Post 742 - Barry Crocker - Neighbours - Neighbours (Instrumental)

 

The Neighbours theme song is the theme tune to the Australian soap opera Neighbours. It was composed by Tony Hatch with the lyrics written by his then wife, Jackie Trent, It was once voted the world's most recognised television theme song. Neighbours was originally recorded by Barry Crocker. After Trent and Hatch relocated to Australia in the 1980s, they were asked to write the theme song for Neighbours. The soap opera was going to be called Ramsay Street, before the couple penned the song. Trent told Jessie Stoelwinder from The West Australian, "We wrote the song as Neighbours because we said Ramsay Street was too close to Coronation Street, which was the major soap in Britain." The theme was written and recorded in a day and Trent said "We called in Barry Crocker at about 10pm to put his voice on it and it was on the producer's desk by 10am the following morning. And they loved it, so the series was then called Neighbours." Since 1985, there have been nine different renditions of the theme broadcast on television. They were sung by the following artists:

1 Barry Crocker 18 March 1985 – 6 July 1989 

2 Barry Crocker7 July 1989 – 15 May 1992

3 Greg Hind 18 May 1992 – 27 November 1998

4 Paul Norton and Wendy Stapleton 18 January 1999 – 14 December 2001

5 Janine Maunder 21 January 2002 – 20 July 2007

6 Sandra de Jong 23 July 2007 – 12 April 2013

7 Stephanie Angelini and Daniel Boys 15 April 2013 – 5 December 2014

8 Garth Ploog 5 January 2015 – 24 March 2020

9 Bonnie Anderson 25 March 2020 – present.

FLAC

Post 741- Scattered Aces - C'Mon Everybody - Waltzing Matilda

 

In August 1983 Peter Wells formed Scattered Aces with Paul De Marco aka Fred Zepplin on drums, Ronnie Peel on bass guitar and lead vocals  and former Buffalo bandmate, Chris Turner, on guitar and vocals. The group issued a six-track extended play, 'Six Pack', on Big Rock Records in April 1984. They followed with a cover version of Eddie Cochran's 1958 song, "C'mon Everybody" b/w "Waltzing Matilda" (BRS-003), as a single but they had broken up by mid-1984. Peter Wells died of prostate cancer in 2006. Ronnie Peel died in 2020. Members were Peter Wells (guitar), Chris Turner (guitar), Ronnie Peel (vocals/bass), Fred Zepplin (drums). FLAC

Post 740 - Sharon O'Neill & Doug Parkinson - Water For The Flowers - Jeremiah's Peabody

 

In 1989, ABC Records put together a series of albums aimed at kids. One of these albums, called "Album 9" contained a new song written and sung by Sharon O'Neill. The song was called "Water For The Flowers" The rest of the album was made up of other artists, including Normie Rowe and Doug Parkinson. A single was released from the album, with Sharon only having one side of the single, with "Water For The Flowers" (876 188-7), and the other side was also from the album, Doug Parkinson's "Jeremiah Peabody". Their was also a CD version of the album released by the ABC as part of a series of songs for children. The CD was called "More ABC For Kids".FLAC

Post 739 - Bruce O'Hara/Charley Boyter E.P.

 

Charley Boyter has been entertaining audiences for almost 45 years. Originally from Windsor NSW Australia, Charley was removed from his Aboriginal family as a youngster along with his brother and three sisters and spent the rest of his childhood growing up in a foster home in Sydney. Charley began playing around with a guitar at the age of fifteen, jamming along with other pickers at a Church of Christ camp at Lake Illawarra. As Charley’s guitar playing improved he started performing for church groups playing and singing traditional Country and Bluegrass Gospel music. Charley started performing with a good friend, Bruce O'hara and soon after, this combo became known as Country Sound.It was during this time that Slim Dusty saw and heard Charley’s guitar playing and offered him a job with his show. Charley joined Slim’s Travellin’ Country Band in 1975 and has toured most of Australia, New Guinea and the Solomon Islands. Charley has recorded on so many of Slim’s albums, Slim once remarked “Charley has played on more of my albums than any other guitarist”.The partnership with the Slim Dusty Show lasted for about 20 years.Charley is a multi-award winning artist and his unique acoustic guitar sound can be heard on some Aussie Classics such as Walk a Country Mile, Country Revival, Duncan and Leave him in the Longyard.Bruce O'hara who I can find very little about, recorded a live E.P in 1971 Called "Creamsleeves" "The Moter Cycle Song" b/w two of Charley's songs "The Sunset Is Red This Evening" "Don't Let Them Tear That Little Brown Building Down" (TEP-719) for Troubadour Records. Thanks to Tim for sending me this rare one for the Blog.FLAC

Post 738 - Xanadu - So Far From Home

 Xanadu was formed in the Queensland town of Bundaberg. The band was made up of three siblings, Claire, Don and Barrie Morrison, from Moore Park Beach, Wayne Anderson, also from North Gooburrum, and Chris Button, whose parents lived in Bundaberg. In 1967 after performing at the Federal Hotel in Bundaberg, as well as around the Bundaberg district for a number of years, the group left on a tour of Australia's eastern seaboard. "They finally ended up in Sydney where they quickly made a name for themselves, appearing on many Sydney TV stations as well as a spot on Brian Henderson's Bandstand, where the group performed their second single "Isabella". Which was released by Polydor records. In May 1971 the band signed on for a seven-month tour of Allied bases in Vietnam.  Their bass player, Barrie Morrison, was just 16, while the oldest member of the group, Wayne Anderson, had his 21st birthday in Vietnam. After Vietnam, Xanadu travelled to Thailand where they soon had a massive following, and even enjoyed their own television show on Bangkok TV3. "While in Thailand the group were asked by Bee Gee Maurice Gibb to go to the UK.  In Europe the group enjoyed massive success in Germany, Holland and Belgium. For the next decade Xanadu toured, recorded or rubbed shoulders with many of the greats of that era - The Bee Gees, The Sex Pistols, Marc Bolan - who recorded his last hit record ''I Love to Boogie'' in the Xanadu-owned London studio "Decibel". Chris Button Guitarist and vocalist was killed in a beach buggy accident in the late 1970s. By 1982 the band had gone their separate ways and all had returned to Australia. In 2003 Group members were awarded the Vietnam Logistical and Support Medal by the Australian Government for their valued work in Vietnam. Drummer Don Morrison died in 2019. Here to download is their LP from 1977 "So Far From Home" (28934 OT) released on Jupiter Records. Thanks to "History Of Australian Music From 1960 until 2010" Blog for the notes. Thanks to Henry with his help with the art work.  Flac 

Post 737 - Popgun Men - Behind Dark Glasses - Modern Man

 Including members of X-Ray-Z and Secret Police Pop Gun Men issued one single For EMI Custum Records in Feb. 1980. "Behind Dark Glasses" b/w "Moden Man" (PRS 2749). By mid 1980 Pop Gun Men had went back to being X-Ray-Z who played the Melbourne Punk scene until early 1982. Before splitting X-Ray-Z recorded some demos and live tracks which Polyster Records turned into a compilation album in 1988. The line up included Peter Rich & Mauri Bund - (vocals, synthesizer,guitars), Andrew Picoleau - (Bass,vocals), Dis Naylor - (Guitar), Errol Senol - (Drums). Rich & Bund real names are Peter & Martin Doley and Senol's real name is Errol Selimi all three members of X-Ray-Z. Flac

Post 736 - Kerry James & The Corridors - Wonderful Summer - Don't Treat Me Like A Child

 Kerry Hall who worked at McDonalds and also ran the "Cheek" Fan Club, was up for anything and was happy to be molded into a pop star with Bob Taylor, a former member of Johnny Devlin’s Devils who became the musical director of this recording project. "Wonderful Summer" b/w "Don't Treat Me Like A Child" (100067) came out as a single under the name Kerry James. It was recorded in 1978 at Trafalgar Studios, Sydney by Graham K. Owens and Executive producer Glenn A, Baker. Baker talked Warners into releasing the single with a very attractive picture sleeve. The band was led by guitarist Mick Hamilton, who came up with the working name The Corridors, which was a pun on her surname. The A side was a cover of a Robin Ward song with the B side a cover of a Helen Shapiro number. Kerry, who stuck with the name, went on to sing with the band Cocky Laura and later she worked on cruise ships seeing the World. She now lives on the Gold Coast where she does a high energy club show and pays tribute to the great Tina Turner.  Flac

Post 735 - Ivan Hutchinson - The Pushbike Song - Let Him Go Let Him Tarry

 

Ivan Joseph Hutchinson born on 11th February 1928 was an Australian film critic, television personality and music director.Hutchinson was active in the industry for over 30 years, from the early 1960s until the mid-1990s, first on Melbourne-only programs for HSV-7 and later nationwide through the entire Seven Network. In the early 1970s he appeared alongside film and TV journalist Jim Murphy on Channel 7 in probably Australian TV's first regularly-scheduled evening movie review program entitled “Two on the Aisle”. Hutchinson later moved into the roles of midday and classic movie host and appeared in numerous local film cameos usually playing himself or a critic. In his last years, Hutchinson was a film columnist for The Sun News-Pictorial and its successor, the Herald Sun. In addition to his on-air role for Seven, Hutchinson was a studio and session pianist serving as the band leader, arranger and music director for most of the variety shows and specials originating from HSV-7 throughout 1964 to 1994. In Oct.1973 Ivan Hutchinson And His Honky-Tonk Piano released a version of The Mixtures "Pushbike Song" b/w "Let Him Go Let Him Tarry" (FB-198) for Fable Records.Flac

Post 734 - Uncanny X-Men - I Am (extended version)

 "I Am" is a song by Uncanny X-Men. The song was released in April 1986 as the lead single from the band's second studio album, "What You Give Is What You Get". The song was the first single released by the band on CBS Records. It peaked at number 18 on the Kent Music Report.This version of "I Am" (BA12206) is the extended version, produced by Kevin Beamish. flac

Post 733 - Richard Clapton - The Heart Of It (Extended Version) - Atom Bomb

 "Solidarity" is the eighth studio album by Australian rock  singer-songwriter, Richard Clapton It was released in Australia in September 1984 It peaked at No. 27 on the  Albums Chart. Here is the extended version mix of the single "The Heart Of It" b/w "Atom Bomb" (X 12045) released on Mushroom Records in 1984. It was recorded at Paradise Studios, Sydney. Flac

Post 732 - The Stetsons LP - The Stetsons

 The Stetsons are an Australian country rock band formed by members of GANGgajang, Mental As Anything and Flying Emus. They released a self-titled album in 1987. In 1997 some of the original members got back together and released a second album called Their Most Successful Album...Ever. Their single "There's A Train In My Head" from their self-titled debut album was used in Crocodile Dundee II. Members were Chris Bailey (bass) – The Angels, GANGgajang, Jimmy Barnes Band, Dave Steel Band

Jeff "Skunk" Baxter (vocals) – Doobie Brothers

Kayellen Bee (vocals) – GANGgajang

Graham "Buzz" Bidstrup (drums, keyboards) – The Angels, The Party Boys, GANGgajang

Mark Callaghan (vocals) – GANGgajang, Riptides

Marilyn Delaney (vocals) – GANGgajang

Wayne Goodwin (fiddle) – Flying Emus, Dave Steel Band

Robert James (guitar) – GANGgajang, Wendy Matthews Band

Pixie Jenkins (fiddle) – John Williamson, Jimmy Barnes Band

Reg Mombassa (guitar, vocals, keyboards) – Mental As Anything, Reg and Pete's Dog Trumpet

Peter O'Doherty (bass) – Mental As Anything, Reg and Pete's Dog Trumpet

Rose Pearse (vocals)

Martin Plaza (vocals, guitar) – Mental As Anything

Ian Simpson (banjo) – Flying Emus

Geoff Stapleton (keyboards, guitar) – GANGgajang, Rockmelons, Absent Friends, The Dukes, Aliens. Here to download is there first S/T album from 1987 "The Stetsons" (832 941-1) Released on Mercury Records. Thanks Henry for your help.  Flac

Post 731 - Vikki Broughton - Good Good Morning - Anyone Who Had A Heart

 

Vikki Broughton born in 1954, was the first act to be signed for TV show Young Talent Time by Kevin Lewis the original executive producer of the show and partner in the company with Johnny Young. Later he also produced several episodes on  the Peter Couchman show also on channel 10 and Vikki was part of the pilot. After YTT she was managed by Duane d Zigliotto and had a very successful career in cabaret locally in Asia, Japan and Europe sharing the stage with international stars such as Abba, Pink Ladies, Umberto Tozzi,Teresa Teng to name a few. Vikki married a successful Melbourne Barrister and retired from her singing career. As far as I can find out this is the only single Vikki released on L&Y Records in 1975 "Good Good Morning" b/w "Anyone Who Had A Heart" (K-5932). It was produced by Johnny Young with the B side produced by Duane Zigliotto. She was backed by Select. flac

Post 730 - Scandal - The Singles

Scandal formed in Adelaide in February 1976 and by the end of the year had signed a deal with the Mushroom label.Comprising four English migrants and a token Australian Aldo Civitico, the band’s stylish UK-centric sound drew on influences such as Supertramp, Bryan Ferry and David Bowie for inspiration.Mushroom issued Scandal’s debut single "Best Deal in Town" in March 1977, followed by "Harry" in August. The band enjoyed its only national chart success with a cover of the smooth soul/pop track "How Long "(originally by U.K. band Ace). Scandal’s version reached #23 in Australia in May 1978.Their self-titled debut album was also released in May and produced the band’s fourth single "She’s a Lady". It was to be the band’s final release and they broke up in December. Kerrison, Harriot and Watson formed a group called The Extractors but by August 1979 had revived the Scandal name for a new band with Adrian Dessent on guitar, Greg Trennery on bass and Nat de Palma on drums.The new line-up was not successful and Kerrison left the music industry while Dessent went on to work with Wendy and the Rocketts. By 1983, Watson had joined Sydney band, The Venetians. Here to download are all four singles released on Mushroom Records. Flac 

Post 729 - The Cliffmores/The Surprise Sisters - Singles Collection

The Cliffmores started singing in Woomera South Australia, and moved down to Adelaide after receiving rave reviews after appearing on Adelaide Tonight. They sang at all of the local clubs and dances, especially the Salisbury Youth Centre. They were backed by local musicians, some of whom went on to overseas success (Alan Tarney, Kevin Peek and Terry Britten to name just a few). After providing backing vocals on several local records they released their own singles, which were produced by David McKay. They moved to Sydney where they sang in the clubs in Kings Cross and then to England in 1969 after meeting Barry Gibb who suggested Robert Stigwood should manage them. In England, they became The Surprise Sisters. In the 70s David Bowie saw them performing at the Marquee Club in London and introduced them to Tony Visconti who produced their sole album for RCA. Their biggest hit was "La Booga Rooga" which was released in 1976. They disbanded in 1978 to pursue solo careers.
The Surprise Sisters released 9 singles between 1975/1977 and one LP only, one of the singles made it on the LP which makes the other A & B sides collectible. Members were Susan, Linda, Ellen and Patricia Sutcliffe. Here to download are the two Cliffmores singles from 1967/68 and the nine Surprise Sisters singles released in the U.K. Flac

Post 728 - Slim Dusty - Lights On The Hill - Redwing

This is the first recording of "Lights On The Hill" released in February 1972. I read somewhere a long time ago that Slim called this the Rock 'n' Roll version. A lot different than the 1975 version from the LP of the same name that's for sure. Joy McKean tells the fascinating story behind Lights On The Hill, She remembers that night in June 1971, leaving Tamworth for Warwick, and trucks coming over the hill blinding her with their high-beam.
"I realised I was at Devil's Pinch, a local name for the place where there is a drop down the mountain on one side of the narrow road," McKean said."I couldn't help wondering how long it would take for Slim to find me if I went over the edge."By the time she hit Warwick caravan park, she had the song in her head and Slim wanted to record it immediately. I remember the first time I heard this version was in 1972 when a guy that lived across from my Mum asked her when she went into town would she pick him up a copy of Slim Dusty's new single. I think he played it everyday at full volume for weeks but I must say I did like it and when the album of "Lights On The Hill" came out I was a little disappointed that the 1975 version was so different.
Now don't quote me but this single and it's B side "Lights On The Hill" b/w "Redwing" (DO-9836) I don't think has ever been released on an album or CD but not knowing all Slim's recordings I might be wrong, but I have done a bit of digging and I can't find this version on any Greatest hits ect ect. Flac

Post 727 - Donald Dunstan - Desiderata - How Do I Love Thee? The Toys

Donald Allan Dunstan, AC, QC usually known as Don Dunstan, was a South Australian politician. He entered politics as the Member for Norwood in 1953 at age 26, became leader of the South Australian Branch of the Australian Labor Party in 1967, and was Premier of South Australia between June 1967 and April 1968, and again between June 1970 and February 1979.
In the late 1950s, Dunstan became well known for his campaign against the death penalty being imposed on Max Stuart, who was convicted of rape and murder of a small girl. He harried Premier Thomas Playford IV aggressively over the matter, creating an uproar over what he saw as an unfair process. Playford eventually relented, and appeared shaken thereafter; the event was seen as a turning point in the Liberal and Country League's decline, and Labor gained momentum. During Labor's time in opposition, Dunstan was prominent in securing some reforms in Aboriginal rights, and was at the forefront of Labor abandoning the White Australia Policy. Labor conducted an extensive campaign in marginal LCL seats at the 1965 election, resulting in 21 of 39 seats, with Frank Walsh and the Labor Party taking power and Dunstan becoming Attorney-General. The LCL opposition changed leaders and installed the young Steele Hall, worrying Labor as the elderly Walsh appeared bumbling in contrast. This resulted in Labor replacing Walsh with Dunstan. Despite maintaining a much larger vote over the LCL, Labor lost two seats at the 1968 election, with the LCL forming government with support of an independent. Dunstan responded by increasing his attacks on the Playmander and was able to convincingly sustain Playmander attacks with the effect of convincing the LCL into watering down the malapportionment. Again with little change in Labor's vote but with the Playmander removed, Labor won 27 of 47 seats at the 1970 election. With a fairer seat and boundary system in place, Dunstan won three more elections, in 1973, 1975 and 1977.
In 1976 Don recorded a single for RCA Records "Desiderata" b/w A"How I Love Thee?" B "The Toys" (2061 5), it was produced by Rocky Thomas at Sound Studios, Adelaide, South Australia. 
Dunstan was afflicted by illness in his final years. He was diagnosed with throat cancer in 1993 before contracting an inoperable lung cancer, which led to his death on 6 February 1999. flac 

Post 726 - XL Capris - Where's Hank?

XL Capris formed in Sydney in 1978 by Julie Anderson, Tim Gooding, Johanna Pigott and  Kimble Randall. Their best known single was a punk version of Tommy Leonetti's "My City of Sydney" (1979). This single was the only Australian disc found in legendary UK DJ John Peel's "battered wooden box" of 142 favourite records when, following his death in 2004, the contents of the box were revealed to the public in a Channel 4 television special. XL Capris made two albums, “Where Is Hank?” and “Weeds” both produced by Todd Hunter of Dragon and released on their own label Axle Records. Hunter later joined XL Capris as guitarist and subsequently married Pigott; they became a successful songwriting team: co writing "Rain" for Dragon and "Age of Reason" for John Farnham. Prior to forming the XL Capris, Gooding was a film and television screenwriter.(The Aunty Jack Show; Wollongong The Brave/Kev Kevanagh: Beyond The Infinite; Heatwave). He and Pigott worked together creating the 1984 ABC TV series ‘Sweet & Sour “ which chronicled the activities of a fictional band, The Takeaways, and their efforts to succeed in 1980s Sydney Pop scene. Where Is Hank? (Axle 103) released in 1981 produced by Hunter, Gooding wrote ten of the fourteen tracks including two with Pigott. 'Hank' in the title was a German shepherd owned by Rendall: "Hank went to live on a farm at Nambucca Heads".'Tosca' was the name of their landlady's cat and it was chased up a tree by Hank thus the album title Where Is Hank? is a pun on a 1980s TV ad for a chocolate bar: 'Where's George?' The response is ... 'gone for a Tosca!'.
 Thanks to Chris for sending me this LP for the Blog and Tim for sorting out the IT issues. flac

Post 725 - Mental As Anything - Silent Night - Wooden Heart

Mental As Anything doing a Live, acoustic and busking set on “Good Afternoon Australia”, Dec 21 1984. Mental As Anything, now consisting of Greedy Smith (vocals/keyboards), Martin Cilia (guitars), Jacob Cook (drums), Craig Gordon (vocals/guitars) and Peter Gray (vocals/bass), played a special 40th anniversary show at Surfersaurus in Sydney, during October 2018. Smith was by this point the only original member of Mental As Anything to still be playing with the group. Sadly "Greedy" Smith died of a heart attack on 2 December 2019, in Sydney. Smith's final show with the band -- and the band's last show to date -- took place on 23 November in Werrington, New South Wales.

UPDATE - Unfortunately this is the only Christmas post for this year, I have had a few technical issues   with computers more than I would like to mention but fingers crossed the Blog will be up and running full steam in 20/20. Wishing you all a fantastic Christmas and a great New Year. Ozzie. Flac

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

Post 722 - Ber-Dum Ber-Dum - Love Potion No. XXX - Time Will Tell

I contacted my friend Rod Crundwell who was a member of this band and here's what he told me...... 

Thanks for your interest in Berdum Berdum! Hope you enjoy the record. The band was popular around Avalon and the northern beaches from 1983 to 1985. They were regulars at local venues such as Moby Dicks, Avalon RSL and many more, and always attracted a loyal following. The name came from a line in the Buzcocks song 'Boredom' where Pete Shelley shouts 'berdum, berdum' in the outro. The repertoire was mainly original, the writing shared between guitarist Phill Tate, bassist Sean Crawley and keyboard player Rod Crundwell. They were influenced by new wave/punk bands (e.g. The Stranglers) but also had a strong pop sensibility and a focus on harmonies. The original drummer was Craig Hartmann, who left and was replaced by James Barton. Their one and only single Love Potion xxx (P.Tate) b/w Time will Tell (R Crundwell) (PW-101) was recorded at ex/Sherbet guitarist Clive Shakespeare's studio and produced by the mysterious and enigmatic Arnold Stigheardt. The record performed well on the independent charts and was frequently played on 2JJJ. Although they went their separate ways in 1985 the band is still fondly remembered by many on the Peninsula.

Regards Rod. Flac

Post 721 - Supernaut - The Singles 1976 - '79

“Supernaut” were formed as Moby Dick, a pub rock group, by British-born brothers Chris Burnham on guitar and Joe Burnham on drums. Fellow British immigrant, Gary Twinn, joined on lead vocals in late 1974. Soon after Randall Murphy took up bass guitar and they changed their name to Supernaut. The name references, "Supernaut" (September 1972), a track by British heavy metal group, Black Sabbath.  The group relocated to Melbourne and were signed to Polydor Records in 1976 upon recommendation from Molly Meldrum, In May 1976 they released their debut single, "I Like It Both Ways", which was produced by Meldrum. The song was initially shunned by some commercial radio stations in Sydney because of its controversial lyrics, however promotion on Meldrum's TV pop music show, Countdown, encouraged radio stations to play the track. "I Like It Both Ways" peaked at No. 16. Randall Murphy left the group in June 1976, "citing mutual disagreement", he was temporarily replaced by Little Russ Silver and more permanently by Philip Foxman in late August. Murphy returned to Perth.  A follow up single, "Too Hot to Touch", was released in September 1976, reaching No. 14 on the charts. Their self-titled debut LP was released in mid-November 1976 and peaked at No. 13, achieving double gold certification. The group were presented with the TV Week King of Pop Award for Best Australian TV Performer (on Countdown) and for Most Popular New Group of 1976. By November they had supported gigs by "Lou Reed, Suzie Quatro and Sweet. In 1977 the band released two original singles, "Young and Innocent” and "The Kids Are out Tonight” and a cover version of the Rolling Stones "Let's Spend the Night Together" . They worked extensively on recording sessions for a proposed second album; working titles included Exile and Test Pressing. "The Kids Are out Tonight" came from those sessions. After more than a year they realised their music style was out of touch and the project was abandoned. In April 1978 they released another single, "Unemployed", before leaving Polydor. The group relocated to Sydney and were signed to Robie Porter's Wizard Records in mid-1978; they returned to their original pub rock influences, "[they] adopted a quasi-punk/new-wave direction". With the addition of Noel Kennedy on keyboard, they released, "Spies” in December 1978. They shortened their name to the Nauts in April 1979 and released, "Black Market World". They followed with a new album produced by Robie Porter, under that name in December 1979. They disbanded by March 1980. Two years later Gary Twinn was back in the United Kingdom where he formed Twenty Flight Rockers with former Generation X drummer Mark Laff, and later played with rock supergroup, the International Swingers. Chris Burnham played in The Saints with Chris Bailey from 1982 and 1989. Philip Foxman formed Illustrated Man in 1984 with Japan member Rob Dean, Gary Numan keyboardist Roger Mason, and Hugo Burnham from Gang of Four. They recorded one self-titled album and toured the UK and US with their single, "Head Over Heels", charting the top 20 on MTV's dance charts. Foxman later had a solo career releasing two albums, West 4th and Charles and Up Antenna, as well as being a musical composer for Off Broadway show, Atomic, which ran for a limited season at the Acorn Theater, New York City. Supernaut reformed for the Countdown Spectacular 2 Tour of Australia from late-August to early-September 2007. In 2016 Supernaut commemorated the 40th anniversary of "I Like It Both Ways" with a three-day tour from 16 to 18 June, followed by another show on 25 June at Charles Hotel in Perth. Here to download are all their singles from 1976 / 1979. A big thanks to Peter for sending me his singles to fix up for this post.Flac

Post 720 - Supernaut - I Like It Both Ways

Supernaut were an Australian glam pop band from Perth. Formed as a pub rock group, Moby Dick, by British-born brothers Chris Burnham on guitar and Joe Burnham on drums, they were joined late in 1974 by fellow immigrant, Gary Twinn on lead vocals. After Randall Murphy joined on bass guitar they changed their name. The group's debut single, "I Like It Both Ways” 1976, was produced by Molly Meldrum and was heavily promoted on Countdown. Here for you to download is their first greatest album from 1995 “I Like It Both Ways” (AURUM001) released on Aureate Records. The album was released again in 2016 as “The Best Of Supernaut” in digital download only.Flac

Post 719 - Joe Blow - Leonardo Da Vinci Was A Groover - The House Of China Restaurant

Another one of those recordings that seems no one knows anything about. Joe Blow  single from 1982 released of EMI Records “Leonardo Da Vinci Was A Groover” b/w ” The House Of China Restaurant” (EMI 768). The single was produced by Dave Skinner singer and musician he has been involved with bands since the mid '60s in the UK, written and collaborated on hit records and international covers as well as producing singles and albums for Australian artists.  Dave lives in the Blue Mountains near Sydney. It’s a Pity I haven’t got as much info on Joe! And like I often say maybe someone out there will enlighten us soon. Flac

Post 718 - Kamahl - The Gift Of Christmas

For your Christmas pleasure Kamahl's Christmas album "The Gift Of Christmas" (DIN236D), released in 1992 for Dino Records. Flac

Post 717 - Keith Wray - Dear Mr. Clause - Australian Bush Christmas

Merry Christmas! Our first Christmas post is one of those mystery artists that we come across from time to time. I can't find anything out there on this one at all. Even the record label is one I've never come across before. "Dear Mr. Clause" b/w "Australian Bush Christmas" (MSCS-3760). The single was recorded by Keith Wray for Mirage Records, both songs were penned by Wray/Hooley and that's about it, not ever a year of release is on the label. The song has a country feel about it so I would assume he is a county singer.  Flac

Post 716 - Nev Nicholls & His Country Playboys - Hit The Road Jack

Born on th 16th September 1930 at Millthorpe in the central west of NSW,  (which is only about 30 minute drive from where I live) Nev Nicholls spent his childhood on a farm at Tallwood. Tallwood is not a town merely a district of small farms and in the depression years it was a grind for the whole family to eke out an existence. In the early forties the family moved to a larger property in the Blaney area. Despite the move the work load never changed. On a mixed farming property there was always the daily grind, milking cows, planting crops.. peas, patoes, corn, wheat, turnips etc. And also tending a flock of sheep, shearing, crutching and lambing, it finally found a breaking point for our Nev. After travelling to Sydney on his motor cycle to appear on "Australia's Amateur Hour" and later on "Tim McNamara's Talent Quest" the call of the big smoke got to be too strong.  Nev had been playing guitar since the age of 11, learning mainly on songs of Buddy Williams whose influence is apparent in Nev's early records. Alan Crawford, manager of Southern Music Publishers, discovered Nev at a studio where he was recording some songs on acetate. He signed him to a publishing contract and also introduced Nev to Regal Zonophone Records who also signed him up. Having a record around helped to get established in Sydney and his early efforts included some appearances on the "McKean Sisters Show" on radio 2KY. Nev recalls his first meeting with "Slim Dusty" on one of those occasions that was in the days before Slim and Joy were married. In 1957 Nev did his first country tour with "The Reg Lindsay Show" up the north coast of NSW. On that show were: Reg Lindsay, Heather McKean, Rick & Thel Carey, Judy Stone and comedian Freddy Merideth also part of that troupe was Chad Morgan. Chad and Nev shared a caravan for the two weeks and when the group returned to Sydney the touring bug was alive and well. Reg had a lot of commitments and was not in a position to embark on extended tours at that time so Nev, Chad and Rick & Thel enrolled Kevin King in a new show which was called "The All Star Western Show" which also included fiddle player Peter Mollerson. After little more than a year there were many personality clashes and that show broke up. In 1968 Nev got a call to audition for a night club job in Kings Cross and that led to a ten year stint at the famous "Texas Tavern".  The Texas Tavern wasn't a job. It was an unforgettable event. Playing for American servicemen on R&R from Vietnam, meeting celebrities who were making appearances at the Chevron Hotel across the street, and being accepted in the local population, as country music had never been accepted before.  This is why Nev wrote "I Like Beer".  Five Years into the Texas tavern Nev signed with RCA records to do an album of truckin' songs. "Keep On Truckin'" was the vanguard of more than twenty albums in the years to follow. These albums yielded five "Gold" albums and also an instrumental which won a "Gold Guitar" in the "Australasian Country Music Awards" in 1975. All good things usually come to an end and the Texas Tavern gig finished in 1978 when new owners took over. Here for you to download is his 1976 album from 1976 for RCA “Hit The Road Jack” (VAL1 0117) produced by Rocky Thomas. In 1992 Nev was inducted into the "Australasian Country Music Roll Of Renown" at Tamworth, the most prestigious award in Australian Country Music. Nev had always been a prolific writer and besides recording vast numbers of his own songs he had also had many covered by other artists among these are: "Reg Lindsay", Chad Morgan", Frankie Davidson", "Johnny Garfield", Terry Gordon", "The Wayfarers", "Truckin Stevens" and by no means least his long time friend "Lucky Grills". Lucky and Nev shared an album in 1998, a truckies album of course, titled "Ya Wanna Screw Driver".Together with all his activities and four marriages behind him it's little wonder Nev says "If I had my life to live over, I don't think I'd have the strength". Thanks to Tim for sending me this LP for the Blog. Flac

Post 715 - Mick & Donna - Singles 1975/76

Australian born Mick Flinn was a member of The Mixtures who, after back to back number 1 hits in Australia in 1970, released "The Pushbike Song" in the UK where it entered the charts in the top 5, peaking at No. 2 in January 1971. Flinn left The Mixtures in May 1972, eventually settling permanently in the UK. Flinn formed “The Springfield Revival” with Ray Martin and Donna Jones. Flinn subsequently became Jones' manager-writer-producer and husband. In 1975 Mick and Donna released the single “Love Me I Love You” b/w “Our New Home” (EMI 2362) and in ’76 another single “Hey Paula” b/w “The Only One For Me” (EMI 2423). Both single were produced by Mick and he wrote all songs except Hey Paula which was a cover of the Paul & Paula hit from 1963.  Flac

Post 714 - Mark Holden - Dawn In Darkness

In 1974, Mark Holden entered Showcase '74, a television talent show on Network 9 where he sung original folk songs. Holden ultimately placed fifth, performing a track "Tap Dancing Down Easy Street" in the final. John Bromwell from Essex Music saw his performances and brought Holden to Sydney. Bromwell arranged an audition with Peter Dawkins a record producer with EMI Music who signed Holden.  “Dawn in Darkness” (EMA 315) was the debut studio album by Holden. The album was recorded and released in 1975. Holden said “that it sold about 2,000 copies only and was a 'big flop' adding; "It was entirely original, all the songs I wrote as a kid”.  SCRA’s Peter Martin played guitar on this LP and Alison McCallum sang backing vocals on the track “Carry Me Down”.  Other musicians were Doug Gallacher – Drums, John Bartlett – Bass, Tony Esterman – Keyboards and John Sangster and Ian Bloxam on percussion. Flac

Post 713 - Wildland - In This Liftime

There's not a lot on Sydney based “Wildland”, but they were good enough to land a record deal with CBS Australia, and released their one and only album “In This Lifetime” (4664342) in 1990. Some of the band members were the rhythm section of the 1989 version of The Party Boys, featuring a who's who of Australian rock, plus invited guests such as The Eagles Joe Walsh, and Status Quo's Alan Lancaster. Singer Noel Zammit and guitarist Jeff Lenham had played in various spin-off bands related to long time blues outfit Beachhead, while Keefe West Jr. has played with numerous top international artists as a guitarist. The album, over the last few years has become better known among collectors as that hard one to find. Members are Dorian West (bass) Adrian Cannon (drums) Noel Zammit (vocals) Jeff Lenham Keefe (guitar)   Keefe West Jr. (guitar). They released four singles as well as this LP and a 12” extended mix of the single “One For Unity”. flac

Post 712 - The Sydney Theatre Company - The Stripper

One of the most sought after collectors’ items for Rocky Horror fans is the original vinyl LP recording of “The Stripper” musical by Richard O'Brien and Richard Hartley (original book by Carter Brown). Released in 1982 by RCA records, this is the only recording of the musical that was made available. These records come up once every few years on eBay and other sales sites and can fetch hundreds of dollars each. Originally performed by the “Sydney Theatre Company”, there was a revival of the show at the Queens Theatre, Hornchurch in 2009 and an amazing production at the St James Theatre in London in 2016. SYNOPSIS - There's trouble in Pine City. When Patty Keller stands out on a hotel ledge fifteen floors above the street, Lieut Al Wheeler does his best to talk her out of jumping. He fails (Falling). Al figures it's a homicide investigation. County Sheriff Lavers figure it's a waste of time. In the course of his peculiarly musical investigation, Al meets some interesting characters, such as Patty's cousin Dolores, the stripper who says it all from the neck down (Deadpan Dolores). Patty belonged to a lonely hearts club, she tells Al, and reminds him that even in Southern California, (The Lonely Are Legend).  Sarah and Jacob Arkwright run the Arkwright Happiness Club. Their secretary, Sherry Mendez, looks like she's just stepped out of some Latin-American extravaganza.  Sarah warns Sherry about getting involved with a detective (Men Like That...). Al discovers that Patty's last date, courtesy of the lonely hearts club, was with Harvey Stern, a florist (Heart And Flowers). Combining business with pleasure, Al takes Sherry to the strip club and sees a mind-storming performance by Deadpan Dolores (The Strip). Later, in his apartment, Al woos Sherry with a soft, romantic ballad! (Man Of Steel). Back in the Sheriff s office, Al decides to give the thick-headed Sgt Polnik his big break by letting him help out on the case and surround himself with dozens of dames (Cry On). As the clues start to unravel, and the coincidences pile up, Al is even more convinced that Patty's death was no accident (Begging The Question). Even Sheriff Lavers is having his doubts, but not wanting to over-exert his delicate brain, he pauses for a little police station identification (Man Of The Power). Suddenly, the recently deceased Harvey Stern makes a con­fession that is almost lyrical (I Confess); but Al doesn't buy it His suspicions are further aroused, along with a few other things, when he discovers Deadpan Dolores asleep in his bed (There’s Many a True Word Said in Bed). Once again back in the Sheriff s office, Al must this time face the monster he helped to create: Sgt Polnik. They share a fantasy (In the Night All Cats Are Brown). In the alley outside the Club Extravaganza, Dolores makes a last ditch effort to win Al over but he is no longer under the Stripper's spell (Nobody’s Fool). The time has come for the final showdown... . And the truth. Who killed Patty Keller? Al finds out as Sarah Sings, and the scene is set for a deadly finale. Shots ring out, the corpses pile up, Deadpan Dolores takes a final bow (Planning My Big Exit). With the case now solved, Al can take pleasure in the know­ledge that, for the time being, there's no (Trouble in Pine City).

Original Australian Cast

AL WHEELER, Terence Donovan, PATTY KELLER, Anne Grigg, SHERIFF LAVERS. Michael Caton, SGT. POLNIK. John Paramor, ANNABELLE JACKSON, Barbara Jane Cole, DOC MURPHY, Jack Webster, SHERRY MENDEZ, Anne Grigg, SARAH ARKWRIGHT, Robina Beard, JACOB ARKWRIGHT, Bob Hornery, HARVEY STERN, Bob Hornery, STEVE LOOMAS, D. J. Foster, DEADPAN DOLORES, Robyn Moase, MILES ROVAK, Jack Webster, LOUIS, D. J. Foster, STRIPPER NO. 1, Barbara Jane Cole, STRIPPER NO. 2. Robina Beard. The Band - Michael Tyack, Piano, Peter Dilosa, Trumpet, Graham Quy, Drums, Ed Gregson, Guitar and Wayne Ford, Bass.  The score was penned by Richard O'Brien and Music by Richard Hartley. Recorded at: Leo Recorders, Engineered by: Spencer Lee, Produced by: Spencer Lee, Peter Plavsic and Michael Tyack. Release in 1982 on RCA Records VPL-1 0401.

A big thank you to Deb Mayes for this gem for the Blog. Flac

Post 711 - The Whights - Evie Pts. 1,2 & 3.

The Wrights were a one-off Australian "supergroup". They consisted of Nic Cester (Jet), Bernard Fanning (Powderfinger), Phil Jamieson ( Grinspoon), Kram (Spiderbait), Chris Cheney (The Living End), Davey Lane ( You Am I and The Pictures) and Pat Bourke (Dallas Crane). They are named after Australian music legend and former Easybeats frontman Stevie Wright. Their first and only single was a cover version of Stevie Wright's song "Evie" (7243 8 68837 2 8), an 11 minute song consisting of three parts. "Evie (Pt. 1)" was first performed at the Australian Recording Industry Association (ARIA) awards in 2004. They performed the whole trilogy live for the first time at the Sydney Cricket Ground as part of WaveAid, and it was released as a single in February 2005. "Evie (Pt. 1)" featured Nic Cester as the vocalist, while Pts. 2 and 3 featured vocalists Bernard Fanning of Powderfinger and Phil Jamieson of Grinspoon. The profits for the single were donated to Stevie Wright and the Salvation Army to improve drug and alcohol rehabilitation, as well as the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement for the 2004 Boxing Day tsunami. "Evie" Part 1 - "Let Your Hair Hang Down" Nic Cester  - vocals, Chris Cheney  - lead guitar, Davey Lane - rhythm guitar, Kram – drums, Pat Bourke – bass and Daniel Vandenberg – piano.

"Evie" Part 2 - "Evie" Bernard Fanning – vocals, Warren "Pig" Morgan – piano and Harry Vanda - string arrangement. "Evie" Part 3 - "I'm Losing You" Phil Jamieson – vocals, Davey Lane (You Am I) - lead guitar, Chris Cheney - rhythm guitar, Pat Bourke (Dallas – bass, Dan Knight - Hammond organ, Kram – drums and Backing vocals Chris Cester , Kram,Harry Vanda, Louise Anton and Chris Cheney. The single was Produced by Harry Vanda and Glenn Goldsmith and Mixed by Daniel Vandenberg Flac

Post 710 - The Angels - Finger On The Trigger - Straight Aces - Living In The Bodyguard Of Luxury

"Finger on the Trigger" (K 640) is the 32^nd single by The Angels. Released as a non-album single in 1988, it peaked at number 34 on the ARIA Charts. Sonics magazine wrote “the single was recorded very quickly and rush released due to contractual obligations - they absolutely had to get something on the shelves”. This is from the 12”  giant 45 single version which has two tracks on the B side “Straight Aces” and “Living In The Bodyguard Of Luxury”  which is the same song with different title “Why?” you say who knows. The A side was penned by Bob Spencer and the B’s by Brewster,  Neeson, Hilbun, and  Eccles. Thanks to Tim for finding this gem. Flac

Post 709 - Marsh Brothers - Demo Tape

John Marsh was leader of Cowra band “Carlton” which you will find on post # 692. John and Brother Rusty recorded 3 demo songs (here to download) for Yeldah Music in 1995. I found this message Rusty left on another music site about the recordings:-

In the mid 90's, John and I were starting to "panic" about our age, and if we still belonged in the "Rock" scene. So we decided to venture into a bit of "Country"!

John wrote a heap of country songs...... I did help him "arrange" the songs (stacked the lyrics in a tidy pile!), and worked out all my own bass-lines, which took a good 10 minutes! We did a rough recording, and sent a demo to "Yeldah Music" (Hadley Studios-Eric Scott) in Tamworth, and he asked us to come up and record 3 songs! John was so excited and told me to stop washing my Magna, as I would now be able to buy a Merc! Yeah right!

As most of you would know, professional artists can spend a full week in the studio just perfecting "one" song! From memory, it was about a six hour drive from Cowra to Tamworth. After the long drive, we recorded the "three" songs in "one" hour, and drove straight back to bloody Cowra!  It was a "promotional" CD for Yeldah Music, consisting of our 3 songs, and 12 other songs belonging to 8 other artists. It was called "Song Plugger Series No.3"! Wonder why it didn't sell??!!

The recording was pretty rough, and John was upset that he was not allowed to use any effects pedals whatsoever! Pedals!! What are they? I'm just a bass player with a cheap Aussie Eminar amp and Ibanez bass! We also used a "drum machine", which I operated manually with foot pedals! That's right, I did have pedals!

Our songs were all true stories:-

1. “Coming Home”- A story about a Woman from Canowindra whose husband went to the Vietnam War.

2.”Pay The Price” - Apparently is about "me", when my then wife was screwing around, and I was ready to shoot anyone who had a dick!

3.”She Must Be Crazy” - A song about our older Sister who was a real Tom-Boy, and mad-as-a-meataxe! Flac

Post 708 - John Farnham - The Infinity Singles

There’s not much to say about John Farnham that you don’t already know. Farnham, who was born in Essex, England was a teen pop idol from 1967-79, billed then as Johnny Farnham, but has since forged a career as an adult contemporary singer. His career has mostly been as a solo artist although he replaced Glenn Shorrock as lead singer of Little River Band from 1982-85. In September 1986 his solo single, "You're the Voice" peaked at No. 1 on the Australian singles charts. The associated album, Whispering Jack, held the No. 1 position for a total of 25 weeks and is the 2nd highest-selling album in Australian history. Both the single and the album had Top Ten success internationally including No. 1 in Sweden.  In 1976 and ’77 he released two singles for Infinity Records ‘You Love Me Back To Life Again” b/w “Call Me Back” (K-6669) and “Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame” b/w “Monkey See Monkey Do” (K-6765). Now I have check and can’t see where these songs have ever been released on LP or CD.  Both singles were produced by Gerry Stevens. Another interesting fact is on the song “You Love Me Back To Life Again “ is that on the New Zealand release it’s “You Loved” not "You Love”. Flac

Post 707 - Doug Ashdown - Winter In America

Doug Ashdown was unable to crack the US market, so Jimmy Stewart and Doug returned to Australia where they set up a new label, “Billingsgate”. Stewart produced Doug's next album entitled “Leave Love Enough Alone” (D19087)in 1974. The album produced two Singles, "They Always Seem To Look Like Marianne", and the album's evocative title track, co-written by Doug and Jimmy during a bitter winter in Nashville. "Leave Love Enough Alone" was released in September 1974 and received some airplay, but neither it nor its predecessor made the charts at the time. "Leave Love Enough Alone", however, proved to be a classic 'sleeper' and the breakthrough finally came more than a year later when it was retitled and reissued as "Winter In America". The song was picked up by stations around the country and this time around it became a major hit through late 1976 and early 1977, reaching #14 in Melbourne and #30 in Sydney. It remains one of the most popular and enduring Australian songs of the '70s; it has been covered by artists around the world including Margret RoadKnight. In 1988, Dutch singing star Rene Froger's version was a top five top hit in Holland, and Froger's live version topped the charts there again in recent years. Players on this LP were Acoustic Guitar – Troy Seals, Backing Vocals – Norma Stoneman, Bass – Joe Allan, Tim Partridge, Cello – Nathan Waks, Drums – Laurie London, Russell Dunlop, Electric Guitar – Mark Punch, Mellotron – Roy Ritchie. Music Director, Arranged By, Conductor, Piano, Mellotron, Synthesizer, Organ – Wayne Findlay, Percussion – Ian Bloxsom, Piano – David Briggs, Steel Guitar – Pee Wee Clark, Stu Baseore, Strings – Bob Ingram. Flac 

Post 706 - Wickedy Wak - Billie's Bikie Boys - Chitty Chitty Bang Bang

Rick Springfield played guitar and vocals, as far as I know from what little information there is on this recording the rest of the band included Paul Shannon, Ray Wright, and Danny Finley from MPD Ltd. Here to download from 1969 on Sunshine Records is "Billie's Bikie Boys" b/w “Chitty Chitty Bang Bang’ (QK 3118). The A side was written by Johnny Young and produced by Ian Meldrum. The production is great and in some parts is reminiscent of Russell Morris's "Real Thing" which was released earlier, in May of 1969. Rick Springfield's guitar is full on and people couldn’t understand why the single did not make a bigger impact at the time. It could be because the B side "Chitty Chitty Bang Bang" which was not very inspiring and a total contrast to the style of the A side. In the month following this recording Rick replaced Roger Hicks as the lead guitarist with Zoot and the rest as they say is history. The story is about "Billy" who is apparently a rebel on a motorcycle, riding through town with his buddies, causing the girls to turn and look, and disturbing the peace! The cops finally catch up with him and now there are no more roaring engines racing around town. The song has a very classic late 60's psychedelic sound and instrumentation.  Flac

Post 705 - John Swan/Maggie McKinney - West End Girls - West End Boys

John Swan OAM was born in 1952 in Glasgow, Scotland, better known as Swanee. He was born John Archibold Dixon Swan. He is the older brother of singer-songwriter Jimmy Barnes, and musician and singer Alan Barnes, and the uncle of singer and stage performer David Campbell. John Swan featured in an ad for West End Draught, a South Australian beer. The brewer provided financial support to Swanee's tours and he in turn appeared in the company's TV commercials. This was a promotional 45 put out by West End Brewing perhaps in the early eighties not real sure of the date because the single has no date of release. It was penned by Les Gock and Chris Mitchell. The B side features Maggie McKinney doing the same song but it’s about West End Boys. Maggie and husband Chuck formed the Melbourne soul, funk outfit The Hot City Bump Band in 1973. Flac