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21
Blah-Blah Bar / Re: National Songbook
Last post by LP -
Quote from: Lods – on
It's very subjective though isn't it.
Only if you accept it as a ranking, but it's not, that is just the way it is being reported.

It's more like the first days of a journal entry, which always starts with events most recent to memory. Add to that in this case the memory would be collective, not individual.
22
Blah-Blah Bar / Re: Trumpled (Alternative Leading)
Last post by LP -
The Walls St reaction says it all, you read whatever meaning you like into it, but it's not just one factor that has contributed to this and the blame sits on all sides. They made hay while the rule book was in the bin, and now there is going to be a price for some to pay.

It is a tell about the predictions on the future direction of US policy and fiscal restraint, Walls St trades on tomorrow not yesterday. Yesterday cannot be changed and means little to nothing for traders.

There is one thing you can predict with ultimate accuracy, greed.

And the opportunistic headlines are already appearing about China alliances, not even 24hrs has passed!
23
Blah-Blah Bar / Re: National Songbook
Last post by Lods -
It's very subjective though isn't it.

If you picked 4 other people to do it you would get 10 different songs.
I was only half-joking with "A pub with no beer"...which is one of the most Australian defining songs.
"The Road to Gundagai", "Click go the Shears" are others.

I've no issue with 'Beds are Burning' and "Treaty" but I fail to see the relevance of "I am Woman" which has a more universal flavour than a purely Australian one.

"Friday on my mind" would be my pick of the songs on the list, but that's just because of my own 60's bias...but I don't see it as "an exclusively Australian culturally defining song".

And then there is the group of songs most of us have never heard of.

On a positive note though
What we have is ...a conversation starter, a debate starter.
It will come down to personal life experiences.
Age will also be a factor.
Political views will play a large part.
Musical tastes will also influence our feelings on song choices.
Alternative music styles get a nod...we may seek out the songs we've never heard of and give them a listen.

So if we have people talking about the lists.
(and maybe getting a bit worked up about inclusions and exclusions)
That's a pretty good thing. ;)
24
Blah-Blah Bar / Re: National Songbook
Last post by LP -
Quote from: PaulP – on
Not sure I would describe The Necks as lounge jazz.
It's not meant to be derogatory, it was probably ambiguous of me to use lounge based on what a lounge might be assumed as, but it communicates the type of location someone might most commonly hear the music if not already initiated. Think Raffles, the Fairmount or back in the old days Melbourne Temperance Society, black tie venues, the antithesis of a Trump Ballroom.

"Lost in Translation" instead of "Weekend at Bernie's"
"Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy" over "Mission Impossible"
"The French Dispatch" rather than "The Pink Panther"

I've seen a poster in NY describing them as the greatest 3-piece ensemble in living history, yet a huge chunk of the Aussie population does not know who they are!
25
Blah-Blah Bar / Re: National Songbook
Last post by PaulP -
Quote from: LP – on
I suppose they've picked a bit from a mix of genre, but I'd have put Eagle Rock in there as typical Australiana.

@PaulP,‍ why am I not surprised, The Necks are terrific listening and a great introduction to lounge jazz for jazz music newbies. Anyone who has travelled will recognise their music, it's almost ubiquitous as the background of hotel foyers, bars and restaurants. On the classical side, did you tune in last night to the ABC Young Performer of the Year concert? I'm getting old, it started at 6pm and I feel asleep after a few hours of the final. Tried listening agian today, and the same thing happened.
https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/special-features/abc-young-performer-awards-grand-final-concert/107287336

No, I didn't listen to the ABC Young Performer of the Year concert. 6+ hours is one stretch is a bit long for me. I'll have to listen to it in shorter sections.

Not sure I would describe The Necks as lounge jazz. Leaving that aside, the initial 10 songs give me hope that some of the selections will move beyond the expected, the obvious, the kitsch. Up There Cazaly, Down Under etc are okay for what they are, but there's much more that should be part of the National Songbook, and not really underground or hard to find.
26
Blah-Blah Bar / Re: National Songbook
Last post by LP -
I suppose they've picked a bit from a mix of genre, but I'd have put Eagle Rock in there as typical Australiana.

@PaulP,‍ why am I not surprised, The Necks are terrific listening and a great introduction to lounge jazz for jazz music newbies. Anyone who has travelled will recognise their music, it's almost ubiquitous as the background of hotel foyers, bars and restaurants. On the classical side, did you tune in last night to the ABC Young Performer of the Year concert? I'm getting old, it started at 6pm and I feel asleep after a few hours of the final. Tried listening agian today, and the same thing happened.
https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/special-features/abc-young-performer-awards-grand-final-concert/107287336
27
Blah-Blah Bar / Re: National Songbook
Last post by Lods -
Any list of All time influential Australian songs that doesn't include= Bryan Davies-"Ten Pin Bowling" is a bit dubious. ;)  :D

And where the Fck is "A Pub with no Beer".
28
Blah-Blah Bar / Re: National Songbook
Last post by PaulP -
Quote from: kruddler – on
Interesting collection.

Had never heard of 3 of them.

The Boys soundtrack.
Earth Cry
and surprisingly......Down City Streets

The first two understandably as they are not 'songs' so much as you'd think of.....but can't recall Down City Streets, but can understand why.

Personally i would've had 'Goanna - Solid Rock' on there.

The Boys Soundtrack is by The Necks. Anything by them is great IMO.

They will be adding new songs every year. Solid Rock will get in there for sure at some point.
29
Blah-Blah Bar / Re: National Songbook
Last post by kruddler -
Quote from: PaulP – on
https://www.theguardian.com/music/2026/nov/04/first-10-australian-songs-inducted-into-national-songbook

Excellent selections IMO, with (hopefully) many more great ones to come.

Interesting collection.

Had never heard of 3 of them.

The Boys soundtrack.
Earth Cry
and surprisingly......Down City Streets

The first two understandably as they are not 'songs' so much as you'd think of.....but can't recall Down City Streets, but can understand why its in there.

Personally i would've had 'Goanna - Solid Rock' on there.