Post 727 - Donald Dunstan - Desiderata - How Do I Love Thee? The Toys

Donald Allan Dunstan, AC, QC usually known as Don Dunstan, was a South Australian politician. He entered politics as the Member for Norwood in 1953 at age 26, became leader of the South Australian Branch of the Australian Labor Party in 1967, and was Premier of South Australia between June 1967 and April 1968, and again between June 1970 and February 1979.
In the late 1950s, Dunstan became well known for his campaign against the death penalty being imposed on Max Stuart, who was convicted of rape and murder of a small girl. He harried Premier Thomas Playford IV aggressively over the matter, creating an uproar over what he saw as an unfair process. Playford eventually relented, and appeared shaken thereafter; the event was seen as a turning point in the Liberal and Country League's decline, and Labor gained momentum. During Labor's time in opposition, Dunstan was prominent in securing some reforms in Aboriginal rights, and was at the forefront of Labor abandoning the White Australia Policy. Labor conducted an extensive campaign in marginal LCL seats at the 1965 election, resulting in 21 of 39 seats, with Frank Walsh and the Labor Party taking power and Dunstan becoming Attorney-General. The LCL opposition changed leaders and installed the young Steele Hall, worrying Labor as the elderly Walsh appeared bumbling in contrast. This resulted in Labor replacing Walsh with Dunstan. Despite maintaining a much larger vote over the LCL, Labor lost two seats at the 1968 election, with the LCL forming government with support of an independent. Dunstan responded by increasing his attacks on the Playmander and was able to convincingly sustain Playmander attacks with the effect of convincing the LCL into watering down the malapportionment. Again with little change in Labor's vote but with the Playmander removed, Labor won 27 of 47 seats at the 1970 election. With a fairer seat and boundary system in place, Dunstan won three more elections, in 1973, 1975 and 1977.
In 1976 Don recorded a single for RCA Records "Desiderata" b/w A"How I Love Thee?" B "The Toys" (2061 5), it was produced by Rocky Thomas at Sound Studios, Adelaide, South Australia. 
Dunstan was afflicted by illness in his final years. He was diagnosed with throat cancer in 1993 before contracting an inoperable lung cancer, which led to his death on 6 February 1999. flac 

Post 726 - XL Capris - Where's Hank?

XL Capris formed in Sydney in 1978 by Julie Anderson, Tim Gooding, Johanna Pigott and  Kimble Randall. 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?” and “Weeds” both produced by Todd Hunter of 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: co writing "Rain" for Dragon and "Age of Reason" for John Farnham. 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 & Sour “ which chronicled the activities of a fictional band, The Takeaways, and their efforts to succeed in 1980s Sydney Pop scene. Where Is Hank? (Axle 103) released in 1981 produced by Hunter, Gooding wrote ten of the fourteen tracks including two with Pigott. 'Hank' in the title was a German shepherd owned by Rendall: "Hank went to live on a farm at Nambucca Heads".'Tosca' was the name of their landlady's cat and it was chased up a tree by Hank thus the album title Where Is Hank? is a pun on a 1980s TV ad for a chocolate bar: 'Where's George?' The response is ... 'gone for a Tosca!'.
 Thanks to Chris for sending me this LP for the Blog and Tim for sorting out the IT issues. flac

Post 725 - Mental As Anything - Silent Night - Wooden Heart

Mental As Anything doing a Live, acoustic and busking set on “Good Afternoon Australia”, Dec 21 1984. Mental As Anything, now consisting of Greedy Smith (vocals/keyboards), Martin Cilia (guitars), Jacob Cook (drums), Craig Gordon (vocals/guitars) and Peter Gray (vocals/bass), played a special 40th anniversary show at Surfersaurus in Sydney, during October 2018. Smith was by this point the only original member of Mental As Anything to still be playing with the group. Sadly "Greedy" Smith died of a heart attack on 2 December 2019, in Sydney. Smith's final show with the band -- and the band's last show to date -- took place on 23 November in Werrington, New South Wales.

UPDATE - Unfortunately this is the only Christmas post for this year, I have had a few technical issues   with computers more than I would like to mention but fingers crossed the Blog will be up and running full steam in 20/20. Wishing you all a fantastic Christmas and a great New Year. Ozzie. Flac

Post 724 - Mata Hari - Gypsy - Easy

Mata Hari was a band formed in Newcastle in on or around 1970, they played mainly cover songs. Their only record was a cover of a 'Van Morrison' song "Gypsy. This was backed by an original penned by lead guitarist Greg Callan and singer Jim Stanes, called "Easy".(Polydor 2079 026 ) It was a minor hit on the local radio station 2NX, now NXFM and 2KO, now KO-FM. They developed a bit of a name as a 'good time rock and roll band', through their high powered stage act, fronted by Jim Stanes, who was with them all the way to the final gig at Wangi Wangi Workers Club on 23-8-1975. I got this bit of info from a web site by their roadie John, if you follow the link at the end of this you will read a lot more about the band with photos, song list, line ups, where they are now and heaps more it’s really worth a look. It’s a pity that all Aussie bands big or small haven’t got a page like this, a real credit to John the roadie.   Thanks again to Tim for another rare gem for the Blog.  Flac  http://www.newcastlebandsdatabase.com.au/bands/MataHari.html

Post 723 - Jim Cooper - The Great Sydney Harbour Ferry Boat Race - Save Some History For Me

“The Great Sydney Harbour Ferry Boat Race” has been part of Sydney's Australia Day celebrations since 1981. Jim Cooper is an Aussie entertainer who has been around for quite a while. He recorded his first LP for Col Joye's ATA Records in 1977. This 45 was released in on the obscure Wheel Records label, SMX 54986.The B side was a song protesting the destruction of historic city buildings. This single was taken from the Flexi Disc released on the Ambassador label in 1980. Track 2 “Save Some History For Me” or its information is not listed anywhere on the label. Jim was quoted saying “I still remember being asked to write this song long before the first race took place.. It is an honour to be a part of this iconic event. The record was engineered by Steve Adams with the B side Engineered by David Cafe and Steve Adams (not on label). Thanks to Tim for giving me this for the Blog. Flac

Post 722 - Ber-Dum Ber-Dum - Love Potion No. XXX - Time Will Tell

I contacted my friend Rod Crundwell who was a member of this band and here's what he told me...... 

Thanks for your interest in Berdum Berdum! Hope you enjoy the record. The band was popular around Avalon and the northern beaches from 1983 to 1985. They were regulars at local venues such as Moby Dicks, Avalon RSL and many more, and always attracted a loyal following. The name came from a line in the Buzcocks song 'Boredom' where Pete Shelley shouts 'berdum, berdum' in the outro. The repertoire was mainly original, the writing shared between guitarist Phill Tate, bassist Sean Crawley and keyboard player Rod Crundwell. They were influenced by new wave/punk bands (e.g. The Stranglers) but also had a strong pop sensibility and a focus on harmonies. The original drummer was Craig Hartmann, who left and was replaced by James Barton. Their one and only single Love Potion xxx (P.Tate) b/w Time will Tell (R Crundwell) (PW-101) was recorded at ex/Sherbet guitarist Clive Shakespeare's studio and produced by the mysterious and enigmatic Arnold Stigheardt. The record performed well on the independent charts and was frequently played on 2JJJ. Although they went their separate ways in 1985 the band is still fondly remembered by many on the Peninsula.

Regards Rod. Flac

Post 721 - Supernaut - The Singles 1976 - '79

“Supernaut” were formed as Moby Dick, a pub rock group, by British-born brothers Chris Burnham on guitar and Joe Burnham on drums. Fellow British immigrant, Gary Twinn, joined on lead vocals in late 1974. Soon after Randall Murphy took up bass guitar and they changed their name to Supernaut. The name references, "Supernaut" (September 1972), a track by British heavy metal group, Black Sabbath.  The group relocated to Melbourne and were signed to Polydor Records in 1976 upon recommendation from Molly Meldrum, In May 1976 they released their debut single, "I Like It Both Ways", which was produced by Meldrum. The song was initially shunned by some commercial radio stations in Sydney because of its controversial lyrics, however promotion on Meldrum's TV pop music show, Countdown, encouraged radio stations to play the track. "I Like It Both Ways" peaked at No. 16. Randall Murphy left the group in June 1976, "citing mutual disagreement", he was temporarily replaced by Little Russ Silver and more permanently by Philip Foxman in late August. Murphy returned to Perth.  A follow up single, "Too Hot to Touch", was released in September 1976, reaching No. 14 on the charts. Their self-titled debut LP was released in mid-November 1976 and peaked at No. 13, achieving double gold certification. The group were presented with the TV Week King of Pop Award for Best Australian TV Performer (on Countdown) and for Most Popular New Group of 1976. By November they had supported gigs by "Lou Reed, Suzie Quatro and Sweet. In 1977 the band released two original singles, "Young and Innocent” and "The Kids Are out Tonight” and a cover version of the Rolling Stones "Let's Spend the Night Together" . They worked extensively on recording sessions for a proposed second album; working titles included Exile and Test Pressing. "The Kids Are out Tonight" came from those sessions. After more than a year they realised their music style was out of touch and the project was abandoned. In April 1978 they released another single, "Unemployed", before leaving Polydor. The group relocated to Sydney and were signed to Robie Porter's Wizard Records in mid-1978; they returned to their original pub rock influences, "[they] adopted a quasi-punk/new-wave direction". With the addition of Noel Kennedy on keyboard, they released, "Spies” in December 1978. They shortened their name to the Nauts in April 1979 and released, "Black Market World". They followed with a new album produced by Robie Porter, under that name in December 1979. They disbanded by March 1980. Two years later Gary Twinn was back in the United Kingdom where he formed Twenty Flight Rockers with former Generation X drummer Mark Laff, and later played with rock supergroup, the International Swingers. Chris Burnham played in The Saints with Chris Bailey from 1982 and 1989. Philip Foxman formed Illustrated Man in 1984 with Japan member Rob Dean, Gary Numan keyboardist Roger Mason, and Hugo Burnham from Gang of Four. They recorded one self-titled album and toured the UK and US with their single, "Head Over Heels", charting the top 20 on MTV's dance charts. Foxman later had a solo career releasing two albums, West 4th and Charles and Up Antenna, as well as being a musical composer for Off Broadway show, Atomic, which ran for a limited season at the Acorn Theater, New York City. Supernaut reformed for the Countdown Spectacular 2 Tour of Australia from late-August to early-September 2007. In 2016 Supernaut commemorated the 40th anniversary of "I Like It Both Ways" with a three-day tour from 16 to 18 June, followed by another show on 25 June at Charles Hotel in Perth. Here to download are all their singles from 1976 / 1979. A big thanks to Peter for sending me his singles to fix up for this post.Flac

Post 720 - Supernaut - I Like It Both Ways

Supernaut were an Australian glam pop band from Perth. Formed as a pub rock group, Moby Dick, by British-born brothers Chris Burnham on guitar and Joe Burnham on drums, they were joined late in 1974 by fellow immigrant, Gary Twinn on lead vocals. After Randall Murphy joined on bass guitar they changed their name. The group's debut single, "I Like It Both Ways” 1976, was produced by Molly Meldrum and was heavily promoted on Countdown. Here for you to download is their first greatest album from 1995 “I Like It Both Ways” (AURUM001) released on Aureate Records. The album was released again in 2016 as “The Best Of Supernaut” in digital download only.Flac

Post 719 - Joe Blow - Leonardo Da Vinci Was A Groover - The House Of China Restaurant

Another one of those recordings that seems no one knows anything about. Joe Blow  single from 1982 released of EMI Records “Leonardo Da Vinci Was A Groover” b/w ” The House Of China Restaurant” (EMI 768). The single was produced by Dave Skinner singer and musician he has been involved with bands since the mid '60s in the UK, written and collaborated on hit records and international covers as well as producing singles and albums for Australian artists.  Dave lives in the Blue Mountains near Sydney. It’s a Pity I haven’t got as much info on Joe! And like I often say maybe someone out there will enlighten us soon. Flac

Post 718 - Kamahl - The Gift Of Christmas

For your Christmas pleasure Kamahl's Christmas album "The Gift Of Christmas" (DIN236D), released in 1992 for Dino Records. Flac

Post 717 - Keith Wray - Dear Mr. Clause - Australian Bush Christmas

Merry Christmas! Our first Christmas post is one of those mystery artists that we come across from time to time. I can't find anything out there on this one at all. Even the record label is one I've never come across before. "Dear Mr. Clause" b/w "Australian Bush Christmas" (MSCS-3760). The single was recorded by Keith Wray for Mirage Records, both songs were penned by Wray/Hooley and that's about it, not ever a year of release is on the label. The song has a country feel about it so I would assume he is a county singer.  Flac

Post 716 - Nev Nicholls & His Country Playboys - Hit The Road Jack

Born on th 16th September 1930 at Millthorpe in the central west of NSW,  (which is only about 30 minute drive from where I live) Nev Nicholls spent his childhood on a farm at Tallwood. Tallwood is not a town merely a district of small farms and in the depression years it was a grind for the whole family to eke out an existence. In the early forties the family moved to a larger property in the Blaney area. Despite the move the work load never changed. On a mixed farming property there was always the daily grind, milking cows, planting crops.. peas, patoes, corn, wheat, turnips etc. And also tending a flock of sheep, shearing, crutching and lambing, it finally found a breaking point for our Nev. After travelling to Sydney on his motor cycle to appear on "Australia's Amateur Hour" and later on "Tim McNamara's Talent Quest" the call of the big smoke got to be too strong.  Nev had been playing guitar since the age of 11, learning mainly on songs of Buddy Williams whose influence is apparent in Nev's early records. Alan Crawford, manager of Southern Music Publishers, discovered Nev at a studio where he was recording some songs on acetate. He signed him to a publishing contract and also introduced Nev to Regal Zonophone Records who also signed him up. Having a record around helped to get established in Sydney and his early efforts included some appearances on the "McKean Sisters Show" on radio 2KY. Nev recalls his first meeting with "Slim Dusty" on one of those occasions that was in the days before Slim and Joy were married. In 1957 Nev did his first country tour with "The Reg Lindsay Show" up the north coast of NSW. On that show were: Reg Lindsay, Heather McKean, Rick & Thel Carey, Judy Stone and comedian Freddy Merideth also part of that troupe was Chad Morgan. Chad and Nev shared a caravan for the two weeks and when the group returned to Sydney the touring bug was alive and well. Reg had a lot of commitments and was not in a position to embark on extended tours at that time so Nev, Chad and Rick & Thel enrolled Kevin King in a new show which was called "The All Star Western Show" which also included fiddle player Peter Mollerson. After little more than a year there were many personality clashes and that show broke up. In 1968 Nev got a call to audition for a night club job in Kings Cross and that led to a ten year stint at the famous "Texas Tavern".  The Texas Tavern wasn't a job. It was an unforgettable event. Playing for American servicemen on R&R from Vietnam, meeting celebrities who were making appearances at the Chevron Hotel across the street, and being accepted in the local population, as country music had never been accepted before.  This is why Nev wrote "I Like Beer".  Five Years into the Texas tavern Nev signed with RCA records to do an album of truckin' songs. "Keep On Truckin'" was the vanguard of more than twenty albums in the years to follow. These albums yielded five "Gold" albums and also an instrumental which won a "Gold Guitar" in the "Australasian Country Music Awards" in 1975. All good things usually come to an end and the Texas Tavern gig finished in 1978 when new owners took over. Here for you to download is his 1976 album from 1976 for RCA “Hit The Road Jack” (VAL1 0117) produced by Rocky Thomas. In 1992 Nev was inducted into the "Australasian Country Music Roll Of Renown" at Tamworth, the most prestigious award in Australian Country Music. Nev had always been a prolific writer and besides recording vast numbers of his own songs he had also had many covered by other artists among these are: "Reg Lindsay", Chad Morgan", Frankie Davidson", "Johnny Garfield", Terry Gordon", "The Wayfarers", "Truckin Stevens" and by no means least his long time friend "Lucky Grills". Lucky and Nev shared an album in 1998, a truckies album of course, titled "Ya Wanna Screw Driver".Together with all his activities and four marriages behind him it's little wonder Nev says "If I had my life to live over, I don't think I'd have the strength". Thanks to Tim for sending me this LP for the Blog. Flac

Post 715 - Mick & Donna - Singles 1975/76

Australian born Mick Flinn was a member of The Mixtures who, after back to back number 1 hits in Australia in 1970, released "The Pushbike Song" in the UK where it entered the charts in the top 5, peaking at No. 2 in January 1971. Flinn left The Mixtures in May 1972, eventually settling permanently in the UK. Flinn formed “The Springfield Revival” with Ray Martin and Donna Jones. Flinn subsequently became Jones' manager-writer-producer and husband. In 1975 Mick and Donna released the single “Love Me I Love You” b/w “Our New Home” (EMI 2362) and in ’76 another single “Hey Paula” b/w “The Only One For Me” (EMI 2423). Both single were produced by Mick and he wrote all songs except Hey Paula which was a cover of the Paul & Paula hit from 1963.  Flac

Post 714 - Mark Holden - Dawn In Darkness

In 1974, Mark Holden entered Showcase '74, a television talent show on Network 9 where he sung original folk songs. Holden ultimately placed fifth, performing a track "Tap Dancing Down Easy Street" in the final. John Bromwell from Essex Music saw his performances and brought Holden to Sydney. Bromwell arranged an audition with Peter Dawkins a record producer with EMI Music who signed Holden.  “Dawn in Darkness” (EMA 315) was the debut studio album by Holden. The album was recorded and released in 1975. Holden said “that it sold about 2,000 copies only and was a 'big flop' adding; "It was entirely original, all the songs I wrote as a kid”.  SCRA’s Peter Martin played guitar on this LP and Alison McCallum sang backing vocals on the track “Carry Me Down”.  Other musicians were Doug Gallacher – Drums, John Bartlett – Bass, Tony Esterman – Keyboards and John Sangster and Ian Bloxam on percussion. Flac

Post 713 - Wildland - In This Liftime

There's not a lot on Sydney based “Wildland”, but they were good enough to land a record deal with CBS Australia, and released their one and only album “In This Lifetime” (4664342) in 1990. Some of the band members were the rhythm section of the 1989 version of The Party Boys, featuring a who's who of Australian rock, plus invited guests such as The Eagles Joe Walsh, and Status Quo's Alan Lancaster. Singer Noel Zammit and guitarist Jeff Lenham had played in various spin-off bands related to long time blues outfit Beachhead, while Keefe West Jr. has played with numerous top international artists as a guitarist. The album, over the last few years has become better known among collectors as that hard one to find. Members are Dorian West (bass) Adrian Cannon (drums) Noel Zammit (vocals) Jeff Lenham Keefe (guitar)   Keefe West Jr. (guitar). They released four singles as well as this LP and a 12” extended mix of the single “One For Unity”. flac

Post 712 - The Sydney Theatre Company - The Stripper

One of the most sought after collectors’ items for Rocky Horror fans is the original vinyl LP recording of “The Stripper” musical by Richard O'Brien and Richard Hartley (original book by Carter Brown). Released in 1982 by RCA records, this is the only recording of the musical that was made available. These records come up once every few years on eBay and other sales sites and can fetch hundreds of dollars each. Originally performed by the “Sydney Theatre Company”, there was a revival of the show at the Queens Theatre, Hornchurch in 2009 and an amazing production at the St James Theatre in London in 2016. SYNOPSIS - There's trouble in Pine City. When Patty Keller stands out on a hotel ledge fifteen floors above the street, Lieut Al Wheeler does his best to talk her out of jumping. He fails (Falling). Al figures it's a homicide investigation. County Sheriff Lavers figure it's a waste of time. In the course of his peculiarly musical investigation, Al meets some interesting characters, such as Patty's cousin Dolores, the stripper who says it all from the neck down (Deadpan Dolores). Patty belonged to a lonely hearts club, she tells Al, and reminds him that even in Southern California, (The Lonely Are Legend).  Sarah and Jacob Arkwright run the Arkwright Happiness Club. Their secretary, Sherry Mendez, looks like she's just stepped out of some Latin-American extravaganza.  Sarah warns Sherry about getting involved with a detective (Men Like That...). Al discovers that Patty's last date, courtesy of the lonely hearts club, was with Harvey Stern, a florist (Heart And Flowers). Combining business with pleasure, Al takes Sherry to the strip club and sees a mind-storming performance by Deadpan Dolores (The Strip). Later, in his apartment, Al woos Sherry with a soft, romantic ballad! (Man Of Steel). Back in the Sheriff s office, Al decides to give the thick-headed Sgt Polnik his big break by letting him help out on the case and surround himself with dozens of dames (Cry On). As the clues start to unravel, and the coincidences pile up, Al is even more convinced that Patty's death was no accident (Begging The Question). Even Sheriff Lavers is having his doubts, but not wanting to over-exert his delicate brain, he pauses for a little police station identification (Man Of The Power). Suddenly, the recently deceased Harvey Stern makes a con­fession that is almost lyrical (I Confess); but Al doesn't buy it His suspicions are further aroused, along with a few other things, when he discovers Deadpan Dolores asleep in his bed (There’s Many a True Word Said in Bed). Once again back in the Sheriff s office, Al must this time face the monster he helped to create: Sgt Polnik. They share a fantasy (In the Night All Cats Are Brown). In the alley outside the Club Extravaganza, Dolores makes a last ditch effort to win Al over but he is no longer under the Stripper's spell (Nobody’s Fool). The time has come for the final showdown... . And the truth. Who killed Patty Keller? Al finds out as Sarah Sings, and the scene is set for a deadly finale. Shots ring out, the corpses pile up, Deadpan Dolores takes a final bow (Planning My Big Exit). With the case now solved, Al can take pleasure in the know­ledge that, for the time being, there's no (Trouble in Pine City).

Original Australian Cast

AL WHEELER, Terence Donovan, PATTY KELLER, Anne Grigg, SHERIFF LAVERS. Michael Caton, SGT. POLNIK. John Paramor, ANNABELLE JACKSON, Barbara Jane Cole, DOC MURPHY, Jack Webster, SHERRY MENDEZ, Anne Grigg, SARAH ARKWRIGHT, Robina Beard, JACOB ARKWRIGHT, Bob Hornery, HARVEY STERN, Bob Hornery, STEVE LOOMAS, D. J. Foster, DEADPAN DOLORES, Robyn Moase, MILES ROVAK, Jack Webster, LOUIS, D. J. Foster, STRIPPER NO. 1, Barbara Jane Cole, STRIPPER NO. 2. Robina Beard. The Band - Michael Tyack, Piano, Peter Dilosa, Trumpet, Graham Quy, Drums, Ed Gregson, Guitar and Wayne Ford, Bass.  The score was penned by Richard O'Brien and Music by Richard Hartley. Recorded at: Leo Recorders, Engineered by: Spencer Lee, Produced by: Spencer Lee, Peter Plavsic and Michael Tyack. Release in 1982 on RCA Records VPL-1 0401.

A big thank you to Deb Mayes for this gem for the Blog. Flac

Post 711 - The Wrights - Evie Pts. 1,2 & 3.

The Wrights were a one-off Australian "supergroup". They consisted of Nic Cester (Jet), Bernard Fanning (Powderfinger), Phil Jamieson ( Grinspoon), Kram (Spiderbait), Chris Cheney (The Living End), Davey Lane ( You Am I and The Pictures) and Pat Bourke (Dallas Crane). They are named after Australian music legend and former Easybeats frontman Stevie Wright. Their first and only single was a cover version of Stevie Wright's song "Evie" (7243 8 68837 2 8), an 11 minute song consisting of three parts. "Evie (Pt. 1)" was first performed at the Australian Recording Industry Association (ARIA) awards in 2004. They performed the whole trilogy live for the first time at the Sydney Cricket Ground as part of WaveAid, and it was released as a single in February 2005. "Evie (Pt. 1)" featured Nic Cester as the vocalist, while Pts. 2 and 3 featured vocalists Bernard Fanning of Powderfinger and Phil Jamieson of Grinspoon. The profits for the single were donated to Stevie Wright and the Salvation Army to improve drug and alcohol rehabilitation, as well as the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement for the 2004 Boxing Day tsunami. "Evie" Part 1 - "Let Your Hair Hang Down" Nic Cester  - vocals, Chris Cheney  - lead guitar, Davey Lane - rhythm guitar, Kram – drums, Pat Bourke – bass and Daniel Vandenberg – piano.

"Evie" Part 2 - "Evie" Bernard Fanning – vocals, Warren "Pig" Morgan – piano and Harry Vanda - string arrangement. "Evie" Part 3 - "I'm Losing You" Phil Jamieson – vocals, Davey Lane (You Am I) - lead guitar, Chris Cheney - rhythm guitar, Pat Bourke (Dallas – bass, Dan Knight - Hammond organ, Kram – drums and Backing vocals Chris Cester , Kram,Harry Vanda, Louise Anton and Chris Cheney. The single was Produced by Harry Vanda and Glenn Goldsmith and Mixed by Daniel Vandenberg Flac

Post 710 - The Angels - Finger On The Trigger - Straight Aces - Living In The Bodyguard Of Luxury

"Finger on the Trigger" (K 640) is the 32^nd single by The Angels. Released as a non-album single in 1988, it peaked at number 34 on the ARIA Charts. Sonics magazine wrote “the single was recorded very quickly and rush released due to contractual obligations - they absolutely had to get something on the shelves”. This is from the 12”  giant 45 single version which has two tracks on the B side “Straight Aces” and “Living In The Bodyguard Of Luxury”  which is the same song with different title “Why?” you say who knows. The A side was penned by Bob Spencer and the B’s by Brewster,  Neeson, Hilbun, and  Eccles. Thanks to Tim for finding this gem. Flac

Post 709 - Marsh Brothers - Demo Tape

John Marsh was leader of Cowra band “Carlton” which you will find on post # 692. John and Brother Rusty recorded 3 demo songs (here to download) for Yeldah Music in 1995. I found this message Rusty left on another music site about the recordings:-

In the mid 90's, John and I were starting to "panic" about our age, and if we still belonged in the "Rock" scene. So we decided to venture into a bit of "Country"!

John wrote a heap of country songs...... I did help him "arrange" the songs (stacked the lyrics in a tidy pile!), and worked out all my own bass-lines, which took a good 10 minutes! We did a rough recording, and sent a demo to "Yeldah Music" (Hadley Studios-Eric Scott) in Tamworth, and he asked us to come up and record 3 songs! John was so excited and told me to stop washing my Magna, as I would now be able to buy a Merc! Yeah right!

As most of you would know, professional artists can spend a full week in the studio just perfecting "one" song! From memory, it was about a six hour drive from Cowra to Tamworth. After the long drive, we recorded the "three" songs in "one" hour, and drove straight back to bloody Cowra!  It was a "promotional" CD for Yeldah Music, consisting of our 3 songs, and 12 other songs belonging to 8 other artists. It was called "Song Plugger Series No.3"! Wonder why it didn't sell??!!

The recording was pretty rough, and John was upset that he was not allowed to use any effects pedals whatsoever! Pedals!! What are they? I'm just a bass player with a cheap Aussie Eminar amp and Ibanez bass! We also used a "drum machine", which I operated manually with foot pedals! That's right, I did have pedals!

Our songs were all true stories:-

1. “Coming Home”- A story about a Woman from Canowindra whose husband went to the Vietnam War.

2.”Pay The Price” - Apparently is about "me", when my then wife was screwing around, and I was ready to shoot anyone who had a dick!

3.”She Must Be Crazy” - A song about our older Sister who was a real Tom-Boy, and mad-as-a-meataxe! Flac

Post 708 - John Farnham - The Infinity Singles

There’s not much to say about John Farnham that you don’t already know. Farnham, who was born in Essex, England was a teen pop idol from 1967-79, billed then as Johnny Farnham, but has since forged a career as an adult contemporary singer. His career has mostly been as a solo artist although he replaced Glenn Shorrock as lead singer of Little River Band from 1982-85. In September 1986 his solo single, "You're the Voice" peaked at No. 1 on the Australian singles charts. The associated album, Whispering Jack, held the No. 1 position for a total of 25 weeks and is the 2nd highest-selling album in Australian history. Both the single and the album had Top Ten success internationally including No. 1 in Sweden.  In 1976 and ’77 he released two singles for Infinity Records ‘You Love Me Back To Life Again” b/w “Call Me Back” (K-6669) and “Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame” b/w “Monkey See Monkey Do” (K-6765). Now I have check and can’t see where these songs have ever been released on LP or CD.  Both singles were produced by Gerry Stevens. Another interesting fact is on the song “You Love Me Back To Life Again “ is that on the New Zealand release it’s “You Loved” not "You Love”. Flac

Post 707 - Doug Ashdown - Winter In America

Doug Ashdown was unable to crack the US market, so Jimmy Stewart and Doug returned to Australia where they set up a new label, “Billingsgate”. Stewart produced Doug's next album entitled “Leave Love Enough Alone” (D19087)in 1974. The album produced two Singles, "They Always Seem To Look Like Marianne", and the album's evocative title track, co-written by Doug and Jimmy during a bitter winter in Nashville. "Leave Love Enough Alone" was released in September 1974 and received some airplay, but neither it nor its predecessor made the charts at the time. "Leave Love Enough Alone", however, proved to be a classic 'sleeper' and the breakthrough finally came more than a year later when it was retitled and reissued as "Winter In America". The song was picked up by stations around the country and this time around it became a major hit through late 1976 and early 1977, reaching #14 in Melbourne and #30 in Sydney. It remains one of the most popular and enduring Australian songs of the '70s; it has been covered by artists around the world including Margret RoadKnight. In 1988, Dutch singing star Rene Froger's version was a top five top hit in Holland, and Froger's live version topped the charts there again in recent years. Players on this LP were Acoustic Guitar – Troy Seals, Backing Vocals – Norma Stoneman, Bass – Joe Allan, Tim Partridge, Cello – Nathan Waks, Drums – Laurie London, Russell Dunlop, Electric Guitar – Mark Punch, Mellotron – Roy Ritchie. Music Director, Arranged By, Conductor, Piano, Mellotron, Synthesizer, Organ – Wayne Findlay, Percussion – Ian Bloxsom, Piano – David Briggs, Steel Guitar – Pee Wee Clark, Stu Baseore, Strings – Bob Ingram. Flac 

Post 706 - Wickedy Wak - Billie's Bikie Boys - Chitty Chitty Bang Bang

Rick Springfield played guitar and vocals, as far as I know from what little information there is on this recording the rest of the band included Paul Shannon, Ray Wright, and Danny Finley from MPD Ltd. Here to download from 1969 on Sunshine Records is "Billie's Bikie Boys" b/w “Chitty Chitty Bang Bang’ (QK 3118). The A side was written by Johnny Young and produced by Ian Meldrum. The production is great and in some parts is reminiscent of Russell Morris's "Real Thing" which was released earlier, in May of 1969. Rick Springfield's guitar is full on and people couldn’t understand why the single did not make a bigger impact at the time. It could be because the B side "Chitty Chitty Bang Bang" which was not very inspiring and a total contrast to the style of the A side. In the month following this recording Rick replaced Roger Hicks as the lead guitarist with Zoot and the rest as they say is history. The story is about "Billy" who is apparently a rebel on a motorcycle, riding through town with his buddies, causing the girls to turn and look, and disturbing the peace! The cops finally catch up with him and now there are no more roaring engines racing around town. The song has a very classic late 60's psychedelic sound and instrumentation.  Flac

Post 705 - John Swan/Maggie McKinney - West End Girls - West End Boys

John Swan OAM was born in 1952 in Glasgow, Scotland, better known as Swanee. He was born John Archibold Dixon Swan. He is the older brother of singer-songwriter Jimmy Barnes, and musician and singer Alan Barnes, and the uncle of singer and stage performer David Campbell. John Swan featured in an ad for West End Draught, a South Australian beer. The brewer provided financial support to Swanee's tours and he in turn appeared in the company's TV commercials. This was a promotional 45 put out by West End Brewing perhaps in the early eighties not real sure of the date because the single has no date of release. It was penned by Les Gock and Chris Mitchell. The B side features Maggie McKinney doing the same song but it’s about West End Boys. Maggie and husband Chuck formed the Melbourne soul, funk outfit The Hot City Bump Band in 1973. Flac

Post 704 - Platter Pushers - As Long As There's A Twinkle In Your Sprinkle - Make A Move

This single was released in 1971 on RCA Records, it got a little airplay in Brisbane and surrounding areas, but failed to make an impact on the charts. “Platter Pushers” mainly made up of “Burke & Wills" who recorded a couple tracks for Image records. Members were Jamie Dunne, who later became famous as "Agro", plus, Peter Moscos, Warren Adams, Mick Power & Neil Waddell. The A side was penned by Peter Moscos with the B penned by Warren Adams. Here to download is “As Long As There’s A Twinkle In Your Sprinkle” b/w “Make A Move” (101926). If you listen to the song it actually says "As Long As There's A Twinkle in MY Sprinkle", but, the label had it as..."...YOUR Sprinkle..."! Flac

Post 703 - Roly Parks And The Sole Burners - Good On Ya Cliff Young - The Good Old Aussie Battler

Roly Parks lives in Kalangadoo, a small town in the South East of South Australia. Each week Roly writes a letter to his son, Gene, who lives in London with his partner, Ahmed, a Moroccan ballet dancer, formerly with the Royal Ballet. Roly’s letters have been broadcast nationally on ABC radio for over twenty five years. Roly’s letters range from his ongoing marriage counselling encounters with his wife of fifty years, Sonya, his run-ins with the town gossip Beryl Coates and Mrs Phipps, the letter-opening post-mistress and assortment of other. In 1983 Roly recorded a single for Wizard Records ‘Good On Ya Cliff Young” b/w “The Good Old Aussie Battler” (ZS 826). The B side features his wife on vocals. The single was produced by Bryan Dawe and Steve Groves who also penned both sides.  Cliff Young OAM was an Australian potato farmer and athlete from Beech Forest, Victoria, best known for his unexpected win of the inaugural Sydney to Melbourne Ultra marathon in 1983 at 61 years of age Flac

Post 702 - Dallimore - We Are The Kids - Women Together

John Dallimore was only 17 years old when he joined Geelong band the 'Redhouse Roll Band', who changed their name to “Redhouse” and quickly built up a strong following on the Melbourne pub circuit. In late 1978, John and bass player Rick Crothall formed a new band  a heavy rock outfit in the tradition of Rose Tattoo and AC/DC. The band was called “Dallimore”. The band released one single, here for you to download "We Are The Kids" b/w “Women Together” (AP 292), in August 1980. The only other recordings by “Dallimore” I know of is a couple of tracks that featured on the “Canned Rock” LP recorded live at Sydney's Parammatta Gaol in 1979. This single was produced by Ian Miller and engineered by Col Freeman.  Dallimore accepted an offer by Jon English to join his backing band the “Foster Brothers band”. He also played on former “AC/DC” & “Rabbit” singer Dave Evans' album “Thunder Down Under” in 1985. His originality, technical ability and improvisations made him a legend amongst guitarists and a very sorted after session player. Dallimore has toured extensively both nationally and abroad supporting such acts as Ray Charles, Wilson Pickett, James Brown, Deep Purple and AC/DC.Flac

Post 701 - Tidewater LP

The group Tidewater was formed in 1974 and released one single and the LP “Wild Horse Plains” (GEMS 7031). Tidewater featured   Greg Champion, Brooke Mostyn Smith, Paul Ziesing, Dean Neilsen and Graham Davidge. I have read that Champion was quoted saying he disliked the album, I’m not sure why as to me there’s not a bad track on it. There’s very little on Tidewater in my books and on the net, the album was produced by Tidewater, Ray Dyett and Peter Brook. Thanks again to Rex for sending me this gem for the Blog.  FLAC

Post 700 - Max Merritt - Growing Pains - Prove It

After moving to Los Angeles Max Merritt, where he continues to reside, toured Australia in 1979 and 1980. On the second tour he put together a band with Stewie Speer on drums, Paul Grant on guitar, John Williams on keyboards, Martin Jenner on guitar and Phil Lawson on bass. This was Merritt and Speer's last major tour together: Speer died of a heart attack on 16 September 1986. Merritt released singles "Growing Pains" b/w “Prove It” (BA 223008) in 1982 released on Avenue Records. The single was produced by Larry Murray and Max. He toured Australia in 1991 with Brian Cadd in the Brian Cadd and Max Merritt Band, which comprised Merritt, Cadd (vocals, piano), John Dallimore (guitar), Craig Reeves (keyboards), Des Scott (bass) and Dave Stewart (drums).Flac

Post 699 - Mick Hamilton - Merry Christmas Mary - Roving Gambler

Playing professionally in rock bands from his mid-teens, guitarist and vocalist Mick Hamilton has since worked not only as a sideman but also as band leader, solo performer, record producer and musical director. Among the bands and individual artists with whom he has worked from the 60s include the Moods, the Vibrants, the Springfield Revival, the rockabilly band the Mighty Guys, Alan Caswell, Keith Glass and Gary Young. With the latter (as Glass Hamilton) He and Glass also recorded as the Dimmer Twins, “True Blue Aussie Christmas”.  In 1986 he recorded and produced the Christmas single “Merry Christmas Mary” b/w “Roving Gambler” (K 127). Hamilton has toured extensively outside Australia, including appearing in Thailand, Venezuela, Brazil, Argentina, the UK and the USA. Flac

Post 698 - Various - Family Christmas Album

In 1985 Central Coast Radio 2GO & St. George Building Society put together this Christmas LP “Family Christmas Album” (STGO 1), it was produced by G.Wayne Thomas & Craig Denyer and recorded at Sun Studios by Martin Harrington & Gary O’Connor. All proceeds  from the LP went to “Camp Breakaway” Wyong N.S.W. Featuring on the LP  was a mixed bag from Central Coast Artists Simone Hartman, Joyce Harpur, McCormack Brothers Band, Bill O’Neill, June Cheney to name a few. A big thank you to Christine for giving me this LP to fix up for the Blog Flac

Post 697 - The Cast - Christmas With Your Neighbours

That time of year again where we dig through the Christmas box. Throughout this album, you can just about hear the Neighbour’s marketing team rubbing their hands together in the background. I’m unsure whether the cast wanted to do the album, or whether it was decided for them in this post-Kylie Minogue and Jason Donovan, and pre-Delta Goodrem time. Stefan Dennis is the only one here noted as having a record contract, although Ian Smith and Anne Charleston had released their single “Old Fashioned Christmas” in the same year as this album. This is a fast romp through the classic songs, and generally gives you the festive spirit. The LP was released on Fable Records in 1989, (FAB 793200) with the help of Wendy Stapleton, Terry Dean and produced by Russell McKenna and Tony Naylor. Flac 

Post 696 - The Rory O'Donoghue Quartet - The Colour In Between

In memory of Rory O’Donoghue  (13 May 1949- 13 December 2017).

Rory O’Donoghue, the creative force alongside Grahame Bond for Australian hit 70s comedy The Aunty Jack Show, has died at age 68. In a statement on Facebook, Jessica O’Donoghue revealed, “We are so very sad to announce the passing of Rory O’Donoghue. He died in hospital on 13 December 2017. Many of you knew Rory as an incredible musician, a great athlete and a wonderful teacher. To us he was the most amazing and precious Dad, Grandpa, partner, son, brother, uncle and friend. We are devastated and will miss him deeply.

I never had the pleasure of meeting Rory in person but we were Facebook friends for over five years and in that time we chattered many times about his life with the bands he played in and of cause the Aunty Jack years. I found him never too busy to talk and a true gentleman. Here in this post for you to download is a album he released in 2000 “The Colour In Between” under The Rory O’Donoghue Quartet. The album features Rory on vocals & guitars, Alister  Spence keyboard, Ben O’Donoghue six string bass and Laurence Pike on drums. We talked once about me doing a post of all the Rory years with the Pogs, Oakapple Day, Cool Bananas and some other recordings. The only thing stopping us was his Fable single ”The Race” which I have never scored a copy as yet, but now I will  endeavour to track down and finish this project. R.I.P Rory.  Flac

Post 695 - The Mint - The Complete Singles

Christine Dalton was Michael’s wife, born Christine Martin. David and Eddie were Michael’s brothers. Stephen was not a Dalton at all, but Stephen Powell who, after leaving the band in the early 70s, went on to record the classic ‘Celestial Madness’ album, as S. J. C. Powell, you can find that LP on Post #682. Powell was replaced in the band by Simon Dalton another Dalton ring-in apparently, not sure who he was at all.   Everybody’s a Daltons idea came from the band’s manager at the time Sid McDonagh.  Here for you to download, the complete singles from The Mint from 1969/’71. Their 3^rd single “Down The Dustpipe” was covered by Status Quo. All the single were released on Ramrod Records, Johnny Rebb produced many of the The Mint singles. Thanks to Matt Gleeson for the pic of the band for this post. After The Mint had split, Michael, Christine, David and Eddie formed The Daltons and released one single on Astor and then several singles and a self-titled album on the Wizard label. Flac

Post 694 - Australian Cast Recording - Happy Days The Arena Mega Musical

Back in the summer of 1999 after a London theatre workshop adaptation of Happy Days caught the attention of the Australian promoter Paul Dainty, it was announced that Dainty and collaborator David Ian would be bringing Happy Days: The Arena Mega Musical to a handful of Australian cities. And in stark contrast to the “Dainty” name, it would prove to be a massive, elaborate production, with more than 70 performers taking the stage. The Happy Days touring show wasn’t short on star power, either. Along with a cast of rising musical theatre standouts Jon Stevens, Jo Beth Taylor, Doug Parkinson, and Craig McLachlan as The Fonz Maybe the biggest fish Dainty managed to pull for the tour, however, was one of Australia’s most popular young boy bands of the day, Human Nature who played a fictional Doo Wop group called “The Naturals,” adding their talents to the show’s compilation of classic rock n’ roll oldies like “Great Balls of Fire,” “Shake Rattle and Roll,” and “Why Do Fools Fall in Love?” The soundtrack album here for you to download was released on Sony Records (4966782) in 1999. Flac

Post 693 - Randall Waller - Oasis

Randall Waller released two Christian based albums as a solo artist, “Oasis” (GS5002) in 1978 here for you to download, and “Midnight Fire”  in 1980. In 1981 Waller formed rock group Lionheart in Sydney with Evan Murray on keyboards, Martin Toole on guitar, and his two brothers: John Waller on drums and Kendall Waller on bass guitar – the group was soon renamed as Avion, who  were on track to making it big. But it’s hard to keep a band together, and when he found himself a free agent, he packed a guitar, hit the road, and never looked back. Touring with artists like Sharon O’Neill, Dragon and Bonnie Tyler, Randall eventually found himself in London working with Australian household names like Jon English and Billy Thorpe. Things shifted gear from there, when friend Andy Cichon who, by putting Randall’s name forward for a gig that would change his life, also initiated a friendship with one of the biggest names in the music business. The gig was for a really big tour, this was a Mutt Lange production so we immediately knew it would be big. They wanted a guitarist who could also sing great harmonies and could compliment the lead singer’s voice; the artist was none other than Shania Twain. The first tour was in ’88 & ‘89 for the ‘Come on Over’ record which is still the biggest selling album of all time by a female artist. Between albums Randall camped out in Nashville, where he soon found work with people like Keith Urban, and Americana Song writing legend Rodney Crowell. After another tour with Shania, he moved back to Australia in 1996 and joined Billy Thorpe’s new band. Randall then penned and recorded the single “Side By Side” which was dedicated to the victims of the ’96 Port Arthur massacre. The single was issued in February ’97 with all proceeds to the Port Arthur Appeal Fund.  He joined up with Australian Rock legends ‘Rose Tattoo’ in 2007. Thanks again to Rex for sending me this LP to post on the Blog. Flac

Post 692 - Carlton - Carlton

Carlton was a rock band from Cowra (NSW), a town about 300km south-west of Sydney between Bathurst and Young and about an hour’s drive from here in Orange. The band was actually named after the Skyhooks' song. Carlton's rarely seen album contains a blend of melodic and rockier numbers, including a cover of The Master's Apprentices "Turn Up Your Radio". Here to download is the S/T album by Carlton (JCWM 0016) The LP was recorded at JAM Sound Studios in Gosford (NSW) and arranged by Carlton. Carlton are Bass Guitar – Robert Trudgen, Drums – Mick Cunningham, Keyboards, Rhythm Guitar, Vocals – Laurie Stephenson, Lead Vocals, Lead Guitar – John Marsh. The album was produced by Paul Bryant. Thanks to Rex for another rare one for the Blog. Flac

Post 691 - The Delltones - Tears Begin To Fall - Birmingham

After returning from Europe at the end of 1970, The Delltones recorded the classic single "Rock 'N' Roll Will Stand", which was backed with a Bob Pierse composition "Billy's Rock 'N' Roll" for Festival Records. Following this, they released the album “London Session”. The single “Tears Begin To Fall” b/w "Birmingham" (EA-9978) released on HMV Records with the A side being a cover of a Frank Zappa  song. But the single failed to register on the charts. For the next three years the band toured nationally. The tour culminated with their near-demise, in the infamous fire at Brisbane's Whisky au Go Go nightclub. In 1973, following disenchantment with city life, the show business industry and tensions within the group, The Delltones split up. Martin and Pierse continued performing as a duet, while Wilson and Perkins turned hippy and settled with their families on a farm in the Mid North Coast of NSW. In 1978, after pressure from various sources, including Johnny O'Keefe, The Delltones reformed. They went on to tour for the next two years, sharing the bill with Digger Revell. The Delltones backing band at the time was Jon Hayton aka Farmer Jon, Michael Lawler and Leon Isackson. Former tensions and disputes arose in The Delltones, with Sep Martin leaving in 1981, followed by Bob Pierse, and finally Brian Perkins. Flac

Post 690 - The Sidney Simm Funny Orchestra - William Tell Rides Again - Zoopops Theme

I’m afraid not too much to write on this post, can’t find anything at all on The Sidney Simm Funny Orchestra. Released in 1974 “William Tell Rides Again” b/w “Zoopops Theme” (K-5438) On Festival Records.  Produced by Martin Erdman and conducted by Mel Bourne which I’m pretty sure is a play on words just like Sidney.  After listening to this I would compare the tracks to early Capt. Matchbox style. But like I often say maybe there is someone out there that will inform us on more of these guys someday soon. Flac

Post 689 - Bill & Boyd - It's A Small World - Meanwhile Back In Abeline

On their return to Australia, Bill & Boyd established themselves as a top club act. In 1970, they joined Ron Tudor's newly formed Fable label. Their first release, in July 1970, was a version of "It's A Small World" b/w “Meanwhile Back In Abeline” (FB 009) which, although a steady seller, didn't quite make the top 40. They had several releases of singles and albums over the next four years. It wasn't until 1975 that they had their most success, after recording a song called "Santa Never Made It into Darwin". The song documented the events of Cyclone Tracy that devastated the city of Darwin on Christmas Eve 1974. This single was Arranged and Produced by John Farrar.Flac

Post 688 - John Paul Young - Love Is In The Air

"Love Is in the Air" is a 1977 disco song  by John Paul Young. The song was written by George Young and Harry Vanda and it became a worldwide hit in 1978, peaking at No. 3 on the Australian charts and No. 5 in the UK Singles Chart. In the United States, the song peaked at No. 7 on the pop chart and spent two weeks at No. 1 on the adult contemporary chart, his only US top 40 hit. The song was released as the lead single from Young's fourth studio album, (here for you to download) “Love Is in the Air” (475606-2) in 1978. John Paul Young said of the recording, "We actually did 'Love Is in the Air' because we needed something for the German market. ‘Standing in the Rain' became a hit in the clubs over there and then on the charts, so we needed a follow-up. I'd been to Germany and heard the music. It was electronic mania, all clicks and electronic buzzes. So George and Harry gave it the treatment." "Love Is in the Air" was the theme song to Baz Luhrmann's 1992 debut feature film “Strictly Ballroom”. Young performed the song at the Closing Ceremony of the 2000 Olympic Games in Sydney. Musicians on the LP were Johnny Dick, Ian Miller, Warren Morgan, Rockwell T.James and Jacques De Jongh. Flac