Podcast appearances and mentions of michael pursche

As a kid, I was always told to “reach for the sky”.....I think what they meant was “reach out to Sky”....or something like that.Welcome to episode 153 of Love That Album.First of all, thanks for your patience. I didn't get to put out the planned Joni Mitchell episode in December 2021, so that was deferred to January 2022. That then got deferred due to the bastard bug hitting one of my co hosts.I still really wanted to put something out this month, so a chance encounter with a couple of old tapes from 1984 ended up being my solution. At that time, I was attending RMIT in Melbourne, and spending valuable study time doing campus radio programs. Whenever I heard Australian / British supergroup Sky was touring Australia, I would get the station management to arrange for me to get to speak to the band. The fact that a band as hugely popular in Australia and Europe such as Sky would speak to a young shmuck like me speaks volumes as to how lovely they were.In March 1984, Sky toured Australia for the first time without founding member and classical guitar maestro John Williams. He'd left a few weeks earlier to get back to other projects he felt he'd neglected over the course of playing in a band.On this episode of LTA, I'm presenting two interviews. The first is the interview I did with drummer Tristan Fry and pianist Steve Gray on that tour. The second was recorded either later that year or sometime the next (I can't be 100% sure) with John Williams on his first tour after leaving the band. Bear in mind that both of these interviews were recorded when I was pretty young and had no real experience in writing interview questions. Regardless of what I asked, Tristan, Steve and John always answered with great detail and professionalism.My thanks go out to David Green, my manager at 3ST for arranging these interviews (you can hear him on the one with Tristan and Steve). I also want to thank my long time friend Pete Anzo for loaning me his cassette deck to rip these interviews from tape to my laptop.If you want to hear an early episode of the podcast where Michael Pursche (of Sitting In a Bar In Adelaide fame) and I speak in depth about Sky, and I speak with Tristan Fry for the first time in a little under 30 years, go to https://lovethatalbumpodcast.blogspot.com/2012/11/love-that-album-episode-33-music-of-sky.htmlDownload 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 rrrkitchen@yahoo.com.au (written or mp3 voicemail) or join the Facebook group at http://www.facebook.com/groups/lovethatalbumIf 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.

As a kid, I was always told to “reach for the sky”.....I think what they meant was “reach out to Sky”....or something like that. Welcome to episode 153 of Love That Album. First of all, thanks for your patience. I didn't get to put out the planned Joni Mitchell episode in December 2021, so that was deferred to January 2022. That then got deferred due to the bastard bug hitting one of my co hosts. I still really wanted to put something out this month, so a chance encounter with a couple of old tapes from 1984 ended up being my solution. At that time, I was attending RMIT in Melbourne, and spending valuable study time doing campus radio programs. Whenever I heard Australian / British supergroup Sky was touring Australia, I would get the station management to arrange for me to get to speak to the band. The fact that a band as hugely popular in Australia and Europe such as Sky would speak to a young shmuck like me speaks volumes as to how lovely they were. In March 1984, Sky toured Australia for the first time without founding member and classical guitar maestro John Williams. He'd left a few weeks earlier to get back to other projects he felt he'd neglected over the course of playing in a band. On this episode of LTA, I'm presenting two interviews. The first is the interview I did with drummer Tristan Fry and pianist Steve Gray on that tour. The second was recorded either later that year or sometime the next (I can't be 100% sure) with John Williams on his first tour after leaving the band. Bear in mind that both of these interviews were recorded when I was pretty young and had no real experience in writing interview questions. Regardless of what I asked, Tristan, Steve and John always answered with great detail and professionalism. My thanks go out to David Green, my manager at 3ST for arranging these interviews (you can hear him on the one with Tristan and Steve). I also want to thank my long time friend Pete Anzo for loaning me his cassette deck to rip these interviews from tape to my laptop. If you want to hear an early episode of the podcast where Michael Pursche (of Sitting In a Bar In Adelaide fame) and I speak in depth about Sky, and I speak with Tristan Fry for the first time in a little under 30 years, go to https://lovethatalbumpodcast.blogspot.com/2012/11/love-that-album-episode-33-music-of-sky.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 rrrkitchen@yahoo.com.au (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.

As a kid, I was always told to “reach for the sky”.....I think what they meant was “reach out to Sky”....or something like that.Welcome to episode 153 of Love That Album.First of all, thanks for your patience. I didn't get to put out the planned Joni Mitchell episode in December 2021, so that was deferred to January 2022. That then got deferred due to the bastard bug hitting one of my co hosts.I still really wanted to put something out this month, so a chance encounter with a couple of old tapes from 1984 ended up being my solution. At that time, I was attending RMIT in Melbourne, and spending valuable study time doing campus radio programs. Whenever I heard Australian / British supergroup Sky was touring Australia, I would get the station management to arrange for me to get to speak to the band. The fact that a band as hugely popular in Australia and Europe such as Sky would speak to a young shmuck like me speaks volumes as to how lovely they were.In March 1984, Sky toured Australia for the first time without founding member and classical guitar maestro John Williams. He'd left a few weeks earlier to get back to other projects he felt he'd neglected over the course of playing in a band. On this episode of LTA, I'm presenting two interviews. The first is the interview I did with drummer Tristan Fry and pianist Steve Gray on that tour. The second was recorded either later that year or sometime the next (I can't be 100% sure) with John Williams on his first tour after leaving the band. Bear in mind that both of these interviews were recorded when I was pretty young and had no real experience in writing interview questions. Regardless of what I asked, Tristan, Steve and John always answered with great detail and professionalism.My thanks go out to David Green, my manager at 3ST for arranging these interviews (you can hear him on the one with Tristan and Steve). I also want to thank my long time friend Pete Anzo for loaning me his cassette deck to rip these interviews from tape to my laptop. If you want to hear an early episode of the podcast where Michael Pursche (of Sitting In a Bar In Adelaide fame) and I speak in depth about Sky, and I speak with Tristan Fry for the first time in a little under 30 years, go to https://lovethatalbumpodcast.blogspot.com/2012/11/love-that-album-episode-33-music-of-sky.htmlDownload 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 rrrkitchen@yahoo.com.au (written or mp3 voicemail) or join the Facebook group at http://www.facebook.com/groups/lovethatalbumIf 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.

As a kid, I was always told to “reach for the sky”.....I think what they meant was “reach out to Sky”....or something like that. Welcome to episode 153 of Love That Album. First of all, thanks for your patience. I didn't get to put out the planned Joni Mitchell episode in December 2021, so that was deferred to January 2022. That then got deferred due to the bastard bug hitting one of my co hosts. I still really wanted to put something out this month, so a chance encounter with a couple of old tapes from 1984 ended up being my solution. At that time, I was attending RMIT in Melbourne, and spending valuable study time doing campus radio programs. Whenever I heard Australian / British supergroup Sky was touring Australia, I would get the station management to arrange for me to get to speak to the band. The fact that a band as hugely popular in Australia and Europe such as Sky would speak to a young shmuck like me speaks volumes as to how lovely they were. In March 1984, Sky toured Australia for the first time without founding member and classical guitar maestro John Williams. He'd left a few weeks earlier to get back to other projects he felt he'd neglected over the course of playing in a band. On this episode of LTA, I'm presenting two interviews. The first is the interview I did with drummer Tristan Fry and pianist Steve Gray on that tour. The second was recorded either later that year or sometime the next (I can't be 100% sure) with John Williams on his first tour after leaving the band. Bear in mind that both of these interviews were recorded when I was pretty young and had no real experience in writing interview questions. Regardless of what I asked, Tristan, Steve and John always answered with great detail and professionalism. My thanks go out to David Green, my manager at 3ST for arranging these interviews (you can hear him on the one with Tristan and Steve). I also want to thank my long time friend Pete Anzo for loaning me his cassette deck to rip these interviews from tape to my laptop. If you want to hear an early episode of the podcast where Michael Pursche (of Sitting In a Bar In Adelaide fame) and I speak in depth about Sky, and I speak with Tristan Fry for the first time in a little under 30 years, go to https://lovethatalbumpodcast.blogspot.com/2012/11/love-that-album-episode-33-music-of-sky.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 rrrkitchen@yahoo.com.au (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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to episode 92 of Love That Album podcast.   In this final month of my sabbatical from the podcast, the good ship LTA is steered by previous co hosts (and passionate Australian music experts), Dave Blom and Sitting In a Bar In Adelaide’s, Michael Pursche.   Popular Australian music has gone through many phases over the years and presented here are 2 almost forgotten by the mainstream, Australian albums from the 1970’s that belong to two different eras, despite only being separated by a few years in terms of their release date.   At the Mountains of Madness by Blackfeather is a landmark Progressive Rock album,one that features a big hit single, the original version of "Seasons of Change" which featured Bon Scott on recorder. Scott was so taken by this song, that it was agreed that his band Fraternity would get to record it and release it. Blackfeathers' record label upon seeing the success of the Fraternity version, then decided to release the original Blackfeather version which is included on this Album. The album itself is an interesting blend of Rock and Roll combined with the sort of psychedelic noodling that would make early Pink Floyd proud. This album was recently re-issued by the Aztec label and is well worth the effort of listening to. Blackfeather then experienced several line-up changes over the years and a very different sound for their subsequent releases.   Most Australian people are familiar with the sounds of the Little River Band,Skyhooks, Sherbet and AC/DC. Avalanchestraddle the gap between the first 3 of these bands and the last, butunfortunately most people wouldn't be familiar with their fantastic self titledrelease  from 1976.  The musicians coming off the back of working with Brian Cadd produced this epic 11 track effort, that stands up well today. The music range on this album is extremely diverse and highlights the talent that each member brought to the studio.   Avalanche re-named themselves as Front Page in 1978 after Cox and Harrison had left and managed only one single "I Thought I'd Never Fall In Love Again"/"Rockin' Hollywood. After splitting, Naylor joined Jon English's backing band Baxter Funt and Campbell would be spotted in the early 80s as part of Funk band Adrian's Wall. Clive Harrison would later issue a 1982 solo album 'Once Bitten'. Geoff Cox went on to become a Media personality on radio and TV, most famous for his show "Coxy's Big break".   So,two forgotten gems, well worth checking out. We hope you Love these albums too. As long as Michael and Dave are discussing Australian bands with art rock leanings, Eric Reanimator has appropriately picked an album for his Album I Love segment by Dead can Dance. Originally out of Melbourne, they mix art rock and Middle Eastern Sounds on their album, Eric discusses their 1993 album Into The Labyrinth.   I am so immensely grateful to my great friends for hosting the podcast and keeping your earholes loaded with great music discussion. For better or worse,I am back next month.   You can download the show by searching for Love That Album in the iTunes store or downloading streaming directly from http://lovethatalbum.blogspot.com   Send the show feedback at rrrkitchen@yahoo.com.au (writtenor mp3 voicemail) or join the Facebook group at http://www.facebook.com/groups/lovethatalbum Download Sitting In A Bar In Adelaide from http://www.podcastgarden.com/podcast/siabia If you enjoy what you the podcast, please recommend us to a friend or ten....real life, social media, the guy at work whos ays he likes music....  

It's time for episode 86 of Love That Album podcast.....which is also part 2 of the end-of-year special with the other members of the Shooting The Shit Crew to discuss favourite first time listens in 2015.     This time around, I am joined by LTA regular contributor Eric Peterson in Ann Arbor, and ardent Springsteen fan Geoff Smith from the northern end of Melbourne. I merely mediate this time.     Like episode 85 where I was joined by Michael Pursche and Tim Merrill, versatility is the keyword here. Geoff and Eric's selections are wildly different, but all worthy of your consideration. Join us, won't you?     Since this is the final episode of 2015, I want to say a big thank you to anyone who participated in an episode or made the time to listen to an episode this year. I hope you'll continue to do so in 2016.     You can download the show by searching for Love That Album in the iTunes store or downloading streaming directly from  http://lovethatalbum.blogspot.com     Send the show feedback at rrrkitchen@yahoo.com.au (written or mp3 voicemail) or join the Facebook group at http://www.facebook.com/groups/lovethatalbum.     If you’d consider writing an iTunes review or recommending the show to a friend, I’d be immensely grateful.     If you enjoy what you hear, please tell a friend or ten to tune in.

2015 in review In a short episode, I take a quick look back at some of the events in 2015 for Yes and the YMP. There are also some great items sent in by listeners. What was the most important event of 2015 for Yes? How difficult was producing the YMP in 2015? How did I find the motivation to continue? Listen to the episode and then let me know what you think!   Show notes and links Mark Anthony K's Ramshackled photographs:   My episode on Michael Pursche's Sitting in a Bar in Adelaide Beau Dure on Union David Reilly's link to the Jimmy Haun interview Please subscribe! If you are still listening to the podcast on the website, please consider subscribing so you don’t risk missing anything. You can subscribe with an RSS reader, with iTunes, with the iOS Podcasts app, on your Blackberry, via email updates, via www.stitcher.com on Spreaker.com or via Tunein.com. Theme music The music I use is the last movement of Stravinsky's Firebird Suite. This has been used as introduction music at many Yes concerts. My theme music is not take from a live concert - I put it together from the following two creative commons sources: thanvannispen and archive.org

It’s December, so it must be time for another Love That Album end-of-year Shooting The Shit session. In case you’re not familiar with the term, LTA has done a small number of panel shows under the Shooting The Shit moniker. We haven’t held a more general discussion in a long while, but the tradition holds that we do our “favourite first time listens of the year” show. As long as the panellists heard a particular album for the first time in 2015 (regardless of the year of release), it’s up for discussion. Because the crew is comprised of 6 of us, we’re doing this over two shows so you’re not listening for 4 hours straight!!! For episode 85, and the first of the STS faves specials, I am joined by my See Hear co-host Tim Merrill and Sitting In a Bar In Adelaide podcast host, Michael Pursche. We offer 5 albums each for your consideration as our favourite first time listens in 2015. Let me tell you folks, the key word here is “diversity”. There are a range of styles on offer here, so there will be something that will appeal to all tastes. I even have some feedback from listeners as to their favourite albums of the year. I love getting feedback for the same reason Sally Field loves getting Academy Awards…. Episode 86 will be part 2 of the end-of-year shows, and will be online in a couple of weeks. That will feature Geoff Smith, John Stirrat, and Eric Reanimator giving their well-considered choices. My thanks to my co-presenters for taking the time to record these shows with me, and my thanks to anyone who listens to the shows. There are a lot of podcasts out there to demand your time, so if you’ve let me into your headphones, I’m grateful to be included a part of your listening schedule. You can download the show by searching for Love That Album in the iTunes store or downloading streaming directly from  http://lovethatalbum.blogspot.com Send the show feedback at rrrkitchen@yahoo.com.au (written or mp3 voicemail) or join the Facebook group at http://www.facebook.com/groups/lovethatalbum. If you’d consider writing an iTunes review or recommending the show to a friend, I’d be immensely grateful. If you enjoy what you hear, please tell a friend or ten to tune in.   

It’s time for episode 82 of Love That Album podcast.   Way back on episode 27 of the show, I discussed Los Lobos’ seminal album "Kiko" with Michael Pursche and was also joined by Steve Berlin, the band sax and keyboard player. Steve has very graciously joined me for a second time to discuss the brand spanking new album for Lobos called Gates of Gold. If you love previous albums featuring rock in a blues vein, soul, Tex-Mex and cumbia, you will be very happy with their latest album (released late September 2015).   We discuss the democratic approach to song arrangement in the band, how a famous Hollywood director changed their approach to song writing forever, and what it’s like to be part of an ensemble that’s been together for so long. We also discuss other acts Steve has produced or played with like Diamond Rugs, The Flesheaters, Los Super 7 and Neko Case.   Please join me for a very cool episode of the show.   You can download the show by searching for Love That Album in the iTunes store or downloading streaming directly from http://lovethatalbum.blogspot.com.au/   Send the show feedback at rrrkitchen@yahoo.com.au (written or mp3 voicemail) or join the Facebook group at http://www.facebook.com/groups/lovethatalbum.   If you’d consider writing an iTunes review or recommending the show to a friend, I’d be immensely grateful.  

…and it’s time for episode 78 of Love That Album podcast. Earlier this month, for episode 77, music journalist and biographer Jeff Jenkins and I discussed the history behind the recording of the second album by Melbourne band Skyhooks, “Ego Is Not a Dirty Word” celebrating 40 years since it was first released. Continuing LTA declared Skyhooks month, I am joined by Michael Pursche, host of the Sitting In a Bar In Adelaide podcast (itself named after a Skyhooks song), and Rhys Lett, head honcho at the Eastern Suburbs School of Music in Melbourne to pontificate the actual album. We discuss the songs, composition technique, lyrics, jazz vs pop chord progressions, our first recollections of hearing the album and a myriad of other things. Rhys even gets out his guitar to illustrate the cleverness of Greg Macainsh and Red Symons’ composition style. I hope you enjoy listening as much as we enjoyed chatting.Eric Reanimator is back with his Album I Love segment. Trying to find a complementary group for this show, he decided on Blue Oyster Cult and their third album Secret Treaties. We all agree it was a fine and appropriate choice.You can download the show by searching for Love That Album in the iTunes store or downloading streaming directly from http://lovethatalbum.blogspot.com.au/ You can listen to Sitting in a Bar In Adelaide at http://www.podcastgarden.com/podcast/siabiaor you can listen live on Wednesday nights between 8pm and 10pm(Adelaide time – do the arithmetic) at http://www.hillsradio.com.au/index.php If you live in the Eastern Suburbs of Melbourne and want to get music lessons, check out the website http://www.essm.net.au/. It’s an excellent site and is worth your while looking up even if you’re not considering music lessons….yet!!! Send the show feedback at rrrkitchen@yahoo.com.au (written or mp3 voicemail) or join the Facebook group at http://www.facebook.com/groups/lovethatalbum.  If you’d consider writing an iTunes review or recommending the show to a friend, I’d be immensely grateful.

Welcome to episode 59 of Love That Album. Joining me at LTA Headquarters is show regular, Michael Pursche (of Sitting In A Bar In Adelaide podcast). We discuss a couple of fine Australian pop albums from the eighties. Firstly, we talk about a surprisingly neglected album of a major artist – Ross ‘The Boss’ Wilson’s “Dark Side of the Man” from 1989. We follow up with The Saints’ 1986 album “All Saints Day” – a long way from their “I’m Stranded” debut. Both albums are from artists who’d been on the music scene for a while and had changed direction. Echoes of LTA episode 58’s discussion on Bruce Springsteen’s album High Hopes hang over both these records. Tune into the show and discover why. As usual, Eric Reanimator contributes another wonderful Album I Love segment, discussing The Damned’s “Black Album” from 1980. Like The Saints, they were a punk band looking for different directions to travel. …and we got some real honest to goodness feedback…..YAY!!!!! You can download the podcast at iTunes by searching for “love that album”. You can stream or download it at “http://lovethatalbum.blogspot.com”.   Send me any feedback at rrrkitchen@yahoo.com.au (written or mp3 voicemail) or join the Facebook group at http://www.facebook.com/groups/lovethatalbum.   Get Michael’s Sitting In a bar In Adelaide podcast from http://www.podfeed.net/podcast/Sitting+in+a+Bar+in+Adelaide/14279

Love That Album is baaaaaaaaaaccccckkkkk. Did you miss us?????? Not only that, but the podcast turns 50 episodes old. It took a while, but with (most) technical difficulties overcome, I can now happily lay episode 50 of Love That Album on you – 6 weeks or so after it was originally due. I dub the episode “Beneath The Planet of Shooting The Shit”. To celebrate this milestone in the show, I invited the members of the Shooting The Shit Crew- Tim Merrill, Eric Peterson, John Stirrat, and Michael Pursche to join in a discussion on our favourite box sets. Are box sets a dying breed? What was their purpose in the first place – to create interest for the novice or give unknown treasures for the long time fan? What makes for a great box set? The big one: what are the greatest box sets released? These life enriching questions are all discussed on the program. It was a fascinating discussion, and I thank these fine people for giving of their time and expertise. A special thanks should be given to Geoff Smith who was available for the show, but Skype gave us difficulties in letting Geoff onto the conversation, Rest assured, he will be back on the program soon. Fittingly, to accompany the discussion of garage, blues, punk, Americana, pop and jazz, music for the show is provided courtesy of Scriabin, Beethoven and Chopin. At this mini milestone for the show, my thanks go to anyone who has ever guested on the show, provided feedback and encouragement, or just listened to the damn thing. I love doing this podcast and am gratified that a bunch of you out there enjoy listening. Here’s to the next 50 shows. You can download the podcast at iTunes by searching for “love that album”. You can stream or download it at “http://lovethatalbum.blogspot.com”. The podcast can also be listened to via Stitcher Radio. Download the app from stitcher.com, and listen to any episode streaming over your Android or Apple device after searching for “love that album”. Send me any feedback at rrrkitchen@yahoo.com.au (written or mp3 voicemail) or join the Facebook group at http://www.facebook.com/groups/lovethatalbum and start a discussion on your favourite box sets.

Welcome to Love That Album podcast 49.   Before I started the podcast, I was writing blog articles about albums I love. Back in May 2011, I wrote about my passion for the 1989 album from Weddings Parties Anything “The Big Don’t Argue”. I really felt that this deserved a return visit via the podcast. I am joined by LTA regular and host of Sitting In A Bar In Adelaide, Michael Pursche to discuss this incredible record.   The threatening cover, a reference to the song A Tale They Won’t Believe really grabs your attention before you’ve played any of the music. Once the needle hits the grooves, we hear  lots of great stories, worthy of any great author. Via songwriter Mick Thomas, WPA tells us stories of livelihoods destroyed, cannibalism, the loss of idealism and enjoying a sunny Sydney day with barely enough money for a beer. Not just great stories, but fantastic memorable tunes that make you want to mosh or cry in your beer. I went to many many WPA shows and it felt like a sense of community when you sang with complete strangers about holding down cooked human flesh to survive.   We are joined once again by Eric Reanimator for his Album I Love segment to discuss the album Poison Love by cowpunks, Blood On The Saddle. Another great segment for yer earholes.   You can download the podcast at iTunes by searching for “love that album”. You can stream or download it at “http://lovethatalbum.blogspot.com”.   The podcast can also be listened to via Stitcher Radio. Download the app from stitcher.com, and listen to any episode streaming over your Android or Apple device after searching for “love that album”.   Send me any feedback at rrrkitchen@yahoo.com.au (written or mp3 voicemail) or join the Facebook group at http://www.facebook.com/groups/lovethatalbum and start a discussion on your favourite literary songwriters.

It was 1982 - the Australian popular music landscape had a number of iconic albums released: Men at Work's "Business As Usual", Midnight Oil's "10, 9, 8...", Goanna's "Spirit of Place", Cold Chisel's "Circus Animals" and Richard Clapton's "The Great Escape". Richard was already revered as one of Australia's greatest songwriters recording music that was identifiably Australian combining a bit of surf music, hippie ideals and lyrics that would not have been out of place on early Bruce Springsteen records.In 1982, he wanted to try something a little different. Looking at what his peers were doing, he developed a tougher sound for The Great Escape utilising the skills of  the great Mark Opitz (Cold Chisel, Angels) as producer. For episode 40 of Love That Album, Michael Pursche of Sitting In a Bar In Adelaide podcast and I discuss this album, some of what went on before that, and a discussion Richard made on a certain teen TV pop music show with its "professional" host. The album starts off frantic and ends off with Richard at peace with his environment. In between, there's a song that is (in my opinion) one of the greatest, if not THE greatest pop song written in this country. The musicians on board include a who's who of the day, including members of INXS who Richard had previously produced. Eric Reanimator returns to discuss the music of cowpunk outfit, The Divine Horsemen in his segment An Album I Love. Download the show either from http://lovethatalbum.blogspot.com or search for "love that album" in the iTunes store. The podcast can also be listened to via Stitcher Radio. Download the app from stitcher.com, and listen to any episode streaming over your Android or Apple device after searching for “love that album”. Send me any feedback at rrrkitchen@yahoo.com.au (written or mp3 voicemail) or join the Facebook group at http://www.facebook.com/groups/lovethatalbum and start a discussion on the best TV appearances by a rock act.

For episode 34 of Love That Album, Michael Pursche and I discuss the first two albums by The Pretenders (funnily enough called Pretenders and Pretenders 2). Formed back in 1978, the original recorded lineup of Chrissie Hynde, Martin Chambers, Pete Farndon and James Honeyman-Scott only lasted two albums (both Scott and Farndon died of drug related causes). These are the albums where (in my opinion) the Pretenders were a real band, rather than just being a backup vehicle for Hynde. These albums are wonderfully produced by Chris Thomas who takes a different approach for each song to show off the band’s versatility. They showed they were equally at home with punk, jangly melodic pop, ballads and hard rock. If all you’d heard was the single “Brass In Pocket”, then put on the first album opener, “Precious” you were in for a rude shock. The songs sounded like they were from two different bands. No sheen, no over production. These albums are emotional and honest. Michael and I discuss our favourite songs from both these great albums. Eric Reanimator presents his “An Album I Love” segment to discuss the debut album for Concrete Blonde, another band with a distinctive female lead vocalist. Download the show either from http://lovethatalbum.blogspot.com or search for “lovethatalbum” in the itunes store. Send any feedback to rrrkitchen@yahoo.com.au – either written or mp3. Start a discussion at the Love That Album facebook group at http://www.facebook.com/groups/lovethatalbum and tell us which groups or performers you think presented the most versatility on the one album.

For episode 33 of Love That Album podcast, Michael Pursche and I are not tackling a single album, but rather, looking at the overall work and career of Sky, the superband comprised of three English and two Australian musicians including classical guitar maestro John Williams (NO, NOT THAT JOHN WILLIAMS). The musicians in Sky were all session musicians or classical musicians (seen the Deer Hunter? You know John Williams. Fan of David Bowie or Lou Reed? You know the bass playing of Herbie Flowers). They’ve been tagged as a prog band, but this is so far from the truth. They used their classical influences and technique to make classical pieces their own or create their own magnificent compositions – all the while with a real sense of fun. Their concerts were as much about people smiling and laughing as well as admiring top notch musicianship. Michael and I discuss what we like about most of their albums, and talk about the backgrounds of all the band, how they changed stylistically between keyboard players and whether disco balls were a nice touch at their shows. Also on the show, I speak with the former drummer for Sky (now percussionist for London Chamber Orcehstra), Tristan Fry. He was a wonderful interview subject, very friendly and more than happy to talk about the days he spent with Sky. You really get the feeling from listening to him that these were days he treasured highly, and his enthusiasm made the interview a memory I will always cherish. For the “An Album I Love” segment, Eric Reanimator discusses Norwegian band, Ulver’s “Wars of the Roses”, a departure from their metal roots. Download the show either from http://lovethatalbum.blogspot.com or search for “lovethatalbum” in the itunes store. Send any feedback to rrrkitchen@yahoo.com.au – either written or mp3. Start a discussion at the Love That Album facebook group at http://www.facebook.com/groups/lovethatalbum and tell us your favourite instrumental band.

1992 saw the release of the album considered to be Los Lobos’ masterpiece, Kiko. They formed a partnership with Mitchell Froom and Tchad Blake who produced and engineered an album that sounded both familiar and different. I cannot believe that it’s been 20 years since the release of Kiko. Los Lobos is celebrating by releasing a 20th anniversary edition of the album, and I’m celebrating by making it the focus of Episode 27 of Love That Album podcast. I’m joined by Michael Pursche (of the great Sitting In A Bar In Adelaide podcast) to discuss the album song by song. I’m also thrilled to chat to Steve Berlin, the band’s saxophonist and keyboard player, about his recollections of recording the album, its legacy and being on Sesame Street as a day job (listen and find out – it’s a great story). Also, Eric Reanimator joins us again to discuss the Jet Black Berries album “Desperate Fires”. It’s another great segment from Eric. Download the show either from http://lovethatalbum.blogspot.com or search for “lovethatalbum” in the itunes store. Send any feedback to rrrkitchen@yahoo.com.au – either written or mp3. Join the facebook group at http://www.facebook.com/groups/lovethatalbum  and start up a musical discussion on anything from albums you love to who was the best musical guest on Sesame Street.  

The late seventies saw Australian music going towards a punk style (featuring bands like the Saints) or continuing with a more bluesy-country style as typified by the Adelaide band, Stars (not to be confused with the band from Canada of the same name). Featuring impeccable musicianship and wonderful songwriting courtesy of guitarists, Andy Durant and Mal Eastick, they crafted two wonderful studio albums which, while having American roots influences, told very Australian stories. On Episode 25 of Love That Album, I’m joined once again by host of Sitting In A Bar In Adelaide podcast, Michael Pursche to discuss both the Stars studio albums, “Paradise” and “Land of Fortune” and make reference to an all-star live album in tribute to Andy Durant who sadly died in 1980 from cancer. I'm also extremely happy to be having a chat to Mick Pealing, the former lead singer of Stars, to discuss his recollections of recording these two wonderful albums and how the Andy Durant Memorial Concert got arranged. Eric Reanimator contributes another great An Album I Love segment discussing the great "Radios Appear" album by Radio Birdman. Download the show either from http://lovethatalbum.blogspot.com or search for “lovethatalbum” in the itunes store. Send any feedback to rrrkitchen@yahoo.com.au – either written or mp3. Join the facebook group at http://www.facebook.com/groups/lovethatalbum

For episode 22 of Love That Album, we’re doing something a little different. Michael Pursche (from the Sitting In A Bar In Adelaide podcast) and I decided to go all List Music Podcast on you (apologies to Ricardo, Jenny, VK and Juan for theft of your idea – but it’s only one episode). We’re going through each of our top 10 all-instrumental albums – that is, no vocals. They’re in no particular order, but all of our chosen albums are ones we’ve listened to countless times and really love. Rather than us speaking at length about any one album we speak for a few minutes about each of our combined 20 choices (plus it must be said quite a number of honourable mentions that might have made the list if we’d compiled them the next day). What did we pick? Tune in and find out. Download the show either via iTunes (search for lovethatalbum in the store) or  from http://lovethatalbum.blogspot.com. Send any feedback to me at rrrkitchen@yahoo.com.au (typed or mp3 voicemail). Join the LTA Facebook page and start up a music related conversation, make a recommendation, or amaze the group with some little known music trivia.

I have been heard to say that I don’t believe in guilty pleasures. You like what you like – end of story. As will be obvious from Episode 19 of Love That Album, I love Billy Joel’s album “The Stranger”. Nowadays in some people’s eyes (and for someone from this list you KNOW who you are), that is an admission tantamount to confessing to having an STD. The fact of the matter is that this album is full of well constructed songs – melodically rich, well arranged, mainly (though not completely) clever lyrically – and it should be held in high esteem. Now I’ll admit that beyond a point his albums started getting very dull (everything after The Nylon Curtain) and his fame for dating supermodels rather than as a musician was a put-off. None of that should get in the way of the fact that for a time, he had a real knack with a song and had a fantastic band to support his musical vision (including the great Liberty Devitto on drums). Fellow “Stranger” fan, Michael Pursche (of the Sitting In A Bar in Adelaide podcast) and I discuss the songs sung and stories told on Joel’s breakthrough album. On this episode, we also discuss recent music news including the passing of some of pop music greats. Eric Reanimator returns with his thoughts on Mother Love Bone (and he now has his own intro). Stream or download the episode from http://lovethatalbum.blogspot.com or download from iTunes searching for lovethatalbum (must be all one word). Join the Love That Album Facebook page and start a music conversation. Send feedback (letter or mp3) to rrrkitchen@yahoo.com.au.

For episode 15 of Love That Album podcast, Michael Pursche (of Sitting in a Bar in Adelaide podcast) discuss the wonderful but seldom talked about album from 1981, the eponymous album for Broderick Smith’s Big Combo. (You might say that we’re doing a Brod-cast) Brod emerged from Carson and The Dingoes to form this fantastic ensemble that reminds me of “Darkness” era E-Street Band and reminds Michael of Van Morrison. Either way, Brod is a gifted songwriter with a talent for painting a picture and telling a story – not always a pleasant one. Aztec Music has re-released this long deleted album, and it sounds a treat. Michael and I discuss the great musicianship and the lyrics to the album, Brod’s history as well as that of the members of the band. With a lineup including Mick O’ Connor on organ and the great Mal Eastick on guitar, you know he has an ensemble capable of great things. If you’ve not heard of him, listen to our chat, and track down the newly mastered CD re-release. ...oh, and the show is acomparitively short one and a half hours..... As usual, if you wish to send feedback to the show email me at rrrkitchen@yahoo.com.au (typed or mp3 voicemail). Download (or stream) the show at http://lovethatalbum.blogspot.com or download from iTunes (type in “lovethatalbum” at iTunes store). Feel free to leave some feedback at iTunes too. 

If you were a pop music loving teenager back in 1980 (and face it – we all were) and living in Australia or New Zealand, then Split Enz album “True Colours” was part of your aural landscape. This album and its ridiculously catchy singles “I Got You” and “I Hope I Never” were impossible to avoid. The huge success the album gained came for the band after a rough patch living in England. So how does the album hold up in 2012? On Episode 13 of Love That Album podcast, I discuss the album and its legacy with Michael Pursche, host of “Sitting In a Bar In Adelaide” podcast, and Chris Bourke, author of the Crowded House biography “Something So Strong”, and guru on all things Finn. Join us for another action packed episode. Download  from iTunes (search for “lovethatalbum”) or from http://lovethatalbum.blogspot.com. Feedback is always welcome. Email rrrkitchen@yahoo.com.au – send a written letter or an mp3.

Back in the seventies, San Franciscan band The Tubes set out to shock all those who saw their live shows with their satire of our obsession with materialism, white rich kids with too much time on their hands, and what REALLY went on behind the white picket fences. They were a very theatrical band, but many of their songs stand proudly without the visuals. In 1979, they recorded their final album for A & M records called “Remote Control” recounting the story of a man’s obsession (and ultimate demise) with TV. On this episode of Love That Album, Michael Pursche of the great rock interview podcast, “Sitting In A Bar in Adelaide” goes head to head with me to discuss this overlooked (and unfortunately, more relevant than ever) album. Rolling Stone thought the album stank. Allmusic says it’s great and a career highlight. What do we think? Where does Peter Sellers come into the picture? Are there really 57 channels with nothing on? Can our anti-hero find true love with the girl in the shampoo commercial? All is revealed. Please provide feedback, either written email or mp3 audio, to rrrkitchen@yahoo.com.au. We’d love to hear from you, be it about a show we’ve done or suggestion for a future show. Download episode at http://lovethatalbum.blogspot.com or search for “lovethatalbum” in Itunes.