A song a day: You Am I - Rumble

Even though you're reading this today, I'm writing this in the past (hello from the music criticism past) and on this day legendary Australian boxer Lionel Rose has died. I immediately thought of Rumble by You Am I which has the line:

R.A.D.I.O Hit me just like Lionel Rose

Rose was a living treasure in Australia both as a boxer and a leader of indigenous rights and it's sad to see him go. But when we talk of national treasures, I'd count You Am I as one of those bands that can easily make the pantheon of the country's best. Starting as a desperately talented three piece before expanding into a more considered but nonetheless incredible quintet, You Am I have been releasing great albums for years whether people buy them or not. Frontman Tim Rogers is the an unholy mix of the best of Mick n' Keef with a splash of Pete Townshend at his most furious. The band is anchored by Rusty, a drummer of titantic swing (who also hangs out at my local supermarket Banana Joes!) while Andy Kent pile drive s the groove on bass. They were joined by David Lane in the late 90's to extend the twin guitar attack.

Rumble may not be their best song but this is a band that know a lot about music and their songs have ranged from rabid indie attacks to blissed out sixties pop that the Kinks could only dream of writing. However, Rumble is a fun singalong that gets better with each listen. The cheeky replacement of "R.A.D.I.O" to "Ronnie James D.I.O" in the final chorus shows a band who are not only awesome but are having fun doing it. If you don't know them, you should go and buy some - now.

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