Post 783 - John Justin - The Singles Collection '84-'87

 

Original line-up: John Justin, Paul Hines , Gordon Pitt and Carl Manuel. 

Frontman John Justin was well known on the early 1980s Melbourne scene via his New Romantic glam rock bands Modesty and An Affair. Modesty comprised Justin, Shane Hayton (keyboards), Anthony Tavasz (bass) and Peter Black (drums). By August 1982, Modesty had evolved into An Affair when Stu Storm (keyboards) took over from Hayton, guitarist Peter Cook (ex-James Freud and the Radio Stars) took over from Black on drums and Anthony Moore (bass) replaced Tavasz. Early influences included Ultravox, Japan, Spandau Ballet and Duran Duran. An Affair broke up in 1983. Justin signed to Wheatley Records and issued his debut, solo single `It's Magic' in October 1984. For his next step towards commercial acceptance, Justin drew heavily on Marc Bolan and T. Rex for inspiration. Indeed, the name of his new band, The Thunderwings, was derived from a 1972 T. Rex B-side (to `Metal Guru'). John Justin and the Thunderwings' debut album, Justice (September 1986), was brimming with swaggering glam-pop material like the singles `Flash King Cadillac' August 1986, `Justice' November and `Little Miss Love' February 1987. `Flash King Cadillac' peaked at #20 on the Melbourne charts. More great art work from Henry DeRooy. flac

Post 782 - Adrian Campbell - The Collection

 

Adrian Campbell, a session vocalist has recorded and arranged backing vocals in countless albums in the land of Oz. Around 1976 he was the lead singer of Avalanche whose debut S/T album had moderate success, in 1980 Australia's commercial radio stations staged a high-profile campaign to promote radio listening. "Listen To The Radio" (BA 222673) this catchy jingle was written by Peter Best. There were two versions recorded by Adrian Campbell, and a more mellow one by Paul McKay. The jingles, in various forms, were played on Aussie commercial radio stations, Adrian's version was released for purchase by the general public. It failed to chart; the flipside was Paul McKay's "Listen To The Mellow Radio". In 1981 he formed Ada's Persuaders and released the single "Let The Girl Dance" (FMS 2106) on Full Moon Records. In 1985 came the single "You Are My Melbourne" with Lisa Edwards, from '86 he formed the funky synth-pop band Adrian's Wall which released four singles and the "Caught In The Web" LP for Zoom Records. Thanks Henry DeRooy for the art work. flac

Post 781 - Alston Koch - Best Of

 

Alston Koch is a Sri Lanka born Australian - Sri Lankan singer-songwriter, film producer, record producer and actor.

He was often lauded in the Australian and Asian media as "Asia's King of Pop" or "Pop King of Asia" after gaining international success in the late 1970s. He has performed worldwide and achieved international success in Australia, Indonesia, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, India and Sri Lanka among other places. He migrated to Sydney, Australia where he was most successful in the entertainment and professional music industry while recording for RCA/Laser Records and the Australian TV Network Channel 9's "Living Sound" recording label. Sri Lankan Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe awards Special Presentation to Koch in 2017. In Australia, he formed his band Dark Tan and recorded three international hits on the RCA label. He has performed internationally with Dark Tan, S-witch, and as a solo artist. In 1986 Alston Koch was selected and commissioned by the Australian Task Force to write, produce and perform the America's Cup album, The Kookaburra Connection with the theme song "Kookaburra" released both as a single and music video broadcast during the race. His first self written major hit, "Disco Lady", earned him his first gold record. The song also won him and Dark Tan the 'Best New Talent' at the 1979 International Disc Jockey Association Awards. In April 2012 his latest album "Don't Funk With Me" written and produced by Alston & the Sherifs, debuted at No. 42 on the official ARIA top 50 Albums chart, eventually peaking at No.16. Thanks Henry DeRooy for more great art work. Flac

Post 780 - Warumpi Band - The Singles 1983/1996

 

Warumpi Band were an Australian country and Aboriginal rock group which formed in the outback settlement of Papunya, Northern Territory, in 1980. The original line-up was George Burarrwanga on vocals and didgeridoo, Gordon Butcher Tjapanangka on drums, his brother Sammy Butcher Tjapanangka on guitar and bass guitar, and Neil Murray on rhythm guitar and backing vocals. Their songs are in English, Luritja and Gumatj. Their key singles are "Blackfella/Whitefella" (1985), "Sit Down Money" (1986), "My Island Home" (1987) and "No Fear" (1987). The group released three albums, Big Name, No Blankets (1985), Go Bush! (1987) and Too Much Humbug (1996). From late 1987 to mid-1995 the group rarely performed as Murray focused on his solo career. In early 1995, Christine Anu (former backing singer in Murray's touring group, The Rainmakers), issued a cover version of "My Island Home". Warumpi Band regrouped before disbanding in 2000. Burarrwanga died on 10 June 2007 of lung cancer, and Gordon Butcher died in early 2020 of unreleased causes. Thanks to Henry DeRooy for the art.

Various members were temporary, touring or recording only. From late 1987 to early 1995 there was little group activity as members pursued other interests.

George Rrurrambu Burarrwanga – vocals, didgeridoo (1980–2000, d. 2007)

Gordon Butcher Tjapanangka – drums (1980–1987, 1996)

Sammy Butcher Tjapanangka – bass guitar, guitar (1980–2000)

Neil Murray – guitar, songwriter (1980–2000)

Brian Butcher – bass guitar (1983)

Murray Cook – keyboards (1987)

Alan Murphey – drums (1987)

Kenny Smith – bass guitar (1987)

Bill Heckenberg – drums (1996)

Bill Jacobi – bass guitar, backing vocals

Denis Minor – bass guitar

Hilary Wirra – bass guitar

Flac

Post 779 - Dark Tan - The Singles

Dark Tan was formed in Sydney in 1975 by Alston Koch who emigrated here in 1969 from Sri Lankai. Dark Tan quickly established themselves as one of Australia's premier disco bands. After several national TV appearances on Bandstand the band developed a huge following.  Their first single ''Kings Of Soul (Superseded Rock And Roll)/Don't Stop It Now, Keep On Doing It was released in 1976 on the Living Sound Records. Moving to RCA they recorded on its subsidiary imprint Laser. Their first major hit, "Disco Lady" (1978), earned them a gold record. The song also won the 'best new talent' at the 1979 International Disc Jockey Association Awards. Music historian Glenn A Baker has said that 'Alston & Dark Tan' were the originators of Disco Music in Australia. The band and toured New Zealand and the South Pacific Islands. ‘Disco Lady’ was the most played track in discotheques across the dance floor in Australasia and the USA with legendary (New York) disc jockey Bobby Gattadaro playing it across America which led to an appearance with ABBA on their sell-out Australian Tour and the much publicised ‘ABBA Television Special’ in 1976 which was broadcast to the world. Thanks again to Henry DeRooy for more great art work. Flac