Well Oiled
Oh my, if you thought the wealth of talent that has entertained us through this dismal 2020 couldn’t get any better, well think again. My friends, put your hands together and give a warm and enthusiastic welcome to our Aussie cousins Midnight Oil. After a lengthy absence during which many issues have been addressed, among which was the hugely important recognition of the indigenous people. Known for their political and social views, their stance for fairness and equality, this tribute to the native homelands is an extremely crucial and intelligent song. With featured artists, Dan Sultan, Bunna Lawrie, Kaleena Briggs and Joe Davison who enhance the composition with their mother tongue, it oozes comfort and belonging with a hint of desperation and frustration. Midnight Oil don’t mince their words, unafraid and unashamed in their fervent endeavours to put things right. These men bring the fight for the world to see. The sound is typical; punky, aggressive and lyrically harsh but simple and malleable enough to provide a fertile environment to nurture mutual understanding, learning and progression. A noble attempt in the spirit of reconciliation and restoration of what was lost, a fight they have undertaken since 1972, for me, the question still remains; why in 2020 are the beds still burning?
Midnight Oil – Gadigal Land out now via Sony Music
Hey Azra,
Great to see you enjoyed The Oils! I have been behind them since 1982 but the albums before 10, 9, 8… really show their foundation. They put everything into that album that it would have broken them if it didn’t work. Check out
• self-titled 1978
• Head Injuries 1979
• Place Without A Postcard 1981
and the two EPs “Armistice Day” and “Bird Noises”. Classic Aussie Rock doesn’t get much better!
PG