Lately I have found myself enjoying the music related programming which SBS has been recently screening. Among the several docs including the Sex Pistol’s The Filth and the Fury, has been the Australian produced series Great Australian Albums.
After seeing The Saints tell their great story of their debut album (I’m) Stranded, Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds gave a very interesting insight into their Murder Ballads album.
Descriptions of writing processes included being unable to leave a banana lounge in a horrid German hotel which resulted in writing lyrics describing ways to murder those Cave encountered, which became an on going project built verse after verse as he would meet more people over time.
Although not showing much behind the scenes action which I get a real kick out of, there was great footage of a more recent live show which really had some great power and energy behind it.
Much of the program is focused on the one track Where the Wild Roses Grow, the duet we all know featuring Our Kylie. Minogue herself detailing the story of meeting Cave through to her fans slightly confused yet accepting reception to the song. She says she jumped at the chance to work with Cave. He was the instigator in the whole affair.
An original demo like version of the track was played which included Cave in his parts and Black Seeds guitarist at the time Blixa Bargeld taking the female role. A version Cave describes as something her found extremely creepy, “…with a capital K”. This version included here.
Song: Where the Wild Roses Grow (1995)
Artist: Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds
Album: B-Sides and Rarities (2005)
