Post 778 - The Ferrets - The Mushroom Recordings

 

After favourable reactions from audiences in Melbourne and Sydney, The Ferrets produced a demo tape that caught the attention of Ian "Molly" Meldrum talent coordinator for Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) TV series Countdown. Meldrum got them signed to Mushroom Records and started producing their debut album, Dreams of a Love, in July 1976.In April 1977 they released their debut single, "Robin Hood", which did not chart. After nearly a year, production of the album was still incomplete, so The Ferrets took over—assisted by recording engineers Tony Cohen and Ian MacKenzie—Meldrum was attributed as "Willie Everfinish". In June 1977, The Ferrets released the double A-side single "Don't Fall in Love"/"Lies". Meldrum had carefully crafted "Lies" taking weeks whilst "Don't Fall in Love" was recorded in three hours. The Ferrets premiered on Countdown in an episode compered by Jon English performing "Don't Fall in Love", which peaked at No. 2 Nationally. They were awarded with 'Best Australian TV Performer' at the 1977 King of Pop Awards for their Countdown appearances.In October 1977, The Ferrets released "Janie May" which reached No. 25 nationally and was televised on Countdown on 13 November 1977, an episode which also featured an interview between Meldrum and Prince Charles which would go on to become infamous. Their debut album Dreams of a Love was released in October 1977 and achieved Gold record status. The album cover depicted a model (Wendy Bannister) holding a snarling ferret on her shoulder.By the end of 1977, guitarist Eizenberg and backing vocalist Pam Miller had left. After another single, "Are You Looking at Me?" was released in April 1978. Jane Miller also left. The Ferrets continued to tour and recorded their second studio album Fame at Any Price which was produced by Cohen and released in October 1978. There were disappointing sales for the related singles "This Night" and "Tripsville" and for the album itself. Firth also left to be replaced successively by George Cross and Ric Petropolis. The Ferrets had no further chart success and disbanded in March 1979.Thanks to Henry DeRooy for the art work.

Members-

Philip Eizenberg – guitar (1975–1977)

Kenneth Firth – bass guitar (1975–1978)

Billy Miller – vocals, guitar (1975–1979)

David Springfield – guitar (1975–1979)

Rick Brewer – drums (1976–1979)

Jane Miller – backing vocals, keyboards (1976–1978)

Pam Miller – backing vocals (1976–1977)

George Cross – bass guitar (1978)

Ric Petropolis – bass guitar (1978–1979)

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Post 777 - Hush - Complete A & B Sides

 

Hush were a Sydney based Glam-Rock band of the 1970’s. They were, like many bands of the time, true “Road Warriors” who worked hard and worked often and appeared regularly on TV shows like Countdown.The original lineup was formed in 1971 and consisted of Keith Lamb on vocals, Chris Nolan on keyboards, Robin Jackson on guitar, Rick Lum on bass and John Koutts on drums. In 1972 Nolan, Jackson and Koutts left and were replaced by Les Gock on guitar and Chris “Smiley” Pailthorpe on drums. This lineup is probably considered the “classic” version of Hush. Jacques De Jongh joined in 1976 as a second guitarist but Rick Lum left soon after and they continued again as a four-piece band. They disbanded officially in 1977. Thanks to Henry DeRooy for the art work.

Members of Hush

Keith Lamb – Vocals 1971 – 1977

Chris Nolan – Keyboards 1971 – 1972

Robin Jackson – Guitar 1971 – 1972

John Koutts – Drums 1971 – 1972

Rick Lum – Bass 1971 – 1976

Les Gock – Guitar 1972 – 1977

Chris Pailthorpe – Drums 1972 – 1977

Jacques De Jongh – Guitar 1976 – 1977

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