Midnight Oil

FW: [Powderworks] Book Reports are Overdue...

Ross Locket rosslocket at optusnet.com.au
Tue Nov 9 22:54:02 MST 2004


Rhonda

I purchased the book on the weekend but because of work commitments I have
only been able to read the first chapter so far.

Even this early in the book it is showing an intriguing insight into the
band that most of us never knew existed.  For instance it is estimated that
just in the early years of the band alone they gave away over $1m to benefit
concerts and causes that they believed in.

It makes you wonder just how much they gave away in total over the past 25
years and certainly reinforces that they were not in for the money and that
everything they did was because they believed in it.

I am sure by the time everyone finishes reading the book they will have an
even greater respect for the band and how it stuck to its beliefs.  It also
reinforces how close the band came to being no more in 1984 if Pete has been
successful in his bid for the senate.  I couldn't even try to comprehend not
having the last 20 years music from the Oils to listen to.

The pictures of the group are also very nostalgic.  There is one of Pete
performing in 1973 and 1975 with his long blonde hair.  For me the best one
was of the group in 1978 before a concert at the Royal Antler where they
look so young.

It also gives a very realistic insight as to just how hard the band
performed in the early days and how much it effected Pete physically causing
him to revive himself with an oxygen mask after performing.

The book will create a lot of discussion on the list for a long time.


Ross


-----Original Message-----
From: powderworks-bounces at cs-lists.cs.colorado.edu
[mailto:powderworks-bounces at cs-lists.cs.colorado.edu]On Behalf Of Rhonda
Sent: Wednesday, 10 November 2004 4:07 PM
To: Powderworks
Subject: [Powderworks] Book Reports are Overdue...


<pissed off rant>

OK, six months ago the long-awaited Best of Both Worlds DVD was finally
released, and there was precious little discussion of it on the list.

Over a week ago, Mark's "Beds Are Burning" Oils book was released, -
which I for one am DYING to read -  and there has been NO discussion
whatsoever, despite my query of several days ago, to which there was no
response.

Seems everybody is too busy trying to score political points off each
other just to prove their intellectual and/or moral superiority.  Good
for you.

Yes, Bush won.  51% of the US is apparently happy, and 49% is not (and
don't split hairs with me over the exact fucking percentage, either, I'm
just making a point).  Most of the rest of the world is probably not
happy and had no say in it.  But nevertheless we now have to live with
it, so it's time to quit whingeing and work for change if change is what
you want.

Yes, the Oils often carried a political message and "the music and
politics of Midnight Oil" is apparently enshrined in the subject
description of the list.  But they have said themselves that first and
foremost it was about the MUSIC.

So how about some discussion of what they were *really* doing that
unforgettable 25 years - that is, the music.

</rant>

Rhonda

P.S.  Flames will be returned with extra Tabasco sauce.

P.S.S.  Unlike some who wanna pack up their toys and go home when
someone disagrees with them, I will not be quitting the list.  But
recent posts are getting more and more distant from the original purpose
of the forum, and frankly, it's fucking depressing.  Coming up on the
2-year anniversary, I want to hear some Oils.



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