OM TE BREYTEN In die vorige Woema is geskryf oor hoe kwaai dit is dat so baie sangers en liedjieskrywers in die Afrikaanse poësie gaan soek vir inspirasie. Dit het al lank terug gebeur, byvoorbeeld in die destydse Musiek-en-Liriek-beweging, maar waar die hartklop van die poësie gekaap is deur akademici, kabaretkunstenaars en vryskut-intellektuele sodat dit gou ontaard het in 'n alte pretensieuse trippie.
Theunis Engelbrecht mailto:theunis99@worldonline.co.za
The 17 songs on the Greatest Hits collection cover all the "living in Joburg in the 80s" subjects, from the opener Living In Yeoville to National Madness, Black Samba, Zurich By The Goldmines and the closer Hey Wheres The Jol. Although these boys could play, the emphasis was always on their lyrics and the ideas that could be communicated through these lyrics. The music encompassed all the current idioms of the day with a slight leaning toward ska, which was popular at the time due to the success of the Two Tone label acts in the UK. But overall the Aeroplanes had a sound all of their own and this Greatest Hits compilation covers all their essential material and is a strong reminder of the quality of the alternative music movement in SA during the 80s. These affectionately-remembered high-flyers are worth a renewed listen. Stephen Segerman
"Fun punk" is complimentary and doesn't mean punk music that has been muzaked, made safe, and rendered genital-less. It doesn't mean that their music is not threatening, but means instead they are not music hall fluff. This is straight-ahead rock. I enjoy bopping through their music on CD -- a live Scabby Annie show must be packed with energy.
I enjoy a catchy melody, and think of the Scabs' music as melodic punk. After listening to one of Scabby Annie's CDs, try not to repeat the refrain in your mind from songs such as 'Potato Head', 'Hanging Out with Dave', 'Miss Appleby' (nice sprays of electric fuzz), 'Stand By Me' (a punk classic as far as I'm concerned), and others from their first album, or 'Monkey Minded Man', 'Terrarium', and 'Book on Mars' (catchy lyrics) from their second one. If I ever saw them live I know I'd leave with their songs buzzing in my head, and start the next day with one of their songs in my head.
Spearheading the New Romantic movement in South Africa in the 80's Petit Cheval sound a lot like Spandau Ballet on this record. It is not only because of the remarkable similarity of Jonathan Selby's voice to Spandau's Tony Hadley, but there is a similar sound and feel to this polished pop album. Tunes like 'Once in a Lifetime' and 'It was the wind' blend guitars with the then popular synthesizer to create a sound not far from the big bands of the day. In fact, the saxophone is the only thing missing to make this a perfect Spandau record, although having said that, there is beneath the surface, a faint hint of "african" sound to remind the listener of where this band is from and set apart from it's UK counterparts. Petit Cheval on the net:
The address of the band is: ODYSSEY, P.O. Box 15, Bassonia 2061, South Africa. Do you know this town maybe, or anyone living there, I could ask...? Any information which could help me to find the record would be GREAT!
Contact Benjy Mudie @ Fresh Music (011) 467-3051 or
email mailto:fresh@icon.co.za SA Rock Legends on the net:
My 'Galactic Vibes' LP has disappeared from it's cover. I suppose never to be found! I have both CD and LP versions of 'Astra'. Is there a CD available for 'Galactic Vibes' which contains my all time favourite song, '1999'?. If yes, where is it available. Thanks
Selling South African Music to the World. ______________________________________________
FRUIT FLY NAVIGATORS They have started their national tour with QZoo (QKumbaZoo). TOUR SCHEDULE
CDs Available at: Look & Listen (Pavilion) Rhythmic Beat (Springfield Park) Rhythmic Beat (Davenport) One World Music (http://www.oneworld.co.za) Powerzone (www.cdzone.co.za) Download 'Happy' at http://www.digitalcupboard.co.za -------------