JOE FROM AUSTRALIA 3/02

RAMBLINGS FROM THE LAND DOWN UNDER by Joe Matera

Welcome to another installment of my musical ramblings from the land downunder.

Our very own MIDNIGHT OIL have just released their 14^th studio album titled 'Capricornia', which in my personal opinion I consider to be their best release since 1990's Blue Sky Mining' album. The band recently signed a deal with U.S label Liquid 8 records and the boys will soon be heading out to the States for a US tour. The band have never failed to deliver the goods live, and after seeing them do some live shows a few weeks ago here in Melbourne, they totally blew me away and are sounding better than ever in their 25 odd year career.

New releases this month include 'Megadeth - Rude Awakening', the band's first ever double live CD recording that features 24 spectacular best cuts of the band's career…..'NOFX/RANCID - Split' featuring  two of the most infamous punk bands in the world…….and my ALBUM OF THE MONTH: 'DON'Y WORRY ABOUT ME - JOEY RAMONE'. Once I got this album and played it, I fell in love with it and since then it has remained on constant replay on my stereo. If you're a long time Ramones fan you'll love it outright and if you're not, I'll guareentee, you'll dig this album so much that it won't leave your CD player.

As the voice of The Ramones, Joey Ramone was one of the true kings of rock 'n' roll. The Ramones were indeed the progenitors of punk music and also established the standards for punk fashion and culture. Influencing thousands of bands from The Sex Pistols to The Strokes, The Ramones enjoyed a 22-year career that yielded 18 chart albums and countless world tours. Sadly, Joey Ramone succumbed to cancer in April of 2001 and died at the age of 49 After The Ramones hung up their jackets for the final time in 1996, Joey wasted no lime before recording all new tracks of what would turn out to be his posthumous solo album, Joey had a desire to make a monumental album that would not only thrill his current fans but also win over a wide range of new ones - mission accomplished! 'Don't Worry About Me' is packed with strong songs and Joey's trademark vocals, This album is also a must have for any Ramones collector.

On my scale of one to ten this release gets a 10. It has already become one of my top ten releases of 2002, and it's only March!. Joey's version of the classic 'What A Wonderful World' tune, is done in the only way Joey could do a tune and it totally rocks big time. Other stand out tracks include "Mr. Punchy" which is a lesson in simplicity itself, "Spirit In My House" and "Venting", a superb commentary from the man himself on contemporary Amercian society. Brilliant. May Joey Ramone forever live in our hearts and memories.

This month see's Creed, Sevendust, Canadian girl nu-metallers Kittie and Incubus all arrive on our shores for a bunch of long awaited shows. Andrew WK will also be here for a promotional visit. Continuing on from last months column, ex-White Lion vocalist Mike Tramp begins his European this month and has announced a bunch of Australian shows for June 28, 29 and 30 to be followed by his month long tour of the U.S in July…….

Send all your press kits, Cd's, feedback, suggestions, money, sexual favours or explicit photo's to joe_matera@bigpond.com

Until next mont remember rock hard and ride free. \/m\/

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