Jim Moginie: singing, guitar and odd piano type things.
Kent Steedman: guitar and bass, singing.
Tim Kevin: bass, baritone guitar, organ and singing.
Paul Loughead: drummer.
影響
'Alas Folkloric' available
From CCNow
'Fuzzface' EP available
From CCNow
Other Jim produced CDs available from www.jimmoginie.com OR from
風格近似
The Blessing, atmospheric instrumental CD with Howlin Wind
First things first.
1. This is not a folk record – although it does contribute significantly to the oral tradition of a group of people.
2. Neither is it a lament – although a beloved icon of Australian folklore has, alas, shuffled off this mortal coil.
"I don't lament the passing of Midnight Oil," Jim Moginie says for the record. "We did what we had to do and moved on. We had 25 years, we got out in reasonably good shape and we maintained our creativity and integrity through all of it. It was almost the perfect trajectory a band could have."
Since the Oils' retirement of late '02, their co-founder, guitarist, keyboard player and songwriter has been, in his unassuming words, "pretty busy". Check the fine print on albums by the Sleepy Jackson, Neil Finn, Silverchair, End of Fashion, Sarah Blasko, David Bridie and Kasey Chambers for starters. And more recently, Whitley, The Fauves, Kev Carmody, Crow, The Huckleberry Swedes, Sarah Blasko again, Bill Chambers, Neil Finn, The Backsliders to name a few.
If, like him, you're more interested in exploring new horizons than polishing old war medals, Alas Folkloric is a revelation unto itself.
It's an album of discovery, both in its wide spectrum of moods, textures and melodies, and in the union of broadly political and intensely personal themes that only come with knowing your place in the world.
"It probably sounds a bit like a disaffected '70s leftie really," is the way Jim puts it. "There's been a certain amount of idealism lost to economical gobbledygook, weasel words and spin, but I guess a lot of my preoccupations have continued into this record. Maybe in a quieter way."
Well, sometimes. No Oils fan could fail to connect with the crashing electric propulsion and contained rage of "Around the World" – yes, that is Rob Hirst thrashing the drumkit, and Martin Rotsey applying the familiar guitar tension that launched a thousand riffs.
There are familiar rings, too, in the euphoric finale of "Outer Space" (Hirst again); and in the bittersweet Australian pride at the heart of "Halfway Home", an acoustic road song for a compromised country co-written and played with Something For Kate's Paul Dempsey.
The ethereal "Hey Little Dove" is one of a raft of songs that belong to "a lost rock opera" Jim started a decade ago. "The Oils played around with 'Stand Your Ground' too, but as a band we could never quite get our heads around it. I think they'll be relieved those songs have seen the light of day at last."
Aftershocks aside, equally evident on Alas Folkloric is an air of radical departure, as one of our most thoughtful songwriters follows his heart to a new level of personal expression, with fresh horses to speed his way.
Cold Chisel alumnus Don Walker had a hand in the sparse, resonant song of transition, "A Curse on Both Your Houses". Co-producer Wayne Connolly (Kneivel, You Am I, the Vines, Dallas Crane) applies his rock guitar wizardry and sundry other skills to a handful of tracks.
Pedal steel player Garrett Costigan (Tex Don and Charlie) is a poignant presence on "Let the Hurricane Blow", "A Love So High" and "Stand Your Ground", a trio songs that could only have been written by a seasoned observer of life who knows how to hold his powder dry.
"I knew it was time to finish the album when I was doing 'Stolen Moments'," Jim says. "I did the vocals in April this year and I'd done the backing track back in '98. A lot of the time I was making the record, life just took over.
"At times I thought well, maybe I should just hang up my guitar and go retire in dignity. But I'd started spending time hanging out at folk festivals and I realised making music was too important to me, to my happiness.
"I found those festivals a revelation because they're full of people who are music fans. It's not about the music business, or people telling you what's cool. It's about people having quiet revelations in bowling clubs and cafes and if you're crap, people walk out. You just need to be good at what you do."
After 20 years of classic recordings, perhaps the real calibre of Jim Moginie's craft is only now coming to light, maybe in the line-drawing character sketch of "Stranger Than Truth", the dark suburban confusion of "Stolen Moments" or the prayer of hope that is "Pastoral Scene".
And ultimately, albeit tempered by the experience and even resignation of a wiser man, his message of self-respect and gentle defiance is as strong as ever: "Everything fades, everything fades, but we will not fade away."
"I think the key is to continue with a certain sense of integrity, not to do the obvious acoustic album of your greatest hits," Jim says. "I think people are much more interested in (artists) doing things that are now, for them.
"Being in a big band and all that goes with it, all of that fell away for me in the last few years and that was a really interesting process. Let it all fall apart and see what happens. That's what making this record has been all about."
Hi Jim,Stephen celebrates the release of Tickety Boo, his new album by playing a free afternoon show at PURE POP RECORDS & BAR at 5PM on Saturday afternoon in ST KILDA. Last show for the 2009! Buy an album off his grey eminence! CUMMINGS’ new record, “Tickety Boo,” has garnered almost universal praise for its dexterous navigation of the popular song. It offers warmth and feels downright therapeutic. Ta,<font size="undefi
Hey there, if you are near the wireless today, listen into 2SER 107.3 The Departure Lounge. Drew and I will be talking and playing some new tunes (remix heaven) with Mr Elchino himself. lots of lub
So you - can - teach old family dogs new tricks. Jim, I really enjoyed catching up on your music (some almost Lennon-esque), your clips and blog. Thanks for the add, much appreciated...
Thanks for the add Jim. Love your work with MO and solo. If you happen to be down the coast on the long weekend, drop into Bawleystock we'd love to see you there!
Don't know if you've heard, but Mixmasters was rolled on the weekend by some very organised criminals. They were quite literally cleaned out. I wouldn't be surprised if some/all of the gear ends up over East. Could you please put the word out for Mick about this gear.
Hi Jim... I laughed when I saw your comment, especially as I saw a band in Chicago last night and I was eyeing off the guitarists Gold Top Les Paul..... It was left handed though... wrong way round! :) K
Jim, great to see you in Sydney and check out the studio, it looks great. You were right, the girls in the cafe make great food. I have posted a new blog, thinking about writing more often, have a look if you can. Sam
I'm really excited to have uploaded to myspace my first
video! It's called 'A Day At The Country
Show'. I'd love you to check it out and
let me know what you think.
Have a wonderful weekend!I'm going to a Blue Grass Festival!I really hope to make it to Australia someday to see u live!That would be a dream come true!Peace Out!
still really enjoying your album jim.. especially the songs themselves/ lyrics.. the kind of songs that inspire me to write songs, I come back to them, just wanted to tell you that E
To all the lovely mates of the legendary Jim Moginie, Please take 3 minutes to register and VOTE for my comic, it would mean the WORLD to me! I'm in second place with 3 days to go!!! All I need is your time, just a tiny bit! Just click on the picture and register, it's totally safe! Love Foz
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