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91
Blah-Blah Bar / Re: National Songbook
Last post by PaulP -
For those that are so inclined, you could certainly have some interesting discussions about what is included and what is excluded, and the criteria that is used to judge, the aims and objective of such an undertaking, and several others. Are they judging songs by what they mean to the population, whether they have come to be known as iconic or "Australian", is it Australian artists or musicians that have produced work of outstanding artistic merit, even through the words / music may not be identifiably "Australian" ?

To give one example among many, A Pub With No Beer's place in Australian music history is pretty much guaranteed, and it deserves a place in this songbook. If you are judging by what living in Australia is like for most Australians, then the Slim Dusty song represents something of a paradox IMO, because lyrically it describes a niche set of experiences, that would be foreign to most Australians. We live in a very urbanized country, and whilst there could be city pubs that run out of beer, it's pretty obvious that the song is referring to places and characters from the outback, even if the lyrics of the 5th, 6th and the verses are more geographically ambiguous. So if this song is part of the National Songbook, is this because of its history, its mythical status, because it is top shelf artistically etc.

My only hope for this Songbook is that it includes work of a high artistic caliber, and represents the diversity of experiences, histories, places, ethnicities, and artistry of Australia. 
92
Blah-Blah Bar / Re: Trumpled (Alternative Leading)
Last post by Thryleon -
Materially has anything changed?

Congress has more power and scope to block Trump, but not necessarily if he is operating within the boundaries he is allowed to, and ultimately the USA is a united entity, not anit trumpist.  They wont simply flip flop because the midterms have swung, it will take a new sitting president for that to be the case, and even then, they make too many flacid moves, and the public will turn on the democrats calling them week.
93
Blah-Blah Bar / Re: National Songbook
Last post by Lods -
It's as LP stated above.
It's a work in progress.

It's a bit like the "Rock and Roll hall of fame" where acts are added on a regular basis.
There are currently omissions from that list that will eventually get a jumper.
97
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.
98
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.
100
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!