Post 619 - Claire Atkin - Australia My Homeland - Country Wind

This single arrived in time to help promote the Channel 10 telethon that helped raise money for the Aussie team. Barry Morrison wrote the very patriotic number with strings by David Atkin who presumably was related to the singer in some way. It was recorded at the Audio Workshop Brisbane in 1983. “Australia My Homeland” b/w “Country Wind’ (SR-001) released on Scorpion Records was produced by Barry Morrison and Engineered by John Rix. FLAC

Post 618 - Various - Lullaby And Goodnight

Released for Flip Records in 1996, this various artists album featured lullaby's from such Aussie acts like Paul Kelly, Renee Gayer, Joe Camilleri, Ross Hannaford, Martin Plaza, Don walker just to name a few. There are twenty tracks in all on "Lullaby And Goodnight" (LILLCD001). The album was mixed by Barry Stockley at The Lazy Lodge Studio and mastered by David Briggs at the Production Workshop. mp3   

Post 617 - Heather Favell - Holiday - Anticipation

Heather Favell is a fully accomplished artist who succeeded as an Art school graduate. Heather Favell started a music career in the 1980’s, as a pop singer in Australia. Soon after she was discovered by Vogue for her passionate talent in photography, she returned back to England where she has since specialised in fashion and lifestyle photography. She shot the first backstage catalogue for Simone Pérèle’s autumn-winter 2014 collection. I’m not sure if this is the only single released by Heather or not, she can be found on post # 455 with a duet with Darryl Cotton on the single “Baby You’re Changing”.  This single “Holiday” b/w “Anticipation” (GET-1) released in 1981 on Full Moon Records was produced by Mike Brady and Andy Wiltshire. Heather penned both sides of the single. mp3

Post 616 - Icehouse - Full Circle

“Full Circle” (7310682/1) is a 2CD collection of remixed tracks by  Icehouse released in December 1994 on Massive Records. It also features a variety of musicians including the Bangarra Dance Company, Elcho Island and guitar virtuoso, Buckethead who would later join Guns N' Roses. Disc 1 is subtitled The Revolution Mixes and disc 2 is The Time & Motion Mixes; tracks "Shakin' the Cage", "MLK" and "Dedicated to Glam" as well as the 16 minute version of "The Great Southern Land Mix," "Desdemona" is a cover version of the John's Children single, composed by Marc Bolan. Personnel on this album are Cameron Allan – producer, mixing, Christina Amphlett – vocals, Jenny Andrews – vocals, Marc Bolan – interviewer, dialogue. Buckethead – guitar, Charles Clouser – producer, mixing, Iva Davies – producer, engineer, performer, mixing, 808 State – remixing, Alan Fisch – engineer, Oz Fritz – engineer, Mark Gamble – producer, mixing, Ray Hearn – project supervisor, Jon Ingoldsby – guitar, Bill Laswell – bass, guitar (bass), producer, mixing, basic track, Simon Leadley – engineer, editing, mastering, mixing, Banula Marika – vocals, clapping sticks, Don Murray – didgeridoo, Steven Page – coordination, Bernie Worrell – keyboards and Yassa – rap. mp3

Post 615 - Kamahl - My Home - Australia

Another one for Australia Day 2016, this double A single released by Kamahl "My Home" b/w "Australia" (K-464). Recorded in 1988 for Festival Records and produced by Mike Harvey and George Bruno. "My Home" was written by Jackie Trent and Tony Hatch and "Australia" penned by Kamahl, Earl Robinson, Lewis Allen and George Bruno. In 2015 Kamahl sang "My Home" at the Newcastle citizenship ceremony & Australian Day awards at the Newcastle City Hall. mp3

Post 614 - Sherbet - Waltzing Matilda/ Free The People - Live On GTK

To celebrate Australia Day I thought I'd post this rare gem I stumbled across on the net. Sherbet doing "Waltzing Matilda" while promoting their new single at the time "Free The People" live in the ABC studios on the GTK set. Can't find a year but I'd say it would have to be 1971 as that was when the single came out. mp3

Post 613 - Greg Quill And Southern Cross - Been So Long - I Wonder Why

Alongside Margret RoadKnight and Rob MacKenzie, Greg Quill was one of the first Australian rock musicians to be awarded an Arts Council grant, which enabled him to travel overseas. He moved part-time to Canada in mid-1975, and put together a new band, Southern Cross, in 1977; it included the long-serving Tony Bolton and noted Aussie musos Chris Stockley, Sam See and Bruce Worrall, both Stockley and See joined in Canada, as their respective groups had both moved to North America in the preceding years. Southern Cross recorded a single, "Been So Long" b/w "I Wonder Why" (100075), for Warner's Elektra label, which featured Greg, Sam See, Chris Stockley and Tony Bolton, plus  Steve Hogg (bass), Ian Thomas (harmonies) and Hugh Syme (keyboards). It was released in Oct. 1978 but the group split at the end of 1978 during a tour of Australia. Sadly, the split was also effectively the end of the performing careers of both Quill and Bolton. Tony gave up playing after Southern Cross and eventually went into business; Greg too gave up playing professionally for over two decades, and settled permanently in Canada, eventually becoming a prominent journalist and music writer. His exit from music was, as he recounts, a disheartening experience at the time. Happily, that was not the end of the story for Greg Quill's music. He returned to Australia to visit his family in September 1999, and although he had long set aside thoughts of his earlier life in music, he experienced what he describes as an 'epiphany' on returning. He came home to find that his old hit "Gypsy Queen" had been just been re-recorded by country singer Adam Harvey. Heading to Melbourne, he had a emotional four-day reunion with former bandmates like Kerryn Tolhurst and Chris Stockley, and attended a concert by up-and-coming young country-rock artist, Cyndi Boste, whose recent album Kerryn had produced. That night she performed Greg's second hit "Wintersong". Over the next couple of years, Greg and Kerryn maintained contact and quietly began working on songs together. The result was the clutch of new tunes which eventually appeared in early 2003 on the superb Quill-Tolhurst album "So Rudely Interrupted". Sadly on May 5th 2013 we lost Greg from complications from pneumonia after suffering health issues for a number of years. He was only 66. mp3

Post 612 - I Could Make You Love Me (Metal Dance Mix) - Meela Polarmay (Extended Mix)

Led by singer/songwriter Paul Gray and guitarist Steve Williams, bassist Mark Gray and drummer 'The Sween', the band signed with CBS Records in 1985. Wa Wa Nee had four singles in the Australian top 40 from their debut album release of the same name. These included "Stimulation" which reached number 2 nationally in Australia in 1986, "I Could Make You Love Me" reaching number 5 in the same year, and both "One And One (Ain't I Good Enough)" and "Sugar Free" making the Top 20. "Sugar Free" also reached the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 Top 40, peaking at number 35. This, however would be their only success in America; "Stimulation" was released as the follow-up single, but only reached #86, culminating their chart career there.The band's self-titled debut album went platinum in Australia, despite only reaching #29 on the charts.Their follow-up LP Blush was released in early 1989, and spawned three more Top 100 hits in Australia, "Can't Control Myself", "So Good" and "I Want You". The album however, received a lukewarm response, and the band has not charted in Australia since.Paul Gray of Wa Wa Nee appeared in the Countdown Spectacular 2 concert series in Australia between late August and early September 2007 as a performer and musical director. He sang two songs: "Stimulation" and "Sugar Free". He has also appeared with 80s Enuff and Idols of the 80s.Gray performed Wa Wa Nee hits on 28 March 2010, at a fundraiser for the children of Jenin, a devastated area of the West Bank, Palestine. All funds went directly to the building of a pre-school in the area.Wa Wa Nee's "Stimulation" featured in the first episode of Channel 9's Underbelly: The Golden Mile (on Monday 12 April 2010). Gray performed at local music venues in Melbourne in 2010, with fellow 1980s hitmakers, Scott Carne (Kids in the Kitchen) and Brian Mannix (Uncanny X-Men). It was also featured in the 1988 film Satisfaction."Sugar Free" appeared on the soundtrack to the film Cassandra (1986).Paul Gray supported Belinda Carlisle on some of her dates of her 2011 Australian Tour. Wa Wa Nee also supported Rick Astley during his 2012 and 2014 tour of Australia. Here to download in the extended mix 12" single "I Could Make You Love Me" (Metal Dance Mix) b/w "Meela Polarmay" (Extended Mix) (BA-122 12), Recorded in 1986 for CBS Records. Thanks to Tim for finding this record for the Blog.mp3

Post 611 - Lovers Dream - Party Line - Live Your Real Life Now

Lovers Dream were a short lived Melbourne band that released one single for Fable Records in November 1971 "Party Line" b/w "Live Your Real Life Now" (FB-086). Both sides were penned by Brian Cadd and Don Mudie and the single was produced by Cadd. If you listen to the A side you can hear Brian singing backing vocals. Lovers Dream were Evelyn Davenport  - Vocals, Roy Davenport - Lead Guitar, Peter Boyle - Bass, Buddy Hooper - Drums. Not much more info out there on this band but like I always say maybe someone will tell us more someday soon. mp3 

Post 610 - Kerri Biddell and Mick Leyton - Sons And Daughters Theme - Sons And Daughters Theme (Extended)

The theme music to Sons and Daughters was written by Peter Pinne and Don Battye and sung by Kerri Biddell and Mick Leyton. There are two main versions of the music: one in three-four time and one in four-four time: the first version was used as the main closing theme for the majority of episodes shown in 1982 and 1983, while the second version was used predominantly for all the remaining episodes from 1984 to 1987. In addition, there was the opening theme, which consisted of the song's chorus followed by an instrumental, most of which was never heard to any great extent. The two full versions of the closing theme were released on the two sides of a 7" single in the UK in April 1984. Entitled "Sons and Daughters Theme" b/w "Sons And Daughters (extended)" (A1286) and credited to 'Kerri and Mick', the single reached  Number 68 in the Top 75, and stayed in the charts for three weeks. It was released on  A1 records. mp3

Post 609 - Karen Boddington and Mark Williams - Home And Away - Living In Summer Bay

"Home and Away" b/w "Living In Summer Bay" (SCORE 19) is the theme song to the Australian soap opera, Home and Away. It was composed by Mike Perjanik and originally performed by Karen Boddington and Mark Williams. Their version was released as a single in 1989 and peaked at number 73 on the UK Singles Chart. There were seven different recorded versions of the theme song used over the years, including two recorded by Australian sibling trio The Robertson Brothers. The Home and Away theme song is no longer used in the opening titles and has been replaced by a 5-second instrumental version since 2010. However, it is still used in the closing credits for international broadcasts. The single was recorded in Alberts Studios Sydney. mp3

608 - Stevie Wright - Sings The Easybeats

Wright was born in Leeds, England in 1947 and his family migrated to Melbourne, Australia when he was nine. They moved to Sydney in 1960 and lived in Villawood near the Villawood Migrant Hostel. He was lead vocalist for local band, The Outlaws and by 1964 had formed Chris Langdon & the Langdells, which initially played The Shadows-styled surf music but converted to beat music under the influence of The Beatles. After a Langdells performance, Wright met the Dutch-born, Johannes Hendrikus Jacob van den Berg (later Harry Vanda) who was staying at Villawood Migrant Hostel and his compatriot Dingeman van der Sluys (later Dick Diamonde). The pair convinced Wright to form a band with Vandenberg's friend and fellow hostel resident Scottish-born George Young. Together with another Englishman, Gordon "Snowy" Fleet, they formed The Easybeats in mid-1964. Initial line-up of The Easybeats was Diamonde on bass guitar, Fleet on drums, Vanda on guitar, Wright on vocals and Young on guitar.During his time with The Easybeats, Wright was popularly and affectionately known as "Little Stevie"After the break-up of The Easybeats in 1969, Wright returned to Sydney from UK, he formed a backing group, Rachette. He produced the debut single for local band Bootleg, "Whole World Should Slow Down", in 1970. By late 1971, he was in Perth and joined Likefun with Ray Hoff on vocals, Morri Pierson on vocals, Shirley Reid on vocals, John Tucak on bass guitar and Alan Wilks on organ. He soon returned to Sydney and from mid-1972 took the role of Simon Zealotes in the Australian stage production of Jesus Christ Superstar. Also in 1972, he joined Black Tank with Rory O'Donoghue on guitar and vocals, Ken Firth on bass guitar and Greg Henson on drums.Wright signed with Albert Productions label in late 1973 which reunited him with former band mates Vanda & Young who had returned from UK and were now staff producers and songwriters. Wright formed Stevie Wright & the Allstars for live performances, the line-up included, Johnny Dick on drums, Tim Gaze on lead guitar, and Warren Morgan on piano. In April 1974 he released his debut solo LP, Hard Road, which featured the single "Evie (Parts 1, 2 & 3)" released in May. The song was written and produced by Vanda & Young, it became a hit—the only 11-minute song to chart at No. 1 anywhere in the world and is now regarded as an Australian rock classic. By mid-1975, the Allstars had transferred to John Paul Young and Wright formed the Stevie Wright Band. By 1976 Wright was addicted to heroin, which he had reportedly begun using during his time in the cast of Jesus Christ Superstar. He was hospitalised and undertook methadone treatment. His mental health was further exacerbated after his self-admission to the notorious Chelmsford Private Hospital in Sydney. Director Dr Harry Bailey administered a highly controversial treatment known as Deep Sleep Therapy which was alleged to treat drug addiction by a combination of drug-induced coma and ECT. Many patients, including Wright, suffered brain damage and lifelong after-effects. The scandal was later exposed and Dr Bailey committed suicide. In 1982, Wright joined Vanda & Young in their studio band, Flash and the Pan to provide vocals on their album, Headlines and the related singles, "Where were You?" in July, and "Waiting for a Train". Wright retired and lived on the South Coast of New South Wales. Sadly last night the 27th December 2015 we lost Stevie at Moruya Hospital on the New South Wales South coast. Here to download is Stevie's album from 1991 "Sings The Easybeats" (AVM-004). The cover gives no producer or band members unfortunately.  R.I.P Stevie. mp3

Post 607 - Red Hot Rockin' Santas - Another Rock 'N' Roll Christmas - Run Rudolph Run

The short lived "Red Hot Rockin' Santas" were made up of guitarist Mick Hamilton, bassist Brian Dean and drummer Leon Venerable (from Ray Hoffs Off beats, Lonnie Lee's Leemen, Johnny O'Keefe and the Rajahs and the Mighty Guys), Venerable delivers a leering loping lead vocal on the recording. Recorded for Festival Records in 1987 the Santa's covered the 1984 U.K. hit by Gary Glitter "Another Rock 'N' Roll Christmas' b/w "Run Rudolph Run" (K-471), with the B side a cover of the Chuck Berry Christmas classic. Hamilton produced the single in the style of Phil Spector.mp3

Post 606 - Saga And The 2CC Announcers - 12 Australian Days Of Christmas - Christmas In Canberra

Canberra has had its fair share of groups. Saga was one of the longest serving groups that went along changing and evolving but never really having a big break out hit. They started with founding member Jeff Gallimore who had been in the group Abbe Gailca In 1971.Saga kicked off in 1972 and they were still turning out music a decade later. At one stage they were a 6 piece and then back to a 4 piece and then members came and went....By 1976 Saga were involved in a charity recording subsidized by the Fairfax Media Group who owned the Canberra Times newspaper among others. Their remake of the Dr. Hook track "The Cover Of The Rolling Stone" was given a new Oz comedy slant. Saga's single was called "The Cover Of The Canberra Times". In 1978 they were back with this Christmas single "12 Australian Days Of Christmas" b/w "Christmas In Canberra" (SMX 46917/8). They teamed up with the announcers from Radio 2CC for this Christmas treat. The single was produced by Jeff Gallimore.mp3

Post 605 - Bulldogs Allstar Goodtime Band - (Down Under) Santa Gets A Suntan

Well it's that time of year again and so we did out the Christmas songs, The first for this year is from New Zealand band the Bulldogs Allstar Goodtime Band's "(Down Under) Santa Gets A Suntan". It comes from a Cassette EP "Upside Down World". (Not sure when this was recorded , it was a charity release to support "Ronald McDonald House").Mp3 

Post 604 - Angry Anderson, Pete Wells & The Damn Fine Band LP

Gary Stephen "Angry" Anderson AM (born 5 August 1947) is an Australian rock singer-songwriter, television presenter-reporter and actor. He has been the lead vocalist with the hard rock band Rose Tattoo since 1976. On Australia Day (26 January) 1993, Anderson was made a Member of the Order of Australia for his role as a youth advocate. According to rock music historian, Ian McFarlane, "over the course of a lengthy career, the gravel-throated vocalist ... has gone from attention-grabbing, rock'n'roll bad boy to all-round Australian media star." Peter William "Pete" Wells (31 December 1946 – 27 March 2006) was the founder and slide guitarist in Rose Tattoo, from 1976 to 1983. He was previously bass guitarist with the pioneering heavy metal outfit Buffalo from 1971 to 1976. Wells also had a solo career and issued some fine albums, In 2001 Angry and Pete released the Independent album "Pete Wells/Angry Anderson & the Damn Fine Band" (Os Music 890-56). It was said "The founding members of Rose Tattoo have come together once more to kick out some of the finest blues rock jams since Rose Tattoo". Also in the Damn Fine Band were Lucy DeSoto (piano & keys) Steve King (bass) Pete ‘Snaggy’ Masi (guitar) Steve ‘Auby’ Auburn (drums). In  2002 Pete Wells was diagnosed with prostate cancer and, on 27 March 2006, Wells died of the disease, aged 59. Having seen cancer claim the lives of five of his Rose Tattoo band mates (Dallas Royall, Peter Wells, Ian Rilen, Lobby Lloyde and Mick Cocks),  Anderson has become an advocate for men's health. He appeared in a TV campaign promoting awareness of prostate cancer. mp3

Post 603 - Axiom - A Little Ray Of Sunshine - Arkansas Grass

After signing with EMI's Parlophone label, Axiom buried themselves in the recording studio. In December 1969 the group released their first single, "Arkansas Grass", heavily influenced by The Band's "Music From Big Pink". Though the single's title superficially appealed to international markets, and its Civil War theme reflected Cadd's current obsession with the music of The Band, it was in fact a coded anti-Vietnam war song – and in that respect addressing a very Australian concern, since Australian men were at the time being drafted to fight in that war. "Arkansas Grass" reached No. 7 in December 1969. Midway through the recording of the LP, which was released under the title Fool's Gold, drummer Don Lebler (The Avengers) replaced Doug Lavery. Axiom left Australia for the UK in April 1970 after signing a publishing deal from Leeds Music, with the local music press reporting that they had received record deal offers from both Apple Records and the Decca label. As a parting gift they left their second single, "A Little Ray of Sunshine", inspired by the birth of the child of a couple that the group knew – not by the birth of Cadd or Mudie's child, as has often been incorrectly reported. The single reached No. 5 in April 1970. "A Little Ray of Sunshine" has become one of the Australian songs most often still played on radio. In their absence the band's debut album Fool's Gold was released, one of the first true "albums" in Australian music. Apart from the "Arkansas Grass" single it was also one of the first attempts in Australian pop to write songs about the Australian landscape, and using Australian place names. It is also notable as one of the first Australian albums on a major label to be self-produced by the recording artist/s and also featured one of the first uses of the didgeridoo in Australian popular music. The songs were all of high quality as were the production values. Fool's Gold reached No. 18 in June and still stands as one of the best albums of the period, however it never reached its full commercial potential because Axiom were not around to promote it. A third single failed to chart. In Australia Axiom were signed to Ron Tudor's independent production company. They left Australia with Tudor's approval to try to secure a worldwide recording contract: he would not stand in their way. In England Axiom signed a three-year recording contract with Warners, cemented by a single "My Baby's Gone" produced by Shel Talmy of early Who, Kinks and Easybeats' "Friday on My Mind" fame. The band completed a second album, "If Only", recorded at the iconic Olympic Studios in London. Although some former members were later critical of what they felt was Talmy's overproduction of the record, in a 2000 interview with Richie Unterberger, Talmy still spoke highly of both group and LP. I'm not to sure about the story with this single it wasn't a re-recording of the songs, so I guess maybe it was Fable just cashing in on a reissue of the two hits, "A Little Ray Of Sunshine" b/w "Arkansas Grass" (FB-203) for Fable Records. mp3

Post 602 - Hannagan - It's All Over Now Baby Blue - Song For Alex

Hannagan made his first singing debut at the age of ten, when he joined his primary school choir. At seventeen around the days of "Beetle mania" he became very disheartened at the meaningless lyrics presented in many pop stars at the time. He felt so strongly about this he ignored pop music altogether. However his thoughts changed in late 1963 when a friend of his in the U.S. sent him a tape of a then relatively unknown singer by the name of Bob Dylan. Hannagan loved the tapes and realized for the first time that meaningful lyrics could be adapted to pop music. He knew then that was the type of music he wanted to sing. In 1964 he became a member of The Easyriders formed for the Aussie concert tour of Bronnie McGhee & Sonny Terry. In late 1966 he joined Brisbane blues band Black Cat Circle. After two years with them he left to assist with the running of a folk club called Foco, but when business and personal troubles came about he packed his bags and decided to move to Melbourne. Unfortunately the Melbourne pop scene did not treat him well. For almost six months he had to live off the money he had saved. Things took a turn for the better in mid 1969 when he scored the job as singer/guitarist with the Ram Jam Big band, but the group split in November of that year. Soon after he joined Turnstile until mid 1970 when they split over work and payment hassles. Again he packed his bags and moved the Sydney, three weeks later he took a tape of songs he had penned to a music publishing company in the hope he could sell them. Impressed by the songs the company gave him a substantial advance and he was signed up to EMI with a recording contract. Luck came his way and he spent late 1970 and early '71 writing songs and producing music for commercials and documentaries, he also worked as a session musician. In December 1971 he released his first single for EMI Harvest label a cover of Dylan's "It All Over Now Baby Blue" b/w "Song For Alex" (HAR-9733) The single was produce by Rod Coe. The version of this single I picked up is a test pressing so not sure if there's any different to the Harvest single or not. mp3

Post 601 - John Williamson - Comic Strip Cowboy LP

In 1969 John Williamson wrote a novelty song, "Old Man Emu", and early the following year he performed the track on TV talent quest, New Faces, winning first place. He later reflected on his song writing process, and the importance of his guitar, "no matter where I go I'll have one with me, in case I come up with a song, I've got to have the guitar straight away. I always write the words and the music together". In early 1970 he signed a recording contract with Fable Records owner and New Faces‍ '​s judge, Ron Tudor. In May "Old Man Emu" was released as a single on Fable Records, which peaked at No. 3 on the Go-Set National Top 60. It was awarded a gold Certification and was listed at No. 14 on Go-Set‍ '​s Top Records for the Year of 1970. His self-titled debut album followed in mid-year and, although it featured "Old Man Emu", it had little commercial success: only selling two-thousand copies. Since "Old Man Emu" was his only hit he had to perform it two or three times per gig. Williamson's follow-up single, "Under the Bridge" was issued in November. It was pressed with its A and B sides reversed. By February 1971 the album's third single, "Beautiful Sydney", appeared. A string of non-album singles followed including, in March 1972, "Misery Farm" with Lumpy Pumpkin. Six years after the first LP Williams released his 2^nd LP “Comic Strip Cowboy” (6357 037) for Philips Records. It was produced by John and Bruce Brown and featured the talents of Paul Emanuel, Ricky Osypenko, Allan Tomkins, Gary Haines, Milton Saunders, Tony Ansell, Ken Hitching and Emma Hannah. All the tracks were penned by Williamson Flac. 

Post 600 - Russell Morris - Sweet Sweet Love (Long version)

For post # 600 (never thought I'd get to 60) a song that I have been asked about for sometime now, Russell Morris "Sweet Sweet Love" the long version. This version has never appeared on any of Russell's singles, LP's, EP's or CD's. It was released on a Channel 7 Telethon LP from 1972  through HMV Records. Morris' career started at the age of 18, in September 1966, with the formation of the Melbourne group Somebody's Image, together with Kevin Thomas (rhythm guitar), Phillip Raphael (lead guitar), Eric Cairns (drums) and Les Allan (aka "Les Gough") (bass guitar). Somebody's Image rose to prominence with a local hit version of the Joe South song "Hush". The band came to the notice of the Groop and, in turn, the Groop's friend and local music identity Ian Meldrum. Meldrum convinced Morris to leave Somebody's Image for a solo career. Meldrum, as Morris's manager and producer, spent considerable hours and money to create a seven-minute production extravaganza around a song called "The Real Thing", and the rest as they say is "History".wav

Post 599 - Mike Brady - Sympathy - Look At Me

Mike Brady was born in England in 1948 and migrated to Australia in the 1950's with his family. His first job was at the Commonwealth Aircraft Corporation factory in Port Melbourne, Victoria, as a sheet metal worker. He started performing when he was 15 and he was one-third of the 1960's pop act MPD Ltd. (which stood for Mike, Pete and Danny) which had hit singles including "Little Boy Sad" and "Lonely Boy". The band toured Australia and the U.K. Brady also toured Vietnam entertaining troops, with a different band which included Wayne Duncan, Gary Howard and country brother and sister act Ricki and Tammy. After the break-up of MPD Ltd., Brady continued to record occasionally and had a top 10 hit with a cover of U.K. band Rare Bird’s "Sympathy" b/w “Look At Me” (FB-036) For Fable Records in 1970. The single was produced by David MacKay, Brady penned the B side. The post before this one is a version of the song by Broken Chains from 1971 but I think Mike’s version is far better, just my opinion. mp3

Post 598 - Broken Chains - Sympathy - Super Natural

This was the only single release by Broken Chains and there are no band members listed or where they were from, my guess is Sydney. Their cover of U.K. band Rare Bird's "Sympathy" b/w "Super Natural" (TSP-716). The B side a rendition of John Mayall and the Bluesbreakers "Super Natural" penned by Peter Green.Very little is known about the band though. I know they did play at some of the Jesus Music revival concerts in Sydney and Canberra (between 1971 & 1973). So there may be some connection with the Methodist Church who co-ordinated all of these events.Troubadour Records was an independent label based out of Balmain in Sydney. Mike Brady also recorded a superb version in 1970 which will be another post here very soon. Thanks to Matt Gleeson for the info here and as always here's hoping some band members/family or friends might enlighten us with some more info in the near future. mp3

Post 597 - The Toppano Family - The Travellin' Toppano Family LP

Enzo Toppano spent 79 years in front of audiences. From the time he made his debut on ABC radio at 13, he was regarded as one of Australia's best entertainers. He was also the father of a showbusiness dynasty. He was born on February 14, 1928, in Broken Hill, the youngest of six children of Italian farmers Leonardo Toppano and his wife, Katerina (D'Appolonia). The Toppanos had left Italy then spent 10 years in Canada before the winters drove them to warmer climes. Leonardo loved to play the piano accordion so he encouraged Enzo and his brother Lou take up the instrument.Enzo very quickly became a performer and left school at 16. He went to London in 1949, where he was many times voted the best instrumental performer on the London Palladium circuit. In London, he also met another Australian performer, Peggy Mortimer, and they were married in 1950. When they returned to Australia they were among the first entertainers to appear on television, with their own segment on Sydney's first television breakfast show.In 1968, Enzo (music) and Peggy (libretto) wrote the musical The Flintstones which successfully toured Australia and New Zealand with the Rudas Organisation. In 1969, they began working exclusively with Tibor Rudas as writers and composers for his organisation in North America, the Bahamas and Europe.The Toppanos proudly flew the Australian flag across the globe, performing in more than 35 countries. Whenever Enzo was asked what part of Italy he came from, he always whimsically answered, ''Broken Hill, mate.'' Here to download from 1975 is The Toppano Family's LP "The Travellin' Toppano Family" (SOELP-10234) for HMV Records. It was produced by Mike Perjanik. After Peggy's death in 2003, Enzo dedicated himself to performing in her memory. He and one of his sons, Dean, frequently performed in homes and institutions for dementia and Alzheimer's disease patients in memory of Peggy. Enzo died in 2013 and is survived by his children Peta, Lorenzo and Dean. Thanks to Tim for finding this LP for the Blog.mp3

Post 596 - Evan Jones And Y Knot - Mm! Mm! Don't Cha Love Summertime! - Hero (Them's The Breaks)

Yet another one with not much info out there, Evan Jones as far as I can find out is the brother of  Idris Jones of the Mixtures who was not a band member. (They were both in Adelaide band The Gingerbread Men). Evan also released two singles in 1972 "Little Black Spider" and "Jesus Song" on the short-lived Adelaide label Raven best known for the rare Bon Scott/Fraternity single. Raven evolved from Nationwide and evolved into EMS, all three labels rarely distributed beyond Adelaide (despite Nationwide's optimistic name). This Raven label should not be confused with the later reissue label based in Sydney. In 1981 Evan was back with a band called " Y Knot" and released one single for RCA Records "Mm! Mm! Don't Cha Love Summertime!" b/w "Hero (Them's The Breaks)" (103735). The single was produced and written by Jones and recorded in Adelaide's Grapvine Studios. mp3

Post 595 - John St.Peeters & Jane Scali - I Need That Someone To Love - One Kiss Away

Jane Scali was a prominent singer on Australia's "Young Talent Time" hosted by Johnny Young during the seventies. Her numerous appearances on the Don Lane, Bert Newton, Mike Walsh and the Midday Show with Ray Martin has made her one of the most popular and successful female performers in Australia today. John St.Peeters has achieved a number of chart-topping singles, including “Deep Inside of Me”, “High Class Woman”, “So Many Ways”, and “Wonderworld”. He also recorded a single called “Street Kids”, donating royalties to the Open Family Foundation, to help the plight of the youth of today. In 1985 John & Jane released a single for Powderworks “I Need That Someone To Love” b/w “One Kiss Away” (POW 0255), the single was produced by Spencer Lee. In 1986 the couple released an LP “I Got You Babe” but this single didn’t appear on the album. mp3 

Post 594 - Terry Dean - Runaround Sue - Time And Tide

Melbourne singer Terry Dean formed country rock band Bluestone in 1972. Terry had enjoyed an extremely successful solo career recording a number of hit records, performing regularly in Melbourne and interstate and appearing nationally on TV shows including The Go Show, and Happening 70. In the sixties he released two singles I know of called “It’s You” and “Git It” on the GO label. Here to download is his single for Fable Records from 1975 “Runaround Sue” b/w “Time And Tide” (FB-315).  Dean formed the successful duo Dean & Carruthers with Garry Carruthers and they celebrated 25 years on the road in July, 2010. Terry recently established Terry Dean's Guitars selling some of the world's finest acoustic instruments. mp3

Post 593 - Karisma - Clap Your Hands And Stamp Your Feet - Wonderful,Wonderful

Yet another one of those Aussie bands that the books seem to forget about. There’s no listing where Karisma came from, all I can find is that this is the only single release for Fable Records from November 1973. Band members are Kerry Freeman, Dallas De Brahunder, Linda Cornaughton and Jeanette Freeman all on vocals. The single “Clap Your Hands And Stamp Your Feet” b/w “Wonderful, Wonderful” (FB-204), was produced by Tweed Harris at Bill Armstrong Studios Melbourne. So like so many other posts like this one we’ll rely on maybe some relation, the tea lady or the guy that owned the fish & chip shop next door to maybe come forward with some for info on the girls.mp3 

Post 592 - Frankie J. Holden & Michelle Pettigrove – How Sweet It Is

Frankie J. Holden has been a part of Australian music since the mid 70’s. He started out as lead singer of Ol’55 and is recognised as one of our most versatile performers. He has also been in some of Australia's best known T/V  series such as “Underbelly”, “Police Recue”, “Embassy” and ”Something In The Air”. Michelle Pettigrove is best known for her role as Kate Bryant in “A Country Practice” as well as other roles in “Blue Healers”. “Brides Of Christ” and “Something In The Air”.  Michelle & Frankie were married at Mayday Hills, the old Beechworth insane asylum in March 1999. In 2006 they released the album here for you to download “How Sweet It Is” (FJH0601), it features fellow Ol’ 55 sax player Wilbur Wilde and David Cameron & Olivia Brian on backing vocals. In 2009, Holden co-presented, alongside with his wife Michelle, “Discover Downunder”, a half-hour Australia-based travelling/caravanning program for the Nine Network. In 2010, he co-hosted “What's Up Down Under” on Channel Seven. This show is similar in format to “Discover Downunder”.mp3

Post 591 - Fantasy - The Singles

Formed in Melbourne in 1967 Fantasy got their first big break when Johnny Farnham chose them to back him on his tours. They obtained a recording deal with EMI in 1971, releasing their first single “Universal Sun” b/w “Suzie” (EA-9473), which was penned by the band. After that a line-up change occurred when David Studdard was replaced by Mal Nichols. In 1973 producer Ian Miller invited his friend Bill Pinnell from radio 3KZ to come see the band perform. Pinnell was impressed and suggested that the band record an old 1930’s song by Billy Cotton called “Oh What A Beauty”. The song was re-arranged, recorded and released as “The Marrow Song” which became an instant hit. Fantasy followed up with another single in ’73 “Just Another Pretty Face” b/w “Look Around” (EMI-10277) for EMI Records. All three singles are here for you to download. By 1977 there were none of the original members left except for drummer Colin Ross, when the band released their only album “A Tribute To Australian Rock ‘N’ Roll” for Hammard Records. mp3

Post 590 - Fat Mamma's Big Boozas Bad News Blues Band - Goodbye Forever - Call Me A Fool

Fat Mamma's Big Boozas Bad News Blues Band only single release for Fable Records was "Goodbye Forever" b/w “Call Me A Fool” (FB- 112). The Single was produced by Brian Cadd. Members are.....Phillip Russell, David Sargeant, Pierre Fabre and Peter Sheldrick. Karol Witte and Gavin Robinson joined the band after this single release. The 45 itself had a release date apparently of April 1972, and its catalogue number of FB-112 puts it three Fable releases after Marshall’s Portable Music Machine, and importantly three Fable releases before the Fable Singers’ version of When the Saints Go Marching In, the club song of the St Kilda Saints. The song itself was an abject commercial failure in any of the capitals’ top 40 charts, and missed the national top 100 as well.  The release itself is featured on a Fable compilation album called “Channel 9 ‘New Faces’ Discoveries”, which featured songs by other Fable artists, such as Liv Maessen, Franciscus Henri and John Williamson, among many others …Thanks to Alan for this rare gem, and Badger for his Top 40 info.mp3

Post 589 - Buddy England - Fate's a Fiddler Life's a Dance LP

Buddy England (born in England), was a former member of The Seekers, replacing Bruce Woodley and stayed with them from 1975–1981. He was also a member of the Mixtures from June 1969 – March 1970. As a solo artist from 1963–1969 he released several singles on HMV Records, including "If You'll Stay", "Doll House", "There Goes My Baby", "Movin' Man", "Sunny", "I'm Going For You", and "If I Never Get To Love You". "Movin' Man" was used in an advertisement for Gilbey's gin. From 1967 through 1979 Buddy returned to the UK and continued writing and recording for EMI at Abbey Road, releasing several singles, including “Forgive and Forget”, “The Name of My Sorrow”, “Wonderful World”, “In Nead of a Friend” etc. from 1970−1971 England owned and launched Air Records and produced all of its artists including The Vibrants, Love Story, Tadpole, Mick Hamilton, The Tangerine Balloon, and Tony Pantano.  He was integral to The Seekers, upon their reformation in 1974, recording their first return Album for Astor Records. Buddy still writes and records on his farm on the outskirts of Melbourne. A few years ago Buddy released “Fate's a Fiddler Life's a Dance” (LRF 304) in 1993 on Larrikin Records. The album was produced, arranged and engineered by Buddy.  Thanks to Tim for finding this for the Blog. mp3

Post 588 - Choirboys - Fireworks - We Can Dance

Choirboys formed in the Northern Beaches area of Sydney as a hard rock pub band in 1979. Original members were Brad Carr on lead guitar, Mark Gable on vocals, Ian Hulme on bass guitar and Lindsay Tebbutt on drums. In 1983, after one of their demos was sent to Albert Productions record producer George Young, who signed them to Albert Records. Jim Manzie produced their self-titled debut album, Choirboys, which was released in July. The first single, "Never Gonna Die," followed in August and reached No. 30. The band signed with Mushroom Records and released "Fireworks" b/w “We Can Dance” (MRK-10) in May 1986; they also opened for Deep Purple on their tour of Australia. Brad Carr left the group to be replaced on lead guitar by Brett Williams (ex-Brakes) as they supported Bon Jovi's tour in 1987. They recorded their second album “Big Bad Noise” with producers Peter Blyton and Brian McGee. The next single "Run to Paradise" reached No. 3 in October and was the 11th highest selling single of the eighties in Australia. When The Choirboys released “Big Bad Noise”, the song “Fireworks” off the album was recorded differently to the vinyl single version here for you to download. It seems that they toned down the chorus for some reason. mp3 

Post 587 - Bulldogs Allstar Goodtime Band - Television Mama - Day In The Sun

The Bulldogs story starts with singer Neil Worboys, who became interested in jug band music through his older brother, Brian, and had formed his own jug band, Stupid Cat Requiem, during his first year at Wellington Teachers College in 1970. Worboys had learnt to play the harmonica while at high school and had access to the standard jug band fare available on Vanguard Records. He was a fan of Jim Kweskin & The Jug Band, The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band and Bonzo Dog Doo-Dah Band and could often be found scouring second-hand shops for old 45s and 78s. At the end of 1971, having seen Stupid Cat Requiem at the Maranui Surf Club, drummer Brien McCrea, another trainee teacher, suggested to Worboys the two start their own jug band. McCrea had briefly been in The Leaders with guitarist John Donoghue but they split up when McCrea bought a surfboard with money the band had given him for a drum kit. When McCrea ran into Donoghue in Cuba Street and told him of the fledgling jug band at the teachers college, Donoghue jumped on board as tenor banjo player. He soon brought along his bass-playing flatmate Paul Curtis, late of country rock band Farmyard. At the beginning of 1972, Neil Worboys met Kevin Findlater when he started at Wellington Teachers College. Findlater was a guitarist in rock band Horse, who had spent more than six months rehearsing a repertoire that ranged from The Kinks and The Rolling Stones to Jethro Tull and Uriah Heep. After hearing Worboys tear through some Joe Cocker songs, Findlater invited him to join. A Kapiti Observer article of the time noted that new addition Worboys was “spreading his interests, and also singing with a jug band!” Besides Worboys (vocals) and Findlater (guitar), the rest of Horse were Tony Hooper (guitar), Peter Gapes (bass) and Danny Shaw (drums). After one rehearsal, one photo shoot and a gig supporting Taylor at the training college, they broke up. Findlater and yet another teachers college trainee, Richard Egan, were then drafted in to the jug band, by now rehearsing in a prefab at the Karori campus. The original line-up featured four trainee teachers (Worboys, McCrea, Findlater and Egan) and two well-known Wellington musician/songwriters (Donoghue and Curtis). They named themselves Bulldogs Allstar Goodtime Band after the bulldog insignia on McCrea’s washboard bicycle bell – the “Allstar” was added for theatricality and “Goodtime” for the brand of music they performed – and started playing Wellington’s coffee bars, surf clubs, dances, pubs and parks. Midyear they were the support band for Russell Morris at a packed St James Theatre. The band bought an old truck for $60 and organised a North Island tour playing university arts festivals and gigs in Napier and Wanganui as well as playing at Neil Worboys’ wedding. They appeared alongside BLERTA and even contacted the organisers of The Great Ngaruawahia Music Festival of January 1973 who said they couldn’t guarantee them a spot but they would try. Pitching their tent next door to Black Sabbath, Bulldogs were so well received they ended up going on twice. 1974 was a huge year for the band. They toured the North Island with Tiny Tim, performed for the Queen at the Royal Variety Charity Concert in Christchurch, toured with Kenny Rogers & The First Edition and English one-hit wonder Daniel Boone and released the album “Bulldoggin” which can be found on http://vinyoleum.blogspot.com.au/

Here to down load is a single not on the LP “Television Mama” b/w “Day In The Sun” (HR 531) recorded for EMI in 1974. When it came time to choose between moving to Australia or disbanding in late 1974, Bulldogs Allstar Goodtime Band unanimously decided on calling it quits with a Christmas-New Year North Island tour. The thought of starting over across the Tasman was just too much to bear. Mp3

Post 586 - Matt Moffitt - As Little As A Look LP

“As Little As A Look” (CDCBS26746) is the debut solo album by Matt Moffitt. The album was recorded in London and Belgium with Matt Finish co-founder and drummer John Prior and English producer Nicky Graham in 1985. The song Miss This Tonight reached #17 on the Australian single charts. Matthew David Moffitt born on the 20th August 1956 was best known as the vocalist with the band Matt Finish. From the late seventies until the mid-nineties, Matt Finish was one of Australia's most popular live bands. Moffitt's best known song with Matt Finish, Short Note, peaked at No. 18 and has become a standard on Australian radio stations. It was featured in Triple M Network's Best Songs of the Eighties poll in 2005, in the 2007 Australian feature film “The Final Winter”, appeared on Wendy Matthews' 2004 album Café Naturale. On 13 August 2003, Matt Moffitt died in Sydney in his sleep at the age of 46. His funeral on the 20th of August 2003 was attended by family, friends and key Australian music figures, including John Prior and Rick Grossman from Matt Finish, Don Walker (Cold Chisel), Doc Neeson (The Angels), Rob Hirst (Midnight Oil), John Swan (Swanee), Bernie Cannon (producer of GTK on ABC TV) and Rob Scott (Triple J). MP3

Post 585 - Tony Worsley with the Enrec Studio Band - Heartache For You - Rainy Night In Georgia

Tony was born in England and in 1944 with his family immigrated to Australia. He’s mainly known for his hit 'Velvet Waters'. Tony fronted the long running group 'The Blue Jays' in 1965 under 'Tony Worsley and The Blue Jays’. Tony has appeared on all major television variety shows during his long career and has toured Australia wide. Tony has appeared on 'The Mike Walsh Show' - 'Teen Beat' - 'Sing Sing Sing' - 'Saturday Date' - 'Komotion' - 'The Go Show' and many more. Tony still sings and now runs his own restaurant in Caloundra in Queensland. Here to download is a single he released in 1990, his first recording in over 22 years. He was invited to record the song after Ed Matzenik saw him performing at an Aboriginal concert in Sydney. The single “Heartache For You” b/w “Rainy Night In Georgia” (ENS 090) released on Enrec Records under the name of Tony Worsley with the Enrec Studio Band. Thanks again to Tim for finding this gem for the Blog.mp3  For more on the Tony Worsley story go to http://www.milesago.com/artists/worsley.htm 

Post 584 - Robin Jolley - Robin Jolley LP

There’s not much more I can write about Robin Jolley that I haven’t already  said in Post’s #4, #337, #532 and # #552, This is Robin’s one and only LP, released on Fable Records. The songs on this LP were produced by Doug Trevor and Brian Cadd.  It was recorded at Bill Armstrong Studios in Melbourne. Here to download is the Robin Jolly LP (FBAB-5302) from 1974. mp3

Post 583 - Gulliver Smith - Don't Keep Doin' It Duke - Black Hole

Born Kevin Smith, Gulliver Smith appeared as a child performer in Melbourne in the early 60s, covering golden oldies from the 50s. Eventually he left this scene to concentrate on his growing love of R&B and soul, with his band the Children in 1966. Dr Kandy’s Third Eye followed in 1967/8; in the vanguard of Sydney’s ‘flower-power’ psychedelic music period, their strange performances attracted Australian press attention. A series of short-lived, but interesting bands followed, but it was with Company Caine that his lyric writing became noticed and the band, despite poor media attention and no radio airplay, remains one of the great Australian cult bands of the 70s. Both their albums are now regarded as collector’s items. His solo album was well received, but it did not bring him a new audience. He moved back to Melbourne and led several more bands of variable quality which did not gather a following outside their small bohemian scene. Gulliver moved to England in 1977 and lived and worked there for many years. He returned to Australia in the late 80's and reformed Gulliver's Travels in 1989. He continues to write and perform under the slightly changed moniker of "Gullifer Smith". In 1996 he and his partner and collaborator Stephanie Hopkins released the excellent Deux Poetes album; he also co-wrote “A Touch Of Paradise” with Ross Wilson and was a hit for John Farnham.  In 1980 Smith released a single on Mighty Records “Don’t Keep Doin’ It Duke” b/w ‘Black Hole” (J.V.C.05). It was recorded in London and soon after it was withdrawn for what reason I don’t know. Even though it was never released I did picked up a copy and I have seen one on EBay going for $169.00 AUD so there’s a few out there it seems. I also heard that the song was about Ross Wilson or so they say. The thing that confuses me that on the back cover of the single it appears the B side is called “Dancing” and the song is about dancing but the label states that it’s called “Black Hole”.   Sadly we lost Gulliver on November 10th, 2014 from kidney failure, in Sydney. 

Post 582 - Victoria Nicolls - Midnight Rendezvous - Until Then

Victoria Nicholls (born 1954) is an Australian actress and television personality. Nicholls is well remembered by viewers for appearing in the Australian version of the game show “Sale of the Century” as a hostess from 1980 to 1982. She is also noted for her dramatic roles, such as Raeleen Archer in “The Restless Years” in the late 1970s, and as Officer Heather Rodgers in “Prisoner” in 1984. In 1995 she was a leading cast member of short-lived soap opera “Echo Point”. In 1979 she released the single “Midnight Rendezvous” b/w “Until Then” (AR-102) for Arrival Records. As far as I know this was her one and only recording. mp3 

Post 581 - Delilah - The Singles

There is no doubt about it; Delilah is a born performer, a born entertainer. At the early age of 4 years Delilah was entertaining neighborhood kids in her backyard in Baltimore, Maryland, charging one cent for admission. Later, inspired by the gospel music of her church choir, more interested in singing in school concerts then reading textbooks, Delilah with stardom in her eyes, headed for San Francisco, singing Jazz and Rhythm & Blues in a Pizza Parlor. A trip to Australia in the early 70s paved the way to an extensive, successful tour of South East Asia. The demand was such that she took in Indonesia, Taiwan, Bangkok, the Philippines and Hong Kong. A trail of rave reviews remained in her wake, wherever she performed. Hong Kong took her to heart, as many then and now are found to do. A weekly television show "Just Delilah" followed amidst modelling assignments and a film. Delilah's desire to return to her favorite country, Australia, was fulfilled when she returned to play in the stage production "The Wiz". It was around that time that Delilah decided to make Sydney her home. Here are Delilah’s three single releases from 1977 “My Guy” b/w “Leave Me” (MS-505), from 1988 “Where Is The Love” b/w “My Guy (New Version) (MS-511) and from 1980 “Sitting On The Edge Of The Ocean” b/w “Don’t You Walk That Way” (2079 503). The First two singles were produced by Robie Porter & Tony Hogarth for Miracle Records and the 3^rd single produced by Davidson & Neal for Airborne Records. Again thanks to Alan who had the 3^rd single as I did not know it existed. mp3 

Post 580 - Cats Under Pressure - Singles

Simon Hussey was working as a record producer on a single by the Lisa Bade Band which included guitarist Mark Greg.  When he formed Cats Under Pressure  in 1984 with himself on guitar, keyboards and backing vocals; Mark Greig on guitar and David Reyne (ex-Australian Crawl) on drums and lead vocals. They issued a self-titled mini LP on Freestyle Records, the label owned by Reyne's former band mates from Australian Crawl. It was produced by David Reyne's older brother, James, who was still Australian Crawl's lead singer. Cats Under Pressure followed with a single, "Let Me Be" b/w “Polar Notch” (FREE-0001), which was co-written by Hussey with David Reyne. A second single followed in 1985 “On Again Off Again” b/w “Ping Pong” (FREE-0006) this single was produced by Ian “Mack” MaKenzie and Hussey. During the 1980s and 1990s Hussey was a legal reporter transcribing court cases when not working in the music industry. Greig joined Australian Crawl until they disbanded in 1986. Reyne sang backing vocals on Chantoozies most popular tracks "Witch Queen", “He's Gonna Step On You Again" and "Love the One You're With”. He also began his acting career with a minor role in the 1983 film, Skin Deep. At the April 1985 TV Week Logie Awards ceremony, he won the 1984 Best New Talent Logie for his work in the ongoing role of Martin Kabel in the ABC series Sweet and Sour. These are the only two singles released by the band as well as the mini LP in 1984 which I’m yet to find a copy. A big thanks to Alan who provided me with the 2^nd single as well as the A side to the 1^st as mine was scratched pretty bad when I dug it out. mp3