Brood Parasitism

Another Aussie harp in the collection. Yes that’s right, an Aussie harp. After a fair bit of research I can conclusively establish its authenticity. Who would have thought? Never associated them with here, however there are twelve species of Australian Cuckoos. None of which have the cuck – oo call. The largest of our Cuckoo’s is the Channel Bill or Storm Bird that possesses a loud screaming call, which is said to foretell precipitation. We also have the only cuckoo that builds its own nest and not squat on someone else’s (brood parisitism) – the Coucal or Swamp Pheasant.

I still wasn’t too sure why you would name an Aussie harp the Cuckoo until I uncovered a trademark. Weeeell, as Samantha from ‘Bewitched’ would exclaim, I have a feeling (a feeling deep inside, oh yeah) it’s a result of a quirky name association with its importer. I’ll leave you guessing for the time being as I pen a feature article.

As a small time collector of harmonicas specifically produced for the Australian market and, having verified the Cuckoo’s origins, I decided to haggle with the owner for a fair and decent price for a harmonica in average nick and without the box. And voilà he did. Would love to see a box if there’s one out there.

Job interviews are now hilarious HR and management oblivious Looking for someone under 26 with 30 years of qualified experience

The Barren Spinsters

The Canberra Super Duo, The Barren Spinsters, are back in business and have dropped a ripper ditty Living Back Home. This is the first single taken from the upcoming album ‘Let The Music Ruin Your Life’, out early in 2024. It’s probably best to let drummer Matt Tennatt promote the tune. “It’s just a good looking, straight forward rock song. Nothing super flashy, but it knows what it is, and it ain’t gonna take no guff from no-one. Especially not from Bill in Human Resources. That guy sucks.”

A favourite band of mine, who I’ve had the privilege of seeing live, is Parkville. They too have been off the scene for some time, but they’re back in a big way with a chartbuster The 86. A tune written about an iconic Melbourne Tram that ferries a different demographic of patrons at night from the day. It has an anthemic chorus that’ll have you joining in and it’s an ear worm. No harp, but plenty of melodic violin from the talented Dylan Knur.

Third up for review is Sydney, singer songwriter Geoff Gates and he has penned an interesting, but dark tale titled Jack Russell. Geoff relates the life journey of an angry young lad from a nipper – When Jack hit the sandpit he wasn’t kidding around, to his final demise – the bouncer hit him hard enough and Jack was out of luck. A catchy little number that will feature on his forthcoming album.

May the drinks be cheap in the tallest glass

Parkville

Huff’n’Puff Returns

Back by public demand (well at least Laurie from Anglesea) and recorded in front of a live audience (well just Pam) at Shep’s Shanty Wonthaggi. Photograph’s a bit fuzzy and so were we after one of Cailey’s Gingerbread Martinis. We cover everything from the latest in particle physics to corporate profits contributing to inflation. All the regular segments feature and would you believe, Peej guessed the riff! Oh! Apologies to any banjo players for a couple of jokes. Both Peej and myself do love a bit of banjo. Huff’n’Puff was broadcast on 3MDR’ s The Imaginary Friends Show on the 12 September. Click here to hear @ 1:58:00 📻.

Update

Next Month’s Main Feature

Next month’s feature is entitled Wonthaggi Warblers. A brief history on my local town’s harmonica heroes. Not sure how long before I can claim that I’m a Wonnie Warbler? If you missed last month’s, here’s a quick link Cracka Duck.

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