Post 724 - Mata Hari - Gypsy - Easy

Mata Hari was a band formed in Newcastle in on or around 1970, they played mainly cover songs. Their only record was a cover of a 'Van Morrison' song "Gypsy. This was backed by an original penned by lead guitarist Greg Callan and singer Jim Stanes, called "Easy".(Polydor 2079 026 ) It was a minor hit on the local radio station 2NX, now NXFM and 2KO, now KO-FM. They developed a bit of a name as a 'good time rock and roll band', through their high powered stage act, fronted by Jim Stanes, who was with them all the way to the final gig at Wangi Wangi Workers Club on 23-8-1975. I got this bit of info from a web site by their roadie John, if you follow the link at the end of this you will read a lot more about the band with photos, song list, line ups, where they are now and heaps more it’s really worth a look. It’s a pity that all Aussie bands big or small haven’t got a page like this, a real credit to John the roadie.   Thanks again to Tim for another rare gem for the Blog.  Flac  http://www.newcastlebandsdatabase.com.au/bands/MataHari.html

Post 723 - Jim Cooper - The Great Sydney Harbour Ferry Boat Race - Save Some History For Me

“The Great Sydney Harbour Ferry Boat Race” has been part of Sydney's Australia Day celebrations since 1981. Jim Cooper is an Aussie entertainer who has been around for quite a while. He recorded his first LP for Col Joye's ATA Records in 1977. This 45 was released in on the obscure Wheel Records label, SMX 54986.The B side was a song protesting the destruction of historic city buildings. This single was taken from the Flexi Disc released on the Ambassador label in 1980. Track 2 “Save Some History For Me” or its information is not listed anywhere on the label. Jim was quoted saying “I still remember being asked to write this song long before the first race took place.. It is an honour to be a part of this iconic event. The record was engineered by Steve Adams with the B side Engineered by David Cafe and Steve Adams (not on label). Thanks to Tim for giving me this for the Blog. Flac