Love That Album

Anyone who's listened to the podcast for a while or hung around the LTA Facebook group long enough knows that my favourite working band is Los Lobos. You'd also possibly be aware that group saxophonist and keyboard player Steve Berlin has joined me on LTA in the past AND on See Hear.....well, Steve's baaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaack.

Welcome to episode 150 of Love That Album.

Los Lobos have released a new album in 2021 called Native Sons. The fact that they (or any band) are able to record and release new music in lockdown is astonishing. As great as Louis Perez, David Hidalgo and Cesar Rosas are as songwriters, for this album, they are drawn to the music that influenced them along the way by heroes and peers specifically from Los Angeles....people like Lalo Guerrero, Jackson Browne, The Blasters, The Beach Boys, War and others.

Steve and I speak about the role of these musicians in Los Lobos' development, Christmas music, working through Covid, the father of Chicano music, Ry Cooder, Tom Waits and a lot of other topics. Once again it was my privilege to have him back on the show – recorded 3 hours before Lobos were due to hit the stage!!!

If you're in the US and are able to see Los Lobos live, DO IT. They put on wonderful shows, and you'll be supporting working musicians in this crazy time. You can check out their gig listings at loslobos.org

Download this episode of LTA from Spotify, Stitcher or iTunes (search for “Love That Album podcast”)....or wherever you prefer getting your podcasts.

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 [email protected] (written or mp3 voicemail) or join the Facebook group at http://www.facebook.com/groups/lovethatalbum

If you’d consider writing an iTunes review I’d be immensely grateful. However, it’d be even better if you told a friend about the podcast and Pantheon – at a barbecue, over coffee, on social media….whatever way you choose, consider me grateful. 

Proudly Pantheon

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The 1970s going into the early 1980s are generally regarded as a purple patch of Australian cinema – The Australian New Wave. Film makers had financial support. Audiences wanted to see their own backyard on the big screen (before bloody cultural cringe set in again). There were films that focused on T&A and machismo, there were a lot of period pieces, and there were tales of crime. The films weren't always successful, but there was a spirit about them that's still exciting. Audiences recognised themselves in film (although they denied it when Wake In Fright came out).

So, where does Oz: A Rock 'n; Roll Road Movie (aka 20th Century Oz) fit in? Where does an adaptation of The Wizard of Oz that sees Dorothy as a groupie who dreams she's on a highway headed for the big city to see a concert featuring The Wizard with a surfer, a mechanic and a biker as her company actually stand in the canon of local 70s cinema?

Welcome to Love That Album episode 149.

Why am I starting the blurb for a music discussion podcast with a description about movies? Especially in reference to a film that's already been discussed on the See Hear Podcast (episode 33...hint hint)

Well, the film has a soundtrack, you see......

Previous LTA interview subject Sarah Carroll and her son George Carroll Wilson are both huge fans of the film. I invited them onto the show to talk about the soundtrack. Of course, you can't really discuss a soundtrack without reference to the film itself. We also had a lengthy discussion about the Australian music scene of the period, the history behind the key players involved with the music and the film (Ross Wilson and Chris Lofven), and of course the music itself and how it worked in the context of the story.

BUT WAIT....THERE'S MORE.....

One of the exciting thing about the soundtrack of Oz is that it features the debut of a band that became very big in the late 70s, Jo Jo Zep and the Falcons. This episode features an interview with ex-Falcon Wayne Burt who wrote their songs for this film. I was rapt to speak to someone in the thick of it from the period.

My huge gratitude to Sarah, George and Wayne for making this such a fun show to record.

You can find out more about Sarah at https://www.sarahcarrollstarparade.com/

George's music is available at Bandcamp https://pollyman.bandcamp.com/music

Until Umbrella chooses to re-release the film on DVD / blu-ray, it's on Youtube at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ATiiOGg_ZyQ

….and you can search out the See Hear episode with myself, Bernie, Tim and the Projection Booth's Mike White discussing Oz downloading from https://seehearpodcast.blogspot.com/2020/05/see-hear-podcast-episode-33-oz-rock-n.html

Download this episode of LTA from Spotify, Stitcher or iTunes (search for “Love That Album podcast”)....or wherever you prefer getting your podcasts.

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 [email protected] (written or mp3 voicemail) or join the Facebook group at http://www.facebook.com/groups/lovethatalbum

If you’d consider writing an iTunes review I’d be immensely grateful. However, it’d be even better if you told a friend about the podcast and Pantheon – at a barbecue, over coffee, on social media….whatever way you choose, consider me grateful. 

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to part 2 of the Love That Album 10 Year Anniversary extravaganza. If you missed the first part, I asked 7 previous co hosts to recommend some favourite albums recorded over the lifespan of the show. In part 1, I had the first four guests (Ian McFarlane, Jeff Jenkins, Eric Peterson and Heather Drain).

The three remaining guests who will share the albums they treasure over the previous decade are:

I'm thrilled at these wonderful people have given my little podcast the time of day and have been happy to talk music with me, not just for this episode, but over the life of the show.

You can check out Bill's thoughts at his Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/billypinnell and go through the archives of his podcast, The Music Show.

Shane's activities (gigs, albums etc) can be found at https://shanepaceytrio.com.au/ and https://bondicigars.com/

You can catch Brian every Friday afternoon on Radio Melbourne with Jacinta Parsons (archived here) https://www.abc.net.au/radio/people/jacinta-parsons-and-brian-nankervis/11865916 or at Rockwiz live shows (when not in lockdown). Also, his classic TV comedy Let The Blood Run Free is on Youtube at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nQquowNAFBo&list=PLLnadaPaanlBJCQAh3CvT-6JzMtj-WBh0

Download this episode of LTA from Spotify, Stitcher or iTunes (search for “Love That Album podcast”)....or wherever you prefer getting your podcasts.

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 [email protected] (written or mp3 voicemail) or join the Facebook group at http://www.facebook.com/groups/lovethatalbum

If you’d consider writing an iTunes review I’d be immensely grateful. However, it’d be even better if you told a friend about the podcast and Pantheon – at a barbecue, over coffee, on social media….whatever way you choose, consider me grateful.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A decade ago (July 14, 2011 to be precise), I unleashed the first episode of Love That Album podcast on the world. Music journalist and massive Bruce Springsteen fan, Jeff Jenkins and I debated which was a better album from the Boss – The Wild, The Innocent and the E Street Shuffle (me) or Darkness On The Edge of Town (Jeff). I'm pretty sure I won......

I had no idea what I was doing in regards to audio quality (I still don’t), editing or how the discussion would go. In 2011, however, podcasting was not as ubiquitous as it’s become, so I didn’t feel any embarrassment at throwing the show out there with others that put far more work into making their programs great.

Welcome to the 10th anniversary edition of Love That Album.

I’m not under any illusions that this little show of discussions with fellow music fans about records we (mostly) love is in the upper stratosphere of the medium. However, I’ve loved (nearly) every conversation that I’ve had with marvellous people who were giving of their time, spirit and enthusiasm…and that counts for plenty. Also, anyone who ever downloaded an episode to actively listen also receives my huge gratitude. You're grouse!!!!

While not wanting to go overboard on this, I did think that celebrating the show running for 10 years was appropriate. My idea was to ask 7 previous guests to talk about some favourite albums released during its lifetime. To that end, I have broken up the show into two separate episodes because I didn’t think that a 4 hour plus episode would work for anyone (with the possible exception of fans of The Projection Booth).

For this first part, you will hear from Jeff Jenkins, music writer and author Ian McFarlane, host of LTA: The Compilation Edition Eric Peterson, and music / film writer and author Heather Drain. Get your pens and paper out to take notes for some great album recommendations you’ll need to follow up. In the end, creating this podcast has given me the opportunity to reach out to these and many others to talk about music – one of my favourite things to do, no matter what Frank Zappa said.

Download this episode of LTA from Spotify, Stitcher or iTunes (search for “Love That Album podcast”)....or wherever you prefer getting your podcasts.

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 [email protected] (written or mp3 voicemail) or join the Facebook group at http://www.facebook.com/groups/lovethatalbum

If you’d consider writing an iTunes review I’d be immensely grateful. However, it’d be even better if you told a friend about the podcast and Pantheon – at a barbecue, over coffee, on social media….whatever way you choose, consider me grateful.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Remember episode 133 of the show where I spoke with hosts of some of my favourite shows within the Pantheon Podcast Network about their favourite live albums? You don't? Go back and listen to that show....I'll wait.

Welcome to episode 146 of Love That Album.

So after that episode came out, no one at all asked me, “What are some of YOUR favourite live albums???” With the scheduled episode for this month being deferred to next year, now is the perfect time to answer that non-asked question. On this episode, I pick three live albums I love, highlight why I dig 'em, and make the case that you should chase them up.

That's it....no long ramble. Just download and listen.

Oh....while you're reading this, I will put in a mention about next month's shows. The podcast is turning 10 years old!!!! I will be releasing two (count 'em) episodes to celebrate.

Download this episode of LTA from Spotify, Stitcher or iTunes (search for “Love That Album podcast”)....or wherever you prefer getting your podcasts.

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 [email protected] (written or mp3 voicemail) or join the Facebook group at http://www.facebook.com/groups/lovethatalbum

If you’d consider writing an iTunes review I’d be immensely grateful. However, it’d be even better if you told a friend about the podcast and Pantheon – at a barbecue, over coffee, on social media….whatever way you choose, consider me grateful.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Melbournians are a resilient lot. We had some of the harshest lockdowns anywhere in the world during 2020 (very necessarily – I won't argue with anyone on that point). Most of us got through it with good humour, grace, and countless Zoom meetings. One song kept going through my head the whole time – it should have become the Victorian state anthem....that song was “Stuck In Melbourne” by The Warner Brothers.

Welcome to episode 145 of Love That Album.

Back in the mid 80s, musicians and songwriters, Dan Warner and James Stewart started performing around Melbourne as a duo before expanding to a full band lineup calling themselves The Warner Brothers, heavily influenced by rootsy / Americana styles. They played many many shows around town, and truly lived the rock and roll lifestyle. Under that name they independently released the excellent Talking In Your Sleep album (years before crowd-funding was an even an idea never mind a reality).

Who would have thought that a big international film and music conglomerate would threaten a small Melbourne band over their name??? They changed their name to Overnight Jones, recorded a couple of albums, then went their separate ways in the late 90s. All went on to other projects, before reforming annually for one-off shows to the faithful.

I'm thrilled to have Dan and James on the show to talk about their experiences with radio programmers, record producers, and band bookers. I found the conversation entertaining as hell...they are passionate about music.....and we discuss their back catalogue as well.

The WB / OJ albums are currently not in print, but listen for a great announcement late in the show for their forthcoming reissue. Meanwhile you can get Dan and James great solo albums from

https://danwarner.bandcamp.com/ and https://jamesstewartcarcane.bandcamp.com/

Download this episode of LTA from Spotify, Stitcher or iTunes (search for “Love That Album podcast”).

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 [email protected] (written or mp3 voicemail) or join the Facebook group at http://www.facebook.com/groups/lovethatalbum

If you’d consider writing an iTunes review I’d be immensely grateful. However, it’d be even better if you told a friend about the podcast and Pantheon – at a barbecue, over coffee, on social media….whatever way you choose, consider me grateful.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Growing up, before even becoming a fan of rock music, there was one name I knew very well – Jon English. He made a huge name for himself in the Australian production of Jesus Christ Superstar as Judas – Tim Rice may have declared him the finest performer of the role.

Welcome to episode 144 of Love That Album

I welcome music writer and biographer Jeff Apter to the show. He's just had his latest book published, “Behind Dark Eyes: The True Story of Jon English”. We talk about Jon's career as song interpreter, songwriter, actor (on TV and stage), rockstar, composer, and family man. There are many musicians who go into acting (and vice versa) but few went into everything with the gung ho that Jon did. Did I mention he was also hugely funny?? I'm not referring to his appearances on All Together Now – anytime he was on a stage with the Foster Brothers or as an actor, he owned the audience with his humour as well as THAT singing voice.

Jeff has released what I believe is a terrific biography that is respectful and devoted without being enslaved to the subject. The exultation of success and the disappointment at having the work he prized the most largely ignored are covered. We had a great conversation about all aspects of Jon and his work. If you're a fan or you're new to him, I hope you get something out of this episode.

If you're looking for Jon's music on physical media, you can pick up his albums in multi cd packs labeled as Anthology. There's also a great comp called Six Ribbons – The Ultimate Collection.

If you prefer streaming, there's that option as well.

My huge thanks to Jeff for his time. You can order the book from https://www.booktopia.com.au/behind-dark-eyes-jeff-apter/book/9781925868463.html or if you're outside of Australia https://www.bookdepository.com/Behind-Dark-Eyes/9781925868463. You can check out Jeff's other work at http://jeffapter.com.au

Download this episode of LTA from Spotify, Stitcher or iTunes (search for “Love That Album podcast”).

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 [email protected] (written or mp3 voicemail) or join the Facebook group at http://www.facebook.com/groups/lovethatalbum

If you’d consider writing an iTunes review I’d be immensely grateful. However, it’d be even better if you told a friend about the podcast and Pantheon – at a barbecue, over coffee, on social media….whatever way you choose, consider me grateful.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

“Good evening, everybody.

“Give a round of applause for the bar staff”

These could be expressions you might hear from any musician in any bar around the world....but there was only one musician in the world who'd utter these AND the following....

“Let's hear it for Shane O' Fucking Mara, everybody”

That musician is Chris Wilson.

Welcome to episode 143 of Love That Album podcast.

Chris was a hometown hero in Melbourne....he deserved to be revered around the world. He brought operatic majesty to the blues. A great harp player, a singer, a songwriter, and a blues historian. Every gig he performed was an event.....I can't describe why, you just needed to be there.

In 1994, he released a live album, “Live At The Continental”. The Conti was a favourite haunt in Prahran in Melbourne for local and international bands, usually in the roots world. After an absence from live performing, Chris was joined by guitarist Shane O'Mara and pianist Jex Saarelaht to do a combination of Chris' originals and some blues covers at what became a beloved venue for him. The resulting album became a huge favourite amongst Chris' fans and earned him many new ones. In 2021, a second new edition of the CD has been released with a whole raft of songs absent from the first edition. It's also been released on record for the first time ever.

Chris sadly passed away in 2019 from cancer. The Australian music scene is far poorer for his loss.

Sarah Carroll is a singer, songwriter, and multi instrumentalist who has produced some brilliant music of her own with country outfits like The Junes, The Cartridge Family and Git. Back in 2017, under the moniker of Sarah Carroll and The Left Wing she released a collection of short stories set to music (my definition) called “Star Parade” and in 2020 she collaborated with guitarist Shannon Bourne to release the EP “Medicine” with songs of joy and heartache.

Sarah, as Chris' wife has had much pain to endure at his loss, but she wanted to make sure that his legacy was still felt. She oversaw the re-release of Live At The Continental. She joined me for a great discussion about this landmark album as well as her own work. I hope this show means as much to you as it does to me.

You can get a copy of Live At The Continental from https://www.cheersquad.com.au/releases/live-at-the-continental/ or Sarah's recordings from https://sarahcarroll.bandcamp.com/

Sarah has curated a Spotify play list of music from herself, Chris and their two musically talented sons, Fenn and George at https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1znUA33Bkry0kDJTSdQEic?si=Th8Q352sSQaOrVBehmLiKA&utm_source=copy-link&nd=1

Download this episode of LTA from Spotify, Stitcher or iTunes (search for “Love That Album podcast”).

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 [email protected] (written or mp3 voicemail) or join the Facebook group at http://www.facebook.com/groups/lovethatalbum

If you’d consider writing an iTunes review I’d be immensely grateful. However, it’d be even better if you told a friend about the podcast and Pantheon – at a (socially distanced) barbecue, over coffee (on Skype), on social media….whatever way you choose, consider me grateful.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

So many musicians have become popular based on one thing the caught the public's imagination. Daring to try something different artistically could be a “bad career move”. Of course, some musicians might have been “hiding in plain sight” with their real artistic ambitions all along.

Welcome to episode 142 of Love That Album, the first episode for 2021.

Michael Nesmith along with Peter Tork, Davy Jones and Micky Dolenz spent the latter half of the sixties rallying against the image bequeathed on them by NBC and Don Kirshner. The Monkees wanted to show that they could be (and were) a real band. Right from the start, Mike would infuse his own songwriting with his love of country music.

However, country is only a small part of the Monkees' own sound. When he announced he was quitting (4 days after McCartney announced The Beatles were no more), he already had plans for his next ensemble, The First National Band. Over a period of a little over a year, they released three brilliant albums, allowing Nesmith to finally make his approach to country music the focus.

I am joined by musician, songwriter, comedian and regular co host on All Time Top Ten Podcast, Joe Lavelle to look at the first of those First National Band albums, Magnetic South. Of course we look at a range of things peripheral to the album like The Monkees (duh!), the real origins of country rock, being a musician known for comedy (and a pioneer in music video), Brazil and the link between Magnetic South and Star Trek.

It took a year to get around to this episode (I move slower than zombies in a George Romero film), but it was worth it. Joe is a great conversation partner – something you'd know if you've heard him on the ATTT podcast. It was a pleasure and privilege for me to finally have him on the show.

You can find the music for his jazz ensemble Brandy Sidecar at https://brandysidecar.bandcamp.com/album/the-christmas-3-ep

Ben Eisen's All Time Top Ten podcast can be found at https://alltimetoptenpod.com/

Download this episode of LTA from Spotify, Stitcher or iTunes (search for “Love That Album podcast”).

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 [email protected] (written or mp3 voicemail) or join the Facebook group at http://www.facebook.com/groups/lovethatalbum

If you’d consider writing an iTunes review I’d be immensely grateful. However, it’d be even better if you told a friend about the podcast and Pantheon – at a (socially distanced) barbecue, over coffee (on Skype), on social media….whatever way you choose, consider me grateful.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Love That Album Podcast Episode 141 - Sound As Ever: Australian Indie 1990 – 1999

The 1990s were musically diverse, but are often recalled as the moment that the so-called Seattle sound kicked down your door and got you to include its flannel shirt in your next wash. Gone were the horrible Linn drums of the 1980s....guitars, bass and drums were back. What was previously “alternative” now forced its way into the mainstream.

Welcome to episode 141 of Love That Album Podcast.

It cannot be argued – Australian music was in a very healthy state during the nineties, definitely from an artistic perspective. People loved to go hear live music and support local bands – the pub scene was carrying on a long tradition from previous decades of providing stages for musicians to do their thing....despite the disgusting disease that was poker machines being allowed into Victorian pubs early in the decade making some venues less musician friendly.

Scott Thurling started up a label called Popboomerang in the early 2000s to support the musicians he loved. He spent a large part of the previous decade seeing as many bands as he could physically get to. It comes as a surprise to no one that his knowledge of Australian independent music from this period is second to none (as is his record and CD collection).

Early on in the pandemic lockdown in Victoria, Scott and Jane Gazzo started a Facebook group dedicated to those indie bands. The group exploded with punters and musicians all willing to share stories, photos and paraphernalia. Wanting to expand the collective experience, they hit upon a plan to get as many previously unreleased songs from bands of the period and release a CD. In 2020, they released TWO albums filled to the brim with songs previously lying around gathering dust.

My great friend and previous LTA presenter, David Blom joins me to talk with Scott about Sound As Ever: Australian Indie 1990 – 1999, Volumes 1 and 2. We talk about the era, the politics, the culture, the venues, and most importantly, the songs on these anthologies.

Join the SAE group (it doesn't matter if you were there at the time or even know these bands) at https://www.facebook.com/groups/SoundAsEver.

Order the CDs or downloads from https://soundaseveraustralianindie90-99.bandcamp.com/music

Download this episode of LTA from Spotify, Stitcher or iTunes (search for “Love That Album podcast”).

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 [email protected] (written or mp3 voicemail) or join the Facebook group at http://www.facebook.com/groups/lovethatalbum

If you’d consider writing an iTunes review I’d be immensely grateful. However, it’d be even better if you told a friend about the podcast and Pantheon – at a (socially distanced) barbecue, over coffee (on Skype), on social media….whatever way you choose, consider me grateful.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices