Madder Lake...Stillpoint 1973 ..A Progressive Rock Classic

Madder Lake were one of the most original and distinctive of the "new wave" of Australian groups that emerged around 1970. They were also an important and popular part of the of the Melbourne music scene. It's unfortunate that they're only known for their extant recordings -- their two excellent 1970s Albums and one "Best Of.." compilation -- because they are prolific writers, and according to Mick Fettes they have "literally hundreds of songs" stockpiled,waiting to see the light of day.

band members:
Andy Cowan (keyboards, vocals) 1973-75
Mick Fettes (vocals) 1971-75, 1978-
Ian Holding (bass) 1976-78
Jack Kreemers (drums) 1969-??
Tony Lake (vocals) 1976-78
Brendan Mason (guitar, vocals)
Kerry McKenna (bass, vocals)
John McKinnon (keyboards, vocals) 1970-73
Colin Setches (vocals) 1976-78

The original lineup — McKenna, Kreemers, McKinnon, Mason and Fettes — all met in 1968, while studying at the Swinburne Institute of Technology, Melbourne's renowned arts and media college. The entry in Noel McGrath's 1978 rock encyclopedia says that Madder Lake was their first band, but in fact all the members had been through the usual round of teenage beat groups before meeting at Swinburne. The band which became Madder Lake evolved from an earlier student band, which included Kerry McKenna and Brendan Mason, who had been playing together since their early teens. By the time they began studying at Swinburne, Kerry and Brendan already had their own established band, San Sebastian, gigging regularly around the Melbourne area.

Madder Lake evolved a distinctive sound very early on. According to Mick, the group's sound was very much in place by 1971. And while influences can be identified — English progressive groups like King Crimson, Family, Traffic — one listen to the Stillpoint album should convince you that they were very much their own band. They were as musically dynamic and accomplished as any of the contemporary English groups, like early Genesis, but with none of the latter's fey qualities. A focal point was the energetic,bear-like presence and tough, bluesy voice of Mick Fettes. It's become a convention to compare his singing to Joe Cocker, but it's really only a surface similarity. If you listen with open ears you quickly pretty realise that Mick was (and is) very much his own singer. Another often overlooked feature of the group was their strong harmony singing.

Stillpoint, released in 1973, remains one of the classics of progressive Australian music from the 1970's and still sounds fresh today. If you haven't heard hit then have a listen now.

click here for more information

1. Salmon Song 8:23
2. On My Way To Heaven 4:53
3. Helper 5:12
4. Listen To The Morning Sunshine 5:03
5. Goodbye Lollipop 3:37
6. A Song For Little Ernest 4:29
7. 12LB. Toothbrush 6:02

Looking for Aussie albums to share

Hello Aussie music lovers. I have had some requests come in and am currently looking for the following albums:

The Dingoes - first album

Madder Lake - Still Point

If you have an MP3 copy of either of these and would like to share it, please drop me a line through the contact page. I will be very happy if you can and I'm sure other Aussie music lovers would be too.

Update 11/03/14 - thank you to those people who responded to this request. I now have these albums.

AC/DC..High Voltage..first album as released in Australia 1975

This is AC/DC's original first album as it was released in Australia. It shows that even from the beginning the band had that sheer energy that propelled them to the international success they are today.

AC/DC were formed in November 1973 by brothers Malcolm and Angus Young, who have remained constant members. Commonly referred to as a hard rock or blues rock band, they are also considered pioneers of heavy metal and are sometimes classified as such, though they have always dubbed their music as simply "rock and roll". To date they are one of the highest-grossing bands of all time.

Malcolm and Angus Young developed the idea for the band's name after their sister, Margaret Young, saw the initials "AC/DC" on a sewing machine. "AC/DC" is an abbreviation meaning "alternating current/direct current" electricity. The brothers felt that this name symbolised the band's raw energy, power-driven performances of their music. "AC/DC" is pronounced one letter at a time, though the band are colloquially known as "Acca Dacca" in Australia.

In November 1973 Malcolm and Angus Young formed AC/DC and recruited bassist Larry Van Kriedt, vocalist Dave Evans, and Colin Burgess, ex-Masters Apprentices drummer.Pushing hard for the band's success were Australia's legendary roadie Ray Arnold and his partner Alan Kissack. Gene Pierson booked the band to let the band play at Bondi Lifesaver on New Year's Eve, 1973.

By this time, Angus Young had adopted his characteristic school-uniform stage outfit. The idea was his sister Margaret's. Angus had tried other costumes: Spider-Man, Zorro, a gorilla, and a parody of Superman, named Super-Ang. In its early days, most members of the band dressed in some form of glam or satin outfit but this approach was abandoned seeing as Melbourne band Skyhooks had already adopted this approach to their stage presentation.

The Young brothers decided that Evans was not a suitable frontman for the group because they felt he was more of a glam rocker like Gary Glitter. On stage, Evans was occasionally replaced by the band's first manager, Dennis Laughlin, who was the original lead singer with Sherbet prior to Daryl Braithwaite joining the band. Evans did not get along with Laughlin, which also contributed to the band's ill feeling toward Evans.

In September 1974 Ronald Belford "Bon" Scott, an experienced vocalist and friend of George Young, replaced Dave Evans after friend Vince Lovegrove recommended him to George Young. Like the Young brothers, Scott had been born in Scotland before emigrating to Australia in his childhood.

By October 1974, the Australia-only album High Voltage had been recorded. It took only ten days and was based on instrumental songs written by the Young brothers, with lyrics added by Scott. Within a few months, the band's line-up had stabilised, featuring Scott, the Young brothers, bassist Mark Evans and drummer Phil Rudd. High Voltage was released on 17 February 1975.

click here for more information

                                      

This almost 12 minute version of "Baby Please Don't Go" is live from 1976

                              

Skyhooks..Living In the Seventies...released 40 years ago and still a classic

I've been wanting to post this one for a while and since this year is the 40th anniversary of its original release, I wanted to get in before everyone else does. One of the biggest selling Aussie albums of all time and certainly one of the most popular Australian bands ever. They turned the music world upside down when this was released in 1974 and it still remains a rock classic.

The Band, a brief history:
Skyhooks were an Australian rock band formed in Melbourne in March 1973 by mainstays Greg Macainsh on bass guitar and backing vocals, and Imants "Freddie" Strauks on drums.They were soon joined by Bob "Bongo" Starkie on guitar and backing vocals, and Red Symons on guitar, vocals and keyboards; Graeme "Shirley" Strachan became lead vocalist in March 1974. Described as a glam rock band, because of flamboyant costumes and make-up, Skyhooks addressed teenage issues including buying drugs ("Carlton (Lygon Street Limbo)"), suburban sex ("Balwyn Calling"), the gay scene ("Toorak Cowboy") and loss of girlfriends ("Somewhere in Sydney") by namechecking Australian locales. According to music historian, Ian McFarlane "[Skyhooks] made an enormous impact on Australian social life".

Skyhooks had #1 albums on the Australian Kent Music Report with their 1974 debut, Living in the 70's (for 16 weeks), and its 1975 follow-up, Ego Is Not a Dirty Word (11 weeks).Their #1 singles were "Horror Movie" (January 1975), "Ego Is Not a Dirty Word" (April 1975) and "Jukebox in Siberia" (November 1990).

Symons left Skyhooks in 1977 and became a radio and television personality. Strachan had solo releases since 1976 and finally left the band in 1978 and was also a radio and television presenter. With altered line-ups, Skyhooks continued until they disbanded on 8 June 1980; they briefly reformed in 1983, 1984, 1990 and 1994. In 1992, Skyhooks were inducted into the Australian Recording Industry Association (ARIA) Hall of Fame. Lead singer, Strachan died on 29 August 2001, aged 49, in a helicopter crash while solo piloting. Their original lead singer, Steve Hill, died in October 2005, aged 52, of liver cancer.

In 2011, the Skyhooks album Living in the 70s was added to the National Film and Sound Archive of Australia's Sounds of Australia registry.

The album:
Living in the 70's is the debut album by Melbourne band Skyhooks. Released in October 1974 on the Mushroom Records label, the album achieved relatively little success until early 1975. It spent 16 weeks at the top of the Australian album charts from late February 1975, and became the highest-selling album by an Australian act in Australia up until that time, with sales of 240,000. In October 2010, it was listed at No. 9 in the book 100 Best Australian Albums.

The album was produced by former Daddy Cool lead singer Ross Wilson.
Two singles were lifted from the album: "Living in the 70's"/"You're a Broken Gin Bottle, Baby" and "Horror Movie"/"Carlton (Lygon Street Limbo)". The latter spent 2 weeks at the top of the Australian singles chart in 1975. Six tracks from the album were banned on commercial radio in Australia; in defiance of this, however, the ABC's new youth station in Sydney, 2JJ, played the track "You Just Like Me 'Cos I'm Good in Bed" as their first ever song when they began broadcasting in January 1975.

"Broken Gin Bottle", the B-side of the original "Living in the 70's" single, was included as track 11 on the 2004 CD remaster.


In 2011 the album featured at number 75 on the Triple J Hottest 100 Albums of All Time. In the same year, the album was added to the National Film and Sound Archive of Australia's Sounds of Australia registry.

The tracks:
(All tracks by Greg Macainsh, except where noted. Red Symons provides lead vocals on "Smut".)
"Living in the 70's" – 3:42
"Whatever Happened to the Revolution?" – 4:08
"Balwyn Calling" – 3:44
"Horror Movie" – 3:47
"You Just Like Me 'Cos I'm Good in Bed" – 3:44
"Carlton (Lygon Street Limbo)" – 3:56
"Toorak Cowboy" – 3:45
"Smut" – 5:19 (Red Symons)
"Hey, What's the Matter?" – 2:47
"Motorcycle Bitch" – 3:56
Bonus track on CD remaster[edit]
11. "Broken Gin Bottle" – 4:14

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Paul Winn Band...blues/rock outfit from Sydney clocks up 147,00 YouTube views

"Down So Long" - Paul Winn Band

Humble Beginnings - When asked about how the band got together, the guys confess that "we all first met while performing in a dodgy production of the musical Grease. Hopefully our music doesn’t resemble anything from Grease… not that there’s anything wrong with that."

In 2004, they recorded their self-titled debut album which had more of a singer/songwriter feel to it. Since then, the album has been played on radio throughout Australia, Europe and the USA. Their music has also been featured in Australian films and TV.

"This is a record with the self-confidence to swear off a producer's bells and whistles and to lovingly embrace songsmithing and, above all, melody."

Todd Beemis (Indie-music).

They have also just released a new "live" album. Read more and stream their music here: www.paulwinnband.com
..and also here:

www.reverbnation.com/paulwinnband

www.paulwinnband.bandcamp.com

www.facebook.com/paulwinnband

www.twitter.com/paulwinnband

Awaiting Departure release new single 'Paper Lungs'....destined to be HUGE!

Following up on the release of their first single "Tell Me Now (Tell Me It's Over)" back in August 2013, Melbourne pop-rock outfit Awaiting Departure have just released their second single "Paper Lungs".

This young band from Melbourne are shaking the rafters with this new release. With a heavy pop-rock sound, this is sure to catapult the career of these talented guys. The production is just top-notch. A pounding beat, chunky guitar riffs and vocals by Andy that scream out "listen to me, I have something to say"! Have a listen and turn up the volume..it ROCKS!..and please share if you like it (I know you will).

Have a listen here on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TcltwCR4xxE
..and also on Facebook..https://www.facebook.com/awaitingdeparture1

Tamam Shud..progressive, psychedelic surf rock from the 70's..Evolution and Goolutionites

Tamam Shud were an Australian psychedelic and progressive rock and surf rock band, formed in Sydney, Australia in 1967, which released two albums, Evolution (1969) and Goolutionites and the Real People (1970) before disbanding in 1972. After a lengthy hiatus they reformed in 1993 to release a third album, Permanent Culture in 1994 but disbanded again in 1995.

Tamam Shud evolved from the surf band, The Sunsets, in 1967. The group released two acclaimed LPs, recorded independently, which have both become sought-after collector's items. The band's name, meaning 'finished' in Persian was taken from the closing phrase of Omar Khayyam's Rubayyat, and this phrase (Tamam Shud) was found in a very rare edition of Fitzgerald's translation (a story related by Tim Gaze's father in the "secret" track at the enmd of their 1994 reunion album). The original lineup soon became a popular attraction at Sydney discoqtheques and "head" venues, and like their contemporaries Tully, they were often performed in association with the pioneering Sydney film and lightshow collective Ubu.

The original lineup recorded the group's debut album Evolution in late 1968. It was financed by filmmkaer Paul Witzig, who commissioned the music as the soundtrack to his surfing film of the same name. Because of Witzig's limited budget, the album was recorded live, in a single 2-1/2-hour session, and mixed in just 1-1/2 hours, with most of the tracks being first takes. The independent recording was leased to the CBS label and achieved some commercial success thanks to promotions in the Australian pop magazine Go-Set.

1967-70 
Lindsay Bjerre (guitar, vocals) 
Alex 'Zac' Zytnic (lead guitar) 
Peter Barron (bass) 
Dannie Davidson (drums) 

1970-72 
Lindsay Bjerre (guitar, vocals) 
Tim Gaze (lead guitar, vocals) 1970-71, 1972 
Peter Barron (bass) 
Nigel Macara (drums) 1970-72 
Larry Duryea (aka Larry Taylor) (congas) 1970-72 
Bobby Gebert (keyboards) 1971 
Kevin Sinott (drums) 1970 
Kevin Stevenson (reeds) 1970 
Richard Lockwood (sax, flute, clarinet) 1972

click here for more information

thanks to Bob for sharing this album

You can also listen to a stream of the full album of The Goolutionites here

..and 3 albums are available on Spotify 

LUCY B..pre-selected for 3 ARIA awards and new EP release

ARIA nominee, Lucy B, was recently invited to sing at the ASA National Songwriting Awards. After being pre-selected for 3 ARIA awards, Lucy B is also about to release latest EP 'Behaviour'.

Following a brilliant performance at the Allianz Stadium last year, Lucy B was invited to perform as the Feature Artist for the ASA Awards, where she discussed her experiences as a singer-songwriter and sang her latest singles, 'Tonight (Leaving on a Lie)'  and 'Limbo (Life Goes On)'. This music industry event saw Daryl Braithwaite, Lee Kernaghan and Category Winners of the 33rd Australian Songwriting Contest perform, as the songwriting community celebrated the best in this field.

Inspired by Sarah McLachlan, Norah Jones, The Doors, Aretha Franklin, Adele, and The Beatles, it was only fitting that her debut album 'Botany St.' was recorded at the legendary, Abby Road Studios in London. "It’s such an amazing place, full of musical history and was a dream come true to record there" ..Lucy B

Botany Street, which features the tracks “Dr Phil”, “Sing Me a Song” & “In The Middle”, was shortlisted for 3 Aria nominations for Best Female Artist, Independent Release & Contemporary Artist.

Get to know more about Lucy B:  Website | Facebook | Video 
Full ASA Awards interview: Here

LUCY B & THE B-SIDES

As a singer, Lucy B defines her musical style as Pop Fusion: Jazz, Funk, Acoustic & Soul, which is evident in her sound. She performs live with her band 'The B-Sides'; four musicians who she brought in to give her shows a fuller sound when engaging audiences with her soulful voice.

EP LAUNCH & VIDEO RELEASE

When it comes to songwriting, Lucy B writes songs that explore human nature, and this can be heard in her latest EP 'Behaviour'. With 2014 here, Lucy B has now released 'Behaviour', and hopes to collaborate with emerging Australian artists.

Single: Limbo (Life goes on) Listen | Download

Botany St (album) & Behaviour (EP)   Listen and Download here

Marty's review: Lucy B personifies the terms "class" and "talent". These come out in her persona, vocals and songwriting abilities. Her voice comes across with confidence and has a clarity that is a joy to listen to. The lyrics to her songs are well crafted and have that personal touch to them that entices you to listen closely and take in the story. The production on her recordings is top notch and incorporates many elements to create an overall sound that fills out each track.

LILI KENDALL..16 year old Brisbane singer songwriter new single and video to 'MOVE'

It's been 12 months that will probably go down as the most exciting so far in the career of Brisbane singer and songwriter, Lili Kendall. Aged just 16, this young artist has already experienced more musical adventures than songwriters many years her senior.

In the past year she has chalked up many milestones including the launch of her striking debut EP, Beginnings. Released early 2013, the EP captured not just a voice that can floor you, but genuine songwriting talent. Not only did the EP earn national airplay both in Australia and in the USA (with almost 100 stations adding her tracks to rotation) and strong reviews, it marked her arrival as a serious talent eager to keep honing her craft.

Since then she has reconvened in an LA studio with producers Cameron James and Jeffrey Joslin to continually work on new songs. One of those most resent tracks, Blind Eyes, saw Lili become shortlisted for the prestigious national Vanda and Young songwriting prize alongside the likes of Josh Pyke, Emma Louise amd Thelma Plum.

In her voice you can hear traces of an old soul. Her songs seem to come from a life lived many times before this one. With a long career ahead of her, this is just the beginning of an exciting musical journey for an exciting artist.

Marty's review: Lili's talents show so much confidence, especially for someone of such a young age and at the start of the career. This comes out not only in her strong singing voice but in her well crafted lyrics that sound like they have been written by a seasoned professional. The production on her music is of a high calibre and she deserves what recognition she has received so far.

find out more about Lili here:

Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/lilikendall
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/lilikendall
Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/lili-kendall
Website: http://lilikendall.com
Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/lilikendall
"Move" on Spotify: https://play.spotify.com/album/4WG22A62MOaLofbJTdxl2q
"Move" at Amazon.com http://amzn.to/H0N6fP

Lili Kendall  available now at iTunes: 

 

Australian Pop of the 60s: Shakin' All Over..40 track collection

Being the Australia Day long weekend, what better than to share some pop classics from the sixties. This 40 track collection is perfect for your next barbecue or beach party.

Disc 1:
Shakin' All Over - Normie Rowe
The Dancer - The Allusions
My Aim Is To Please You - Executives
Minnie The Moocher - The Cherokees
Relax Me - The Groove
Fool Fool Fool - Ray Brown & Whispers
My Prayer - Digger Revell
Ciao Baby - Lynne Randell
La La - Flying Circus
The Fortune Teller - The Throb
No No No No - Marty Rhone
Georgy Girl - The Seekers
The Girl That I Love - Russell Morris
Rockin' Robin - The Henchmen
One In A Million - Bev Harrell
Sick And Tired - Billy Thorpe & The Aztecs
Somebody To Love - Jon Blanchfield
Without You - Doug Parkinson
The Star - Ross D Wyllie
My Old Man's A Groovy Old Man - The Valentines

Disc 2:
Sorry - THe Easybeats
Velvet Waters - Tony Worsley & The Fabulous Blue Jays
Western Union Man - Max Merritt & The Meteors
Step Back - Johnny Young and Kompany
Baby It's You - Jeff Phillips
I Would If I Could - Marcie & The Cookies
Young Girl - The Twilights
Woman You're Breaking Me - The Groop
Little Boy Sad - MPD LTD
Alberta - Bryan Davies
Spicks And Specks - Bee Gees
Elevator Driver - Masters Apprentices
I Don't Want To Love You - Johnny Farnham
Hitch Hiker - Bobby & Laurie
The Loved One - The Loved Ones
1 X 2 X 3 X 4 - The Zoot
Love Me Again - Town Criers
Happy Without You - The Strangers
Pushing A Good Thing Too Far - Little Pattie
Big Time Operator - The ID/Jeff St John

click here for more information

The summer of surf music 50 years later...article from National Film and Sound Archive

If you're into surfing music from the 60's, this article from the National Film and Sound Archive site is essential reading. 

                  

The summer of 1963-64, 50 years ago, was the summer of surf music in Australia. Sixteen Australian recordings with a surfing theme hit the charts, with The Atlantics’ 'Bombora’ and 'Hangin’ Five’ by the Delltones reaching No. 1 on the Sydney charts between August 1963 and April 1964. Another Atlantics instrumental, 'The Crusher’, and Little Pattie’s 'He’s My Blond Headed Stompie Wompie Real Gone Surfer Boy’ got to No. 2 while the other 12 made it into the Top 40 for at least a week or two. The Beach Boys, Jan and Dean, The Surfaris and other American musicians joined them in the charts, but Australian surf music captured the public’s imagination in equal measure...read more here

HOPE debut single from Thaylia Number 1 on the AMRAP Airit Now Charts

Thaylia's debut single entitled 'HOPE'  continues to go from strength to strength. After reaching number 2, Hope is now number 1 on the AMRAP Airit Now Charts making it the most ordered for airplay for this week in the top 10.

‘Your voice can be an anthem of courage inspiration, hope and honour to the world and people around you.’ Thaylia

Marty's review: Thaylia presents us with a most beautiful piece that will make you hit the repeat button more than once. A clean, uncluttered production that highlights Thaylia's warm vocal tones, musical abilities and lyrics that are heartfelt and sincere. Thaylia to me says sit up and listen because I have something to say. Her talents are plentiful and deserve all the recognition that comes her way. 

Thaylia brings to the stage a voice of courage, inspiration and hope. Beginning her musical journey at Abmusic college, a music college for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders, she is now establishing her reputation as a strong solo artist with a powerful message and a soaring voice that will leave you captivated. 

"If I had to put my music into a category I would define my ‘genre’ as Contemporary Folk. Contemporary as it is relevant to my time, and folk because I see my songs as narrative music with a social conscience. As my skills on guitar and vocals have evolved so have my songs, and the difference is evident from the very first song I wrote up until my most recent. I see that my songs will continue to change as my skills further develop as well. For now it is just me and my acoustic guitar. The goal is release an album that is organic, uncluttered and a true representation of what I do on a stage."

Thaylia is looking forward to continued success with an interview on Noongar Radio with Michelle Wilson 2:30pm AEST (15 jan 14) which can be streamed online at www.noongarradio.com  and a feature article in January's edition of the Deadly Vibe magazine. She will also be heading back into the studio at the end of January to record her second single called Love with one of Australia's top producers Steve Peach (Producer of Stafford Brothers, Marcia Hines, Icehouse).

You can also get to know Thaylia even better by listening to her interview with Kristy McMahon last Sunday from Brisbanes 4ZZZ Indigi-Briz program at : http://ondemand.4zzzfm.org.au/indigi-bris/2014-01-12 

2013 Highlights - Backup vocals for Archie Roach - Into the Bloodstream Tour at Perth International Arts Festival & Melbourne Festival

read Thaylia's full biography on her Facebook page

Daddy Who Daddy Cool...all time classic best selling Aussie album

Daddy Cool is an Australian rock band formed in Melbourne in 1970 with the original line-up of Wayne Duncan (bass, Vocals), Ross Hannaford (lead guitar, bass, vocals), Ross Wilson (lead vocals, rhythm guitar, harmonica) and Gary Young (drums, vocals) . Their debut single "Eagle Rock" was released in May 1971 and stayed at number 1 on the Australian singles chart for ten weeks. Their debut July 1971 LP Daddy Who? Daddy Cool also reached number 1 and became the first Australian album to sell more than 100,000 copies. Their name comes from the 1957 song "Daddy Cool" by US rock group The Rays, Daddy Cool included their version on Daddy Who? Daddy Cool.

The album was originally issued in a textured cover and featured a cartoon rendering of band members by Melbourne artist Ian McCausland which became the group's logo. While Daddy Cool's guitarist, Ross Hannaford, was responsible for overall album cover design, McCausland created the band's graphics and much of their visual image. Most of the original songs were written by guitarist, vocalist Ross Wilson except "Bom Bom", which was co-written with Hannaford. The rest of the album contained 1950s R&B covers - The Rivals' "Guided Missiles", Etta James' "Good Rockin' Daddy", Marvin & Johnny's "Cherry Pie", The Rays' "Daddy Cool" and Chuck Berry's "School Days".

Daddy Cool's music featured 1950s Doo-wop style rock cover versions and originals which were mostly written by Wilson. On stage they provided a danceable sound which was accessible and fun. Their second album was Sex, Dope, Rock'n'Roll: Teenage Heaven from January 1972 and reached the Top Ten. Breaking up in August 1972, Daddy Cool briefly reformed during 1974–1975 before disbanding again, they reformed with the band's original line-up in 2005. Their iconic status was confirmed when they were inducted into the Australian Recording Industry Association (ARIA) Hall of Fame on 16 August 2006.

Daddy Who?... Daddy Cool was also released in the US on the Warner/Reprise label and the band toured in support of its release. Two singles were lifted from the album: "Eagle Rock" #1 on the Australian national singles chart and "Come Back Again" which reached #3.

The album was re-issued in 1975 (with different sleeve under the title Daddy Who? Daddy Gold!) on Wizard Records (also owned by Porter) and in 1982, with the original artwork but non-gatefold sleeve.

The Australian release on Sparmac Records contains different tracks than the US Release on Reprise Records five months later. The Australian release includes the tracks "Good Rockin' Daddy" and "Cherry Pie" not found on the Reprise Records edition. The US release includes the tracks "Flip", "Lollipop" and "Just As Long As We're Together" not found on the Sparmac Records edition.

In October 2010, it was listed at No. 14 in the book, 100 Best Australian Albums

1. "Daddy Cool" (Frank Slay/Bob Crewe) - 2:31
2. "School Days" (Chuck Berry) - 3:03
3. "Come Back Again" - 4:51
4. "At The Rockhouse" - 3:42
5. "Guided Missile" (Alfred Gaitwood) - 3:02
6. "Good Rockin' Daddy" (Richard Berry/Joseph Bihari as "Joe Josea") - 2:21
7. "Eagle Rock" - 4:07
8. "Zoop Bop Gold Cadillac" - 3:56
9. "Blind Date" - 4:12
10. "Bom Bom" (Ross Wilson/Ross Hannaford) - 2:34
11. "Cherry Pie" (Joseph Bihari as "Joe Josea"/Marvin Phillips) - 3:40
12. "Flip" (Carl Green) - 2:26 (bonus track from US release)
13. "Lollipop" (Beverly Ross/Julius Dixon) - 1:36 (bonus track from US release)
14. "Just As Long As We're Together" - 2:32 (bonus track from US release)

click here for more information

                                         

Happy New Year and what's coming up in 2014 on the Aussie Music Blog

G'day to all the Aussie music fans out there and a Happy New Year to you all. Just wanted to give you a heads up as to what is coming soon on the Aussie Music Blog this year.

I have posts on Daddy Cool, Taman Shud, The Dingoes, Madder Lake, Skyhooks, The Saints, AC/DC and heaps more. Also, I will be listing the top 100 Australian Albums as featured in the book The 100 Best Australian Albums by John O'Donnell, Toby Cresswell and Craig Mathieson, and continue to feature new artists and releases.

I am introducing some new features which will create some more variety and will give the pages a face lift as well. If there is anything you would like to see, please drop me a line through the contact page. Contributions are always welcome.

So have a sensational 2014 and keep rockin' to those Aussie sounds!

Great John Himself...roots rock from Melbourne..combining blues, ska and reggae

Great John Himself are a roots rock band, combining blues, ska, reggae and rock styles to develop a sound dedicated entirely to getting a crowd dancing and having a good time. 2013 has seen Great John Himself perform extensively at venues such as The Esplanade Hotel Front Bar and The Brunswick Hotel, develop a live show that has won them the Melbourne University Battle of the Bands and a position in the grand final of the FReeZA Push Start Battle Of The Bands at the Sydney Myer Music Bowl for Pushover 2014 and most recently, produce and record their debut EP which was launched at The Cornish Arms on December 7th 2013.

It has never been established who 'John' is, or what it is that makes him so particularly great. All that is for certain is that an ensemble of five males have emerged from Melbourne, Australia in his legacy to preach his message of good times and partying down, whilst refusing to conform to even the slightest of trends or expectations.

Marty's review: GJH have a unique sound that combines many elements of blues and roots music, with a few original features added in that make them stand out on their own. Soaring harmonica, tight and funky bass lines,chucka-wucka guitar licks, cool saxophone, sonic and spacey keyboards, quirky and sometimes amusing lyrics, a rollocking drum beat and vocals by all members that round out their combined talents. One thing these guys sound like they're doing is having lots of fun! Take some time out and listen to and/or download their debut EP.

listen to their 5 track EP here: http://greatjohnhimself.bandcamp.com/album/great-john-himself
...and find out more on Facebook: www.facebook.com/greatjohnhimself

Great John Himself  are:

Edward Williams - Vocals, Saxophone 
Francis Tait - Harmonica, Guitar, Vocals 
Damon Perillo - Bass Guitar, Guitar, Vocals 
William Fleming - Keys, Vocals 
Benjamin Borrelli - Drum Kit, Vocals

Cash Savage and The Last Drinks...The Hypnotiser...dark, country blues that cuts deep

Acclaimed jewel of dark country blues Cash Savage, and her band The Last Drinks, released their second LP The Hypnotiser on Friday 2 August. This stunning recording balances the soulful confessions of Cash’s compelling tales with evocative strings, triumphant horns, a 45-voice choir and the band leader’s impassioned cries of love, loss and despair.

The suite of songs on The Hypnotiser is at once beautiful, rugged, reckless, despairing, gentle, desperate, loving and raw. The cohesiveness of the words and music is a more collaborative effort than on the band’s debut album, Wolf [2011]. Having spent the gulf between albums on the road — in country theatres, urban venues, the Famous Speigeltent, Meredith Music Festival, Port Fairy Folk Festival and the willow-shrouded Riverboats Music Festival alongside Pete Murray, Clare Bowditch and James Reyne — the once fluid Last Drinks lineup has solidified. Together this group of musicians has created a work that alludes to an undercurrent of drunken kinship polished with hard yards, while still retaining the soul for which Cash is known.

Engineered by Melbourne-based Japanese-born Nao Anzai and produced by Nick Finch from Graveyard Train, Cash commenced recording with none of the preconceptions that framed Wolf. The result is a searingly honest, powerful release of uncompromising heartbreak and unbound love that becomes more alive and personal with each listen.

listen to the album here: https://soundcloud.com/savage-drinks/sets/the-hypnotiser/s-hV8uP
see also: http://cashsavage.com.au/