IT'S SWEET news for local music fans. Ramli Sarip and his Sweet Charity gang are reuniting to rock this town again at the Esplanade on May 31.

And if you can't wait to hear the veteran homegrown rock band which was formed some 40 years ago, here’s a quick solution.

Visit YouTube to get a blast of the past. There are at least three good videos there of the band over the years.

Yes, it's not only the new upstart groups which are using YouTube to rattle and hum.

It is also a site where the pioneers of the Singapore music scene have come home to roost.

For babyboomers who grew up listening to outfits like the Straydogs, Strollers or Western Union Band, they can now fire up a link with their musical heroes again on YouTube.

Credit some zealous fans who have put up photos, nuggets of information and music clips, as well as slide shows.

Personally, I have always liked to hum the Strollers' Just As I Am and never thought that I would get to hear the original pop gem again.

I knew YouTube was full of music, just that I never thought local music from the past would find an echo there.

So it’s been deeply gratifying to stumble upon the Malaysian pop-rockers on the Net and fall in love once more with their sweet, infectious music.

Since then, I have mined more golden oldies.

There's stuff from the October Cherries, the Quests, Matthew and the Mandarins, Cyclones and Naomi and the Boys.

More recent-vintage bands like Heritage and Tania are also in fiery form on YouTube.

Take a listen, then make sure you occasionally go down to the clubs where they still play and continue to be a big draw.

Yes, it's rolling good times. Enjoy.