I gotta tell ya… I don’t mind wearing this tax I rented, I don’t mind combing my mustache, I don’t mind about my dates’ cleavage… Yet I do mind when it comes to music! Fortunately, tonite, in this place we found ourselves at, the band is totally hot!
The place is packed and the crowd is rocking. We have the pleasure to listen to a real treat, a Blues/Rock extravaganza, namely Cold Chisel. Opening track, “No plans”, is simply thunderous, setting the dance floor on fire. Peeps dressed like MJ in “Smooth criminal” clothes are rocking the place out! Following track, “Everybody”, is bluesier, more cabaret-ish and more vivid.
This huge Australian band, which started out in 1973, is back with a GREat album, fourteen years after their previous studio attack. It’s really touching. They made albums in the past, they called it quits, they got back, they stopped again and they reverted. The boys from DownUnda’ are completely famous in their country and New Zealand, however they never made it to the States, although their music is so amazing. Plus, they are considered one of the hottest bands on stage, something I didn’t need to read in order to believe. It’s like a cross between Elvis and Meatloaf, it’s like Blues and Rock in the same kettle, it’s like everybody would love to see such an act!
Authentic Rock with a fine tan, featuring roughness and piano, featuring some fabulous gospel vox as well, which is led by one fearsome voice. Jimmy Barnes is one heck of a huge singer! Bluesy “Dead and laid to rest” could be a sample about the best ways to compose such songs, it could easily be one of Garry’s beloved.
The band has already made two videos for the album, one for the title track plus one for “Everybody”, which is worth watching numerous times.
The epilogue, “I got things to do”, is written by drummer Steve Prestwich, who has left us early, he was only 57 years old. Cancer hit on his door, he was operated and… Steve himself has presented this song to the rest of his band mates, he was also singing on the demo, to show the melody lines and such… When the master tapes were given to the album producer, none other than super-producer Kevin Shirley, he made a song version featuring Steve’s vocals and that version got on the album!
This is one major band, this is one major album; we are so jealous of the English lads and ladettes that will get to see the band live on the island in the summer.
