Post 188 - Lionel Rose - I Thank You LP

Lionel Edward Rose, MBE born on the 21st of June 1948 is an Australian bantamweight boxer, now retired, who became the first Aboriginal in boxing history to win a world title. Born and raised at Jackson's Track near the Victorian town of Warragul, Rose grew up in hardship, learning to box from his father, Roy, a useful fighter on the tent-show circuit. According to the boxing historian Grantlee Kieza, Rose "sparred with rags on his hands in a ring made from fencing wire stretched between trees". Rose began his professional boxing career on 9th of September 1969, outpointing Mario Magriss over eight rounds. He had a record of eight wins and one loss, with one knockout. Rose was Australian of the Year in 1968, the first Aboriginal to be awarded the honour. That same year he was appointed a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE). During his off time from boxing in the 1970s, Rose embarked on a successful singing career in Australia having hits with "I Thank You" and "Please Remember Me" both songs penned by Johnny Young in 1970. Here to download is his LP for Festival Records "I Thank You" (FL-33,741) produced by Johnny Young. In 1996, Rose presented young burns attack victim Tjandamurra O'Shane with his world title belt, hoping to speed the youngster's recovery. O'Shane, also an Aborigine, had been the victim of an horrific attack in Cairns the previous year. In 2007 Rose suffered a stroke that left him with speech and movement difficulties. Rose is the god father of Ruby Rose Langenheim, an MTV VJ.

Post 187 - The Hawking Brothers - The Melbourne Cup / Eumerella Shore

The Hawking Brothers are renowned for their impeccable harmonies and acoustic instrument ability. Russ born 1931 and Alan 1933 formed a hugely successful band from a background of live radio shows with The Hillbilly Club and Melbourne Trailblazers. They had a abundant recording career dating from as early as 1955 when they first recorded for Regal Zonophone. In 1975 they toured Canada and the U.S and became the only Australian band to play America's Grand Ole Opry. When Russ died in 1976, the band continued under Alan's direction. They disbanded in 1980 with Alan going solo until his death in 1988.The Hawking Brothers won Golden Guitars in 1974 and 1978.They produced many hits. Here to download is their 1973 single on Fable "The Melbourne Cup" b/w "Eumerella Shore" (FB-196). I thought this was fitting today as The Melbourne Cup, the race that stops the nation, took place today. Congratulations to Shocking the horse that powered home in the final straight, giving jockey Corey Brown his first Melbourne Cup victory.

Post 186 - Rolf Harris - The Big Black Hat

Yet another Rolf Harris song that no longer seems to be on CD. This was the B side of "Tie Me Kangaroo Down, Sport" from 1963 it was also on "The Kangaroo" EP which is where I got this version from the 3 other songs on the EP are still available on CD at this time. So enjoy "The Big Black Hat" (SEGO 70119) here to download on Columbia Records.

Post 185 - Neil Williams & Kerrie Biddell - Hail All Hail / My Boy's Different

Kerrie Biddel auditioned in 1968 at the age of 21 as vocalist for the band Affairs and became their lead singer. They won the National Battle of the Sounds and in 1970 went to England. While in England the members found different directions and Kerrie came back to Australia. She began appearing with the Daly Wilson Big Band while with them she married David Glyde front man for Sounds Incorporated. In that year they moved to Canada with the help of Phil Birnbaum who briefly managed her for a year. She lived in Toronto and made her living doing session work. After she returned to Australia and signing to Bootleg Records she started working on an LP straight away the S/T LP was a best seller 1973. Here to download from "Man Of Sorrows" with Neil Williams recorded for H.M.V. Records "Hail All Hail" b/w "My Boy's Different" (EA-9890) from 1972. Both sides are from "Man Of Sorrows" with the B side sang by Kerrie.

Post 184 - Greg Bonham - Just A Little Guy / One Girl Ago

Greg Bonham was raised on his father's sheep farm in Wagga Wagga, with two brothers and two sisters and from the age of eleven was fronting the Bonham kids own band, but a network talent quest called "Showcase", which he won hands down, was soon to bring him national recognition and Greg Bonham's solo career has begun. Greg decided to seriously study music and finally he scored top honours at Sydney's conservatorium of music. With the farm far behind him, now based in Sydney. Starring in Hilton Hotels and entertaining U.S. military personnel. The ten year period bases in Sydney armed Greg with seven single recordings, a live album at Sydney's spectacular Opera House and over 150 national television appearances but finally ambition urged him overseas, to England. After five years in England, an engagement in Miami Florida brought Greg to the U.S.A. Merv Griffin introduced him to American television audiences, leading to major booking throughout the country. Here to download is Greg's first single for Festival Records in 1968 "Just A Little Guy" b/w "One Girl Ago" (FK-2616) produced by John Egginton. Greg's leisure time is fishing, especially now, from his new waterfront home on North Miami Beach, which he shares with his wife, Liz and daughter Rebel.

Post 183 - Cash Backman - Caroline / Can't Bring Myself To Tell You

Cash, whose real name is Arvids Krastins was born of Latvian parents. He grew up in Ascot Vale a Melbourne suburb. At the age of 15 he began singing and writing songs, his first hit was a cover of Jim Stafford's hit "My Girl Bill" for Image Records in 1974. The song became a top 10 hit. His next chart success was in February 1975, with another cover, this time Jim Reeve's "He'll Have To Go". He was also developing into an actor with roles in Division 4 and Homicide as a tough man. Here to download is Cash's 1976 single "Caroline" b/w "Can't Bring Myself To Tell You" (RB-271) from his 2nd LP “A Little Bit Of Understanding” on Rainbow Records. "Caroline" was about his wife.

Post 182 - Breakaway - God Give Us Strength / I Don't Know Why

I was unable to find a lot on this band except it must have been a popular name in the 70's. There was The Breakaway in Perth between 75-76, Hobart also had The Breakaway 68-70 and Melbourne had The Breakaways from 62-66. Breakaway here for you to download are from Brisbane, members were Ray Van Ross and Peter Robbins. Recorded for Sunshine Records they released two singles "Country Boy" 1974 and also out of '74 their first single "God Give Us Strength" b/w "I Don't Know Why" (K-5467)

Post 181 - Ted Maher - Tracy / Good Morning World

Here is another song that could have come from the Concert For Darwin LP. This time it's Ted Maher with his song about Cyclone Tracy, which took most Darwin residents by surprise. Despite several warnings the people of Darwin did not evacuate or prepare for the cyclone. Many residents continued to prepare for Christmas, and many attended Christmas parties, despite the increasing winds and heavy rain. But who is Ted Maher? there is nothing on the net that I can find about this singer the only Ted Maher on the net is an American registered nurse convicted of arson in a 1999, and I'm sure it's not this Ted. The single was released on M7 Records in 1975 and both sides of the single were written by E. Maher and produced by Rory Thomas. Here to download is that single "Tracy" b/w "Good Morning World" (MS-092).

Post 180 - Karen Knowles - Why Won't You Explain / Rock Me

Karen Knowles was born on the 4th of March 1964 and was educated in Melbourne at the Methodist Ladies' College. She became nationally famous on the popular television program Young Talent Time, where she was a member of the Young Talent Team from 1975 to 1980. In 1980 she signed with Fable Records and became the first Australian schoolgirl to receive a Gold record with her Top Ten single "Why Won't You Explain" the music was by Guido and Maurizio De Angelis with the English lyric by Dennis Walter. Here to download is that single from 1981 and it's B side "Rock Me" (FB 337) produced by Ron Tudor for Fable.

Post 179 - Daytime Actors - Follow / Reasons For Living

Not a lot of imformation on these guys, they formed in 1986 and released two singles. The first was "Dance To The Beat" and the follow up in 1986 is here for you to download "Follow" b/w "Reasons For Living" recorded for RCA Records. I can hear hints of a Duran Duran influence in this single. The single was penned by the guys and the record was produced by Sherbet's Clive Shakespeare. The members were Dave Cumming - bass, Neil King - drums, Peter Mills - guitar, Paul Mills - keyboards and Damien Stark - vocals.

Post 178 - Lucky Starr - The Three Trees / Don't Ask Me Why

Lucky Starr is one of the founding members of the Australian Pop Music Industry. A regular on television shows such as Bandstand and also hosted Six O’clock Rock for one season. In 1962 Lucky recorded a hit record “I’ve Been Everywhere”, which to date still remains one of Australia’s all time favourites. Lucky was also the first Australian performer to entertain the troops in Vietnam; in fact paying his own way there and made five subsequent trips into the war zone. Here to download is he's 1964 single "The Three Trees b/w "Don't Ask Me Why" (FK-761) recorded for Festival. The A side was written by Andrey Marshall and the B side written by Lucky. Lucky’s style ranges from Rock & Roll, to Country through to Jazz and is in fact similar to the late great Bobby Darin.

Post 177 - Bandanna - Boogie Down Under

Bandanna was basically a biker’s band. They were a Sydney based Blues/Boogie/Rock band of the 80’s formed in 1986 by Larry Macmillan, Terry Duffy, Graeme Newtown and Rick Doolan. They were similar to George Thorogood in sound but were more like Dire Straits doing Z Z Top in looks. They had over 15 members go through their stables before they disbanded in 1990. They released a mini LP in 1986 "Bag Fulla Boogie." and two singles. Here to download is their single from 1988 "Boogie Down Under" b/w "Boogie Down Under-Motor Mix" (104847) on Possum Records. The single was produced by Matthew Hughes.

Post 176 - Rolf Harris - Pukka Chicken / Here Come The Bees

Another Rolf Harris single, this time recorded in 1967 "Pukka Chicken" b/w "Here Come the Bees (Love Has Gone)" (DO-5051) on Columbia Records. The A side penned by Rolf and the B side written by Hubert Pattison. Here to download is "Pukka Chicken" which was released on a Best Of Rolf Harris back in 1999 but has long been deleted. The several Best Of CD’s since have never included the song and I'm sure the B side has never seen CD. So enjoy another one of Rolf's zany songs that only Rolf can sing. I'm pretty sure there's never been a covered version of this one.

Post 175 - Jonathan Coleman - Aussies On 45

Coleman's broadcasting career started in the late 1970s in Australia when he was chosen a member of the reporting team for the popular afternoon children's TV magazine show Simon Townsend's Wonder World, created and hosted by journalist Simon Townsend. This was followed by several years as a DJ and presenter on the ABC's youth radio network Triple J. On post #28 we see Jonathan teaming up with Ricky May in 1983 recorded the single “Built For Comfort (I Ain’t Built For Speed)". This time he is accompanied by The Brenda Gee Singers on the 1981 WEA single "Aussies On 45" (100188). Here to download is that single with it's B side "Aussies On 45" Jonathan Coleman is also the voice of the popular Australian 70s and 80s music radio program "My Generation", heard on the Australian Radio Network.

Post 174 - Johnny Ashcroft - Darwin Lives On

This track could have come from post #168, recorded and written in 1975 by Johnny Ashcroft "Darwin Lives On" was written about Cyclone Tracy that devastated the city of Darwin, on Christmas Eve to Christmas Day, 1974. The total proceeds of this single went to the Darwin Appeal. It was recorded at Alberts Studio's for RCA Records and produced by Rocky Thomas. Thomas & The Good Music Orchestra provided the B side of the single with an instrumental version of the song. Here to download is "Darwin Lives On" (102563)

Post 173 - Ol' 55 - Cruisin' For A Bruisin' LP

In December 1978, Ol' 55 recorded their third LP " Cruisin' For A Bruisin' " (MLF 234). It was not successful, even with the release of five singles from the album which all were unsuccessful on the charts. In March of 1979 Ol' 55 signed overseas deals with CBS for the release of the album in Canada and with PolyGram in Europe. But with splits in the ranks of the band stopped any follow up on the deal. The album was recorded at Trafalgar Studios in Sydney and was produced by Charles Fisher in 1978. Here to download is the album recorded on Junction Records.

Post 172 - Glenn Shorrock - American Flyers / Duchess Is Returning

Glenn Barrie Shorrock born on 30 June 1944, in Chatham, Kent; UK is an Australian singer who is best known as a founding member and lead singer of Little River Band. He came to fame in Australia, as the co lead singer of '60s band The Twilights. They scored major Australian hits with singles including "Needle In A Haystack", and their cover of The Hollies' "What's Wrong With The Way I Live", which was recorded at Abbey Road Studios in London. After The Twilights split in early 1969, Shorrock joined the early supergroup Axiom with Brian Cadd and members of other leading Australian pop groups. Although Axiom lasted only a couple of years, they had several hits and recorded two highly acclaimed LPs. Shorrock remained in the UK after the split of Axiom, and during this time he performed with the multinational band Esperanto. In late 1974, just before returning to Australia, he was invited to join a new line-up of Mississippi who were in England at the time. He joined the group as lead singer, and soon after they returned to Australia they changed their name to Little River Band. The group went on to become one of the most successful bands ever to come out of Australia, and the first Australian group to achieve major commercial success in the U.S. Glenn left Little River Band in 1982 and was replaced as lead singer by John Farnham. In 1985 Glenn released the title track to the John Badham film starring Kevin Costner, American Flyers. Here for you to download is that single recorded for Capitol Records "American Flyers' b/w "Duchess Is Returning" (CP 1802) Shorrock returned to the L R B in 1988 but, despite several quality albums, the band did not regain its earlier stellar recognition. He left the band again in 1996.

Post 171 - Marty Rhone & The Stars Of Godspell - 5 Great Hits From Godspell EP

Marty Rhone was born Carl Van Rhoon, on 7th of May 1948. Of Dutch Indonesian ancestry, he started singing at an early age and at 17 went straight from school to a professional singing career. In late 1965 Marty and his band The Blue Feelings went to audition for a new record company called Spin Records, which was run by Nat Kipner. Nat liked Marty, but not the band, and as a result Marty signed with the label as a solo act. Nat Kipner had seen The Soul Agents performing at a Sydney club and was very impressed with the band, so in January 1966 Marty Rhone and The Soul Agents joined forces and became part of the Spin roster along with Steve & The Board, the Bee Gees, Jeff St. John & The Id, Tony Barber, The Dave Miller Set and Ronnie Burns. The next twelve months was a hectic schedule taken up with recording, touring and television appearances. There were many highlights in their touring schedule including support to The Rolling Stones on their 1966 Australian tour. In 1967, The Soul Agents took on a full time residency performing at one of Sydney’s biggest Nightclubs, and Marty moved to Melbourne where he continued to do television and personal appearances and remained there until early 1970 when he was conscripted into the army for a two year period. Out of his battle greens in 1972, Marty enrolled at the NSW Conservatorium of Music on a government grant for a two year period and then turned his attention toward acting, where he worked both live theatre Godspell and on television with roles including Number 96, Certain Woman and Class of ’75. Here to download is the EP "Marty Rhone & The Stars Of Godspell - 5 Great Hits From Godspell" (SPG.001) released on EMI Records in 1975 it also featured the singing of Carmen Tanti, Peita Toppano and Emma Gray. The music arrangement was by Rory Thomas and Arthur Pettett produced the EP. In August 1975, Marty signed to the M7 label and burst into the charts with “Denim And Lace”, which became the year’s second biggest selling single.

Post 170 - The Mixtures - Home Away From Home

As a result of the 1970 radio ban, during which many Australian radio stations refused to play Australian and British music released by major labels, the Mixtures recorded a cover of Mungo Jerry's "In the Summertime" and received much more airplay than had initially been expected for a group on a small record label. The single went to #1 in Australia for six weeks. They followed up with "The Pushbike Song", which went to #1 in Australia for two weeks, hit #2 in the UK Singles Chart, and went to #44 on the Billboard Hot 100 in the U.S. The next single, "Henry Ford", peaked at #43. Here for you to download is the B side of "Henry Ford" "Home Away From Home" (FB-062) produced by David MacKay for Fable Record and written by Mick Flinn and Fred Weiland. The next single "Captain Zero" went to #5 in 1971, their last big hit. The group released material together for several more years before breaking up in 1976.

Post 169 - Russell Morris - Russell Morris

Russell Morris moved to London in 1973 to record a new album. When he got there he discovered there was no record contract waiting for him. He then relocated to New York and set to work on an album there. This S/T LP released in 1975 on Robie Porter's Wizard label in Australia and on RCA for US release, included re-recordings of "Wings Of An Eagle" and "Sweet, Sweet Love", with ten new songs penned by Russell including the single "Let's Do It", which reached #14 in November '75. It took two more years before he was granted his Green Card, enabling him to work in America. By that time, any chance of an American career had evaporated. By the time Russell returned home he found a very different Australia than the one he had left behind five years earlier. He fronted a variety of bands during the Eighties including Russell Morris & the Rubes, The Russell Morris Band and The Lonely Boys, and he has notched up a number of solid hits and fine, well received Albums over the years. But for now here to download is the 1975 S/T album recorded on Wizard "Russell Morris" (ZL-208)

Post 168 - Concert For Darwin LP

Cyclone Tracy was a tropical cyclone that devastated the city of Darwin, Northern Territory, from Christmas Eve to Christmas Day, 1974. It is the most compact hurricane or equivalent strength tropical cyclone on record in the Australian basin, with gale-force winds extending only 48 kilometres. Tracy killed 71 people, caused $837 million in damage and destroyed more than 70 percent of Darwin's buildings, including 80 percent of houses. Tracy left homeless more than 20,000 out of the 49,000 inhabitants of the city. A benefit concert at the Sydney Opera House in January 1975 raises $75,000 for victims of the Cyclone Tracy disaster. Under the musical direction of Tommy Tycho and performances by Brian Cadd & The Bootleg Family, Don Lane, William Shakespeare, Rolf Harris, Mary Jane Boyd, Colleen Hewitt, Barry Crocker, Paul Hogan and Winifred Atwell to name a few. Released by RCA M7 and Festival Records and produced by Roger Woodward, Robert Gunn. Here to download is the 1975 double album "Concert For Darwin" (SMX-44978) live at the Sydney Opera House.

Post 167 -Matt Flinders - Picking Up Pebbles EP

Matt Flinders, born Sylvan Louis Bonett in Alexandria, Egypt, is a singer who rose to prominence in the late 1960s in Australia. Of French, English and Italian background, he migrated to Australia with his family in 1951. After singing on a few radio and TV commercials, Matt Flinders was discovered by Ron Tudor of Astor Records who suggested the name change to Matt Flinders (after the explorer Matthew Flinders) which was deemed to be easier to pronounce and remember than his birth name. Matt had two top ten singles in Australia: "Picking up Pebbles" in 1969 which reached No.1 in Melbourne, and "Butterfly" 1971. He appeared on his own television show, Matt Flinders and Friends 1972-1973, as well as his own radio show, both for the ABC. Here to download is he's 1969 EP "Picking Up Pebbles" (AEP 4069) on Astor Records, Produced by Ron Tudor and the music was arranged and conducted by Johnny Hawker.

Post 166 - Rolf Harris - Two Little Boys EP

Two Little Boys is a song written by American composer Theodore Morse and Edward Madden. It was written in 1902 and became a popular music hall song of the time, made popular by Harry Lauder. It describes the story of two boys who grow up to fight in the American Civil War. In 1969, it was revived by Rolf Harris, who briefly visited folk musician Ted Egan during a tour of Arnhem Land in Australia. Egan sang him the song, which Harris recorded on tape. Back in the UK, Harris persuaded his television producer to incorporate the song into his BBC variety show. Harris discovered he had lost the tape and rang Egan, 10,000 miles away in Canberra, and asked him to sing the song over the phone. Alan Braden arranged the song for the TV show, and a favourable audience reaction prompted Harris to record and releases it as a single. The song reached #1 on the singles chart in December 1969, where it stayed for six weeks. Here to download is the "Two Little Boys" EP (FX-11,706) on Festival Records, the other 3 songs on the EP were all written by Rolf, "Bony", "Write 'Em Rough" and "I Love My Love" the latter also came from the Two Little Boys" LP. Which is another post I’m sure?

Post 165 - Rolf Harris - G'Day L.A. (Pavlova) - Jumbuck

Recorded on Robie Porter's Wizard Records "G'Day L.A. (Pavlova)" b/w "Jumbuck" (ZS-1204) was one of the Rolf Harris's songs that escaped me. I must say I had never heard it till I came across it at a record fair in Sydney a few weeks ago. Both sides of the single were written and produced by Rolf and was released in 1984. I can't find out much more about the song except that it's Rolf to a tee with the traditional Aussie humour that he is famous for.

Post 164 - Rick Springfield - Mission Magic LP

After his success in Australia, the 22 year old Rick Springfield relocated to Hollywood, California in 1972. Exposure on American Bandstand, as well as being regularly featured in teen fan magazines such as 16 magazine and Tiger Beat, sparked interest amongst teenage girls. In 1973, a Saturday morning cartoon called Mission: Magic! Was cantered around Springfield and ran for one year, with a soundtrack album also released. Rick Springfield used a gramophone to get in contact with the Adventurer's Club to give them missions in magical lands to solve mysteries. Rick has a pet owl called Ptolemy. Rick has a song he sings in almost every episode of the series. Here to down load is the soundtrack LP from 1974 "Mission Magic" (ZL 205) produced by Robie Porter for Wizard Records. All songs were written by Springfield and band members were Jim Keltner, Russ Kunkel, Ray Arnott and Barry Morgan (drums), Carol Kaye, Lee Sklar, Barry Sullivan (bass), All guitars, organ, piano, synthesizer and all vocals by Rick Springfield.

Post 163 - Rick Springfield - What Would The Children Think / Walking The Floor On My Hands Over You

This was the last single Rick Springfield recorded on the Sparmac label in 1973. It went as high as #38 in Australia and # 70 in the U.S. the A side appears on the 1972 LP Beginnings and the B side has never appeared on a LP except the Australian released Best Of recorded for Summit Records, but it was an A side for Johnny Farnham released on the 25th of December 1971. Rick also recycled "Walking The Floor On My Hands Over You" as the theme to the Cartoon series he appeared in called Mission Magic in 1974. Here to download are "What Would The Children Think b/w "Walking The Floor On My Hands Over You" (SPR-023). Both tracks penned by Rick and produced by Robie Porter.

Post 162 - Ed Devereaux - Sings & Tells The Story Of Skippy The Bush Kangaroo EP

Ed Devereaux born on August 1925 was an Australian actor, who lived in the UK for many years. He was best known for playing the part of Matt Hammond in the Australian children's television series Skippy. Devereaux was one of 10 children born into a working-class Catholic family in North Sydney. He had been a boy soprano, teenage soldier in New Guinea, cabbie, storeman and truck driver before the acting urge took him to London in 1950. He played Matt Hammond, head ranger at Waratah National Park, father to Sonny (Garry Pankhurst) and Mark (Ken James) and boss of helicopter pilot Jerry King (Tony Bonner) in Skippy between 1966 and 1968. Here to download is the 2nd of two EP's this one was released on RCA Records in 1970 "Ed Devereaux Sings & Tells The Story Of Skippy The Bush Kangaroo" (20545). Despite an acting career that spanned six decades Devereaux never dodged talking about the show that made him a household name, although he believed he never saw enough money from Skippy. Devereaux died in his sleep of renal failure at his Hampstead home between 3am and 4am on Wednesday 17th of December 2003, London time, three months after he was diagnosed with cancer of the oesophagus.

Post 161 - John Paul Young - Spain / Money To Burn

This non album single was released in October 1986 for EMI Records, both sides of the single written by John and Warren Morgan. On 25 January 1988 Young performed in the 'Royal Command, New South Wales Bicentennial Concert' in front of the Prince and Princess of Wales at the Sydney Entertainment centre. Televised across Australia, the event was viewed by over 10 million people and prompted an invitation to appear at World Expo 88 in Brisbane. In late 1988, Young and his family moved to Lake Macquarie near Newcastle. Newcastle's first FM radio station, New FM, was preparing to open in 1989. Here to download is the single from 1986 "Spain" b/w "Money To Burn" (EMI 1814)

Post 160 - Jimmy Hannan - Chang The Magic Dragon / The One And Only Original Sunshine Kid

Jimmy Hannan was born in August, 1934 was a variety show host, singer and entertainer. Hannan won the 1965 Gold Logie award. One of his daughters is Melissa Hannan who won the Miss Australia 1981 and was also in the Miss World held in London. His grand daughter is illustrator Jaki Jo Hannan. In 1975 Jimmy recorded "Chang The Magic Dragon" (102678) for RCA Records the song was about Wollongong born Graeme "Changa" Langlands an Australian rugby league footballer and coach of the 1960s and 70s. He was a representative in the Australian national team on 45 occasions from 1963 to 1975 and captained his country in 15 Test matches and World Cup games. He played with St. George Dragons from 1963-1976. The single was produced by Rocky Thomas. Here to download is that single with it's B side "The One And Only Original Sunshine Kid".

Post 159 - Trevor Hindmarsh - Milly Molly Mandy / Long Haired Lover From Liverpool

Trevor started on Young Talent Time when he was 11 years old. When Trevor left and formed his own band he played the circuit around Sydney. When he moved back to Melbourne and got involved in horse racing, and became the company director of Wincirca Pty. Ltd. He lives in Melbourne with his wife and 5 children. Here to download is Trevor's single out of 1974 on L & Y Records "Milly Molly Mandy" b/w "Long Haired Lover From Liverpool" (K-5629). Produced by Johnny Young and recorded at T.C.S. Melbourne.

Post 158 - Jimmy Hannan - Beach Ball / You Gotta Have Love

Recorded in November 1963, Festival Studio, Sydney on R G Records. Backing vocals were by Barry, Robin and Maurice Gibb. The young writer of "Beach Ball" Jim McGuinn later founded the California harmony rock group the Byrds, where he was also known as Roger McGuinn. The Bee Gees were uncredited as backup singers they also do some talking in the background to build up the party atmosphere on ‘Beach Ball’. Here to download is Jimmy Hannan's hit "Beach Ball" b/w "You Gotta Have Love" (RG 496).

Post 157 - Billy Thorpe - Retail Teaser

In 1981 Billy Thorpe released a one sided single on Pasha Records. It was a retail teaser for his Stimulation LP, produced by Billy and Spencer Proffer. I can't find much about this one, but I would say it was done for D.J's to promote the Stimulation album. I thought this would be a must for all you Thorpie collectors….and there's a lot of us out there. Enjoy the Retail Teaser (AE7 1286)

Posat 156 - Mike Williams - Swayin' To The Music / Singles

Mike Williams aka Shirley Temple the blond, curly headed floor manager for the Mike Walsh Show. In 1977 he issued a single for M7 Records "Swayin' To The Music" b/w "Singles" (MS-221). The A side was released by Johnny Rivers in America the same year. The song was written by Jack Tempchin (the same guy who wrote so many hits for the Eagles: Already Gone, Peaceful Easy Feelin‘). Although Rivers’ version made it to #10 on the US charts, Williams’ version only charted in Perth, reaching #38 for 7 weeks. The single was arranged by Terry Walker and Geoff Harvey and produced by Terry Walker.

Post 155 - Cheetah - The Non Album Singles

Cheetah was active between 1977 and 1982. The main members and vocalists were sisters Chrissie Hammond and Lyndsay Hammond. They had been session vocalists for many Australian artists including Jo Jo Zep, Jon English, Marc Hunter, Flash and the Pan and as a vocal duo toured with Stevie Wright, Norman Gunston and Daryl Braithwaite. Lyndsay fronted a group called Skintight and toured with Renée Geyer before forming Cheetah with Chrissie Hammond. Cheetah toured across Australia, the UK and Europe including appearances at Roskilde in Holland, the Nuremberg and Wiesbaden Festivals in Germany and a show at the 1982 Reading Festival with Iron Maiden to an audience of 120,000 people. They are often compared to Seattle based Heart, also with two sisters. They are not to be confused with The Cheetah Girls. Chrissie Hammond would become better known outside Australia for performing female vocals for Rick Wakeman. In 1982 Alberts released the LP Rock And Roll Women produced by Vanda & Young which produced the hit "Spend The Night". Here to download is a collection of singles released before 1982 which never made it onto the LP. The only track that made it to the LP was the B side of "Love You To The Limit" (AP-419) which was "Let The Love Begin" on Albert 1981 produced BY Vanda & Young. Other singles here are "Shake It To The Right" b/w Love Ain't Easy To Come By" 1977 Philips (6037 090 2) produced by Peter Plavsic, "Desperado" 1978 EMI (EMI-11771) produced by Rick Formosa the A side “Walking In The Rain” has been recently released on CD - Get That Jive Australian Pop Of The 70’s and "Deeper Than Love" b/w "Deeper Than Love" (instrumental) 1979 EMI (EMI-11867) produced by Ian Meldrum. Thanks to Micko for the help with this post.

Post 154 - Playback - Sweetheart You're Gonna Take Over This Town! (...You Had It All The Time)

Russell Dunlop was born in Paddington, New South Wales. In the late 1960s he joined Aesop's Fables, a group featuring singer Cheryl Blake and organist Gary Moberly, who went on to work with The Bee Gees. Dunlop also soon found himself in steady demand for session work as a drummer and vocalist. Aesop's Fables disbanded around October 1970 and Russell moved back to Sydney, where he joined Mother Earth, another jazz-rock group which featured Renee Geyer as lead singer. In the mid 1970s Dunlop toured the U.S. with the band Ayers Rock, renewing his friendship with Jimmy Doyle, and they subsequently toured Australia many times with the Aussie Blue Flames, backing the British performer Georgie Fame. He also recorded and toured with the Aunty Jack Show team, among many other acts, while becoming more involved in recording.In the late '70s, Dunlop began a highly successful collaboration with producer engineer Bruce Brown at Albert Studios and they formed their own independent production company BAD (Brown And Dunlop). Dunlop’s credits as producer or co producer with Bruce Brown include Machinations, Mental As Anything, Jon English and the Doug Ashdown. Dunlop and Brown enjoyed success of their own right as a recording act with the 1980 hit "Space Invaders", inspired by the popular video game of the same name, which they released under the pseudonym Player One for Warner Bros. Here to download also out of 1980 under the name of Playback they recorded the song "Sweetheart You're Gonna Take Over This Town! (...You Had It All The Time)" (WCP 2) for WEA. And under the pseudonym The Monitors, Brown and Dunlop scored another Australian hit with the single "Singing In The 80s". Dunlop died suddenly in May 2009 while playing drums at his son's wedding in Sydney. He is survived by his wife Judi, son Aaron and daughter Kane.

Post 153 - Hush - Get Flaired

Hush were finalists in the 1972 Hoadley’s National Battle of the Sounds and were well on their way to being one of the top bands in Australia. 1973 was the beginning of Hush’s intensive national touring, playing more than 200 towns and cities, driving approximately 4,000 kilometres each week. Hush were often on tour for 9 months of the year. The single, “Get the Feeling“, and album Aloud N Live were released in late 1973. “Get the Feeling” was a hit in NSW. In March ’74 the band signed with Wizard Records and their single “Walking” became the first national hit for Hush. Robbie Porter took over production of the band’s recording and the first product of this association was the hit single “Boney Maroney”, an updated version of the Larry Williams song. Also in 1974 they recorded a one sided promo single here for you to download for Colonial Jeans called "Get Flaired" (WP-1)

Post 152 - Laurie Allen - Sunshine On Your Face / On A Ferris Wheel

Laurie's musical career began in 1959 as guitarist with one of Melbourne's first rock bands, Malcolm Arthur & The Knights. He then joined The Blue Jays as organist and released a solo single, "Wolfman" 1962, before teaming up with singer Bobby Bright in 1964. Their hits in the '60s on the Go!! label included Laurie's self penned "I Belong With You" and "Judy Green"; after switching to Albert Productions/Parlophone they scored another national chart topper with Roger Miller's "Hitch-Hiker" and in 1966, they hosted their own ABC-TV show It's A Gas, later retitled Dig We Must. The duo's second backing band, The Rondells, included some of Melbourne's top players and included the future Daddy Cool rhythm section of Wayne Duncan and Gary Young. When the duo split up in early 1967, Laurie formed up the Laurie Allen Revue, which featured Colleen and Glenys Hewett, on backing vocals and issued three singles for Festival. In 1969, Bobbie and Laurie reformed for three singles, including the hit version of Porter Wagoner's "Carroll County Accident" before splitting again in 1971. He signed with Col Joye's ATA label, here to download is his first single for ATA in 1972 "Sunshine On Your Face" b/w "On A Ferris Wheel" (ATAK-4734). Produced by Col Joye and Laurie and backed by The Joy Boys.

Post 151 - Joe Dolce - Pizza Pizza / Pizzamix

In 1984 Joe Dolce wrote the song "Pizza Pizza" (FB-1399) as a tribute to his love for pizza. "Pizza Pizza" is one of those tunes that once you hear; you end up humming all day long. Joe decided to license the song to pizza operators to use in advertising or as a jingle. The record was sent around to radio stations, and was put in a pizza box. That got the attention of radio programmers. It was produced by Joe, Ern Rose and Mike Brady for Fable Records in Melbourne. There is also a EP with an extended version but here to download is the 3.20 single with it's B side "Pizzamix".

Post 150 - Joe Dolce - Ain't In No Hurry

Yes another Joe Dolce record this time it's the B side of his #1 hit "Shaddap You Face". Recorded for Astor Records "Ain't In No Hurry" (A7316) never made it onto the LP "Shaddap You Face". Penned by Joe and produced by Ian McKenzie and Joe and recorded at Flagstaff Studios in Melbourne in 1981.

Post 149 - Red Symons - The Big Time / The Copyright Act

This is Red's second single released in 1987 "The Big Time" b/w "The Copyright Act" (K278) on Mushroom Records. In 1977 his first single "It's Only A Flipside" and in 1988 "Sex Appeal" which you can find here at post #29.Here is the single produced by Red as Rick Pinko Sims and arranged by Paul Grabowsky.