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Midnight Oil - I am a new fan!


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Review of show last night with awesome pics, alas I couldn't make it. Tell me what you think of that set-list:

 

https://www.13thfloor.co.nz/midnight-oil-spark-arena-september-9-2017/

Depressed. I can't believe I missed this tour.

 

:facepalm:

 

 

That setlist is amazing!

Edited by goose
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http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xniZJrjNZZg

 

Introducing the new General

school of political diplomacy

If you disagree, you get annihalated

 

Only trouble is we haven't got

many Generals in Australia

Oh, General Motors

General Credit Corporation

General Insurance

They're the worst Generals of all,

you know!

 

:ebert:

Edited by goose
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A Look Back At Midnight Oil's Landmark 1984 LP 'Red Sails In The Sunset'

 

http://themusic.com.au/news/all/2014/10/02/a-look-back-at-midnight-oils-politically-polarising-red-sails-in-the-sunset/

 

[excerpt]

 

...Garrett’s political preoccupation meant that he was often not present in the studio, resulting in Hirst singing on many tracks to acts as guide vocals, with two of these efforts – When The Generals Talk and Kosciusko – proving so strong that Garrett decided to keep them which is why Hirst sings lead on these two important tracks. Yet despite their best intentions it all didn’t quite gel, Garrett reflecting, “Lyrically the album’s bloody good, most of it, but with all respects to Nick, the production was all a bit overwrought. Apart from that I think it’s a very fine record.” The band members apparently slept on the floor of the studio some nights because the were struggling to fully realise the sound that they had in their heads for the record. Indeed the reliance on studio effects throughout Red Sails… meant that many songs didn’t translate well to the live realm, with only Kosciusko and Best Of Both Worlds later appearing on future setlists with any real regularity.

There’s not that many hooks or overt non-vocal melodies throughout the record’s 50 minutes, but a lot of musical terrain is covered. The brief oompah instrumental segue Bakerman is the oddest moment, while the surf-rock instrumental coda to Bells And Horns In The Back Of Beyond sets the template that The Break (the surf-instrumental outfit featuring Hirst, Moginie and fellow Oils guitarist Martin Rotsey) would use decades later to great effect. There are some pretty ‘out there’ arrangements (although the Oils had never been ultra-traditional in this regard anyway) and a few of the drum and percussion sounds have dated a tad (this is more an ‘80s issue rather than any reflection on Hirst’s unquestionable talents), while the way that they prominently meld acoustic and electric guitars at certain junctures would be later explored to great effect on records such as 1987’s smash hit follow-up Diesel & Dust...

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I didn't know a lot of Midnight Oil tunes aside form the radio hits. Two friends of mine are big fans and have been encouraging me to check them out. When I first heard their older stuff, I thought that they must have been influenced by Gang of Four. However, it turns out that Midnight Oil was recording way before Gang of Four existed so maybe it's the other way around.... Midnight Oil was an influence on Gang of Four? In any case, I am really getting into Midnight Oil lately and made the trip to Toronto to see them live 2 weeks ago. We were in the front row against the rail and had a really great time! The opening act, The Living End, is also now on my music radar! They tore the place up and really set the stage for the main Midnight Oil show... Here is a video of one tune that I shot. I have lots of photos but am having trouble getting them off my phone to share. If I figure it out, I'll post some of those too. Rock ON!

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Iv2fpBi_15w&t=3s

 

The first album is excellent! I love the deluxe version with the bonus disc!!

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A Look Back At Midnight Oil's Landmark 1984 LP 'Red Sails In The Sunset'

 

http://themusic.com....-in-the-sunset/

 

[excerpt]

 

...Garrett’s political preoccupation meant that he was often not present in the studio, resulting in Hirst singing on many tracks to acts as guide vocals, with two of these efforts – When The Generals Talk and Kosciusko – proving so strong that Garrett decided to keep them which is why Hirst sings lead on these two important tracks. Yet despite their best intentions it all didn’t quite gel, Garrett reflecting, “Lyrically the album’s bloody good, most of it, but with all respects to Nick, the production was all a bit overwrought. Apart from that I think it’s a very fine record.” The band members apparently slept on the floor of the studio some nights because the were struggling to fully realise the sound that they had in their heads for the record. Indeed the reliance on studio effects throughout Red Sails… meant that many songs didn’t translate well to the live realm, with only Kosciusko and Best Of Both Worlds later appearing on future setlists with any real regularity.

There’s not that many hooks or overt non-vocal melodies throughout the record’s 50 minutes, but a lot of musical terrain is covered. The brief oompah instrumental segue Bakerman is the oddest moment, while the surf-rock instrumental coda to Bells And Horns In The Back Of Beyond sets the template that The Break (the surf-instrumental outfit featuring Hirst, Moginie and fellow Oils guitarist Martin Rotsey) would use decades later to great effect. There are some pretty ‘out there’ arrangements (although the Oils had never been ultra-traditional in this regard anyway) and a few of the drum and percussion sounds have dated a tad (this is more an ‘80s issue rather than any reflection on Hirst’s unquestionable talents), while the way that they prominently meld acoustic and electric guitars at certain junctures would be later explored to great effect on records such as 1987’s smash hit follow-up Diesel & Dust...

 

Did you read this book? Although unauthorized, several band members did give interviews for the book. I thought it was very good and it includes points like that.

 

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/709965.Beds_Are_Burning

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A Look Back At Midnight Oil's Landmark 1984 LP 'Red Sails In The Sunset'

 

http://themusic.com....-in-the-sunset/

 

[excerpt]

 

...Garrett’s political preoccupation meant that he was often not present in the studio, resulting in Hirst singing on many tracks to acts as guide vocals, with two of these efforts – When The Generals Talk and Kosciusko – proving so strong that Garrett decided to keep them which is why Hirst sings lead on these two important tracks. Yet despite their best intentions it all didn’t quite gel, Garrett reflecting, “Lyrically the album’s bloody good, most of it, but with all respects to Nick, the production was all a bit overwrought. Apart from that I think it’s a very fine record.” The band members apparently slept on the floor of the studio some nights because the were struggling to fully realise the sound that they had in their heads for the record. Indeed the reliance on studio effects throughout Red Sails… meant that many songs didn’t translate well to the live realm, with only Kosciusko and Best Of Both Worlds later appearing on future setlists with any real regularity.

There’s not that many hooks or overt non-vocal melodies throughout the record’s 50 minutes, but a lot of musical terrain is covered. The brief oompah instrumental segue Bakerman is the oddest moment, while the surf-rock instrumental coda to Bells And Horns In The Back Of Beyond sets the template that The Break (the surf-instrumental outfit featuring Hirst, Moginie and fellow Oils guitarist Martin Rotsey) would use decades later to great effect. There are some pretty ‘out there’ arrangements (although the Oils had never been ultra-traditional in this regard anyway) and a few of the drum and percussion sounds have dated a tad (this is more an ‘80s issue rather than any reflection on Hirst’s unquestionable talents), while the way that they prominently meld acoustic and electric guitars at certain junctures would be later explored to great effect on records such as 1987’s smash hit follow-up Diesel & Dust...

 

Did you read this book? Although unauthorized, several band members did give interviews for the book. I thought it was very good and it includes points like that.

 

https://www.goodread...eds_Are_Burning

Haven't read it, but I'd like to. :cheers:
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A Look Back At Midnight Oil's Landmark 1984 LP 'Red Sails In The Sunset'

 

http://themusic.com....-in-the-sunset/

 

[excerpt]

 

...Garrett’s political preoccupation meant that he was often not present in the studio, resulting in Hirst singing on many tracks to acts as guide vocals, with two of these efforts – When The Generals Talk and Kosciusko – proving so strong that Garrett decided to keep them which is why Hirst sings lead on these two important tracks. Yet despite their best intentions it all didn’t quite gel, Garrett reflecting, “Lyrically the album’s bloody good, most of it, but with all respects to Nick, the production was all a bit overwrought. Apart from that I think it’s a very fine record.” The band members apparently slept on the floor of the studio some nights because the were struggling to fully realise the sound that they had in their heads for the record. Indeed the reliance on studio effects throughout Red Sails… meant that many songs didn’t translate well to the live realm, with only Kosciusko and Best Of Both Worlds later appearing on future setlists with any real regularity.

There’s not that many hooks or overt non-vocal melodies throughout the record’s 50 minutes, but a lot of musical terrain is covered. The brief oompah instrumental segue Bakerman is the oddest moment, while the surf-rock instrumental coda to Bells And Horns In The Back Of Beyond sets the template that The Break (the surf-instrumental outfit featuring Hirst, Moginie and fellow Oils guitarist Martin Rotsey) would use decades later to great effect. There are some pretty ‘out there’ arrangements (although the Oils had never been ultra-traditional in this regard anyway) and a few of the drum and percussion sounds have dated a tad (this is more an ‘80s issue rather than any reflection on Hirst’s unquestionable talents), while the way that they prominently meld acoustic and electric guitars at certain junctures would be later explored to great effect on records such as 1987’s smash hit follow-up Diesel & Dust...

 

Did you read this book? Although unauthorized, several band members did give interviews for the book. I thought it was very good and it includes points like that.

 

https://www.goodread...eds_Are_Burning

Haven't read it, but I'd like to. :cheers:

 

It does a good job showing what worked, what didn't, and what was easy or challenging with each album and each decision made by the band from start to finish. You get a sense of what it's like to work with the different individuals and how they write, as well as what things they loved about the work and what they hated.

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A few photos from that amazing Friday night, two weeks ago!

 

http://i190.photobucket.com/albums/z33/bfwgjma/Midnight%20Oil%20YYZ%2025Aug2017/0825172205b_zpszjzbw2uy.jpg

 

http://i190.photobucket.com/albums/z33/bfwgjma/Midnight%20Oil%20YYZ%2025Aug2017/0825172139b_zpsj0tizvhk.jpg

 

http://i190.photobucket.com/albums/z33/bfwgjma/Midnight%20Oil%20YYZ%2025Aug2017/0825172139_zpsqdkanzrk.jpg

 

http://i190.photobucket.com/albums/z33/bfwgjma/Midnight%20Oil%20YYZ%2025Aug2017/0825172115l_zpsqw7yfdia.jpg

 

http://i190.photobucket.com/albums/z33/bfwgjma/Midnight%20Oil%20YYZ%2025Aug2017/0825172115_zpsvdqmlnic.jpg

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Bumping this as I dig through my memories... Wow! I've had some good times at the shows that I've attended....

 

Rock ON!!!

 

This shot from Midnight Oil's opening act The Living End in Toronto Aug, 2017...

http://i190.photobucket.com/albums/z33/bfwgjma/Midnight%20Oil%20YYZ%2025Aug2017/1503710061403_zpsib5vv7dj.jpg

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Bumping this as I dig through my memories... Wow! I've had some good times at the shows that I've attended....

 

Rock ON!!!

 

This shot from Midnight Oil's opening act The Living End in Toronto Aug, 2017...

http://i190.photobucket.com/albums/z33/bfwgjma/Midnight%20Oil%20YYZ%2025Aug2017/1503710061403_zpsib5vv7dj.jpg

Nice!
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They've been my favorite band since 1993. All Oils is great, but Head Injuries (79) through Species Deceases (85) is amazing stuff. I agree with the post saying they're prog punk. A great example of this would be Profiteers. Their best album is 10-1 from 1982. Really experimental and loaded with tons of energy.
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Did they do Beds Are Burning? :)

Oh Lorraine, it's not even the best song on Diesel & Dust :blush:
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I love them. Wanted to see them on this tour but couldn't spend the money .

I saw them at the Boston show. I would've loved to hear more deep cuts (they were supposed to play Brave Faces as the 2nd to last song but some twit in the audience shouted they play Sometimes, which they did instead ARGHH). But I got to hear US Forces live as well as Harrisburg, which is about as deep a cut as you can get this side of Bakerman.

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My singing is not so great on this but I managed to play the toms and the beat at the same time: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ovcw-h5KOzI

 

People post their music and I tend to applaud politely and respect the effort but wonder at the hubris.

 

This was a very cool take. I really enjoyed this, it reminds me of a DEVO deconstruction but filtered through Killing Joke, without focusing on the comedic payoff of the former or the ferocity of the latter. I realize that might make no sense, since I barely understand it. But I like my covers to have a purpose beyond just copying another band's work. (Unless you're a cover band- then that's sort of the point and always welcome when done well).

 

Your cover puts this song in an interesting light, and I dig it.

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I saw them once in the early 90's- the Earth and Sun and Moon tour. Bought the single so I could meet the band (interestingly they HATED that promotion according to the book I mentioned). They were polite, when my turn rolled round the conversation for some reason was about Michelle Shocked.

 

The concert was nothing like the pure fire they were known for in Australia's pubs nor even in the venues across America. It was a seated audience, and they played mostly numbers from Diesel, Blue, and Earth. I loved the show, of course, the Oils will always be a top 5 band for me. But I wish I could have been caught in the smoldering ashes in a pub in Sydney in 1982.

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Did they do Beds Are Burning? :)

Oh Lorraine, it's not even the best song on Diesel & Dust :blush:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TsV6vzygElE

 

I'd go with Warakurna or Bullroarer, but that's the point. That album, (like most of their albums) is crammed with great material.

 

Even their last album was incredible (Capricornia). There could be another one:

 

https://www.theguardian.com/music/2018/apr/12/never-say-never-midnight-oil-hint-at-a-return-to-the-studio

 

I love Moginie's solo work, Rob's side bands are great and active, The Break was a fantastic mostly instrumental band with three Oils and a Violent Femme.

 

They toured together and they're all still active musicians creating original material. They should do it again.

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