Only 19: Radio National “Into the Music”

This is one of the most moving radio programs I have heard all year. It is finishing — a repeat broadcast — as I write. You may listen to it online.

It’s a program about the genesis and impact of this song on both the subjects it remembers and the national psyche it touched so strongly. A location based documentary featuring a moving performance of the iconic song “I was Only 19″ performed by John Schumann and the Vagabond Crew at a concert in Vung Tau (broadcast in Music Deli 1st and 3rd December) for the large numbers of Vietnam veterans who travelled to commemorate the 40th anniversary of the battle of Long Tan on August 18.

Thinking of Lord Malcolm

Lord Malcolm at work three years ago.

Rudd vs The Other One and England vs Australia

Well, we will soon know the outcome on the first of those, while the second is looking like it might be a draw. The first is now being voted on.

Rudd for PM, say voters, but there is a way to go yet, though I do support Rudd on the grounds that The Other One has been having too many senior moments for comfort lately, and has always been pretty bloody uninspiring.

11 am: a convincing win to Kevin Rudd and Julia Gillard.