The Full Catastrophe

The Road To Baku (and the White House)

fullcatastrophe — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 06:38:34 +0000

Posted by Andy “Douze Points” Bell

For those with a predilection for things competitive the next month or so will be a beauty.

Politically and musically.

First, there’s the all over the place race to be the Republican Party’s nominee for the US presidential election.

Just when you think someone is about to win the political scrag fight something either a) weird b) wacky or c) both happens and the race is thrown into chaos.

It’s a horse race where some of the nags keep getting up, scooping up their jockeys in the process.

Mitt Romney may have trumped Newt, Rick & Ron (sounds like a close harmony folk group from the 1960s) in Florida, but this race will stumble on through primarie and caucuses for a while yet.

Then there’s the race that’ll halt a zillion mirror balls.

The scramble to be part of the Eurovision Song Contest to be held in Azerbaijan in May.

In February alone there will be SEVENTEEN countries choosing their song.

Imagine.

Just imagine.

Mind (and ear) boggling.

If you think you’ve heard and seen no hopers in the ESC proper in past years, think what Barry Crockers (for any international readers – shockers) will be inflicted on the good folk of Norway, Ukraine, Netherlands and the rest in their respective national finals.

It’s a musical heaven, hell and purgatory.

With europe in the midst of economic meltdown the ESC offers a chance to kick a few musical goals to lift the spirits.

Although inadvertently, some entrants for euro glory may also plunge several nations into further gloom.

It’ll be an exciting time for one and all.

For the lowdown & the latest on how the Eurovision runners & riders are shapingfaring go to joyeurovision.com to get a taste of what’s going on – click on Contenders 2012 at the top right of the home page.

TFC is more than a little happy to be a part of Joy’s Euro Song 2012 coverage.

Tune in to the show on Saturday nights (2100AEDST/1000 GMT) to Joy 94.9 (http://www.joy.org.au/) for more details on how Euro Song Countdown we’ll be keeping you in the loop while firmly standing outside the square !!

Bring it on !!!!

Milestones ahead and more

fullcatastrophe — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 08:05:28 +0000

Posted by Andy “Excited” Bell

Dear Catastrophe-ettes, I have some news.

Don’t get worried, it’s got nothing to do with my recent purchase of a Conway Twitty triple album.

There are exciting things afoot for the show and the timeslot.

First a celebration.

On March 31th TFC will celebrate its 200th program and there will be baked goods galore in and around the studio.

With that milestone reached, the people at Fred Shrubley’s AutoBarn Pakenham (trading as The Full Catastrophe) are delighted to announce a premiere event at a special time in what will be an Australian first.

Look, it’s going to knock your socks off.

TFC’s two catastrophic hours on Saturday nights will be sliced and diced for a little while and for a very good reason.

From April 7th they’ll look like this:

2100 Euro Song Countdown 2012 – Hikaru Freeman (who you can hear on World Wide Wave on Wednesday nights on Joy) and my good self talk Eurovision Song Contest. It’ll be one crowded hour of song reviews, ESC news and gossip, interviews with the great & the good, some ESC history and much more.

2200 The Full (Mini) Catastrophe – I stay in the studio for to bring you the usual non-mix mix of musical stuff but in truncated form. Fear not “Sports Results With Totally Inapprporiate Music” will be part of the arrangements.

The Euro Song Countdown 2012 climax will come in late May.

There’ll be a special ESC preview on May 25th, the 5th Annual TFC Eurovision Special on May 26th AND a marathon program running in synch with the Australian telecast of Eurovision 2012 on May 27th.

It’s all happening.

Get on board now and get a taste of the style of Euro Song Countdown 2012 by having a look at joyeurovision.com.

The Full “Oi Oi Oi’ Catastrophe – January 28th 2012

fullcatastrophe — Sat, 28 Jan 2012 11:53:59 +0000

Hosted & posted by Andy “He’s A Certified Australian” Bell

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Advance Australia Fair – Ed Wilson’s Wacky Big Band

There are 20 odd million ways of singing the anthem. These are just a few of them.

Follow Your Bliss – B-52s

“You begin to meet people who are in the field of your bliss and they open doors for you. I say follow your bliss and don’t be afraid and doors will open where you didn’t know there were going to be.” – Joseph Campbell (American mythologist)

Somewhere At The Party – The Inches

Bathe In The River – Mt Roskil Preservation Society, featuring Hollie Smith

Losing A Friend – The Cardigans

The Wallflower – Etta James

Local Farmhand - Topp Twins

Love Never Runs On Time – Paul Kelly

Lover – Margaet Whiting

You’re My Love – Cilla Black

Those Lazy, Hazy, Crazy Days Of Summer – Bob Downe

It’s My Soleil – The Hipstones

Ruler Of My Heart – Paul Capsis

I Need A Man – Lee Adam Wishier

Melodía Del Rio – Rubén González

Macpherson Is Rehearsin’ – Ella Fitzgerald

Daffy Duck’s Rhapsody – Mel Blanc

Ein Lied Kann Eine Brücke Sein- Joy Fleming It was far from a winning entry (17th out of 19 !) but it is a classic Eurovision song. For MUCH more on Joy and Deutschland in the ESC listen to me & the glorious Hikaru Freeman chewing the fat. And don’t forghet to stay in touch with Eurovision with JOYEurovision on Twitter.

Blow Your Head – The JBs

I Wish You Love – Whirimako Black

Waltzing Matilda – Ed Wilson’s Wacky Big Band

Ta ta tattoo time ?

fullcatastrophe — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 02:31:53 +0000

In life, at work and in fashion there comes a tipping point.

A time where the pressing need to do a specific something weakens and, fairly swiftly, collapses.

It is particularly noticeable in the world of fashion and fad.

Be it hula hoops, yo-yos, Oxford bags or velour cat-suits, their time comes and goes.

Especially for the cat-suit ! Shame.

Which brings me to body art.

Moving around I have noticed that the level of inking the body has reached epidemic proportions.

The proliferation of tattoos is reaching the levels a popular (but fleeting) fashion brand.

Now before the chorus of “shut up you grumpy old thing” echo around the place, let me reveal my own piece of body adornment.

Deep breath folks.

Andy Adorned

The Celtic double headed eagle has been on my shoulder for two decades and more and I am happy to see him there.

When the ink hit the flesh back in a suitably seedy tattoo parlour in Sydney’s Surry Hills in the early 90s it was after a deal of consideration based on the feeling that the “tatt” had “to fit”.

Back then the mere appearance of such a body marking raised the hackles of numerous friends … and a few admiring glances.

Fast forward and in the second decade of the 21st century there is body ink of every hue & design - and much of it, to my eye, doesn’t seem to “fit”.

The “fit” is about design, the colour, the location. The totality of it. It’s about truly owning what you wear.

Too many people seem to have come away from the tattoo parlour with something akin to an “impulse buy” encouraged by contemporary mores and last week’s piece in the paper or on “The Project”.

They seem to own it in the way they used to own an analogue telly.

Not much pride, but a necessity of the time.

I fear that for some people more is actually less, and much more is a gift to the tatt removalists of the future.

Don’t get me wrong, many where their ink with great pride and a deal of élan not to mention joie de vivre.

And more power to their inked elbows.

These are folk who will wear tatts for years to come without a second thought.

And what they wear and show are intensely personal statements.

As for those who have inked as a fashion & fad statement … learn to really love that tatt.

Nicht über alles – Germany in Eurovision

fullcatastrophe — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 08:45:15 +0000

The story of Germany in the Eurovision Song Contest is not one of dominating glory.

Just two victories in more than half a century of trying.

But it is an engrossing tale none the less.

It’s in part about a nation’s cultural redemption. The first ESC was 11 years & 16 days after the end of the european war.

The other part of the story is about the the battle for the soul of German popular culture. For years modernity went head to head with the sweet & highly sentimental schlager style.

Along the way there are some remarkable songs, indeed the very first is a jaw dropper. And there’s a winning song which attracts derision and a couple of failures that have cult followings.

Join Hikaru Freeman of World Wide Wave & Andy Bell in a fabby podcast as they wend the autobahnen und straßen (highways & by-ways sorta kinda!) of Germany in Eurovision.

The Full Catastrophe – January 21st 2012

fullcatastrophe — Sat, 21 Jan 2012 11:53:20 +0000

Etta James left us and that isn’t right.

Her voice brought all those who heard it to many places – some bright, some dark.

She was never dull or by the numbers, she was her own woman.

She left the world a richer place.

Almost from program 1 back in March 2008 the “Full Catastrophe” has regularly relied on Etta James to show the way.

That voice, that spirit will live on.

And for the first time TFC dispensed for a while with its usual zig and zag approach to pause and celebrate a great singer.

Vale Etta James.

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Miss You – Etta James

“The matriarch of R&B” sings the Stones.

“Her voice was “an instrument of overwhelming power.”

He’s Funny That Way – Etta James

“Her music defied category.”

“The greatest of modern blues singers . . . the undisputed Earth Mother” sings a 1928 standard.

Good Morning Heartache – Etta James

“As raw as Etta is, there’s a great intelligence and wisdom in her singing.”

Somebody To Love -Etta James

“Perhaps the quintessential R&B diva, was equally at home singing unadulterated blues, searing R&B and sophisticated jazz.”

The Very Thought Of You – Etta James

“When she effortlessly opened her mouth, you could hear her pain and triumph.”

My Favourite Things – New Swing Sextet

Somebody To Love – Queen

Melancholisch Schön – 2raumwohnung

I’m Beginning To See The Light – Rebecca Barnard Quartet

Bilbao Song – Ute Lemper

Bilbao Song – J.J. Johnson

From the surrealistic three-act musical play “Happy End by Weill & Brecht, first performed in 1929.

An abrasive lyric, a lilting melody.

Carrots For My Lady – Denis King

A splendidly silly song from a 70s BBC radio show called “Hello Cheeky“.

Fly Me To The Moon – Bob Downe

Tarzan – Sonny Day & The Rare Breed

The Night They Invented Champagne – Seth MacFarlane

Banjo In The Hollow – The Dillards

Tipi Tii – Marion Rung

And talking of Eurovision here is Hikaru Freeman and yours truly chirping about Yugoslavia and the ESC.

Technicolour Dawn – Jez Kerr

I Wish I Were A Princess – Little Peggy March

Nursery Rhyme – Bo Diddley

Big Apple Boogaloo – Brooklyn Funk Essentials

At Last – Etta James

“When I’m singing blues, I’m singing life. People that can’t stand to listen to the blues, they’ve got to be phonies.”

Squeezing

fullcatastrophe — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 03:54:33 +0000

It wasn’t a resolution.

It was more an acknowledgement of what’s needed during the dog days of January & February in Melbourne town.

I decided to yield to what I have long known.

The best way to quench my thirst was to invest in limes, a squeezing implement and keep the ice supplies at optimum.

And so it has come to pass.

10 limes for $4 at the Vic Markets and a $6 squeezing thing which looks like an instrument of torture for those of a non-citric bent.

And the word is “YUM”.

As one who has been known to enjoy a crisp Pinot or a fruity Sav Blanc, I must say that a mouthful of diluted freshly squeezed lime juice diluted with iced water and topped up by special ice cubes is a delight.

The ice, by the way, comes from a tray, given to me by the gorgeous Tim Harrison, during TFC’s Christmas Eve edition.

It’s now being given a real work out.

Yet again, the simple pleasures win.

And that’s how it is as I switch off the PC, darken the TV set & its connected DVD boxed set-ery and reach for a book and a nice, long, cool drink.

The Full “Carnival Time” Catastrophe – 14th January 2012

fullcatastrophe — Sat, 14 Jan 2012 11:56:29 +0000

Hosted & posted by Andy “Birrarung Marr” Bell

On the eve of our annual statement of daylight critical mass on the bank of the Yarra, TFC aggregated some top tunes and a tentative first.

Exciting times all round.

And coming soon, a new & challenging platform for TFC – stay tuned !

Meanwhile here’s my latest piece of Eurovision tomfooleryon the estimable “

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Long Walk Back – The Rifles

United Provinces Of India -Cornershop

I’m The Urban Spaceman – Bonzo Dog Doo Dah Band

That Old Black Magic – Kevin Spacey

Talented man Mr Spacey who has just done a season in Shakepeare’s Richard III in Sydney. Pretty good at impressions too.

Long Big Slidin’ Thing -Dinah Washinton

I couldn’t possibly comment.

Nid Diwedd Y Gan – Maffia Mr Huws

One of the best Welsh language band of all time. To wish my visitor from Cardiff bon voyage after a month here. We’ll always have Puffing Billy.

Gason Total – Orchestre Tropicana D’Haiti

You’re The Cream In My Coffee – Seth MacFarlane

Yep the man behind “Family Guy”. As Peter, Brian, Stewie and more Seth MacF has displayed his vocal chops on numerous occasions. This track is from his recently released album “Music Is Better than Words”.

Here he is in more familiard circumstances.

Changing Of The Guard – Bob Dylan

Day In, Day Out – Petula Clark

The Hitler Audition – The Producers Soundtrack

This is my first digitising from my vinyl & cassette collection !! It comes from a soundtrack album of the original film “The Producers” which became a musical.

Good Behaviour – Rock Follies

Returning to a great UK series from the 70s about an all-woman rock band. “Rock Follies” was an incredibly political series which aired on commercial television.

Up On The Roof – The Drifters

I Am Woman – Jessica Williams

Haste Que Pueda – Amanda Martinez

Pull Up To The Bumper – Grace Jones

Charlie Brown – Vince Guaraldi

Smells Like Queer Spirit – Pansy Division

You’ll Never Walk Along – Carousel Soundtrack

This week’s “bucket list” song is a challenge on all platforms !

Come Together – Gli Scapoli

What I did on my holidays

fullcatastrophe — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 22:50:35 +0000

So, there has been a clamour for views along the way of my recent road trip with an ex from the UK through the Wimmera, Mallee and central North of Victoria.

The top line of this expeditions is excellent motel breakfasts, the demise of the counter meal and the unexpected delights of each town we pulled over in for a toilet stop, meat pie break or petrol.

Ballarat Station

Yummy milkshakes

The Big Koala @ Dadswells Bridge

Warracknabeal

Ouyen

Mildura Weir

The Murray River flag

And there’s much more. I will be organising a slide night at my place in February. Bring your own plate.

The Full “Bran Nue Year” Catastrophe – 7th January 2012

fullcatastrophe — Sat, 07 Jan 2012 11:56:13 +0000

Hosted & posted by Andy “Back From The Country” Bell

This show follows a few days in country climes. A road trip to Horsham, Mildura & Echuca. Reports to come.

Now it’s to the first of fifty more shows with a particular eye on Eurovision in May and and even more spectacular AFL Grand Final special.

There will be some new and returning voices as well.

Intrigued ?

Stick around baby !!!

For now here’s the latest collection of stuff.

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I Melt With You – Mest

Wrong – Depeche Mode

Tubas In The Moonlight – Bonzo Dog Do-Dah Band

In this clip the young blok at the beginning is David Jason – yes, he of a “Touch of Frost”. Think about that one.

Do Wah Diddy Diddy – Manfred Mann

Princes Highway – The Cliffords

Hey – The Vaudeville Smash

The Masochism Tango – Tom Lehrer

A mathematics professor at Harvard who got his sums and equations to work for him when he satirised the mores of the 1960s.

Don’t Let The Sun Catch You Cryin’ – Ray Charles

Tell All The World About You – Bobby Darin

San Francisco – Bunny Berigan Orchestra

San Francisco, open your Golden Gate
You’ll let nobody wait outside your door
San Francisco, here is your wanderin’ one
Saying I’ll wander no more.

Other places only make me love you best
Tell me you’re the one in all the golden west
San Francisco, I’m coming home again
Never to roam again… .

My Name Is John Wellington Wells - Dennis Olsen

One of the great Gilbert & Sullivan patter songs. It’s from the “Sorcerer“, first performed 134 years ago.

It was featured in the movie “Topsy Turvy” which was about G&S.

Black Fingernails, Red Wine - Eskimo Joe

Lady Is A Tramp – Mark Salling & Ambel Riley

A Little Kiss Each Morning - Rudy Valee

Don’t Say You Love Me – M2M

La Belle Vie – Belle Musette

If I Had A Hammer – Trini Lopez

A hit which could be seen as a highly political statement OR just a feel good song. Your call !

Crescent Moon – Jack Howard & The Nightbirds

Tommy Walsh’s Eco House – Half Man, Half Biscuit

I Bring You Finjans For Your Zarf – Red Norvo Trio

Stay – Maurice Williams & The Zodiacs

What You Want, What You Need – Industry Standard

AND the first in a regular online only, internet exclusive content offer item.

It’s just another clip BUT it is fine, fine, fine.