Post 699 - Mick Hamilton - Merry Christmas Mary - Roving Gambler

Playing professionally in rock bands from his mid-teens, guitarist and vocalist Mick Hamilton has since worked not only as a sideman but also as band leader, solo performer, record producer and musical director. Among the bands and individual artists with whom he has worked from the 60s include the Moods, the Vibrants, the Springfield Revival, the rockabilly band the Mighty Guys, Alan Caswell, Keith Glass and Gary Young. With the latter (as Glass Hamilton) He and Glass also recorded as the Dimmer Twins, “True Blue Aussie Christmas”.  In 1986 he recorded and produced the Christmas single “Merry Christmas Mary” b/w “Roving Gambler” (K 127). Hamilton has toured extensively outside Australia, including appearing in Thailand, Venezuela, Brazil, Argentina, the UK and the USA. Flac

Post 698 - Various - Family Christmas Album

In 1985 Central Coast Radio 2GO & St. George Building Society put together this Christmas LP “Family Christmas Album” (STGO 1), it was produced by G.Wayne Thomas & Craig Denyer and recorded at Sun Studios by Martin Harrington & Gary O’Connor. All proceeds  from the LP went to “Camp Breakaway” Wyong N.S.W. Featuring on the LP  was a mixed bag from Central Coast Artists Simone Hartman, Joyce Harpur, McCormack Brothers Band, Bill O’Neill, June Cheney to name a few. A big thank you to Christine for giving me this LP to fix up for the Blog Flac

Post 697 - The Cast - Christmas With Your Neighbours

That time of year again where we dig through the Christmas box. Throughout this album, you can just about hear the Neighbour’s marketing team rubbing their hands together in the background. I’m unsure whether the cast wanted to do the album, or whether it was decided for them in this post-Kylie Minogue and Jason Donovan, and pre-Delta Goodrem time. Stefan Dennis is the only one here noted as having a record contract, although Ian Smith and Anne Charleston had released their single “Old Fashioned Christmas” in the same year as this album. This is a fast romp through the classic songs, and generally gives you the festive spirit. The LP was released on Fable Records in 1989, (FAB 793200) with the help of Wendy Stapleton, Terry Dean and produced by Russell McKenna and Tony Naylor. Flac 

Post 696 - The Rory O'Donoghue Quartet - The Colour In Between

In memory of Rory O’Donoghue  (13 May 1949- 13 December 2017).

Rory O’Donoghue, the creative force alongside Grahame Bond for Australian hit 70s comedy The Aunty Jack Show, has died at age 68. In a statement on Facebook, Jessica O’Donoghue revealed, “We are so very sad to announce the passing of Rory O’Donoghue. He died in hospital on 13 December 2017. Many of you knew Rory as an incredible musician, a great athlete and a wonderful teacher. To us he was the most amazing and precious Dad, Grandpa, partner, son, brother, uncle and friend. We are devastated and will miss him deeply.

I never had the pleasure of meeting Rory in person but we were Facebook friends for over five years and in that time we chattered many times about his life with the bands he played in and of cause the Aunty Jack years. I found him never too busy to talk and a true gentleman. Here in this post for you to download is a album he released in 2000 “The Colour In Between” under The Rory O’Donoghue Quartet. The album features Rory on vocals & guitars, Alister  Spence keyboard, Ben O’Donoghue six string bass and Laurence Pike on drums. We talked once about me doing a post of all the Rory years with the Pogs, Oakapple Day, Cool Bananas and some other recordings. The only thing stopping us was his Fable single ”The Race” which I have never scored a copy as yet, but now I will  endeavour to track down and finish this project. R.I.P Rory.  Flac

Post 695 - The Mint - The Complete Singles

Christine Dalton was Michael’s wife, born Christine Martin. David and Eddie were Michael’s brothers. Stephen was not a Dalton at all, but Stephen Powell who, after leaving the band in the early 70s, went on to record the classic ‘Celestial Madness’ album, as S. J. C. Powell, you can find that LP on Post #682. Powell was replaced in the band by Simon Dalton another Dalton ring-in apparently, not sure who he was at all.   Everybody’s a Daltons idea came from the band’s manager at the time Sid McDonagh.  Here for you to download, the complete singles from The Mint from 1969/’71. Their 3^rd single “Down The Dustpipe” was covered by Status Quo. All the single were released on Ramrod Records, Johnny Rebb produced many of the The Mint singles. Thanks to Matt Gleeson for the pic of the band for this post. After The Mint had split, Michael, Christine, David and Eddie formed The Daltons and released one single on Astor and then several singles and a self-titled album on the Wizard label. Flac

Post 694 - Australian Cast Recording - Happy Days The Arena Mega Musical

Back in the summer of 1999 after a London theatre workshop adaptation of Happy Days caught the attention of the Australian promoter Paul Dainty, it was announced that Dainty and collaborator David Ian would be bringing Happy Days: The Arena Mega Musical to a handful of Australian cities. And in stark contrast to the “Dainty” name, it would prove to be a massive, elaborate production, with more than 70 performers taking the stage. The Happy Days touring show wasn’t short on star power, either. Along with a cast of rising musical theatre standouts Jon Stevens, Jo Beth Taylor, Doug Parkinson, and Craig McLachlan as The Fonz Maybe the biggest fish Dainty managed to pull for the tour, however, was one of Australia’s most popular young boy bands of the day, Human Nature who played a fictional Doo Wop group called “The Naturals,” adding their talents to the show’s compilation of classic rock n’ roll oldies like “Great Balls of Fire,” “Shake Rattle and Roll,” and “Why Do Fools Fall in Love?” The soundtrack album here for you to download was released on Sony Records (4966782) in 1999. Flac

Post 693 - Randall Waller - Oasis

Randall Waller released two Christian based albums as a solo artist, “Oasis” (GS5002) in 1978 here for you to download, and “Midnight Fire”  in 1980. In 1981 Waller formed rock group Lionheart in Sydney with Evan Murray on keyboards, Martin Toole on guitar, and his two brothers: John Waller on drums and Kendall Waller on bass guitar – the group was soon renamed as Avion, who  were on track to making it big. But it’s hard to keep a band together, and when he found himself a free agent, he packed a guitar, hit the road, and never looked back. Touring with artists like Sharon O’Neill, Dragon and Bonnie Tyler, Randall eventually found himself in London working with Australian household names like Jon English and Billy Thorpe. Things shifted gear from there, when friend Andy Cichon who, by putting Randall’s name forward for a gig that would change his life, also initiated a friendship with one of the biggest names in the music business. The gig was for a really big tour, this was a Mutt Lange production so we immediately knew it would be big. They wanted a guitarist who could also sing great harmonies and could compliment the lead singer’s voice; the artist was none other than Shania Twain. The first tour was in ’88 & ‘89 for the ‘Come on Over’ record which is still the biggest selling album of all time by a female artist. Between albums Randall camped out in Nashville, where he soon found work with people like Keith Urban, and Americana Song writing legend Rodney Crowell. After another tour with Shania, he moved back to Australia in 1996 and joined Billy Thorpe’s new band. Randall then penned and recorded the single “Side By Side” which was dedicated to the victims of the ’96 Port Arthur massacre. The single was issued in February ’97 with all proceeds to the Port Arthur Appeal Fund.  He joined up with Australian Rock legends ‘Rose Tattoo’ in 2007. Thanks again to Rex for sending me this LP to post on the Blog. Flac

Post 692 - Carlton - Carlton

Carlton was a rock band from Cowra (NSW), a town about 300km south-west of Sydney between Bathurst and Young and about an hour’s drive from here in Orange. The band was actually named after the Skyhooks' song. Carlton's rarely seen album contains a blend of melodic and rockier numbers, including a cover of The Master's Apprentices "Turn Up Your Radio". Here to download is the S/T album by Carlton (JCWM 0016) The LP was recorded at JAM Sound Studios in Gosford (NSW) and arranged by Carlton. Carlton are Bass Guitar – Robert Trudgen, Drums – Mick Cunningham, Keyboards, Rhythm Guitar, Vocals – Laurie Stephenson, Lead Vocals, Lead Guitar – John Marsh. The album was produced by Paul Bryant. Thanks to Rex for another rare one for the Blog. Flac

Post 691 - The Delltones - Tears Begin To Fall - Birmingham

After returning from Europe at the end of 1970, The Delltones recorded the classic single "Rock 'N' Roll Will Stand", which was backed with a Bob Pierse composition "Billy's Rock 'N' Roll" for Festival Records. Following this, they released the album “London Session”. The single “Tears Begin To Fall” b/w "Birmingham" (EA-9978) released on HMV Records with the A side being a cover of a Frank Zappa  song. But the single failed to register on the charts. For the next three years the band toured nationally. The tour culminated with their near-demise, in the infamous fire at Brisbane's Whisky au Go Go nightclub. In 1973, following disenchantment with city life, the show business industry and tensions within the group, The Delltones split up. Martin and Pierse continued performing as a duet, while Wilson and Perkins turned hippy and settled with their families on a farm in the Mid North Coast of NSW. In 1978, after pressure from various sources, including Johnny O'Keefe, The Delltones reformed. They went on to tour for the next two years, sharing the bill with Digger Revell. The Delltones backing band at the time was Jon Hayton aka Farmer Jon, Michael Lawler and Leon Isackson. Former tensions and disputes arose in The Delltones, with Sep Martin leaving in 1981, followed by Bob Pierse, and finally Brian Perkins. Flac

Post 690 - The Sidney Simm Funny Orchestra - William Tell Rides Again - Zoopops Theme

I’m afraid not too much to write on this post, can’t find anything at all on The Sidney Simm Funny Orchestra. Released in 1974 “William Tell Rides Again” b/w “Zoopops Theme” (K-5438) On Festival Records.  Produced by Martin Erdman and conducted by Mel Bourne which I’m pretty sure is a play on words just like Sidney.  After listening to this I would compare the tracks to early Capt. Matchbox style. But like I often say maybe there is someone out there that will inform us on more of these guys someday soon. Flac

Post 689 - Bill & Boyd - It's A Small World - Meanwhile Back In Abeline

On their return to Australia, Bill & Boyd established themselves as a top club act. In 1970, they joined Ron Tudor's newly formed Fable label. Their first release, in July 1970, was a version of "It's A Small World" b/w “Meanwhile Back In Abeline” (FB 009) which, although a steady seller, didn't quite make the top 40. They had several releases of singles and albums over the next four years. It wasn't until 1975 that they had their most success, after recording a song called "Santa Never Made It into Darwin". The song documented the events of Cyclone Tracy that devastated the city of Darwin on Christmas Eve 1974. This single was Arranged and Produced by John Farrar.Flac

Post 688 - John Paul Young - Love Is In The Air

"Love Is in the Air" is a 1977 disco song  by John Paul Young. The song was written by George Young and Harry Vanda and it became a worldwide hit in 1978, peaking at No. 3 on the Australian charts and No. 5 in the UK Singles Chart. In the United States, the song peaked at No. 7 on the pop chart and spent two weeks at No. 1 on the adult contemporary chart, his only US top 40 hit. The song was released as the lead single from Young's fourth studio album, (here for you to download) “Love Is in the Air” (475606-2) in 1978. John Paul Young said of the recording, "We actually did 'Love Is in the Air' because we needed something for the German market. ‘Standing in the Rain' became a hit in the clubs over there and then on the charts, so we needed a follow-up. I'd been to Germany and heard the music. It was electronic mania, all clicks and electronic buzzes. So George and Harry gave it the treatment." "Love Is in the Air" was the theme song to Baz Luhrmann's 1992 debut feature film “Strictly Ballroom”. Young performed the song at the Closing Ceremony of the 2000 Olympic Games in Sydney. Musicians on the LP were Johnny Dick, Ian Miller, Warren Morgan, Rockwell T.James and Jacques De Jongh. Flac

Post - 687 - Doug Ashdown - Source

Douglas Wesley Ashdown was born in 1942 in Adelaide, South Australia and at the age of 17 he travelled to England to play in a rock band. In 1961 he was back in Adelaide and played guitar alongside Bobby Bright as vocalist in The Bowmen. By 1965, as a solo singer-songwriter, he released his first album, This Is Doug Ashdown. His 1960s popular singles were "Something Strange" in 1968, and in 1969, "Whole Lotta Shakin' Goin On". In 1970, he signed with the independent label, Sweet Peach, and issued "The Saddest Song of All" in August which peaked at No. 53 on the Australian Go-Set Singles Chart. The song was written by Ashdown and Jim Stewart, who became his long-term producer and co-writer. The associated album, The Age of Mouse, was the first double LP album of original material released by an Australian. Ashdown and Stewart relocated to the United States, living in Nashville. While in Nashville, the pair co-wrote "Just Thank Me", for David Rogers, who released it in 1973—it peaked at No. 17 on the US Country Music Singles Chart. They also co-wrote "Leave Love Enough Alone" which Ashdown released in 1974 upon relocation to Sydney. He had a minor hit with it when it was renamed as "Winter in America" and released in 1976, it peaked at No.  3 in Brisbane, No. 14 in Melbourne and No. 30 in Sydney. Here to download is his LP from 1968 “Source” (SBP-233516) released on CBS Records. In 1977, his album, Trees won the TV Week, an Australian television entertainment magazine, King of Pop Award for 'Best Album Cover'. Ashdown also worked with science fiction writer/songwriter Terry Dowling on recordings of Dowling's song-cycle "Amberjack", about a stranded time traveller. Ashdown contributed lead vocals and guitar to six of the tracks of Dowling's song-cycle which were broadcast by the Australian Broadcasting Corporation in 1977. He continued to release singles and albums and had minor chart success into the 1980s. As from April 2010, his most recent album was The Folk Centre Concert in 2007. Thanks again to Rex for lending me this LP to put on the Blog. Flac

Post 686 - Going Home - Australian Artists Australian Songs

“Going Home - Australian Artists Australian Songs” (514 775-2) released in 1993 on ABC Records was a collection of Australian Songs recorded by Jon English, Doc Neeson, Paul Kelly, Shane Howard to name a few. I can’t find out really why the album was recorded if for something special as there’s very little info anywhere on the album. To me it’s very special though because a friend of mine Rosie and I had a mission to find it because it had a rare Jon English track that we both had never heard before. Rosie was a big Jon fan and that’s how we met through this Blog with one of my posts of Jon that Rosie hadn’t heard before. Five years later and many emails and a few phone calls Rosie and I became great friends mostly chatting about life, grand-kids and of cause our passion for great music. Rosie finally tracked down a copy of this CD on EBay and like the friend she was gave me a copy and we hoped that was now all the Jon English collection complete. Sadly on the 31 of March 2017 Rosie passed away after 3 months being diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumour. So that’s one of the reasons I’m posting this album in memory of my dear friend. We never did get to meet in person for that coffee and chat but I know she’d be smiling seeing this post. Thanks to Graham for sending me this to post as I lost my copy when my hard drive crashed a few weeks back. R.I.P Rosie we will never forget you.Flac 

Post 685 - Bob Jones - Butterfly - Lady Love Song

Bob Jones is certainly a man of mystery his one and only single “Butterfly” b/w “Lady Love Song” (WBA-4020) released in 1972 for Warner Bros. Records.  The single was produced by G.Wayne Thomas and a couple of people even told me that they thought it might have been him singing under the Bob Jones name. A few years ago I was in contact with a lady named Brenda who I’m not sure if she’s G. Wayne Thomas’s agent or P.A. but she knew him and we talked about some of his songs that he was after which I had and she wanted to know if I would fix them up for him for a project he was going to do, (which is another story). So I was hoping she still had the same email and I wrote to her asking about Bob Jones to see if she could put some light on who he was.

As luck would have it she did respond to my email and this is what she said…….’Hi Garry I asked him about the Bob Jones single and he recalls producing the single. Bob Jones sang and wrote both sides of the single. After the record Bob met a Spanish girl and moved to Spain and was never heard of again”. Thanks again to Rex for sending me this very rare record to put on the Blog.Flac

Post 684 - Fingerprint - Play Roulette - When I Get Out Of Here

After going to the U.K. Neale Johns teamed up with Con Gallin where with session player they recorded an album. In 1977 the two returned to Australia and put together the outfit called “Fingerprint” with Trevor Young on drums and bass player Mark Smith. They recorded a single for Infinity Records in August ‘77 “Play Roulette” b/w “When I Get Out Of Here” (K-6911), Gallin penned the A side with Johns writing the B side. They both also produced the single. Not long after “Fingerprint” broke up with Johns and Young re-formed “Blackfeather” in June ‘1978. The label says from the forthcoming album but from what I can find out “Fingerprint” broke up before an album was recorded.Flac 

Post 683 - Ian Betteridge - Northbound Train - Itchy Feet

In 1973 Ian first entered country music by winning 4 sections of the CCMA talent quest at the Tamworth festival then signed a 3 year recording contract with CM records. He formed the “Ramblin’ Country Band”. They performed for 7 years every Sunday from 1983-1990 at the Central Coast Leagues Club, Gosford. In 1975 he won a National Search for a Songwriter Contest, the prize being a trip to Nashville, USA.   He wrote the “Wedding Song” which has been recorded in several countries and has been twice to the top of the Hit Parade in Ireland, and featured in the movie “Blown Away” staring Tommy-Lee Jones and Jeff Bridges. The single here for you to download “Northbound Train” b/w “Itchy Feet” (CM-012) was released on CM Records but I’m not sure what year. The label is a bit confusing because it has that it was recorded at Jam Sound Studios Gosford but has a P.O.Box 507 Dubbo N.S.W and it was printed in Singapore, so take your pick. Ian has written over 70 songs which have been recorded by over 60 artists worldwide. Thanks to Paul for this single to put up on the Blog.Flac

Post 682 - S.J.C. Powell - Celestial Madness

Before the release of this album, S.J.C. Powell (Stephen Joseph Christopher Powell) was guitarist and vocalist in Australian band, "The Mint", who released 4 singles between 1969 and 1971 on the  'Ramrod' label.  They were 3 brothers and a sister Stephen was adopted as the 4^th brother. “Celestial Madness” (APLP-014) remains one of Australia's rarest major label releases from the 1970s it was released on Albert Productions in 1975, as it seemingly was one of those mysterious albums that sold very little upon release and sunk without a trace into the land of obscurity. There is plenty of studio experimentation with phasing, tremolo and space-like synthesizer effects that work well with the lyrics. The LP was produced by Chris Gilbey and engineered by Bruce C. Brown. There are two copies floating around EBay at the moment one for $660 and the other going for $1,100 so looks like it’s a rare one to track down. Thanks again to Matt for helping out with the info and Rex once again for sending me this rare gem for the Blog. A great listen and another I didn’t know was out there.Flac

Post 681 - Symphonique - Inn Of The Damned (short version) - Inn Of The Damned (long version)

This is the theme to the movie “Inn of the Damned” short b/w “Inn Of The Dammed” long (AP-10939) released in 1975, directed, produced and written by Terry Bourke. It’s like a mix of a faux Morricone theme and the Marlboro cigarettes music. “Symphonique”, probably not a band, more likely a recording name for Bob Young who wrote the movie score. There was a 2nd “Symphonique” single released on Albert Productions “Plugg” b/w “Love Theme from Plugg", music also by Bob Young and another movie by Terry Bourke. He also did “Night of Fear” in 1972. Thanks to Hugh for dropping this single to me for the Blog.Flac

Post 680 - Copperwine - Golden Angels - What's In A Day

A terrific one off 1972 single by Copperwine following the departures of Jeff St. John & Wendy Saddington, this new line-up featured the talents of one of our greatest rock journeymen Glyn Mason out front. Post Chain. Coppwerwine then disbanded with bassist Harry Brus going on to play with a who's who of Aussie rock, while Glyn would soon form his own pioneering country/prog band Home for 2 albums, then joined Mike Rudd in Ariel for some of their best albums. He then rounded out the 70's with the highly popular Stockley See & Mason. Glyn & Sam See can still be found gigging regularly around Melbourne as The Pardoners. Thanks Micko for the notes on this great single. My only regret with this single is that they never released an album.  Flac

Post 679 - Andy Armstrong - Before I Forget....

Andy Armstrong was a teenager in Adelaide when he cut his first LP “At Last” in 1969. While working with the band “Loveday Carter” in 1970 he met Gary Saunders and Daryl Webb and asked if they'd be interested in working with him on some of his own songs. The result was “Perspective Works”, which came out in 1972 and is full of beautiful musicianship and poetic lyrics. Armstrong cut one further LP in 1979 titled “Before I Forget” (OP 3002) The LP features Phil Cunneen (keyboards), Dean Birbeck (drums), Graham Conlen (acoustic and electric guitars) and Geoff Kluke (acoustic and electric bass)  well  highly regarded musicians one and all, they all support Andy’s vocals and acoustic guitar throughout this record. The album was recorded at Pepper Studios by John McDiamid who also collaborated with Andy on production. Most of the songs on this album were written a few years before its release, more like 1972 than 1979. All the songs were penned by Andy except tracks 5 & 8. Thanks again to Rex for sending me this LP and yes another I did not know about and again well worth a listen. Flac 

Post 678 - Noel Crombie - My Voice Keeps Changing On Me - Ninee Neezup

Noel Crombie (born Geoffrey Noel Crombie on 17 April 1953) is a New Zealand singer and former member of the band Split Enz. He fulfilled multiple roles including costume and hair designer, percussionist, album cover designer, and music video director. Prior to Split Enz, Crombie worked as a postal assistant and was also an artist. For the album Time and Tide, Crombie took over the role of drummer, though a year later returned to percussion, with Paul Hester becoming Split Enz's drummer. He is particularly remembered for playing spoon solos during Split Enz live shows. After Split Enz disbanded, Noel formed the band Schnell Fenster with Phil Judd, Eddie Rayner and Nigel Griggs, also Split Enz alumni, and Michael den Elzen. Rayner left before the first album was released.In 1988 the members of Schnell Fenster collaborated with Wendy Matthews, Michael Harris, Louis McMannus, Vika Bull and Lisa Edwards under the name 'Noel's Cowards' for the movie “Rikky and Pete”. Crombie has released one solo single, "My Voice Keeps Changing on Me" b/w “Ninee Neezup” (K9000) , in 1983 while Split Enz took a break. Tim Finn was the only other band member to have a solo release during this break. According to Crombie he had to either release the single or pay for the studio time. In 1996, Crombie assisted Crowded House by designing the stage set design for their final concert, Farewell to the World at the Sydney Opera House. Crombie currently lives with his daughters Hedwig, Griselda, and his wife Sally whom he works with as a freelance designer. They designed the set for ABC-TV's musical quiz program Spicks and Specks. The single was released on Mushroom Records in 1983 and was produced by Noel and engineered by Jim Barton. Occasionally, Noel  gets banned from playing music in the house. He doesn't blame his wife, Sally, for getting annoyed. Crombie's hobby is making instruments out of recycled materials. "Weird, awful things that give you tingle-up-the-spine sorts of noises," he says "Sally will say, 'You can't play that - it's like fingers up a blackboard'." Flac

Post 677 - Terry Donovan - Loose Ends - Hickery Holler's Tramp

Terence Donovan (born 28 October 1942), also known as Terry Donovan, is a British-born Australian actor and the father of fellow actor and entertainer Jason Donovan. Donovan had minor early acting roles in episodes of the court-room drama series “Consider Your Verdict”, several ABC drama plays, and the children's series "The Magic Boomerang". Moving back to the United Kingdom in the mid-1960s saw guest roles in series including “The Champions”, “Man in a Suitcase”, and “The Prisoner”. After returning to Australia and appearing in guest roles in the Crawford Productions series “Homicide” and “Hunter” in 1968, he was placed on contract, going on to play the role of Detective Mick Peters in Crawford's police series “Division 4”, from 1969 to 1975. In 1976, he played in a popular miniseries adaptation of the novel “Power without Glory” by Frank Hardy. From 1979 to 1981, he starred as Detective Sergeant Vic Cameron in “Cop Shop”. Between 1981 and 1984, he had minor roles in Australian television programs, and acted in the film “The Man from Snowy River” in 1982, playing Henry Craig. In 1985, he had roles in “Prisoner” and “Sons and Daughters”. From 1986 to 1990, he had more minor television roles including the 1989 pilot episode of “E Street” as Ken Swanson which was followed by guest roles in “The Flying Doctors” and “G.P”. He then played Al Simpson, the father of original character Bobby Simpson in “Home and Away”, which went to air in early 1990 and followed this immediately with the role of Doug Willis in “Neighbours”, a character he played regularly until 1994, and made a brief appearance in 2005, when he reprised his role for the show's 20th anniversary special. In 1973 he recorded a single for Fable Records “Loose Ends” b/w “Hickery Holler’s Tramp” (FB 191) the single was produced by Peter Jones and engineered by Graham Owens. This is the only recording that I know of by Terry and was a lot better than I thought after listening to it. Flac 

Post 676 - Livingstone Vale - Star Gazer

I was given this LP to fix up for the Blog from Rex and I must say I’d never heard of Livingstone Vale but I’m very impressed by this album. The band was from Sydney and the members were Ted Samuels, Danny Turner and Brian Smith and that’s about all my books tell me. The album was recorded in 1975, but not released until October 1976. They also released an earlier single in February 1975 (recorded 1974), that does not appear on the album, "Moongirl" b/w "Infinity and Beyond" which none of my books mentions the single at all. The LP “Star Gazer’ (VPL1-0126) was produced by Gus McNeil for RCA Records. A great album and well worth a listen my fav track is “Seduced” sounds very much like Bowie’s “Panic In Detroit” Thanks to Matt for the info on the single and the album’s release date. Flac

Post 675 - Maple Lace - Can't Stay Away From You - It's A Beautiful Day

Maple Lace was a Sydney band who formed in 1968 and disbanded in 1971. They released 2 singles, the first a cover of the Pipkins "Gimme Dat Ding"  which you will find on Post # 3.  This was their 2^nd single “Can’t Stay Away From You” b/w “It’s A Beautiful Day” (CHK-4111) released on Chart Records in 1971 and produced by Barrie McAskill. You'll find more info on the band at Post  #3.Flac

Post 674 - Naturally Free - Original Soundtrack

In 1974 Ken Anderson booked the Sydney Opera House for the Australian premier of “Naturally Free “. It was a sell-out and received great publicity but he wasn't happy and re-edited the movie. In 1975, the rehash was re-released by MGM/BEF but there was a massive oversight. This G rated movie had its resurgence at Sydney's Kings Cross. Not a 'General Rated' environment for those in the 'know'. It faltered. It stumbled. It almost fell on its face until a South Australian theater in Goodwood took up its release. The movie took off with people lined up around the block. After that, everyone wanted it. Even a drive-in in Queensland had its screen blown down by a cyclone; after a lot of hard work to repair the screen, the drive-in managed to open for three days and broke all records. It was also popular in New Zealand and the USA. “Naturally Free” (NLF-001) Soundtrack was released on APLA Records in 1975; it featured music from “Avenue”, “Justice” and “The Squeeze”. John Laws narrated the film which featured the top motorcyclists from around the world. Thanks again to Rex for this LP for me to fix up. Flac

Post 673 - The Zimmermen - Way Too Casual

A pun on Bob Dylan's real name, Robert Zimmermen, John Dower’s rock outfit The Zimmermen are best remembered for their standout hit "Don't Go to Sydney." After working with several bands during the late '70s and early '80s, John Dowler formed The Zimmermen in June 1983. They found immediate success on the Melbourne pub-circuit where they supported such acts as the Hoodoo Gurus and the Sunnyboys. By the end of 1984, band members Steve Connolly and Michael Barclay had left to join the Paul Kelly Band which became the Coloured Girls the following year. Guitarist Peter Tulloch and drummer Graeme Perry replaced them for the group's debut single, "Don't Go to Sydney," released in January 1985. It became one of the most successful Australian independent singles of 1986 and, after Neil Osborn joined the band as permanent drummer, the band released their debut album, "Rivers of Corn", which contained a second single: "Ordinary Man." The recording of their follow-up stalled in 1987 when Peter "Pedro" Bull was replaced by Alan Brooker and Neil Osborn by former drummer Graeme Perry. Unsatisfied with the recording by the former line-up, John Dowler took the band back into the studio in November 1988. The single "What Really Hurts" was released in February 1989, followed by the album "Way Too Casual" (D 30047). The album was produced ny Lobby Loyde and recorded by Chris Thompson & Loyde. A final national tour followed before The Zimmermen disbanded in 1990. John Dowler went on to release a solo album in 1993 titled "Low Society".Flac

Post 672 - Original Australian Cast - Man-Child

“It’s about the randomness of life … of how you’re here one minute and gone the next, and how you’d better get relationships established because there’s not much else that you can rely on,” recalls composer Chris Neal. “It was hippy, it was flower power, it was joy, joy, joy.”  Neal first hit upon the idea for “Man-child” while he was working in Vietnam in 1968. He had a lot of free time on his hands because he was there as a kind of coach- writer for incoming acts that were working for this American agency ... he’d been brought up on musicals by his parents who were all into Gilbert and Sullivan and Rodgers and Hammerstein and he’d always thought it would be a good idea to write a rock musical. Upon returning to Sydney, Neal became aware of “Hair” and its trailblazing run at the Metro Theatre. His brother Jim put up some money for the production and Chris went about putting together a team to make it happen. A key member was director Michael O’Reilly. “Michael could see straight away that he could bring a lot to the show and everybody was very impressed by his credentials. “He’d choreographed and directed quite a few shows in and around Sydney at the Old Tote and Ensemble and so on. The production struggled to find a suitable venue that was available in Sydney, which drove them to a unique but expensive solution. They ended up getting a plastic bubble tent built by an organisation in Adelaide who had just developed this technology. It was a 600 seat theatre which was called the Bubble Theatre. The $40,000 tent was erected at the Sydney Showground and final rehearsals began. However, they soon realised that while the bubble made an amazing space for theatre productions, it didn’t have the best acoustics for a rock concert. The preview week in early August 1971 saw a positive response from the critics. Then, just as it seemed “Man-child” would be off to a flying start, a freak accident held them back: a massive storm tore a hole in the bubble. With the Bubble Theatre gone, the production was forced on to the road. Their first stop was Brisbane, where “Man-child” proved a great success. In their first week at the SGIO theatre they broke the box office attendance record. Things only got better when they moved to Perth. More sold-out shows followed in Adelaide and there was momentum for “Man-child” to move on to Melbourne, where they planned to record an album and start a season at the Metro Theatre. Things didn’t go to plan, though. The company was informed by their promoter that the theatre wouldn’t need their services: they’d got Grease instead. So they just had to pack their bags and go back to Sydney and that was the end of that.  For all the success it had enjoyed on the road, awareness for “Man-child” fell away quickly. The soundtrack sold around 5000 copies and cracked the lower end of the top 40 charts but stalled without the show on the road to promote it. As far as Neal can recall there has never been another production.  Chris Neal once said…”I wouldn’t allow it to be put on now,  Its relevance is completely gone ... it thrived on joy, joie de vivre, the smile ... if it was going to be redone again I’d probably write about another three drafts and give it a bit of sophistication.” The LP was produced by Spencer Lee with arrangement by Ken Tait & Chris Neal with all lyrics & music by Chris Neal. “Man-Child” (ML OO2) was recorded at TCS Studios Melbourne for M7 Records in 1972. I love when I get a record to fix up for the Blog that I’ve never heard or heard of as the case with this LP. But I must say I was very impressed and like the LP very much. Big thank you to Rex for sending me this album for the Blog.Flac

Post 671 - Max Merritt - Mean Green Fighting Machine - My Best Friend

 Just about every web site I looked at for info on this single "Mean Green Fighting Machine"/"My Best Friend" (K 196) in 1986, all say that this single was a promotional single for the Canberra Raiders Rugby League team. But looking at the cover of the single something didn’t look right so to clear it up I asked Max himself and I quote……” It was done for the yacht race “Americas Cup” Thanks for clearing that up Max. The single was released on Mojo Records and was produced by Max and Jimmy Sloggett at Sun Studios in Sydney with Peter Contini engineering. Flac

Post 670 - Tiffani Wood - What R U Waiting 4 - The Mirror - U & I - What R U Waiting 4 (Instrumental)

Tiffani Wood was born on the 8th of November 1977 in Newcastle. She developed an interest in performing from a young age and enrolled into jazz dancing classes where she would eventually also assist teaching younger students. At age 12, Wood's mother Judy encouraged her to take up singing by joining the Young Talent Time talent school. Her teachers quickly noticed her natural singing talent and at age 15, placed her into a show troupe "The Young Stars" which performed at various venues around New South Wales. During this three-year stint, Wood had her first experience of recording for an album and performing solo in front of large crowds, her biggest being the opening of the Sydney Harbour Tunnel where she performed in front of over 20,000 people. During her schooling years, she entered and won numerous talent quests and played the lead vocal role in her 1994 school musical Murder in the Music Hall. She completed her Higher School Certificate in 1995, her highest mark being eighty-five per cent in music and at the age of 18, became the lead singer of a cover band "Quiver". They performed a wide range of songs including Tracy Chapman, Pearl Jam, Shania Twain, Alanis Morissette, 80's rock and more and Wood recorded original songs with the band. She then moved to Sydney where she enrolled in the Australian Institute of Music choosing vocal as her major, which she completed successfully, and joined another cover band "The Anthill Mob". In late 1999, at the age of 22, Wood auditioned for the first Australian series of Pop stars, a reality television show which aimed to produce a new girl group. After selections for the group were finalized by the judges, she just missed out. However, after original member Chantelle Barry was forced out of the group in controversial circumstances, Wood was selected to replace her as the fifth member of the band, now known as Bardot. Like former Bardot band mate Sophie Monk, Wood signed a solo recording contract with Warner Music and changed her name from Tiffany Wood to Tiffani Wood in order to avoid confusion with the 1980s American pop star Tiffany. The debut single, "What R U Waiting 4" (5046719222) re-introduced Wood back into the music scene, marketed as an organic, light pop-rock singer (similar to the likes of Michelle Branch, Alanis Morissette etc.). The track debuted at No.27 on the ARIA singles chart on 22 March 2004 and was one of the most-played songs on Australian radio in that month. In December 2005, Wood publicly announced her engagement to UK born bouncer Neil Cummins, and the couple married on 28 January 2007. Photos from their wedding featured in OK! magazine. She later gave birth to their first child, Lillian Adel. The couple have since separated and were divorced in May 2009. Flac

Post 669 - John Farnham & Danni 'Elle - Communication - Attitude

“The Get Real Project” is a youth for youth drug and AIDS education project.  They believed one of the best ways to communicate what it is to be a 15 or 18 year old growing up in Australia was through music. John Farnham & Danni ‘Elle and the rest of the people on this record all donated their time, energy and royalties to the “Get Real Project”. This release came free with "Get Real" Magazine. It came with full colour poster and "Sex & Drugs & AIDS" booklet. The A side was produced by Ross Fraser, Engineers were Doug Brady and Ernie Rose. The band was made up of Acoustic Guitar – Lindsay Field, Backing Vocals – Lindsay Field, Venetta Fields, Bass – Roger McLachlan, Brass – Kevin Dubber, Mark Dennison, Peter Lothian, Drums – Scotty Johnston, Guitar – Brett Garsed and Keyboards – David Hirschfelder. The B side was credited to Question Time who recorded, performed and produced the song “Attitude”. Here to download is the single for RCA Records from 1989 “Communication” b/w “Attitude” (105072).Flac 

Post 668 - The Johnnys - The Johnnys 12" Single

The Johnnys released a 12” single “The Johnnys” (POWT 0240) in 1984 on G.R.E.E.N. Records. Two tracks previously released as a single “My Buzzsaw Baby (Really Cut Me Up)” and “Injun Joe” and “Pray To John Wayne”, “Move It” which only appears on this 12”. “Move It’ was recorded live at the Chevron Hotel. The record was produced by Steve Nieve and Tim Kramer with Engineer Tony Cohen. The band included Bass, Vocals – Graham "Hoody" Hood, Drums – Billy Pommer Jr, Guitar – Paul Doherty and Guitar, Vocals – Spencer P. Jones. Flac

Post 667 - The Eighty Eights Singles Collection

The Eighty Eights were formed in Newcastle in 1979. The band consisted of Larry Van Kriedt (vocals, guitar), Maurice D’Abruzzo (vocals, guitar), Kent Jackson (bass) and John Bartram (drums). Van Kriedt’s claim to fame was that he was the original bass player for AC/DC in late 1973 and early 1974. They signed with the small Result label in 1980, and released their debut single “She Fell in Love With James Bond” , followed by the EP “Live Pop”. The singles “Don’t Call Us”, “Time Machine”, and the LP “Top of the World” followed.  Here to download are all three singles and the Live E.P. Thanks to Bruce for the E.P. Flac 

Post 666 - The Johnnys Collection

The Johnnys formed in 1982 in Sydney when bass guitarist Graham Hood tried out for the Hoodoo Gurus after quitting the Allniters. He met Hoodoo Gurus' guitarist Roddy Ray’da and they discussed an idea for a side project: playing pub rock in a country music style at a punk pace—which was labelled as cow punk. Ray'da left Hoodoo Gurus and, as a lead vocalist and guitarist with Hood and drummer Billy Pommer Jr, founded The Johnnys.  The Johnnys performed its first concert at Palms disco on Oxford St, Taylors St, Darlinghurst Sydney in November 1982, New Zealand-born Spencer P. Jones joined on guitar and backing vocals. The four-piece released "I Think You're Cute" in October on Regular Records, Ray'da left the group in early 1984 and formed Love Rodeo. Jones took on lead vocals and the band signed with the Green Label to release "My Buzzsaw Baby (Really Cut Me Up)" and an extended play.  In 1985, the band had signed with Mushroom Records which released their single, "Injun Joe" in November. "(There's Gonna Be a) Showdown" followed in March 1986 and then "Bleeding Heart” in June. Their debut album “Highlights of Dangerous Life” appeared in August and was produced by Ross Wilson of Daddy Cool and contained the three singles. Two non-album singles followed in 1987. Wilson produced their second album, Grown Up Wrong, released in August 1988 which included two further singles, "Motorbikin” and "Anything Could Happen".  Michael Armiger replaced Hood on bass guitar. The band broke up in 1989 with Jones continuing in his side-project “Beasts of Bourbon”. Here for you to download are all the singles from 1983/1988. Including the live single “The Way Of The West” that was only sold at their concerts. I also thought it interesting that the B side of “I Think You’re Cute,” “Mountain Man” and the B side of “My Buzzsaw Baby”, “Slip Slap Fishin’” are completely different then the versions that appear on the first LP “Highlights Of A Dangerous Life”.  As a bonus I’ve added the song “Johnny Was A Bad Man” from the various album “Sound Of Sydney” it has never appeared on any of their LP’s or singles.Flac