On Friday arvo we were driving up to Victoria's High Country, a five hour drive from where we live. Of course we hit the horrendous Friday traffic, but it never seems to bad when you have good radio to listen to. Melbourne radio station RRR always brings the goods, throwing both new songs and old that we haven't heard before.

This song was my fun fact of the week - I had no idea Blondie's version of it was a cover! Did you? Dad had 'Parellel Lines' on vinyl and my sister and I used to listen to it a lot and knew all the lyrics. But it was originally done by 'The Nerves'. According to wiki:

The Nerves were an American power pop trio formed in San Francisco California in 1974 and later based in Los Angeles, California featuring guitarist Jack Lee, bassist Peter Case, and drummer Paul Collins. All three members composed songs and sang. They managed an international tour in the U.S. and Canada, including dates with The Ramones, and performances for the troops as part of the United Services Organization (USO).

They didn't last very long apparently, but this song was their most popular, and of course Debbie Harry would go on to cover it.

The thing is, though I hadn't heard of The Nerves, I had heard of their bassist and songwriter Peter Case. Many years ago Dad had burnt me a copy of his album, 'Let Us All Now Praisy Sleepy John' and sent it to me when I lived in the UK. I loved it because it reminded me of Dad. It's folky acoustic with some great lyrics.

I'm finishing with a bit of a comical one - RRR radio does find some crazy songs that'd never be found on mainstream radio. I reckon you'll love this one or at least it'd bring a smile to your face - and you might not ever see ducks the same way again. According to this song, as they waddle about it the park at night they could be 'Sneering and whispering and stealing your cars, reading pornography, smoking cigars!', and they'll 'sneer at your hairstyle and sleep with your wife.', and dress in 'plaid jackets and horrible shoes' and get divorces and turn to booze. So be warned! Oh, and hence the wierd ducks image above by me and Midjourney. 🦆🦆🦆