Various Artists
RocKwiz Duets Volume 2
Renegade


The viewing of SBS's 'RocKwiz' has been a Saturday night staple at our homestead. The viewing of this show (and 'Spicks And Specks' to a lesser degree) has imbued the younger members of the family with a level of musical knowledge unknown amongst their peers, but there's plenty to enjoy about the show, not least the element of danger and unpredictability that hangs about it.

So to 'Volume 2' of the show closing duets, which features the 2 guests featured on each episode singing a classic rock staple with the musical backing of the brilliant RocKwiz orchestra.

The 18 tracks presented feature a who's who of Australian and International artists both contemporary and, dare I say it, heritage. This makes a review somewhat difficult, simply because some of my favourite songs and artists who perform may not tally with everyone else's choices. But if I had to pick five that I could listen to again and again, the choices are simple.

Russell Morris and Melinda Schneider perform Hush spectacularly, adding new life to a song that is close to 40 years old while Liam O'Maonlai (Hothouse Flowers) and Eddi Reader go all cosmic on Across The Universe. Sarah Lee Guthrie and Aussie blues harp legend Chris Wilson certainly do justice to their take of Gram Parsons Ooh Las Vegas and it's hard to go past the sweet country sounds of The Everly Brothers pop hit Long Time Gone with the talented Josh Pyke and Neko Case. The prime pick from amongst this rich lot, though, is Archie Roach and Sara Storer on From Little Things (Big Things Grow), the audience providing the closing chorus. If hairs don't stand up on the back of your neck, then my friend, check your pulse. S'wonderful!

Get this and Volume 1, have a great party and turn it up!

Mark Liebelt