Current Traffic

Saturday 22 August 2015

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

Saturday 8 August 2015

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

Sunday 2 August 2015

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