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24
Blah-Blah Bar / Re: Trumpled (Alternative Leading)
Last post by DJC -
The US system of government may be antiquated, anachronistic, and far from a model of representative democracy but it is a lot more entertaining, and a lot more scary, than our relatively boring commonwealth system.
25
Blah-Blah Bar / Re: National Songbook
Last post by Baggers -
This'll be fun and interesting. A lot depends on the criteria. For this humble soul, the criteria would include pioneering acts and songs in Aust for Aussies and those artists and songs that pioneered Aust music overseas.

Overseas impact: Easybeats, LRB, ONJ, JPY... even Rick Springfield!, Bee Gees (though technically, Poms), AC/DC, Helen Reddy, INXS, Kylie, Keith Urban, Nick Cave, Crowded House (though technically, Kiwis), Billy Thorpe...

Groundbreaking in Aust for Aussie music and in the main remained in Aust: Yothu Yindi, Vika and Linda Bull, Masters Apprentices, Daddy Cool, Sherbet, Skyhooks, Renee Geyer, Marcia Hines, Colleen Hewett, Chain (brilliant Aussie blues - Taylor/Manning & Saddington)... just to name a few...

Songs: I Am Woman - Helen, Reminiscing - LRB, Friday On My Mind - Easybeats, Love Is In The Air - JPY, Jesse's Girl - Rick Springfield, Eagle Rock - Daddy Cool, Howzat - Sherbet, Horror Movie - Skyhooks, Turn Up Your Radio - Masters Apprentices, many regarded Doug Parkinson's version of Dear Prudence better than the Beatles, Black & Blue / Judgement - Chain... And let's not forget that Aussie group Stylus was the only Aussie group (and rare "white" group) signed to Tamla Mowtown in US (pity their management stuffed it up)... just some thought starters!

Reckon Wet Willie will have an important say here.
27
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!
28
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. ;)
29
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!
30
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.