Post 117 - The Ferrets - Are You Looking At Me / Holloway

In early 1975 The Ferrets came together in Sydney. They were Billy Miller, Ken Firth and Dave Springfield who put the band on hold while they joined the final version of Buster Brown. When Buster Brown split in November '75 Phillip Eisenberg joined the others and The Ferrets moved to Melbourne. The band came to the attention of Ian "Molly" Meldrum who introduced the band to ex Zoot drummer Rick Brewer who joined in April '76. Miller’s sisters Jane Miller and Pam Miller also joined and now they were a seven-piece band. After getting them signed to Mushroom Records the band went into the studio to work on an album. The first single "Robin Hood" was not successful but the follow up "Don't Fall In Love" made #1 in Melbourne and #3 nationally. The Ferrets' début album was a concern at Mushroom Records as Meldrum had not organised an album cover, a white hand stamped cardboard sleeve was issued with a promise of the album artwork to follow! Their follow up single "Janie May" reached #19 in Melbourne, and the long awaited album cover depicted a model holding a snarling ferret on her shoulder. The next single to come in 1978 was "Are You Looking At Me" b/w "Holloway" (K-7094) was not successful with Jane Miller and Ken Faith leaving the band shortly after. This single never made it onto the follow up album "Fame At Any Price." Here to download is that single and it's B side written by Jane Miller, which we say in our opinion is far better than the A side.

Post 116- Ol' 55 - The Vault LP

This was Ol' 55's 5th LP recorded for Leo Records between February and September 1980. The album released their eighth single a cover of Lou Christie's "Two Faces Have I" which went as high as #15 on the national charts. The personnel for this recording were Pat Drummond guitar, Rock Pile vocals/guitar, Bob Drummond guitar, Terry Bellew bass, Doug Martin drums on 4 tracks and Geoff Plummer drumming on the other 9. Michael Delaney did the backing vocals on "Who Put The Bomp". A second single from "The Vault" "Anywhere The Girls Are" hit the charts in December but Ol' 55 split soon after. Here is "The Vault" (2907 501) for you to download another great LP never as yet to see CD.

Post 115 - Jim Keays - Undecided - Dubcided

Jim Keays recorded this single at Britannia Row, London. The single was produced by Craig Leon and programmed by Chris Allison and Craig Leon at the Skylight Suite, London. Guitars by Kevin Greene and Sweet's Andy Scott. The single was released on Virgin Records in 1987. Here to download is "Undecided" b/w "Dubcided" (VOZ 017). Graham Meek did the engineering.

Post 114 - Lucky Starr - Lucky's Been Everywhere EP

"I've Been Everywhere" by Lucky Starr in 1962 ( #1 Sydney #2 Melbourne #1 Brisbane #1 Adelaide #4 Perth) which contains 94 Aussie place names, sparked off overseas demand for Lucky to record the same idea to other countries. Geoff Mack, who penned the song was touring the Australian outback but urgent telegrams brought him flying back to Festival Records with new lyrics using place names for New Zealand, Great Britain and the U.S.A. Lucky then had the task of learning the new lyrics and recording them in record time. Here for you to download is that EP by Lucky Starr "Lucky's Been Everywhere" (FX-10.485)

Post 113 - Rick Springfield - Beginnings LP

Rick Springfield was born Richard Lewis Springthorpe at Merrylands, in Sydney’s western suburbs, on August 23, 1949. Rick began playing with local Melbourne bands but his musical career didn’t begin in earnest until he was dropped out of high school in 1967. He joined the band Rockhouse in 1968 they landed a regular gig at a nightclub in St. Kilda. Rick and Danny Finley formed a new band in early '69, Wickety Wak. They recorded one song, “Billie’s Bikey Boys”, written by Johnny Young and produced by "Molly" Meldrum. The single is now considered a classic of Australian psych-pop. Rick joined Zoot late in 1969, and only months later, in early 1970, the pink jumpsuits (which Rick hated) were set on fire on a T.V. music show Happening '70. Zoot stunned the audience with their pounding heavy-metal version of the Beatles’ "Eleanor Rigby", also arranged by Rick. In December 1971 Rick left to work in the USA and later that year his first solo single, "Speak to the Sky", was released on Robie Porter’s Sparmac label and it reached #5 on the Australian national chart. During early 1972 Rick recorded his debut album Beginnings at Trident Studios in London; he featured on lead vocals and played many of the instruments including keyboards, guitars and banjo. In May he travelled to Japan to represent Australia at the Tokyo Song Festival with "Speak To The Sky". Rick's album produced two additional Australian hits "Hooky Jo" and "What Would The Children Think?" and later in the year Capitol released a new version of "Speak To The Sky" which gave Rick his first bona fide American hit, reaching #14 in September 1972. With his exceptional good looks and the record company’s determination to push him as Australia’s answer to David Cassidy, Rick quickly became a favourite of American teen magazines, and record sales increased rapidly despite the fact that the album was given very little airplay. His image was carefully maintained and Capitol even went as far as airbrushing out the hair on Rick's chest on the back cover photo on the US edition of the album. Beginnings was selling very strongly, 300,000 copies in the United States and "Speak to the Sky" was climbing the charts when a rumour began to circulate that Capitol Records was paying people to purchase it to artificially inflate sales of the album. It brought Rick’s chart ascent to a crashing halt, radio stations refused to play his songs and the momentum died overnight. A change in record companies should have made a difference, but Rick’s move to Columbia the next year was doomed from the start. Radio stations continued to avoid his songs, ensuring the failure of 1973’s Comic Book Heroes, Plans for a 1974 follow up album were scrapped. In August, 1981, after ten years in the American music business, Rick reached #1 on the American charts for the first time with "Jessie’s Girl". The following year, the song earned Rick a Grammy for best male rock vocal and the Working Class Dog album. Here to download is his first solo LP "Beginnings" (SPL-003)

Post 112 - Darryl Cotton - It's Rock 'N' Good Fun LP

Back in 1993 Darryl Cotton celebrated 25 years as an entertainer. Quite an achievement when you consider the unreliable nature of the business he has chosen as a career. The years have seen him pursue and succeed in the entertainment business such as singing, song writing, acting, theatre and television. Public life for Darryl began in 1968 as a founding member of rock band, Zoot. Along with Rick Springfield, Beeb Birtles and Rick Brewer, they managed to capture the heart of many a female fan in the late 60s and early 70s and will no doubt go down in Aussie rock history as one of our pioneer groups. Particularly memorable is their award-winning version of the Beatles "Eleanor Rigby", which still manages airplay over 20 years after its release. In 1984 he released the album "It's Rock 'N' Good Fun" (HAM 107) a collection of rock 'n' roll songs from the 50's & 60's. The backing band is a who's who of Aussie rock with the likes of Roger McLachian bass (Pyramid, Levi Smith's Clefs, L.R.B), Ross Ingles guitar, Wilbur Wilde sax (Ol' 55, Jo Jo Zep & The Falcons), David Jones drums (Pyramid) Adrian Scott keyboards (L.R.B) with backing vocals by Linda George, Penny Dyer (Bootleg Family Band) and Rozzi Bazzani (Hi Ho). The LP was recorded on Hammard Records and produced by Ross Cockle and Darryl. Here for you to download is that album.

Post 111 - John Laws - John Laws E P

Richard John Sinclair Laws, born 8 August 1935 better known as John Laws or Lawsie, is a former prominent and controversial radio presenter in Australia. From the 1970s until his retirement on 30 November 2007 Laws hosted a hugely successful morning radio program, which mixed music with interviews, opinion, live advertising readings and listener talkback. Prior to joining 2UE in 1957, the first of four terms at that Sydney radio station, during which time Laws, along with Bob Rogers, Tony Withers and Stan Rofe became prominent as one of the first Australian disc jockeys to play rock'n'roll music. Laws is said to have pioneered the practice of using contacts in the airline industry to supply him with the latest pop releases from overseas, a facility which gave him an edge at a time when many pop records were not released in Australia until weeks or even months after being issued overseas. John also recorded many singles and LPs for RCA Records. One I liked was his cover of "Phantom 309" but for you to download now is his 1974 EP "John Laws" (20607) which contains 3 Shel Silverstein's songs, produced by Rocky Thomas and engineered by Bruce Brown.

Post 110 - Delaney/Venn - Neon Heart LP

Formed in 1978 this electric pop band released 3 singles and an L.P. between '79 and '80. The band was made up of Michael Delaney vocals/guitar, Chris Venn vocals/guitar, Paul Wheeler (ex Billy Thorpe & The Aztecs, Band Of Talabene, MacKenzie Theory) bass, Chris Raggett (ex Matt Finish) guitar and Tony Doyle on drums, who has performed with bands such as Clockwork Strawberry, The Pirates and Wendy Saddington Band. This Tony Doyle actually replaced Tony Doyle (Savanna Silver Band). The second single "Prisoner" has Marcia Hines belting out backing vocals and Doug Rowe (ex Flying Circus, Grand Junction, Woodpickers) on guitar. Other musos on this album were Terry & MonaLisa Young, Lori Balmer, Gary Fredericks (ex Stuart Park), John Sammers (ex Outline) and Phil Rigger (ex Outline). Here for download is their one and only album out of 1980 on Leo Records "Neon Heart" (6437 132) produced by Tony Spencer.

Post 109 - The Hot Mamas - Eagle Rock / Eagle Rock

Not an Australian post this time but I still thought it appropriate The Hot Mamas were an American attempt in 1972 to cash in on the success of Daddy Cool's classic "Eagle Rock". When I came upon this single in a second hand record store I grab it because it was on Robie Porter's Sparmac label (as was Daddy Cool's ) and produced by Porter so I thought it had to be Aussie (the second time I've be caught with Sparmac releasing an American artist on it's label). Anyhow after going through book after book and surfing the net for hours nothing could be found on this band, so I thought there's only one man that might know the answer seeing he wrote the song, so I emailed Ross Wilson and this it the response I got....hi Garry,

All I can tell you about that single is that it was produced by Daddy Cool's producer Robie Porter.  DC's version of Eagle Rock had a good shot in the US & was a hit in a few places but after it failed to make the national chart i think Robie thought he'd have another shot with the song by cutting an American version.  All the players were well known session musicians & i believe that James Burton (Elvis's guitarist) played guitar & that Clydie king was lead vocalist, but it was all done very quickly and in my opinion didn't turn out very well.  Hot Mummas / Daddy Cool - an unsubtle play on words - it was released in Australia & bombed here too.

Stay cool,  Ross

So there you have it in a nut shell, and I must say I agree with Ross not the best cover of this song and in my opinion of all the covers I've heard of "Eagle Rock" none yet have come close to the original. But you might like it we are all different after all. So here for you to have a listen to (and please tell me what you think in the comment box) are The Hot Mamas "Eagle Rock" b/w "Eagle Rock" (SPR-017)

Post 108 - Linda George & Paul McKay - Love Is Enough / You Are Mine Tonight

Fill Moon Records was set up by singer Mike Brady, after doing backing vocals for Mike's Invisible Man LP Linda signed to the label and released the single "Love Is Enough" with Paul McKay in 1980 peaking at #25 in Melbourne. In '81 the follow up single "Telephones Lines" was issued, even though it received airplay it didn't chart well. Another single "Face To Face" in '82 was released on Full Moon but this flopped completely. Here to download is her first single for Full Moon produced by Mike Brady "Love Is Enough" b/w “You Are Mine Tonight" (FMS 1003) with Paul McKay.

Post 107 - Geoff Duff - Temptation's 'Bout To Get Me / Where Will I Be? (Tomorrow)

Jeff Duff (or Geoff Duff as the spelling on this recording says) is a Theatrical singer from Melbourne who fronted numerous bands, most notably Kush before moving to Britain for ten years in 1978. There he recorded for the Beggars Banquet label, and had some success with his single, Give Me Back My Brain, from the album Duffo, recorded with the participation of guitarist Peter Green. This single recorded for Mushroom Records in 1977 reached #39 in Melbourne. The A-side a cover of the 1965 U.S. hit by The Knight Brothers was penned by James Leon Diggs and the B side penned by Geoff. Here to download is that single out of '77 with its B-side "Temptation's 'Bout To Get Me" b/w “Where Will I Be? (Tomorrow)" (K-6764) 

Post 106 - Blackfeather - Slippin' & Slidin' / Fly On My Nose

Blackfeather were one of the most popular and successful groups of the early 1970's, Over 50 musicians have passed through the Blackfeather ranks. Blackfeather formed in April 1970 with the original line-up being John Robinson (guitar), Neale Johns (vocals), Leith Corbett (bass) and Mike McCormack (drums). All but Johns had come straight from the split of the Dave Miller Set, The band released two classic singles "Seasons Of Change" and "Boppin' The Blues", since they were between drummers at the time, the single  "Boppin' The Blues" was actually cut with Aztecs drummer Gil Matthews. Their album At The Mountains Of Madness 1971 is still one of the most regarded progressive rock LP's.  The second LP, the Howard Gable produced live album Boppin' The Blues, recorded at gigs at Melbourne Town Hall and the Q Club in September, and released in December 1972. Their third and last single, a version of Little Richard's "Slippin & Slidin'" was released in February 1973, They performed at Sunbury '73 in January and their set was recorded and released the following year as a live LP which has a live version of "Slippin' & Slidin'” here for you to download is the studio version of  "Slippin' & Slidin'” b/w “Fly On My Nose” (INK-4988). 

Post 105 - Thomas & Bailey - Missing Persons LP

G.Wayne Thomas came to Australia from New Zealand in 1966.  In 1967 he went to the Australian Theatre Trust Opera Company and in 1968 he moved from Opera Australia and spent a short time at Channel 7 in Sydney. He worked at J. Walter Thompson Advertising Agency. While working there he wrote produced and performed a number of commercial jingles, in association with the then Musical Director of Hair and later Jesus Christ Superstar, Patrick Flynn. Patrick also worked for a number of other advertising agencies, which attracted interest from record companies; in 1970 he joined Warner Bros as Managing Director of their existing 14 publishing companies. In 1971, he produced the soundtrack of Morning of the Earth. In 1972, although at first he was reluctant when approached by Albe Falzon & David Elfick to write and produce the soundtrack for their new movie Crystal Voyager. He eventually agreed, the whole soundtrack was written, performed and produced in 10 days. During the period with Warner he produced a number of No1 and top 10 records for various artists such as Allison McCallum, Rumor, Jon English, Shona Lang, Autumn, and Himself. In 1979 he teamed up with Peter Bailey, they signed to Polydor and released 4 singles plus the L.P. "Missing Persons" (2907 054) here for you to download. Tommy Emanuel played guitar on "I Don't Want To Spoil Your Party" & "The Last Laugh" other musicians were Jimmy Kelly, Paul Baker, Terry Fogg, Lindsay Hammond and Mike McLellan. The album was produced by Thomas & Bailey. And a big thank you once again to Peter McCray for another classic from his vault.

Post 104 - Sinclair Brothers. - Two Moons LP

Wayne and John Sinclair gave us the "Two Moons" LP in 1979 and were on countdown and sounds unlimited. They toured as support for Don McClean, Janis Ian and Rita Coolidge. The album cover was shot with Cardinia reservoir in the background on a hill top in Emerald, Victoria where John had a Farm. They went on to tour Australia and since John settled in SA and Wayne in Victoria. They recorded the singles "Yesterfool" in 1978 and "Love Me Like I Love You" in 1979 which were both included on the LP. Two more singles followed in 1980 "It Must Be Autumn" and "City Boy." "Two Moons" was recorded at Festival Studios, in Sydney on the Infinty label and was produced & engineered by Martin Erdman. Other personnel on the album are Alan Fischer drums, Stefan Lapan guitar, Marcus Green bass and Wayne piano/vocals, John guitar/vocals. A big thank you to Peter McCray for sending me this album to clean up and to post on my blog,  Peter talked to producer Martin Erdman and I quote "Martin said that one of them was working on some unreleased recordings and there might be the possibility of a re-issue with these tracks as bonuses in the works.  But sadly, he subsequently advised that the brother had died unexpectedly - last year I think - so that was that. Very sad." It’s very sad indeed. Here for you to download is that album "Two Moons" (L 36845).

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

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

Post 102 - Gary Young And The Rocking Emus LP

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

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

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

Post 100 - Supernaut - Lightning

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

Post 99 - Joe Dolce - Vaffanculo Polka

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

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

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

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

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

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

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