Post 798 - Salive One! - Uncanny X-Men

 

Uncanny X-Men first Mini LP “Salive One” was recorded November 2 1982, and two days after they landed a contract with Michael Gudinski's Mushroom Records. The single from the Mini LP “Pakistan” reached number 11 in the Melbourne charts and number 39 nationally.

This is a update of an older post with bonus traxs. One thing I found interesting is that everywhere I look there is no sign of a single release of "Pakistan" but I'll keep searching.......

Thanks to Henry DeRooy for updating the art work. Flac

Post 797 - The Honeymoon - Promise

 

The Honeymoon was a four-piece Sydney pop/rock band fronted by singer/songwriter Kevin Bennett that formed in the early 80s. The band signed with EMI and recorded four singles and their debut album 'Promise' was produced by Graham Bidstrup, drummer with The Angels and GANGgajang. Following the band's demise, Bennett would go on to join Moving Pictures, appearing on their 'The Last Picture Show', live album. A move towards Country music followed with the bands The Flood and Chasin the Train. The LP "Promise" was their only album release in 1983 for EMI Records (EMX.125). For this post we have added their first single plus three B sides and a single edit of "Nothing To Do With Love", all these are non LP traxs.  Members were - Kevin Bennett (vocals, guitar), Wayne Kellett (bass), David Ferguson (guitar), Peter Heckenberg (drums), Noel Schafer (drums), Bob Spencer (guitar), Geoff Dawes (keyboards)  Thanks to Henry DeRooy for updating the LP art work. Flac

Post 796 - Men At Work - The Singles Collection

The nucleus of Men at Work formed in Melbourne around June 1979 with Colin Hay on lead vocals and guitar, Ron Strykert on bass guitar, and Jerry Speiser on drums. They were soon joined by Greg Ham on flute, sax and keyboards, and then John Rees on bass guitar, with Strykert switching to lead guitar. Hay had immigrated to Australia in 1967 from Scotland with his family In 1978, he had formed an acoustic duo with Strykert, which expanded by mid-1979 with the addition of Speiser. Around this time as a side project, keyboardist Greg Sneddon a former bandmate of Jerry Speiser, together with Speiser, Hay and Strykert, performed and recorded the music to "Riff Raff", a low budget stage musical, upon which Sneddon had worked. The name Men At Work was thrown into the hat by Colin Hay, and was seconded by Ron Strykert, when a name was required to put on the blackboard outside The Cricketer's Arms Hotel, Richmond. The band built a "grass roots" reputation as a pub rock band. In 1980, the group issued their debut single, "Keypunch Operator" backed by "Down Under", with both tracks co-written by Hay and Strykert. It was "self-financed" and appeared on their own independent, M. A. W. label.They were best known for breakthrough hits such as "Down Under", "Who Can It Be Now?", "Be Good Johnny", "Overkill", "It's a Mistake". In 1983, they were the first Australian artists to have a simultaneous No. 1 album and No. 1 single on the United States Billboard charts: "Business as Usual" (released on 9 November 1981) and "Down Under" (1981), respectively. With the same works, they achieved the distinction of a simultaneous No. 1 album and No. 1 single on the Australian, New Zealand, and United Kingdom charts. Their second album Cargo (2 May 1983) was No. 1 in Australia, No. 2 in New Zealand, No. 3 in the US, and No. 8 in the UK. Their third album Two Hearts (3 April 1985) reached the top 20 in Australia and top 50 in the US. In 1984, Speiser and Rees were asked to leave the group, leaving Hay, Ham, and Strykert as a trio, accompanied by session musicians. During the recording of the Two Hearts album, Strykert decided to leave. Soon after the 1985 release of Two Hearts, Ham left also, leaving Hay as the sole remaining member. Hay elected to work as a solo artist shortly thereafter in early 1986, and the Men at Work name was retired. On 19 April 2012, Ham was found dead at his home from an apparent heart attack. Thanks again to Henry DeRooy for the fine art work. Flac

 

Post 795 - Avalanche - The Singles 1976/1978

 

With the break up of The Bootleg Family Band in November 1975, Tony Naylor, Geoff Cox and Clive Harrison recruited Adrian Campbell and began gigging as Avalanche in early 1976.

The band’s catchy pop/rock sound was displayed on the singles "Wizard Of Love" (Feb 1976), "Sweet Baby Brown Eyes" (July 1976), "Landslide" (October 1976) and "Good For Me Good For You" (March 1977), and on their self-titled album in September 1976. Cox and Harrison left in early 1977 to be replaced by John Barnes (who in turn was quickly replaced by Barry Cram) and Graham Thompson (ex-Stars) respectively. Gerard McCabe also joined on keyboards, and this line-up released a version of The Beatles‘ "Got To Get You Into My Life" in November 1977.

By 1978, Naylor and Campbell had revamped the band as Front Page and issued the single "I Thought I’d Never Fall In Love Again". But by 1979 it was all over. After splitting, Naylor joined Jon English's backing band "Baxter Funt" and Campbell would be spotted in the early 80s as part of Funk band "Adrian's Wall". Thanks to Henry DeRooy for the artwork.

Tony Naylor Guitar/Vocals 1976 - 1977

Clive Harrison Bass/Vocals 1976 - 1977

Adrian Campbell Lead Vocals 1976 - 1977

Geoff Cox         Drums 1976 - 1977

Barry Cram Drums 1977 - 1977

Gerard McCabe Keyboards 1977 - 1977

John Barnes Drums 1977 - 1977

Graham Thompson Bass 1977 - 1977

Flac

Post 794 - A Merry Ozzie Christmas - Various

 

So it's that time of year again and we have put together some old and new songs on this  Christmas collection, hope you enjoy,  have a wonderful Christmas and a great 2026! 

In 1996, Bongo Starkie and Freddy Strauks joined forces with Ross Hannaford and Wayne Duncan from Daddy Cool, plus Frankie J. Holden and Wilbur Wilde from Ol' 55 as Ol' Skydaddys in order to play the cabaret/club circuit. Their first recording and I think their last was this Christmas classic a cover of Ol' 55's "Rockin Christmas"

"Merry Xmas, Carrol" is a sombre offering from Melbourne band Painters and Dockers, featured on their EP Hickory Dickory Dock. Lead singer Paul Stewart leaves his trumpet at home for this track and delivers a half-spoken, half-sung lyric which unfolds the sad story of a man who kills his girlfriend after she tells him she is leaving him for another man. Breaking away from their usual pub rock sound, "Merry Xmas, Carrol" is delivered more in the style of a spaghetti western. The verses are full of Christmas puns and the chorus is nothing short of a ‘can’t get it out of my head’ sing-a-long.

Keith McGowan OAM was an Australian radio presenter. McGowan got his first job in radio in May 1957, In 1979 McGowan had a top ten hit in Australia with a narrative piece called A "Little Boy's Christmas Prayer" for Fable Records.

Hush were formed in Seven Hills, New South Wales in 1971 They reached the state finals of national band competition, Hoadley's Battle of the Sounds, and issued a cover version of "White Christmas" as a single in December.

 Allan Caswell & Mick Hamilton came up with the name "Sanity Clause" for this 1981 Xmas ditty "Merry Bloody Xmas". 

Maurie Fields recorded "Grandma Got Run Over By a Reindeer". The single charted at #149 in Australia in December 1990. 

The Safety Of Life At Sea contribution to a compilation album of original Christmas songs from Central Western NSW  called "Dreaming of a Green Christmas",  raising funds for Lifeline Central West.

Hope you enjoy these 14 Christmas traxs & thanks again to Henry DeRooy for the art work FLAC

UPDATE - There was a glitch in one of the songs but I have uploaded new files and all is good now, sorry for the inconvenience.   

Post 793 - Weekend Rockstars - The Collection

 

Midway through 1984 Melbourne was first introduced to the sounds of the Weekend Rockstars via their debut single "We Can't Play Smoke On The Water". 

Billy, Geoffrey, Nelly and Dave Rockstar from the country town of Sale Victoria. Melbourne Radio station 3XY picked up the single and gave it airplay.

They only planned to release 500 copies says Billy Rockstar "To sell to Mum & Dad and both out other fans in the Gippsland area. 

The Rockstars played the pub circuit around Melbourne while still holding down their day jobs in Sale. They built up a large live following in Melbourne and did a successful tour of Sydney supporting Uncanny X-Men. In 1984 Billy moved to Melbourne and recorded a new single with the assistance of bass player Colin Swan a refugee from earlier band line ups in Sale. The record was produced and played on by Trevor Reading, other musicians who played on the session were Bruce Haymes, Les Price, Chuck Sheldon & backing vocals by Sandra & Vivian. The A side "Blast From The Past" is somewhat of a departure from the first single while still retaining the Rockstars Aussie rawness. The new line up of  Weekend Rockstars in 2011 released their first recording titled Weekend Rockstars "Four Sunburys Six-Pack". It was 27 years since the original band played their first gig at one of the famous ‘band nights’ at the WyYung Pub near Bairnsdale.  In 1983, having donned their trademark footy jumpers, Billy, Geoffy,Nelly & Davey Rockstar went about creating quite an effect in the Gippsland area with their quirky original Aussie songs and tongue in cheek approach. Thanks to Henry DeRooy for the art work.   Flac

Post 792 - The Armchairs - The Collection

 

Ian Stephen co-founded The Armchairs, a satirical four-piece outfit with Johnny Topper (ex-Pelaco Bros) in the late 70s. The band had its debut in 1979 at the infamous Crystal Ballroom in St Kilda. Other members included guitarist Pierre Jaquinot, drummer Andrew Snow and bassist Fred Cass. Later incarnations featured Rod Haywood (guitar) and Sue Parncutt on (bass). Armchairs released an EP, 'Ski Lo Lo' in 1979 and an album 'Party Time' on Reverse Records in 1980. The B side is taken up by a 15-minute version of "La Bamba". The lineup for the album release was Ian Stephen, Gerry Joyce, Johnny Topper, Andrew Snow and Richard Rooch. Armchairs, later with the help of Stephen Cummings, who in the early 1980s with Ian Stephen had struck up a songwriting partnership with, morphed into the mildly successful, yet short lived 11-piece group, Go Wild in French, which featured songs of Elvis Presley, as well as original compositions. Ian Stephen and Pierre Jaquinot would later turn up in the "Slaughtermen".

Members - Ian Stephen (vocals/guitar/keyboards), Johnny Topper (bass), Andrew Snow (drums), Pierre Jaquinot (guitar), Gerry Joyce (guitar), Rod Haywood (guitar), Sue Parncutt (bass), Richard Rooch (drums) Thanks to Henry DeRooy for the great art work once again.  flac

Post 791 - The Cockroaches - The Non Album A & B Sides

 

The Cockroaches were an Australian pub rock band primarily active throughout the 1980s. The band was founded in 1979 by the Field brothers—Paul John (rhythm guitar, vocals), and Anthony (lead guitar, vocals)—and Tony Henry on drums and Joseph Hallion on saxophone. They were joined in 1981 by Jeff Fatt on keyboards. In 1986 they signed with an independent label, Regular Records, which issued their first three albums, including The Cockroaches '87, which peaked at No. 9 on the Australian Kent Music Report Albums Chart; it sold 70,000 copies and was certified platinum by their label. The album spawned the single "She's the One", which became the band's biggest hit when it peaked at No. 7 on the Kent Music Report Singles Chart in April 1987. In 1988, The Daily Telegraph described the Cockroaches, who played over 300 gigs a year, as the "Hardest Working Rock'n'Roll Band" in the country.

In September 1988, the band was promoting their second album, Fingertips, when Paul's infant daughter died of SIDS. Although devastated, the group continued with a lower profile, and Anthony left to resume his university studies yet returned periodically to record their later studio albums. Early in 1991, Anthony and Fatt founded a children's music group, the Wiggles. The Cockroaches alumni served as musical and performing support for the new group; John wrote much of their music, Paul became their manager, and Henry performed with them. The Wiggles used many of the Cockroaches' business practices and reworked some of their songs into the children's music genre.

The Cockroaches released their third album, Positive,in'91 and left their label by the end of that year. In March 1994 they issued their fourth album, St. Patrick's Day 10am, on their own Roach Records. Members of the Cockroaches have pursued other music careers with John and Paul forming the Field Brothers, John forming his own band called the John Field Band and writing plays and musicals, and Henry working as a session musician. A compilation album, Hey Let's Go – The Best of the Cockroaches was released by Festival Records in 1999, and a greatest hits album in 2014: Hey Let's Go.

This post is The Cockroaches A & B Sides that never made it on any of their albums and its quite a collections of songs. Thanks again to Henry DeRooy for the great art work. Flac

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 9th 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

Post 786 - The Nubiles - The Complete Singles

 

Formed in the 80s out of the back blocks of outer western Melbourne, The Nubiles teamed up with B.A. Taylor who headed the Bandwagon Management team and together they plotted to take over the world one suburb at a time. For a while in the late 80s and early 90s The Nubiles could do no wrong, constantly touring with acts like: Hoodoo Gurus, The Choir Boys, Painters & Dockers, The Village People etc. During the career they released four singles for Terrace & Rampant Records and an album 'Goin' To The Country' in 1988. 

For a while it seemed as if nothing could stop these four lads from achieving their true destiny, but fate can be a  cruel mistress, stepped in and changed everything. With all the capriciousness of the true rock bitch that she is, and on the eve of signing with a major label to record their second album, fate’s fickle and foul hand fell and suddenly the deal which was all theirs suddenly became all somebody else’s. In 1990 disheartened but not beaten the band decided to go out on a high, so they got drunk and told their management team that they were going to split. Six months of farewell tours was planned culminating in three sell out nights at the Corner Hotel in Richmond. Members:- David Bowers (vocals/guitar), Des Mullan (vocals/guitar), John R. Weldon (bass), Johnny Bowers (drums). Thanks again to Henry DeRooy for the fine art work.Flac

Post 785 - XL CAPRIS - The Singles

 

XL Capris were an Australian indie-punk band formed in Sydney in 1978 by Julie Anderson (aka Nancy Serapax), Tim Gooding (aka Errol Cruz), Johanna Pigott (aka Alligator Bagg), and Kimble Rendall (aka Dag Rattler).

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? (March, 1981) and Weeds (October, 1981) both produced by Todd Hunter of New Zealand/Australian band 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: cowriting "Rain" for Dragon and "Age of Reason" for John Farnham. Their first single was a punk version of Tommy Leonetti's "My City of Sydney" (1979), arranged by Gooding. The promo video, recorded at the Sheraton Hotel in a room The Beatles had occupied during their Australian tour, featured the four band members in bed together! The single received much independent radio airplay but was not a commercial success. "Skylab (Son of Telstar)", written by Gooding and Rendall, received radio airplay as a tape in mid 1979. It was never released as a single and did not appear on either of the XL Capris' two albums. The song does feature on later compilation albums featuring independent bands of the period. 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 and Sour which chronicled the activities of a fictional band, The Takeaways, and their efforts to succeed in 1980s Sydney Pop music scene. Thanks Henry DeRooy for the art work. Flac

Post 784 - Various - Generation Records

 

Generation Records was founded by Consolidated Press/GTV-9 Melbourne around 197O involving musician Gus McNeil.

 There were only seven singles released on Generation Records all produced by Gus McNeil.

Aesop's Fables - a Sydney band '68-'71 mixed covers & original songs but suffered from many lineup changes. Les Stackpool presents his song "Sandman" while Cheryl Blake gives a stirring cover of Jackie Lomax "Little Yellow Pills". (GE 001).

Company Caine - Melbourne progressive rock band '72-'76 was the brainchild of singer Gulliver Smith & Russell Smith. They released two singles "Trixie Stonewall's Wayward Home For Young Women" & "Dear Carolyn". (GE OO2 (GE 006).

Al Head - Sydney based singer, his version of "Mammy Blue" gained little airplay while "Walk The World Away" charted in the top 20. Al penned the B sides of his singes, sadly little was known of him till his passing in 2018. (GE 004) (GE OO7).

Jeff Phillips - Phillips had a number of singles between '68 - '81 in Oz & overseas. His Generation single 

"I Want To Be Famous Like My Dad" is a pop orchestrated song, there was a second single from the same recording session but remains unreleased. (GE 003).

Les Stackpool - Ex-Aesop's Fables guitarist used his previous band for a cover of Neil Young's "Down By The River" with a country self-penned tune on the B side. Besides Aesop's Fables he played with numerous bands such as Country Radio, Doug Parkinson In Focus, Chessmen ect. (GE 005).

Thanks to Henry DeRooy for the art work.flac

Post 783 - John Justin - The Singles Collection '84-'87

 

Original line-up: John Justin, Paul Hines , Gordon Pitt and Carl Manuel. 

Frontman John Justin was well known on the early 1980s Melbourne scene via his New Romantic glam rock bands Modesty and An Affair. Modesty comprised Justin, Shane Hayton (keyboards), Anthony Tavasz (bass) and Peter Black (drums). By August 1982, Modesty had evolved into An Affair when Stu Storm (keyboards) took over from Hayton, guitarist Peter Cook (ex-James Freud and the Radio Stars) took over from Black on drums and Anthony Moore (bass) replaced Tavasz. Early influences included Ultravox, Japan, Spandau Ballet and Duran Duran. An Affair broke up in 1983. Justin signed to Wheatley Records and issued his debut, solo single `It's Magic' in October 1984. For his next step towards commercial acceptance, Justin drew heavily on Marc Bolan and T. Rex for inspiration. Indeed, the name of his new band, The Thunderwings, was derived from a 1972 T. Rex B-side (to `Metal Guru'). John Justin and the Thunderwings' debut album, Justice (September 1986), was brimming with swaggering glam-pop material like the singles `Flash King Cadillac' August 1986, `Justice' November and `Little Miss Love' February 1987. `Flash King Cadillac' peaked at #20 on the Melbourne charts. More great art work from Henry DeRooy. flac

Post 782 - Adrian Campbell - The Collection

 

Adrian Campbell, a session vocalist has recorded and arranged backing vocals in countless albums in the land of Oz. Around 1976 he was the lead singer of Avalanche whose debut S/T album had moderate success, in 1980 Australia's commercial radio stations staged a high-profile campaign to promote radio listening. "Listen To The Radio" (BA 222673) this catchy jingle was written by Peter Best. There were two versions recorded by Adrian Campbell, and a more mellow one by Paul McKay. The jingles, in various forms, were played on Aussie commercial radio stations, Adrian's version was released for purchase by the general public. It failed to chart; the flipside was Paul McKay's "Listen To The Mellow Radio". In 1981 he formed Ada's Persuaders and released the single "Let The Girl Dance" (FMS 2106) on Full Moon Records. In 1985 came the single "You Are My Melbourne" with Lisa Edwards, from '86 he formed the funky synth-pop band Adrian's Wall which released four singles and the "Caught In The Web" LP for Zoom Records. Thanks Henry DeRooy for the art work. flac

Post 781 - Alston Koch - Best Of

 

Alston Koch is a Sri Lanka born Australian - Sri Lankan singer-songwriter, film producer, record producer and actor.

He was often lauded in the Australian and Asian media as "Asia's King of Pop" or "Pop King of Asia" after gaining international success in the late 1970s. He has performed worldwide and achieved international success in Australia, Indonesia, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, India and Sri Lanka among other places. He migrated to Sydney, Australia where he was most successful in the entertainment and professional music industry while recording for RCA/Laser Records and the Australian TV Network Channel 9's "Living Sound" recording label. Sri Lankan Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe awards Special Presentation to Koch in 2017. In Australia, he formed his band Dark Tan and recorded three international hits on the RCA label. He has performed internationally with Dark Tan, S-witch, and as a solo artist. In 1986 Alston Koch was selected and commissioned by the Australian Task Force to write, produce and perform the America's Cup album, The Kookaburra Connection with the theme song "Kookaburra" released both as a single and music video broadcast during the race. His first self written major hit, "Disco Lady", earned him his first gold record. The song also won him and Dark Tan the 'Best New Talent' at the 1979 International Disc Jockey Association Awards. In April 2012 his latest album "Don't Funk With Me" written and produced by Alston & the Sherifs, debuted at No. 42 on the official ARIA top 50 Albums chart, eventually peaking at No.16. Thanks Henry DeRooy for more great art work. Flac

Post 780 - Warumpi Band - The Singles 1983/1996

 

Warumpi Band were an Australian country and Aboriginal rock group which formed in the outback settlement of Papunya, Northern Territory, in 1980. The original line-up was George Burarrwanga on vocals and didgeridoo, Gordon Butcher Tjapanangka on drums, his brother Sammy Butcher Tjapanangka on guitar and bass guitar, and Neil Murray on rhythm guitar and backing vocals. Their songs are in English, Luritja and Gumatj. Their key singles are "Blackfella/Whitefella" (1985), "Sit Down Money" (1986), "My Island Home" (1987) and "No Fear" (1987). The group released three albums, Big Name, No Blankets (1985), Go Bush! (1987) and Too Much Humbug (1996). From late 1987 to mid-1995 the group rarely performed as Murray focused on his solo career. In early 1995, Christine Anu (former backing singer in Murray's touring group, The Rainmakers), issued a cover version of "My Island Home". Warumpi Band regrouped before disbanding in 2000. Burarrwanga died on 10 June 2007 of lung cancer, and Gordon Butcher died in early 2020 of unreleased causes. Thanks to Henry DeRooy for the art.

Various members were temporary, touring or recording only. From late 1987 to early 1995 there was little group activity as members pursued other interests.

George Rrurrambu Burarrwanga – vocals, didgeridoo (1980–2000, d. 2007)

Gordon Butcher Tjapanangka – drums (1980–1987, 1996)

Sammy Butcher Tjapanangka – bass guitar, guitar (1980–2000)

Neil Murray – guitar, songwriter (1980–2000)

Brian Butcher – bass guitar (1983)

Murray Cook – keyboards (1987)

Alan Murphey – drums (1987)

Kenny Smith – bass guitar (1987)

Bill Heckenberg – drums (1996)

Bill Jacobi – bass guitar, backing vocals

Denis Minor – bass guitar

Hilary Wirra – bass guitar

Flac

Post 779 - Dark Tan - The Singles

Dark Tan was formed in Sydney in 1975 by Alston Koch who emigrated here in 1969 from Sri Lankai. Dark Tan quickly established themselves as one of Australia's premier disco bands. After several national TV appearances on Bandstand the band developed a huge following.  Their first single ''Kings Of Soul (Superseded Rock And Roll)/Don't Stop It Now, Keep On Doing It was released in 1976 on the Living Sound Records. Moving to RCA they recorded on its subsidiary imprint Laser. Their first major hit, "Disco Lady" (1978), earned them a gold record. The song also won the 'best new talent' at the 1979 International Disc Jockey Association Awards. Music historian Glenn A Baker has said that 'Alston & Dark Tan' were the originators of Disco Music in Australia. The band and toured New Zealand and the South Pacific Islands. ‘Disco Lady’ was the most played track in discotheques across the dance floor in Australasia and the USA with legendary (New York) disc jockey Bobby Gattadaro playing it across America which led to an appearance with ABBA on their sell-out Australian Tour and the much publicised ‘ABBA Television Special’ in 1976 which was broadcast to the world. Thanks again to Henry DeRooy for more great art work. Flac