Post 268 - Brian Cadd & Adam Harvey - Rockin' The Country

Back in 1998 when I was working at FM 107.5 in Orange, we received an NfS radio sampler CD of upcoming releases country singles for radio each month. On #45 was this single, here for you to download, "Rockin' The Country". After a listen I liked it, and being a Brian Cadd fan, I thought I'd give it some air play. At that time I didn't know who Adam Harvey was but at first listen thought he was a bit like Elvis. I played it every show in the following weeks and got a great response. People liked it and wanted to buy it. A friend of mine that worked in a record bar was receiving enquiries to purchase this single nearly every day but she couldn't find a release date on either artist. I contacted the woman that was on the paper work from NfS and she told me that Warner was the company that was going to release it. She also asked me to fax her feedback of how popular it was and how people wanted to purchase it. She planned to take it to a meeting with the Warner executives and maybe get a release date. That was the last I heard from her and the single. To my knowledge it has never been released and never appeared on either artist’s albums. I have tried to contact Brian and Adam but as yet haven't received an answer from either of them. So it’s still a bit of a mystery. I have no catalogue number, B side, or any other info for this single. I always thought it should have been released and it would have sold around here by the response that I got. Maybe someone out there can enlighten us. Have a listen and see what you think.

Post 267 - Burke & Wills - Thank You / Sunshine / Come Along With Me / Janine

Here to download are the two singles from Burke & Wills who were the backing band for Frieze (Darryl Cotton & Beeb Birtles), after they made the move from Brisbane to Melbourne. The band was made up of Warren Adams bass & vocals, Peter Moscos (The Sect, Moscos & Stone) guitar & vocals and Jamie Dunn drums & vocals who became much more famous providing the voice of the popular Bathmat called Agro in the 80's, as well as doing a LP and a few singles. Here to download are Burke & Wills only two singles recorded for Image Records "Thank You" b/w "Sunshine" (IS-134) and "Come Along With Me" b/w "Janine" (IS-141) both out of 1973. Thanks to Peter for these singles.

Post 266 - Sinclair Brothers - The Singles

On post # 104 we posted the Sinclair Brother's great album "Two Moons". Unfortunately they never did another LP but they did do a couple of singles after the album. They gave us 4 singles all up with the last two not on the "Two Moons" LP. There was also a B side that was a non album track as well. All the singles were recorded on Infinity and produced by Martin Erdman. The singles in this collection are "Yesterfool" b/w "Jenny", "Love Me Like I love You" b/w "Leavin'", "It Must Be Autumn" b/w "Lingering Tones", "City Boy" b/w "Trains" Thanks to Peter for these gems.

Post 265 - Jo Beth Taylor - A Prayer For Jane / Chances

Jo Beth Taylor born Joanne Guilfoyle on May 29th, 1971 in Perth, Australia. She began singing when she was 5 years old, and at the age of 13 began performing professionally when she started her career with the television program Perth's Young Entertainers. When she was 17 she joined a band named Street Cafe and played regularly around Perth. Band member Alan Laguda was originally from Melbourne and talked Jo and the band and crew into moving to Melbourne. Where Jo recorded a demo tape, which found its way into the hands of Molly Meldrum, who immediately signed her to Melodian records. In 1990 Taylor toured with Indecent Obsession as the support act for Debbie Gibson. The two became firm friends and Gibson invited Taylor to go to New York, where she then lived for a year. Gibson wrote and produced 5 tracks on her debut album 99 Reasons. Taylor began a pop career in the early 1990s, releasing the single 99 Reasons in 1991. The song hit the Australian Top 40, peaking at #31. Taylor's debut album was also titled "99 Reasons", but was not a chart success. "You Don't Own Me" was released as the 2nd single, whilst 1993 also saw the release of the song here for you to download, "A Prayer For Jane" b/w "Chances" (D12116). The lyrics of the song were about a friend of Taylor's who committed suicide. The song failed to make the Australian Top 50 charts, peaking at #61. The A side was written by Steve Kipner and John L. Parker and was produced by the two and recorded at Steve's studio. The B side was penned by Jo Beth and Jamie Jardine. Jo Beth was also known for hosting three weekly programs on the Nine Network at the same time between 1993 and 1997: Australia's Funniest Home Video Show, What's Up, Doc? and Hey Hey It's Saturday before suffering from a nervous breakdown and disappearing from television for more than two years. She returned to television in 2000 as the host of Star Struck, another Nine Network program, which was to be her last role until Dirty Jobs in 2007. She only released one album and four singles, all of which failed to crack the Top 30 ARIA Chart.

Post 264 - 4 From Bandstand EP

Bandstand was an Australian musical variety TV show which screened from November 1958 to 1972. It was produced at the studios of TCN-9 in Sydney and eventually became a national program as Nine Network expanded into other Australian cities in the early 1960s. Bandstand was created by Nine executive Bruce Gyngell, who based it on the American show of a similar name, American Bandstand. The host for virtually the entire run of the series was Brian Henderson, who was also the chief newsreader for TCN-9 in Sydney. The series is closely associated with the group of performers who regularly appeared on the show, and became known as The Bandstand Family. This included Col Joye, Little Pattie, Janice Slater, Warren Williams, Lucky Starr, Sandy Scott, Bryan Davies, Johnny Devlin, Laurel Lee, Judy Stone, Digby Richards, The Bee Gees and Olivia Newton-John. Here to download is a sampler record from Brian Henderson's mail pack "4 From Bandstand" EP (MP 001) released on Festival Records in 1963. An attempt was made by the Nine Network to revive the show in the mid 1970s under the title Bandstand '76, with new host Daryl Somers. But the format was far from successful, and was soon axed. A big thank you goes out to Christine for lending us this record to put on our Blog.

Post 263 - Benny And The Jets - J.O.'K - Tobacco Road

Benny & The Jets were a Newcastle band who played '50's revival music around Newcastle, the Hunter Valley and the Central Coast along with a few TV appearances. They released 6 singles and one album which has been released on CD by Copperfield Records and can be found here http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/BennyandTheJets. Here to download is their 1976 single on ATA Records "J.O.'K" b/w "Tobacco Road" (K-6638) the A side written by lead vocalist/bass Rick Pointon.

Post 262 - Dig Richards - I Was Yesterday's Hero, Today I'm A Heartbroken Clown / Miss Blues

As far as I can find out, this is another rare cut from Richards that has never see CD release. Recorded in 1965, both sides are penned by Dig Richards and released on Festival Records. Here to download is the single "I Was Yesterday's Hero, Today I'm A Heartbroken Clown" b/w "Miss Blues" (FK-1045).

Post 261 - Reg Lindsay - Goodbye Swingers

Reginald John Lindsay OAM was born on 7th July 1929. He was an Australian country and western singer who won three Golden Guitar Awards and wrote more than five hundred songs in his fifty-year music career. Born in the Sydney suburb of Waverley, Reg was two years of age when his father gave him a harmonica which he quickly mastered. He then learned how to play the banjo, mandolin, guitar and fiddle. His career ambition was to become a stockman but in 1951 he won a Sydney radio talent quest which launched his career as a singer-songwriter and a music career of over 50 years. He became the first Australian to appear at Nashville's Grand Ole Opry in 1974 and is officially recognised with a plaque on Nashville's Walkway of Stars. He was best known for his song "Armstrong", a tribute to the historic 1969 moon landing by American astronauts, particularly Neil Armstrong, which is now included in a time capsule at the Johnson Space Centre in Houston, Texas. Here to download is the B side of that single "Goodbye Swingers" (FK-4125) on Festival Records. The song was written by Ronnie Self and produced by Pat Aulton. The song came from the LP "Hot Shot Country" and I'm sure has never seen CD. Reg died of pneumonia on 5th August 2008 at Newcastle NSW. Coincidentally this date is also the birthdate of the subject of his most famous song Neil Armstrong. He was married twice. His fist wife was Heather McKean who’s sister Joy McKean was married to Slim Dusty. He was survived by his second wife Ros Winfield.

Post 260 - Ignatius Jones - Whispering Your Name / It's No Reason

Way back on post #83 there was a comment left asking did we have Ignatius Jones's other single "Whispering Your Name" which was a cover of the Alison Moyet song. At that stage we didn't but we always make a note of what people are looking for. If we happen to come across it we will grab it. This is one of those times. Here to download is the 1983 recording of "Whispering Your Name" b/w "It's No Reason" (7-259943) on WEA Records. The B side is a Steve Kilbey song and the single was produced by Chris Gilbey.

Post 259 - Issy Di - Family Full Of Soul / I'm Your Tiger

Issy Di or Issy Dy or Issy Dye depending on what book, record or web site you look at is one of Australia’s leading original cabaret stars, with over 40 years in showbiz. With all the experience of a seasoned TV & stage performer and dealing with 100’s of clubs/casino’s and concerts, Issy runs one of the most professional & diverse entertainment agencies in the country. In the 1960's Issy appeared on Television programs like Bandstand, Kommotion, The GO! Show and Uptight. In late 1969 Issy 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. During the 1970s. Here to download is his 1971 single on Festival "Family Full Of Soul" b/w "I'm Your Tiger" (FK-4300). The B side was written by Johnny Young and being a Lewis/Young Production I would assume Johnny Young produced this single and the B side. All I can say is that Johnny (or who ever produced it) was doing some serious experimentation with the sound, have a listen and see if it sounds psychedelic to you. I'm not sure how many singles and if any LP's Issy recorded as all my books and internet sites have no discography on him.

Post 258 - Jimmy Little - Baby Blue / Australia Down Under

Jimmy Little was born James Oswald Little on the 1st of March 1937, he is an Australian Aboriginal musician, singer, songwriter and guitarist, whose career has spanned six decades. He is a member of the Yorta Yorta tribe; he grew up on the Cummeragunja Mission on the Murray River in New South Wales. In 1955 he left for Sydney to pursue his country music career. "Mysteries of Life" was released in 1956, but his first hit didn't come until 1959 with "Danny Boy," which peaked at #9 in Sydney. After 17 previous singles, Little scored his biggest hit with "Royal Telephone," which peaked at #1 in Sydney and #3 in Melbourne in November 1963. The Barry Gibb penned "One Road" reached #19 in Sydney and # 30 in Melbourne in March 1964 and Everybody's Magazine named him Australian Pop Star of the Year. His final hit of the era here for you to download came with "Baby Blue" b/w "Australia Down Under" (K-5504) which peaked at #8 in Melbourne and # 37 in Sydney in September 1974. It was produced by John Sayers for Festival Records at A.T.A Studios in Sydney. In 2004 he released his 34th album, "Life's what you make it", a collection of unique versions of songs by writers as diverse as Red Hot Chili Peppers, U2, PJ Harvey, Neil Young, Brian Wilson, Elvis Costello and Bruce Springsteen.

Post 257 - Judy Stone - Hasta Manana / Runaway

Judy Stone was born on the 1st of January 1942. She is an Australian pop singer from Sydney, who came to national prominence in the early 1960s through her regular TV appearances on the pop music show Brian Henderson's Bandstand and her many hit records. After travelling throughout the country with "The Reg Lindsay Show", Judy began touring with Col Joye and, before long, it was in the sixties that Judy's hit songs "I'll Step Down", "Born A Woman", "4003221 Tears From Now", established her as a recording artist as well as a T.V. star. The song that gained Judy the National Award in 1974, "Field of Stone", coupled with "Mare, Mare, Mare", earned Judy the distinction of being the first Australian Female entertainer with two records concurrently featuring in the top 40. In 1976, "Silver Wings and Golden Rings" firmly established her in the country pop scene. Here to download is her single from 1976 on Polydor "Hasta Manana" b/w "Runaway" (2079 084) produced by John Kerr. This song added to her successes, proving a hit in Australia with credits from England and Scotland.

Post 256 - Little Pattie - April Fool / Seen It All Before

Patricia Amphlett was born in 1949 in Paddington, New South Wales, and has an older brother, Joe. She was educated at King Street Primary School and Sydney Girls High School. She was nicknamed "Little Pattie" at school as she had two taller friends also named Patricia. At eight years-old, she commenced piano lessons with Gwen Parsons, and then singing lessons when 11 years-old. Parsons also taught Noeleen Batley, another popular singer. Both persuaded her to audition for TCN 9's TV teen show Saturday Date hosted by Jimmy Hannan, where she was a hit. Here to download is the non album track from 1971 "April Fool" b/w "Seen It All Before" (ATAK-4188). Produced by Keith Jacobsen, Little Pattie penned the B side. On 27 August 2009, Little Pattie was inducted into the Australian Recording Industry Association (ARIA) Hall of Fame alongside Kev Carmody, The Dingoes, Mental As Anything and John Paul Young. She was inducted by her cousin, Christina Amphlett of Divinyls.

Post 255 - Lucky Starr - Suspense / Heart-Break

Another Lucky Starr single that I'm sure has never seen a CD release, this time out of 1961 "Suspense" b/w "Heart-Break" (FK-137) on Festival Records. In 2002 Lucky starred on the Long Way To The Top concerts throughout Australia performing to audiences estimated to be more than half a million people. At every venue he stunned the audiences with his highly professional yet hard edge performances.

Post 254 - Sharon Black - Mother Dear You've Got A Silly Daughter / Under The Smile Of Love

A Regular performer on Bandstand, Black won a competition called Star Search, defeating the likes of Janice Slater and Helen Reddy in 1964. She Travelled to the U.S.A where she married and settled down. She only ever released 3 singles. Here to download is her first single "Mother Dear You've Got A Silly Daughter" b/w "Under The Smile Of Love" (BF-191). Released on Philips in September 1965. The A side was an answer song to Herman's Hermits "Mrs. Brown You've Got A Lovely Daughter". Sharon Black died in 1979.

Post 253 - The Executives - Hey Man / You're Gonna Love Me

Between them, the six members of Sydney band the Executives could play thirty one different instruments, varying from violin to harpsichord. The Sydney based band was formed in 1966 and became Sydney's most highly rated band. their first single "You're Bad" sold well in Sydney, meanwhile changes were being made with Ray Burton replacing Dudley Hood and Gino Cunnico replacing Keith Leslie. July '67 they had their first national hit with "My Aim Is To Please You" and was quickly followed by "Sit Down I Think I Love You" In 1968 they left to crack the American market while there they got a recording contract with Buddah Records. By 1969 they had released 6 singles, 3 EP's and 1 album unfortunately most of the chart succes was in Sydney, one of the bigger hits being "Windy Day". They returned to the U.S. in spring of '69 and changed their name to Inner Sense but by the following year they had split. Here to download is the single out of 1970 from the Warner Bros. film "Rabbit Run" "Hey Man" b/w "You're Gonna Love Me" (FK-4036) on Festival. Both sides of the single were from the film. In 1974 they reformed and were signed to Polydor Records and released 3 singles and by the end of 1977 they were still working solidly in clubs and hotels.

Post 252 - Janice Slater - Wanting You / Summertime

Janice Slater was one of the leading figures in Australian pop music in the 60’s and 70’s. A regular on television, particularly Bandstand, during her time in the Australian industry she has also worked with Johnny O’Keefe, Col Joy & the Joye Boys, The Easybeats, Cold Chisel, Sammy Davis Jnr, Bobby Day, Lesley Gore, Billy Preston, Shirley Bassey, The Hollies, Lou Rawls, Trini Lopez, The Four Tops, The Three Degrees. In the UK for 3 years from 1970 she became a member with Glenn Shorrock in the acclaimed international 12-piece progressive rock band, ‘Esperanto Rock Orchestra'. During this time Janice also toured and recorded with Cliff Richard, Olivia Newton John, Cilla Black, Petula Clark, Cleo Laine and Frankie Miller. Back in Australia by 1974, she was snapped up to appear on 2 original cast L.P.’s "Ned Kelly Rock Opera" and “Grass: A Rock Musical”. The same year she united with good friends Alison MacCallum and Bobbi Marchini as the Hooter Sisters and released as a single, a fine version of "To Know Him Is To Love Him (post # 235). She then became an in demand session singer, recording with Billy Thorpe (It's Almost Summer), Cold Chisel (1st album), Alison MacCallum, Jeff St. John, Kevin Johnson, Mike McClelland, John Robinson, Jon English and Anne Kirkpatrick among others. Janice was also the vocal coach on Gillian Armstrong’s hit movie "Starstruck." Here to download is her very first solo single on Philips from 1965 , "Wanting You" b/w "Summertime" (BF-172) on which she is backed by the Maori Hi Fives. Thanks to Micko who gave a hand with this one.

Post 251 - Yvonne Barrett - No Longer Part Of Your Life / Mr. 7654312

Signed to Go records, Yvonne achieved her most chart success in 1965-66 with her version of the Tony Hatch song, "You're The One". In December 1965 she performed over Christmas in a tour for Australian troops in Vietnam. 1970 saw her voted a runner up in the Go-Set magazine national Pop Poll. Although not achieving further chart success she retained considerable popularity through her live appearances. In 1970 she released the single "Lu" which featured her big voice with a brassy jazz-rock, style arrangement. Yvonne's other singles were "Send Her Away" in July '66, "Don't Bother Callin'" Oct. '66 and here to download out of 1972 her last single "No Longer Part Of Your Life" b/w "Mr. 7654312" (AP-9839) her only release on Albert Productions produced by Simon Napier-Bell. Simon penned both sides of this single. It's a pity she never released an LP. During the 1970s she moved into session work and club appearances. In 1985 she was found murdered in Sydney. She had been working there as a waitress since moving from Perth. Her spouse was later convicted of the crime.

Post 250 - Joe Guido - I've No Words / In My Dreams

Almost 25 years in the music industry, Joe has supported such acts as INXS in their early days, Tom Jones and, more recently, Guy Sebastian. Singer/songwriter and performer Joe Guido has had songs recorded and produced by the likes of Greg Archilla, producer for Matchbox 20. His songs have been recorded by artists such as Roanne Monte, star of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s London production of Miss Saigon in the mid 90s. Here to download from 1984 is Joe's first single on Powderworks " I've No Words" b/w "In My Dreams" (POW 0185) produced by Chris Eggleton at Jigsaw Studios, Sydney. Joe had a follow up single in 1985 "No Regrets". Joe finally decided to use his uncanny looks and sound of George Michael to perform as the legendary singer/songwriter himself as "Just George" - The Australian George Michael Show, performing the hit songs from the early days of Wham to the present.

Post 249 - Francis Butler's 69ers - Live LP

The 69'ers played an eclectic, good time mix of styles that combined rock'n'roll, country blues, vaudeville, jug band/kazoo. They had a humorous approach with a certain Australian slant, similar to contemporary overseas groups such as Bonzo Dog Doo Dah Band. The 69'ers were a very popular live act, but like most Aussie groups of the period they were very under recorded, with only one studio album, one live album and five Singles to their credit in seven years. The 69'ers originated in Sydney in 1969 which is where the name came from. Around this time the 69'ers second album, a live one, called Francis Butler's 69'ers Live, here for you to download was released on the Infinity label (L25096).This was actually recorded at Sunbury '73. It had only Francis photo on the cover and no lineup credits. Part of 1974 through 1975 the band seemed to fade from the limelight. Francis Butler went on to issue an album of religious songs. He moved to the United States and became a minister of religion. Brian Bethell and Dave Ovendon teamed up, with Red McKelvie, as the rhythm section with Richard Clapton's backing band. Keith Longman has continued to play in '50's revival bands such as The Cadillac’s, Ol '55. Tony Burkys went on to play with Captain Matchbox Whoopee Band. Terry Stacey has continued his musical career in bands to the present day. http://ozsongs.com.au has released the "69ers Album" on CD with 19 tracks for you to enjoy.

Post 248 - Bob Hudson - Ventriloquist Love

"The Newcastle Song" was a hit for musician and comedian Bob Hudson. It poked fun at the working class youth culture of the City of Newcastle in NSW. The song was recorded in front of a live audience in 1974. The basic story line concerns a young man called Normie who goes out with his mates looking to pick up women in Newcastle's main street, Hunter Street, in their hot F.J. Holden. They encounter a young lady and her Hells Angel date outside the Parthenon Milk Bar. The single from the album was a national #1 hit in March 1975, which had been edited down from the ten minute album version. Here to download is the B side of that single that never made it onto the album "Ventriloquist Love" (MS-087) on M7 Records. It was produced by Chris Neal at United Sound Sydney. Thanks to Paul for this one.

Post 247 - Dancing Daze - Soundtrack

ABC TV series which was devised by Michael Cove and Chrissie Koltai which starred Meryl Tankard, Patsy Stephen and Laurence Clifford. In 1988 the soundtrack LP was released on ABC Records and featured songs by Wendy Matthews, Jenny Morris, Mark Williams, Jane Clifton, Larry Van Kriedt, Martin Armiger, Sherlie Matthews and the late Marc Hunter. The LP was produced by Martin Armiger. Sharon O'Neill wrote the title track and "Dare To Be Bold" both sang by Wendy Matthews, other tracks were penned by Martin Armiger, Greg Macainsh, David Briggs, Stephen Cummings and Dean Richards to name a few. Here to download is that LP "Dancing Daze" (RML 53191).

Post 246 - Jamie Redfern - One / Walking My Baby Back Home

As a added bonus to the 4 Jamie Redfern LP's on our Blog we have found this single. In 1977 Festival Records released this single by Jamie Redfern "One" b/w "Walking My Baby Back Home" (K-6787) the A side was from "A Chorus Line" both sides of the single never appeared on any of his LP's. It was produced at T.C.S. Studios Melbourne and was arranged and directed by John Hawker.

Post 245 - Jamie Redfern - Jamie Redfern's Golden Hits LP

Following the release of the single "Jenny" in October 1974, and the album "Jamie Redfern's Golden Hits" (L 35724) during 1975, Redfern slipped from public view. By that stage his younger brother Derek had also entered the entertainment world - also as a member of the Young Talent Time team. Here to download is Jamie's last LP release from 1975 on Festival Records.

Post 244 - Jamie Redfern - Hitch A Ride On A Smile LP

In early 1974, Jamie Redfern released his third album. "Hitch a Ride on a Smile" (L 35285) produced his fourth hit single, also entitled "Hitch a Ride on a Smile", which reached Number 28 in Australia in March. Redfern took the song into the finals of the World Popular Song Festival held in Tokyo, and topped off a successful 1974 by taking out the King of Pop award ahead of Johnny Farnham and Daryl Braithwaite. This LP was different than his first 2, as we get the opportunity to hear not only the young voice of Jamie, but also a more mature manly voice as well. Here to down load is that LP produced by Johnny Young at T.C.S. Melbourne for Festival Records.

Post 243 - Autumn - A Patch Of Autumn E P

Like their contemporaries The Executives, The Affair, New Dream and Zoot, Sydney band Autumn has been unfairly labeled as a lightweight pop band, mainly on the basis of their early recordings. Fronted by lead vocalist Tony Romeril, Autumn was a superb band with a strong following in their home city of Sydney, and they could tackle pop, country rock and heavy/progressive rock with ease. Autumn walked into the advertising agency that handled the Levi's account, with a request to record the Levi's song. Levi's liked the idea so recorded it they did, and in 1971 released the EP here for you to download "A Patch Of Autumn" (EPW-200) on Warner produced by G.Wayne Thomas. Autumn recorded 8 singles, 3 EP's and two LP's. Tony Romeril worked in Italy for some time, recording under the pseudonym Andy Foxx. Romeril and Rick Graham re-formed Autumn briefly in Sydney during 1976, with a new line-up, but this new version, which played only new material and none of the Autumn songs, quickly fizzled out.

Post 242 - Jimmy Hannan - Curly / Sheila Ann

Ron Tudor's Fable Records was the most successful Australian independent recording company of the early 1970s. It was also one of the most productive 'indie' labels of the period, issuing over 300 singles and dozens of EPs and LPs. Fable released a wide variety of music from rock groups to mainstream vocalists; its catalogue also included Christian gospel music by singing group The Proclaimers, comedy recordings by Frankie Davidson, and novelty items like Drummond's 'chipmunk' version of "Daddy Cool" and the quaint piano version of The Mixtures "In The Summertime." Here to download is the very first single Fable released in April 1970 for Jimmy Hannan "Curly" b/w "Sheila Ann" (FB-001), #35 / 2 weeks. Fable was officially launched in April 1970 with a batch of five singles (all by Australian artists) and the success it enjoyed over its first nine months was nothing short of spectacular, seven of its first twelve singles made the national Top 40, and of the forty-one singles Fable released between April and December 1970, seventeen became hits, including two national #1s by The Mixtures' "In The Summertime" and "The Pushbike Song" and four other Top 10 hits by Hans Poulsen, Liv Maessen, Jigsaw and John Williamson. Fable won many industry awards during its fifteen year life.

Post 241 - Allniters - Hold On / Mr.Yunioshi

The Allniters signed with Midnight Oil's label Powderworks and with RCA in 1983. First single for Powderworks was "Hold On" in May, followed by a cover of Bobby Bloom's "Montego Bay" in September, which peaked at #16 on the Australian singles charts. Their debut album, D-D-D-Dance was released in October and a third single, "Love and Affection" followed in November. The album and all three singles had reached the Top 40 on the Australian charts. Here to download is the first single for Powerworks in 1983 "Hold On" b/w "Mr.Yunioshi" (POW 0132) produced by the Allniters. The B side was a non album track with guest appearance by Jonathan Coleman. In 1987 they recorded "All That Easy", which was released by Mushroom Records with Mental As Anything's Martin Plaza producing. The single had no chart success and The Allniters disbanded. The Allniters reformed with a new lead singer, Miss Velvet Vass (aka Juliana Vasilkov), and released "Nowhere Fast" on the Sound System Record label, with the album The Allniters disbanded again in 2001. They reformed in 2004 to support reggae band, UB40's Australian tour, but they did not record any new material.

Post 240 - The Mixtures - The Mixtures LP

The Mixtures, now comprising Peter Williams, Fred Weiland, Don Lebler and Chris Spooner, subsequently returned to Australia and cut a new self titled LP on the Festival label and a new single, "Down Under Girls" / "My Neck Of The Woods" in Oct. 1974. Here to download is that LP from 1974 "The Mixtures - The Mixtures" (L 25184). The LP was produced by Bruce Brown except "Down Under Girls" produced by Martin Erdman and "My Neck Of The Woods" produced by Kingsley Ward & Martin Erdman. Other players on the album were Bob Bertles (sax), John Phelps (keyboards) and Garth Porter (mellotron). They released another single, in April 1975, but it was to be their last and the group folded sometime in 1976.

Post 239 - The Sports - Poor Mouth / Heart Of Darkness

This single was a bonus single that came with the LP "Suddenly" in 1980. Credited as “The Lost Demo's” on Mushroom Records the A side penned by Stephen Cummings & Andrew Pendlebury and the B side by Martin Armiger. Here to download is that single "Poor Mouth" b/w "Heart of Darkness" (L37131) Thanks to Steve for this single.

Post 238 - Doug Scroope - Australia Speaks

Doug Scroope is an Australian actor who has played various acting roles in such series as Kingwood Country, Prisoner, A Country Practice, Hey Dad, Police Rescue, All Saints and in 2005/2006 played Graham Walters in Home & Away. Here to download is a single Doug released in 1975 for Warner "Australia Speaks" b/w "Australia Speaks (English Version)" (100043) produced by William Quills. In my opinion this track could have been the prequel to "Australiana" by Austen Tayshus maybe???

Post 237 - Sunbury - Various LP

The Sunbury Pop Festival was an Australian rock music festival held on the Australia Day long weekend from 1972 to 1975. The four Sunbury Pop Festivals were held on on the same 620-acre (2.5 km2) private farm along Jacksons Creek, on the southern outskirts of Sunbury, between Sunbury and Diggers Rest. The Property was owned by farmer and local identity George Duncan. It has been estimated that as many as 40,000 people attended Sunbury in 1972, although figures vary considerably depending on the source. Music entrepreneur Michael Gudinski had some involvement with the first Sunbury festival as well as managing several of the major acts appearing, he operated a lucrative concession selling watermelon to festival goers. British owned record company EMI released a double-album of live performances from the 1972 festival. Here for you to download is that LP "Sunbury" (SOXLP 7561/2) on HMV/EMI Records. Billy Thorpe & the Aztecs also released a live recording of their performance at the '72 festival on the independent Havoc Records label. In 1974 the festival featured its first international act Queen, who were booed off the stage to screams of 'go back to Pommyland, ya pooftahs'. Skyhooks were also booed off stage, and after watching a recording of their performance, lead singer Steve Hill quit and was replaced by Graham "Shirley" Strachan. The first Sunbury Pop festival titled "Rock Happening of 1972" and ran from Saturday January 29 to Monday January 31, 1972. The attendance was 35,000 - 40,000 and the entry fee was $6.00 (3 days), $5.00 (2 days), $1.00 (1 day).

Post 236 - The Hooter Sisters - To Know Him Is To Love Him / So Tough

In 1974 Alison McCallum signed to Albert Productions, and collaborated with two of Australia's more respected singers, Bobbi Marchini and Janice Slater as the Hooter Sisters, releasing a version of Phil Spector's "To Know Him Is To Love Him". Here to download is that single "To Know Him Is To Love Him' b/w "So Tough" (AP-10605) the B side was co written by Janice Slater, Chris Gilbey and Dan Brodbeck and Chris Gilbey produced the single for Alberts. Despite the talents of these three ladies, the single was passed over by all, possibly due to other commitments. I believe Alison is living in Sydney, Bobbi is in the Greek Islands and Janice is in the Blue Mountains area. If you check out our links you'll find Janice Slater's - A Musical Journey.

Post 235 - Johnny Tapp - Little Hondo / The Jones'

John Frederick “Johnny” Tapp was born in 1941 in Rams gate, New South Wales, is a former Australian race caller based in Sydney. During a career spanning thirty three years it is estimated that he has called over 50,000 individual races and became the voice of Australian racing to a whole generation. Here to download is his single from 1974 "Little Hondo" b/w "The Jones" (SAC-045), backing vocals on this single are by the Rhythmaires. 

Post 234 - Ol' 55 - Diana / Goodnight Sweetheart

Ol' 55 dressed in authentic 1950s rocker gear and mixed vintage material with excellent originals mostly penned by bassist, Jimmy Manzie. By September 1975 the band had released it's first single a cover of Paul Anka's Diana on the Mushroom label. The single was a minor hit in Sydney, but it was the follow up track, On The Prowl which launched Ol' 55 into the national Top 20. Here to download is their first single "Diana" b/w "Goodnight Sweetheart" (K-6091) produced by Charles Fisher. The single never appeared on an album till the "Greaseworks Greatest Hits 1976-79" in 1980 and there was a live version on the second album "Fiveslivejive" 1977.

Post 233 - Grantley Dee - Let The Little Girl Dance / Answer Me

Singer and radio personality Grantley Dee (real name Grantley De Zoete) was a well known and popular presenter on Melbourne radio station 3AK and he is especially notable for being the first visually impaired pop DJ on Australian radio. But Grantley's achievements didn't stop there, he was also a popular singer who recorded a string of singles for EMI between 1966 and 1968. Grantley was an accomplished singer and during 1966, he was the vocalist in the short lived Melbourne based band called The Hurricanes, although this band didn't make any recordings. His 3AK career slowed down somewhat during this year, after he was signed to EMI's subsidiary label HMV, for whom he recorded five singles, an EP and an LP. Here to download is his 1966 hit for HMV and it's non album B side "Let The Little Girl Dance" b/w "Answer Me" (EA-4762) During 1970 -71 he was vocalist in the Melbourne band Taurus, also with Gil Matthews. Grantley's solo career tapered off in the early seventies although he performed with two other Melbourne acts, Rock Steady and The Henchmen in 1973, neither of which made it to record. Grantley Dee passed away on the 7th of February 2005.

Post 232 - Dianne Hammond - Stand Up Australia

And yet another one of those singles that no one seems to know anything about. Dianne Hammond or Di Hammond depending on what side of the cover you look at wrote this song in 1987. The single was produced by Mike Harvey with the help of engineering by Glen Phimiston at Studio 301. It was released on Diamond Rose Records and backing vocals were by the children of Denistone East and Middle Harbour Primary Schools. So if my maths are right most of these kids now would be in their 30's so maybe one of them will read this and may enlighten us with some info on this song. Here to download is "Stand Up Australia" (DIROS 1) with its instrumental B side of the same song.

Post 231 - Frankie Davidson - The Dollar Auctioneer / Just For Today

Sunshine Records was an Australian independent pop music record label of the mid 1960s. It was established in late 1964 by promoter Ivan Dayman in collaboration with musician, producer, arranger, songwriter Pat Aulton and producer and songwriter Nat Kipner (who also founded the Spin Records label). Here to download is another record by Frankie Davidson from 1966 on Sunshine Records "The Dollar Auctioneer" b/w "Just For Today" (QK-1250) The A side is an arrangement of Leroy Van Dyke's song with the B side penned by Frankie. The Sunshine catalogue remained part of the assets of Festival Records until that company went into liquidation in 2005. The combined Festival/Mushroom Records archive was sold to the Australian division of the Warner Music Group for a reported AU$10 million.

Post 230 - Troupadours - By The Devil I Was Tempted / The Collector

Here from 1973 is the Troupadours cover of the Blue Mink song also from '73. There is little information on this band from Brisbane. They have only recorded 2 singles with no mention of an album. They released 2 singles for M7 Records "Sing A Song" '74 and this one from '73. Here to download is their 1st single "By The Devil I Was Tempted" b/w "The Collector" (MS 015) produced by Roger Savage at Armstrong Studios Melbourne.

Post 229 - Mike Brady And The Cubettes – The Cube / The Headless Horsemen

Born on the 28 of February 1948 Mike Brady migrated to Australia from England in the 1950s with his family. He was one-third of the 1960s pop act MPD Ltd. which stood for Mike, Pete and Danny, which had hits in Australia including "Little Boy Sad" and "Lonely Boy". The band toured Australia and also played shows in Vietnam for Australian troops. After the break-up of MPD Ltd., Brady continued to record occasionally and had a top 10 hit with "Sympathy". He worked with Pete Sullivan on recording a jingle. The popularity of the jingle led to the release of the song "Up There Cazaly" credited to the Two-Man Band. It reached #1 on the Australian charts in September ‘79 and was the most popular single recorded by an Australian artist that year. It sold 250,000 copies making it the most popular single ever released by an Australian artist in Australia at that time. Here to download from 1981 on Mike’s Full Moon label is the single “The Cube” b/w “The Headless Horseman” (FMS 2112) the B side is credited to Peter Sullivan. Peter has written arrangements and produced albums for many of Australia’s leading artists including Pseudo Echo, Little River Band, Daryl Somers, Ricky May, Normie Rowe, The Seekers, Colleen Hewitt, Dennis Walter. The single was produced by Mike & Peter.