From music fans point of view about the music, musicians and parties in and around a small town of Nelspruit in Mpumalanga province. We also travel to music festivals around South Africa and Mozambique.
Small Town Music Blog is about music, we don't mind, if it is good we will listen to it. You are welcome to drop us a mail at smalltownmusicblog@gmail.com
Tuesday, 6 December 2011
Top of the Dogs...
...Nah not really more like my Top 10 of favourite videos I stumbled across on YouTube, been posted to my Facebook or something that I have been hiding in the treasure cove that is my hard drive. As the year is fast coming to an end and so is my countdown to Avontoer (to which I shall inform you soon) I thought since we all counting down something why not share some of my favourite YouTube videos with you...
No 10: Mr Cat and The Jackal - The devil always wants to dance
Mr Cat & The Jackal is from Cape Town, I saw them live for the first time at STRAB this year and absolute felt like a pirate on a rum drinking spree...oh wait I was doing that anyway...I love their music.
You can buy their CD at Look & Listen (it's where I got mine) and take a listen. I've seen MK playing this video quite a few times. Check out their cool website, like their FB page & follow them on Twitter. They have some decent gigs coming up this December so make sure you check them out
No 9: The Parlotones - Push Me To The Floor
Oh how I hear my friends swearing at me now for picking the Tones but face it, Kahn and the boys make good music, since 2003 they have graced my ears and yes I do have their CD's among my collection. The reason why I pick this specific video is the raw acoustic version of one my favourite Parlatones songs. Like he said it's about a one night stand to be honest I don't do one night stands but its a general feeling of the lyrics that I share with him here.
Of course you can follow Kahn on Twitter, like their page on Facebook and check out their website. They got their own wine out as well which I haven't tried but hey worth checking out I suppose
No 8: The Tidal Waves - Kia Ora
The Tidal Waves, super nice guys straight out of Jozi. Their connections with Nelsparta runs deep and we have partied like hippies at Woodstock every time they have played here. This is one of their older songs but their music is well worth checking out. Reggae will always remind me of summer and since it is summer right now in SA this a perfect tune to make you want to go down to the beach, light a smoke and watch the tide come in.
Tidal Waves are performing at that big ass Bike Show down in Cape Town where Seether is also going to perform so make sure you go give them a shout, to Tidal Waves. Otherwise give their website a look, like their page or follow them on Twitter
No 7: JR feat DHF & Jack Parow - The Show Goes On
Despite Jack Parow mug on the thumb nail this is an awesome song! This song went through my head all year round behind the bar at our quite times. Times when good friend Dirkie was in a serious bike accident earlier this year, when your soul needed rest and your body some good vibrations. JR is one of the top names in SA Rap and I'm yet to see him live. I have always enjoyed Die Heuwels Fantasties and Jack Parow I've seen live about 3 times now. The last two mentioned will be guest artist on the 6de MK Avontoer and Jack said he is bringing a full band with, can't wait to hear it.
No 6: aKing - You and I
Ahh aKing, what a great band on and off the stage. I love their lyrics and melodies, their lyrics have caused me to post it as status updates because they sum it right up. His voice makes most girls melt, the boys like him cause he is a awesome guy and yes in general this band have come a long way. "You and I" are off their new album "Red Blooded Years" and is now available. This song is beautiful, it is a truth to say that it takes one person to heal all in you.
They also on tour and you follow them on Twitter, like their FB page or go to their website
No 5: The Shadow Club - Drunken Love
Confession here about this band, I only heard of their name about 3 months ago. And when I Google their stuff this video came out first, I love it. The song reminds me of some old The Doors record some of our fathers might have in the dusty vinyl cabinet and would love to see them live. See if you can spot Flash Republic and Zebra & Giraffe in this video with them.
Now what will this count down be without a little voodoo and some black cats? Yes you have read numerous times that I write I about the craze boys that is The Black Cat Bones. Kobus with his long hair and long beard can't be missed at all but man their show will leave you breathless. I have really lost count on how many live I've seen them live nor have drank with them. You can't keep up they are all over the place!
"Old Pappa Joe" is one my all time favourites and I know in 2012 I'm going to see them again and take a better listen to their new music.
Of course you can get their new CD at their shows, buy them tequila and roar with them! FB, Twitter and their web site is there for the clicking and liking
No 3: Ewald - I'm Not Your Hero
Aaa some good Nelsparta music in form of Ewald of My Aching Monotone (previous band NoCane). 2011 have been a big year for Ewald both professionally and personally, I'm really proud to call him friend. I put him at number 3. I love all his music one of my favourites "I'm not your hero" (I'm also in one of the pictures in this video) and also "Lief vir Afrikaans", "I believe"...just see all his videos.
He currently performs at random gigs in and around Nelsparta but mostly you can catch him live and acoustic at Pappas Pizza every other Sunday night.
No 2: Captain Stu - Siamese Twin
I will never forget where and how I met the lead singer, James of Captain Stu. It was a fresh hot Cape morning in Swellendam earlier this year at Up The Creek. Mimi only called "Hey Captain Stu" and this long haired delicious looking man greeted her back. Then when I watched them first time I had a Rum and cola in the one hand, standing in the Breede River in the hot sun dancing. They were also on Live@5 earlier this year and I enjoyed it so much. "Siamese Twin" is their brand new video and worth checking out if you want good SA music. They live in Cape Town and I'm sure that they will be around doing what most bands will be doing in the summer, gigs.
Their website is informative, Facebook addicts and Twitter of course and sorry ladies can't give out their phone numbers...that you have to get yourself ;)
And now, ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls over the age of 18...this is what you have been waiting for...the one that made a fire and burnt my fingers the minute I type in the title, one you need an ambulance for after a live show....drum roll please
*drum roll*
No 1: No One's Arc - UFO
A little predictable I know but it was hard okay and this blog is dedicated to the locals, so local is number 1! This video kicks all videos asses that I've seen on MK, MTV and VH1 put together. Catch That Rabbit has certainly captured the energy that is No One's Arc and put it on film. After a decade together the band has settled and their new music is awesome! If you have not seen this band live then put it on your bucket list, grab your rock on and see them on Avontoer this year (again) happening up and down the Western Cape coast. They are playing with Prime Circle at the Kirstenbosch Gardens on 31 December and for the locals they will be performing at the Ali Campbell (UB40 front man) show on the 17th of December. If you are in Joburg they will be at Tanz Cafe on the 15th of December. Twitter, Facebook and website all there you just need to go follow it, like it and play it! Most importantly share it!
Now isn't that how we roll? Fuck yes it is!
That's it! There is GOOD South African music out there, I just handed my Top 10 to you, some missed it by mere centimeters but it is up to you decide what you want to hear. Keep on supporting local music because if ain't for fans there ain't no music.
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