608 - Stevie Wright - Sings The Easybeats

Wright was born in Leeds, England in 1947 and his family migrated to Melbourne, Australia when he was nine. They moved to Sydney in 1960 and lived in Villawood near the Villawood Migrant Hostel. He was lead vocalist for local band, The Outlaws and by 1964 had formed Chris Langdon & the Langdells, which initially played The Shadows-styled surf music but converted to beat music under the influence of The Beatles. After a Langdells performance, Wright met the Dutch-born, Johannes Hendrikus Jacob van den Berg (later Harry Vanda) who was staying at Villawood Migrant Hostel and his compatriot Dingeman van der Sluys (later Dick Diamonde). The pair convinced Wright to form a band with Vandenberg's friend and fellow hostel resident Scottish-born George Young. Together with another Englishman, Gordon "Snowy" Fleet, they formed The Easybeats in mid-1964. Initial line-up of The Easybeats was Diamonde on bass guitar, Fleet on drums, Vanda on guitar, Wright on vocals and Young on guitar.During his time with The Easybeats, Wright was popularly and affectionately known as "Little Stevie"After the break-up of The Easybeats in 1969, Wright returned to Sydney from UK, he formed a backing group, Rachette. He produced the debut single for local band Bootleg, "Whole World Should Slow Down", in 1970. By late 1971, he was in Perth and joined Likefun with Ray Hoff on vocals, Morri Pierson on vocals, Shirley Reid on vocals, John Tucak on bass guitar and Alan Wilks on organ. He soon returned to Sydney and from mid-1972 took the role of Simon Zealotes in the Australian stage production of Jesus Christ Superstar. Also in 1972, he joined Black Tank with Rory O'Donoghue on guitar and vocals, Ken Firth on bass guitar and Greg Henson on drums.Wright signed with Albert Productions label in late 1973 which reunited him with former band mates Vanda & Young who had returned from UK and were now staff producers and songwriters. Wright formed Stevie Wright & the Allstars for live performances, the line-up included, Johnny Dick on drums, Tim Gaze on lead guitar, and Warren Morgan on piano. In April 1974 he released his debut solo LP, Hard Road, which featured the single "Evie (Parts 1, 2 & 3)" released in May. The song was written and produced by Vanda & Young, it became a hit—the only 11-minute song to chart at No. 1 anywhere in the world and is now regarded as an Australian rock classic. By mid-1975, the Allstars had transferred to John Paul Young and Wright formed the Stevie Wright Band. By 1976 Wright was addicted to heroin, which he had reportedly begun using during his time in the cast of Jesus Christ Superstar. He was hospitalised and undertook methadone treatment. His mental health was further exacerbated after his self-admission to the notorious Chelmsford Private Hospital in Sydney. Director Dr Harry Bailey administered a highly controversial treatment known as Deep Sleep Therapy which was alleged to treat drug addiction by a combination of drug-induced coma and ECT. Many patients, including Wright, suffered brain damage and lifelong after-effects. The scandal was later exposed and Dr Bailey committed suicide. In 1982, Wright joined Vanda & Young in their studio band, Flash and the Pan to provide vocals on their album, Headlines and the related singles, "Where were You?" in July, and "Waiting for a Train". Wright retired and lived on the South Coast of New South Wales. Sadly last night the 27th December 2015 we lost Stevie at Moruya Hospital on the New South Wales South coast. Here to download is Stevie's album from 1991 "Sings The Easybeats" (AVM-004). The cover gives no producer or band members unfortunately.  R.I.P Stevie. mp3

Post 607 - Red Hot Rockin' Santas - Another Rock 'N' Roll Christmas - Run Rudolph Run

The short lived "Red Hot Rockin' Santas" were made up of guitarist Mick Hamilton, bassist Brian Dean and drummer Leon Venerable (from Ray Hoffs Off beats, Lonnie Lee's Leemen, Johnny O'Keefe and the Rajahs and the Mighty Guys), Venerable delivers a leering loping lead vocal on the recording. Recorded for Festival Records in 1987 the Santa's covered the 1984 U.K. hit by Gary Glitter "Another Rock 'N' Roll Christmas' b/w "Run Rudolph Run" (K-471), with the B side a cover of the Chuck Berry Christmas classic. Hamilton produced the single in the style of Phil Spector.mp3

Post 606 - Saga And The 2CC Announcers - 12 Australian Days Of Christmas - Christmas In Canberra

Canberra has had its fair share of groups. Saga was one of the longest serving groups that went along changing and evolving but never really having a big break out hit. They started with founding member Jeff Gallimore who had been in the group Abbe Gailca In 1971.Saga kicked off in 1972 and they were still turning out music a decade later. At one stage they were a 6 piece and then back to a 4 piece and then members came and went....By 1976 Saga were involved in a charity recording subsidized by the Fairfax Media Group who owned the Canberra Times newspaper among others. Their remake of the Dr. Hook track "The Cover Of The Rolling Stone" was given a new Oz comedy slant. Saga's single was called "The Cover Of The Canberra Times". In 1978 they were back with this Christmas single "12 Australian Days Of Christmas" b/w "Christmas In Canberra" (SMX 46917/8). They teamed up with the announcers from Radio 2CC for this Christmas treat. The single was produced by Jeff Gallimore.mp3

Post 605 - Bulldogs Allstar Goodtime Band - (Down Under) Santa Gets A Suntan

Well it's that time of year again and so we did out the Christmas songs, The first for this year is from New Zealand band the Bulldogs Allstar Goodtime Band's "(Down Under) Santa Gets A Suntan". It comes from a Cassette EP "Upside Down World". (Not sure when this was recorded , it was a charity release to support "Ronald McDonald House").Mp3 

Post 604 - Angry Anderson, Pete Wells & The Damn Fine Band LP

Gary Stephen "Angry" Anderson AM (born 5 August 1947) is an Australian rock singer-songwriter, television presenter-reporter and actor. He has been the lead vocalist with the hard rock band Rose Tattoo since 1976. On Australia Day (26 January) 1993, Anderson was made a Member of the Order of Australia for his role as a youth advocate. According to rock music historian, Ian McFarlane, "over the course of a lengthy career, the gravel-throated vocalist ... has gone from attention-grabbing, rock'n'roll bad boy to all-round Australian media star." Peter William "Pete" Wells (31 December 1946 – 27 March 2006) was the founder and slide guitarist in Rose Tattoo, from 1976 to 1983. He was previously bass guitarist with the pioneering heavy metal outfit Buffalo from 1971 to 1976. Wells also had a solo career and issued some fine albums, In 2001 Angry and Pete released the Independent album "Pete Wells/Angry Anderson & the Damn Fine Band" (Os Music 890-56). It was said "The founding members of Rose Tattoo have come together once more to kick out some of the finest blues rock jams since Rose Tattoo". Also in the Damn Fine Band were Lucy DeSoto (piano & keys) Steve King (bass) Pete ‘Snaggy’ Masi (guitar) Steve ‘Auby’ Auburn (drums). In  2002 Pete Wells was diagnosed with prostate cancer and, on 27 March 2006, Wells died of the disease, aged 59. Having seen cancer claim the lives of five of his Rose Tattoo band mates (Dallas Royall, Peter Wells, Ian Rilen, Lobby Lloyde and Mick Cocks),  Anderson has become an advocate for men's health. He appeared in a TV campaign promoting awareness of prostate cancer. mp3

Post 603 - Axiom - A Little Ray Of Sunshine - Arkansas Grass

After signing with EMI's Parlophone label, Axiom buried themselves in the recording studio. In December 1969 the group released their first single, "Arkansas Grass", heavily influenced by The Band's "Music From Big Pink". Though the single's title superficially appealed to international markets, and its Civil War theme reflected Cadd's current obsession with the music of The Band, it was in fact a coded anti-Vietnam war song – and in that respect addressing a very Australian concern, since Australian men were at the time being drafted to fight in that war. "Arkansas Grass" reached No. 7 in December 1969. Midway through the recording of the LP, which was released under the title Fool's Gold, drummer Don Lebler (The Avengers) replaced Doug Lavery. Axiom left Australia for the UK in April 1970 after signing a publishing deal from Leeds Music, with the local music press reporting that they had received record deal offers from both Apple Records and the Decca label. As a parting gift they left their second single, "A Little Ray of Sunshine", inspired by the birth of the child of a couple that the group knew – not by the birth of Cadd or Mudie's child, as has often been incorrectly reported. The single reached No. 5 in April 1970. "A Little Ray of Sunshine" has become one of the Australian songs most often still played on radio. In their absence the band's debut album Fool's Gold was released, one of the first true "albums" in Australian music. Apart from the "Arkansas Grass" single it was also one of the first attempts in Australian pop to write songs about the Australian landscape, and using Australian place names. It is also notable as one of the first Australian albums on a major label to be self-produced by the recording artist/s and also featured one of the first uses of the didgeridoo in Australian popular music. The songs were all of high quality as were the production values. Fool's Gold reached No. 18 in June and still stands as one of the best albums of the period, however it never reached its full commercial potential because Axiom were not around to promote it. A third single failed to chart. In Australia Axiom were signed to Ron Tudor's independent production company. They left Australia with Tudor's approval to try to secure a worldwide recording contract: he would not stand in their way. In England Axiom signed a three-year recording contract with Warners, cemented by a single "My Baby's Gone" produced by Shel Talmy of early Who, Kinks and Easybeats' "Friday on My Mind" fame. The band completed a second album, "If Only", recorded at the iconic Olympic Studios in London. Although some former members were later critical of what they felt was Talmy's overproduction of the record, in a 2000 interview with Richie Unterberger, Talmy still spoke highly of both group and LP. I'm not to sure about the story with this single it wasn't a re-recording of the songs, so I guess maybe it was Fable just cashing in on a reissue of the two hits, "A Little Ray Of Sunshine" b/w "Arkansas Grass" (FB-203) for Fable Records. mp3

Post 602 - Hannagan - It's All Over Now Baby Blue - Song For Alex

Hannagan made his first singing debut at the age of ten, when he joined his primary school choir. At seventeen around the days of "Beetle mania" he became very disheartened at the meaningless lyrics presented in many pop stars at the time. He felt so strongly about this he ignored pop music altogether. However his thoughts changed in late 1963 when a friend of his in the U.S. sent him a tape of a then relatively unknown singer by the name of Bob Dylan. Hannagan loved the tapes and realized for the first time that meaningful lyrics could be adapted to pop music. He knew then that was the type of music he wanted to sing. In 1964 he became a member of The Easyriders formed for the Aussie concert tour of Bronnie McGhee & Sonny Terry. In late 1966 he joined Brisbane blues band Black Cat Circle. After two years with them he left to assist with the running of a folk club called Foco, but when business and personal troubles came about he packed his bags and decided to move to Melbourne. Unfortunately the Melbourne pop scene did not treat him well. For almost six months he had to live off the money he had saved. Things took a turn for the better in mid 1969 when he scored the job as singer/guitarist with the Ram Jam Big band, but the group split in November of that year. Soon after he joined Turnstile until mid 1970 when they split over work and payment hassles. Again he packed his bags and moved the Sydney, three weeks later he took a tape of songs he had penned to a music publishing company in the hope he could sell them. Impressed by the songs the company gave him a substantial advance and he was signed up to EMI with a recording contract. Luck came his way and he spent late 1970 and early '71 writing songs and producing music for commercials and documentaries, he also worked as a session musician. In December 1971 he released his first single for EMI Harvest label a cover of Dylan's "It All Over Now Baby Blue" b/w "Song For Alex" (HAR-9733) The single was produce by Rod Coe. The version of this single I picked up is a test pressing so not sure if there's any different to the Harvest single or not. mp3

Post 601 - John Williamson - Comic Strip Cowboy LP

In 1969 John Williamson wrote a novelty song, "Old Man Emu", and early the following year he performed the track on TV talent quest, New Faces, winning first place. He later reflected on his song writing process, and the importance of his guitar, "no matter where I go I'll have one with me, in case I come up with a song, I've got to have the guitar straight away. I always write the words and the music together". In early 1970 he signed a recording contract with Fable Records owner and New Faces‍ '​s judge, Ron Tudor. In May "Old Man Emu" was released as a single on Fable Records, which peaked at No. 3 on the Go-Set National Top 60. It was awarded a gold Certification and was listed at No. 14 on Go-Set‍ '​s Top Records for the Year of 1970. His self-titled debut album followed in mid-year and, although it featured "Old Man Emu", it had little commercial success: only selling two-thousand copies. Since "Old Man Emu" was his only hit he had to perform it two or three times per gig. Williamson's follow-up single, "Under the Bridge" was issued in November. It was pressed with its A and B sides reversed. By February 1971 the album's third single, "Beautiful Sydney", appeared. A string of non-album singles followed including, in March 1972, "Misery Farm" with Lumpy Pumpkin. Six years after the first LP Williams released his 2^nd LP “Comic Strip Cowboy” (6357 037) for Philips Records. It was produced by John and Bruce Brown and featured the talents of Paul Emanuel, Ricky Osypenko, Allan Tomkins, Gary Haines, Milton Saunders, Tony Ansell, Ken Hitching and Emma Hannah. All the tracks were penned by Williamson Flac. 

Post 600 - Russell Morris - Sweet Sweet Love (Long version)

For post # 600 (never thought I'd get to 60) a song that I have been asked about for sometime now, Russell Morris "Sweet Sweet Love" the long version. This version has never appeared on any of Russell's singles, LP's, EP's or CD's. It was released on a Channel 7 Telethon LP from 1972  through HMV Records. Morris' career started at the age of 18, in September 1966, with the formation of the Melbourne group Somebody's Image, together with Kevin Thomas (rhythm guitar), Phillip Raphael (lead guitar), Eric Cairns (drums) and Les Allan (aka "Les Gough") (bass guitar). Somebody's Image rose to prominence with a local hit version of the Joe South song "Hush". The band came to the notice of the Groop and, in turn, the Groop's friend and local music identity Ian Meldrum. Meldrum convinced Morris to leave Somebody's Image for a solo career. Meldrum, as Morris's manager and producer, spent considerable hours and money to create a seven-minute production extravaganza around a song called "The Real Thing", and the rest as they say is "History".wav

Post 599 - Mike Brady - Sympathy - Look At Me

Mike Brady was born in England in 1948 and migrated to Australia in the 1950's with his family. His first job was at the Commonwealth Aircraft Corporation factory in Port Melbourne, Victoria, as a sheet metal worker. He started performing when he was 15 and he was one-third of the 1960's pop act MPD Ltd. (which stood for Mike, Pete and Danny) which had hit singles including "Little Boy Sad" and "Lonely Boy". The band toured Australia and the U.K. Brady also toured Vietnam entertaining troops, with a different band which included Wayne Duncan, Gary Howard and country brother and sister act Ricki and Tammy. After the break-up of MPD Ltd., Brady continued to record occasionally and had a top 10 hit with a cover of U.K. band Rare Bird’s "Sympathy" b/w “Look At Me” (FB-036) For Fable Records in 1970. The single was produced by David MacKay, Brady penned the B side. The post before this one is a version of the song by Broken Chains from 1971 but I think Mike’s version is far better, just my opinion. mp3

Post 598 - Broken Chains - Sympathy - Super Natural

This was the only single release by Broken Chains and there are no band members listed or where they were from, my guess is Sydney. Their cover of U.K. band Rare Bird's "Sympathy" b/w "Super Natural" (TSP-716). The B side a rendition of John Mayall and the Bluesbreakers "Super Natural" penned by Peter Green.Very little is known about the band though. I know they did play at some of the Jesus Music revival concerts in Sydney and Canberra (between 1971 & 1973). So there may be some connection with the Methodist Church who co-ordinated all of these events.Troubadour Records was an independent label based out of Balmain in Sydney. Mike Brady also recorded a superb version in 1970 which will be another post here very soon. Thanks to Matt Gleeson for the info here and as always here's hoping some band members/family or friends might enlighten us with some more info in the near future. mp3

Post 597 - The Toppano Family - The Travellin' Toppano Family LP

Enzo Toppano spent 79 years in front of audiences. From the time he made his debut on ABC radio at 13, he was regarded as one of Australia's best entertainers. He was also the father of a showbusiness dynasty. He was born on February 14, 1928, in Broken Hill, the youngest of six children of Italian farmers Leonardo Toppano and his wife, Katerina (D'Appolonia). The Toppanos had left Italy then spent 10 years in Canada before the winters drove them to warmer climes. Leonardo loved to play the piano accordion so he encouraged Enzo and his brother Lou take up the instrument.Enzo very quickly became a performer and left school at 16. He went to London in 1949, where he was many times voted the best instrumental performer on the London Palladium circuit. In London, he also met another Australian performer, Peggy Mortimer, and they were married in 1950. When they returned to Australia they were among the first entertainers to appear on television, with their own segment on Sydney's first television breakfast show.In 1968, Enzo (music) and Peggy (libretto) wrote the musical The Flintstones which successfully toured Australia and New Zealand with the Rudas Organisation. In 1969, they began working exclusively with Tibor Rudas as writers and composers for his organisation in North America, the Bahamas and Europe.The Toppanos proudly flew the Australian flag across the globe, performing in more than 35 countries. Whenever Enzo was asked what part of Italy he came from, he always whimsically answered, ''Broken Hill, mate.'' Here to download from 1975 is The Toppano Family's LP "The Travellin' Toppano Family" (SOELP-10234) for HMV Records. It was produced by Mike Perjanik. After Peggy's death in 2003, Enzo dedicated himself to performing in her memory. He and one of his sons, Dean, frequently performed in homes and institutions for dementia and Alzheimer's disease patients in memory of Peggy. Enzo died in 2013 and is survived by his children Peta, Lorenzo and Dean. Thanks to Tim for finding this LP for the Blog.mp3

Post 596 - Evan Jones And Y Knot - Mm! Mm! Don't Cha Love Summertime! - Hero (Them's The Breaks)

Yet another one with not much info out there, Evan Jones as far as I can find out is the brother of  Idris Jones of the Mixtures who was not a band member. (They were both in Adelaide band The Gingerbread Men). Evan also released two singles in 1972 "Little Black Spider" and "Jesus Song" on the short-lived Adelaide label Raven best known for the rare Bon Scott/Fraternity single. Raven evolved from Nationwide and evolved into EMS, all three labels rarely distributed beyond Adelaide (despite Nationwide's optimistic name). This Raven label should not be confused with the later reissue label based in Sydney. In 1981 Evan was back with a band called " Y Knot" and released one single for RCA Records "Mm! Mm! Don't Cha Love Summertime!" b/w "Hero (Them's The Breaks)" (103735). The single was produced and written by Jones and recorded in Adelaide's Grapvine Studios. mp3

Post 595 - John St.Peeters & Jane Scali - I Need That Someone To Love - One Kiss Away

Jane Scali was a prominent singer on Australia's "Young Talent Time" hosted by Johnny Young during the seventies. Her numerous appearances on the Don Lane, Bert Newton, Mike Walsh and the Midday Show with Ray Martin has made her one of the most popular and successful female performers in Australia today. John St.Peeters has achieved a number of chart-topping singles, including “Deep Inside of Me”, “High Class Woman”, “So Many Ways”, and “Wonderworld”. He also recorded a single called “Street Kids”, donating royalties to the Open Family Foundation, to help the plight of the youth of today. In 1985 John & Jane released a single for Powderworks “I Need That Someone To Love” b/w “One Kiss Away” (POW 0255), the single was produced by Spencer Lee. In 1986 the couple released an LP “I Got You Babe” but this single didn’t appear on the album. mp3 

Post 594 - Terry Dean - Runaround Sue - Time And Tide

Melbourne singer Terry Dean formed country rock band Bluestone in 1972. Terry had enjoyed an extremely successful solo career recording a number of hit records, performing regularly in Melbourne and interstate and appearing nationally on TV shows including The Go Show, and Happening 70. In the sixties he released two singles I know of called “It’s You” and “Git It” on the GO label. Here to download is his single for Fable Records from 1975 “Runaround Sue” b/w “Time And Tide” (FB-315).  Dean formed the successful duo Dean & Carruthers with Garry Carruthers and they celebrated 25 years on the road in July, 2010. Terry recently established Terry Dean's Guitars selling some of the world's finest acoustic instruments. mp3

Post 593 - Karisma - Clap Your Hands And Stamp Your Feet - Wonderful,Wonderful

Yet another one of those Aussie bands that the books seem to forget about. There’s no listing where Karisma came from, all I can find is that this is the only single release for Fable Records from November 1973. Band members are Kerry Freeman, Dallas De Brahunder, Linda Cornaughton and Jeanette Freeman all on vocals. The single “Clap Your Hands And Stamp Your Feet” b/w “Wonderful, Wonderful” (FB-204), was produced by Tweed Harris at Bill Armstrong Studios Melbourne. So like so many other posts like this one we’ll rely on maybe some relation, the tea lady or the guy that owned the fish & chip shop next door to maybe come forward with some for info on the girls.mp3 

Post 592 - Frankie J. Holden & Michelle Pettigrove – How Sweet It Is

Frankie J. Holden has been a part of Australian music since the mid 70’s. He started out as lead singer of Ol’55 and is recognised as one of our most versatile performers. He has also been in some of Australia's best known T/V  series such as “Underbelly”, “Police Recue”, “Embassy” and ”Something In The Air”. Michelle Pettigrove is best known for her role as Kate Bryant in “A Country Practice” as well as other roles in “Blue Healers”. “Brides Of Christ” and “Something In The Air”.  Michelle & Frankie were married at Mayday Hills, the old Beechworth insane asylum in March 1999. In 2006 they released the album here for you to download “How Sweet It Is” (FJH0601), it features fellow Ol’ 55 sax player Wilbur Wilde and David Cameron & Olivia Brian on backing vocals. In 2009, Holden co-presented, alongside with his wife Michelle, “Discover Downunder”, a half-hour Australia-based travelling/caravanning program for the Nine Network. In 2010, he co-hosted “What's Up Down Under” on Channel Seven. This show is similar in format to “Discover Downunder”.mp3

Post 591 - Fantasy - The Singles

Formed in Melbourne in 1967 Fantasy got their first big break when Johnny Farnham chose them to back him on his tours. They obtained a recording deal with EMI in 1971, releasing their first single “Universal Sun” b/w “Suzie” (EA-9473), which was penned by the band. After that a line-up change occurred when David Studdard was replaced by Mal Nichols. In 1973 producer Ian Miller invited his friend Bill Pinnell from radio 3KZ to come see the band perform. Pinnell was impressed and suggested that the band record an old 1930’s song by Billy Cotton called “Oh What A Beauty”. The song was re-arranged, recorded and released as “The Marrow Song” which became an instant hit. Fantasy followed up with another single in ’73 “Just Another Pretty Face” b/w “Look Around” (EMI-10277) for EMI Records. All three singles are here for you to download. By 1977 there were none of the original members left except for drummer Colin Ross, when the band released their only album “A Tribute To Australian Rock ‘N’ Roll” for Hammard Records. mp3

Post 590 - Fat Mamma's Big Boozas Bad News Blues Band - Goodbye Forever - Call Me A Fool

Fat Mamma's Big Boozas Bad News Blues Band only single release for Fable Records was "Goodbye Forever" b/w “Call Me A Fool” (FB- 112). The Single was produced by Brian Cadd. Members are.....Phillip Russell, David Sargeant, Pierre Fabre and Peter Sheldrick. Karol Witte and Gavin Robinson joined the band after this single release. The 45 itself had a release date apparently of April 1972, and its catalogue number of FB-112 puts it three Fable releases after Marshall’s Portable Music Machine, and importantly three Fable releases before the Fable Singers’ version of When the Saints Go Marching In, the club song of the St Kilda Saints. The song itself was an abject commercial failure in any of the capitals’ top 40 charts, and missed the national top 100 as well.  The release itself is featured on a Fable compilation album called “Channel 9 ‘New Faces’ Discoveries”, which featured songs by other Fable artists, such as Liv Maessen, Franciscus Henri and John Williamson, among many others …Thanks to Alan for this rare gem, and Badger for his Top 40 info.mp3

Post 589 - Buddy England - Fate's a Fiddler Life's a Dance LP

Buddy England (born in England), was a former member of The Seekers, replacing Bruce Woodley and stayed with them from 1975–1981. He was also a member of the Mixtures from June 1969 – March 1970. As a solo artist from 1963–1969 he released several singles on HMV Records, including "If You'll Stay", "Doll House", "There Goes My Baby", "Movin' Man", "Sunny", "I'm Going For You", and "If I Never Get To Love You". "Movin' Man" was used in an advertisement for Gilbey's gin. From 1967 through 1979 Buddy returned to the UK and continued writing and recording for EMI at Abbey Road, releasing several singles, including “Forgive and Forget”, “The Name of My Sorrow”, “Wonderful World”, “In Nead of a Friend” etc. from 1970−1971 England owned and launched Air Records and produced all of its artists including The Vibrants, Love Story, Tadpole, Mick Hamilton, The Tangerine Balloon, and Tony Pantano.  He was integral to The Seekers, upon their reformation in 1974, recording their first return Album for Astor Records. Buddy still writes and records on his farm on the outskirts of Melbourne. A few years ago Buddy released “Fate's a Fiddler Life's a Dance” (LRF 304) in 1993 on Larrikin Records. The album was produced, arranged and engineered by Buddy.  Thanks to Tim for finding this for the Blog. mp3

Post 588 - Choirboys - Fireworks - We Can Dance

Choirboys formed in the Northern Beaches area of Sydney as a hard rock pub band in 1979. Original members were Brad Carr on lead guitar, Mark Gable on vocals, Ian Hulme on bass guitar and Lindsay Tebbutt on drums. In 1983, after one of their demos was sent to Albert Productions record producer George Young, who signed them to Albert Records. Jim Manzie produced their self-titled debut album, Choirboys, which was released in July. The first single, "Never Gonna Die," followed in August and reached No. 30. The band signed with Mushroom Records and released "Fireworks" b/w “We Can Dance” (MRK-10) in May 1986; they also opened for Deep Purple on their tour of Australia. Brad Carr left the group to be replaced on lead guitar by Brett Williams (ex-Brakes) as they supported Bon Jovi's tour in 1987. They recorded their second album “Big Bad Noise” with producers Peter Blyton and Brian McGee. The next single "Run to Paradise" reached No. 3 in October and was the 11th highest selling single of the eighties in Australia. When The Choirboys released “Big Bad Noise”, the song “Fireworks” off the album was recorded differently to the vinyl single version here for you to download. It seems that they toned down the chorus for some reason. mp3 

Post 587 - Bulldogs Allstar Goodtime Band - Television Mama - Day In The Sun

The Bulldogs story starts with singer Neil Worboys, who became interested in jug band music through his older brother, Brian, and had formed his own jug band, Stupid Cat Requiem, during his first year at Wellington Teachers College in 1970. Worboys had learnt to play the harmonica while at high school and had access to the standard jug band fare available on Vanguard Records. He was a fan of Jim Kweskin & The Jug Band, The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band and Bonzo Dog Doo-Dah Band and could often be found scouring second-hand shops for old 45s and 78s. At the end of 1971, having seen Stupid Cat Requiem at the Maranui Surf Club, drummer Brien McCrea, another trainee teacher, suggested to Worboys the two start their own jug band. McCrea had briefly been in The Leaders with guitarist John Donoghue but they split up when McCrea bought a surfboard with money the band had given him for a drum kit. When McCrea ran into Donoghue in Cuba Street and told him of the fledgling jug band at the teachers college, Donoghue jumped on board as tenor banjo player. He soon brought along his bass-playing flatmate Paul Curtis, late of country rock band Farmyard. At the beginning of 1972, Neil Worboys met Kevin Findlater when he started at Wellington Teachers College. Findlater was a guitarist in rock band Horse, who had spent more than six months rehearsing a repertoire that ranged from The Kinks and The Rolling Stones to Jethro Tull and Uriah Heep. After hearing Worboys tear through some Joe Cocker songs, Findlater invited him to join. A Kapiti Observer article of the time noted that new addition Worboys was “spreading his interests, and also singing with a jug band!” Besides Worboys (vocals) and Findlater (guitar), the rest of Horse were Tony Hooper (guitar), Peter Gapes (bass) and Danny Shaw (drums). After one rehearsal, one photo shoot and a gig supporting Taylor at the training college, they broke up. Findlater and yet another teachers college trainee, Richard Egan, were then drafted in to the jug band, by now rehearsing in a prefab at the Karori campus. The original line-up featured four trainee teachers (Worboys, McCrea, Findlater and Egan) and two well-known Wellington musician/songwriters (Donoghue and Curtis). They named themselves Bulldogs Allstar Goodtime Band after the bulldog insignia on McCrea’s washboard bicycle bell – the “Allstar” was added for theatricality and “Goodtime” for the brand of music they performed – and started playing Wellington’s coffee bars, surf clubs, dances, pubs and parks. Midyear they were the support band for Russell Morris at a packed St James Theatre. The band bought an old truck for $60 and organised a North Island tour playing university arts festivals and gigs in Napier and Wanganui as well as playing at Neil Worboys’ wedding. They appeared alongside BLERTA and even contacted the organisers of The Great Ngaruawahia Music Festival of January 1973 who said they couldn’t guarantee them a spot but they would try. Pitching their tent next door to Black Sabbath, Bulldogs were so well received they ended up going on twice. 1974 was a huge year for the band. They toured the North Island with Tiny Tim, performed for the Queen at the Royal Variety Charity Concert in Christchurch, toured with Kenny Rogers & The First Edition and English one-hit wonder Daniel Boone and released the album “Bulldoggin” which can be found on http://vinyoleum.blogspot.com.au/

Here to down load is a single not on the LP “Television Mama” b/w “Day In The Sun” (HR 531) recorded for EMI in 1974. When it came time to choose between moving to Australia or disbanding in late 1974, Bulldogs Allstar Goodtime Band unanimously decided on calling it quits with a Christmas-New Year North Island tour. The thought of starting over across the Tasman was just too much to bear. Mp3

Post 586 - Matt Moffitt - As Little As A Look LP

“As Little As A Look” (CDCBS26746) is the debut solo album by Matt Moffitt. The album was recorded in London and Belgium with Matt Finish co-founder and drummer John Prior and English producer Nicky Graham in 1985. The song Miss This Tonight reached #17 on the Australian single charts. Matthew David Moffitt born on the 20th August 1956 was best known as the vocalist with the band Matt Finish. From the late seventies until the mid-nineties, Matt Finish was one of Australia's most popular live bands. Moffitt's best known song with Matt Finish, Short Note, peaked at No. 18 and has become a standard on Australian radio stations. It was featured in Triple M Network's Best Songs of the Eighties poll in 2005, in the 2007 Australian feature film “The Final Winter”, appeared on Wendy Matthews' 2004 album Café Naturale. On 13 August 2003, Matt Moffitt died in Sydney in his sleep at the age of 46. His funeral on the 20th of August 2003 was attended by family, friends and key Australian music figures, including John Prior and Rick Grossman from Matt Finish, Don Walker (Cold Chisel), Doc Neeson (The Angels), Rob Hirst (Midnight Oil), John Swan (Swanee), Bernie Cannon (producer of GTK on ABC TV) and Rob Scott (Triple J). MP3

Post 585 - Tony Worsley with the Enrec Studio Band - Heartache For You - Rainy Night In Georgia

Tony was born in England and in 1944 with his family immigrated to Australia. He’s mainly known for his hit 'Velvet Waters'. Tony fronted the long running group 'The Blue Jays' in 1965 under 'Tony Worsley and The Blue Jays’. Tony has appeared on all major television variety shows during his long career and has toured Australia wide. Tony has appeared on 'The Mike Walsh Show' - 'Teen Beat' - 'Sing Sing Sing' - 'Saturday Date' - 'Komotion' - 'The Go Show' and many more. Tony still sings and now runs his own restaurant in Caloundra in Queensland. Here to download is a single he released in 1990, his first recording in over 22 years. He was invited to record the song after Ed Matzenik saw him performing at an Aboriginal concert in Sydney. The single “Heartache For You” b/w “Rainy Night In Georgia” (ENS 090) released on Enrec Records under the name of Tony Worsley with the Enrec Studio Band. Thanks again to Tim for finding this gem for the Blog.mp3  For more on the Tony Worsley story go to http://www.milesago.com/artists/worsley.htm 

Post 584 - Robin Jolley - Robin Jolley LP

There’s not much more I can write about Robin Jolley that I haven’t already  said in Post’s #4, #337, #532 and # #552, This is Robin’s one and only LP, released on Fable Records. The songs on this LP were produced by Doug Trevor and Brian Cadd.  It was recorded at Bill Armstrong Studios in Melbourne. Here to download is the Robin Jolly LP (FBAB-5302) from 1974. mp3

Post 583 - Gulliver Smith - Don't Keep Doin' It Duke - Black Hole

Born Kevin Smith, Gulliver Smith appeared as a child performer in Melbourne in the early 60s, covering golden oldies from the 50s. Eventually he left this scene to concentrate on his growing love of R&B and soul, with his band the Children in 1966. Dr Kandy’s Third Eye followed in 1967/8; in the vanguard of Sydney’s ‘flower-power’ psychedelic music period, their strange performances attracted Australian press attention. A series of short-lived, but interesting bands followed, but it was with Company Caine that his lyric writing became noticed and the band, despite poor media attention and no radio airplay, remains one of the great Australian cult bands of the 70s. Both their albums are now regarded as collector’s items. His solo album was well received, but it did not bring him a new audience. He moved back to Melbourne and led several more bands of variable quality which did not gather a following outside their small bohemian scene. Gulliver moved to England in 1977 and lived and worked there for many years. He returned to Australia in the late 80's and reformed Gulliver's Travels in 1989. He continues to write and perform under the slightly changed moniker of "Gullifer Smith". In 1996 he and his partner and collaborator Stephanie Hopkins released the excellent Deux Poetes album; he also co-wrote “A Touch Of Paradise” with Ross Wilson and was a hit for John Farnham.  In 1980 Smith released a single on Mighty Records “Don’t Keep Doin’ It Duke” b/w ‘Black Hole” (J.V.C.05). It was recorded in London and soon after it was withdrawn for what reason I don’t know. Even though it was never released I did picked up a copy and I have seen one on EBay going for $169.00 AUD so there’s a few out there it seems. I also heard that the song was about Ross Wilson or so they say. The thing that confuses me that on the back cover of the single it appears the B side is called “Dancing” and the song is about dancing but the label states that it’s called “Black Hole”.   Sadly we lost Gulliver on November 10th, 2014 from kidney failure, in Sydney. 

Post 582 - Victoria Nicolls - Midnight Rendezvous - Until Then

Victoria Nicholls (born 1954) is an Australian actress and television personality. Nicholls is well remembered by viewers for appearing in the Australian version of the game show “Sale of the Century” as a hostess from 1980 to 1982. She is also noted for her dramatic roles, such as Raeleen Archer in “The Restless Years” in the late 1970s, and as Officer Heather Rodgers in “Prisoner” in 1984. In 1995 she was a leading cast member of short-lived soap opera “Echo Point”. In 1979 she released the single “Midnight Rendezvous” b/w “Until Then” (AR-102) for Arrival Records. As far as I know this was her one and only recording. mp3 

Post 581 - Delilah - The Singles

There is no doubt about it; Delilah is a born performer, a born entertainer. At the early age of 4 years Delilah was entertaining neighborhood kids in her backyard in Baltimore, Maryland, charging one cent for admission. Later, inspired by the gospel music of her church choir, more interested in singing in school concerts then reading textbooks, Delilah with stardom in her eyes, headed for San Francisco, singing Jazz and Rhythm & Blues in a Pizza Parlor. A trip to Australia in the early 70s paved the way to an extensive, successful tour of South East Asia. The demand was such that she took in Indonesia, Taiwan, Bangkok, the Philippines and Hong Kong. A trail of rave reviews remained in her wake, wherever she performed. Hong Kong took her to heart, as many then and now are found to do. A weekly television show "Just Delilah" followed amidst modelling assignments and a film. Delilah's desire to return to her favorite country, Australia, was fulfilled when she returned to play in the stage production "The Wiz". It was around that time that Delilah decided to make Sydney her home. Here are Delilah’s three single releases from 1977 “My Guy” b/w “Leave Me” (MS-505), from 1988 “Where Is The Love” b/w “My Guy (New Version) (MS-511) and from 1980 “Sitting On The Edge Of The Ocean” b/w “Don’t You Walk That Way” (2079 503). The First two singles were produced by Robie Porter & Tony Hogarth for Miracle Records and the 3^rd single produced by Davidson & Neal for Airborne Records. Again thanks to Alan who had the 3^rd single as I did not know it existed. mp3 

Post 580 - Cats Under Pressure - Singles

Simon Hussey was working as a record producer on a single by the Lisa Bade Band which included guitarist Mark Greg.  When he formed Cats Under Pressure  in 1984 with himself on guitar, keyboards and backing vocals; Mark Greig on guitar and David Reyne (ex-Australian Crawl) on drums and lead vocals. They issued a self-titled mini LP on Freestyle Records, the label owned by Reyne's former band mates from Australian Crawl. It was produced by David Reyne's older brother, James, who was still Australian Crawl's lead singer. Cats Under Pressure followed with a single, "Let Me Be" b/w “Polar Notch” (FREE-0001), which was co-written by Hussey with David Reyne. A second single followed in 1985 “On Again Off Again” b/w “Ping Pong” (FREE-0006) this single was produced by Ian “Mack” MaKenzie and Hussey. During the 1980s and 1990s Hussey was a legal reporter transcribing court cases when not working in the music industry. Greig joined Australian Crawl until they disbanded in 1986. Reyne sang backing vocals on Chantoozies most popular tracks "Witch Queen", “He's Gonna Step On You Again" and "Love the One You're With”. He also began his acting career with a minor role in the 1983 film, Skin Deep. At the April 1985 TV Week Logie Awards ceremony, he won the 1984 Best New Talent Logie for his work in the ongoing role of Martin Kabel in the ABC series Sweet and Sour. These are the only two singles released by the band as well as the mini LP in 1984 which I’m yet to find a copy. A big thanks to Alan who provided me with the 2^nd single as well as the A side to the 1^st as mine was scratched pretty bad when I dug it out. mp3

Post 579 - Spaniards - The Singles

Following The Spaniards post yesterday I thought I’d post their three singles with a couple of non LP tracks for your collection. The first single “God Is A Shield” b/w “God Is A Shield (Extended) (KSS-1263) was produced by Red Hot Records and mixed by Ernie Rose with Tony Cohen doing the engineering. It was recorded in 1984 for I.C.Records. It was penned by Billy Miller. The 2^nd single recorded in 1985 for EMI “Angel” (EMI-1541) again written by Billy Miller and features an instrumental version on the B side. It was produce by Mark S.Berry and engineered by Ian “Mack” MacKenzie .  The 3^rd single “What Can I Do” b/w “Memory” ( EMI-1668) recorded for EMI in 1986 both feature on the mini LP “Locked In A Dance”, also produced by Mark S.Berry. Thanks to Henry for his help with this post. mp3 

Post 578 - Spaniards - Locked In A Dance

In 1983, Billy Miller formed The Spaniards with Mick Pealing ex Stars/Ideals on vocals and Mark Mannock ex Ideals on keyboards. The Spaniards utilised other musicians as required like Dave Springfield, Kevin Purcell, Russell Brown and John Annas. The band released three singles plus a mini LP here for you to download “Locked In A Dance” (EMM.430038) for EMI in 1986.  Additional players on the track “God Is A Shield” were Hendrick de Fries, James Freud and Wayne Young. mp3

Post 577 - The Studs - The New Studs Album

In 1977 Silver Studs Lance Reynolds and Gino Latorre continued as a duo, renaming themselves simply The Studs (and recruiting a new backing band). The debut single from The Studs was Funky Feet which reached Number 13 in October 1977. The duo completed an album which did not see the light of day until November 1978 and followed two more singles, Today I Met The Girl I’m Gonna Marry and Dr Bop. However The Studs only sang on side one with Stud front man Gino Latorre singing solo on side two, which featured his single “Crazy Lover”. The album was produced by Tony Hogarth at Trafalgar Studios, Sydney and Larrabee Studios Los Angeles between May 1977 and July 1978. Musicians included on this album were Tony Ansell, Stephen Murphy, Greg Lyons, Jim Kelly, James Taylor, Terry Young, Col Loughnan, Clydie King, Terry & Mona Lisa and Stephen Hopes. mp3 

Post 576 - Arnhem - Tropical Love - Dreamtime

I’m not too sure who “Arnhem” was but I thought I heard somewhere that they were an Aborigine group, like Yothu Yindi, but in saying that they don't sound like it at all. I looked up the name again and the closest I came to was "Arnhem Land", one of the five regions of the Northern Territory. All I can tell you is it's one of the largest Aboriginal Reserves in Australia. And that's how I assume these guys could have come from that area and how the name came about. All my books say is that they released the one single “Tropical Love” b/w “Dreamtime” (PRS 2593) for EMI. The book gives no other info like band members or where from. The single was produced by Christo and released in 1978. So once again maybe someone out there knows some more on these guys and will kindly drop us a line.   Thanks to Tim for this rare gem and Badger and Tim for  contacting their contacts in the hope of finding out more on the band but it seems they are a bit of a mystery to all. mp3 

Post 575 - The Red House Roll Band - O Lucky Man - Movin' On

Originally formed as Red House Roll Band, this Geelong (Victoria) quartet was that city's premier rock attraction during the mid-1970s, members then were Malcolm Donnelly - lead guitar, vocals, John Ferguson - lead guitar, lead vocals, Jack Green - bass, Claude Ragone - drums. The Red House Roll Band provided a very theatrical stage show like Alice Cooper with band members dressing up in skeleton suits or Superman outfits. In 1973 the band signed a record deal with Atlantic, which resulted in the single “Oh! Lucky Man” b/w “Movin’ On” (45 10026). Taken from the British feature film of the same name, the band's version of Alan Price's song became a regional hit. But the band went into hibernation and re-emerged in late 1975 as Redhouse, with a completely revised line-up comprising Green, John Dallimore, Jacques De Jongh and Gary Crothall. Redhouse built up a strong following on the Melbourne pub circuit as a hard-working heavy rock band. In July 1976, De Jongh left the band to join Hush. Graham Matters on vocals and Garry Quince on guitar and keyboards took his place. In September, Redhouse entered the studio to record a debut album, “One More Squeeze”. The album did not reflect the band's onstage energy and presented as a lightweight guitar-pop LP. The album produced the singles “I Like Dancing” in October 1976 and “Who's Foolin' Who?”  in February 1977. mp3

Post 574 - The Johnnys - Live at La Dolce Vita

The Johnnys were an Australian pub rock band from Sydney in 1982–1989 that combined country and punk musical styles. Members included founder, Roddy Ray'da  and Spencer P. Jones. According to rock music historian, Ian McFarlane, "Despite being one of the most popular bands on the pub-rock circuit, The Johnnys never crossed over into the premier league". Cult following in Kaikoura, New Zealand. Local boy Carl described them as "bigger than the Rolling Stones". This album was recorded at La Dolce Vita, Lausanne Switzerland on the 1.5.90, during The Johnnys European tour in 1990. "The Johnnys Live At La Dolce Vita" (HICD 9130) was recorded for Urbane Records and released in 1991.mp3  

Post 573 - Coconut Rough LP

Coconut Rough was formed in 1982 by lead singer Andrew Snoid, formerly with New Zealand bands The Whizz Kids, Pop Mechanix and Australian-based New Zealand group The Swingers, and guitarist Mark Bell. Bell later joined Snoid in a reformed Pop Mechanix. Other member were Dennis "Choc" Te Whare, keyboardist Stuart Pearce and drummer Paul Hewitt - and later guitarist Bones Hillman.They decided on the name "Coconut Rough" based on a type of sweet treat popular in Australia and New Zealand. The band's biggest hit was also their first single - "Sierra Leone" hit the top five in the 1983 New Zealand pop charts. The song was aided by one of the first New Zealand music videos with special effects. In 2001, "Sierra Leone" was voted the 94th best New Zealand song of all time by members of APRA.They were an opening act for The Police at their Western Springs concert in 1984, but had folded before the end of that year. Here's their one and olny LP recorded in 1984 for Mushroom Records "Coconut Rough" (L38216). The album was produced by Dave Marett and engineered by Graeme Myhre. It was recorded at Mandrill Studios in Auckland. Phil Judd did the painting for the front cover.mp3

Post 572 - Patricia Stephenson - Somtimes - So Easy To Remember

Patricia Stephenson was a regular cast member of Channel 7 Perth's Stars of the Future in the 70s. She was of Burmese descent, and was a popular cabaret performer around Perth. Patricia won the 1973 series of Showcase, the same year as The Moir Sisters & stage star John Lidgerwood appeared. She made her acting debut  in Channel 10's other sex 'n' sin soap "The Box" as Suki King . In 1975 she recorded this single for Fable Records "Sometimes" b/w "So Easy To Remember" (FB 253). The single was produced by Doug Trevor, he also wrote the B side. The trail goes a bit cold after 1975 tho..mp3

Post 571 - Diamond Cutter - Wild Colonial Woman - There You Go

Fraternity’s  John Bisset’s love of London women, pubs and beer slowed him down somewhat, but he eventually returned to Sydney in 1981. He managed to score a programming gig with LaPorte Chemicals in Banksmeadow and a flat share over the road from the Robin Hood pub in Waverley with two lovely young women. John Eyers from “Fraternity” came visiting and wrought havoc in John’s life by taking him on a tour of his regular hangouts, meeting some very extraordinary people and experiencing new heights of alienation and paranoia by sampling the substances they offered. John’s erratic drunken personality swings became too much for my young flatmates and he moved to a flat near Bondi Beach. He drank at the Bondi and the Astra and at a late night watering hole called the Fondu . Through another ex-Fraternity member John Freeman he met Billy McMahon who had played bass with John Swann's band “Swanee”. He eventually recruited a guitarist Brett Hamlyn, vocalist Terry Barker and drummer John Affleck and Mal Logan and rehearsed in a Darlinghurst studio for a few months late in 1982. They called the band “Diamond Cutter” and started playing around Sydney and the Gold Coast in 1983. In mid-1983 they attracted the offer of a recording contract from CBS records on the strength of demo tapes they made of their   original material. His day gig later was with Ajax Chemicals in Auburn as a freelancer with a Kiwi boss called John Rolley. With the help of a young girlfriend John stayed off the booze for about 6 months during Diamond Cutter's rise. She encouraged him to attend several sessions with a psychologist who first suggested to him that he may be an alcoholic. He actually attended one meeting for alcoholics in West Sydney but he wasn't totally ego-deflated enough to get on board at that time. A strange sequence of seemingly supernatural events got John back onto the booze in a big way and he managed to destroy his credibility and ultimately Diamond Cutter as well. It’s a pity that only one single was released by Diamond Cutter “ Wild Colonial Woman” b/w “There You Go” (BA 223156) in 1984 for CBS. John penned both sides of the single, the single was produced by the band with Guy Gray & Steve Bywaters engineering and Chris Gilbey mixing the record at Studio 301, Sydney.  mp3

Post 570 - Healing Force - Golden Miles - The Gully

Healing Force was something of a 'supergroup', and its history intersects with several other important bands of the period, notably King Harvest and Friends. They made only one single, but it is still widely regarded as one of the flagship Australian progressive rock releases of the early '70s. All the members had a wealth of experience – Laurie Pryor had been the drummer in the The Twilights; Charlie Tumahai   was from Nova Express; Mal Logan was from The Rebels and Lindsay Wells had been a member of Perth's rock pioneers Bakery.  The first line-up formed late in 1970 and began playing in Adelaide over the '70/'71 Christmas period. They played at several early rock festivals including Launching Place. In April 1971, they signed with Robie Porter's new Sparmac label. Midway through 1971, they expanded to a five piece with the addition of John Pugh (ex-18th Century Quartet) on guitar. In July, they released their single.  "Golden Miles" b/w “The Gully” (SPR-009), penned by Lindsay Wells, it is one of the most admired Australian progressive rock recordings of the period. It was very successful and spent nineteen weeks in the Melbourne charts, barely missing out on entering the Top 30. It features rippling Hammond organ by Mal Logan, highlighted by the soaring vocals of the late Charlie Tumahai. The flip-side, another Lindsay Wells composition, was heavier but almost as good. Just before the single hit the charts, Charlie quit to join Chain and the group returned to a four piece. Pryor left soon after and was replaced by Joe Tattersall (ex-Barrelhouse), but then Lindsay also left and the band fizzled out. In November 1972, Healing Force reformed with Logan, Pryor and Pugh, plus newcomers Gus Feniwck (bass) and Mal Capewell (ex-Company Caine) on reeds. This version performed at the Sunbury Pop Festival in January 1973, with Charlie rejoining especially for the show. One track from their set, "Erection", was included on the Mushroom Records Sunbury '73 album. They disbanded shortly afterwards, during preparations for a planned LP, leaving their considerable promise sadly unfulfilled. mp3

Post 569 - Johnny Devlin & Sailing- I'm Heading For L.A - I'm Heading For L.A. (Instrumental)

The 1984 Summer Olympics, officially known as the Games of the XXIII Olympiad, was an international multi-sport event held in Los Angeles, California, United States in 1984. Legendary rocker  Johnny Devlin who turned his talents to sport for this single that was sponsored by a very well-known Australian airline Qantas who were involved in getting the many Olympic fans to the U.S. Johnny’s backed by Sailing on this single and it was released on Majical Records and judging by the Cat. # JD-001 must be the first release. Technician was Richard Lush and was recorded at Paradise Studios.  Side B was an instrumental version of “I’m Heading For L.A.” and featured Tim Fitzgerald on Lead Guitar. Again thanks to Tim for digging out this gem.   Flac 

Post 568 - Norman & Effie - Amigos Para Siempre - Venereal Girl

"Effie" (full character name "Effie Stephanidis") is an outrageous comedic character played by Australian actress Mary Coustas. Coustas depicts a stereotypical second-generation Greek Australian. The character originated in the comedy program Acropolis Now, which ran from 1989 to 1992. Effie's catchphrases include "How embarrassment!" (See malapropism) in response to any potentially embarrassing situation. She greets people with "Hello, good thanks" before they have even asked her how she is feeling. Norman Gunston was a satirical TV character performed by Australian actor and comedian Garry McDonald. The Gunston character 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 The Aunty Jack Show in 1973. His segments as Norman in “What's On In Wollongong” became one of the most popular parts of the Aunty Jack Show, and Norman appeared on the “Aunty Jack Sings Wollongong” album along with McDonald's other character, Kid Eager. In 1992, Effie released a novelty single: a duet with Garry McDonald's Norman Gunston, recording their version of Andrew Lloyd Webber's "Amigos Para Siempre" (74321125792) for BMG Records. The song was the official song of the 1992 Summer Olympics (originally performed by Sarah Brightman and José Carreras). The single reached the Top 20 chart in Australia.   mp3

Post 567 - Col Elliott - It's A Quid Mate - Don't Knock It LP

Col Elliott has been pushing our belly-laugh buttons for over 40 years. He is one of Australia's most loved and in demand performers. Col takes his audience on an incredible ride with his stand-up, his zany characters and his unique brand of story-telling and music ......He does it all. His many album and DVD releases have not only given him gold and platinum status, but have generated a huge fan base which manages to cross all generational boundaries. Here from 1986 is Col’s LP “It's A Quid Mate - Don't Knock It” (COL-30008). Thanks to Tim for fixing this one  up for the Blog.   mp3 

Post 566 - Dark Tan - After Dark....Tan LP

Alston Koch, is a Sri Lanka born Australian singer-songwriter. He migrated to Sydney, Australia where he was most successful in the entertainment and professional music industry while recording for RCA/Laser Records and the Australian TV Network Channel 9's "Living Sound" recording label. In Australia, he formed his band Dark Tan and recorded three international hits on the RCA label. He has performed internationally with Dark Tan, S-witch, and as a solo artist. One notable appearance was during 'The Stars & Stripes Concert' in 1976, performing under the Sydney harbour bridge on a floating pontoon for Radio 2SM. Rock Brains Of The Universe and music historian Glenn A Baker has said that 'Alston & Dark Tan' were the originators of Disco Music in Australia. His first self-written major hit, "Disco Lady", earned him his first gold record. The song also won him and Dark Tan the 'Best New Talent' at the 1979 International Disc Jockey Association Awards (Before the ARIA'S ) and that same year Dark Tan won Australia's Observer newspaper's 'Best Disco Band' award. George Levendis of Motown Records in New York said he had the best soul voice in Australasia and Robert Racic the legendary Dance Music producer called him the Luther Vandross of Australia. Here to download is the “After Dark…..Tan” (VXL1-6514). The album was produced by Alston Koch except for the track Disco lady that was produced by Mario Millo. Engineers were Alex Duyser and Peter Hood. The album was recorded between January 1978 and March 1980.  On a personal note I must say I wasn’t a big fan of Disco at the time and I didn’t buy this LP until about 30 years later when I pick it up somewhere in a second-hand record store in Sydney.  A week ago I received an email from a guy in Canada named Andrew, he said he liked Australian music and wondered if I could help him track down a band called Dark Tan. I thought now there’s a name I haven’t heard of in a while. So after digging in some boxes I found the LP and I must be honest this is the first time I have played it and I must say Alston Koch has a brilliant voice, it really blew me away. I’m sorry now I never played it much sooner and I’ll be looking for other recordings by this man I can assure you.     MP3

Post 565 - Peter McKenna - Smile All The While - It Takes Time

McKenna was the second of five children to Winnie and Kevin McKenna. He grew up supporting Essendon and played soccer until he was 13. Recruited from West Heidelberg, McKenna credited Collingwood coach Bob Rose for patiently helping to shape him into the champion footballer he was to become.] In the opening round of the 1966 VFL season against Hawthorn at Victoria Park, McKenna gave a glimpse of what was to come when he kicked 12 goals in a match-winning effort, the first of thirteen occasions when he would kick ten or more goals in a game. However, McKenna's form dropped away and after being held goalless against North Melbourne in Round 6, he was dropped for the remainder of the season. McKenna topped the Magpies' goal kicking list for the first of eight consecutive times in 1967, booting 47 goals. Over the ensuing seasons he gradually improved, kicking 97 goals in 1969, before amassing an incredible tally of 143 the following year. What was even more incredible was that it was not sufficient to top the VFL's goal kicking list; Hawthorn's Peter Hudson kicked 146 goals, adding a record-equaling 150 goals in 1971 compared to McKenna's 'modest' tally of 134. From the start of the 1968 VFL season to Round 3, 1974, McKenna kicked at least one goal in 120 consecutive games, still a competition record.  But he did record two single when not playing football, on post # 470 you’ll find Peter’s first single for Fable Records and this one is from 1971 penned and produced by Johnny Young for Festival “Smile All the While” b/w “It Takes Time” (FK4383).  Altogether, McKenna's VFL record of 874 goals from 191 games was enough to place him as the league's fourth-highest goal kicker at the time of his retirement, behind only Gordon Coventry, Doug Wade and Jack Titus. At the start of the 2014 AFL season he sits ninth all-time. His full senior and representative career yielded 1213 goals.   mp3