Post 344 - Lynne Dutton - You've Got Me Loving You / A Lonelier Day

Who is Lynne Dutton? We say good question as we can't seem to find anything about this lady. This is one of two singles released by Lynne on Festival Records. Here to download is "You've Got Me Loving You" b/w "A Lonelier Day" (FK-4658) it was her first single produced by Mike Loxton in 1972. Her second single was the Glenn Cardier penned song "Body & Soul".

Post 343 - Frankie Davidson - Aussie Music (You've Sure Come A Long Way) Part 1 & 2

This Frankie Davidson single, released in 1984 on Powderworks Records, was written by Frankie and produced by Mike Harvey. I'm not going to write a lot about this song as I think Frankie says it all in this song, I don't think there's many Aussie acts he doesn't mention in these two tracks. As Molly would say "Do yourself a favour and have a listen." It reminds me a bit of Lucky Starr's "I've Been Everywhere" only with Aussie artists instead of Aussie towns. Here to download is "Aussie Music (You've Sure Come A Long Way) Part 1 & 2" (POW 0230).

Post 342 - Jon English, Trevor White & The Superstar Band - Laid Back In Anger / Laughing At The Guru

Trevor White was born in Essex, England. He sang and played piano with the group Sounds Incorporated, and moved to Australia when the group broke up. He played Jesus in the 1972 Sydney production of Jesus Christ Superstar. 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. In 1976, Jon performed a duet with fellow Superstar Trevor White, Here for you to download is the single for Polydor Records "Laid Back in Anger" b/w "Laughing At The Guru" (2079 096). The A side was written by Iain Sutherland of Sutherland Brothers fame and the B side penned by Jon came from the "Hollywood Seven" LP. Unfortunately the single did not have major chart success, but I think it is quite a good song just the same.

Post 341 - Ernie Sigley & Denise Drysdale - Hey Baby / All I Have To Do Is Dream

Here to download is the double A sided single for Ernie & Denise "Hey Baby" b/w "All I Have To Do Is Dream" (K-6035). Released on Festival Records in 1975 and as far as I can find out these songs never made it to CD or LP. The single was produced by Brian Rangott at Armstrong Studio's Melbourne. The single certainly didn’t chart, despite them performing the song twice on their show. Once in March ’75, and a 2nd time in August ’75 when the single was issued. Thanks Micko with help with this one.

Post 340 - Doug Parkinson - Love Is Like A Cloudy Day / One Track Mind

Doug was born in Newcastle, NSW in 1946 and grew up on Sydney's northern beaches, where he attended Narrabeen Boys' High School. Since the mid-Sixties, Doug Parkinson has been regarded as one of Australia's finest vocalists, a “singer's singer” who is one of the truly great soul R&B vocalists of our time. His deep, resonant, smoky baritone voice is operatic in its power, yet possesses a range and subtlety that few others can match. His sound is instantly recognizable and unmistakable, yet his great versatility enables him to be equally at home in almost every popular genre including soul, R&B, pop, psychedelia, heavy rock, jazz, swing and musicals. Added to his vocal prowess is an imposing stage presence including his trademark "Lucifer" beard and a solid acting ability. Here to download is Doug's 1975 single for Atlantic Records "Love Is Like A Cloudy Day" b/w "One Track Mind" (100019). The A side is a Vanda & Young composition with the B side penned by Doug. The single was produced by Doug at Trafalgar Studios. To read more about Doug Parkinson (and it is a hell of a story) go to http://www.milesago.com/artists/dougpark.htm. It is well worth the read I can assure you.

Post 339 - Aunty Jack - Farewell Aunty Jack / Doin' The Aunty Jack

The Aunty Jack Show was a Logie-award winning Australian television comedy series that ran from 1972 to 1973. Produced by and broadcasted on ABC-TV, the series attained an instant cult status that persists to the present day. The lead character, Aunty Jack was a unique comic creation, an obese, moustachioed, gravel voiced transvestite, part trucker and part pantomime dame who habitually solved any problem by knocking people unconscious or threatening to rip their Bloody arms off. Visually, she was unmistakable, dressed in a huge, tent like blue velvet dress, football socks, workboots, and a golden boxing glove on her right hand. She rode everywhere on a Harley Davidson motorcycle and referred to everyone as "me little lovelies” when she was not uttering her familiar threat: "I'll rip yer bloody arms off!". The character was devised and played by the multi-talented Grahame Bond and was partly inspired by his overbearing Uncle Jack, whom he had disliked as a child. Here to download is the single from the show "Farewell Aunty Jack" b/w "Doin' The Aunty Jack" (Picture Records PRS012). It was one of the first picture discs released in Australia (although apparently not the first, as has been claimed), and it was enormously successful. It was the first Australian single ever to enter the Australian charts at #1 (on 3 February 1974), and it stayed at #1 for ten weeks, charted for 22 weeks and sold over 100,000 copies by June 1974.

Post 338 - Issi Dy - Incense EP

Again, the spelling of this guy’s name amazes me. No wonder his stuff is so hard to find. On post # 258, the single "Family Full Of Soul" label shows his name to be Issy Di. The EP which is here for you to download "Incense" (FX-11,704) shows his name as Issi Dy on the cover, but is Issy Dy on the record label. On his web site it's Issi Dye, so as you can see finding him on eBay or other record buying sites you have to try the lot or you might just miss out. In the 1960's Issi appeared on Television programs like Bandstand, Kommotion, The GO! Show and Uptight. In late 1969 Issi had his first hit song with "Incense" and moved into the 1970's as a regular presenter and performer on the "Happening 70s" TV Show. This continued for three years. The EP was produced by Peter Goodman for Festival Records and the last track "A Simple Song" was written by Jim Keays and Doug Ford from the Masters Apprentices.

Post 337 - Johnny Farnham - For Christ's Sake Help The Kids / Hey Rev

This single was released in 1972 for the "Project Child Care Victoria" on W&G Records. The A side featured Johnny Farnham and the B side featured Robin Jolley. It was produced by Lesley Shaw and Geoff Hales for Lewis Young Productions and recorded at Armstrong Studio's Melbourne. Here to download is the single "For Christ's Sake Help The Kids" b/w "Hey Rev" (WG S 8370).

Post 336 - Janice Slater - Lullaby / Die Like A Kelly

Our friend Janice Slater recorded this beautiful single in 1974, taken from the rock opera "Ned Kelly". The song was penned by Patrick Flynn and Reg Livermore and arranged by Michael Carlos. I can't say a lot about the Ned Kelly LP as yet because that's another post. Here is the single from that LP for you to download "Lullaby" b/w "Die Like A Kelly" (2079 046) recorded for Polydor Records. Don't forget to visit Janice's my space page at http://www.myspace.com/janice_slater

Post 335 - Allison Durbin - Holy Man / Letter To Bill

Allison Durbin was born in Auckland in 1950, where she grew up and attended Westlake Girls High. Having started singing at the age of 5, she spent six years with Uncle Tom's Friendly Road Children's Choir. In 1966 Allison teamed up with the Mike Perjanik Band in the studio and released two singles on the Impact label. In October 1966, she and the Mike Perjanik Band moved across the Tasman for a residency at Sydney's Coogee Bay Hotel. After nine months, she left the band to pursue a solo career. Durbin's first HMV release was a cover of Morgana King's "I Have Loved Me A Man". Produced by Howard Gable who she later married. For three years running (1969, 1970 and 1971), she won Australia’s "Queen Of Pop" award for Best Female Artist. In 1971 she recorded a duet album, "Together", with John Farnham, who had been voted Australia's "King Of Pop" during the same years Durbin received her awards. Here to download is Allison's 7th single release, "Holy Man" b/w "Letter To Bill" (DO-9372) on Columbia Records in 1971, produced by Howard Gable. During the 1970s, as her career waned, Durbin began using heroin and her marriage to Gable ended. In 1985 she publicly acknowledged her battle with drugs and sought treatment at Odyssey House, a drug rehabilitation centre, but she was struck by a car just after her release from the centre, which left her with serious injuries, including a broken jaw. After she recovered, her days as a pop singer had passed. She moved into country music with great success. Joining the Hammond label, she produced six albums between 1976 to 1983. None of the Hammond Country albums were ever released in New Zealand, so in 1996 EMI put together a selection of songs from these albums and released a CD called "Country Classics" in New Zealand.

Post 334 - Ray Burton - Dreamers And Nightflyers LP

After putting together a five peice band Ray burton started on a monster tour of Australia supporting Queen. Ray’s original songs went over so well Warner signed the deal for the album here for you to download "Dreamers And Nightflyers" (600036). The album was recorded at Trafalgar Studios Sydney in 1978 and produced by John Sayers and Charles Fisher. Kerrie Biddel sang backing vocals on the opening track "Too Hard To Handle" and Barry Sullivan on bass. Others helping Ray on this fine LP were Steve Hopes, Peter Walker, Rex Bullen, Greg Lyon, Doug Gallagher, Jim Kelly, Tony Ansel, Ian Bloxham, Mal Clarke and Col Loughnan.

Post 333 - Brian Mannix - Brian Mannix LP

Singer and actor Brian Mannix was born on 7th October, 1961 in Melbourne. He was formerly the lead singer of Uncanny X-Men and he guest-starred in several episodes of Australian soap Neighbours in 1993 as Conor Cleary, a love interest for Lauren Carpenter. He grew up in Oak Park, a northern suburb of Melbourne and attended Catholic church schools. Brian was a big Beatles fan and would often entertain his family singing their hits when he was a kid. Brian used his creative talents to direct most of the bands video clips. Since the band broke up in 1987, Brian has turned his hand to many tasks including a solo album "Brian Mannix" (MUS LP 2018), directing TV shows and short films, directing theatre, acting in the theatre and TV and films, making short films, being an author, writing plays and much more. The LP "Brian Mannix" was released in 1990 on Musicland Records. It was produced by Brian, Steve Harrison and Ross McLennan. Brian still lives in Melbourne, is married to Sue and they have two children, Casey and Max. Here for you to download is Brian's LP "Brian Mannix".

Post 332 - Galadriel - Standing In The Rain / Working

Galadriel was formed in 1969 by guitarist and songwriter Garry Adams and drummer Doug Bligh. Galadriel's members wanted to write and perform their own original material. Recruiting hotshot lead guitarist Gary Lothian from the highly regarded Sydney band Elliot Gordon Union, singer John Sholtens and flautist Mick Parker from fellow Sydney dance band Samael Lilith, Galadriel soon made a name for themselves. The band signed with Gus McNeil's Cellar Music, which was also the publishing company for Spectrum's Mike Rudd and Country Radio's Greg Quill. Late in 1970 Galadriel recorded ten original songs at Sydney's United Sound Studios with American producer Tom Lubin. Their debut single "Lady Was A Thief" /b/w "Girl of Seventeen" in February 1971, was picked up for release by Martin Erdman's label Du Monde. Galadriel shopped the recordings around for several more months without success, but eventually they were signed by the Polydor label, who released the LP and their second single here for you to download "Standing In The Rain" b/w "Working" (2079 001), in May 1971. These were Polydor's first local rock releases in Australia and although the recordings were remarkably good, Polydor evidently lacked the experience and clout to get it noticed and regrettably both album and single sank without trace. Apparently both singles from the LP are noticeably different according to an interview by the band in the Freedom Train magazine.

Post 331 - Drummond - For You Blue / The Grasshopper

Drummond's first single was released in June 1970 for Fable Records. Here for you to download is "For You Blue" b/w "The Grasshopper" (FB-014). The A-side is a cover of the George Harrison track from the Let It Be album. This debut single sank without a trace. The main musicians who recorded the first two Drummond singles were Graeham Goble, Russ Johnson and John Mower.

Post 330 - Cool Bananas - Been And Gone / Cool Bananas

Cool Bananas and its successor Aunty Jack & The Gong were offshoots from the ABC's cult TV comedy program The Aunty Jack Show, which ran from 1972-73. Both bands featured Rory O'Donoghue, the friend and partner of Grahame Bond. Both men were accomplished performers, composers, musicians and writers. Rory had been a member of the '60s Sydney bands The Pogs and Oakapple Day and he had also released a solo single on the Image label in the early '70s. He formed Cool Bananas sometime in 1973. Original drummer Robbie Dearlove was replaced by Russell Dunlop just before their first single, "Been And Gone", which was released on Albert Productions. The band performed on the ABC-TV special Aunty Jack Rox On which was broadcast in June 1973, playing a four song live in the studio set comprising "Gypsy", "Drug", "Hard Road" and "The Other Side". On this occasion Cool Bananas was fronted by former Easybeats lead singer Stevie Wright. Although the ABC cancelled the Aunty Jack series abruptly in 1973, it became something of a pop culture phenomenon and led to the release of a single version of the show's theme song "Farewell Aunty Jack". They say it was one of the first picture discs released in Australia and it was the first Australian single ever to enter the Australian charts at #1 (on 3 February 1974), and it stayed at #1 for ten weeks, charted for 22 weeks and sold over 100,000 copies by June 1974. Here to download is the Cool Bananas one and only single "Been And Gone" b/w "Cool Bananas" (AP-10319) which was produced by Chris Gilbey. The Cool Bananas were Stein Boddington (bass, vocals), Robbie Dearlove (drums) 1973, Wayne Finley (keyboards, vocals), Rory O'Donoghue (guitar, vocals) , Mark Punch (guitar) and Don Reid (reeds) . Their only other claim to fame was that they backed Kevin Johnson on his 1973 LP "Rock & Roll I Gave You the Best Years of my Life". Bond, O'Donoghue and Garry McDonald then recorded the album "Aunty Jack Sings Wollongong" which was released on Polydor in April 1975.

Post 329 - Whistler's Mother - Steamboat Willie / Mister Big

Here is another one of those Aussie bands with not much information to be found. All I can find is that they were a Sydney band formed around 1964 and did not turn professional until 1970 when they released two singles for RCA Records. Here to download is their first single released in 1971 "Steamboat Willie" b/w "Mister Big" (101941) produced by Brian Nicholls. Both tracks were penned by guitarist John Wermut. Other members were Jac Appel - Drums, Brutus Hudson - organ and Heski Wakil. It doesn't seem any of these guys played in any other bands. Apparently, they performed at the NSW final of the Hoadley's battle of the sounds in 1971, but didn't win and go on to the national finals. Again we are hoping someone out there in the cyber world might know a little more about this band. Like before we have had sons, daughters, ex-wives even band members them selves contact us so fingers crossed. We will also do our best to track down the 2nd single for you to hear.

Post 328 - Dame Edna Everage - The Sound Of Edna LP

Dame Edna Everage is a character played by Australian comedian Barry Humphries. As Dame Edna, Humphries has written several books including an autobiography, My Gorgeous Life, appeared in several films and hosted various television shows. While Dame Edna is a fictitious character whose life story has been entirely created by Barry Humphries, so complete is her identity as an individual that Macmillan published her "autobiography," written by Humphries but credited to Edna herself, on its non-fiction list. According to that autobiography, "My Gorgeous Life," and to statements Edna has made over the years, she was born Edna May Beazley in the rural city of Wagga Wagga, with a sibling who would give birth to Barry McKenzie. Everage started her stage career on 19 December 1955 as Mrs. Norm Everage, an "average Australian housewife" from Moonee Ponds, a Melbourne suburb. Dame Edna spent many years accompanied by her bridesmaid and constant companion Madge Allsop (played by Emily Perry), a New Zealander from Palmerston North who assisted Dame Edna with her appearances and television shows. (Perry died at the age of 100 in 2008). Here to download is Edna's 1978 LP "The Sound Of Enda" (9124 027) recorded for Charisma Records. The single lifted from this set was "Every Mother Wants A Boy Like Elton". On 7th of March 2007 her home town, Melbourne, re-named a city street in her honour: Dame Edna Place, formerly Brown Alley off Little Collins Street. In early 2010, Dame Edna collaborated with cabaret pianist and singer, Michael Feinstein for a two person revue entitled "All About Me", based on the concept that the pair were rivals who were forced to work together for the show's sake. The show opened as the second production for the newly refurbished Henry Miller's Theatre.

Post 327 - Various Artist - A Groovin' With Coca-Cola / Summerhill Road

Many Artists around the world have recorded a Coca-Cola jingle, and our Aussie Artists were right up there with them. Here to download is a single released in 1968 for Coke called "A Groovin' With Coca-Cola" b/w "Summerhill Road" (PRS-2028). The A side featured 4 one minute Coca-Cola jingles by The Executives, The Twilights, The Groove and Johnny Farnham. The Groove won the Hoadley’s National Battle Of The Sounds of that year. As a special bonus the B side features the latest single by The Executives "Summerhill Road". Thanks to Chris for this single and we have a lot more Aussie Coca-Cola jingles to come.

Post 326 - Marcia Hines,Brian Cadd,Max Merritt & Doug Parkinson - To Love Somebody (a tribute to Maurice Gibb)

On the 12th of January we mourned the death of Maurice Ernest Gibb, born on the 22nd of December 1949. He was born in the Isle of Man, the twin brother of Robin Gibb, and younger brother to Barry. The Bee Gees got their start in Australia, and found major success when they returned to England. The Bee Gees became one of the most successful pop groups of all time. Maurice Gibb died at a Miami Beach, Florida, hospital on 12 January 2003 of complications resulting from a twisted intestine (volvulus). His brothers Barry and Robin retired the name Bee Gees for a time, declining to perform as a group. However, as time passed, they decided to perform occasionally under the Bee Gees banner. Here to download is a single released by Marcia Hines, Brian Cadd, Max Merritt & Doug Parkinson paying tribute to Maurice with the Bee Gee hit "To Love Somebody" (70192) for Universal Records. The single was produced by Billy Thorpe & Mark Opitz in 2003 at Electric Mountain Studios Sydney. Away from the Bee Gees, Maurice recorded an unreleased solo album in 1970. Maurice's last project was to produce an album's worth of songs written and sung by his daughter Samantha, which finally appeared in 2005 under the name M E G - Maurice's initials.Flac 

Post 325 - Hans Poulsen - Coming Home Late Again / Run Away Children

Hans Sven Poulsen who was born Bruce Gordon Poulsen on the 7th of March 1945 in Melbourne, Victoria, is an Australian singer-songwriter who was popular in the late 1960s and early 1970s. Poulsen had hits with "Boom Sha La La Lo" co written with Seeker's Bruce Woodley and "Light Across the Valley" both in 1970 for Fable Records and had success as a songwriter with "Rose Coloured Glasses" for John Farnham and "Monty and Me" for Zoot. One of his best-known and most successful compositions, "It's Only A Matter Of Time", was the much played B side of the Russell Morris's single "The Real Thing". Before he joined Fable Hans released two singles on Parlophone Records "Rocking Chair" b/w "After Dinner Evening Stroll" which was released in January 1968. It was followed by "Coming Home Late Again" b/w "Run Away Children" (A-8606) in December. Apparently neither single made any impact on the charts. In October 1992, Hans suffered a catastrophic brain haemorrage which left him totally paralysed and in a coma, and doctors initially gave him only a one percent chance of recovery. Incredibly, Hans' strength and positive outlook helped him to pull through, and by 1993, although now permanently confined to a wheelchair, Hans had recovered sufficiently to record a new album, "Carry You In My Heart", which featured some of Australia's finest session musicians. Here for you to download is "Coming Home Late Again".

Post 324 - Debbie Byrne - Heroes / Memory

Debbie Byrne made a successful and highly publicised career comeback in 1985 with the starring role as Kathy McLeod, opposite Matt Dillon, in the film Rebel. She was nominated for an AFI Award for Best Actress in a Lead Role for her performance in this film. Here to download is a single written by Peter Best, released from the Rebel soundtrack, "Heroes" b/w "Memory" (EMI - 1638) for EMI Records in 1985. Produced by Bruce Rowland at Studio 301, Sydney. The B side was produced by Peter Dawkins and engineered by Richard Lush came from "The Persauder" LP.

Post 323 - John Paul Young - Out Of Time / Hold Me

By mid 1980 John Paul Young had left Albert Productions and ended his association with Vanda & Young. He used session musicians for his 1960s' covers album, "The Singer" released in 1981. Just before Christmas we were asked if we could post the single lifted from this LP, so here it is for you to download recorded for Hammard "Out Of Time" b/w "Hold Me". Backing John were Jim Doyle & Stuart Frazer - guitars, Rex Bullen - Keyboards, Les Young - bass, Russell Dunlop - drums, Ralph White - horns, Geoff Oakes - sax and backing vocals by Karen Smith.

Post 322 - Bruce Woodley - The Colours Of Your Days

Bruce William Woodley born on 25th July 1942, is an Australian singer-songwriter, guitarist, banjo and mandolin-player. He was a founding member of the successful pop-folk group The Seekers. Bruce's first solo venture was a production company called Pennywheel, which saw him release a number of products for children, including a "Build an Alphabet" set of blocks and the 1969 EP & board book "Friday St. Fantasy". In 1969 Bruce headed off to America to sell the songs he'd been writing, and was to remain there for several years. During this period he collaborated with a number of writers including John Farrar and Australian folk singer Hans Poulsen. Their composition "Boom-Sha-La-La-Lo" became a hit for Poulsen. In 1971 Bruce released his first solo album, entitled Just Good Friends. The original album cover featured two naked models having sex. This was deemed too raunchy for Australia and the cover was replaced by a photo of Woodley. The original cover, however, was allowed in New Zealand, and this version of the album is a collectors item today. Here to download is the one sided flexi disc produced by Bill Armstrong Pty Ltd for Dulux Paints called "The Colours Of Your Days." As you can see by the scan there is no cat.# or date of release. Bruce's non-musical work includes public speaking through the Saxton Speakers Bureau, and he is the patron of various organisations such as the National Institute of Youth Performing Arts Australia. He is also a member of the Advisory Board of the organisation TLC for Kids, and was for a time, beginning in 1997, the chairman of the Victorian branch of the Variety Club.

Post 321 - Dave Allenby - Where Has All The Love Gone / Somewhere In The World

Here to download is Dave Allenby's 1969 single for RCA Records "Where Has All The Love Gone" b/w "Somewhere In The World" (RCA - 1865). There isn't a lot of information on the Internet about this single aside from the fact that it was recorded in the UK, England to be more precise. For more songs and information about Dave, please check out post's #85 and #123.

Post 320 - The Rocky Horror Show - Original Australian Cast

This recording of the Original 1974 Australian Cast of "The Rocky Horror Show" was initially released as a gatefold LP by Festival Records in Australia, reissued in the U.S. a year later by Elephant Records as a budget LP with no gatefold. This is the only cast album that uses "The Wedding Song" as a song title in place of "Dammit Janet." It also groups "Rose Tint My World" / "Fanfare" / "Wild And Untamed Thing" (collectively titled "It Was Great When It All Began" ) with "I'm Going Home" for one extremely long 9.00 minute track. This stage production opened in Sydney on April 19th, 1974 at the New Arts Cinema in Glebe. It was the first Rocky Horror Show production outside of the U.S. and U.K. The show ran for three and a half years, transferring to Melbourne in October 1975 and then to Adelaide in August 1977 before finally closing. The producer Harry M. Miller heard Richard O'Brien's demo tape before The Rocky Horror Show even opened at the Royal Court Theatre in London. He had previously produced two extremely successful shows in Australia, Hair (1969-71) and Jesus Christ Superstar (1972-74). Vocals on this LP were by Dr. Frank-N-Furter: Reg Livermore, Janet Weiss: Jane Harders, Brad Majors: John Paramor, Riff-Raff: Sal Sharah, Magenta and Usherette: Kate Fitzpatrick, Columbia: Maureen Elkner, Eddie and Dr. Scott: David Cameron, Rocky Horror: Graham Matters, Narrator: Arthur Dignam, Magenta (only on "Touch A Touch Me" and "Once in a While"): Julie McGregor and Brad Majors (only on "Over at the Frankenstein Place"): Piero von Arnim. The band was made up of, on Piano: Jamie McKinley, Sax: Geoff Oakes, Guitar & Mellotron: Roy Ritchie, Bass: Ken Firth and Greg Henson on drums, the chorus was made up of Bob Hudson, Arthur Dignam, Julie McGregor, Maureen Elkner, Graham Matters, Sal Sharah, and Piero von Arnim. Here to download is "The Rocky Horror Show" (L 35231) on Festival. It was produced by John Morrison & Roy Ritchie, recording engineer: Richard E. Lush and executive producer: Harry M. Miller. The original LP features a gatefold with performance photos and complete song lyrics. The budget LP reissue got rid of the gatefold, added the Elephant Records logo and "Suggested Retail: $3.29."

Post 319 - The Dargies - Dig The Didjeridoo EP

Horrie Dargie was born on the 7th of July 1917, in Whyalla, South Australia, the second son of Andrew and Adelaide Dargie. His older brother Sir William Dargie was a noted Australian portrait artist. In the early 1930s he took up the chromatic harmonica and won a variety competition on a local radio station in 1937. In 1938 he moved to Sydney. Horrie Dargie joined the Australian Army in 1941 and served in New Guinea and later in the occupational forces in Japan. He returned to Melbourne in 1947 and subsequently formed the famous Horrie Dargie Quintet. By 1952 the Quintet had risen in popularity by dint of hard work, and played their farewell concert at the Sydney Town Hall in 1952 before leaving for England. By chance, a recording was made of the performance on a wire recorder using just one microphone. The 10″ record of the farewell concert became Australia's first Gold Record, selling 75,000 copies. In 1958 Dargie took up a position at Channel 9, where he was in charge of the talent division . He compered the BP Super Show and also was responsible for the Delo and Daly Show, He was the first Australian compere of the show "The Price is Right" and managed the The Go!! Show, a pop music show that regularly featured entertainers such as Johnny Young, Ian Turpie and Olivia Newton-John. Dargie also established Go!! Records in 1964 to promote artists who appeared on the show. Here to download is the EP recorded for Astor Records 'Dig The Didjeridoo With The Dargies" (AEP 4001). There is no date release on the cover or record anywhere even Astor has a ? where the date should be so I'm hoping someone out there can help us with this. Dargie is also remembered for his musical arrangements for the film Crocodile Dundee and the TV show The Leyland Brothers. He also played the background music for the TV series Skippy the Bush Kangaroo. Horrie Dargie passed away at the age of 82 on 30 August, 1999.

Post 318 - The Mojo Singers - C'Mon Aussie C'Mon / Establishment Blues

Seeing the cricket season is upon us we thought these couple of singles may be in order. Originally performed by the Mojo Singers in 1978 as an advertising jingle to promote World Series Cricket's unofficial Australian cricket team, the song eulogised players such as Dennis Lillee, the Chappell brothers Ian and Greg and Rod Marsh. It ended with the refrain, "C'mon Aussie, C'mon, C'mon" sung again and again. The song was part of an advertising campaign devised by the Mojo agency for the Channel Nine network, which televised WSC cricket. Released as a single, it was a smash hit and was played at the WSC games and even sung by crowds at the official Test matches. Each season the lyrics changed to announce who would be the Australian cricket team's opponents that summer and to highlight the latest stars of the team. Here to download is the 1978 WEA single "C'Mon Aussie C'Mon" b/w "Establishment Blues" (100082). The B side was recorded by Glenn Cardier under the name Sydney Hill. As an added bonus we have included in this download the WEA single from 1979 "C'Mon Aussie C'Mon - The New Era" b/w "World Series Cup" & "Have A Go" (100117). Thanks Peter for these. The guys who penned the songs Allan Johnson & Alan Morris had other commercials to their credit such as "You Ought To Be Congratulated" the margarine commercial and "I Feel Like A Tooheys, Or Two" for Tooheys Beer.

Post 317 - Riff Raff - Reindeers On The Rooftop

Our final Christmas post for 2010 is from Glenn Cardier who recorded this Christmas tune in 1985 under the name of Riff Raff. The song features his daughter Beth on vocals. Glenn has penned songs for such fellow Aussie's such as Ol' 55, Olivia Newton-John and appeared on the B side of the Mojo Singers "C'mon Aussie C'mon" as Sydney Hill. He played the first two Sunbury festivals and worked with the likes of Frank Zappa, Spike Milligan, and Fairport Convention. Here to download is "Reindeers On The Rooftop" (K- 7340). Glenn writes, performs and produces his music from his home studio on the Hawkesbury River, north of Sydney. Cardier usually plays all the instruments on his albums.

Post 316 - Billy Field - Santa Claus Is Headin' South

Billy Field is an Australian singer and songwriter, best known for his hit singles "True Love" '82, "Bad Habits" '81 and "You Weren’t in Love with Me" '81. More than a decade earlier he was a member of Sydney band King Fox. King Fox was formed whilst Field and the rest of the group’s members were still in high school. King Fox released their debut single on the Du Monde label. "Unforgotten Dreams" was released in late 1969. "Bad Habits" showed Field’s passion for jazz and pop. His husky vocals proved the perfect foil for the horn sections and crisp production. Here to download is a Christmas song by Billy in 2003 "Santa Claus Is Headin' South." Helping Billy on this track are Don Burrows, Bob Barnard, Ed Wilson, Randy Waldman, Dave Pudney and Len Barnard. It was produced by Lorenzo Toppano.

Post 315 - The Fable Singers - When I Boiled The Billy For Santa Claus

This song is a prime example of a Christmas mystery. The Fable Singers were known for their recordings of the VFL/Later AFL Club Footy Songs on Fable Records, which I am reasonably sure is where the band name came from. This track came from a various artist LP of "True Blue Songs Of Australia" but there is no mention of this ever being a single for Fable. It is also not listed in the Fable discography. So who are The Fable Singers and where did this song come from? Maybe someone out there knows a little more than us and wouldn’t mind sharing the info. Here for you to download is “When I Boiled The Billy For Santa Claus.”

Post 314 - Tony Barber - White Christmas

On post #200 was Tony Barber's Christmas single "Sarah Jane". This year we have for you to download his version of "White Christmas" from his 1981 LP for Telmak Records "Songs Of The Century". Produced by Ernie Rose and engineered and arranged by Scott Hemming and Graham Lyall.

Post 313 - Kamahl - Warm Christmas

Here to download is "Warm Christmas" which was lifted from Kamahl's 1978 Philips LP "Around The World". The song was penned by Clyde Collins and produced by Dermot Hoy and arranged by Allan Tew. You will find some other Christmas Tunes by Kamahl on post #209 and post #199 on our Blog. In 2010, Kamahl made a cameo appearance on Yes We Canberra! as well had a small role in one sketch which was unused but later an extra on the DVD release. Kamahl appeared on an episode of Australian TV quiz show Spicks and Specks which first went to air on 8th of September 2010.

Post 312 - Dame Edna Everage - Spooky Christmas

This Christmas track for you to download came from Dame Edna's 3 track single "Theme From Neighbours". It was produced by David MacKay and Don Reedman and was released in 1988 on Epic Records. Dame Edna Everage is a character played by Australian comedian Barry Humphries. As Dame Edna, Humphries has written several books including an autobiography, My Gorgeous Life. She has also made several recordings, with a hit in 1978 with "Every Mother Wants a Boy like Elton".

Post 311 - Mark Williams - Christmas Is A Lucky Time EP

Williams was born in 1954 in the Northland region of New Zealand and at 16 started up a band called "The Face" with fellow classmates. The band went on to win the National Battle of the Bands competition in September 1970, and finished third overall in the grand final held in Auckland. One of the judges at the final was Lew Pryme, and he recognised the potential of the group and became their manager. When the T.V. show "Happen Inn" finished in '73, a new show emerged. It was called "Free Ride" and was hosted by Ray Columbus. Lew convinced Williams to leave the Face and pursue a solo career. Whilst becoming a featured artist on the show, "Free Ride" will always be remembered for launching the career of Williams. In 1974 Williams was signed to EMI by Alan Galbraith. A single was released at the end of 1974, "Celebration", but it was another song from the recording sessions that really stood out. Galbraith had taken a "Vanda and Young" song, originally destined for Craig Scott, and given it a new arrangement. The song "Yesterday Was Just The Beginning Of My Life" was released in May '75 and within 6 weeks was number one on the National Charts, staying there for 3 weeks and eventually falling out of the charts 6 months later. Williams' debut self-titled album came out in June and peaked at number 2. With his EMI contract about to expire, Williams decided leave the shores of New Zealand in pursuit of an international standing in Australia. With him came Alan Galbraith, his new manager and producer of his three albums. Alan had recently taken up a new position with CBS Australia. Here to download is a Christmas EP Mark did in 1985 for Lucky Records, "Christmas Is A Lucky Time" (AS 1266). Other tracks included are "Jingle Bells" & "Schnitzle,Schnotzle & Schnootzie" the last track was narrated by Dee Dorgan. Backing muso's were Dean Kerr (guitars), Phil Scorgie (bass) and Dave Fennel (drums) & The Lucky Sing-A-Long Chorus from Gosford. It was produced in Sydney by Brian Mackness & Dean Kerr. In 2005, Todd Hunter of Dragon asked Williams to join the newly reformed band and in 2006 the new line up released "Sunshine to Rain" on Liberation. Even today, his most popular hit "Show No Mercy" continues to be recognised as an inspirational song and is still used by many as a motivational anthem.

Post 310 - Noeleen Batley - A Merry Christmas EP

Noeleen was born in Sydney on Christmas Day 1944. Encouraged by her mother, she began singing when she was just five and she performed wherever she could. In 1960 aged 15, she entered a talent contest at Ling Nam's Chinese Restaurant in Sydney, which Festival's A & R manager Ken Taylor had helped to establish. Noeleen won first prize, a contract with Festival. Her debut "Starry Eyes" b/w "Soldier Soldier Won't You Marry Me" was released in February 1960 on Festival's label Rex, but it was not a success. The breakthrough came with her version of "Barefoot Boy" which established Noeleen's popularity and she soon became a regular on TV shows including Six O'Clock Rock and Bandstand. Here to download is her Christmas EP released in 1961 on Festival "A Merry Christmas" (FX-10,340). Noeleen enjoyed a very prolific recording career, with around 20 singles, at least eight EPs and three LPs to her credit, most of them recorded during the peak period of her career between 1960 and 1965. In 1975, she married Stephen Stewart-Topper and settled in Essex. The couple had their first child in 1976 and although noeleen continued to work in entertainment for some time she eventually gave up performing. At last report she had moved to the USA and was living in Miami, Florida.

Post 309 - Phil Golotta - Please Daddy / Back Out On The Road Again

Phil Golotta was with one of the longest surviving Australian groups The Blue Echoes, having stayed together in various line-ups for twenty years spanning early 1964 to late 1983. Golotto who was the lead vocalist was also a successful songwriter; he wrote Jamie Redfern’s 1973 hit "Hitch A Ride On A Smile". Here to download is a Christmas single out of 1973 on Image Records "Please Daddy" b/w "Back Out On The Road Again" (IS 142). The B side is credited to The Blue Echoes and the single was produced by Douggie Reece. In 1977 Phil Golotta and Chris Studdard left the remaining members then recruiting ex-soloists Rod Kirkham (Young Talent Time fame) and Robin Jolley into the line up. A New Group was formed calling themselves "The Echoes".

Post 308 - Peter Ciani & Melinda-Jane Bean - Mrs Santa Claus / Santa Call On Me

Peter Ciani's first major break into the Australian entertainment industry arrived with his spectacular success on the Australian talent/Variety television programme "Show Case". Peter made history in the Australian Music industry in 1963 when EMI released his first Australian disc with two of his own compositions in Italian for world release. Here to download is a Christmas single he released in 1980 " Mrs Santa Claus" b/w "Santa Call On Me" (SS 1001) on Soundmaster Records. The A side was penned more then 20 years earlier by Jack Milledge in a response to his daughter's question about Santa's wife. The B side Peter is joined by 8 year old Sydney girl Melinda-Jane Bean who made her recording debut on this single. The single was produced by Peter & George Picker.

Post 307 - Santa Claus is Back in Town - Australian Crawl

"Sons of Beaches" was Australian Crawl's 4th LP in 1982, it was recorded in Hawaii with expatriate Australian Mike Chapman producing. The album had a rougher, rock 'n' roll edge than its glossy pop rock predecessors and featured the #17 hit "Shut Down". It also included a re-recorded version of "Downhearted" and became their second album to reach No. 1 on the Australian albums chart and remained there for five weeks. EMI issued the album in the USA. Two further singles, "Daughters of the Northern Coast" and "Runaway Girls” both these failed to reach the Australian Top 40. Seeing its that time of year we have flipped the "Runaway Girls" single over and giving you the B side to download. "Santa Claus is Back in Town" (EMI-869).

Post 306 - John Vincent - Owyagowin Santa Claus

Our second download for the season was recorded for RCA Records by popular Adelaide D.J. John Vincent. This Christmas ockerish ditty came from John's 1973 "Owyagoin" LP. Sadly John passed away on 27th March 2009. Here for you to download is the single "Ow ya goin' Santa Claus" (101885).

Post 305 - Johnny Farnham - I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus / The Little Boy That Santa Claus Forgot

Hello Followers,

It's that time of year again. We hope that everyone, whether they be followers or casual visitors, enjoy the Christmas tunes we put up this year. Last year's response for our Christmas music was fantastic, so we bring more to you this year. First off the K-Tel record selector is Johnny Farnham's first Christmas song here for you to download was a non-album single, "I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus" b/w "The Little Boy That Santa Claus Forgot" (DO-8604) on Columbia in November 1968. It was produced by Howard Gable. On post #207 you will find Johnny's 1970 Christmas LP "Christmas is... Johnny Farnham".