Post 790 - Uncanny X-Men - The Complete Singles 1983-2024

 

The Uncanny X-Men were named for the Marvel comic of the same name and were formed as a "hard edged guitar pop band" in Melbourne's western suburbs. They were originally a four-piece group, in late 1980, with Michael Helms on bass guitar, Brian Mannix on vocals and guitar, Nick Matandos on drums and Ron Thiessen on guitar. In 1981 they became a five-piece when Helms left and was replaced by Steve Harrison on bass guitar and Chuck Hargreaves joined on guitar. Mannix became known for his mischievous and comical send-ups of other artists. The band were signed by Mushroom Records late in 1982 and released their six-track debut extended play, 'SaliveOne! Early in 1983 Harrison was replaced on bass guitar by John Kirk and Uncanny X-Men released their single "How Do You Get Your Kicks" in March. It was written by Greg Macainsh of Skyhooks, who also co-produced the track with David Briggs. Kirk, Mannix and Thiessen joined as guest musicians with "The Incredible Penguins" in 1985, for a cover of "Happy Xmas (War Is Over)", a charity project for research on little penguins, which peaked at No. 10 on the Australian charts in December. "The Party" was released as a single in March 1985 and peaked at No. 17. In June 1985 the group released their debut studio album, 'Cos Life Hurts, which reached No. 2, Its second single, "50 Years", appeared at No. 6.Thiessen had left early in 1986 and briefly joined Kings of the Sun, he was temporarily replaced by Joey Amenta on guitar and more permanently by Brett Kingman. The band signed with CBS Records in May 1986 and released "I Am", which had reached No. 18 in May, ahead of their second album, "What You Give Is What You Get", which peaked at No. 19 in November 1986. Further singles provided Uncanny X-Men with little chart success, and they disbanded in 1987.On 9 February 2014 Mannix appeared on Melbourne radio station Triple R's The Party Show and played the band's new song "Take It from Me", which they had debuted live at two Melbourne gigs in March 2011.Another new single appeared in 2024 "It's A Shame" b/w "We Love You". Thanks Henry DeRooy for the great art work. Flac

Members

Micheal Helms - bass guitar (1980–1981)

Brian Mannix – lead vocals (1980–1987, 1998, 2006, 2011, 2017)

Nick Matandos – drums (1980–1983)

Ron Thiessen – guitar (1981–1986; 1987, 1998, 2006, 2011, 2017)

Chuck Hargreaves – guitar (1981–1987, 1998, 2006, 2011, 2017)

Steve Harrison – bass guitar (1981–1983; died 2009)

John Kirk – bass guitar (1983–1987, 1998, 2006, 2011, 2017)

Craig Waugh – drums (1983–1987, 1998, 2006, 2011, 2017)

Joey Amenta - guitar (1986)

Brett Kingman – guitar (1986-1987)

Post 789 - Drummond - Complete Singles

 

Drummond was one of the most prominent one-hit wonders of the 1970s in Australia. This fictitious studio band was created by Ron Tudor, owner of Melbourne-based label Fable Records. The main musicians who recorded the first two Drummond singles were Graeham Goble, Russ Johnson and John Mower, the members of Alison Gros, the trio which was renamed Mississippi in 1972,  which evolved into Little River Band in 1975.

Drummond's first single, released in June 1970, was "For You Blue" / "The Grasshopper". The A-side is a cover of the George Harrison track from the Let It Be album. This debut single  sank without trace, but their second single became one of the surprise hits of 1971. In a shameless cash-in on the massive success of Daddy Cool, Drummond recorded a novelty 'chipmunk' version of the Slay-Crewe standard "Daddy Cool" which Daddy Cool themselves had recorded for their hugely successful debut album. Remarkably, the Drummond version of "Daddy Cool" became a massive national hit, rocketing up the charts and knocking Daddy Cool's "Eagle Rock" off the top spot. It was at #1 for eight weeks on the Go-Set national chart and spent a staggering total of 34 weeks on the Top 40 in the second half of 1971 and into early 1972, becoming one of the biggest selling Australian singles of the year. It is now rated #87 in the list of the 100 longest-charting #1 singles on the Australian Top 40.

Fable subsequently released another four singles under the Drummond pseudonym, but none of these were successful and it is understood that the Goble, Johnson and Mower were not involved in these recordings. Fable (who owned the band name) used the name 'Drummond' for different ensembles of studio musicians until September 1977.Drummond did not release an LP, but "Daddy Cool" has been included on numerous "Various Artists" hit compilations. 

A big thank you to Jon Carter for providing the long lost missing link I was starting to think the last single was just a myth because up till now I've never seen it for sale or in the wild but here it is. And as always a big thank you to Henry DeRooy for the fine art work. 

PERSONAL NOTE:- As I've said many times on my posts, maybe someone out there can help with who sang and played on some of these Drummond singles. Fable band "Bulldog" so I've read played on the first single "For You Blue" and "Alison Gros" of coarse played on "Daddy Cool" and I spoke with Mike Brady once and he confirmed he sang on the "Singing The Blues" as well as penned and sang the B side. So fingers crossed that someone out there can fill in the gaps for us. Flac 

Post 788 - Naughty Rhythms - The Singles Collection

 

Naughty Rhythms AKA The Naughties is a Canberra ska/reggae band that has been playing for over 30 years which makes them one of Canberra’s most enduring bands, The Naughty Rhythms would best be described as reggae on steroids. The band recorded a number of singles and a mini album during the 80s on the Green and Survival labels. With a style that is heavily influenced by the English 80’s ‘ska’ movement, The Naughties deliver an unswerving set of catchy originals peppered with classics from bands like The Specials and Dexy’s Midnight Runners. Originally a four-piece band, The Naughties can swell to any number with an array of musicians and singers who join them on stage, as happened at the band’s sell-out 2013 Famous Spiegeltent performance in the Rose Garden. Members

Greg Clift (vocals/guitar), Richard Fricker (bass), Wayne Miller (drums), Peter Henderson (sax)

Thanks to Henry DeRooy for the art work.Flac

Post 787 - Ocean By Ocean - The Singles

 

Ocean By Ocean members are Ron Jon, Martin Black, Greg Rose and Beep Jeffries, all members were involved in other bands including "Turn Around" and "His Majesties".The music reflects the vast interests that the various members have ranging from your typical basic rock & roll to the more interesting funk & jazz, as well as an unusual choice of Bing Crosby.Their music is as varied ranging from the untimely "Read My Mind" to the slower "Indigo Eyes". 

Ocean By Ocean released three singles for Powderworks Records between '85/'86 "Indigo Eyes", "No Mans Gun" and "Dancing On The Tiles". To further their performance Ocean By Ocean started playing a few one off gigs at local high schools, "the kids had a healthy appetite for the music they were completely opposite to the pub audiences who were very critical of the bands they'd seen" said Jon's in an interview. The band approached the live music scene with great enthusiasm that made some of the other touring bands of the time look like armatures . Their live set contained all original songs except three one of  which  was their version of David Bowie's Golden Years which was certain to get the crowds up dancing. Thanks again to Henry DeRooy for the art work.Flac