Ray Charles doing country and western? Surely this was the most improbable of album titles or subject matter for a man who was referred to as the ‘High Priest of Soul’. Yes, Ray Charles was doing both kinds of music, but not as we’d ever heard it before. This was an album of country and western standards backed by a full orchestra, choir and brass infused with rhythm and blues. … [Read more...]
O Death – Karl S. Williams
There’s no doubt that Karl S. Williams marches to the beat of his own drum. In an age where popular music is made to order for instant consumption, here is a man whose music comes from another time and place, a craftsman with the ability to tap into a wellspring deep within his soul to create some of the most beautiful music I’ve ever heard. His voice can move from angelic … [Read more...]
Cosmo’s Factory – Creedence Clearwater Revival
Let me preface this new series on Sound Distractions with a little background. A week after my recent turntable purchase my brother Greg donated his vinyl collection to me after it had sat in a box without being played for many years. There was 1 album in particular in that box that held a significant place for me in my musical education – it was a no brainer as the most … [Read more...]
A chat with… Tracy McNeil
Tracy McNeil has quickly built a reputation as one of our finest songwriters. Originally from Canada, Tracy has called Melbourne home for that last decade and as the wife of guitarist and songwriter Luke Sinclair (Raised By Eagles), Tracy is now a well entrenched member of Melbourne’s music mafia. Her first release here was a collaboration with the wonderfully talented … [Read more...]
Vinyl Distraction
A couple of weeks ago I bought a turntable. Not just any turntable, but a Technics 1210 Mk 2. It’s been a long time coming and it was a long haul getting it here, having hired a car in Sydney to drive it back to the Gold Coast. There was a bonus that came with that turntable – 400 albums and 100 singles that filled the boot of that car on the drive home. This is a dangerous … [Read more...]