One of the best Midnight Oil Albums released

Whilst not always agreeing with the messages in Midnight Oil's songs I do love the music. Few can disagree that this band has talent that is raw, wonderfully smooth and refreshing from this Australian long time band that has just recently separated after a marathon time together. This album shows the rich culture and attitude of MO and 'Deisel and Dust' is the best that Australiana has to offer.



This CD has messages in each of the song from the plea to return land to the dispossessed native inhabitance of Australia to a celebration of the rich coastal and inland culture of the Australian landscape and culture. Looking at reviews it is nice to see that many Americans have taken to this band and makes me proud in some ways to witness a band like MO have such an impact on other people's from across the oceans.



This is a deserved album of all praise it has recieved. MO effort in validating their stamp on the Australian music scene for some generations to come is apparent. Listen and heed the message of Peter Garrett and those rascals from Down Under!

is what we breathe

As most Oils fans and critics have noted, Peter Garrett and crew have a decidedly political bent. Truth be told, most listeners (this one included) have very little knowledge of the Australian issues Garrett advocates, and as passionately as he voices them, most listeners won't seek to act upon these revelations. Whether that makes the listener irresponsible or not is another topic....



The appeal outside of Australia for Diesel and Dust lies in the universality of its themes. "Put Down that Weapon" seems as relevant now as when it was recorded; "Sell My Soul" could relate to any listener and his/her temptations; "Sometimes" provides inspiration in the unrelenting human spirit. Throw in seamless rockers "The Dead Heart", "Beds Are Burning" and "Dreamworld" and you have quite a gem of an album - arguably among the top 5 of the decade. One could nitpick and argue that the live cuts from Scream in Blue of some of these songs are better (true); others may point out that quieter pieces from Blue Sky Mining such as "One Country" and "Antarctica" top the quieter ones from Diesel and Dust (ditto). Nevertheless, the impact and appeal of Diesel and Dust are unrivaled in the Oils history.

Who cares about the message? I LIKE THIS MUSIC

So much is made about the message of these songs. Forget about that.



The thing that I like are the songs themselves. These are not one hit wonders. Midnight Oil delivers one of the best CD's of all time. I liked every song, and rated 6 of the 9 songs as 5's and the rest 3's. I've had this CD for more than ten years and still listen to it often. It's in my must have travel bag.



Buy it and you will thank me.