Astra, a seminal 1970 rock album by Freedom’s Children, reflects South Africa’s psychedelic music scene, capturing its essence through innovative recording techniques and cultural commentary despite initial challenges with censorship and distribution.
Category Archives: Albums
Glass Top Coffin at 50: Celebrating Ramases’ Lost Space Opera Masterpiece
In 2025, we celebrate the 50th anniversary of Ramases’ “Glass Top Coffin,” a unique progressive rock masterpiece blending spirituality and artistry, reflecting his tragic yet visionary journey from salesman to artist.
One Year of “Between Time”: Celebrating Steve Louw’s Magnum Opus
Today marks one year since Steve Louw’s acclaimed double album “Between Time” was released, showcasing remarkable storytelling and musical collaboration, resonating globally with its powerful themes and live performances.
Flash Fearless Versus The Zorg Women Parts 5 & 6: Celebrating 50 Years of Musical Madness
Fifty years after its release, Flash Fearless Versus The Zorg Women Parts 5 & 6 remains a groundbreaking rock opera that blends humour, talented musicians, and comic aesthetics, creating a lasting legacy in music history.
Five Decades of Rock Excellence: Celebrating Rabbitt’s “Boys Will Be Boys!” at 50
Rabbitt’s debut album “Boys Will Be Boys!” revolutionised South African rock upon its 1975 release, achieving rapid gold certification. Led by Trevor Rabin, it showcased diverse musical influences and remains influential even fifty years later.
Waiting for the Dawn: 35 Years of Big Sky’s Masterpiece
Big Sky’s album “Waiting for the Dawn” marks its 35th anniversary, celebrating its influential role in South Africa’s transition to democracy through powerful music and poignant themes of hope and struggle.
What’s New on the South African Rock Encyclopedia
A celebration of South Africa’s musical heritage, featuring top album lists, notable albums, and tributes to artists like Crocodile Harris, Gwynneth Ashley Robin, and Larry Amos.
Fresh Sounds and Classic Gems: The Latest from The South African Rock Encyclopedia
Recent updates on South African rock music explore its historical and contemporary evolution. Highlights include the Springbok Hit Parade’s legacy, Baxtop’s album, Tim Parr’s EP, and upcoming events celebrating notable musicians.
Springbok Hit Parade [LP 1970] (The First One)
The Springbok Hit Parade, initiated in 1970 by Ken Talbot, aimed to provide affordable access to popular hits from Springbok Radio. Various well-known musicians contributed, and the series experienced significant success despite quality criticisms.
Radio Rats Slide Into The Night | From The Hip With Benjy Mudie
Legendary Springs garage band reveal the truth about ZX Dan…. Jonathan Handley (guitarist & songwriter, Dave Davies (vocalist). If you were tuned into South African music in the late ’70s you couldn’t help but remember a strange but compelling song called “ZX Dan” wafting across the pop airwaves. This tale of a travelling spaceman remainsContinueContinue reading “Radio Rats Slide Into The Night | From The Hip With Benjy Mudie”