Post 103 - Dave Evans & Thunder Down Under - Waltzing Matilda / Nice Guys (Finish Last)

Dave Evans was born in Carmarthen Wales. The family immigrated to Australia when Dave was five years old settling in North Queensland. After a fight with his father, at the age of sixteen, Dave headed for Sydney, Living in Kings Cross, until returning to Queensland a year later.  He is best known for being the first lead singer of AC/DC from 1973-1974. Evans is one of the five founding members of AC/DC along with Angus and Malcolm Young, Colin Burgess and Larry Van Kriedt. His involvement with the band was for a year before being replaced by Bon Scott around October 1974. During his time with AC/DC, Evans recorded one single "Can I Sit Next To You, Girl"/ "Rocking In The Parlour" which was released in Australia and New Zealand. The Young brothers felt that Evans was not a suitable front man for the group even though the band was riding high at the time with "Can I Sit Next To You, Girl?" in the  charts. According to them, he was more of a "glam rocker", like Gary Glitter. After AC/DC, Evans joined Newcastle band Rabbit, replacing original singer Greg Douglas. Rabbit released 6 singles and two albums between 1975 and 1977. Dave Evans finally formed his own band Dave Evans and Thunder Down Under and recorded the self titled album in 1986 which had a limited release with independent record label Reaction Records. Here for you to download is the first of 3 singles to come from that album “Waltzing Matilda” b/w “Nice Guys (Finish Last)” (Reaction 104622) Thanks to Micko for this single.

Post 102 - Gary Young And The Rocking Emus LP

Gary Young and Wayne Duncan were the rhythm section of many bands particularly instrumentals since the early 1960s. One of these was The Rondells which were also the backing band for Bobby & Laurie. Young joined the Rondells in 1964, at the age of 17, whilst still at School. Young also played in The Changing Times and Ram Jam Big Band. Following the split of Bobby & Laurie, Laurie Allen put together a soul revue, called Dice, and later renamed The Laurie Allen Revue. The line-up included Gary Young, Barry Rogers and Wayne Duncan, Phil Manning and as backing singers, sisters Glenys and Colleen Hewett. Young and Ross Wilson met in 1969 whilst both were working in a book warehouse; each had previous band mates who were interested in forming a new group. Wilson, Ross Hannaford, Young and Duncan formed Sons of the Vegetal Mother later that year. As a side project from Sons of the Vegetal Mother, four of its members Duncan, Hannaford, Wilson and Young formed Daddy Cool in 1970. Other bands that Gary played with were Gary Young's Hot Dog, Jo Jo Zep, Rock Doctors, Cold Chisel, Black Sorrows, Little Red Rooster, Relax With Max, The Prestones, Crackajacks, Cool Healers, Southern Lightning, Andy Baylor's Cajun Combo and The Hornets and forgive me if I've forgotten anyone. In 1981 the Daddy Cool line up was back together again only this time as Gary Young & The Rockin Emus. Gary wrote & sang all the rockabilly tracks, played drums & the rest of the Emu's were Ross Hannaford & Jeff Burstin (Jo Jo Zep/Black Sorrows) on guitar, & Gary's long time partner Wayne Duncan. Ross "the boss" Wilson didn't play in this line up but he did produce the album. Here for you to download is one of many forgotten LPs, this time out of 1982 on Mushroom "Gary Young And The Rocking Emus" (L 37815) Enjoy this classic and. Yes I am a die-hard Daddy Cool fan! I had the pleasure of seeing them back together when they supported the Beach Boys in 2007 and of course after their set I got the chance to meet the guys and get stuff signed as you do, and no offence to the Beach Boys but anyone that was there will tell you D.C. stole the show.

Post 101 - Billy Thorpe & The Aztecs – On Stage EP

This is  an EP that we’ve been searching for what seems like 100 years.  Thanks to Brett‘s post on Midoztouch we were finally able to track it down.  On Stage (GEPO 70022) was recorded in 1965 with the Mk I Aztecs.  It contains an interesting original version of “Jenny Jenny”, which was re-worked and released on the Don’t You Dig This Kind Of Beat LP with the Mk II Aztecs.  Other tracks included on the EP are “What’d I Say” and The Coasters cover “I’m A Hog For You Baby”.  And finally, the infamous “Zip-A-Dee-Doo-Dah” track.  We have only ever heard of this track, but have finally had the opportunity to hear it for ourselves.  As die-hard Thorpie fans, we hope that you enjoy listening to this EP as much as we have enjoyed having the opportunity to share it with you all.  Enjoy!

Post 100 - Supernaut - Lightning

Formed in 1974 in Perth, W.A. Supernaut originally named Moby Dick had a short but successful career which yielded two straight top twenty singles and a best selling L.P. that sold over 50,000 copies. Supernaut were signed up by Polydor after a recommendation from "Molly" Meldrum who produced their debut album and burst on to the Australian charts with a number one hit in July, 1976 with "I Like It Both Ways". A follow up hit came in November, '76 with "Too Hot To Touch", which reached number 19, from their self-titled album. In 1978 Supernaut relocated to Sydney and shortened their name and hair and changed their attitude. They opted for punk garage style and became The Nauts. They released an album produced by Robie Porter in 1978. The album was widely acclaimed by critics but sales weren't forthcoming and they disbanded in 1980. For you to download is the B side of their 1976 #14 nationally "I Like It Both Ways" "Lightning" (2079 082). And for an extended version of Supernaut’s “The Kids Are Out Tonight” visit:  http://tommixmusic.blogspot.com/2009/04/download-no206-supernaut.html

Post 99 - Joe Dolce - Vaffanculo Polka

Written by Joe Dolce & Rosa Colosimo "Vaffanculo Polka" from the film Blowing Hot And Cold. Very much in the Aussie vernacular, Marc Gracie’s first film is a low budget comedy that starts off well enough with wacky Sicilian Nino (Joe Dolce, somewhere between Chico Marx and Roberto Begnini) arriving in the life of Jack (Peter Adams) who runs a one-man petrol station in the boondocks of Central Victoria. The single recorded at Quicklik Studios, Elwood in 1988 was produced by Joe Dolce for Musicland records. Here for you to download is that single and it's instrumental B side of the same song "Vaffanculo Polka" (MUS SP2004)

Post 98 - OL' 55 - He's Gotta Go

This is another B side from Ol' 55 recorded in 1978. The A side being "(Feels Like A) Summer's Night" which was the 2nd of five singles to come from the Cruisin' For A Bruisin' L.P. Here to download "He's Gotta Go" (K-7078) was written by all band members (Allen-Drummond-Jones-Manzie-Peterkin) with lead vocals by Meatballs. All the singles were released on Mushroom Records with the L.P. being released on Junction Records. 

Post 97 - Daryl Somers - Don't Want To Share Your Love / You Look Just Like A Heartache To Me

Daryl Paul Somers born Daryl Scroltch 6 August,1951 in Geelong, Victoria, sometimes referred to as Dazza or Dags, is an Australian television personality. Somers rose to national fame as the host of the long-running comedy-variety program Hey Hey It's Saturday.  As a drummer, he joined a group playing music in the style of Herb Alpert which began under the name Pasquale and his Mexican Rhythm. Under another name, the group appeared on GTV-9’s New Faces, winning their way to the finals, only to be beaten by John Williamson. On 9th of October 1971, Hey Hey It's Saturday started. Somers at first co-hosted with footballer Peter McKenna but eight weeks later, his co-host became the pink hand-puppet Ossie Ostrich. In 1985 Daryl recorded the single here for you to download "Don't Want To Share Your Love" b/w " You Look Just Like A Heartache To Me" (BA-3321) for Avenue Records both sides produced by Brian Cadd and I'm sure if you listen carefully you'll here Brain on backing vocals as well. 

Post 96 - Rick Springfield - Streakin' Across The U.S.A. / Music To Streak By

Here for you to download is the second installment of Rick's streaking phase. "Streakin' Across The U.S.A. / Music To Streak By" was the U.S. version of post #87 "Streaking The Australian Way". Both songs were recorded in 1974 with different lyrics to suit the two countries. This version was recorded on Columbia/CBS, produced by Robie Porter. "Streakin' Across The U.S.A." b/w" Music To Streak By" (4-46032) was credited on the label as Rick Springfield & Springfield Mass and the B side credited to Springfield Mass, I've searched and searched in books, on the internet and anything else I could think of and for the life of me can't find out anything on the Springfield Mass name but not giving up yet. The only other time I've seen the name Springfield Mass is on the B side of his 1974 Australian single "Mission Magic" with the A side as Rick Springfield and the B side "Music To Streak By" as YES you guessed it Springfield Mass. Thanks to Peter for this track.

Post 95 - Mother Goose - I Think It's You / Ol' Blue

Originating from Dunedin N.Z. in November 1975. Mother Goose were six rock musicians who wanted to play rock music. But they didn't want to be part of the regular 70's style around at the time. So to be different they decked themselves in hideous costumes, labelled themselves with the dumbest name they could think of and started playing in pubs. The group decided in October 1976 to head across to Australia. They arrived in Sydney and began working. They were spotted by Garry Spry, who was so impressed by their act that he took over their management and moved them down to Melbourne. The group was signed by Mushroom Records and their first single "Baked Beans" was released midway through 1977. In August 1977, their first album Stuffed was released. They had a major breakthrough in March 1978 when manager Garry Spry returned from a trip to the US, with news that he had successfully negotiated overseas record deals. Their final Australian show before leaving for L.A. was at the Dallas Brooks Hall in Melbourne on May 28th. In the US, the band settled in Hollywood and had their own recording studio. They were to record an album for Scotti Brothers but the band was not happy with the contract and refused to be just another American pop group, so they moved to New York. There they quickly became a major rock club draw card. But contractual battles between management companies on each side of America and the bands refusal to become a disco group prevented them from securing a major recording contract on their terms.  They returned to Australia in February 1979 with new American member Justin McCarthy. He replaced Pete Dickson on lead guitar. While they had been away, a single "I Think It's You" b/w "Ol' Blue" (K-7126) was released in June 1978. In October 1979, Mother Goose returned to New Zealand for a three week tour which was followed by an Australian tour to promote the release of their second album called Don't Believe In Fairytales. Their third and final album was in June 1982 and was called This Is The Life. In early 1983 Justin McCarthy returned to New York. They continued touring Australia and Canada until they called it a day in 1985. I have all the Mother Goose LP's and this single and it's B side has never appeared on any of them and I'm sure has never been on CD. So here is that 1978 single and it's 7 min. B side for your downloading pleasure, enjoy.

Post 94 - Frank Howson - Killing Ourselves / Boogie Street

Frank Howson was born in 1952 in Melbourne.  Legendary DJ Stan Rofe signed Howson to a recording deal and produced his first single: "Seventeen Ain't Young" / "Hide and seek" in 1969 who was seventeen during recording.  It became a Top 40 hit in Melbourne. Barry, Adams and Barkan who penned the tracks were all involved in The Archies and both songs were on their first album, The Archies. In 1977 Howson took a demo tape by The Ferrets to Molly Meldrum who signed them to Mushroom Records.  They achieved a 1977 #2 hit single "Don't Fall In Love" from their début album Dreams of a Love which went Gold. It contains the Howson and Schofield song "Killing Ourselves". Howson recorded his own version in 1978 produced by Billy Miller of The Ferrets.  Here for you to download is his version of "Killing Ourselves b/w Boogie Street" (K7228) on Mushroom Records.

Post 93 - Love Machine - Keep Searchin' / May My Heart Be Cast Into Stone

The Black Diamonds hailed from Lithgow NSW, west of Sydney.  Their name denoted those origins with Lithgow being a prominent coal-mining town. In late 1966 they achieved a remarkable feat when they signed a recording deal with Festival, making them the first pop band from the NSW Central West to get a record deal.  They were also one of the first regional bands anywhere in Australia to be signed to a major label contract without becoming established in a capital city. By this time they had a strong following in the Central West and their own fan club, based here in Orange, started by local girls Bernadette Kelly and Clelia Calvo. In 1968 the band changed its name to Tymepiece and they moved to Sydney. It was at this time that Pat Aulton approached them to record a version of The Tokens' "The Lion Sleeps Tonight" to promote the opening of Stafford Bullen's African Lion Safari at Warragamba, NSW. For the purposes of this single the group worked under the name The Love Machine. The song was a hit, but the band members then returned on to their own music, although Pat continued releasing material under the Love Machine name, using different musicians, until 1970. So the big question is, who actually were the band members on this track.  Maybe Bernadette or Clelia could shed some light on the topic.  The single here for you to download is out of 1969 produced by Pat Aulton is the cover of Del Shannon's "Keep Searchin'" b/w "May My Heart Be Cast Into Stone" (FK-2750).

Post 92 - Billy Thorpe - Dream Baby / You Don't Live Twice

By early 1967 The Aztecs had broken up. Billy kept busy during 1967, but only issued one single on Festival, a cover of Roy Orbison's "Dream Baby" which reached #36 in October. The single was a flop. In January 1968, he formed a new backing band with Johnny Dick, Mick Liber (guitar ex-Python Lee Jackson) and Dave McTaggert (bass) who was soon replaced by Paul Wheeler (ex-Affair). Billy began the process of breaking the shackles of his 60s Mk I pop persona, to re-emerge shortly thereafter with the template of his sensational 70s Mk II as the bearded, long-haired, blues wailing rocker we have come to love. Here is that single for Festival that was largely ignored out of 1967 "Dream Baby" b/w “You Don't Live Twice" (FK - 2015)

Post 91 - Ray Brown - Just Ray Brown LP

Ray Brown & The Whispers burst onto the charts in January 1965 with their debut single, a revival of Chubby Checker's "20 Miles".  It went to #1 in Sydney, and also fared well in Melbourne, reaching #26. By the end of 1965 Ray Brown & The Whispers ranked with Normie Rowe, The Aztecs and the Easybeats as one of the hottest acts in the country. Ray and the original Whispers split at the end of 1966, after a final tour in late '66 with their old mates Max Merritt & The Meteors and Billy Thorpe & The Aztecs (who also split after this tour). Ray put together a New Whispers in early 1967 with Dave Russell (ex-Ray Columbus & The Invaders) on guitar, Ronnie Peel ( ex-Missing Links) on bass and Steve Hardy on drums. With the departure of Russell, Brown took over on guitar and the band was renamed The Ray Brown Three, but both groups lasted only a short time. Seeking to extend his career, Ray headed overseas late '67 and he spent two years working in the U.S.A. which included the recording of a solo album Just Ray Brown for Capitol, produced by American composer arranger producer David Axelrod. Despite the name producer and large budget, it flopped, largely due to poor choices of material by the company. According to a contemporary interview from Go-Set, Ray declared that "Capitol spent $30,000 on it, put in a 30 piece orchestra and then wouldn't let me pick my own material." Here for you to download is that LP recorded in 1969 "Just Ray Brown" (ST-186).

Post 90 - Don Lane - You're Everything LP

Don Lane, born 13 November 1933 as Morton Donald Isaacson, is an American-born Australian entertainer, talk show host and singer. Lane forged an enduring partnership with Bert Newton, an Australian comedian and entertainment identity. Both Lane and Newton maintain that the first time they met was on-air, during the first episode of the Don Lane Show. Each describes that there was instant 'chemistry', and that they never made any deliberate attempt to build the relationship; it just happened. Newton took much pleasure in sending up Lane's singing, sometimes by playing his records at half-speed while miming Lane's performance. Lane sometimes responded in kind by sending up Newton's own record, the "Bert and Patti Album". The Don Lane Show ended on 13 November 1983. His final episode ran for two and a half hours and featured such stars as Sammy Davis, Jr., Phyllis Diller, and David Bowie. For you to download is Don's 1976 album for Festival "You're Everything" (L 25260) From what I can gather even though the single "You're Everything" b/w "The Small Exception Of Me" was released in 1970 on the Spin label the LP of the same name didn't come out till '76 on this Festival compilation. In 2003 Lane was inducted into the TV Week Logie Awards Hall of Fame.

Post 89 - Kevin Borich Express - Scene From Star Crossed Lovers

Here's another of Kevin Borich's B sides never to see CD as yet. "Scene From Star Crossed Lovers" (IS-194) was recorded on Image in 1976 at Armstrongs Studios Melbourne and produced by Roger Savage. It is an instrumental track and was the B side of "I'm Goin' Somewhere" which has made it to CD. It can be found on the Celebration album. Both tracks were penned by Kevin.

Post 88 - Rick Springfield - Streaking the Australian Way

This is one of Rick's singles that was brought to my attention by a friend. He asked me if I had it…..and as you see I do. "Streaking The Australian Way" would have to be one of his lesser known singles and never was a big hit. To tell you the truth I never recall ever hearing it on radio. The first time I heard the song was on the 1974 Best Of Rick Springfield LP released by Summit. The song was backed with "You'd Better Think Twice" which came from the LP Mission Magic. During this same period, Rick was offered the opportunity to star in animated form in the short-lived American Saturday morning cartoon series. Each episode featured a new song written and performed by Rick. A soundtrack album was released in Australia, though not in the United States. The backing tracks featured some of the cream of the L.A. session scene including drummers Russ Kuknel and Jim Keltner and bassists Leland Sklar and Carol Kaye. Also included were top Aussie session players Ray Arnott, Barry Morgan and Barry "Big Goose" Sullivan. In America another single was released, "Streaking Across the USA" / "Music to streak by" (Columbia USA). It came out at the same time. I've never heard it, but I'm sure it would be the same song with of course the Aussie cities being replaced with American cities. I'm pretty sure neither of these two singles ever made it to CD, but for you to download out of 1974 on Wizard is "Streaking the Australian Way” (SRA295.047).

Post 87 - Marcia Hines & Jon English - Jokers & Queens

Jonathon James English born 26 March 1949 in Hampstead, London, England is an Australian rock singer, musician, actor and writer. Jon English immigrated to Australia with his parents in 1961. He was an early vocalist and rhythm guitarist for Sebastian Hardie but left to take on the role of Judas Iscariot in the Australian version of the stage musical Jesus Christ Superstar from May 1972. Marcia Elaine Hines, born 20 July 1953 in Boston, Massachusetts, USA is a vocalist, actress and TV personality who achieved success in her adopted homeland of Australia. Hines debuted, at the age of sixteen, in the Australian version of the stage musical Hair and followed with the role of Mary Magdalene in Jesus Christ Superstar. Now I could write for ages about these two great artists and their many successes, but this post brings them together in 1982 with their mini LP "Jokers & Queens" (NITELP101) backed on guitar by John Dallimore (ex Redhouse) & Ross East (ex Copperwine), Keith Kerwin (ex Avengers), bass John Coker, Bruno Distanislo, Keyboards Charlie Hull, Peter Deacon (ex Nitro), Steve Ball (ex Kush), Drums Greg Henson (ex Ben Turpin), Hamish Stuart (ex Ayers Rock), Sunil De Silva (ex Hot City Bump Band). Recorded for Midnight Records with 3 original and 3 covers produced by Charlie Hull & Jon and yet it's another one of those great LP's that haven't seen the CD format as yet.

Post 86 - Dave Allenby – Let’s Get A Little Sentimental / Bygone Days

London born cockney comedian and recording artist Dave Allenby came to Australia in 1970 after a highly successful career on the UK club circuit. During the 60s, he supported a host of major acts in the UK, including Roy Orbison, The Everly Brothers, Cilla Black, Tommy Cooper, Edward Woodward and Olivia Newton John. He had roles in hit movies, including Those Magnificent Men In Their Flying Machines and Heroes of Telemark and also charted in the UK with "Where Has All the Love Gone" on RCA in 1969. His first break in Australia in 1970 was to tour widely as a support act with legendary group The Beach Boys. Dave's good fortune continued in 1970 with his recording of "She Works in a Woman's way / Midnight Special", backed by Sydney band Autumn, saw plenty of chart action later that year. “She Works in a Woman's way” was the hit, while “Midnight Special” was a great live version, recorded at legendary Sydney club, Chequers. Both tracks on the single were produced by Barrie McAskill from Levi Smith's Clefs. Barrie also had a hand in Dave's follow-up single in 1971 featured here to download “Let's Get A Little Sentimental / Bygone Days” (CHK – 4132). Penned by Mike Leander & Eddie Seago, the B side written by bass player Yuk Harrison (ex The Meating, Max Merritt & The Meteors, Ray Brown & The Whispers, Ray Columbus & The Invaders and Levi Smith’s Clefs). Though failing to repeat the chart success of Dave's first single release in Australia, “Let's Get A Little Sentimental” is a fine version of a song most often associated with UK group, The Montanas. Craig Scott recorded a hit version in New Zealand. Dave was backed by Levi Smith's Clef's band on both tracks. Dave had at least one other single release in 1971 “Sweet Gingerbread Man/Who Wrote That song”, produced by Pat Aulton.  There are suggestions of a further single called Sail Away in the 70s. After that, Dave concentrated on TV appearances including Number 96 (where he played Dr Wilkinson), Homicide, Matlock Police and the Mike Walsh Show. He is still performing occasionally around the clubs in country NSW to this day. And a big thank you to Peter McCray for the help with the notes on Dave much appreciated.

Post 85 - Cheek - So Much In Love / Do You Have A Soul?

The Punkz came to the attention of Glenn A. Baker who also managed Ol'55. Mushroom Records issued "Anyway You Want It" in 1976 and "Take Me For What I'm Worth" 1977. Neither song made an impact on the charts. Soon after, the band changed it's name to Cheek and covered The Mighty Avengers' "So Much In Love" penned by Mick Jagger and the B side a Vanda & Young song "Do You Have A Soul? It reached #23 in Melbourne in January 1978. Cheek started recording an album that never was completed, "Leave My Heart Alone" was issued in June '78 and wasn't successful and in August '78 the band broke up.

Post 84 - Freefall - Drinking Pina Colada / Funny Situations

Sydney funk sounding band Freefall only released two singles and one LP for Festival. The first single for you to download is from 1980 "Drinking Pina Colada” b/w “Funny Situations" (K7871). The second single was called "My Secret Agent" from 1981 LP of the same name. Band members were Brain Beamish (drums/vocals), Peter Benson (guitar/vocals), Chris Dodemont (trumpet), Ross Gwyther (sax), Bruce McCallum (trombone), John O'Dwyer (vocals), Phil Treby (bass/vocals) and Kevin Walsh (keyboards/vocals).

Post 83 - Ignatius Jones - Seductive Ways

Ignatius Jones sang with Jimmy And The Boys from '77 - '82, Arms & Legs in 1984 and also Pardon Me Boys also in 1984. As a solo artist he only released 2 singles "Like A Ghost" (post #53) in 1982 and "Whispering Your Name" in 1983 for WEA Records. Here for you to download is the B side of "Like A Ghost" is "Seductive Ways" (100204).

Post 82 - Ray Burton - Too Hard To Handle / Lady Of The Morning

Fresh out of school, aged 16, Ray found himself touring with the nationally credited band The Dave Bridge Quartet. Ray Burton wrote the music for Helen Reddy's song "I Am Woman". Ray's bands include the world renowned original Crossfire, founding member of Ayers Rock, lead singer in the pop band of the 70's The Executives. Doug Parkinson offered him a spot in his new band Life. The band started its career with one of Ray’s original songs “Love Gun”. Ray put together a five piece band with Rick Mellick, Peter Walker, Joe Tattersal and Steve Hogg. Their first gig was a monster tour of Australia supporting Queen. By the time they reached Brisbane the crowds were chanting for more which is rumoured to have slightly upset and ruffled Freddy Mercury. Ray’s songs went over so well Warner signed the deal for the album "Dreamers And Nightflyers". One of the singles lifted from that 1978 LP was "Too Hard To Handle" b/w "Lady Of The Morning" (100066) and is here for you to download.

Post 81 - Dawn Dixon - Bouzouki / Be The Way You Are

Dawn Dixon was born in Melbourne in 1944, She did over 300 television shows and also sang to the troops in Vietnam (two tours). She is a proud Mother of two twin boys Andrew and Michael. Here to download is"Bouzouki" b/w "Be The Way You Are" (FB-050) recorded for Fable Records.We are very greatful to Michael Dixon for this info on his mum.