Post 280 - The Big Steal Soundtrack LP

The Big Steal is a 1990 Australian film directed by Nadia Tass starring Ben Mendelsohn, Claudia Karvan and Steve Bisley. In his first leading role Ben Mendelsohn plays Danny Clark, a bumbling eighteen-year-old guy. He knows what it takes to be cool and have some style, it's just that he seems to struggle to get there. Danny has enthusiasm and passion and only wants two things more than anything in the world. A Jaguar XJ6 and a date with the gorgeous Joanna Johnson (an early role for then 17-year old Claudia Karvan). The film won the Best Screenplay (David Parker & Max Dann), Best Original Music Score (Phil Judd) and Best Actor in a Supporting Role (Steve Bisley) and was nominated for 6 more Awards at the Australian Film Institute (AFI) for 1990. The Music was by Chris Gough and Philip Judd. "The Big Steal" (90317 2571-2) was released in 1990 on WEA and is here for you to download. The Soundtrack includes songs by Philip Judd and Tim Finn, The Makers, Schnell Fenster, Boom Crash Opera, Mental As Anything, Bang The Drum, The Breaknecks, Big Storm and The Front Lawn.

Post 279 - The Best Of Whisky A Go Go - Autumn & Barrie McAskill with Levi Smith’s Clefs

Autumn were regulars at Sydney's legendary Whisky A-Go-Go nightclub in Kings Cross. Around the time that their album came out, Autumn was also featured on one side of a Chart EP shared with Barrie McAskill with Levi Smith's Clefs, called "The Best of Whisky A-Go-Go". The Autumn tracks were "Day Tripper" and "By The Time I get to Phoenix", both of which were also included on their LP "Song To Raymondo". This rare EP is now a very valuable item, and copies in top condition fetch around $200 on the collector's market! Here to download is that EP "The Best Of Whisky A Go Go" (CHX-11,744) on Chart Records in 1970 and engineered by Richard Batchens. I recently found this EP to buy, but thanks to Peter who had it in his collection, I have now saved $135.00, and I'm sure Mrs. Ozzie thanks him more.

Post 278 - Mr George - On The Bandwagon LP

Here's another one of those Aussie bands that we can't find a lot of information about. Formed in Sydney in 1973, releasing 3 singles and 1 LP and here for you to download is "On The Bandwagon" (6357 019) on Philips Records in 1974. The band included Alan Daniels - guitar, George Fisher - bass, Norm Irwin - vocals, Richard Kett - drums, Barry Rice - guitar and Jackie Rice - vocals. According to the 5th edition of The Who's Who Of Australian Rock these members didn't come from any other band or didn't go to any other band, so it looks like Mr. George was their only project. Apart from the Ted Mulry written hit "So Much Love In My Heart", there's also another Ted Mulry song "My Temperature's High". Also included in this album is a cover of Otis Redding's classic "Dock Of The Bay". The band also contribute several original songs. The album was recorded at United Sound Sydney and produced by Rod Thomas. One of Mr. George's greatest claims to fame is that they were support for the David Cassidy tour here in the early 70's. Maybe some of the band members or their friends of band members may see this post and contact us with some more information on the band. As we have found out in the past, you just don't know who's checking you out in cyber space.

Blog Update: We have received a great comment from George Fisher's son Jamie. You can read this by clicking the comment below. Thanks Jamie for your input, it is much appreciated.

Post 277 - Autumn - Mr.Henry's Lollipop Shop / Today

In 1969 Autumn were able to impress EMI sufficiently to be able to record their debut single "Mr Henry's Lollipop Shop", which came out on EMI's Columbia late in the year. It's apparent that, like most new bands of that period, Autumn was probably not given much say in what they recorded, and EMI certainly had a track record of foisting ultra-poppy material on new bands, as evidenced by the bubblegum material that their label mates The Flying Circus was obliged to record for their first two Singles. The single didn't chart, and EMI didn't pick up the option for further recordings. Autumn then switched to a newly established Sydney independent label Chart, a move that proved timely for the band. Autumn's first single for Chart was a cover of Christie's "Yellow River". Autumn released three more singles on Chart. "Looking Through the Eyes of a Beautiful Girl" Nov. 1970 was a major hit in Sydney, where it reached #3, and it made #23 nationally. It was followed by the catchy "She Works in a Woman's Way", originally recorded by Edison Lighthouse. On this track, Autumn acted as the backing band for popular Sydney TV and cabaret singer Dave Allenby. It charted well in Sydney in '71. Their final single for Chart was "Miracles" b/w "Lady Anne", issued in March 1971. It was followed by their debut LP Song to Raymondo. The album is a collection of hits, covers and originals that indicates the eclectic nature of the group's repertoire. During the second half of 1971 Autumn released an EP "A Patch Of Autumn" (post #242) followed by their hugely underrated second album "Comes Autumn". (which Aztec Music will be reissuing very soon) Their first Warner single,” Falling" in May 1971 became their fourth hit, reaching #10 in Sydney. Their next single "Goblin's Gamble" in July and their last Warners single "Just Couldn't Believe It" in September both failed to chart. Here to download is their first recording "Mr.Henry's Lollipop Shop" b/w "Today" (DO-8907) produced by Mike Perjanik. Autumn also featured on one side of a Chart EP shared with Levi Smith's Clefs, called The Best of Whisky A-Go-Go. This rare EP is now a very collectable item, and copies in mint condition fetch around $200 on eBay.

Post 276 - Jim Keays' Southern Cross - Undecided / For Someone

Keays formed Jim Keays' Southern Cross with Rick Brewer (ex-Zoot) on drums, Rex Bullen (Bakery) on keyboards, George Cross (Clydehouse) on bass and Mick Elliot on guitar. They reworked, "Undecided" which was issued as a single for CBS Records in December 1975, by then the line up had changed to Peter Laffy ( Fox) on guitar, Ron Robinson on bass guitar and John Swan (Fraternity) on drums. Here to download is that single recorded for CBS "Undecided" b/w 'For Someone" (BA 22188). Thanks to Micko for helping us out with this rare find. Mrs. Ozzie is forever in your debt.

Post 275 - Carol Lloyd Band - The Singles

Carol Lloyd left Railroad Gin in August '75 for a solo career. She put together the band Tonnage, soon to become the Carol Lloyd Band. They released the LP "Mother Asleep At The Wheel" for EMI which produced two singles "Storm In My Soul" b/w "Blue MacKenzie" (EMI-11121) Dec. '76 produced by Colin Peterson, and "All The Good Things" b/w "Don't Do Me Any Favours" (EMI-11248) non album track, May '77 produced by Mike Vidale & Clive Shakespeare. She issued a solo LP in 1980 "Take It Or Leave It" which released the single "Take It Or Leave It" b/w "Naked City" (103711) produced by Colin Peterson & Peter Jones for RCA. Here to download are all those singles. These days Carol Lloyd is justifiably proud of what she achieved during those years with Railroad Gin and The Carol Lloyd Band. She has more than earned her place in Australian rock history. Thanks to Peter for these singles.