Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Dude on October 21, 2010 at 2:57pm

While I agree that PK is the best songwriter ( and author too) I challenge the 6 lengths when you consider one Mick Thomas of Weddos fame. A master songsmith. In fact I want For a Long Time played at my funeral even if that's not going to be for a long time yet.

Permalink Reply by Steve Ford on October 21, 2010 at 3:16pm

Paul Kelly is the Bradman of Australian songwriters. As you can see by my list, I was thinking the full gamut, not just the folk-roots orientation of ND. Mick Thomas has some great songs, as do David Bridey, David McComb, Foster & McLennan etc, but Kelly is a cut above as a wordsmith, and so prolific.

Permalink Reply by Dude on October 21, 2010 at 3:20pm

I'll agre to PK as the Bradman if you concede that Mick is the Warnie!!!

Permalink Reply by Steve Ford on October 21, 2010 at 4:07pm

Yeah, Mick's mum made him take the pills.

Permalink Reply by Charlie Wells on July 8, 2011 at 9:19pm

Great List. Good to see som love for Joe. Probably the greatest all rounder in Oz music. Does it all does joe.

Permalink Reply by joel bennett on November 8, 2010 at 11:01am

Living in Los Angeles I have only been exposed to a few Australian Singers but they have all been exceptional. Kasey Chambers tops my list as I have followed her the longest and saw her live at the El Rey a few years ago.

I had the magical pleasure of jamming with Darin Warner, Sarge, and Howard Yearwood last fall on Howard's back porch where four hours whizzed by in a heartbeat. He can surely write with the best of 'em, and his voice (and Sarge's harmonies) are top-notch as well.

Stephen Rowe used to jam at the "Legendary" Hideaway up in Kagel Canyon (you would never believe it's in the 818 area code) and his songwriting and singing are also at the highest level. I got to jam with Steve at his gigs at Canter's as well. I feel I know "Broken Hill" as a second home and can't wait to hear his latest release.

I wish you all would send a lot more over if these folks are true sample of your music.

Permalink Reply by Jack Williams on November 8, 2010 at 11:25am

I live in the Washington, DC area. I don't have many Australian artists in my music collection. Probably just because I haven't been exposed to too many, except those that have made it to the mainstream, which I tend to tune out.

I became aware of Nick Cave after Johnny Cash covered Mercy Seat. Shortly therafter, I started slowly becoming a huge fan. I think he has been on a tear with the last two Bad Seed records and the two Grinderman records. Going to see Grinderman next week. Excited and a little afraid.

Kasey Chambers, of course. Her husband Shane Nicholson is quite good as well, isn't he? One of your countrymen wrote a horrid review on Amazon of a children's album she did. Described her as "faux American hillbilly." He should be flogged.

I have a Hunters and Collectors double CD that's quite good.

I saw Paul Kelly open up for Steve Forbert once, but am sadly ignorant of work.

Permalink Reply by Jack on November 8, 2010 at 11:55am

I've seen Anne McCue a few times and gladly will again. She sings and writes very well.

Just saw Chuck's Wagon a few weeks ago here in Chicago and am not quite sure what to make of them. They played as a three piece; acoustic guitar, electric guitar, drummer. No bass. Guessing either their bassist was just unavailable for the evening or they're touring far from home as a three piece for economic reasons. They played much of their set sans bass and it didn't work so well. A local bassist sat in for the rest of the set and once he started things were much improved. Their electric guitarist did some nice work. The singer's voice isn't compelling but he uses it to good effect and the songs were well written. Would enjoy seeing them with a full lineup. Am curious to know more about them if anyone has a moment to catch me up to speed.

Permalink Reply by Charlie Wells on July 8, 2011 at 9:29pm

In no particular order. Weddings, Parties, Anything. Paul Kelly, Chris Bailey, The Waifs, Masters Apprentices, Steve Cummings, Dingoes, Skyhooks (They just changed everything.) Radio Birdman. Eric Gradman's Man & Machine. Mentals. Dave Warner, Triffids, Parachute/spare Change/ Young Modern/ The Zimmermen. But with out a doubt the best ever Jo Jo Zep and the Falcons. (75/76 Wayne Burt era. Australia's great lost songwriter.) Greetings from San Diego

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