Love That Album

There are very few artists who can claim popularity in one decade, then claim it all over again with a new band or approach to music. In Australia in the 1970s, Joe Camilleri was a huge draw with his band Jo Jo Zep and the Falcons. They created a blend of R&B and reggae that worked well, and were a big draw in Australian pubs and concert venues. After the demise of the Falcons, Camilleri started a new band called The Black Sorrows that started life as a Zydeco outfit, then evolved into a blend of Americana, soul and a touch of Van Morrison inspired songs. …..this episode isn't about Joe Camilleri..... Welcome to Episode 193 of Love That Album. The drummer for most of The Black Sorrows' first era was Peter “Lucky” Luscombe. He's known as the songwriter's drummer, because rather than trying to show off his chops, he always thinks, “How can I make this song sound great?” He's worked for decades as both a band member and as a session musician. Nowadays, he's most known for playing in Paul Kelly's band (3 decades and counting) and as the longest member of the Rockwiz Orkestra. If you hear his playing, you KNOW it's Lucky. He's also played for Stephen Cummings, Chris Wilson's band of the 90s post Crown Of Thorns, and Rebecca's Empire. I was thrilled to have one of my drumming heroes on the show as we discuss his career, how he approaches a drum part, what he loves about great songwriting, why Australian session musicians are behind the rest of the world in terms of remuneration for their work, why The Meters and Tower of Power are hugely important.....and much more. My thanks to Lucky for joining me on the show, and to Brian Nankervis for encouraging me to reach out to him for a chat. If you enjoy the show, please consider giving us a favourable review on whatever podcast platform you listen on and let your friends know that our show exists. If you don't enjoy the show, tell your adversaries to tune in. I don't care who listens..... Love That Album is proudly part of the Pantheon Network of music podcasts. Check out all the other wonderful shows at http://pantheonpodcasts.com You can send me feedback at rrrkitchen@yahoo.com.au (written or mp3 voicemail) or join the Facebook group at http://www.facebook.com/groups/lovethatalbum You can download the show by searching for Love That Album on whatever podcast app you favour (except Spotify). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Being music fans (especially of a....ummm...certain age), we've all been in a record or CD store as a regular. I like to think that the best record stores I've been in are like walking into Cheers – everybody knows your name, and will treat you as family, be it dysfunctional or not. Welcome to episode 183 of Love That Album. I've been in small family record stores, big impersonal chains where the staff couldn't care less what your musical interests are, specialist record stores, stores run by grumpy guts (if you're in Melbourne, you may remember a shop that was far from paradise under its original owner) and stores run by welcoming staff who want to introduce their favourite bands into your life. Record stores are not like any other capitalist venture on the planet. Yes, you pay your money and come away with an “item”. Often, though, the interaction with the guy or gal behind the counter is like a meeting of the minds as you discuss why that band's last 3 albums fell below standard of the first 5, or why the album currently on the stereo is by an unknown guy you just HAVE to give your time to. Some stores have been known to challenge customers to walk around naked (it's true!!!), while others will have staff that roll their eyes as you ask for “that album by that guy......you know who I mean....ummm” I've decided to ask a dozen of my favourite podcasters / broadcasters / record shop owners / people I respect to join me on the show to tell me about their favourite memories of being or working in a record store. Yes, it's an exercise in nostalgia, but that shouldn't be a dirty word in this case. It's an opportunity to talk about a place that makes us happy or frustrated......but it's never dull like a night out at the supermarket. The first 5 of these correspondents joining me for separate conversations are: David Kowalski – host of The Sound and the Fury Podcast Brett Vargo – co host of Only Three Lads Podcast “Farmer” John Couture – host of the Vinyl Relics Podcast Pat Monaghan – owner of Rocksteady Records Brian Nankervis – co host of Rockwiz and The Friday Revue All 5 of these fine gents very graciously gave of their time and recollections for your and my entertainment and edification. Download, enjoy, and take comfort in the fact that in 2 weeks, more is coming your way on this topic. I highly recommend you search them all out in their regular ventures...they KNOW of what they speak. Download this episode of LTA from your podcast app of choice (not Spotify). The wider back catalogue of episodes can also be found at https://lovethatalbumpodcast.blogspot.com Love That Album is proudly part of the Pantheon Podcast network. Go to https://pantheonpodcasts.com to check out all their great shows. You can send me feedback at rrrkitchen@yahoo.com.au (written or mp3 voicemail) or join the Facebook group at http://www.facebook.com/groups/lovethatalbum Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We've come to the end of another year at LTA headquarters. Normally, I'd be doing a wrap up with friends in the music community as to their favourite discoveries of the year.......I wasn't feeling like doing that this year. If there's one thing that's consistent with this podcast, it's inconsistency. Welcome to episode 181 of Love That Album. For ages, I'd been wanting to put together a show to discuss a selection of records from the ECM label. ECM was started in 1969 by Manfred Eicher. The label started out dedicated to jazz exclusively, but it has branched out into classical recordings as well – no surprise seeing as Eicher was trained as a classical musician. ECM has been home to so many wonderful musicians....too many to include in what is effectively a sampler episode of its work. I have been glad to have made friends with a lovely fellow in the LTA Facebook group, Ed Ross. I've known two important things about him – he loves his puns (the more you groan, the more he feels his work is done), and he loves his music, particularly power pop and jazz. I approached him to see if he'd be interested in chatting with me on the show about four important ECM records, and was very happy when he agreed. As is LTA's way, there are many digressions and references to other artists and albums, but the intended focus is on these records: Keith Jarrett – The Koln Concert Pat Metheny Group – Offramp John Abercrombie – Timeless Gary Burton and Chick Corea – Crystal Silence If you're a longtime fan of ECM, don't ask why wasn't some other artist or album focused on....unless you're volunteering to join me for volume 2 of this series.....if you know nothing about the label, download, grab a beverage, and let Ed and myself tell you stories about broken pianos, guitars that sound like battle horns, and the greatest drummer in jazz (I won't hear any arguments about this). Huge thanks to Ed for making himself and his knowledge available for the show. First time guest – it won't be his last. BUT WAIT.....there's more. I'd asked the LTA FB group to send me their thoughts about their favourite ECM recordings. I received two emails from my long time friend Rani Gerszonovicz (who introduced ECM to me when we were in our early 20s) and last month's guest, author / musician Lisa Torem. I read their correspondences during the show, and Ed and I muse over their opinions. Thanks so much, Rani and Lisa. Download this episode of LTA from your podcast app of choice (not Spotify). The wider back catalogue of episodes can also be found at https://lovethatalbumpodcast.blogspot.com Love That Album is proudly part of the Pantheon Podcast network. Go to https://pantheonpodcasts.com to check out all their great shows. You can send me feedback at rrrkitchen@yahoo.com.au (written or mp3 voicemail) or join the Facebook group at http://www.facebook.com/groups/lovethatalbum Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As music lovers, we've all had a soundtrack to our lives....it's provided to us by the radio. Maybe at this point in the 21st century, that's less of a given. Was it the internet that killed the radio star? Who can truly say, but for most of the rock era, radio has provided songs that millions of music fans would discover, sing along to, discuss with their friends, learn to play on their instrument of choice, get amorous to, get stoned to, or cherish for some personal reason. Welcome to episode 179 of Love That Album. It's been said that in the early days of rock and roll, tyranny of distance made Australian music tougher than its Northern Hemisphere counterparts. Henry Silva might have asked, “Bullshit Or Not?” What is for certain is that Australian rock musicians could often become huge in their home country, but not raise an eyebrow anywhere else (the reverse is also true, but that's a story for another episode). Author Glen Humphries has just published a terrific book called “Aussie Rock Anthems: The Stories Behind Our Biggest Hit Songs". He writes 40 essays about popular songs from the 1960s through to the first decade of the 21st century. These essays tell stories about songs that many Australians grew up with. Some became popular outside our borders, some didn't. These songs show a huge diversity – where else will you get Shadap You Face occupying the same tome as Khe Sanh? At some stage or another, these songs all meant something to the wider Australian populus, and Glen weaves fascinating tales that cover politics, sporting pride, cultural cringe, and musical invention. I was rapt to have someone to discuss these songs with me. Neither of us were fans of every one of the songs covered in the book, and inevitably, people will argue about what was left out. What's important is that these songs all have interesting backstories and are worthy of being celebrated. Tune into find which songs Glen and I absolutely detest...and those we love. You can watch the videos of all the songs in the book at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5-hDK76bIps&list=PLJN0hAdSkVNXxaVd4l4hWOAa3l5u85rAH&fbclid=IwY2xjawFJFx5leHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHTzxc0uDiMYmVj1_cUK_A_2TDL93qk8AIbZ7I4wJ_XSchZykEzkHEKWB5Q_aem_uII4NG3Lme6zceP8Gxn8Ig or you can listen to the Spotify playlist at: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/28mak27jhmIWSFsYGGlFgC?si=iOUWpNq-QfmuHUVDsB9erAπ=dtdCj9ZKQYKeC&nd=1&dlsi=6991f678a35947b1 You can get the book from the usual places you get books (like bookstores) or Amazon or at https://www.geldingstreetpress.com/product/aussie-rock-anthems-top-40/ Download this episode of LTA from your podcast app of choice (not Spotify). The wider back catalogue of episodes can also be found at https://lovethatalbumpodcast.blogspot.com Love That Album is proudly part of the Pantheon Podcast network. Go to https://pantheonpodcasts.com to check out all their great shows. You can send me feedback at rrrkitchen@yahoo.com.au (written or mp3 voicemail) or join the Facebook group at http://www.facebook.com/groups/lovethatalbum Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sorry for this episode being a little late….I’d meant to get it out earlier, but who knows where the time goes????? If you’ve not deserted me…..Welcome to episode 177 of Love That Album. Carrying on with the Fairport Convention connection of episode 176, I welcome three wonderful guests to the podcast this time around – all connected to the great Sandy Denny. Firstly, there’s a return visit from John Penhallow, the first manager of Fairport. He’s done a lot of archival work in relation to Sandy’s music over the years, and we discuss that. Then, there’s Sandy’s daughter, Georgia Rose Lucas and musician / composer Carla Fuchs. The two of them are behind an album released in 2023 called Songbird. Carla composed new music to lyrics written by Sandy in her journals that were never previously recorded. The two of them collaborated to make this project come to existence. Not on the show, but huge thanks as well go to Elizabeth Hurtt, wife of the late Trevor Lucas, who took the time to tell me about the journey of these lyrics in Sandy’s journals. There had been a plan many years ago for many artists to utilise her words for new songs….that didn’t happen, but we explain what DID in the show’s discussion. Huge thanks to Elizabeth for filling me in. My gratitude to all these wonderful folk for taking the time to talk about the Songbird project, the Attic Tracks songs put out on cassette and then CD by John on Raven Records years ago, Redgum, and Sandy’s life and music. If you wish to search out a copy of Carla’s album, it’s available on Bandcamp at: https://talkingelephantrecords.bandcamp.com/album/songbird Download this episode of LTA from your podcast app of choice (not Spotify). The wider back catalogue of episodes can also be found at https://lovethatalbumpodcast.blogspot.com Love That Album is proudly part of the Pantheon Podcast network. Go to https://pantheonpodcasts.com to check out all their great shows. You can send me feedback at rrrkitchen@yahoo.com.au (written or mp3 voicemail) or join the Facebook group at http://www.facebook.com/groups/lovethatalbum Proudly Pantheon. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In the history of pop music, how often has a performer had the chance to try something radically different from what they were known for? Sure, there are some artists who evolved over the course of their career, so where they ended up was radically different from where they started. I suspect, however, the list of performers who were known and appreciated for a style who then made a big change is a lot smaller. Ladies and gentlemen, we’re here to present the case of Grace Jones. Welcome to episode 175 of Love That Album. Grace Jones is that rare case of artist who was a model, then went on to have an ongoing career as a respected singer. Her first trilogy of records were rooted in the disco scene where she had a strong following. Then….Studio 54 closed, Disco Demolition happened in Chicago, and disco music finished its moment in the mainstream. Most artists would persist with what they know and fade away or go on nostalgia tours. Grace Jones isn’t most people. With the encouragement and support of Island Records head Chris Blackwell, she was put in a studio with the kings of reggae, and musicians representing the rock and emerging techno scene. She released her 4th album, Warm Leatherette album in 1980….very different from anything she’d done before. In 1981, she released the album many see as the pinnacle of her career, Nightclubbing. It’s a mix of interpretations of others’ songs and a few originals. Make no mistake – everything she sings, she owns, but the support of the Compass Point Allstars really elevates the record. This was the band Grace was meant to perform with. I am joined by Sam Whiles, the host of the excellent “Paul Or Nothing” (a show dedicated to the life and work of Paul McCartney) to discuss Nightclubbing and other aspects of Jones’ work and life. We had a great conversation that I hope you will enjoy. It’s not often….well never….that I’ve had a podcast where J.G Ballard, Donna Summer, Iggy Pop and Vanda and Young are all brought up. Frankly, LTA is all the better for it. My gratitude to Sam for suggesting this album as the focus for the episode. If you want to hear him talk McCartney, check out Paul Or Nothing on your favourite podcast apps or at https://mccartneypod.podbean.com Download this episode of LTA from your podcast app of choice. The wider back catalogue of episodes can also be found at https://lovethatalbumpodcast.blogspot.com Love That Album is proudly part of the Pantheon Podcast network. Go to https://pantheonpodcasts.com to check out all their great shows. You can send me feedback at rrrkitchen@yahoo.com.au (written or mp3 voicemail) or join the Facebook group at http://www.facebook.com/groups/lovethatalbum Proudly Pantheon. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to episode 173 of Love That Album. In episode 172, I started my investigation of what were the favourite albums of the year from some great music writers and broadcasters. If you haven't caught up with that one, check out what Brian Nankervis, Jeff Jenkins and Pat Monaghan had to say (as well as a couple of great emails from listeners to the show). Concluding this investigation for episode 173, I speak with Ian McFarlane (author of The Encyclopedia of Australian Rock and Pop) and Billy Pinnell (presenter of The Album Show on EON-FM / MMM-FM). Also, podcast listener (and huge supporter of the Melbournel music scene), Mark Andrew sent me some audio feedback. Once again, get out your pens and paper to jot down some great recommendations to follow up on. I reiterate from last time, I'm grateful to everyone who joined me on the show this year, downloaded any episodes, or told their friends the show was worthy of their time. You're all grouse. Download this episode of LTA from your podcast app of choice (except Spotify). Love That Album is proudly part of the Pantheon Podcast network. Go to http://pantheonpodcasts.com to check out all their great shows. You can send me feedback at rrrkitchen@yahoo.com.au (written or mp3 voicemail) or join the Facebook group at http://www.facebook.com/groups/lovethatalbum. I'm also on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/lovethatalbumpodcast/ Proudly Pantheon. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We tend to think more of the guitar as a rock and roll instrument, but Jerry Lee Lewis, Little Richard and Fats Domino were a big part of the early sound of rock and roll. While there are plenty of great rock piano players, that lead guy or gal mostly tends to be playing a six-string. In the 70s and 80s, the big piano frontmen were Billy Joel and Elton John – hugely popular with what they did, but much (though not all) of it was balladry. Where were the trouble-makers and the pisstakers behind the 88s? One of them was hiding out in North Carolina. Welcome to episode 171 of Love That Album. By 2000, Ben Folds Five had broken up, leaving behind three incredible albums of “punk music for sissies” (Ben’s alleged description of the band). They’d created songs both raucous and tender, angry and loving, serious and funny. In 2001, Ben Folds released his first solo album “Rockin’ The Suburbs” (recorded in Adelaide), and he plays and sings nearly everything. Once again, he aimed for your funny bone, but he also told stories that could break your heart. These stories showed once again that Folds was a master of melody, harmony and was very literate. For this episode, I am joined by the host and “numbers girl” of the wonderful All Time Top Ten podcast, Ben Eisen and Shannon Hurley. We sit around the virtual table discussing Folds’ techniques in composition and arrangement, his potty mouth, the seeming contrast between the man who could write both The Luckiest and Song For The Dumped, and real life stories from the suburbs about everyday people brought to life in this collection of short stories – love spurned, love embraced, parenthood, mental health, and cussing on the mic. My huge thanks to both Ben and Shannon for being such great partners for this discussion about a performer who we all love. We never even mention the one song seemingly everyone knows….because Folds is so much more than that one song. I won’t let it be 3 years before Ben and Shannon rock the mics with me on LTA again. You can catch new episodes of All Time Top Ten every week on favourite podcast app, or go to https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/all-time-top-ten/id573735994 At the time of this LTA, there are 590 episodes recorded!!!!! Most are archived at https://www.mixcloud.com/beneisen/ If you want to check out Shannon’s variety of projects (music, art, videos), then head to https://shannonhurley.com/ Download this episode of LTA from your podcast app of choice. The wider back catalogue of episodes can also be found at http://lovethatalbumpodcast.blogspot.com Love That Album is proudly part of the Pantheon Podcast network. Go to http://pantheonpodcasts.com to check out all their great shows. You can send me feedback at rrrkitchen@yahoo.com.au (written or mp3 voicemail) or join the Facebook group at http://www.facebook.com/groups/lovethatalbum I'm also on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/lovethatalbumpodcast/ Proudly Pantheon. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices