Post 64 - Kevin Borich Express – No Turning Back - I Can't Wait

Kevin Borich Express’s first single for Mercury was "No Turning Back" in November 1978. It was followed by an album recorded at Cherokee Studios L.A. of the same name in January 1979. Early in 1979 the band returned to Australia. Tim Schafer returned to the US making the band a three piece again. Paul Christie also left (later to join Mondo Rock) and was replaced initially by Lindsay Osbourne before original member Tim Partridge returned. This line-up toured Europe and England and recorded the album "Live" before John Annas left upon their return. He was replaced by John Watson. Here’s another classic Kevin Borich single that has never been on C.D. for you to download “No Turning Back” b/w "I Can't Wait" (6037 119) enjoy!

Post 63 - John Young – Better Go Back To Bed

Here is yet another John Paul Young B-side. This time it was credited as John Young on the label. It was recorded in 1972 and was the B-side to “Pasadena” which took Young into the top 10. The single was produced by Simon Napier-Bell who also co-wrote the song with Vanda & Young. Like a lot of John’s B-sides this song hasn’t got that pop feel as the A-side. Here for your listening pleasure is “Better Go Back To Bed” (AP-9765).

Post 62 - Pat Wilson – Strong Love (Mini LP)

Bop Girl was a #2 hit in 1983, and by all accounts ruled the airways for most of the year. The song even generated enough interest to score an American and European release. Pat released another couple of singles from a five track LP called “Strong Love” for WEA Records. "Bop Girl" has become a favourite on music video channels due to the appearance of a young 15 year old Nicole Kidman in the video clip, while "Strong Love" was chosen to be part of the Countdown revival album. “Bop Girl”, “Strong Love” and “Bop Girl Goes Surfin” were all written by then husband Ross Wilson. The last track, ‘Killer Bees” was written by Ross Wilson, James Black and J.J.Hackett. Pat was backed on the album by Ross Wilson with son Daniel included. Here for you to download is the 1984 mini LP “Strong Love” (250694-1).

Post 61 - Barry Crocker – The Pensioner

Barry Hugh Crocker born 4th of November 1935, in Geelong, Victoria, is a popular Australian singer with a crooning vocal style. He sang the original recording of the theme song for the Australian soap opera Neigbours. Crocker also has had a semi-successful career as an actor, most notably starring alongside Barry Humphries in the title role of “The Adventures of Barry McKenzie” and its sequel, “Barry McKenzie Holds His Own”. In 1994 he appeared as himself in the film “Muriel's Wedding”. In 1992 he featured on the “Stairways To Heaven” CD with the Doug Anthony Allstars with their version of the Led Zepplin classic along side other Aussie’s version of the song with the likes of John Paul Young, Rolf Harris, Leonard Teale, The Beatnix and Nick Barker to name a few. Here to download is his 1970 hit “The Pensioner” (FK 3753)one of my mum’s favourites.

Post 60 - Eric Jupp – Skippy E.P.

Eric Jupp (7 January 1922 - 2 January 2003) was a British born musician, composer, arranger and conductor who gained wide popularity in Australia after settling here in the 1960s. He hosted a long-running light music TV show and composed for film and TV. He is best remembered for his theme music to the TV series Skippy the Bush Kangaroo. Eric Jupp was born in Brighton in 1922 and began to study piano at the age of seven. He left school and started his musical career at fourteen, playing in nightclubs. He joined the R.A.F. at the outbreak of World War II. When the war ended, he went to London, where he soon became a prominent member of several leading big bands, working as a pianist, composer and arranger. Jupp first visited Australia in 1960 under short-term contract to the ABC, and during his visit he arranged the music for the single First Kiss / My Secret (July 1960) by pop duo The Allen Brothers, which included Peter Allen. His last major TV credit was the score for the early '90s remake of Skippy. In his retirement, Eric Jupp and his family moved to Launceston in Tasmania. He died there in January 2003, after battling illness for several months. For you to download by popular demand is the “Skippy” E.P. (GEPO 70052) minus “My Pal Skippy” which you will find in post #19.

Post 59 - Martin Plaza – Labour Of Love

Martin Plaza released his 4th solo single in August 1990 “Labour Of Love” on CBS records. All royalties and proceeds from the sale of this single went to the Camperdown Children’s Hospital. He released six singles and two albums “Plaza Suite” and “Andy’s Chest” which was a collection of Lou Reed covers and one sole Plaza original. Here for download is “Labour Of Love” (6561717). For more Martin Plaza downloads, check out Post #16 and also check out:

Post 58 - Austen Tayshus – Highway Corroboree / The Rolling Stones Reunion

From the 1989 L.P. “WHISPERING JOKE” comes Austen’s 7th single release for you to download “Highway Corroboree” b/w "The Rolling Stones Reunion" (EMI 2045). It features Ernie Dingo on didgeridoo, Hine Kine on clop sticks & backing vocals and Paul Burton on bass. The song was penned by Austen, Michelle Bleicher and Trevor Farrant. It was recorded at the Harald Park Hotel in 1988. This is not one of his best singles but interesting to say the least, and the B side… well that’s another story and another post (mmmmmmm we’ll see!!).

Post 57 - Gary Young & The Rocking Emus – Running Late For Wandong/Rockabilly Heaven

Gary Young ,born 1945 in New York, was a founding member of Australian rock band Daddy Cool in which he played the drums and sang backing vocals. He formed Hot Dog featuring Daddy Cool bass player Wayne Duncan to prime the sales pump before the cool combo reformed and stayed together until 1975.Gary also wrote music for the rock movie OZ with Duncan and Wilson before replacing Ernie McInerney as drummer for Jo Jo Zep & The Falcons for five years. The singing drummer formed The Rock Doctors and Gary Young and The Rocking Emus, his first full-on country combo.The band also featuring Wayne Duncan, Wayne Burt and Ross Hannaford released its Ross Wilson produced self titled album for Mushroom in 1982. The singles were the double A single “Running Late For Wandong”/”Rockabilly Heaven” and “Keep Your Hands Off My Baby”/”Rollin' Home”. Others were “One Night” 1973, “Saga Of The Three Pigs” 1973 and “Ubangi Stomp”/”Mystery Train” 1980. For you to download is the 1882 double A sided single “Running Late For Wandong”/”Rockabilly Heaven” (K8777).

Post 56 - Wendy Saddington – We Need A Song

In 1970 Billy Thorpe walked into the Thumping Tum in Melbourne to see this famous female blues singer that everyone was raving about. She was the lead singer of Beaten Tracks which had won a battle of the bands contest. The prize was a trip to Melbourne. That particular night a bond was formed between Thorpe, Saddington and her keyboard player Warren “The Pig” Morgan. This was not only the beginning of Saddington’s career, but the beginning of the Sunbury Aztecs. Saddington’s one and only single “Looking Through A Window” was released in September 1971and went to #22. It was backed with “We Need A Song”. Both tracks were produced and written by Warren “The Pig” Morgan and Billy Thorpe. Billy, although uncredited, also sang vocals on this B-Side track. “Looking Through A Window” was reissued in 1977 but did nothing on the charts. Here for you to download is the B-Side “We Need A Song” (INK-4308).
-By: Mrs. Ozzie Music Man

Post 55 - Shirley – Mr Summer

This is Shirley’s 3rd single for Mushroom Records co-written with Aztecs keyboard player Warren “The Pig” Morgan who also produced the single in 1978. Shirley released 5 singles for Mushroom and an album for Hammard in 1980. In the 1990s he was a regular presenter on home makeover program Our House where he resurrected skills from his pre-Skyhook career of carpentry. He was also instrumental in several Skyhook reformations during the 1980s and 1990s. For you to download is “Mr. Summer” ( K7285)

Post 54 - The Johnnys – Elvisly Yours

The Johnnys “Elvisly Yours” was the band’s 8th single again produced by Ross Wilson for Mushroom Records. Graham Hood quit the Allniters and had a try out for the Hoodoo Gurus, he made an instant connection with Rod Radalj who was in the band at the time. After the second jam Hood got the impression that he didn't have the gig with the Guru's. He approached Radalj with an idea of a side project -- cowboys playing country style music at break neck Punk pace, strange but true as it had never been tried before. Rehearsals ensued, songs were writ and a drummer, Billy Pommer Junior acquired. The first gig was at Palms disco on Oxford St, Darlinghurst Sydney. The Johnnys are Spencer P. Jones., Graham Hood, Billy Pommer Jr., Roddy Radalj, Michael Armiger, Paul Doherty. To hear The Johnnys first single go to post # 6 but now for you to download is “Elvisly Yours” (K247) “Thank ya, thank you very much”.

Post 53 - Ignatius Jones – Like A Ghost

The double-jointed Ignatius Jones was born Juan Ignacio Trapaga Esteban of a Basque-Chinese father and a Catalan-American mother in the Philippines in 1964. He became a naturalised Australian in 1971, but maintains a dual Spanish-Australian citizenship. He attended high school at St Ignatius' College, Riverview, near the Sydney river-side suburb of Lane Cove. He is the brother of former Play School presenter Monica Trapaga. He was the lead singer of the new wave band Jimmy And The Boys which were active from 1975 to 1982 and best known for their incredibly violent stage shows. They only recorded two albums “Not Like Everybody Else” and “Teddy Boys Picnic.” In 1981 they scored their only top 10 single with "They Won't Let My Girlfriend Talk to Me", written by Tim Finn which wasn’t very happy with the bands version of his song. Jimmy and the Boys would break up and Ignatius would go solo. In 1982, Jones would release the single “Like a Ghost”- a song written by Steve Kilbey. You might recognize that name from a much more famous Australian export, the Church. Here for you to download is that single “Like A Ghost” (100204)

Post 52 - Rolf Harris – Take Back The Things We Said / Salvation Army Citadel

In 1952, a young Australian stepped off a ferry in Dover with dreams of being a famous portrait painter like his grandfather. He too could paint, but he could also play the piano, write songs, ride a bike with no hands and swim 110 yards back stroke in eighty seconds flat. If Rolf Harris seems to have been with us forever, that's because he has been. After nearly fifty years on stage and screen, he is one of the most loved, respected and enduring figures in Australia and the U.K. From his first single in 1960 “Tie My Kangaroo Down Sport” Rolf has delighted us with many hits over the years, one I liked but one you never hear much was the 1971 single “Take Back The Things We Said” b/w “Salvation Army Citadel” (DB 8762) from “The Australian Album” so here is that single and its B side for you to download enjoy. :-)

Post 51 - Bluestone – The Singer Sang The Song

Brian Cadd signed Bluestone to Bootleg Records which in time released eight singles and a self titled L.P. Terry Dean from Melbourne formed Bluestone after he had enjoyed a very successful solo career in the 60’s. Dean’s backing band around that time was the original Mixtures line up. Bluestone’s biggest hit was “Wind And Rain” 1973. But for you to download is their 2nd single also from ’73 “The Singer Sang The Song” (BL 195). By the 1980’s the band made the move into straight country releasing a 2nd L.P. for Avenue Records in 1982.

Post 50 - Company Caine – Dear Caroline/ Now I’m Together

I read once that Company Caine were a head of there time and truer words were never written. They were renowned for their extraordinary and adventurous music, and for the magnetic stage presence and cosmic-comic lyrics of singer Gulliver Smith. Although the group was short-lived, they lasted long enough to make one of the best records of the period, their 1971 album “A Product Of A Broken Reality”. Many Australians will be familiar with Gulliver's work thanks to his lyrics for the John Farnham hit "A Touch Of Paradise", (co-written with Ross Wilson), but Company Caine remains one of the most shamefully neglected and overlooked bands in Australian music history. A single was issued from the album in September 1971, "Trixie Stonewall’s Wayward Home For Young Women”. The next single featured two new tracks, for you to download "Dear Carolyn" b/w "Now I'm Together" (GE 006) the last release from the 2nd L.P. “Dr, Chop”. It is one of the rarest and most collectible of all Australian recordings released on Lamington Records, that was on the verge of collapse when the record was made -- hence the half-live, half-studio configuration. The band had to compromise on this format because Lamington simply couldn't afford more studio time. According to Lamington only about 300 copies were ever pressed before the label folded, thus accounting for its rarity and copies selling on Ebay for around $350.00 U.S.

Post 49 - Alison MacCallum & Celebration – Hello Sunshine

Back by popular demand is Alison MacCallum. Apparently we have a bit of a gem here as none of the discographies even mention this release or the band Celebration. This track was produced by G. Wayne Thomas and is the B-Side to an earlier post #41. Here for you to download is “Hello Sunshine” (WBA-4006).

Post 48 - Kevin Borich – One More Dream

With a professional career spanning 30 years beginning with La De Das in New Zealand to his Kevin Borich Express and The Party Boys, Kevin has performed at some of the biggest rock events in Australia such as Sunbury, The Rockarenas. He has performed at 2 New Year’s Eve celebrations at the Opera House with a crowd of more than 70,000 people. Kevin is well known for his high energy guitar playing. From the “Angels Hand” LP that has never seen CD comes the single “One More Dream” (K-8088). Here for you download is that single.

Post 47 - Joe Dolce – If You Want To Be Happy / Ain't Been Missing You

Following his number one hit in 15 countries “Shaddap You Face”, Joe Dolce followed up with the release of “If You Want To Be Happy” in 1981. This was a cover of Jimmy Soul’s hit in 1963. Here for you to download is Joe’s version of “If You Want To Be Happy” b/w "Ain't Been Missing You" (FMS2103).

Post 46 - The Town Criers – I Can’t Help Myself

The Town Criers formed around 1965 in Melbourne. Their first single was a cover of The Kinks “The World Keeps Going Round”. In Late 1967 they were signed to the Astor label by Ron Tudor. In February ’68 they released a strong version of “Everlasting Love”. In the later half of 1968, The Town Criers travelled to SE Asia where they entertained American and Australian troops stationed in Vietnam. This was followed by a trip to the USA where they appeared on the Bob Hope Christmas special. In ’68 they covered the ’65 hit for the Four Tops “I Can’t Help Myself”. Here you to download is the B-Side to "Everlasting Love", “I Can’t Help Myself” (A7095).

Post 45 - John Paul Young – Oh No No

John released the single “Hot For You Baby” in January 1980 and ended his contract with Alberts. He recorded an album of 1960’s rock and pop favourites called “The Singer” in 1981. John released the single “Oh No No” (SCR-770) in July 1982 on the Southern Cross label. Here for you to download is that single.

Post 44 - Pete Chambers – All The Way

Pete Chambers joined the cast of Jesus Christ Superstar, being an understudy to Trevor White and Jon English. He also recorded jingles and has worked as a backing singer. He also performed in Ned Kelly and Bacchol. In 1988 he wrote the theme song for Crawford Productions “All The Way”. The series was set in the 1960’s and examined life for an Australian family during the decade of Civil Rights Activism, the Vietman War and the Beatles. “All The Way” started out as a 6 part series before being extended to ongoing series. However, it failed and was axed after 26 episodes. Here for you to download is the theme song to that series “All The Way” (653196 7).

Post 43 - Shirley – Missing You

Graeme “Shirley” Strachan’s second solo single was a cover of Smokey Robinson’s “Tracks Of My Tears” went to #18 in July 1977. In June 1978 he left Skyhooks but it wasn’t officially announced until January 1979. Shirley went on to enjoy a successful career in radio and television. Sadly he was killed in an air crash on 29 August 2001 while he was learning to fly a helicopter. He crashed NW of Brisbane. Here for you to download is yet another B-Side, “Missing You” (K-6820).

Post 42 - Russell Morris – Stand Together

Melbourne born Russell Morris remains one of the best performers to emerge from the Australia 1960’s scene. But In a career spanning over 30 years, he has been sadly under recorded with only eight albums to his credit. In 1968 Morris left Somebody’s Image for a solo career. Ian “Molly” Meldrum became Morris’s manager and together they transformed Johnny Young’s composition “The Real Thing” into the most astonishing pop productions of the entire 1960’s. In January 1971 the hard-rocking “Mr. America” reached number 9 and was Morris’s first song writing venture. It won him composer of the year in the TV Week Music Awards. Here for you to download is the B-Side of that single “Stand Together” (DO-9314).

Post 41 - Alison MacCallum & Celebration – You Can’t Have Sunshine

MacCallum began her career in the late 60’s with Sydney based bands like Big Apple Union, Dr. Kandy’s, Third Eye and Chorus, before joining Freshwater at the end of 1970. She recorded one pop single with Freshwater called “I Ain’t Got The Time” 1971. MacCallum left Freshwater at the end of the year to sing with Ray Brown’s One Tone Gypsy for one month before going solo. Her first single for RCA was a Vanda and Young’s composition “Superman” that reached #12 on the national charts in 1972. In 1974 MacCallum signed to Albert Productions. At the start of 1975 she had her second hit single “Excuse Me”. She recorded two more singles for Albert’s plus the album “Excuse Me”. Here out of 1972 for you to download is a single that she did with Celebration, “You Can’t Have Sunshine” (WBA-4006).

Post 40 - Jigsaw - Every Day Every Night

Jigsaw was formed as Johnny Chester’s backing band. The band later enjoyed commercial success as a pop group and became one of Melbourne’s top bands releasing two albums, an E.P. and thirteen singles for Fable. The last single being the one here for you to download “Every Day, Every Night” (FB.300)

Post 39 - Frieze - Feelings/ Young Man’s Lament

Darryl Cotton and Beeb Birtles formed the duo playing harmony – laiden soft rock. The Frieze clothing company offered them sponsorship on the condition that they wear the clothing and perform under the name Frieze. Frieze’s 1st single was “Feelings” 1971 on Robie Porter’s Sparmac label. In 1972 they recorded an album B.C. for Warner, using the Burke & Wills as it’s backing band. Cotton’s debut single “Why Do Little Children Have To Die” was lifted from the B.C. album. The band broke up in May of ’72 with Birtles joining Mississippi then later Little River Band. Cotton left Oz to go to the U.K. where he worked with another Aussie Mick Flynn ex Mixtures. The two songs for you to download are “Feelings” b/w “Young Man’s Lament” (SPR-012). For some strange reason (and I guess it’s the change of record company) these two songs never made it on the album. We have the B.C. L.P. in our collection somewhere and may post it at a later date.

Post 38 - Colin Carpenter - I Like Grils

Kym Gyngell (born 15 April 1952) which appeared in “The Comedy Company”, one of his characters, Col'n Carpenter (who neglects to pronounce the letter 'i' in his name Colin), is a slow Australian with unique speech mannerisms. Col'n went on to have his own sitcom that ran for two seasons. In 1988 he recorded a single for CBS “I Like Grils” (654508 7), which is here for you to download.

Post 37 - Jeff Duff Orchestra - Walk On The Wild Side

Think of Bowie channelling Sinatra, fronting Blood, Sweat & Tears (playing Chicago covers) and you might get an idea of what Jeff Duff is like (that quote from Aztec Music who has reissue Jeff’s band Kush first two albums on CD). Born in 1950 this eccentric singer with his jazz – rock style band Kush released a great version of McArther Park. With the break up of Kush in 1975, Duff went solo and went to the U.K. The British accepted his style but he caused a stir with the mainstream media. In ’88 Duff returned to Oz to play Secta in the film “Sons Of Steel”. Later that year he formed the Jeff Duff Orchestra, an all girl group of classically trained musicians. In ’89 Jeff Duff Orchestra recorded “Walk On The Wild side” for the second time, this time on the Captain Vimto label where it became a hit. I think it’s very different than the original Lou Reed version… see what you think. Here to download is “Walk On The Wild Side” (V1201)

Post 36 - The Dynamic Hepnotics - Strange Land (Mini LP)

The Dynamic Hepnotics were a successful Australian soul/blues/funk band during the 1980s. They had major success with their chart topping song “Soul Kind Of Feeling’” in ’84 and ’85 “Gotta Be Wrong” later that year. ”Strange Land” (ING 007) 1982 was their second release produced by the one and only Ross (The Boss) Wilson & The Dynamic Hepnotics. THIS E.P. is rare and hard to find and never made it to CD enjoy this download.

Post 35 - Hot Rocket - That's Your Business

Hot Rocket is a Sydney honky tonk rock band who only released one single in 1971 “That’s Your Business” (FK 4301). They are another one of those bands that are hard to find any info about. But who knows, maybe one day a producer, band member or even the tea lady might stumble over this blog and leave me some more details…you never know. The band members were Paul Coates (vocals), Jan Dezwaan (keyboards) Dave Gibbons (vocals & produced this single) Phil Layton (sax, flute) John Swanton (drums) John Taylor & Rod Webster. Here for you to download is their one and only single enjoy it.

Post 34 - The Rock Party - Everything To Live For - Everything To Live For (the real mix) - Get Real

This is the Australian Anti-drug Propaganda release from 1986 on Polydor Records. Like “The Garden” & “Australian Olympians” it hailed a cast of musicians giving up their time to help the young people of this country that had problems with drugs, alcohol, sexual problems, legal and other personal problems. The players on this single were Neil Finn, Reg Mombassa, Tim Finn, Deborah Conway, Martin Plaza, Spencer P. Jones just to name a few. Here for you to download is ”Everything To Live For” b/w "Everything To Live For (the real mix)" "Get Real"(885-461-1).

Post 33 - Norman Gunston - Join The Dots (Mini LP)

Gunston was originally conceived by comedy writer Wendy Skelcher and first appeared as a minor character in the second series of the cult Australian TV comedy series of “The Aunty Jack Show”. His single record releases sold sufficiently well enough to enter the Australian top 40 charts. Parody tributes included punk rock Sherbet, Abba & Kiss to name a few. In 1978, Gunston released another covers album titled “Nylon Degrees”. His next album was released in 1984 with the title of “Join The Dots”, which included out-takes and previously unreleased rare recordings. Here for you to download is that mini 1984 LP “Join The Dots”(PLAZ-1204).

Post 32 - Pat Wilson - Bop Girl (Extended Version)

Pat Wilson born 11th June 1948 is a singer and journalist for “Go Set Magazine” under the pen name of “Mummy Cool”. “Bop Girl” is regarded as a one hit wonder. Wilson released several singles in the early 1980s “Bop Girl” became one of the highest selling singles of 1983 and was penned by her then husband Ross Wilson. For you to download is the extended version of “Bop Girl”(O-259850) which I’m sure has never made it to CD and at a later date we will be posting the Bop Girl EP.

Post 31 - John Paul Young - Thunderbolt/ Dreamworld

Once again another one of those records that no one seems to know any thing about. All the info I can find seem to skip this record released in 1982 on JPY’s records. But from what I can work out is that this single was release for the opening of Dreamworld’s “Thunderbolt” roller coaster. I would imagine the single was given away at the gate to promote the ride as it was on the Dreamworld label. I picked this up at a second hand record store in Sydney so I’m only guessing about the record’s history. Maybe someone out there was there at the ride’s grand opening and can enlighten me. But I can tell you that it was the first looping roller coaster in Australia and coat $4.000.000 and in March of 2004. The removal was done in such a way that it is clear the ride was scrapped and not sold. The park however does still have the trains and some sections of track, presumably for construction of a memorial of sorts to the Gold Coast icon. Here for you to download is that single “Thunderbolt” b/w “Dreamworld” (DW-001).

Post 30 - Peter Russell-Clarke - Good On You Blue/ Waltzing Matilda

Peter Russell-Clarke is most famous for hosting a 5 minute T.V. show on the ABC called “Come And Get It”. He has a friendly on-camera style, and often giggles while explaining his food preparation. This has led to much mimicry from comedians and impressionists around Australia. Some of his catchphrases include: 'G'day' (while giggling), 'Where's the Cheese?'
In early 2008, a video surfaced on Youtube showing a compilation of Peter Russell-Clarke's bloopers, containing obscene language. Shortly after this release, Russell-Clarke appeared on Triple J to discuss the issue, refusing to be bothered by it. But way back in 1980 for you to download he recorded a single for EMI called “Good On You Blue b/w “Waltzing Matilda” (ROO-101). I can’t find any info on this record as to why he recorded it or if there was a follow up so if any one out there knows any thing else about this record please leave a comment in the box.

Post 29 - Red Symons - Sex Appeal

Songwriter and TV villain Red Symons born June 13th in Brighton England is an Australian musician, writer, and radio host. He is probably best known as lead guitarist with Skyhooks and as the snide judge of "Red Faces", a segment of the long-running “Hey Hey It’s Saturday” T.V. show. In 1992-95 he played the role of the Narrator in "The New Rocky Horror Show", touring Australia and Singapore. Red recorded 3 singles “It’s Only A Flipside” 1977 “The Big Time” 1987 and for you to download the 1988 single “Sex Appeal” (K546).

Post 28 - The Big Boys - Built For Comfort

The Big Boys are Ricky May & Jonathan Coleman who in 1983 recorded the single “Built For Comfort (I Ain’t Built For Speed) for WEA. Ricky May was a Maori jazz / pop vocalist from Onehunga, Auckland. Ricky moved to Australia in 1962 and began a very successful cabaret career. Jonathan Coleman (born 29 February 1956 in Hackney, London, England), is an Australian television personality, radio announcer and writer/ performer of comedy. Sadly Ricky May died on 1st June 1988 from a heart attack. For you to download is “Built For Comfort” (7 – 259903)

Post 27 - William Shakespeare - Last Night

A Classic case of pop reincarnation, Johnny Caves became Johnny Cabe, Johnny Cabe became William Shakespeare who had two #1 hits and then never heard of again. Songwriters Harry Vanda & George Young penned Shakespeare’s hits “Can’t Stop Myself From Loving You” & “My Little Angel” in 1974. Two more Vanda & Young tunes followed “Just The Way You Are” 1975 & “Last Night” 1976. He left Albert Records in 1977 and by the middle of 1979 was working in the club circuit as Billy Shake. For you to download is the last single “Last Night” (AP-11057).

Post 26 - The Silver Studs - Why Do Fools Fall In Love

The Silver Studs started as a three-piece band in Brisbane In 1975. The original line up featured Lance Reynolds, Gino Latorre and Keith Reed. The Studs became Countdown regulars and had a further hit with “Dance With A Dolly”. By 1977 disco had well and truly taken the world by storm and the Silver Studs now known as simply the Studs, released a disco song called “Funky Feet”. This was to be their last major chart entry. Despite international interest in the U.S. and the U.K., The Studs faded off the scene. Lance went into the business side to manage Air Supply and took them to America. He also formed Bigtime Records and discovered and launched the careers of Hoodoo Gurus and Jon Stevens. He became a film producer and has produced six feature films including Hugh Jackman's first film “Paperback Hero”, as well as producing for television Jamie Oliver, the English Chef. For you to download is yet another B side “Why Do Fools Fall In Love” (6037 083) of their 1976 single “Dance With A Dolly”.

Post 25 - The La De Das - Fare Thee Well

Kevin Borich is one of Australia’s leading guitar virtuoso. He arrived with the La De Das from New Zealand.. They took the Australian charts by storm with tracks like “Gonna See My Baby Tonight” and Chuck Berry's “Too Pooped To Pop". “Gonna See My Baby Tonight” b/w ”Fare Thee Well” in 1971 brought them a top ten hit. It spent twenty-eight weeks in all in the charts. “Morning Good Morning” b/w “You and Me” (March 1972) featured Phil Key on vocals. Key and Roberts left in October 1972 to form Band of Light. Like The Maple Lace B side on this blog I think “Fare Thee Well” (EA 9638) was as good if not better then the A side….in my books anyway. See what you think.

Post 24 - Norman Yemm - Darlin' Vera / Jean

Norman Yemm is an all-round entertainer - singer, cabaret performer and actor. He is well-known for his role of Norm Baker in The Sullivans. He is best remembered as Senior Detective Jim Patterson in episodes 211 - 333 of the classic Australian drama series Homicide. In 1973 he recorded a single for RCA Records called "Darlin' Vera" which was about his girl friend Vera Collins in the soap Number 96, Norman played Harry Collins. Like Abigail, Johnny Lockword and Joe Hasham Norman tries his luck at the top 40 charts. Other TV credits include: Division 4, Matlock Police, Tandarra, A Country Practice, Possession, Neighbours,Prisoner. Here to download is the single "Darlin' Vera" b/w "Jean" (102401).

Post 23 - Maureen Elkner - Rak Off Normie / Norman

Maureen Elkner is best known as a comedy act, with the success of her novelty hit “Rak Off Normie” in 1975 which was a sequel to Bob Hudson's “Newcastle Song”. However, her first two releases “Dynamite” and “Wild Thing” were both rock songs recorded on the Infinity label. Maureen appeared in the stage productions Rocky Horror Show and Oh Calcutta (which was closed down by the police half-way through the second performance). In ‘75 she signed to M7 Records (which was also Bob Hudson's label). She recorded five singles and two albums. Her 2nd album “Love Tracks” (1977) featured a young Tommy Emmanuel on guitar. "Rak Off Normie" b/w "Norman" (MS 111), and is here for you to download.

Post 22 - Ol'55 - Stay (While The Night Is Still Young)/ Caught In The Curl

Ol’55 took their place alongside Aussie greats such as Skyhooks, Hush, J.P.Y., T.M.G., and Sherbet in the mid 70’s pop. Their second album “Fiveslivejive” with the original line up failed to chart. Meanwhile the new line up’s first single “Stay (While The Night Is Still Young” ( K – 6936) made it to #11 in November 1977. Here to download is that single and it’s instrumental B-side “Caught In the Curl”.

Post 21 - Ol'55 - C'mon Let's Do It/ Teenager In Love

Managed by Glenn A. Baker Ol’55 were clever and outrageous with their stage act. They combined comedy and old rock ‘n’ roll with a touch of theatrics. They wrote new songs that sounded that they were 50’s songs as well as covering 50’s classics. You will hear an example in this download with one original “C’Mon Let’s Do It” ( K – 6659) and a cover of Dion’s “Teenager In Love”. This was their 5th single that went as high as #18 on the charts.

Post 20 - Jim Keays - Psychotic Reaction - Bates Motel

After working as a club D.J, Jim Keays flew to the U.K. In 1987 he signed with Virgin Records to record a reworked version of The Masters Apprentices “Undecided” ( VOZ 017). Sweet guitarist Andy Scott played on this track and Craig Leon produced it. Leon also produced records for The Bangles & The Ramones. The sessions resulted in another single, here for you to download, a cover of The Count Five’s “Psychotic Reaction b/w “Bates Motel” (VOZ 021). The single recorded for Virgin Records was produced by Craig Leon in 1987.

Post 19 - Garry Pankhurst - My Pal Skippy

From the E.P “Skippy The Bush Kangaroo” (GEPO 70052) for you to download is “My Pal Skippy” sang by Garry Pankhurst who played Sonny Hammond in the T.V show. The original music was composed by Eric Jupp. Pankhurst left show-business and now manages restaurants and hotels. He currently lives in Queensland and his latest venture is exporting to Malaysia.