STACK #194 Dec 2020

MUSIC REVIEWS

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King Gizzard & the Lizard Wizard K.G. Every King Gizzard review now reads as recycled: they’re a “prolific” “psych-rock” band from Geelong and here they are trying on a slightly different outfit that nevertheless hangs similar to the ones before it. But now in a point of being relatively sonically settled, K.G. feels as much the statement of identity as the title suggests. Hypnotic rhythms, blazing guitars, and esoteric lyricism shine now that they’ve eschewed the wall of sound that hid their songwriting in the past. To the detractors: why shouldn’t a band write songs simply to have more to play at their shows? K.G. riffs on familiar themes, but it’s a superb showcase of a band that worked out their quirks faster than most. (Flightless) Jake Cleland

AC/DC PWR/UP

Some thought the show was over – but AC/DC will never die. After the death of big brother Malcolm, Angus put the band back together: Brian Johnson, Phil Rudd and Cliff Williams, with nephew Stevie Young stepping up on rhythm guitar. The result is classic AC/DC. Of course it is! This might be the band’s 17th studio album, but the song remains the same. And what a song: thundering riffs, pounding drums, ear-piercing vocals. “Gonna make you realise,” Johnson sings in the opening cut. But AC/DC have nothing to prove. This record might even feature moments of reflection. One song is called Through The Mists Of Time , while Johnson muses, “Those moments just pass you by.” But overall, it’s trademark AC/DC: loud and proud. (Sony) Jeff Jenkins

The Seekers Hidden Treasures Vol. 2 Bruce Woodley once joked that a Seekers exposé would be headed: “Seekers Clean Up Hotel Room.” Melbourne’s fab four – who sat alongside The Beatles and the Stones at the top of the charts in the ’60s – were wholesome family entertainment. They’re also national treasures. There’s an obvious nostalgic element to this rarities collection, beautifully

assembled by Seekers historian Graham Simpson. “The story’s in the past, with nothing to recall,” Woodley sings in Red Rubber Ball , which he wrote with Paul Simon. But these songs still resonate. Indeed, in a world gone crazy, the innocence of The Seekers is comforting, with a message the world still needs: “And I think it’s gonna be all right/ Yeah, the worst is over now.” And the purity of Judith Durham’s voice elevates the folk-gospel songs into magical territory. As well as live gems from shows in Canada and New Zealand, the CD unearths a couple of jingles The Seekers sang for 3AK and Pacesetter Travel (which will have listeners wistfully longing for the days when you could “fly away to this happening world”). I eagerly await Volume 3 . “One more town, journey’s almost through,” Woodley sings in Rattler . But The Seekers story will never be over. Their work is eternal. (Decca) Jeff Jenkins

CDB Christmas Is Here: The CDB Mixtape Some history: CDB brought an urban edge to the Aussie boy band scene in the ’90s, when they rivalled Human Nature on the charts, scoring six Top 50 hits. Twenty-five years after their debut album, the original lineup – Andrew De Silva, brothers Gary and Brad Pinto and Danny Williams – have delivered this sparkling Christmas collection. As the title states, it’s a mixtape, with some old (including versions of The First Noël , Silent Night and Away In A Manger ), some new (covers of George Michael’s Last Christmas and Donny Hathaway’s Someday We’ll All Be Free ), plus an outstanding original, the title track, which features a soaring vocal and guitar solo by Diesel. A welcome return for a group jam-packed with talent. (Ambition/Sony) Jeff Jenkins

Troy Cassar-Daley Christmas For Cowboys Troy Cassar-Daley’s 11th studio album is his first Christmas collection. Like an Aussie version of Randy Travis, Cassar-Daley has a classic country crooner’s voice – perfect for this material. The title track is an adaptation of John Denver’s 1975 Christmas gem, with the “snow-covered plains” becoming “dry, dusty plains”, and he even drops in a reference to cricket. As well as the traditional seasonal songs, such as Silent Night, Let It Snow and Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas , Cassar-Daley delivers two excellent originals – We Want To Share Christmas With You and Christmas For A Broken Family , which features his 18-year-old daughter, Jem. This is a guaranteed hit on Christmas Day. (Sony) Jeff Jenkins

Delta Goodrem Only Santa Knows

Opening on an uber-haunting version of the already spooky Carol of the Bells , it's immediately clear Delta Goodrem knows what makes the Christmas classics tick. Fulfilling the cultural contract that says every Christmas covers album begets at least one original, Goodrem’s title track brings near-Bond-theme

pomp to Santa’s omniscience, casting the cheerful and beardful character as an inhuman polygraph capable of seeing into the hearts of all. Those participating in the Little Drummer Boy Challenge this year beware: there is a version here, but its choral arrangements are so rousing it may have you throwing away your shot at the title. Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer brings the country swing out of its roots. There are sterling collaborations with Gurrumul and Olivia Newton-John. Santa Claus is Coming to Town is so rich you’ll swear Carols in the Domain had come early. Unlike Australia’s Other Favourite Daughter, Kylie, who sought to reinvent herself with this year’s release, Goodrem is a traditionalist. But within the conventions, Goodrem finds great beauty. Stunningly produced, this might be the last Christmas album you’ll ever need. (Sony) Jake Cleland

22 DECEMBER 2020

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