be angry, and it is, but the refrain, "Why
do you piss me off so much?" makes it a fun sort of break-up rocker.
Somewhat simpler than the other songs, this would be a fun radio release.
Aptly, the title track is soaring, driving rock. 'Physiognomy' sounds
like a natural growth from The Helicopters music to this Bernard Binns solo CD. Definitely a song to turn up.
'Scorch' gives just that impression. The ironic lyrics are an
indictment against war and killing that urge us to go ahead and destroy it all. The lyrics are in themselves scorching.
'Head Rush' is a nice hard rocking number. Rock, pop, or dance,
Bernard Binns can do it all well.
There are pretty songs, 'Mon Amie (My Friend)' and 'Angelique' are a
couple. And I use the word "pretty" without suggesting that these two songs are attractive but lack depth, like a stereotypical cheerleader. There are no shallow songs or throwaway tracks on this CD.
Both versions of 'Absolution' cook, but I must say the heavier,
remixed, version of the hidden track has more teenaged male appeal. In
fact, I gave it the teenaged male test and played it in the classroom while my various students wrote in their journals. The response was uniformly positive: tapping feet, bobbing heads, and exchanged expressions of approval. The guys like the song.
When I first heard this CD, I thought, "What a roller coaster of an
album." Now I hear it as lively, 'Physiognomy of the Soul' doesn't take a chance on losing the listener. If it ebbs into the calm sea of a gentle song, it then roars back like high tide. The CD's song order is just right -- in fact, now that it is implanted in my mind, it will be interesting, as well as disconcerting, to play in the shuffle mode.
For all the range of kinds of songs, it is a cohesive work. There is
an intellectual air to it that does not take the music away from rock
fundamentals -- meaning, one can dance for the joy of it to 'Soul Girl Soul Boy' as well as subject the songs to scrutinizing listens as I have done. Bernard Binns has managed to make accessible music (as pop music is supposed to be, no special education required), while at the same time he challenges the close listener.
This is creative music, further evidence to me that the SA music scene
continues to be dynamic and alive.
The CD has an air of mystery about it, too, some sense of the
enigmatic. That air keeps me listening. For one example, I'm not sure what 'Tuna Free' is about, but I defy you not to take the mysterious lyrics to heart and sing along. This is truly one of those CDs that gets better with each listen.
Binns seems to not only enjoy working in a studio, but he knows how to
use recording techniques to great effect -- again, check out the flourishes and interesting touches he adds to the tracks. I do wonder if he was one of the cadre of rock musicians who was once an art student?
Bernard Binns reports that some tracks are getting airplay in Oz,
Germany, and Canada -- great news. He also says he has a new CD coming out early in 2001. I for one will order it from my favorite on-line CD store (One World, a fun place to visit) as soon as it is released.
Kurt Shoemaker, Blanco, Texas
mailto:kbshoe@hotmail.com
Bernard Binns on the net:
http://www.bernardbinns.co.za
The Helicopters on the net:
http://www.rock.co.za/files/helicopters.html
This and any other SA CD is available from One World
http://www.oneworld.co.za
____________________________________
6.CLASSIC ROCK
----------------
éVOID - éVOID (1983, WEA, WIC 8012)
In preparation of the re-release of the éVoid on CD I thought I would revisit this classic. This album spent 34 weeks in the SA album charts, one of these at the top spot and it's not too surprising. With the smash hit singles "Taximan" and "Shadows" on it, the album was destined to do well. I caught éVoid live at the Springbok Bar in London in 1993 and even 10 years after it's release these 2 songs drove the small crowd of ex-pats wild.
"Shadows" is a song full of feelings and texture. It seems to glide out the speakers at you and transports you through the air above "the Bhundu Bush of Africa". A timeless SA classic.
"Taximan" is more up tempo and lighthearted and like "Inda-Inda-Indaba" and the instrumental "Junk Jive" bounces along blending african rhythms with the synthpop sound of the day to great effect.
The album opens with "I am a Fadget" a quirkly afropop song which was
released as a single but failed to chart. It is not as strong as "Shadows" or "Taximan" but still a great song in it's own right.
The final track is the melancholic "Urban Warrior" and talks of the plight of the Zulu Warrior who is now having to cope with a modern world that is not kind to him. Lyrically this song is akin to Juluka's "African Sky Blue".
The one thing that this album lacks (and which their second album "Here comes the Rot" has) is great production, but that shouldn't put you off. The tunes are great enough to hold their own and the rawness of the sound adds a rootsy dimension to the biggest SA album of the 80's.
Learn from your mistake if you didn't buy the album first time round. Life's too short for regrets of this sort.
John Samson
mailto:Thesamsons@aol.com
{I guess this is album not be evoided, eh?
So when is it coming, Benjy? - ed}
éVoid on the net:
http://www.rock.co.za/files/evoid.html
______________________________________________
7.FORUM
---------
SUGARMAN - MONKEYWRENCH
Here's some news. I bought an interesting CD in Austin. The music is modern psych-rock, more rock than psych, and for the most part the album is journeyman stuff, neither poor nor great -- just tolerably good original rock. It's by the American group, The Monkeywrench, who have recorded a version of "Sugar Man" {The Rodriguez and now Just Jinger classic song - ed}.
Here are my preliminary thoughts on their version of the song: flat vocals and guitar on the intro, though it picks up when the chorus begins -- purposefully flat. The singer is trying to sound jaded and perhaps worn out by a drug experience, but comes across as flat, lacking the emotional feeling Rodriguez, or Just Jinger for that matter, conveys.
The trippy middle, the interlude of sounds, is okay, they understood this part of the song, though it is very brief. All in all, an interesting and okay version by The Monkeywrench, but not as good as the two versions I've heard: Sixto himself and Just Jinger.
What I wonder is how The Monkeywrench found this song, where they heard it. Why they decided to record it is not a mystery, Sixto wrote a great song, no denying.
Like I said, it's okay psych-rock, I feel I got my money's worth, and I haven't heard the entire CD yet. They do a good job with a Flamin' Groovies cover also. Most of the songs are original. It's worth a listen.
Kurt Shoemaker, Texas, August 2000
mailto:kbshoe@hotmail.com
Rodriguez on the net:
http://www.rock.co.za/files/rodriguez.html
-------------
SPIRIT
The birth of Spirit came to be in 1967 in Griffith Park, Los Angeles during a cultural love-in. Initially Ed Cassidy, Randy California, Jay Ferguson and Mark Andes use to jam together in a band called the Red Roosters the year before. Ed Cassidy, a experienced jazz drummer who was the power behind the rising suns that included Ray Cooder and Taj Mahal met Randy's mother, Bernice Pearl, and eventually married her. Cassidy at that stage was drumming for a band called The New Jazz Trio which featured amongst others pianist John Locke and guitarist Robbie Krieger (Doors fame). Thus was born the family of Spirit.
Randy California named by Jimi Hendrix while sessioning in his band called Jimmy James and the Blue Flames, received a life long gift - a stratocaster which Randy performed with during his Hendrix renditions. The combined influence of classically trained John Locke with jazz drummer Ed Cassidy and the blues fever of Andy and Randy gave Spirit a complex niche in the hippie society of Los Angeles. Of note a readers poll in the N.M.E. in the late sixties, rated Cassidy as number two drummer internationally, ahead of Ginger Baker. Late 1968 Spirit did a tour of Europe and was approached by a very young Jimmy Page to borrow the intro of a track called Taurus written by Randy California. (Later to be released as Stairway to Heaven.)
They released the debut album in 1968 called Spirit and although various singles such as Mechanical World and I Got A Line On You brought minimal interest to the band, their live performances were outstanding flavoured with blues and acid tinged Psycedelia.
In 1969 Spirit were responsible for writing a number of theme tracks for various cult movies such as Jacques Demy's The Umbrellas of Cherbourg / The Model Shop. The pinnacle of Spirit's career was their fourth album released in 1970 called Twelve Dreams of Doctor Sardonicus. The album was preceded by a single called Nature's Way which has gone on to become Spirit's most popular tune. By the 1980's John Locke and Martin Andes had joined the band called Heart and although various reunion concerts brought world wide acclaim, the genius and dimension of this group has only come to the forefront in the late eighties and nineties.
According to the Rolling Stone record guide they were ranked as the strangest and most innovative rock band to surface in LA. Two years ago Randy California drowned off the Island of Hawaii while pulling his son from a rip tide. Ed Cassidy aged 78 is still drumming in various blues and jazz bands around California. A couple of years back John Locke was interviewed by SAFM while supporting an African jazz band in Johannesburg. May the circle remain unbroken.
Recommended albums:
Twelve Dreams of Doctor Sardonicus
Time Circle (1968-72)
The Mercury Years
Spirit live at La Paloma (Highly recommended)
Shiloh Noone
Fine Music Radio
Blues and Variations
___________________________________________________
8.REQUESTS
-------------
LOOKING FOR CDs
Any chance of getting ROGER LUCEY or CIRCUS on CD?
Regards,
Phillip Venter
Circus on the net:
http://www/rock.co.za/files/circus_arena.html
---------------
LIESL GRAHAM
I caught Sugar's comments on SAFM during the Bruce Millar show {every Wednesday morning around 10.30am - ed} regarding Liesl Graham. Sounds like a lady to watch, do you perhaps know where the CD can be found?
I really enjoyed 'All Roads' and think that this song will make supporting local music even more fun. I have just read an article saying that about 30% of South Africans buy local music. Although not as high as some countries (USA, etc), I was still surprised at how high it is. If we, the local music consumers don't support it, who will?
I know the single 'All Roads' is currently getting very good radio coverage on stations like 5FM and KFM and wanted to ask you a quick question. Are there other songs as good or better than 'All Roads' on the CD? If there are then this could be a real bonus album to buy.
Cheers
Dave
{The whole album is really worth listening to in a Alanis, Corrs, Fleetwood Mac kind-of-way, highly recommended - ed}
Liesl Graham on the net
http://www.lieslgraham.com
______________________________________________
9.ON THE NET
---------------
LIESL GRAHAM
http://www.lieslgraham.com
Official website for this singer/ songwriter who has stormed up the SA Rock Digest album and song charts.
Biography, album info and MP3 snippets are on the site. Go visit.
-------------
3rd EAR MUSIC
http://www.3rdEarMusic.com
The site is up http://www.3rdEarMusic.com. If you can't get in through the front door, then try the side & back-stoep entrances. http://www.3rdearmusic.com/index.html
______________________________________________
10.WHATS ON
--------------
FROSTED ORANGE
Cape Town Wed 13 Sep @ 206 9.30PM
mailto:frost@dockside.co.za
http://www.bluesbroers.org.za/frank.html
--------------
HARBOUR MUSIC CLUB
Troubadour, Kalk Bay
mailto:harbourmusic@kalkbay.co.za
Wednesday 13 Sept:
Mark Harris
Suzanne Joubert
Madame Freak, featuring Kate Hornby
-------------
BONEY M featuring Bobby Farrell
Carnival City Casino in the Big Top Arena
29th & 30th September 2000
mailto:showgroup@authentic.co.za
--------------
FESTIVAL OF SACRED MUSIC 15th-17th September
INTERNATIONAL ECLECTIC MUSIC AT RUSTLERS VALLEY SPRING FESTIVAL
This year from 15-17 September a diverse mix of international musicians will treat South African audiences to a celebration of sacred music.
Leading up to the festival there will be a week of workshops where all can come and learn to play sacred instruments facilitated by various international masters who will be performing at the festival.
For further information on the festival call 051-933-3939, email mailto:wemad@rustlers.co.za, and definitely check out the website: http://www.rustlers.co.za
-------------
LIESL GRAHAM
http://www.lieslgraham.com
30 September 2000 13h00 - Rhythmic Beats - Durban
(Unplugged show instore)
Liesl, Andy & Doug
11 October 2000 21h00 - Rivets - Durban
(Live Performance)
Liesl with full band
---------------
SONJA HERHOLDT - RECONSTRUCTING ALICE
http://www.sonjaherholdt.co.za
16 September
Kroonstad Teater
(011) 787 1984
--------------
LITTLE SISTER
http://www.rock.co.za/littlesister
20 September
Café Barcelona, Pretoria 9 pm. tel 012 345-3602
23 September
Top CD Kolonnade Music festival, Kolonnade Pretoria
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
18 and 19 October
Up the Creek, Hatfield, Pretoria tel. no 012 362 3712
----------------
NOT MY DOG
22 Sep - The Nile Crocodile, Glenwood Rd, Pretoria
30 Sep - Boogie Nights, Lynnwood Road, Pretoria
5 Oct - Tuks Joolplaas, Pretoria
--------------
FRUIT FLY NAVIGATORS
16 September - Rockafella's (Port Shepstone)
24 September - Woodstock (Heidelberg)
30 September - Zappa's (Pietermaritzburg) with Sideshow
01 October - The Jam (Margate)
02 October - Durban Folk Club (Unplugged)
14 October - The Bat Cafe' (Durban) with Jane Doe
Management: Dave Campbell
Cell: 082-8998729
Management: mailto:daveca@fedsure.co.za
Fan Mail: mailto:fruitflynavigators@mweb.co.za
---------------
HALCYON
13 Sept - Rivets Hotel (Durban)
23 Sept - Woodstock Festival
30 Sept - Burn with Sunways
5 Nov - The Jam (Margate)
Contact Details:
Clayton Mongomery
083 447 0663
mailto:clmonty@mweb.co.za
----------------
SUNWAYS
COLOUR ME IN TOUR 2000
thurs 14 SEPT UP THE CREEK (Pretoria) with choral group
Boyfriendz from Mamelodi
fri 22 SEPT WOODSTOCK (Heidelberg)
sat 23 SEPT FESTIVAL OF LIVING TREASURES (Shongweni) with choral group Boyfriendz from Mamelodi
sun 24 SEPT FOLK CLUB (Margate)
mon 25 SEPT TUSK INN (Durban)
wed 27 SEPT RIVETS (Durban)
sat 30 SEPT BURN (Durban)
____________________________________________
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
VETSEUN
http://www.afrikaner.co.za/tronk10/defmuz.htm
Piet Botha, Koos Kombuis, Valiant Swart, Battery 9, etc
ROBIN AULD
http://www.robinauld.co.za
BERNARD BINNS
http://www.bernardbinns.co.za
PIET BOTHA & JACK HAMMER
http://rock.co.za/legends/pietbotha
JOHNNY CLEGG
http://www.johnnyclegg.com
FOUR JACKS AND A JILL
http://rock.co.za/fourjacksandajill
LIESL GRAHAM
http://www.lieslgraham.com
KOOS KOMBUIS
http://www.kooskombuis.co.za
JULIAN LAXTON
http://www.at.artslink.co.za/~julian_laxton
LITTLE SISTER
http://www.rock.co.za/littlesister
KEVIN MASON
http://www.geocities.com/mad_mason
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/index.html
GEORG VOROS
http://www.georgvoros.com
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
Rob Anderson (021) 7891021
mailto:anderson@botzoo.uct.ac.za
Nadia Scaillet (021) 4489834
mailto:noid@netactive.co.za
HIGH STREET THEATRE
Durbanville, Cape Town
http://www.highstreet.co.za/theatre.html
TAMBOER
Pretoria entertainment guide
http://www.tamboer.co.za
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
Second-hand vinyl and CDs
http://www.outlawrecords.co.za
RENEGADE MUSIC
Strand concourse Cape Town
(021) 4185436
N1 City Goodwood
(021) 5952436
VIBES MUSIC
N1 City, Cape Town
(021) 5953220
mailto:vibes@fast.co.za
RECORD COMPANIES, LABELS & STUDIOS:
BEATROOT MUSIC
http://www.beatrootmusic.co.za/beatrootmusic.htm
BMG
http://www.click2music.co.za/
CAVEMAN PRODUCTIONS
Kevin Shirley's virtual cave
http://www.cavemanproductions.com
FRESH MUSIC
http://www.fresh.co.za
GALLO MUSIC
http://www.gallo.co.za/
INDIE MUSIC EXPLOSION
http://www.indie.co.za
MELT2000
http://www.melt2000.com
MIGHTY MUSIC PRODUCTIONS
http://www.mightymusic.co.za/
MOUNTAIN RECORDS
http://www.mountain-africa.com
MUSIC FOR THE MASSES
Off Centre * Tic Tic Bang * Season To Taste * Shrapnel
mailto:tictic@iafrica.com
mailto:tasty@iafrica.com
RADIUM WRECKORDS
Jonathan Handley
Suite 89 Postnet
Private Bag X335
Cape Town
8000
mailto:capetowncentral@postnet.co.za
(attention: Jonathan Handley)
Phone: (021) 426 0179/80
Fax: (021) 426 0078
RIESTER INTERNATIONAL RECORDS
http://www.riester-records.co.za/
SHEER SOUND
http://www.sheer.co.za
STREET LEVEL RECORDS
http://www.streetlevel.co.za/
SUNSET STUDIOS
Stellenbosch
http://www.freeyellow.com/members2/sunsetsound/index.html
TEQUILA MUSIC
http://www.tequila.co.za
TL MASTERING
Digital Mastering, Editing and Remastering
http://www.tl-mastering.com
mailto:prozak@iafrica.com
082 701 5096
RESOURCES:
BACKSTAGE
http://www.backstage.co.za/
INDIEZONE
http://www.indiezone.co.za
PEDRO THE MUSIC MAN
Music teacher
http://users.iafrica.com/m/mu/musicman
SHOW VILLAGE
sound - lights - dance
http://www.showvillage.co.za
MAGAZINES:
AMUZINE
African Music Magazine
http://rock.co.za
SLY
http://www.sly.co.za/
STAGE
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
http://www.Capital604.com
SAFM (104-107KHz)
Sugar, Digest co-editor, chats to Bruce Millar every Wednesday at 10.30am
http://www.safm.co.za
BOOKS:
THE HISTORY OF CONTEMPORARY MUSIC OF SOUTH AFRICA
Garth Chilvers and Tom Jasiukowicz (TOGA, 1994)
http://www.rock.co.za/files/book_order.html
KOOS se SONGS
Koos Kombuis
http://www.oneworld.co.za
SEX, DRUGS AND BOEREMUSIEK
Koos Kombuis
http://www.oneworld.co.za
TIGHTLINES
Robin Auld
http://www.robinauld.co.za
TRIVIA:
CLIMB UP ON MY MUSIC
A site dedicated to Rodriguez, the Sugar Man
http://www.rock.co.za/files/rodriguez.html
SPACE HYMNS
Ramases
http://rock.co.za/ramases
VAGABOND'S WORLD
Rock Trivia
http://rock.co.za/vagabond
PIOTR'S GREEN PAGES
Discographies and lyrics for the legends of rock
http://www.zetosa.com.pl/piotrus/greenpages
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
MUSIC ON-LINE:
CDDB
CD Database Online
http://www7.cddb.com/
CDMAX
CD player for accessing the online CD database http://www.mindspring.com/~clark_tisdale/CDmax/
DIGITAL CUPBOARD
African MP3s
http://www.digitalcupboard.co.za
MP3.COM
MP3s of South African artists
http://www.mp3.com/regions/africa/south_africa/
MP3 SOFTWARE
Links to download sites
http://www.rock.co.za/files/mp3software.html
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12.BACK ISSUES
---------------
BACK ISSUES
http://rock.co.za/sarockdigest
Online 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:sarock@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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