SA ROCK DIGEST ISSUE #79
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 - Casey B, SA Charts, AIR, Retro Fresh, Sunways
2.CHARTS - Top 10 CDs, Top 20 SA songs, Top 20 Rock Albums, Top 10 SA MP3 downloads, This week 30 years ago
3.ON STAGE - Steely Dan
4.NEW RELEASES - Lots of new releases this week
5.USA for SA - Frank Opperman
6.CLASSIC ROCK - Beginners guide to SA pop and rock
7.SHILOH REMEMBERS - Duane Allman
8.FORUM - Gene Rockwell
9.REQUESTS - Wanda Arletti, Charts
10.ON THE NET - Charts, Clout
11.WHAT'S ON
12.LINKS AND ADS
13.BACK ISSUES
14.CONTRIBUTIONS
15.SUBSCRIPTIONS
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1.WHAT'S NEW
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IS CASEY B THE NEW SA POP MESSIAH?
A quick quiz for all you contemporary pop fans. Which of these two sets
of "lyrics" are suckier?:
1) "Hey Mister DJ, put a record on, I want to dance with my baby". or,
2) "I dont wanna rock, DJ, cause youre making me feel so nice; I dont wanna stop, DJ, cause youre keeping me up all night".
The first, as you know, is from Madonnas latest single Music, off her new album Music, so-named because it has some music in it. In keeping with the minimalist branding nature of the exercise, this single is a mixture of inane lyrics and a simplistic array of beats and squawks (Bing! Its No.1), probably inspired by the moans of baby Rocco as Mom dances around the room with the poor, little infant (well, not so poor).
The second lyric is from Rock DJ, Robbie Williams recent "smash hit" (interesting anagram there). I know one shouldnt ever criticize or scrutinize pop lyrics, but this leering, smug pop star looks like
something that sprang straight out of Beano magazine, he is making no
sense to me at all (Bing! Its No.1). At least Madonna exhibited a
moment of inspired good taste by inviting Englands favourite fake
B-Boy, Ali G, to appear in the Music video as her chauffeur and treat
her as irreverently as he does all the other pompous characters he
"interviews" ("Dad, what are Babylons?").
Even Julie Burchill, the NMEs ex and very esteemed dragonlady, needed
no great inducement to haul out her (Dorothy) Parker pen and savage Ms
Ciccone-Ritchie for cynical crimes against popular music and faithful
pop followers (American Pie? The defence rests). I keep getting this
vision of Robbie Williams and Madonna peering through the curtains at
the packed dance floor with wonder in their eyes and the words "I cant
believe they fell for it" on their lips. Like the genius who opened the
first Sushi bar said, while spying on first customers: "Come look at
this, theyre eating the fish raw!!"
Robbie Williams then joined Kylie Minogue to do it duet-style for the
Kids (Bing! Its No.1), battling off a stern challenge from that other inspired teaming of Mariah Carey and Westlife who covered the simpering Phil Collins ballad, Against All Odds (Bing! Its No.1). This has become like shooting fish in a barrel! Whats next? Santana and The Corrs doing Stairway To Heaven? And I havent really discussed the worst lyric of them all, Morcheebas primary school effort for their hit Rome Wasnt Built In A Day, which with one ill-advised three-minute burst destroyed all the good work achieved by their first two albums.
Fortunately and thankfully, U2 arrived at exactly the right time and
blew all those chancers away with their new single Beautiful Day. A
great, big, wonderful song with jets flying over, the band blasting and
Bono crooning some beauty and genuine emotion back into our ears. (Damn! Its only No 2 - wouldnt you know it!)
So clearly anything is possible in pop these days, add a
so-bad-its-good-and-catchy lyric to a standard effects-enhanced beat
and Bing! Its No.1. Which is why I truly believe and confidently
predict that the debut single from Casey B "The Smile that ate South
Africa ©" Dolan could be on its way to the lofty peaks of the pop
mountain, not just in South Africa, but in the UK and the USA and
probably Europe as well, maybe even Mars. Yeah, I admit that I said the
same thing last week about the new Just Jinger single, which is hooky,
strange and quirky enough to do it. But then I heard both the radio
version and dance mix of Casey Bs new single I Need Your Sex, and I
switched my bet without a qualm.
You may think I was slipped a wad of cash, hit my head, or seriously
fancy my chances with the very cute, confident and determined Casey B
who has become progressively more visible over the past few years. She
has been a "Simunye" continuity announcer on SABC 1, acted in the award
winning TV drama Kelebone, and was one half of SATVs first on-air
lesbian kiss in the series Honey Street as well as the anchor of an
experimental sex show on SABC1. The readers of FHM (SA edition) then
voted her "The Sexiest Woman in South Africa" and placed her second in
the "Sexiest Woman in the World" poll, behind Jennifer Lopez. But my
motives are pure I assure you, Im just trying to figure out how we can
get some of the recent SA pop onto the international charts and
hopefully open the floodgates. And Casey B and I Need Your Sex could
be the answer.
It works like that with football, Lucas Radebe made his mark at Leeds
and soon Quentin Fortune and others were following him. It inevitably
arouses much interest among those who are constantly seeking fresh new
markets to tap for talent. In sport, there is no substitute for skill.
But with pop songs, well, anything goes, even Substitute or I Need
Your Sex.
So Im getting right behind this new Casey B single because it
definitely has all the ingredients and attitude necessary to make it at
the highest level. It is released on David Gresham Records and was
produced and co-written (with Casey B) by Allan Goldswain and Ziggy, who did their homework very conscientiously. Within its first 30 seconds, I Need Your Sex has borrowed from Britney Spears, Cher, George Michael and Kylie before stomping all over them, and all their comparatively uninspired efforts. It has the required killer beat and, never mind those contributions above from Robbie and Madonna, the first truly great and unforgettable pop lyric of 2000:
"I need your sex, I need your passion,
I need it now like its going out of fashion.
I need your sex, cause my world is crashing,
Come to me please, cause boy you got me on my knees."
That is pure (pop) art! Youre not convinced yet? You will be when this
song begins its inevitable journey to radio, chart and club domination.
And that day will come soon, when you will find yourself admitting to
yourself in pure and private disbelief, "I really like this
song". Aaaargh. Dont worry, you wont be alone. Its going to be as
annoyingly huge as Mambo No 5, Barbie Girl and Living La Vida
Loca.
There are a ton of top pop acts in South Africa these days. Think about
Just Jinger, Springbok Nude Girls, Bongo Maffin, Semisane, Brothers Of
Peace, Mafikizolo, Watershed, Grannysmith, Qzoo, Dreamshop, Cool Funk,
Brasse Vannie Kaap, Rene Hunter, Kurt Michael, Jesse Jordan, Sssh,
Fetish, Boo!, TKZee, Blk Sonshine, MDu, Mjojo, November 5, Sugardrive,
Justin Bergh, Brenda Fassie, Dantai, Mandoza, Liesl Graham, Coleske and
many more. But they need a pop messiah, someone with the will and
confidence to lead them to the world airwaves and stages, someone to
create the undertow with a hugely successful hit. It may be Casey B, or
it may not. But she needs our sex and we need her leadership. Its a
fair swop. (SS)
Casey B on the net:
http://www.caseyb.co.za
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SOUTH AFRICAN RADIO CHARTS
http://rock.co.za/charts
The SA Rock Files now has a new section on SA chart history. We have added the SA Charts from 1969-1989 listed by artist, thanks to the incredible work done by John Samson, with help from Chris Kimberley and Kevin Farquharson.
Browse around the charts and let those memories come flooding back. Hey, nostalgia rules, OK?
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AFRICAN INVASION OF ROCK
http://www.air.org.za
The African Invasion of Rock website was recently relaunched at a function in Cape Town. Webmaster Greg Alberts announced that the AIR website will soon be TOTALLY automated!!
New features will include:
1. Chat Room
2. Search Engine
3. Live Music Streaming
4. Banner Advertising
5. SoundClips
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RETRO FRESH
In the new year there will be additional releases from Falling Mirror
('Zen Boulders', 'The Storming of the Loft' and 'Fantasy Kid') as well as the unreleased 'Hammerhead Hotel' album. You can also drool over the
possibility of albums from Freedom's Children (courtesy of 3rd Ear and EMI), Abstract Truth, Flash Harry, National Wake, Neill Solomon, Lesley Rae Dowling, Circus, Peach, EllaMental, Niki Daly and if the powers that be will license to the series, the Asylum Kids, Baxtop, Petit Cheval and the like.
There will also be several compilations of rarities including long lost classics from the Wild Youth, Ramsay Mackay, Corporal Punishment, Visiting Cousins (ok, hands up..... who remembers them?) and more.
We are also hoping to reissue the legendary 'Six of the best' sampler and maybe even some Dog Detachment if we can find the band....
On a personal note, what started out as a mission to release a couple of albums that had influenced me in both my career and life has become a full on labour of love to preserve some of the finest music ever recorded in this country. I have had so much encouragement and support from people worldwide, both online and in letters, that I feel somewhat "missionary" (the ethhic not the position!) in my quest to preserve this music for future fans. In this endeavor I am indebted to others who feel the same way and who do so much to keep the flame alive:
David Marks of 3rd Ear, Brian and Sugar at the Rock Digest, John Sampson, Kurt Shoemaker, Andy Harrod, Leon Economides, Barney Simon, Rian Malan, Owen Coetzer, Alex Jay and of course all the artists themselves....... 'nuff said.
Benjy Mudie
Retro Fresh
October 2000
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RETRO FRESH RELEASES
23 October 2000:
éVoid - éVoid (freshcd 106) with 5 bonus tracks and a 12-page booklet
Via Afrika - Via Afrika (freshcd 107)
November 2000:
Hawk - African Day (freshcd 108)
Otis Waygood Blues Band (The "Black" album) (freshcd 109)
Lesley Rae Dowling - Conspirare (compilation) (freshcd 110)
January 2001:
The Dynamics (freshcd 116)
February 2001:
Falling Mirror - Johnny Calls The Chemist (freshcd 112)
Visit the SA Rock Legends website for more info on most of the artists mentioned above.
http://rock.co.za/legends
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SUNWAYS
Sunways recently returned from a blistering two month tour which included three major South African festivals as well as club gigs around the country.
The band are currently preparing to go back into the studio to mix the
first single from their upcoming album THE MOON IS A SPOON. The single,
COLOUR ME IN, will immediately be released to nightime 5FM as well as
campus stations.
Sunways on the net:
http://www.geocities.com/friendsofsunways
mailto:sunways@mweb.co.za.
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REPORT ON ARTS AND CULTURE EVENTS IN 2001
The Durban Arts Association, through its director Mi Hlatshwayo and magazine editor Caroline Smart, were mandated by a meeting of arts organisation representatives which was initiated by the Metropolitan Mayoral Projects office to produce a comprehensive programme of arts events for 2001.
All arts and culture institutions are requested to submit urgently any
events they may have planned for the year 2001. These should be concise and kept to a minimum of 200 words, giving dates and venues as well as a brief description of the event or project.
Submissions to be sent immediately to Durban Arts at 316 Avondale Road,
Durban marked "Mayoral Project 2001". Faxes can be sent to 312-2073 or
261-6036 or e-mail: mailto:csmart@iafrica.com
Final deadline is October 31, 2000.
Caroline Smart
mailto:csmart@iafrica.com
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EVEN FLOW - ALMOST HUMAN
In his article on Bob Dylan in last weeks Mail and Guardian, Adam
Sweeting quoted D.A Pennebaker, the director of Dylans 1965 documentary Dont Look Back, who said: "In the 60s kids in high school wanted to be in rock n roll bands, but now they want to go into Internet start-ups. They want to get hold of some aspect of power thats suddenly available to everybody, when for a long time only artists seemed to have a grab at it".
A true and sobering thought. 19-year old Shawn Fanning, founder of
Napster, need never write or perform a single piece of music and will
still be regarded as having genuine Rock cred, not to mention mega fame
and fortune. A role model for the new generation. But not for all, and
definitely not for Even Flow, a young new band from the suburbs of
Gauteng. These five young musicians seem determined to try the rock n
roll route, the old fashioned way. Form a band, write some songs, record a demo, send it out, play live as often as possible. Same old tried and trusted method.
Which is how I came to be in possession of Even Flows demo CDR, with
the bands name written in smudged pen on the one side and that ominous
dark blue-green colour on the flip that makes the music jump and squeak
in regular CD players, and only plays properly in those portable
Discmans. The bands name and the album title is drawn on the cover in
black pen and pencil gothic letters and the song titles handwritten
underneath neatly in red. A kind of cheap Blair Witch generation type of style. OK, So far so good...
Seven songs and 33 minutes later, and Im getting very hooked on this!
Hard to explain why, but with rock thats the way it always is and
always should be. Thankfully! The bands overall sound will inevitably
be lumped in under the post-Fetish category, which is accurate only in
that it is slowish rock with dominant female vocals. But thats where
the comparison ends. Even Flow have Melody Kaye on vocals and thats a
name to scribble down because Melody is still 16 but sounds like shes
been doing this for decades. Shades of Siouxie, Skin and Sandie Shaw.
Alongside her, on glittering guitar and backing vocals is Mark
Dumbleton, with Ruby Wolff on rhythm guitar, Wayne Nel on bass and Shawn Reyneke on drums. No one over 18 years old, just a good old-fashioned rock n roll band, just like they used to make them!
Opening track Unanswered initially sounded a little all over the place and ponderous, but the second track, Endless, was the first indication that there was something very special happening here. A slow, simple and emotional ballad that I couldnt tear my ears away from, no matter how many times I heard it. And it wasnt anything too different or unusual, it was just the bands core sound that attracted and intrigued. The rest of the songs - Almost Human, Burn, Little Mercury, Time Ill Give and Sorrow Mind - all have their growing respective charms and demo-quality rough-edgedness. But each constantly revealed some small treasures and one can only imagine how they would sound with a strong production hand and budget.
The band was formed in March 2000 with Melody and Ruby writing the bulk
of the lyrics and Mark and Ruby writing the music. Their auspicious
debut gig was opening for Joburg heavyweights, Saron Gas, at The Nile
Crocodile in Pretoria in April. Theyve subsequently played their way
around various Gauteng venues - Morgans Cat in Randburg, Global Action
Cafe, Hunters, Rhythm & Brew, Tudor and The Big Easy. Their demo CD was
recorded at Arck Studios in August and Burn was soon play-listed on
Barney Simons Modern Rock Show. Burn was the obvious first single
with Melodys vocals riding the bands thunderous Bush-like storm.
Almost Human may just be a demo CD, and it may have a handwritten
cover and an unpolished recording, but these are five young musicians
who still believe that "career opportunity" number one is playing in a
rock n roll band and doing it the hard way, the way its been done
since the 60s and before. Because theyd still rather be rock gods then
rock geeks, and therefore they have a very fair chance of pulling it
off. Even money on Even Flow! (SS)
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2.CHARTS
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TOP 10 SOUTH AFRICAN CDs
This week [last week] Artist - Title
1. Mandoza - Nkalakatha
2. Not My Dog - Dogumentary
3. Brasse Vannie Kaap - Yskoud
4. Various - Tassenberg All Stars
5. Positive K - Plus 8 Various Mixes
6. Oleseng - Oa Lebona Naa?
7. Steve Hofmeyr - Beautiful Noise - The Music Of Neil Diamond
8. Fassie, Brenda - Memeza
9. DJ Nasty - 2
10. Blk Sonshine - Blk Sonshine
Supplied by One World
http://www.oneworld.co.za
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THE SA ROCK DIGEST TOP 20 ROCK ALBUMS OF THE WEEK
This week [last week] Title - Artist (Label)
1. [12] Almost Human - Even Flow (demo)
2. [2] Lately When She Cries - Jesse Jordan (Universal)
3. [3] A Life Less Strange - Semisane (BMG)
4. [1] The Instrumentals - Off The Edge (Independent)
5. [RE] Serial Boyfriend - Frank Opperman and PTA (Gallo)
6. [-] The Best Of Black Sabbath (Castle)
7. [7] In Concert with the LSO - Deep Purple (Spitfire)
8. [4] Tassenberg All Stars (live) - Various (Rhythm)
9. [5] While No One Was Looking - Little Sister (Gallo)
10. [8] Sherry Lee - Sherry Lee (demo)
11. [6] Something To Believe - Liesl Graham (Gallo)
12. [-] Sailing To Philadlephia - Mark Knopfler (Mercury)
13. [18] Die Ander Kant - Johannes Kerkorrel (Gallo)
14. [13] Bushrock 1 (live re-issue) - Wildebeest (Wildebeest)
15. [19] World - Albert Grey (AIR)
16. [9] The Best Of Robin Auld Vol. 1 (TicTicBang)
17. [10] Yvonne and Friends - Yvonne Chaka Chaka (Digital Cupboard)
18. [11] Just Another Band - Off The Edge (Independent)
19. [17] In The Meantime - Watershed (EMI)
20. [16] Anthology - Jack Hammer (Wildebeest)
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THE SA ROCK DIGEST TOP 20 SOUTH AFRICAN SONGS OF THE WEEK
This week [last week] Title - Artist (Album/ Label)
1. [2] Eastern Bridge - Jesse Jordan (off album 'Lately When She Cries'/ Universal)
2. [1] Your Song - Just Jinger (off album Strange World/ BMG)
3. [-] I Need Your Sex - Casey B (CD single/ DGR)
4. [-] Endless - Even Flow (off demo CD Almost Human)
5. [3] Slow Down - Yvonne Chaka Chaka (off album Yvonne And Friends/ Digital Cupboard)
6. [11] Right Here - Semisane (off album 'A Life Less Strange'/ BMG)
7. [-] African Dance - Mjojo (off album Version 1/ Digital Cupboard)
8. [10] All Roads - Liesl Graham (off album Something To Believe/ Gallo)
9. [4] Northern Sky - Jonathan Martin (off album Tassenberg All Stars/ Rhythm Records)
10. [8] Hoelykit? - McCoy Mrubata (off album Hoelykit)
11. [6] My Hope Is In You - Youssou NDour (off album Joko/ SonySA)
12. [13] Satisfy - Dreamshop (off EP 'Satisfy'/ BMG)
13 [-] Woman - Ras Sheehama (off album Traveling/ Digital Cupboard)
14 [7] Kwaito Right - Paul Hanmer (off album Playola/ Sheer Sound)
15. [RE] Those Days - Just Jinger (off album Heres To You/ BMG)
16 [15] Underoverture - Off The Edge (off album 'The Instrumentals'/ Off The Edge)
17. [14] Dreams - Sherry Lee (demo)
18. [5] Dr Malombo - Tananas (off album 'Seed'/ SonySA)
19. [17] 69 Tea - Saron Gas (off compilation Showcase 2/ Sony SA)
20. [19] Inner City Blues - Lungiswa (Xhosa version off album
'Lungiswa'/ MELT2000)
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. [2] Margarida - Choppa (Latino Kwaito)
2. [15] Stagefright - Boo! (Munki Punk)
3. [9] Say-Grin - THC (Modern Tribal)
4. [2] Wena U Bani...? - O'Da Meesta (Kwaito)
5. [4] Hypnotic - Benguela (Instrumental)
6. [10] Beautiful Thing - E'smile (African R&B)
7. [-] Crush - Fruit Fly Navigators (Modern Rock)
8. [-] Far & Away - DJ Stevie (Dance)
9. [3] Get Me a 303 - MantratraX (Dance)
10. [-] War On the Dancefloor - Nexus (Dance)
11. [-] Breakdown - Binary Dredd (Dance)
12. [-] Jaws of Life - Mjojo (African House)
13. [7] Party On - Ashaan (African Hip Hop)
14. [-] The Kid - Nexus (Dance)
15. [-] String Along - Mjojo (African House)
16. [-] Everything is a Cliche - High (Dance)
17. [RE] Joburg Stomp - Mr Bishop (Dance)
18. [RE] Kom Kom - Kom Kom (Kwaito)
19. [-] Asyn - Brixton Moord & Roof Orkes (Afrikaans Alternative)
20. [-] Wit Wolke - Brixton Moord & Roof Orkes (Afrikaans Alternative)
Supplied by Digital Cupboard
http://www.digitalcupboard.co.za
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SPRINGBOK RADIO CHARTS: 30 YEARS AGO
16 October 1970
This week [last week] Title - Artist
1. [3] Burning Bridges - Mike Curb Congregation
2. [2] Mademoiselle Ninette - Mike Holm
3. [1] Brown Eyes - Chris Andrews
4. [6] I (Who Have Nothing) - Tom Jones
5. [10] Looking Out My Back Door - Creedence Clearwater Revival
6. [5] Lola - The Kinks
7. [4] Neanderthal Man - Hotlegs
8. [8] Push Mr. Pride Aside - Percy Sledge
9. [12] Ain't Love A Funny Thing - Sam Evans
10. [13] Poor Little Rich Girl - Dickie Loader
Supplied by John Samson
mailto:Thesamsons@aol.com
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3.ON STAGE
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STEELY DAN AT WEMBLEY, LONDON
It was a sold out event that I'm very happy to say did not disappoint as I was a bit apprehensive as to whether they would be able to reproduce their studio sound. They did!......
All the old tracks were there like 'Peg', 'Josie', 'FM', 'Black Friday', 'Babylon Sisters', etc including selected tracks from their new album 'Two Against Nature'. If you haven't got this album and are remotely interested in Steely Dan then I urge you go out a buy it. To me it sounds like a continuation of 'Gaucho' (1980) with the latest recording technology added.
Onstage was an 11 piece band with Ricky Lawson on drums (naturally I'd be interested), four piece brass section, keyboard player, Donald Fagen on synth and Rhodes, Walter Becker on guitar, another guitar player (sorry guys can't remember his name), Chuck Rainey on bass (wow) and three sexy backing vocalists. Fagen was on top form and sounded great.
It was also interesting to see Walter Becker play guitar - he's a fine player in that he is extremely tasteful and left all the lightning speed 'muso' playing up to the other guitarist onstage.
The light show was excellent featuring some weird and wonderful backdrops. The sound was the only disappointing factor. But then I've never been to an arena gig and been knocked out with the sound - with the possible exception of Sting at the Sheffield arena.
The gig lasted two and a half hours with a break in the middle. It gained intensity throughout and when they did come back for their encore, they played three numbers, 'FM' being the final track.
Ah..... you should have been there.
Georg Voros
http://www.georgvoros.com
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4.NEW, RECENT AND UPCOMING RELEASES
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Some new South African titles to look out for:
AQUARIAN QUARTET
The already legendary recorded performance at Grahamstown of the Aquarius Quartet is now available. It's just what you'd expect from Tony Cox, Steve Newman, Syd Kitchen and Greg Georgiades. Acoustic pickings, musings, tunes and smatterings with guitar box percussion and plenty of good vibes. Also check out the Oud playing by Greg - and his solo album which highlights this instrument is also now available. Ladies and Gentlemen, the stage of Aquarius is upon us. By the way, Ian Osrin's recording is really top class and the ambience shimmers in the recording quality.
COLESKE - APHRODITE (FEELING MUCH MORE)
Ewald and Arnold Coleske are the brothers behind the
internationally-renowned SA singing duo Coleske. They are not the
speediest workers these two as their new single Aphrodite (Feeling Much More), off their upcoming second album. Faith In Love, only took about three years to arrive. The duos first album, Coleske, was
released in 21 countries through Warner Music International and sold in
excess of 350,000 units. The big single off that album, Take Me Where
The Sun Is Shining spent 8 weeks on the European Billboard charts and
went gold in Austria!
So they are definitely back and will be touring in the near future.
Aphrodite (Feeling Much More) is a big, warm, friendly pop song with
sweeping choruses and sweet lyrics. The full album Faith In Love was
produced by the Coleske boeties and Mauritz Lotz, and will be released
in the next few weeks.
JOHANNES KERKORREL - DIE ANDER KANT (The Other Side)
New album from Mnr Kerkorrel featuring all recent original material
including two songs written in collaboration with Breyten Breytenbach.
These two songs, Ah Mens and Slaap Klein Beminde followed an earlier collaboration between the two for the Om Te Breyten collection album. The album is innovative and contemporary and will appeal to all fans of Afrikaans pop/rock who are constantly looking out for cutting edge material from their local heroes. It may be a departure from his previous work and styles, but Johannes Kerkorrel is not one to rest on his laurels and those who follow him are never disappointed. If youre looking for more Al Die Berge Nog So Blou then be cautious with this album.
SYLVIA MDUNYELWA - INGOMA
This is the debut studio album from one of South Africas most esteemed
jazz divas, Sylvia Mdunyelwa. That is unusual as Sylvia has been working on the SA jazz scene for many years with only the odd live recording to show for her troubles. Till now that is. EMI South Africa are very proud and honoured to announce that Sylvias debut album, Ingoma (meaning "Song") is to be released on the Blue Note Label which is a notable landmark for the SA jazz market.
The album was produced by Victor Ntoni and Lawrence Matshiza and
features collaborations with Reuben Malgas, the lead vocalist from the
PE band Sapheta. The musicians on the album are a glittering array of SA jazz talent including Vusi Khumalo and Lulu Gontsana (guitars), Fana
Zulu (electric bass), Herbie Tsoali (acoustic bass), Lawrence Matshiza
(lead guitar), Andile Yeyana (piano and keyboards), Basie Mahlasela
(percussion), Prince Legwase (trumpet), and McCoy Mrubata (saxophone).
The album has 11 tracks and will be released in the next few weeks.
KEVIN DUKE - NO REGRETS
Debut album from this Gauteng singer-songwriter featuring 13 intelligent and very cheerful original ballads. Produced by Barry Swan at The Ugly Duck Recording Studios in Gauteng. Highlights include Don Wanna Marry, Blood Is Thicker Than Water and Veriphobia.
HUGH MASEKELA - GREATEST HITS
Bright and shiny new collection of Hughs best songs on the Sony Jazz
Label. Fourteen tracks including Grazing In The Grass (Billboard #1 in 1968), Mama, Dont Go Lose It Baby and African Secret Society. The ideal Hugh Masekela compilation for your collection (if you dont already have one).
These and any other SA CD is available from One World
http://www.oneworld.co.za
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And on the international new releases scene:
RADIOHEAD - KID A
Possibly the biggest alternative rock act these days, this is the
follow-up to the wondrous OK Computer that finished the last century
in the top ten of most "Best Album of the Century" polls. Kid A is a
short, dense collection of radio-unfriendly but intriguing tracks that
begin to reveal themselves after repeated listens. So we wont be seeing them on Top Of The Pops for a while but the critics and fans understand!
MARK KNOPFLER - SAILING TO PHILADELPHIA
First album in ages from the Dire Straits lead picker and its a solo
effort featuring his usual brand of ballady stuff with guest appearances from Van Morrison, James Taylor and others.
PAUL SIMON - YOU'RE THE ONE
Another rock legend releasing new material in the new century, without
Art of course. He needs a success to forget the failure of the stage
production of The Capeman, and has returned to the spirit of the
Graceland album to do so. Bakithi Khumalo gets to reprise his bass
role alongside a stellar cast of musicians. First single, Old, finds
him discussing his age in a quasi-American Pie style. Lots of his
typically, quirky lyrics wrapped in World music styles. Could be
massive.
THE BEST OF THE DOORS
Yeah, I know what youre thinking, just what we need, another bloody
Doors compilation! True enough, but somehow this 16-track selection
could be their best Best Of to date. All the finest tracks, laid out
in a thoughtful and appropriate manner (The End is at the end), and it has the live version of Roadhouse Blues. I know you may have every
Doors album, compilation, bootleg and box set, but it is still going to
be tricky walking past this one. Go figure. Jim Morrison died for your
sins, dont disappoint him!
THE BEST OF BLACK SABBATH
The excellent sleeve notes in this 2CD release cover the complete history of Black Sabbath right up to their December 1999 reunion concert. However the tracks selected stop with the 1983 album 'Born Again' which featured the voice of Deep Purple vocalist Ian Gillan.
Notwithstanding the need for another imaginary compilation from the mind of Brian Currin (no copyright problems, y'see), this is a superb retrospective of the founding fathers of Heavy Metal. The 70s are well covered and almost all of the classic 'Paranoid' album is here (except for 'Rat Salad' and 'Hand Of Doom'). Only fave track of mine that is missing is 'Sabbra Cadabra' from 'Sabbath Bloody Sabbath'.
So if your old Black Sabbath vinyl albums are old and tattered (and who's aren't?) or if your are looking for an introduction to the band that inspired Metallica, Sepultura and many, many others, then this 2CD compilation is what you need.
______________________________________________
5.USA FOR SA
---------------
SERIAL BOYFRIEND
Frank Opperman and Prime Time Addiction
The lead instrument on this CD is Frank Opperman's voice. It is warm,
engaging, friendly, and folky, as well as distinctive enough to be the lead pipes on a rock album. Frank sings raspy, like the ten days' growth he sports on the cover photo. It's a lived-in voice so it figures that Frank's voice is consistently prominent in mix while the PTA musicians behind him play energetic support.
The band is Frank Opperman (vocals), who co-wrote all of the songs with
Michael Maxwell (acoustic guitar and the other vocals credit; I presume
that's a clean-shaven Michael on the cover with a suitably scruffy Frank) -- except for one song these two wrote with Dorothy Ann Gould. Anton LaMour plays the electric guitar, Concorde Nkabinde does the bass honors, and Barry Van Zyl is the man on drums and percussion.
Michael's guitar adds an acoustic rock feel and warms the music nicely
-- not that it would have been cold with Frank's singing up front. The
electric guitar is a definite rock guitar and comes to the fore occasionally with some nice fills. The bass is steady under all, though not prominent, and suits this album admirably.
Since noticing Barry Van Zyl's work on the second Squeal album, 'Man
and Woman', I've seen his name pop up here and there. The mix is different on this work than on Squeal's 'Man and Woman', though. Barry's drum work is not so widely separated from the other instruments as on a Squeal album -- but then, this is a different style of rock, with vocal stylings by South Africa's triple threat.
When I first played this album I immediately warmed to Frank's homey,
easygoing, almost conversational style of singing that invited me into the home of this album. His voice delivers and suits his hip, world-wise lyrics perfectly. Frank can use the word "groovy" naturally in 'So Sorry' without a trace of self-consciousness. Rhymes flow easily without any sense of being contrived; these are honest, open, and well-written lyrics in loosely structured songs.
The opening song, 'Messing with Love', is a cleverly written and
cleverly sung piece. Like just about all of the album, this song is
exceedingly easy to listen to.
In 'Just Wondering', subtle word play and facile use of language
abounds -- as it does in many of Opperman and Maxwell's songs.
'Bye Bye Baby' is a break-up song with a difference. At times serious,
at times humorous, as in, "The only thing that's moving is you through the door."
'Come Clean' is a baptismal song or at least a song about coming clean,
being honest, seeking a better life. It is uplifting in melody and tone.
The only time the loose style and modern cool lyrics and Frank's voice
don't mesh perfectly with his subject matter is in a few spots on 'Happy Birthday'. He sings "Happy Birthday baby Jesus, happy birthday baby Lord" full of feeling, but the too-trendy lyrics ("The big 2-K", "Thanks for popping in") tend to sound insincere -- though I conclude he is sincere by the end of each listen.
The lyrics of 'Blah' have a mild, passing resemblance to a Stones song,
though these lyrics have more to say. The line about "You make a dead man come undone" plays with the listener's expectations and knowledge of the Stones song.
'So Sorry' is a catchy tune with a hooky chorus. It includes some
words all women want to hear from their men ("I was wrong, you were right"), and words men often say ("Please come back to bed... let's make love instead").
'Why' is a pleasant and soft finish for a nice visit to the musical
home of Frank Opperman and Prime Time Addiction.
'Serial Boyfriend' is a friendly batch of tunes -- music for grown-up
rock fans who have experienced some of the world and who have enjoyed a few relationships on life's path. I'm going to watch out for more work from the songwriting team of Maxwell and Opperman. Real lyrics for real people, sung with heart.
Kurt Shoemaker, Blanco, Texas
mailto:kbshoe@hotmail.com
{Ed: With summer on its way here in SA, this is a wonderful CD to play at your next braai...}
This and any other South African CD is available online from One World http://www.oneworld.co.za
____________________________________
6.CLASSIC ROCK
----------------
A BEGINNERS GUIDE TO SOUTH AFRICAN POP AND ROCK -
The Best Of South African Pop Volume 2
If you are looking for a brief introduction to the history of South African pop and rock music, look no further than Volume 2 of the excellent 3 volume 'Best of SA Pop' set compiled by Derek Smith from Gallo with help (and liner notes) from that guru of SA's pop compilers, Malcolm Lombard.
Most of SA's all-time classic hits between 1964 and 1990 are included here. From the A-Cad's superb reworking of Johnny Kidd and The Pirate's 'Hungry For Love' to arguably SA's greatest composition, Bright Blue's 'Weeping', featuring a Basil Coetzee sax solo.
The only SA song to ever make the US top 20, 'Master Jack' by Four Jacks And A Jill is here, as well as Clout's 'Substitute' which reached UK #2 for 3 weeks in June 1978 (held off the coveted #1 spot by 'You're The One That I Want' by John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John) and achieved #1 status in New Zealand, Australia, Germany, France, Belgium, Holland and South Africa.
Most of the movers and shakers of South African rock history are featured on this CD: Trevor Rabin's Rabbitt, Julian Laxton, Ballyhoo, McCully Workshop, Omega Limited, the Radio Rats, the Afro-rock sounds of éVoid and Via Afrika and many others. SA's supergroup Stingray also appears here with their thundering pop-metal classic, 'Better The Devil You Know'.
Some of SA's great pop artists are also represented: The Dream Merchants (featuring Billy Forrest), The Dealians, Peanut Butter Conspiracy (NOT the US group of the same name), Graeme Begg's Charisma (with 'Mammy Blue'), The Bats, Dickie Loader, Copperfield, Pendulum, Petit Cheval... the list isn't endless, but it's pretty comprehensive.
2 other classic songs, that are far better known in SA than the original versions, are also here. The Staccato's powerful, Billy Forrest-produced, version of Solomon Burke's 'Cry To Me' and The Flames soulful rendition of The Impression's 'For Your Precious Love' including an emotional spoken introduction.
So if you need a brief history of SA pop and rock on one 2CD set, buy this compilation CD... and then complete the set with Volumes 1 & 3. You won't be disappointed.
This CD set is a companion compilation to the book "The History Of Contemporary Music Of South Africa" by Garth Chilvers and Tom Jasiukowicz (1994, TOGA Publishing).
Brian Currin
This CD, the book and any other South African CD are available online from One World
http://www.oneworld.co.za
______________________________________________
7.SHILOH REMEMBERS...
----------------------
DUANE ALLMAN
Daytona beach, Florida, 1965, saw the brotherly combination of Duane and Greg Allman as the Y-teens performing standard Chuck Berry / Hank Ballard tracks at various youth centres. Strongly influenced by R&B radio and records from older blues masters, Duane started his career hanging out with John D Loudermilk, and most likely doing acoustic sessions with this country songwriter. Thanks to drummer Johnny Sandlin (Capricorn record producer) Duane and Greg were persuaded to move to Los Angeles where they formed The Hourglass. A powerful blues / rock combination, they gigged around LA clubs and ball rooms such as the Avalon and the Fillmore. The Hourglass suffered from contractual problems due to material being forced upon the Allman brothers and a demoralised Duane Allman proceeded to venture into session work in Muscle Shoals.
Duane Allman's session work is countless from Wilson Picket's 'Hey Jude', Aretha Franklin, King Curtis with the Grammy award single 'The Games People Play', Boz Scaggs, Johnny Hammond, etc. With the demise of The Hourglass came the birthing of The Allman Brothers Band and most likely the greatest slide guitarist ever to expound the electric guitar. Along the side Duane continually sessioned with various Southern counterparts such as Delaney and Bonnie who initially tried to sign up Ry Cooder and were not fully convinced of Duane's ability. Duane Allman's versatility can be heard with Eric Clapton's band Derek and the Dominoes on the classic 'Layla'.
The Allman's Brother Band won critical acclaim due to their growing popularity at the Fillmore East. Thanks to Bill Graham who idolised the band, the Allman brothers proceeded to go from strength to strength, remaining ever loyal to their blues niche. Known as a people's band, they would often feature along side Steve Miller Band, Elvin Bishop and The Quicksilver Messenger Service. During the recording of the album 'Eat a Peach' (summer 1971) Duane suffered a tragic accident while trying to avoid a truck. The Harley Davidson that he was on, skidded and went down on Duane. The world has yet to see a slide guitarist of this calibre come to light.
Recommendations:
Anthology 1 and 2 on Polydor records.
Highly recommended - listen to 'One Way Out' off the 1971 Fillmore concerts by The Allman Brothers
Shiloh Noone
Fine Music Radio
Blues and Variations
______________________________________________
8.FORUM
---------
GENE ROCKWELL
Don't see much of Ou Gert {Gene's real name was Gert Smit - ed} on the SA Rock Files website - he was a great performer and had hits. I saw him do a show in a hall in Witbank around 1965 - he had the whole rock 'n roll show - green metallic guitars, matching jackets, loud sound and great moves - on his knees like Jackie Wilson bathed in sweat- also sang what sounded like soul to my 15yr old ears. A pioneer and original I reckon.
Charlie
mailto:coryne@easynet.co.uk
{Ed: a double CD retrospective of Gene's musical history titled 'The Heart and Soul of Gene Rockwell' compiled by Malcolm Lombard and Derek Smith was released by Gallo in 1998 and is available from One World <http://www.oneworld.co.za>. This CD includes extensive sleeve notes with a full biography, single and album discography and a whole stack of photos and album covers.
Gene was born 27th December 1944 and sadly passed away on the 3rd July 1998.}
Other 2CD retrospectives in the 'Heart and Soul' series from Gallo include: Bobby Angel, Tommy Dell, Groep Twee, Lance James, Ge Korsten,
Rudi Neitz, Gert Potgieter, Barbara Ray, Min Shaw and Jody Wayne
All these CDs are available from One World
http://www.oneworld.co.za
___________________________________________________
9.REQUESTS
-------------
WANDA ARLETTI
I've been trying to find out more about Wanda Arletti. She had a song 'Zanzibar' back in the early 70's but I haven't heard anything since. Any ideas where I can find out more?
Thanks
Jill Garnham
mailto:jill@jillslist.co.za
{Ed: She was born Wanda Arletowicz, the daughter of big band leader Ali Arletowicz. 'Zanzibar' was a big hit in SA (#2 for 1 week in January 1971) and is available on the 'The Best Of SA Pop Volume 1' CD. She later married Richard Crouse from the Staccatos.}
---------------
CHARTS
I lived in Mozambique (Beira, Nampula and LM) from 1962 to 1972.
I was a fanatical LM Radio listener. I still remember the LM Hit Parade with David Davies and Evelyn Martin, every Sunday night (8:30-10 pm).
I met Daryl Jooste in LM a few times. Reg de Beer was also very famous. I went to JHB in 1994 and I heard Reg on "talk radio".
Actually I'm looking for LM charts from the sixties, namely 1962-1971.
Antonio Garcia
mailto:agarcia@cybercable.fr
--------------
LOOKING FOR MUSIC
I am looking for either a disc jockey or a juke box for hire for a 40th
birthday party. Can you help? I live in Durban.
Sharon Fourie
mailto:sharonf@za.sappi.com
____________________________________________
10.ON THE NET
---------------
SPRINGBOK RADIO CHARTS 1969-1989
http://rock.co.za/charts
---------------
CLOUT
http://www.clout.co.za
______________________________________________
11.WHATS ON
--------------
AUTHENTIC GIGS
Saturday 21 October
Wonderboom, 57, Watershed - Rhythm and Brew, Farramere Centre, Benoni
----------------
BINARY
Friday 20th October: Big Easy, Kensington JHB
Saturday 21st October: Aberlarde Sanction, Brixton JHB
----------------
FETISH
unplugged tour
17 OCT The Blues Room JOHANNESBURG
18 OCT The Mystic Boer BLOEMFONTEIN
24 OCT Chilli & lime, Somerset rd CAPE TOWN
mailto:fetish@iafrica.com
http://www.fetish.org.za
---------------
JESSE JORDAN
BIG TREE - Strand
Friday November 10 21:30
Friday November 17 21:00
Friday November 24 21:30
Wednesday December 6 Rock Festival Sponsored by Bavaria 20:00-02:00
4 bands for R20
Tuesday December 26 Rock Festival Sponsored by Bavaria 20:00-02:00
4 bands for R20
HIDDEN CELLAR - Stellenbosch
Saturday November 18 21:30. Couvert charge: R10
----------------
BENGUELA
Sat 21st Oct - Indie Armchair with Black Milk
-------------
HARBOUR MUSIC CLUB
Troubadour, Kalk Bay
mailto:harbourmusic@kalkbay.co.za
Every Wednesday @ 8.30pm
--------------
LITTLE SISTER
http://www.rock.co.za/littlesister
20 October
Up the Creek, Hatfield, Pretoria tel. no 012 362 3712
27 October
"Who Cares", Burnette street, Hatfield, Pretoria tel: 012 362 58 25
____________________________________________
12.LINKS AND ADVERTS
-----------------------
VARIOUS 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
ARTISTS:
PIET BOTHA & JACK HAMMER
http://rock.co.za/legends/pietbotha
FOUR JACKS AND A JILL
http://www.fourjacksandajill.co.za/
LIESL GRAHAM
http://www.lieslgraham.com
JESSE JORDAN
http://www.jessejordan.co.za
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
OFF THE EDGE
http://rock.co.za/offtheedge
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
SPRINGBOK RADIO CHARTS 1969-1989
http://rock.co.za/charts
MESSAGE BOARD:
TOO GOOD TO BE FORGOTTEN
Post your message on the SA Rock message board
http://www.insidetheweb.com/mbs.cgi/mb311757
NEWS:
AMUZINE
News, views, reviews and interviews
http://rock.co.za/
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
SHOPS:
ONE WORLD
Selling South African Music to the World
http://www.oneworld.co.za/
RECORD COMPANIES, LABELS & STUDIOS:
3rd EAR MUSIC
http://www.3rdEarMusic.com
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/
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
SHEER SOUND
http://www.sheer.co.za
STREET LEVEL RECORDS
http://www.streetlevel.co.za/
STUDIO TAN
http://www.studio-audio.co.za
SUNSET RECORDING STUDIOS
Stellenbosch
http://www.sunsetrecording.com
TUERK MUSIC TECHNOLOGIES
http://www.tuerkmusic.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/
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
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
RHYTHM OF THE HEAD and DRUMMERCISE
Drumming books by Georg Voros
http://www.georgvoros.com
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:
DIGITAL CUPBOARD
African MP3s
http://www.digitalcupboard.co.za
MP3.COM
MP3s of South African artists
http://www.mp3.com/regions/africa/south_africa/
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13.BACK ISSUES
---------------
BACK ISSUES
http://rock.co.za/sarockdigest
Online and keyword searchable
Download all back issues of the Digest as a zip file (just over 1MB).
http://www.rock.co.za/files/sarockdigest.zip
__________________________________________
14.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.
________________________________________
15.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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