Post 718 - Kamahl - The Gift Of Christmas

For your Christmas pleasure Kamahl's Christmas album "The Gift Of Christmas" (DIN236D), released in 1992 for Dino Records. Flac

Post 717 - Keith Wray - Dear Mr. Clause - Australian Bush Christmas

Merry Christmas! Our first Christmas post is one of those mystery artists that we come across from time to time. I can't find anything out there on this one at all. Even the record label is one I've never come across before. "Dear Mr. Clause" b/w "Australian Bush Christmas" (MSCS-3760). The single was recorded by Keith Wray for Mirage Records, both songs were penned by Wray/Hooley and that's about it, not ever a year of release is on the label. The song has a country feel about it so I would assume he is a county singer.  Flac

Post 716 - Nev Nicholls & His Country Playboys - Hit The Road Jack

Born on th 16th September 1930 at Millthorpe in the central west of NSW,  (which is only about 30 minute drive from where I live) Nev Nicholls spent his childhood on a farm at Tallwood. Tallwood is not a town merely a district of small farms and in the depression years it was a grind for the whole family to eke out an existence. In the early forties the family moved to a larger property in the Blaney area. Despite the move the work load never changed. On a mixed farming property there was always the daily grind, milking cows, planting crops.. peas, patoes, corn, wheat, turnips etc. And also tending a flock of sheep, shearing, crutching and lambing, it finally found a breaking point for our Nev. After travelling to Sydney on his motor cycle to appear on "Australia's Amateur Hour" and later on "Tim McNamara's Talent Quest" the call of the big smoke got to be too strong.  Nev had been playing guitar since the age of 11, learning mainly on songs of Buddy Williams whose influence is apparent in Nev's early records. Alan Crawford, manager of Southern Music Publishers, discovered Nev at a studio where he was recording some songs on acetate. He signed him to a publishing contract and also introduced Nev to Regal Zonophone Records who also signed him up. Having a record around helped to get established in Sydney and his early efforts included some appearances on the "McKean Sisters Show" on radio 2KY. Nev recalls his first meeting with "Slim Dusty" on one of those occasions that was in the days before Slim and Joy were married. In 1957 Nev did his first country tour with "The Reg Lindsay Show" up the north coast of NSW. On that show were: Reg Lindsay, Heather McKean, Rick & Thel Carey, Judy Stone and comedian Freddy Merideth also part of that troupe was Chad Morgan. Chad and Nev shared a caravan for the two weeks and when the group returned to Sydney the touring bug was alive and well. Reg had a lot of commitments and was not in a position to embark on extended tours at that time so Nev, Chad and Rick & Thel enrolled Kevin King in a new show which was called "The All Star Western Show" which also included fiddle player Peter Mollerson. After little more than a year there were many personality clashes and that show broke up. In 1968 Nev got a call to audition for a night club job in Kings Cross and that led to a ten year stint at the famous "Texas Tavern".  The Texas Tavern wasn't a job. It was an unforgettable event. Playing for American servicemen on R&R from Vietnam, meeting celebrities who were making appearances at the Chevron Hotel across the street, and being accepted in the local population, as country music had never been accepted before.  This is why Nev wrote "I Like Beer".  Five Years into the Texas tavern Nev signed with RCA records to do an album of truckin' songs. "Keep On Truckin'" was the vanguard of more than twenty albums in the years to follow. These albums yielded five "Gold" albums and also an instrumental which won a "Gold Guitar" in the "Australasian Country Music Awards" in 1975. All good things usually come to an end and the Texas Tavern gig finished in 1978 when new owners took over. Here for you to download is his 1976 album from 1976 for RCA “Hit The Road Jack” (VAL1 0117) produced by Rocky Thomas. In 1992 Nev was inducted into the "Australasian Country Music Roll Of Renown" at Tamworth, the most prestigious award in Australian Country Music. Nev had always been a prolific writer and besides recording vast numbers of his own songs he had also had many covered by other artists among these are: "Reg Lindsay", Chad Morgan", Frankie Davidson", "Johnny Garfield", Terry Gordon", "The Wayfarers", "Truckin Stevens" and by no means least his long time friend "Lucky Grills". Lucky and Nev shared an album in 1998, a truckies album of course, titled "Ya Wanna Screw Driver".Together with all his activities and four marriages behind him it's little wonder Nev says "If I had my life to live over, I don't think I'd have the strength". Thanks to Tim for sending me this LP for the Blog. Flac

Post 715 - Mick & Donna - Singles 1975/76

Australian born Mick Flinn was a member of The Mixtures who, after back to back number 1 hits in Australia in 1970, released "The Pushbike Song" in the UK where it entered the charts in the top 5, peaking at No. 2 in January 1971. Flinn left The Mixtures in May 1972, eventually settling permanently in the UK. Flinn formed “The Springfield Revival” with Ray Martin and Donna Jones. Flinn subsequently became Jones' manager-writer-producer and husband. In 1975 Mick and Donna released the single “Love Me I Love You” b/w “Our New Home” (EMI 2362) and in ’76 another single “Hey Paula” b/w “The Only One For Me” (EMI 2423). Both single were produced by Mick and he wrote all songs except Hey Paula which was a cover of the Paul & Paula hit from 1963.  Flac

Post 714 - Mark Holden - Dawn In Darkness

In 1974, Mark Holden entered Showcase '74, a television talent show on Network 9 where he sung original folk songs. Holden ultimately placed fifth, performing a track "Tap Dancing Down Easy Street" in the final. John Bromwell from Essex Music saw his performances and brought Holden to Sydney. Bromwell arranged an audition with Peter Dawkins a record producer with EMI Music who signed Holden.  “Dawn in Darkness” (EMA 315) was the debut studio album by Holden. The album was recorded and released in 1975. Holden said “that it sold about 2,000 copies only and was a 'big flop' adding; "It was entirely original, all the songs I wrote as a kid”.  SCRA’s Peter Martin played guitar on this LP and Alison McCallum sang backing vocals on the track “Carry Me Down”.  Other musicians were Doug Gallacher – Drums, John Bartlett – Bass, Tony Esterman – Keyboards and John Sangster and Ian Bloxam on percussion. Flac

Post 713 - Wildland - In This Liftime

There's not a lot on Sydney based “Wildland”, but they were good enough to land a record deal with CBS Australia, and released their one and only album “In This Lifetime” (4664342) in 1990. Some of the band members were the rhythm section of the 1989 version of The Party Boys, featuring a who's who of Australian rock, plus invited guests such as The Eagles Joe Walsh, and Status Quo's Alan Lancaster. Singer Noel Zammit and guitarist Jeff Lenham had played in various spin-off bands related to long time blues outfit Beachhead, while Keefe West Jr. has played with numerous top international artists as a guitarist. The album, over the last few years has become better known among collectors as that hard one to find. Members are Dorian West (bass) Adrian Cannon (drums) Noel Zammit (vocals) Jeff Lenham Keefe (guitar)   Keefe West Jr. (guitar). They released four singles as well as this LP and a 12” extended mix of the single “One For Unity”. flac

Post 712 - The Sydney Theatre Company - The Stripper

One of the most sought after collectors’ items for Rocky Horror fans is the original vinyl LP recording of “The Stripper” musical by Richard O'Brien and Richard Hartley (original book by Carter Brown). Released in 1982 by RCA records, this is the only recording of the musical that was made available. These records come up once every few years on eBay and other sales sites and can fetch hundreds of dollars each. Originally performed by the “Sydney Theatre Company”, there was a revival of the show at the Queens Theatre, Hornchurch in 2009 and an amazing production at the St James Theatre in London in 2016. SYNOPSIS - There's trouble in Pine City. When Patty Keller stands out on a hotel ledge fifteen floors above the street, Lieut Al Wheeler does his best to talk her out of jumping. He fails (Falling). Al figures it's a homicide investigation. County Sheriff Lavers figure it's a waste of time. In the course of his peculiarly musical investigation, Al meets some interesting characters, such as Patty's cousin Dolores, the stripper who says it all from the neck down (Deadpan Dolores). Patty belonged to a lonely hearts club, she tells Al, and reminds him that even in Southern California, (The Lonely Are Legend).  Sarah and Jacob Arkwright run the Arkwright Happiness Club. Their secretary, Sherry Mendez, looks like she's just stepped out of some Latin-American extravaganza.  Sarah warns Sherry about getting involved with a detective (Men Like That...). Al discovers that Patty's last date, courtesy of the lonely hearts club, was with Harvey Stern, a florist (Heart And Flowers). Combining business with pleasure, Al takes Sherry to the strip club and sees a mind-storming performance by Deadpan Dolores (The Strip). Later, in his apartment, Al woos Sherry with a soft, romantic ballad! (Man Of Steel). Back in the Sheriff s office, Al decides to give the thick-headed Sgt Polnik his big break by letting him help out on the case and surround himself with dozens of dames (Cry On). As the clues start to unravel, and the coincidences pile up, Al is even more convinced that Patty's death was no accident (Begging The Question). Even Sheriff Lavers is having his doubts, but not wanting to over-exert his delicate brain, he pauses for a little police station identification (Man Of The Power). Suddenly, the recently deceased Harvey Stern makes a con­fession that is almost lyrical (I Confess); but Al doesn't buy it His suspicions are further aroused, along with a few other things, when he discovers Deadpan Dolores asleep in his bed (There’s Many a True Word Said in Bed). Once again back in the Sheriff s office, Al must this time face the monster he helped to create: Sgt Polnik. They share a fantasy (In the Night All Cats Are Brown). In the alley outside the Club Extravaganza, Dolores makes a last ditch effort to win Al over but he is no longer under the Stripper's spell (Nobody’s Fool). The time has come for the final showdown... . And the truth. Who killed Patty Keller? Al finds out as Sarah Sings, and the scene is set for a deadly finale. Shots ring out, the corpses pile up, Deadpan Dolores takes a final bow (Planning My Big Exit). With the case now solved, Al can take pleasure in the know­ledge that, for the time being, there's no (Trouble in Pine City).

Original Australian Cast

AL WHEELER, Terence Donovan, PATTY KELLER, Anne Grigg, SHERIFF LAVERS. Michael Caton, SGT. POLNIK. John Paramor, ANNABELLE JACKSON, Barbara Jane Cole, DOC MURPHY, Jack Webster, SHERRY MENDEZ, Anne Grigg, SARAH ARKWRIGHT, Robina Beard, JACOB ARKWRIGHT, Bob Hornery, HARVEY STERN, Bob Hornery, STEVE LOOMAS, D. J. Foster, DEADPAN DOLORES, Robyn Moase, MILES ROVAK, Jack Webster, LOUIS, D. J. Foster, STRIPPER NO. 1, Barbara Jane Cole, STRIPPER NO. 2. Robina Beard. The Band - Michael Tyack, Piano, Peter Dilosa, Trumpet, Graham Quy, Drums, Ed Gregson, Guitar and Wayne Ford, Bass.  The score was penned by Richard O'Brien and Music by Richard Hartley. Recorded at: Leo Recorders, Engineered by: Spencer Lee, Produced by: Spencer Lee, Peter Plavsic and Michael Tyack. Release in 1982 on RCA Records VPL-1 0401.

A big thank you to Deb Mayes for this gem for the Blog. Flac

Post 711 - The Whights - Evie Pts. 1,2 & 3.

The Wrights were a one-off Australian "supergroup". They consisted of Nic Cester (Jet), Bernard Fanning (Powderfinger), Phil Jamieson ( Grinspoon), Kram (Spiderbait), Chris Cheney (The Living End), Davey Lane ( You Am I and The Pictures) and Pat Bourke (Dallas Crane). They are named after Australian music legend and former Easybeats frontman Stevie Wright. Their first and only single was a cover version of Stevie Wright's song "Evie" (7243 8 68837 2 8), an 11 minute song consisting of three parts. "Evie (Pt. 1)" was first performed at the Australian Recording Industry Association (ARIA) awards in 2004. They performed the whole trilogy live for the first time at the Sydney Cricket Ground as part of WaveAid, and it was released as a single in February 2005. "Evie (Pt. 1)" featured Nic Cester as the vocalist, while Pts. 2 and 3 featured vocalists Bernard Fanning of Powderfinger and Phil Jamieson of Grinspoon. The profits for the single were donated to Stevie Wright and the Salvation Army to improve drug and alcohol rehabilitation, as well as the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement for the 2004 Boxing Day tsunami. "Evie" Part 1 - "Let Your Hair Hang Down" Nic Cester  - vocals, Chris Cheney  - lead guitar, Davey Lane - rhythm guitar, Kram – drums, Pat Bourke – bass and Daniel Vandenberg – piano.

"Evie" Part 2 - "Evie" Bernard Fanning – vocals, Warren "Pig" Morgan – piano and Harry Vanda - string arrangement. "Evie" Part 3 - "I'm Losing You" Phil Jamieson – vocals, Davey Lane (You Am I) - lead guitar, Chris Cheney - rhythm guitar, Pat Bourke (Dallas – bass, Dan Knight - Hammond organ, Kram – drums and Backing vocals Chris Cester , Kram,Harry Vanda, Louise Anton and Chris Cheney. The single was Produced by Harry Vanda and Glenn Goldsmith and Mixed by Daniel Vandenberg Flac

Post 710 - The Angels - Finger On The Trigger - Straight Aces - Living In The Bodyguard Of Luxury

"Finger on the Trigger" (K 640) is the 32^nd single by The Angels. Released as a non-album single in 1988, it peaked at number 34 on the ARIA Charts. Sonics magazine wrote “the single was recorded very quickly and rush released due to contractual obligations - they absolutely had to get something on the shelves”. This is from the 12”  giant 45 single version which has two tracks on the B side “Straight Aces” and “Living In The Bodyguard Of Luxury”  which is the same song with different title “Why?” you say who knows. The A side was penned by Bob Spencer and the B’s by Brewster,  Neeson, Hilbun, and  Eccles. Thanks to Tim for finding this gem. Flac

Post 709 - Marsh Brothers - Demo Tape

John Marsh was leader of Cowra band “Carlton” which you will find on post # 692. John and Brother Rusty recorded 3 demo songs (here to download) for Yeldah Music in 1995. I found this message Rusty left on another music site about the recordings:-

In the mid 90's, John and I were starting to "panic" about our age, and if we still belonged in the "Rock" scene. So we decided to venture into a bit of "Country"!

John wrote a heap of country songs...... I did help him "arrange" the songs (stacked the lyrics in a tidy pile!), and worked out all my own bass-lines, which took a good 10 minutes! We did a rough recording, and sent a demo to "Yeldah Music" (Hadley Studios-Eric Scott) in Tamworth, and he asked us to come up and record 3 songs! John was so excited and told me to stop washing my Magna, as I would now be able to buy a Merc! Yeah right!

As most of you would know, professional artists can spend a full week in the studio just perfecting "one" song! From memory, it was about a six hour drive from Cowra to Tamworth. After the long drive, we recorded the "three" songs in "one" hour, and drove straight back to bloody Cowra!  It was a "promotional" CD for Yeldah Music, consisting of our 3 songs, and 12 other songs belonging to 8 other artists. It was called "Song Plugger Series No.3"! Wonder why it didn't sell??!!

The recording was pretty rough, and John was upset that he was not allowed to use any effects pedals whatsoever! Pedals!! What are they? I'm just a bass player with a cheap Aussie Eminar amp and Ibanez bass! We also used a "drum machine", which I operated manually with foot pedals! That's right, I did have pedals!

Our songs were all true stories:-

1. “Coming Home”- A story about a Woman from Canowindra whose husband went to the Vietnam War.

2.”Pay The Price” - Apparently is about "me", when my then wife was screwing around, and I was ready to shoot anyone who had a dick!

3.”She Must Be Crazy” - A song about our older Sister who was a real Tom-Boy, and mad-as-a-meataxe! Flac

Post 708 - John Farnham - The Infinity Singles

There’s not much to say about John Farnham that you don’t already know. Farnham, who was born in Essex, England was a teen pop idol from 1967-79, billed then as Johnny Farnham, but has since forged a career as an adult contemporary singer. His career has mostly been as a solo artist although he replaced Glenn Shorrock as lead singer of Little River Band from 1982-85. In September 1986 his solo single, "You're the Voice" peaked at No. 1 on the Australian singles charts. The associated album, Whispering Jack, held the No. 1 position for a total of 25 weeks and is the 2nd highest-selling album in Australian history. Both the single and the album had Top Ten success internationally including No. 1 in Sweden.  In 1976 and ’77 he released two singles for Infinity Records ‘You Love Me Back To Life Again” b/w “Call Me Back” (K-6669) and “Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame” b/w “Monkey See Monkey Do” (K-6765). Now I have check and can’t see where these songs have ever been released on LP or CD.  Both singles were produced by Gerry Stevens. Another interesting fact is on the song “You Love Me Back To Life Again “ is that on the New Zealand release it’s “You Loved” not "You Love”. Flac

Post 707 - Doug Ashdown - Winter In America

Doug Ashdown was unable to crack the US market, so Jimmy Stewart and Doug returned to Australia where they set up a new label, “Billingsgate”. Stewart produced Doug's next album entitled “Leave Love Enough Alone” (D19087)in 1974. The album produced two Singles, "They Always Seem To Look Like Marianne", and the album's evocative title track, co-written by Doug and Jimmy during a bitter winter in Nashville. "Leave Love Enough Alone" was released in September 1974 and received some airplay, but neither it nor its predecessor made the charts at the time. "Leave Love Enough Alone", however, proved to be a classic 'sleeper' and the breakthrough finally came more than a year later when it was retitled and reissued as "Winter In America". The song was picked up by stations around the country and this time around it became a major hit through late 1976 and early 1977, reaching #14 in Melbourne and #30 in Sydney. It remains one of the most popular and enduring Australian songs of the '70s; it has been covered by artists around the world including Margret RoadKnight. In 1988, Dutch singing star Rene Froger's version was a top five top hit in Holland, and Froger's live version topped the charts there again in recent years. Players on this LP were Acoustic Guitar – Troy Seals, Backing Vocals – Norma Stoneman, Bass – Joe Allan, Tim Partridge, Cello – Nathan Waks, Drums – Laurie London, Russell Dunlop, Electric Guitar – Mark Punch, Mellotron – Roy Ritchie. Music Director, Arranged By, Conductor, Piano, Mellotron, Synthesizer, Organ – Wayne Findlay, Percussion – Ian Bloxsom, Piano – David Briggs, Steel Guitar – Pee Wee Clark, Stu Baseore, Strings – Bob Ingram. Flac 

Post 706 - Wickedy Wak - Billie's Bikie Boys - Chitty Chitty Bang Bang

Rick Springfield played guitar and vocals, as far as I know from what little information there is on this recording the rest of the band included Paul Shannon, Ray Wright, and Danny Finley from MPD Ltd. Here to download from 1969 on Sunshine Records is "Billie's Bikie Boys" b/w “Chitty Chitty Bang Bang’ (QK 3118). The A side was written by Johnny Young and produced by Ian Meldrum. The production is great and in some parts is reminiscent of Russell Morris's "Real Thing" which was released earlier, in May of 1969. Rick Springfield's guitar is full on and people couldn’t understand why the single did not make a bigger impact at the time. It could be because the B side "Chitty Chitty Bang Bang" which was not very inspiring and a total contrast to the style of the A side. In the month following this recording Rick replaced Roger Hicks as the lead guitarist with Zoot and the rest as they say is history. The story is about "Billy" who is apparently a rebel on a motorcycle, riding through town with his buddies, causing the girls to turn and look, and disturbing the peace! The cops finally catch up with him and now there are no more roaring engines racing around town. The song has a very classic late 60's psychedelic sound and instrumentation.  Flac

Post 705 - John Swan/Maggie McKinney - West End Girls - West End Boys

John Swan OAM was born in 1952 in Glasgow, Scotland, better known as Swanee. He was born John Archibold Dixon Swan. He is the older brother of singer-songwriter Jimmy Barnes, and musician and singer Alan Barnes, and the uncle of singer and stage performer David Campbell. John Swan featured in an ad for West End Draught, a South Australian beer. The brewer provided financial support to Swanee's tours and he in turn appeared in the company's TV commercials. This was a promotional 45 put out by West End Brewing perhaps in the early eighties not real sure of the date because the single has no date of release. It was penned by Les Gock and Chris Mitchell. The B side features Maggie McKinney doing the same song but it’s about West End Boys. Maggie and husband Chuck formed the Melbourne soul, funk outfit The Hot City Bump Band in 1973. Flac

Post 704 - Platter Pushers - As Long As There's A Twinkle In Your Sprinkle - Make A Move

This single was released in 1971 on RCA Records, it got a little airplay in Brisbane and surrounding areas, but failed to make an impact on the charts. “Platter Pushers” mainly made up of “Burke & Wills" who recorded a couple tracks for Image records. Members were Jamie Dunne, who later became famous as "Agro", plus, Peter Moscos, Warren Adams, Mick Power & Neil Waddell. The A side was penned by Peter Moscos with the B penned by Warren Adams. Here to download is “As Long As There’s A Twinkle In Your Sprinkle” b/w “Make A Move” (101926). If you listen to the song it actually says "As Long As There's A Twinkle in MY Sprinkle", but, the label had it as..."...YOUR Sprinkle..."! Flac

Post 703 - Roly Parks And The Sole Burners - Good On Ya Cliff Young - The Good Old Aussie Battler

Roly Parks lives in Kalangadoo, a small town in the South East of South Australia. Each week Roly writes a letter to his son, Gene, who lives in London with his partner, Ahmed, a Moroccan ballet dancer, formerly with the Royal Ballet. Roly’s letters have been broadcast nationally on ABC radio for over twenty five years. Roly’s letters range from his ongoing marriage counselling encounters with his wife of fifty years, Sonya, his run-ins with the town gossip Beryl Coates and Mrs Phipps, the letter-opening post-mistress and assortment of other. In 1983 Roly recorded a single for Wizard Records ‘Good On Ya Cliff Young” b/w “The Good Old Aussie Battler” (ZS 826). The B side features his wife on vocals. The single was produced by Bryan Dawe and Steve Groves who also penned both sides.  Cliff Young OAM was an Australian potato farmer and athlete from Beech Forest, Victoria, best known for his unexpected win of the inaugural Sydney to Melbourne Ultra marathon in 1983 at 61 years of age Flac

Post 702 - Dallimore - We Are The Kids - Women Together

John Dallimore was only 17 years old when he joined Geelong band the 'Redhouse Roll Band', who changed their name to “Redhouse” and quickly built up a strong following on the Melbourne pub circuit. In late 1978, John and bass player Rick Crothall formed a new band  a heavy rock outfit in the tradition of Rose Tattoo and AC/DC. The band was called “Dallimore”. The band released one single, here for you to download "We Are The Kids" b/w “Women Together” (AP 292), in August 1980. The only other recordings by “Dallimore” I know of is a couple of tracks that featured on the “Canned Rock” LP recorded live at Sydney's Parammatta Gaol in 1979. This single was produced by Ian Miller and engineered by Col Freeman.  Dallimore accepted an offer by Jon English to join his backing band the “Foster Brothers band”. He also played on former “AC/DC” & “Rabbit” singer Dave Evans' album “Thunder Down Under” in 1985. His originality, technical ability and improvisations made him a legend amongst guitarists and a very sorted after session player. Dallimore has toured extensively both nationally and abroad supporting such acts as Ray Charles, Wilson Pickett, James Brown, Deep Purple and AC/DC.Flac

Post 701 - Tidewater LP

The group Tidewater was formed in 1974 and released one single and the LP “Wild Horse Plains” (GEMS 7031). Tidewater featured   Greg Champion, Brooke Mostyn Smith, Paul Ziesing, Dean Neilsen and Graham Davidge. I have read that Champion was quoted saying he disliked the album, I’m not sure why as to me there’s not a bad track on it. There’s very little on Tidewater in my books and on the net, the album was produced by Tidewater, Ray Dyett and Peter Brook. Thanks again to Rex for sending me this gem for the Blog.  FLAC

Post 700 - Max Merritt - Growing Pains - Prove It

After moving to Los Angeles Max Merritt, where he continues to reside, toured Australia in 1979 and 1980. On the second tour he put together a band with Stewie Speer on drums, Paul Grant on guitar, John Williams on keyboards, Martin Jenner on guitar and Phil Lawson on bass. This was Merritt and Speer's last major tour together: Speer died of a heart attack on 16 September 1986. Merritt released singles "Growing Pains" b/w “Prove It” (BA 223008) in 1982 released on Avenue Records. The single was produced by Larry Murray and Max. He toured Australia in 1991 with Brian Cadd in the Brian Cadd and Max Merritt Band, which comprised Merritt, Cadd (vocals, piano), John Dallimore (guitar), Craig Reeves (keyboards), Des Scott (bass) and Dave Stewart (drums).Flac