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Re: National Songbook

Reply #15 –
Quote from: PaulP – on
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.

We 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. 

I think you're right about experiences Paul.
I spent a lot of my very early days in the country areas around the Riverina and southern NSW.
So the small towns that had little else but a Pub, a post office and a small general store were very much part of my early life experiences.
My grandparents had a farm just outside of Mirrool (where they try and kick the football over the silos).
The highlight of the week was usually a trip to the Royal Hotel for a rasberry cordial and lemonade.
Papa didn't mind a beer...and would have been 'done' everytime on the trip back to the farm....but different days, and not as many cars on the road back then.
A classic police response would probably have been "Wake up to your bloody self Val...and we'll catch up for a beer next time you're in town."

So those old bush/country songs are really real and relevant for me.

Re: National Songbook

Reply #16 –
I believe parts of the Young performers concert are on ABC/iView tonight...

Re: National Songbook

Reply #17 –
A couple of questions, more like dilemmas.

1) Should lyrics and songs that were once acceptable but nowadays would not be considered as such be a part of this project? Our own club song has its roots in racism.

2) Should artists who were bits of icons, but subsequently proven to have commited offences in the past be disqualified from inclusion?

Re: National Songbook

Reply #18 –
I thought this deserved a thread of its own  :)

I have never heard, or heard of, The Necks, and haven't spent much time listening to Earth Cry or The Presets.  There is a bit of a common theme with most of the others but they're all worthy inclusions as far as I'm concerned.

Songs that I'd like to see added over the coming years:

Cold Chisel - Khe Sanh
Redgum - I was only 19
Eric Bogle - And the Band Played Waltzing Matilda
Spectrum - I'll Be Gone
Daddy Cool - Eagle Rock
Archie Roach - Took the Children Away
GANGgajang - Sounds of Then
Ted Egan - The Drover's Boy
Warumpi Band -  Blackfella/Whitefella
Mike Brady - Up There Cazaly
Divinyls - I Touch Myself

And many more ...


"Negative waves are not helpful. Try saying something righteous and hopeful instead." Oddball
 

Re: National Songbook

Reply #19 –
Icehouse - Great Southern Land is one that would be a shoe-in to make it soon enough IMO.

No idea how you start with a list of 'everything' and narrow it down to 10.



Re: National Songbook

Reply #20 –
Quote from: kruddler – on
Icehouse - Great Southern Land is one that would be a shoe-in to make it soon enough IMO.

No idea how you start with a list of 'everything' and narrow it down to 10.

That was next on my list. 

There are so many great songs that speak about Australia or transport listeners back to remembered times and places ...
"Negative waves are not helpful. Try saying something righteous and hopeful instead." Oddball