Bobby and Laurie...Hitch Hiker

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Dynamic vocal duo Bobby and Laurie was one of the leading acts in the first wave of Australian 'beat pop' 1964-67. They cut a series of fine recordings which rank alongside those of Billy Thorpe & The Aztecs, Ray Brown & The Whispers, The Easybeats, Normie Rowe and MPD Ltd as milestones of Australian pop in the mid-60s.

Although perhaps not as well remembered today as some of their contemporaries, they were one of the most popular and successful acts of their day, and deserve a lot more recognition for their contributions. Bobby, Laurie and the members of their regular backing band, The Rondells, were all important figures in the development of the Melbourne rock scene, and their History is also a great illustration of the intricate (and sometimes confusing) interconnections between the many groups of the '60s and '70s.

This album "Hitch Hiker" was released in 1966 and showcases both their songwriting and vocal abilities. More in a pop format than their earlier beat sound with The Rondells, this had similarities to other vocal duos like The Everly Brothers and Simon and Garfunkel, but still had a uniqueness that identified with their own sound. A good mix of rockers and ballads too.

See also earlier post: I Belong With You

1. No Next Time
2. Jump Back
3. Sweet And Tender Romance
4. Not My Girl
5. Fallin'
6. You'll Come Round
7. Hitch Hiker
8. Tonight When I Come Home
9. Bless You
10. I've Learned
11. Down In The Valley
12. Trouble With A Woman