Post 401 - Kerri-Anne Kennerley - Sounds Of Christmas / Sounds Of Christmas (Instrumental)

Kerri-Anne Wright Kennerley was born on 22nd of September 1953 in Brisbane, she is an Australian television personality. She is one of Australia's most seasoned light entertainment hosts. She is noted for her very professional and personable hosting style, and her ability to handle awkward guests and situations with gentle humour and composure. In 1981 she landed her first adult role on Australian TV, as the dowdy Melinda Burgess in TV series The Restless Years, She hosted the breakfast TV program Good Morning Australia a role she held for 11 years. During the 1980s Kerri-Anne also performed as a singer, and released a self-titled album "Kerri-Anne" as well as a Christmas single in 1985 here for you to download. The single "Sounds Of Christmas" b/w "Sounds Of Christmas (Instrumental)" (K 9899) released on Festival Records was written by Geoff & Anne Hales.

Post 400 - Eurogliders - Christmas In Kings Cross

Eurogliders changed record labels from Polygram to CBS in 1983, At the height of the band's success, Grace Knight and Bernie Lynch reconciled their relationship and were married in 1985 but the union was short-lived. Despite their marital separation, they stayed together in the band for another four years. In 1988 they released the LP "Groove" one of the singles lifted from that LP was "Listen", to keep in the Christmas theme, for you to download is the non album track B side of the single "Christmas In Kings Cross" (652859 7) written by Bernie Lynch and recorded at CBS Studios in East Sydney. Eurogliders official website was shut down in September 2008.

Post 399 - Col Elliott - Merry Xmas / Don't Winge And Scream

Col Elliott is an Australian stand-up comedian who has since been active since the early 1970s, based mainly on character based comedy. He has released more than 20 albums. His first taste of the business was in his Navy days, moonlighting in the bars of Singapore and Hong Kong for drinks and tips. He left the Navy in 1972 and as Col puts it, he wasn’t quite prepared for Civilian life. He joined the Navy as a boy of 15. Col said “ I left the Navy with a basic knowledge of Bingo, I could ask for a beer in five different languages, and track a submarine, that didn’t exactly give me many options in the middle of Melbourne in 1972". Col said he stumbled into show business in 1973. He needed tyres for his clapped out old car and the coppers had put it off the road - “...they didn’t like my Angry Anderson tyres"!Here to download is Col's Christmas single released in 1984 " Merry Xmas" b/w "Don't Winge And Scream" (CES-1383). Alan Caswell and Mick Hamilton penned the A side with Col writing the B side, both song come from the "Move Over Rover" LP. Another version of this song can be found on post #192 by Sanity Clause.

Post 398 - Bjorn Again - Santa Claus Is Coming To Town / Little Drummer Boy

Björn Again was created in 1988 in Melbourne, by Rod Leissle and John Tyrell. After the first Björn Again show at a small pub in Melbourne called The Tote Hotel on May 6 1989 the show's popularity increased quickly, which took it Australia-wide then overseas to international acclaim. Björn Again has also occasionally covered songs by other artists. When Erasure produced an EP of ABBA covers called Abba-esque, Björn Again responded with an EP of covers of Erasure songs done in the style of ABBA, called Erasure-ish. The EP included the songs 'Stop!' and 'A Little Respect' that achieved Number 25 on the UK charts in September 1992. In August 2009 the band covered Metallica's 'Enter Sandman' during their set at the Sonisphere Festival in tribute to the headlining act. Here to download is their Christmas single from 1992 released on Polydor records "Santa Claus Is Coming To Town" b/w "Little Drummer Boy" (861 189 2). ABBA's Benny Andersson was quoted as saying in 1999, "BJÖRN AGAIN are the closest you can get to seeing ABBA. ABBA will never reform!"

Post 397 - Yu-En - Little Drummer Boy / Little Drummer Boy (Dub MiX)

The only single release by Yu-En in 1986 on Mushroom Records. An all star cast of Melbourne musicians and singers with the likes of Joe Creighton, Venetta Fields, Chong Lim, Little River Band's Derek Pellicci, David Hirschfelder from John Farnham's band, Daddy Cool's Ross Hannaford along with Russell Coleman, Sherlie Matthews and Joanne Campbell.Here to download is that single "Little Drummer Boy" b/w "Little Drummer Boy (Dub MiX)" (K 182).

Post 396 - Tommy Leonetti - I Remember White Christmas / A Handful Of Happy New Years

Tommy Leonetti was born on the 10th September 1929 and was an American pop singer. In Australia his most famous song was "My City of Sydney" and was used by the Australian TV channel ATN7 in Sydney for station identification into the 1980s. He married the American actress Cindy Robbins and was stepfather to her daughter, Kimberly Beck. They lived in Sydney, Australia in the 1960s and 1970s before returning to America.While in Australia, Leonetti hosted his own talk-show from 1968 to 1970 for ATN-7, and provided the basis for the parody character Norman Gunston (according to creator Garry McDonald). He had a major Sydney hit with "Let’s Take a Walk" with his step-daughter Kim in 1968. Leonetti's rendition of "My City of Sydney", as used by ATN7 for nightly sign-off. Sydney punk rockers XL Capris (with lead vocalist Johanna Pigott) provided their version in 1979, this promo includes blue-tinged portions from Leonetti's TV sign-off. Other versions were performed by yodeller Mary Schneider, 1990s punk rockers Frenzal Rhomb. Here to download is Tommy's Christmas single also from 1968 "I Remember White Christmas" b/w "A Handful Of Happy New Years" (101903), the single was produced by Tommy for RCA Records. Leonetti died in 1979 in Houston, Texas, of cancer, at the age of 50.

Post 395 - Rolf Harris & Rick Parfitt - Christmas In The Sun

Collaborating with Rick Parfitt of Status Quo on 2009 Rolf Harris released a Christmas single based on his memories of eating a traditional hot turkey dinner in the scorching heat during his early years in Perth. It has been 40 years since Rolf Harris topped the Christmas charts.Rolf and Rick worked with guitarist Wayne Morris to celebrate the memories of growing up in Western Australia. The track was recorded in Red Cube Studio in Hamburg, Germany with producer Wolfgang Birnbacher. “Dad's got a cold one from the fridge to help him brave the barbecue,” Rolf sings and it doesn’t getting any more Aussie than that. "Christmas In The Sun" begins with a ukulele introduction before exploding into a rock track with a typical Status Quo seven bar blues riff. The song contains a couple of puns which Quo fans (if no one else) will appreciate! Here to download is that single penned by Rolf along with a version 2. Parfitt insisted the duo’s effort was destined to become a festive classic. He said: "Forget Rock ‘n’ Roll, this is Rick ‘n’ Rolf. This is a great track that will be played for years to come".

Post 394 - Ricky May - It's The Christmas Man LP

In 1986 Festival Records released a Christmas album by Ricky May called "It's The Christmas Man" (L 38686). Ricky shared this album with the kids from the Johnny Young Talent School in Sydney. Recorded at Glebe Studios with producer Dave Skinner and engineer's John Frolich and Dave Richards, the Lp features to original compositions by Ricky "Ain't It Christmas Day" and "Christmas Man". Ricky recorded a single in 1983, as The Big Boys with Jonathan Coleman. It was called "Built For Comfort" and can be found at post #28.

Post 393 - Bev Harrell - Carols By Candlelight / You've Got To Save Me

Petite 4'9" blonde pop vocalist Bev Harrell was one of the most popular female solo singers in Australia in the late 1960s. Bev began her career on radio, starting out when she was just six in the children's radio talent series Kangaroos on Parade in her hometown of Adelaide, South Australia. She started performing as a pop vocalist as a hobby in 1965 while she was still at school. Her debut single was a cover of "What Am I Doing Here with You?", originally a hit for Johnny Rivers. In 1969 and 1970 Bev was one of many Australian female entertainers who were sent to Vietnam to entertain Australian troops. In 1970, she travelled overseas, and cut a single for the US Bell label. She toured through Europe, Canada (where Bev had her own television special "Two New" on Toronto TV), the Caribbean, South Africa and South East Asia. In January 1971 in London, Bev released a single on Bell, "Back To The People" / "Travelling Easy". The single is of interest to Bee Gees aficionados because the A-side was co-written and the single produced by Maurice Gibb. According to Bee Gees expert Joseph Brennan, Bev did not know the Gibbs and was simply offered the song by their publisher. Later that year, as England's representative in the 1971 Tokyo World Song Festival, Bev took out the 'Outstanding Composition and Performance' award.Returning to Australia in 1972, she signed to RCA and issued three singles, "It Was Easy" '73 and here for you to download "Carols by Candlelight" b/w "You've Got to Save Me" (102380) in October 1973. Her last single, "Bring Back Those Memories", was released on the Polydor label. Today, Bev lives back in Adelaide and continues to work regularly on the musical stage and on the club and corporate circuit. She was awarded the Order of Australia (OAM) in 2006.

Post 392 -Ol'55 - Greasemarks LP

Fanis, was a part-time covers band formed in 1972 in Sutherland, Sydney with Pat Drummond on lead guitar and vocals, Rockpile Jones on rhythm guitar and vocals, Jimmy Manzie on bass guitar, Paul McCann, and Geoff Plummer on drums. Plummer worked as a public servant for the NSW Postmaster-General's Department in the Department of Media alongside, future rock music journalist, Glenn A. Baker and invited Baker to hear the band. In 1975, Baker took on their management, he introduced former chartered accountant, Peter Bryan—who performed as Frankie J. Holden—on lead vocals. Fanis was renamed as Ol' 55 from the Tom Waits song. We have many of Ol'55's recordings on our Blog and we were asked for this one which was their 4th release out of 7 albums. Released in 1980 on K-Tel here for you to download is "Greasemarks" (NA-561) covers the hits from '76 - '79 with a few non album songs and the odd B side as well as Frankie's solo "My Right Of Way".

Post 391 - The Wheelbarrow - Dame Zara / Trying So Hard

The Wheelbarrow recorded this one and only single for Spin Records in 1970 and was produced by Martin Erdman.The band was made up of Charlie Wright, Tony & James Mitchell and John Foley. Wright & Foley penned the A side with Foley writing the B side of the single. Erdman employed Wheelbarrow and session musician Mike Cassidy to do some backing vocals for other singers on the Du Monde label. Erdman wanted to release a Aussie cover of the Pipkins song at the time "Yakety Yak". Charlie Wright did the high vocals and Martin Erdman did the half talking low voice. It was released by Du Monde under the name of 1957 Stadium Rockers with a Charlie Wright song called "Felicity" on the B side under the name of The 1905 Ramsgate Ballroom Dance Band. Charlie Wright & Tony Mitchell went on to join Harry Young & Sabbath who released a few singles but no LP. Tony later joined Sherbet and with Garth Porter co-wrote most of Sherbets hits including "Howzat". Charlie Wright toured the U.K with Autumn. Here to download is ther one and only single "Dame Zara" b/w "Trying So Hard" (EK-3381). The engineer's on this single were Richard Batchens & Barry Nagel with John Egginton doing the strings arrangment.

Post 390 - The Crimefighters Inc - Bat Attack '89 / Bat Attack '89

Here is another one of these bands that there is not a lot of information about out there. The only thing we can find out is that Chuck McKinney is credited as vocals and according to the books he is the only band member. Chuck also was in the Hot City Bump Band in the '70s. Sadly, Chuck passed away in September 1994. This is the only single release by The Crimefighters in 1989 on RCA and it was followed by a S/T 12" in 1990. Here to download is that single "Bat Attack '89" b/w Bat Attack '89" (105074). The single was produced by Ean Sugarman, Ross Inglis and Doug Brady at Metropolis Studios.

Post 389 - Josh Morgan - Here's To The King / Feelings

Josh Morgan is a Tasmanian Elvis impersonator and is here with his self penned tribute to the King Elvis Presley. Released on Fable Records in 1977 the single was produced by Ian Cline and recorded at Spectangle Productions Hobart with Nick Armstrong. The B side was a cover of Morris Albert's Feelings. Here to download is the single "Here's To The King" b/w "Feelings" (FB-310).

Post 388 - Allan Caswell - The Australia's Cup / Lonelyhearts Waltz

Allan's song “On the Inside” (the theme for the t.v soapie “Prisoner”) recorded by Lynne Hamilton, reached No.1 in Australia and New Zealand, No.3 in England and made the Country Charts in the USA (his own version was a top 20 country hit in Europe in 2004). At last count, Caswell has had well over 900 songs published and over 500 recordings of his songs released worldwide by the likes of Cilla Black, The Irish Rovers, Patti Page, Slim Dusty, James Blundell and The Living End. At the height of The America’s Cup hysteria when "Australia 2" was in trouble, Caswell wrote and released “The Australia’s Cup”. The record, recorded for $38 and released independently, went to No.1 in Sydney and top 5 nationally in 1983. Here to download is that single "The Australia's Cup" b/w "Lonelyhearts Waltz" (13515). Caswell penned both sides of the single.

Post 387 - Nolan - In Vain The Christian / What You'll Do

If your memory is good enough, go back to 1969 to a television program about drug addiction called “No Roses For Michael”, you might also remember the name of the man who wrote the music, being Sydney artist Aidan Nolan. Aidan played with various Sydney rock bands during the late 1960’s including Daisy Roots, their drummer Alan Sandow went on to drum for Sherbet. Other bands he played with were Garage Plus, Papa Skragg’s Patent Leather Nightmare and Pro to name a few. In 1973 he began to lay down tracks for an album, Tales From The Sun, but with the album still not completed, he decided to travel to England. While in London aidan was offered a contract to record cover versions of American songs. Apparently he found great difficulty relating lyrically and, such musical honesty being financially unrewarding, he was down to the ancient art of busking, making use of the excellent acoustics of Green Park station in the London underground. However, it was when John J Francis who produced and arranged "Tales From The Sun" took aidan's album to London, the former street busker was immediately signed to the British Sparks label. The album will be released in England and Europe. Here to download we go back to 1971 with a single he recorded for M7 Records called "In Vain The Christian" b/w "What You'll Do" (LW-4532), both sides were penned by Nolan and the single was produced by Allan Crawford. To read more about Aidan Nolan go to http://www.aidannolan.com/index.html

Post 386 - Billy Miller & The Great Blokes - Perpetual Motion / Perpetual Motion (Extended)

Billy Miller is an Australian musician who started singing and playing guitar back in the 1960s. After a 3 year stint in the cast of Jesus Christ Superstar, he formed The Ferrets, who in 1977 had a no 1 hit "Don't Fall In Love". Between 1979-1982 he performed as Billy Miller & The Great Blokes and only released one single for Mushroom Records here for you to download. The single "Perpetual motion" b/w "Perpetual Motion (Extended)" was penned by Billy. It was produced by John French & Trevor Countney. The only other song that I know of by this band is a track on the "Mushroom Evolution Concert" "She Took My Heart" which is a great song, I only wish that they did a studio version of this song.

Post 385 - Steve Hill Collection

Skyhooks formed in March 1973 in Melbourne with Steve Hill on vocals (ex-Lillee), Daddy Cool frontman, Ross Wilson was playing in his group Mighty Kong with Skyhooks as a support act. Wilson was impressed with the band and signed Macainsh to a publishing deal. Skyhooks gained a cult following around Melbourne including university and pub rockers, but a poorly-received show at the January 1974 Sunbury Pop Festival saw the group booed off stage.Two tracks from their live set, "Hey What's the Matter?" and "Love on the Radio" appeared on Mushroom's Highlights of Sunbury '74. After seeing his performance on TV, Hill phoned Macainsh and resigned because he didn't like the sound of his voice. The only other know recording of Steve is "All My Friends Are Getting Married" (Demo Version) from the "Demos & Dialogue Rarities" Box Set. Sadly Steve Hill passed away after a long battle with cancer on 31st October 2005. His final wish was to play one last show with his Skyhooks mates, which he did on 13/9/05 at the Annandale Hotel, Sydney.

Post 384 - The Cherokees – Your Bulldog Drinks Champagne / Heart Full Of Country

Melbourne based Cherokees were formed from Johnny Chester’s Chessmen, Chester suggested they name their new band The Cherokees after an ice cream that was popular at the time. The Cherokees were Billy Dale and Barry King (Guitars), Barry Windley (Drums) and Peter Tindall (Bass). Starting as a vocal and instrumental act, the group switched to vocals only in 1965 with great success. Their first single coupled the U.S group The Five Whispers track “Moon In The Afternoon” backed with a Doug Trevor original “Running Wild”. Trevor had been the lead guitarist with the Marksmen and later joined the Cherokees on bass and guitar. Lindsay Morrison (rhythm guitar), Peter 'Max' Bliney (drums), Marty van Wynk (guitar) and vocalists Mike McGuire and Kevin Smith were group members at various times. The group were selected to support the Monkees' 1968 tour, and continued into the 1970's. The single "Sally" was produced by Brian Poole, and probably recorded in England. Their last single, here for you to download “Your Bulldog Drinks Champagne” b/w “Heart Full Of Country” (RS-010) was produced by Keith Glass and Doug Trevor. The A side was a cover of a Jim Stafford song. The single was released on Real Records in 1974. Doug Trevor went on to manage Gina Jeffreys & Troy Cassar-Daley. To read more on the history of The Cherokees go to http://bluesola.com/artists.htm

Post 383 - Aunty Jack & Thin Arthur - Your Ugly / Queen Of The Gong

Recorded at Trafalgar Studios in Annandale in 1976 is another Aunty Jack single that seemed to have missed the original 1975 LP. Here for you to download is "Your Ugly" b/w "Queen Of The Gong" (2079 079) released on Polydor Records. Both sides were penned by Grahame Bond and Rory O'Donoghue.

Post 382 - Larry - Out Of Time / Lay Down

Keith Lamb was born on the 9th of January 1952, in Norwich, England. He was the lead singer and founding member of the glam rock band, Hush. He immigrated to Australia in 1970 with his school friend Robin Jackson. Lamb co-wrote the Hush's music with guitarist Les Gock. He was arguably Australia's best front man of the 1970s, along with Bon Scott and Doc Neeson. Lamb lived for performing and was heartbroken when Hush split up. He enjoyed and produced some great work with bands Airport and Larry, which is here for you to download. This in the only single released under the Larry name, recorded in 1979 on Infinity Records and produced by Lamb. The A side a cover of Jagger & Richard's "Out Of Time" b/w "Lay Down" (K-7495) written by Keith Lamb & Les Gock. Lamb remains involved creatively with music, art and sculpture and is a partner in the embroidery company Rajmahal. He has two children and three grandchildren.

Post 381 - Rolf Harris – Ringo For President / Head Hunter

We had never heard of this single by Rolf until we found it on EBay and as a Beatle fan we just had to have it. Recorded in 1964 for Columbia Records but till now the song as escaped me and I wonder just how many of Rolf’s singles have never seen the light of CD. Harris sang “Tie Me Kangaroo Down, Sport” (with The Beatles singing backing vocals) in the first edition of the From Us to You BBC radio show, in December 1963. Harris completely customized the original lyrics to a version that was specially written for The Beatles. It was after that recording that Harris gave Ringo his first Wobble Board of which Starr now has the largest collection outside Australia. Here to download is the single “Ringo For President” b/w “Head Hunter” (DO-4509).

Post 380 - Frankie J Holden – Boomerang / Dinkie Di (Bobs Your Uncle)

This is Frankie’s second single release from 1980 on 7 Records. This is very different from his first single “My Right Of Way” and his recordings with Ol’ 55. The A side was penned by Mick Flinn of The Mixture’s fame, and Frankie writing the B side. The single was produced by Steve Bywaters. Here to download is “Boomerang” b/w “ Dinkie Di (Bobs Your Uncle)” (MS-451).

Post 379 - The Same Day Twins - Walking And Talking / A Little Bit Afraid

Perth brother and sister duo, John and Shirley Read began their career in the music business in 1967. The Same Day Twins won the Festival of Perth Talent Quest, they performed around Perth with such acts as “The Shadows” and Billy Thorpe and appeared on Club 17, the local teenage TV Show. In 1968 they toured South Vietnam with the first West Australian Concert Party, sponsored by Channel 9 and AFOF (Australian Forces Overseas Fund). Upon their return, they moved to Sydney where they became Robert Stigwood’s only Australian-based act, recording two singles at EMI, released on the Festival label. They appeared on Bandstand, The John Laws Show, The Gordon Chater Show, This Day Tonight, The Bob Rogers Show, The Brisbane Tonight Show, The Dick McCann Show, Celebrity Blind Date, The Easybeats Special, and were regulars on Rex Mossop’s Club Show. The duo also supported many local and international touring acts including Billy Preston, Matt Munro, Winnifred Atwell. In 1970, Shirley toured with acts including Normie Rowe, Johnny O’Keefe and Freddy Hampton, with whom she formed Trik, releasing two singles. Here to download is their single one and only single for Festival Records "Walking And Talking" b/w "A Little Bit Afraid" (FK-2511) produced by Pat Aulton in 1968. In 1973 Shirley moved to Melbourne and joined Brian Cadd and the Bootleg Family, for their national tour. During this time Shirley also appeared on recordings by Billy Thorpe, Colleen Hewitt, Kevin Borich and Ross Wilson. In 1975 she toured nationally with The Renee Geyer Band. Her next projects were with her then husband, Russell K. Smith, in a revival of ‘70’s cult band Company Caine and with reggae outfit Billy T, producing the album “No Definitions” on CBS and co-writing the single Gotta Keep On Dancin’. In 1998 Shirley’s career took a turn when she was elected Secretary of the Musician’s Union, Sydney Branch, NSW District, a position she held for a four years. She is credited with rebuilding the Union, which was about to close its doors. In 2002 she decided to return to her first love, performing and returned once more to the Perth Blues Club and recorded her first solo CD.

Post 378 - Ol' 55 - Should'a Been Here Yesterday LP

We found this album in a garage sale back in 2009 with no cover so was a bit of a mystery. I asked all my music contacts and posted what I'd found on the Midoztouch forum with no contact back from anyone about the album. I was starting to think it was someone else with Ol' 55's name on the label, until one day we received an email for a guy called Rod Crundwell telling us that it was for real and a story about the album. Then after a computer crash and losing all my emails we lost contact with Rod and lost all the info he'd given us. Then earlier this year we found Rod again on Facebook. Thanks now to Rod, we have the art work and the info again to share with you all.

“This album was recorded in 2001. The personnel are..Rockpile Jones on lead guitar and vocals. Geoff Plummer on drums (both from the original Ol55 line-up. Sadly Geoff passed away in 2006). Rod Crundwell on keyboards, guitar and vocals, Neil Pepper Guitar and vocals and Kim Constable bass and vocals. The songs are (1) 'Bad Boy' (2) Well don’t You know, (3) Neil Peppers song 'Every Night' (4) Make Believe...a live staple at the time featuring Rockpile on lead vocals (5) Dancin to the Muzak. written by Crundwell and Sanders later of Men with Day Jobs...Rod Crundwell on lead vocals. (6) Comic Book World composed by original Ol 55 bass player Jim Manzie and previously recorded by Ol 55 (very differently!) on 'Cruisin for a Bruisin' LP, ( 7) Should'a been here yesterday featuring Rockpile on lead vocals , this song was later recorded for the first Men with Day Jobs LP. The three bonus tracks were recorded live in Glen Innes in 2000. It was a limited print run and only sold at gigs”

Here to download is this very rare Ol' 55 album produced by Jim Morley. Again thanks to Rod Crundwell for all his help with this recording and info. Don't forget to check out Rod with Men With Day Jobs @ http://www.backpocketrecords.com/MenWithDayJobs/MenWithDayJobs.htm

Post 377 - Winter - I'm The Captain / Travelling Man

Winter played around Sydney to great acclaim through 1977-78. On the strength of some demo tapes they recorded, were signed to EMI records in 1978. "I'm the Captain" was the only single, released in August 1978. It was produced by Richard Lush, who had produced “Sherbet” and had worked as 2nd Engineer for the Beatles. The band appeared on Countdown, in sailor suits and on other TV shows (notably the ‘Super Flying Fun Show’) sadly, the tapes of the latter were lost. Here to download is Winter's one and only single "I'm The Captain" b/w "Travelling Man" (EMI-11717) for EMI Records. Band members were Greg Sita - lead vocals, Rod Crundwell - keyboards, vocals, Stafford Sanders - guitar, vocals, Billy Stevens - bass, vocals, Ken Stephenson - guitar, vocals and Paul Fenton - drums, vocals. The band split up at the beginning of 1979…but Rod, Stafford and Paul reunited in 2001 as Men with Day Jobs, and to be joined by Ken Stephenson for the "4 Characters" album in 2011. We would like to thank Rod Crundwell for the info for this post.

Post 376 - Judith Durham - The Olive Tree / The Non-Performing Lion Quickstep

Judith Durham, OAM was born Judith Mavis Cock, on 3rd of July 1943, in Essendon, Victoria. She is an Australian jazz singer and musician who became the lead vocalist for The Seekers in 1963. She left the group in mid-1968 to pursue her solo career. In 1993 Durham began to make sporadic recordings and performances with The Seekers, continuing into the 2000s. In 1967, Judith made her first solo recordings under her solo contract with EMI; here for you to download is "The Olive Tree" b/w "The Non Performing Lion Quickstep" (DO-5003). This was followed up by Judith's second solo single; "Again and again / Memories".

Post 375 - Jacko - The Singles Collection

Following his retirement from football, 'Jacko' used his fame and popularity to launch a singing career. His first single, I'm An Individual was a number 1 hit on the Australian singles chart. A second single, Me Brain Hurts was not so successful. A 1991 release "You Can Do This" also failed to make an impression. Here for you to download are the three singles and their B sides, the 1st being from 1985 "I'm An Individual" b/w "Our Relationship Is Giving Me The Creeps" (k-9634) released on Raw Prawn and produced by Ern Rose & Sam See. Also from 1985 "My Brain Hurts" b/w "Like I Want You" (K-9788). Produced by Sam See, also for Raw Prawn. His last single out of 1991 was from Possum "You Can Do This" b/w "You Can Do This (Instrumental)" (POS-5201) produced by Ken Francis. After his singing career ended, Jackson began appearing in advertisements, the most successful of which was his role in Energizer battery commercials during the 1980s. The commercials ended with a manic Jacko yelling "Get Energizer. It'll surprise you! Oi!" Jacko's catchphrase "Oi!" was pronounced to rhyme with boy. These commercials were shown extensively in the United States, even though few people knew of Jackson, during a period of high American interest in things Australian. He would be the brand's last American spokesman before the emergence of the Energizer Bunny.

Post 374 - The Reels - Beautiful LP

The Reels is an Australian rock/indie pop group which formed in Dubbo, New South Wales in 1976 and initially disbanded in 1991, they eventually reformed in 2007. Their 1981 song, "Quasimodo's Dream", was voted one of the Top 10 Australian songs of all time. In late 1982, having signed a new contract with the RCA Records label, The Reels scored an unexpected hit with a wry, languid cover of the Burt Bacharach-Hal David song, originally recorded by Herb Alpert, "This Guy's In Love With You", which reached No. 7. They followed this with a one-off album for K-tel here for you to download "Beautiful" (NA-616). Although the tracks on Beautiful walked a fine line between sincere tribute and gentle parody, it proved to be the biggest success of their career, selling in excess of 40,000 copies and reaching # 32 on the album charts.

Post 373 - Clive Shakespeare - I Realize / There's A Way

Clive Shakespeare was born on the 3rd of June 1949, in Southampton, England. His family migrated to Australia. As lead guitarist, he joined various bands including The Road Agents in 1968 in Sydney with Terry Hyland on vocals, then he formed Down Town Roll as a covers band. Other members were Adrian Cuff on organ, Frank Ma on vocals, Doug Rea on bass guitar, Pam Slater on vocals and Danny Taylor on drums. Rea, Shakespeare and Taylor went on to found pop/rock band, Sherbet later that year with Dennis Laughlin on vocals (ex-Sebastian Hardie Blues Band, Clapham Junction) and Sam See on organ, guitar, and vocals (Clapham Junction). Here to download is his one and only single on Infinity Records from 1977 "I Realize" b/w "There's A Way" (K 6750). Both sides were penned by Clive. Shakespeare worked in record production, including Paul Kelly's debut solo album "Post".

Post 372 - Little Nell Collection

"Little" Nell Campbell was born Laura Elizabeth Campbell on the 24th May 1953. She was born in Sydney, to Ruth and Ross Campbell, a writer, who called her "Little Nell" (after a character in Charles Dickens' The Old Curiosity Shop) in his family life column in the Sydney Daily Telegraph. She has three siblings, two sisters and a brother. She began dancing at the age of 10, after being diagnosed with Hepatitis A, to keep healthy. She attended high school at the Abbotsleigh School for Girls in Sydney. Campbell decided to use the name "Little Nell" as a stage name after her arrival in Britain in the early 1970s with her family. She sold clothes at Kensington Market; her stall was next to Freddie Mercury's. She also worked as a busker and her tap dancing is often noted as the reason why she was cast as Columbia in the original production of The Rocky Horror Show. She reprised the role in The Rocky Horror Picture Show, released in 1975, and starred as Nurse Ansalong in the 1981 sequel, Shock Treatment. From the mid-1980s to 1998, Campbell owned three nightclubs in New York: Kiosk, E&O, and most famously Nell's. Nell's was sold in 1998, right before she gave birth to daughter Matilda Violet in June 1998 to ex-boyfriend and business partner Eamonn Roche. She recorded a hand full of singles between '76 & '80 all here for you to download, they are from 1975 "The Musical World Of Little Nell EP (AMS-7351) which came out on red vinyl, from 1978 "Fever" b/w "See You Round Like A Record" (AMS-7374) and from 1980 "Beauty Queen" b/w "Beauty Queen (slow version) (PRE-004). The first two single were released on A&M Records and the last single on PRE Records. Also we have included the 12” Disco version of “Fever” (SP-12031) on A&M. Campbell has written several magazine articles, including regular segments called "Mama Talks" and "First Look" in the now defunct "Talk magazine". She returned to Australia after selling her Boerum Hill house in Brooklyn in December 2005, and is now retired and living with her daughter in the Northern suburbs of Sydney.

Post 371 - Big Storm - Living In Exile LP

Sydney band Big Storm was formed by some of the most experienced musicians in the business. Stewart D'Arrietta, Don Miller-Robinson, Hughie Benjamin and Bjarne Ohlin. Despite the talent and pushing from WEA none of their singles were successful. The singles were "Rubber Love", "Happy New Year", "Not Guilty" and "Once In Bed" Here to download is their one and only LP released on Sire/Reprise "Living In Exile (25918-2), produced in 1987 by Don Miller-Robinson.

Post 370 - Box The Jesuit - Bloody Mary EP

Box The Jesuit formed from the ashes of Sydney group Madroom, founding members Goose & Susie took the band name from a 17th century old English seafaring slang term for masturbation. Box the Jesuit went through a number of line-up changes and indie record labels between 1986 and their break-up in 1995. They released their debut EP "Bloody Mary" on Snoyd Records. Here for you to download from 1987, recorded at Kings Lane Studios, Darlinghurst. There's a great version of Freashwater's 1970 song "Satan". The band became renowned for their wild and entertaining glam rock stage shows, lead singer Goose would often climb the speaker stacks. In January 1992 Box the Jesuit supported Nirvana at the inaugural Big Day Out. They released their final CD "Guide Dogs For The Spiritually Impaired" in July 1993, but sadly Goose died just three weeks later on 1 August 1993 following a long battle with lymphoma. It was one of Goose's final wishes that the band continue after he died, as he felt that the last line-up was the band's best. Ben Brown, lead singer of the Hellmen, took over as front man for a year. He was replaced by Martin Laud, Goose's younger brother in 1994. Even though the band felt they were writing some of their best music, it seemed that the audience's interest had died along with Goose. The last line-up recorded an album that was never released and later broke up in 1995.

Post 369 - Dame Edna Everage - Disco Matilda

Edna's success grew in the UK throughout the 1980s and early 1990s however with semi-regular television shows. Her first specials were in 1978/1979 on the BBC. She became popular with broadcaster ITV after her performance on An Audience With Dame Edna in 1980. Edna made a cameo appearance in the 1978 film Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band. Also in 1979 Edna released a single here for you to download for Big Time Records "Disco Matilda" b/w "Disco Matilda (Inst.)" (BZS-312). The single was produced by Jonathan King, the instrumental B side is credited to The Everage White Band With ABBO. For more Edna check out post 327.

Post 368 - Player (1) - Space Invaders / A Menacing Glow In The Sky

Russell Dunlop toured with the Aunty Jack Show, among numerous other acts, while becoming more involved in recording. In the late '70s, his highly successful partnership with Bruce Brown began. As well as recording dozens of local acts, Dunlop and Brown had success of their own with the 1980 hit Space Invaders, inspired by the wildly successful video game, which they released under the appropriate name Player (1) for WEA. They were asked to put an album together for the U.S but, as Brown recalls: "We sat down and wrote a bunch of space songs, but instead of sticking to the concept of the hit, we wandered off into the 'clever' musical genre with fancy time signatures, radical chord progressions and so on". The reply came back for the U.S that this was intended for 13- to 14-year-olds; there went the Brown-Dunlop gravy train. Nonetheless, they had a great time recording it. Here to download is the single for WEA "Space Invaders" b/w "A Menacing Glow In The Sky" (100114). The single was recorded at Alberts Studios in Sydney. Their production company, BAD (Brown And Dunlop), working in the hit factory that was Albert Studios in King Street, Sydney, was churning out some of the most successful local pop music of the time. Jon English, Mental As Anything, the Reels, Renee Geyer to name a few.

Post 367 - Eurogliders - Heaven / Heliograph

Eurogliders were formed in 1980 in Perth, Western Australia, which included Grace Knight on vocals and Bernie Lynch on guitar and vocals. In 1984, they released the album, "This Island", which featured their #2 hit "Heaven (Must Be There)". "Heaven" also peaked at #21 on the United States charts. Here to download is that single released on CBS Records "Heaven" b/w "Heliograph" (BA 223 178). Both sides were penned by Bernie Lynch. The A side was produced Nigel Gray and the non LP B side produced by Bernie Lynch. They disbanded in 1989, with Knight having a successful career as a jazz singer. Eurogliders reformed in October 2005, with Grace Knight and Bernie Lynch using session musicians and they released their fifth studio album, simply called "Eurogliders" and included the single, "Hummingbird", but neither album nor single peaked into the charts.

Post 366 - Emma Hannah - Waiting For The Rain / I Want You

Many will remember Emma Hannah from her many television appearances, including The Don Lane Show, The Ernie Sigley Show, and Reg Lindsay's Country Homestead. She was a regular on 70s country TV show Travelin' Out West with John Williamson. This single "Waiting For The Rain" b/w "I Want You" (ZS-139) recorded in 1975 on Wizard Records and was produced by Robie Porter. Both these tracks came from Emma's LP "Be A Lady In The Daytime". These days Emma is a Civil Marriage Celebrant in the Wollongong /Illawarra, Southern Highlands, South Coast and Sydney area. Emma’s latest CD "Wayfaring Stranger" is now available from all good independent retailers.

Post 365 - Danny McMaster - Rugby League Song (N.S.W.) / Rugby League Song (QLD)

Danny was born in Brisbane, Queensland, Australia. His family moved to Mudgeeraba on the Gold Coast when he was 4 years old, where his famous father ‘Wallaby’ Bob McMaster was mine host at the equally famous “Wallaby Hotel” for the next 27 years. Performing in Talent Quests, in ‘live’ situations, as well as TV shows, Danny was a hoot as an amateur dabbling with impressions and music throughout the 70’s. He turned pro in 1980 and hasn’t looked back since. His love of Rugby League, led him to writing and recording “The Rugby League Song” in 1980 and it has stayed in the sporting lexicon as a perennial tribute ever since. Here to download is that single from 1981 on EMI "Rugby League Song (N.S.W.)" b/w "Rugby League Song (QLD)" (EMI-495). The single was penned by Danny and produced by Ian Mason. Danny has shared the stage with various big-names as Mary Wilson, Don McLean, Glenn Shorrock, The Barron Knights, Col Elliott and Sammy Davis Jnr., just to name but a few.

Post 364 - Gunther Gorman - Infectious Rhythm LP

Ian "Gunther" Gorman is one of Australia's finest guitar players. He started in the 60's at the age of 12, when he landed a wedding gig at the Parramatta Bowling Club. After attending the National School of Art in Canberra Gorman returned the Sydney to play with Home the brain-child of Glyn Mason. In January 1975, Daddy Cool appeared at the final Sunbury Festival, after which Gunther Gorman was recruited to bolster the group's line-up, and although it was clear by this time that Daddy Cool was well and truly past its use-by date, they soldiered on for a few more months. The success of Sherbet in 1976 came despite founding member Clive Shakespeare leaving the band in January of that year. Gorman initially replaced Shakespeare. Harvey James ex Mississippi and Ariel in turn replaced Gorman. In 1977 he joined the Richard Clapton Band and from '78-'79 formed Gunther's G-Force. Here to download from 1981 is his only solo LP " Infectious Rhythm" (600078) for WEA Records. The album features Huce Benjamin on drums, Clive Harrison bass, David Kimber piano, Don Miller Robinson guitar and bass, Ralph White brass, Doug Williams vocals and James Rogers bass. The LP was produced by Robinson and Gorman. In 1982 after receiving a phone call from Glenn A Baker, Gunther embarked on a 10 year here, there and everywhere stint with Frankie J. Holden, Rockpile Jones, Jim Manzie, Geoff Plummer, Wilbur Wilde in Ol' 55. In 2010 he teamed up with Mike Waddle, Dave Twohill and Roger McCulloch as The Barstars. These four Cooma based musicians not only have a great sound but also some serious history behind them. flac

Post 363 - Elliot Goblet - Friday On My Mind / You Get Me So Excited

Elliot Goblet is a character created by the Australian comedian Jack Levi. The character is renowned for his deadpan delivery of quirky one-liners. He speaks incredibly good, and clear English but shows no emotion. He started out with round glasses and a goatee beard but these days while the glasses are still there the goatee beard is gone. The Goblet character launched into the comedy scene with numerous TV performances on Hey Hey It's Saturday, The Eleventh Hour and many other Australian TV variety and sketch shows. He wrote a best selling book "Business According To Goblet" and appeared in short films and also the feature film "Fat Pizza: The Movie". Here we have his 1989 single release of "Friday On My Mind" b/w "You Get Me So Excited" (AV-2227). Released on Avenue Records and produced by Mike Brady, Doug Brady and Ross Inglis. Elliot Goblet has done live appearances all over Australia as well as in seven other countries including the United States and England. However these days most of his work is at corporate events where he either does a spot or is the MC.

Post 362 - Janice Slater - Don't Let Me Be Misunderstood / Let The Love Come Through

Here is Janice Slater's third single release from 1967, produced by Robert Iredale for Spin Records. You will find more of Janice's work on our Blog on post #335, #251 and #235 and more to come I'm sure. Here is "Don't Let Me Be Misunderstood" b/w "Let The Love Come Through" (EK- 1984).

Post 361 - Heart 'N' Soul - Let Me Sing In Your Band / Lights Of Cincinnatti

Heart'n'Soul started out as a dinner club/cabaret band in Sydney in 1967 but it soon evolved into Australia's first jazz rock big band and the first local group to perform what has become known as jazz rock fusion. They issued three Singles on Festival, their third, here for you to download " Let Me Sing In Your Band" b/w "Lights Of Cincinnatti" (FK-3409), the A side was penned by Johnny Young and the single was produced by Spencer Lee and arranged by Rory Thomas and Phil Predeaux. By 1970 they renamed the band, The Heart'n'Soul Hot Boogie Band and was one of the first acts signed to Festival's new progressive label Infinity, which was launched in January 1971. When they recorded their "Hot Boogie Band" LP in late 1970, the group had expanded to 12 members.

Post 360 - John Meillon - Hot Pie And Tomato Sauce / We're A Weird Mob

John Meillon born on the 1st of May 1934, was an legendary Australian actor, most widely known outside Australia for his role as Walter Reilly in the films Crocodile Dundee and Crocodile Dundee II. Meillon was born in Mosman, Sydney. He had a recurring role in the TV series My Name's McGooley, What's Yours?. He featured in two episodes of "Skippy" in 1968 and 1969 appearing as "Nimble Norris". In 1976 he won the AFI Award for Best Actor for his role of 'Casey' in the film The Fourth Wish (1976). He married Australian actress June Salter in 1958. They were divorced in 1971. They had one son, John Meillon, Jr. He then married actress Bunny Gibson on 5 April 1972: they also had a son. In 1967 John recorded a song for RCA Records called "Hot Pie And Tomato Sauce" b/w "We're A Weird Mob" (101780) with the Orchestra directed by Tommy Tycho. You could never buy this promotional only record, it was manufactured for publicity purposes only and is extremely rare to find these days. John also voiced Victoria Bitter beer commercials until his unfortunate death on the 11th of August 1989.

Post 359 - Jo Jo Zep & The Falcons - Shape I'm In / So Young / Shape I'm In (Dub)

In late 1975 Ross Wilson, who was waiting out his Daddy Cool/Mighty Kong recording contract, had started producing other artists for a label he was involved in, Oz Records. He also decided to produce a version of Chuck Berry's "Run Rudolph Run", as a one off Christmas single for Mushroom Records. Since contractually he couldn't perform the vocals himself, Ross asked musician around town Joe Camilleri to sing and play on the record, and front it. Camilleri was born in Malta, and in Maltese the traditional nickname for Joseph is 'Zep', so the name put on the single was Jo Jo Zep and his Little Helpers. To promote the single it seemed a good idea to put together a scratch band comprising some of the other people who had worked on the record. These included bass player John Power (ex-Foreday Riders), who had recently relocated from Sydney to Melbourne to join Company Caine for an album which Wilson was producing. However Company Caine, which featured guitarist Jeff Burstin and drummer John McInerney, soon fell apart. Wilson suggested that the three team up with Camilleri to perform as part of a Christmas show at the Myer Music Bowl in Melbourne. The performance proved so successful that, with the addition of second guitarist Wayne Burt (ex-Rock Granite) and drummer Gary Young (ex-Daddy Cool) replacing McInerney, the band decided to take things a little more seriously. On stage they called themselves Jo Jo Zep and The Falcons. The band signed with Oz Records, releasing their first single, "Beating Around The Bush", in July 1976. The song was also one of two Jo Jo Zep tracks on the Ross Wilson soundtrack for the feature film Oz. In 1978 the Oz Record label folded and the band moved to Mushroom Records, and another new musical direction began. Here to download is their 8th single release in 1979 on Mushroom "Shape I'm In" b/w "So Young" (new version) / "Shape I'm In" (Dub version) (K7665). The two tracks on the B side are non LP tracks. The Jo Jo Zep & The Falcons story is an interesting one and we haven't remotly touched it here so to read more go to: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jo_Jo_Zep_%26_The_Falcons

Post 358 - Ronnie Burns - Changes / Mix Me Up Another Drink

Ronald Leslie Burns was born on the 8th of September in 1946. He fronted the Melbourne band The Flies in the early 1960s, followed by a solo career into the 1970s. Burns was raised in Melbourne, Victoria. His father was a butcher, his mother Edna was a fan of vaudeville and his brother Frank, who was five years older, was a drummer. In order to buy his first guitar for 10 shillings, Burns had part time jobs selling newspapers, working in a milk bar and in a fruit shop. He was fired from Myers for having long hair, however he had already joined the Mod band The Flies in early 1964. They won a Moomba band competition for a group most like The Beatles. Burns befriended Ian Meldrum, a university law student looking for somewhere to stay, whose two week visit became nine years of boarding at his parents' home. Meldrum later had a career as a pop music commentator, TV personality and record producer. The two were famously ejected from The Beatles' June 1964 Melbourne concert, because Meldrum was screaming too loudly. Meldrum later promoted Burns solo career in his writing for the weekly teen newspaper, Go-Set. In September 1965, Burns decided to leave The Flies to go solo – his place was taken by Peter Nicholl from The Wild Colonials. As a solo artist, Burns became one of Australia's most popular male pop singers from the mid 1960s to the early 1970s. His first single, "Very Last Day" was released in June 1966 on Spin Records. "Smiley", Burns' biggest hit, reached number two on the Go-Set National Top 40 in February 1970. It was written by Johnny Young. Here to download is Ronnie's 2nd last single, released on L&Y Records "Changes" b/w "Mix Me Up Another Drink" (K-5488) produced by Johnny Young in 1974. In the '90s Ronnie and family moved to Tasmania and for much of the decade he performed in the highly successful band Cotton, Morris & Burns, with old mates Darryl Cotton and Russell Morris. In 2000 Ronnie retired from live performance to concentrate on setting up an alternative lifestyles centre near his home in Tasmania, and his place in the trio was taken by former Masters Apprentices lead singer Jim Keays.

Post 357 - Neil & Errol - The Last Refrain / Heavyweight Boxer

There were four singles released under the Aunty Jack banner, this one was credited to Neil & Errol (Graham Bond/ Rory O'Donoghue). The scene, a park bench with Neil and Errol who sing a song where they have to avoid rhymes. Eventually Neil makes a rhyme, and Errol is thus set free. The B side, which is credited to Thin Arthur (O'Donoghue), has me a bit confused as it says on the label "From the forthcoming LP Aunty Jack Sings Wollongong". The track however isn't on the LP, so maybe it was left off at the last minute. In 2006, the album was re-released on CD, as a 2 disc set. Disc one is both sides of the original album, and disc two is a compilation of the Farewell Aunty Jack single, as well as songs used in the Aunty Jack series, but still this B side didn't appear. I'm not sure why, but will endeavour to find out. Here to download is the 1974 single "The Last Refrain" b/w "Heavyweight Boxer" (2079 052) on Polydor Records, the single was penned and produced by Graham & Rory.

Post 356 - AC/DC - Can I Sit Next To You Girl / Rockin' In The Parlor

After forming his first band In Session in Charters Towers when he was 17 Dave Evans moved to Sydney where he helped form a band

(no name yet!)with Malcolm Young, Colin Burgess and Larry van Kriedt, a week later Malcolm's younger brother Angus joined. Malcolm and Angus' sister-in-law Sandra came up with the name AC/DC and so one of the greatest rock and roll bands ever was born. He was a member of the band for a year before being replaced by Bon Scott around October 1974. Their first gig was at Chequers Nightclub in Sydney on New Years Eve 1973 and the band went on to attract a strong live following in the next few months before recording their first single in '74, here for you to download "Can I Sit Next To You, Girl" b/w "Rocking In The Parlour" (AP- 1055 1) for Albert. The single was produced by Harry Vanda & George Young, with both sides of the single penned by Angus & Malcolm Young. After AC/DC, Evans joined Newcastle band Rabbit, replacing original singer Greg Douglas. This record is very sought-after by collectors, we have seen it now 3 times on eBay in the last few months and every time it went for over $500.

Post 355 - Jigsaw - A Rose Has To Die / Music Man

Here to download is Jigsaw's 1974 single for Fable Records "A Rose Has To Die" b/w "Music Man" (FB-218). U.K. band The Dooleys also had a version in 1978 and there's yet another version by The Ryders, a group from the Netherlands. Ben Findon wrote the song, Ben also wrote Billy Ocean's debut single "Love Really Hurts Without You." The single was produced by Johnny Chester at Armstrong Studios Melbourne.

Post 354 - Craig McLachlan & The Culprits - Craig McLachlan & The Culprits LP

Craig Dougal McLachlan was born on September 1st, 1965 in Sydney, New South Wales. He is an Australian actor and singer, best known for his role as Ed in Bugs. He has also appeared in soap operas such as Sons and Daughters, Neighbours and Home and Away. He formed various bands during the late 80's and early 90's, namely Craig McLachlan and the Y Fronts in 1989, Craig McLachlan and Check 1-2 1989-91 and Craig McLachlan and the Culprits in 1996. Here to download is the LP from 1996 "Craig McLachlan & The Culprits" (RR 8844 2) on Roadrunner Records, all songs were written by Craig and the album produced by Mark Smith & Craig. If you would like to check out the "Craig McLachlan and Check 1-2" LP head over to http://rockonvinyl.blogspot.com/search/label/Craig%20McLachlan%20and%20Check%201-2