@yers R0ck - 1976 - Bey0nd FLAC RE-POST

Moondah/A Place To Go/Catchanemu/Song For Darwin/Angel In Disguise/Little Kings




Ayers Rock was the leading Australian 'jazz-rock' group of the 70s, fusing rock with influences from soul, R&B, jazz and Latin music. The band was built on world-class standards of playing and complex arrangements, and inspired by overseas groups such as Traffic, Santana and Weather Report. The original members were all seasoned players, widely regarded as among the best musos in the country, and their musical connections were woven through a series of major bands of the 60s and early 70s.

Mark Kennedy was and is still widely regarded as one of Australia's best drummers. He rose to prominence as the original drummer in Spectrum. He left that band in late 1970, just after recording their first LP, and he became an in-demand session player, as well as working in a series of loosely connected groups including King Harvest (where he first teamed up with McGuire and Doyle) and Friends with Leo De Castro.


Left: the original lineup of Ayers Rock (1973). Clockwise from left: Duncan Maguire, Mark Kennedy, Jim Doyle, Ray Burton (seated)

Duncan McGuire was a true rock veteran (and one of the unsung heroes of Aussie music). His first band was The Phantoms way back in 1959. He was a member of The Epics (1962-64), who backed Little Pattie live and on her early Singles and first album, as well as playing with Reg Lindsay, Johnny Ashcroft, Brian Davies, Jay Justin and Johnny O'Keefe. From 1966-68 he was a member of The Questions (Doug Parkinson's first major band) which also included Ray Burton and Doug Lavery (who later joined The Valentines and Axiom). McGuire stayed with Parkinson through In Focus and Fanny Adams before shifting to Melbourne and playing with King Harvest and Friends.

Jimmy Doyle had been a member of the backing bands for The Delltones and Dig Richards, and during the early Sixties he also worked as the musical director for renowned honky-tonk pianist Winifred Atwell.

Ray Burton had been the rhythm guitarist in the Dave Bridge Quartet in the early Sixties, and then a member of the Delltones' backing band, after which he joined the first lineup of successful Sydney harmony-pop group The Executives. He worked variously with Doyle, McGuire and Kennedy in King Harvest, Doug Parkinson In Focus and Friends. He relocated to the USA in the early 70s, where he worked with Helen Reddy and co-wrote her 1972 international mega-hit "I Am Woman".

In 1973 the above-named four took the logical step and formed their own band, McGuire Kennedy Burton. Later in the year, they added another player, multi-intrumentalist Col Loughnan. Col had actually started his career as lead singer with Sydney vocal group The Crescents. In 1962 Col was recruited to replace Noel Widerberg, lead singer with The Delltones, who had been tragically killed in a car accident earlier in the year. Col performed with The Delltones for five years (1962-67). In the late Sixties Col returned to his first love, jazz, and his prowess on a wide range of instruments (alto, tenor and baritione saxophones, flute, keyboards and percussion) gave the Ayers Rock sound a distinctive edge.

With Loughnan on board, the new band changed their name to the more marketable (and patriotic) Ayers Rock. They were one of the first groups signed to Michael Gudinski's newly established Mushroom label, and their debut single, "Rock'n'Roll Fight", was issued at the end of 1973.

They performed at Sunbury '74 and one track from their set, Ray Burton's "Morning Magic", was included on the Highlights of Sunbury 1974 LP, which has recently been re-released in the 2-CD set Highlights of Sunbury 1973 and 1974 on Michael Gudinski's Liberation Blue label. These tracks are the only extant Ayers Rock recordings to feature Burton, who left the band during 1974. Col Loughnan's official website features a superb colour clip of the group performing live at Sunbury, with excellent sound.

                 Jimmy Doyle,Duncan McGuire,Col Loughnan,Chris Brown and Mark Kennedy

He was replaced by singer-guitarist Chris Brown, whose previous credits included a stint in Little Sammy & The In People, the noted '60s Sydney club outfit led by singer Sam "Little Sammy" Gaha (father of TV's Eden and Danielle Gaha); although not commercially successful, this notable band variously included Brown, Harry Brus, Michael Carlos, Barrie McAskill, Col Nolan and Janice Slater.

Ayers Rock's debut album Big Red Rock was taped live before an invited audience at Armstrong's Studios in Melbourne over two nights in September 1974. The live-in-the-studio approach worked extremely well for Ayers Rock, and the album clearly demonstrated why their awesome live 'chops' had made them such a popular concert attraction. But it also was something of a necessity for the cash-strapped label -- they took the same approach with andnother early signing, Mackenzie Theory. The Ayers Rock LP reportedly cost Mushroom a mere $5000 to record.

 Big Red Rock was an early critical and commerical success for Mushroom, showcasing the band's considerable prowess and the material was a good balance between the more commercial song-based material of McGuire and Brown and the more adventurous instrumentals. The LP features three songs by McGuire, including their memorable second single, the Latin-flavoured "Lady Montego", a song that dated back to McGuire's stint in Friends; an earlier, slower version appears (in a live recording) on the Garrison: The Final Blow LP.

Big Red Rock also features two excellent pieces by Loughnan, two songs by Chris Brown, and a dazzling cover of Joe Zawinul's "Boogie Woogie Waltz", originally recorded by Weather Report (who were at that time virtually unknown in Australia). Loughnan's power-jam "Crazy Boys" is also worth hearing for its hilarious intro; dedicated to an unnamed Sydney hamburger joint, it includes a sly reference to a "Gudinski burger" and very funny joke about "Dr Hopontopovus, the Greek gynaecologist".

As Vernon Joyson has noted, Ayers Rock's recordings suggest that there was some dilemma about whether they should pursue a more expansive instrumental-based approach or opt for a more song-based commercial sound. From the evidence of Big Red Rock, its arguable that its the instrumental tracks -- "Crazy Boys", "Big Red Rock" and the brilliant cover of "Boogie Woogie Waltz -- that stand up best today, but the demands of radio airplay and gigging meant that this dilemma was never satifactorily resolved, and the group's relatively short lifespan and small catalogue meant that they never really got the chance to reach their full potential.

                                                  Playing at the Concert For Bangladesh

In the late 1975 Ayers Rock performed at the final gigs at Melbourne's fabled Reefer Cabaret. Live versions of the Stones' "Gimme Shelter" and "Boogie Woogie Waltz" were included on the double-album A-Reefer-Derci, culled from performances from the last two nights on 30 and 31 December 1975, and released by Mushroom in 1976. Like Mushroom's earlier Garrison: The Final Blow set, it commemorated the closure of the venue and was a means of thanking the Reefer Cabaret for supporting Mushroom's artists during 1974-75.

During '75-76, Kennedy began working with Marcia Hines and they later became engaged, which led to him leaving Ayers Rock in 1976. He was replaced for a time by Russell Dunlop, who, like Kennedy, was a seasoned veteran, and a respected session player and producer, but his permanent replacement was hotshot young drummer Hamish Stuart, who has since become a mainstay of the Sydney music scene and one of the most respected drummers in the country. At this point the group also added a permanent keyboard player, Andy Cowan (ex Madder Lake).

Ayers Rock's second LP Beyond was not quite as successful sales-wise, but no less impressiv musically. By this time the emphasis had shifted to longer works that allowed the band to showcase its considerable improvisational skills, and the LP consists of just six tracks, three each by Col Loughnan and Chris Brown. One of Brown's songs, "Little Kings", was lifted to become their third single.

 Duncan McGuire (left) and Chris Brown at the Record Plant, L.A. in September 1975.

Recorded in Los Angeles, the album was vastly more expensive to record than its predecessor, reportedly costing Mushroom a whacking $60,000, but by this time Mushroom's coffers had been swelled by the massive success of Skyhooks. The LP was also released in the USA, with different cover art. Their fourth and final single for Mushroom, "Song For Darwin" (May 1976) was inspired by the Cyclone Tracy disaster that had devastated the city on Christmas Day 1975.

After parting with Mushroom, the band broke up for about three years, but it was reformed by Brown, Doyle, Stuart and Cowan in 1979 and they established their own label, Red Rock. A new single, "On The Avenue" was released at the end of 1979, followed by "Lies" in early 1980, both issued through Polydor. The singles were both included on their third and final LP Hotspell, distributed by RCA. Unfortunately, the album was not successful and the band broke up in 1981.

Founding members Jimmy Doyle and Duncan McGuire have, sadly, both since passed away; Duncan died in 1986 from a brain tumour and Jimmy died in May 2006 from liver cancer.

On a happier note, we are pleased to report that Mark Kennedy, Col Loughnan and Ray Burton are all still going strong. Ray has his own website, faeturing great information and images of his career, past and present. Col has recently released a new CD, Ellen St, and his earlier collaboration with guitarist Steve Murphy, entitled Feel The Breeze, is also highly recommended. Both are available from Col's website, which is listed below.

Judith Durham - 1971 - Australia's Own Judith Durham FLAC

Gift Of Song/Wailing Of The Willow/The Light Is Dark Enough/Take Care Of My Brother/God Bless The Child/Here I Am/What Could Be A Better Way/Skyline Pigeon/The Ones Who Really Care/It Don't Cost Very Much/Ferris Wheel/Climb Ev'ry Mountain



Judith Durham AO (Judith Mavis Cock, born 3 July 1943) is an Australian singer, songwriter and musician who became the lead singer of the Australian popular folk music group The Seekers in 1963. The group subsequently became the first Australian pop music group to achieve major chart and sales success in the United Kingdom and the United States, and have sold over 50 million records worldwide. Durham left the group in mid-1968 to pursue her solo career. 

Durham returned to Australia in August 1968 and her first solo television special, 'An Evening with Judith Durham' screened on the Nine Network in September. During her solo career she has released albums titled For Christmas with Love, Gift of Song and Climb Ev'ry Mountain. In 1970 she made the television special, Meet Judith Durham, in London, ending with her rendition of "When You Come to the End of a Perfect Day" by Carrie Jacobs-Bond (1862–1946).

 In 1975 Judith starred in an acting and singing role as Sarah Simmonds, a burlesque type performer in "The Golden Girl", an episode of the Australian television series "Cash and Co." Set in the 1800s Australian goldfields, this episode also featured Durham's husband, Ron Edgeworth, on piano. She performed six songs including "Oh Susanna", "When Starlight Fades", "Maggie Mae", "Rock Of Ages", "There's No Place Like Home" and "The Lord Is My Shepherd".

During the 1970s she returned to traditional jazz and recorded Judith Durham and The Hottest Band in Town and Judith Durham and The Hottest Band in Town Volume 2 and in 1978, The Hot Jazz Duo. Durham performed at the Newport Jazz Festival in 1978, receiving a standing ovation in front of a crowd of 3,000. She then moved to Queensland and focused on her songwriting.

In 1994, Durham began recording albums again. Her 1994 album, Let Me Find Love peaked at number 8 in Australia. In 1996, she released a covers album, Mona Lisas, under the direction of producer Gus Dudgeon. This was re-released as Always There in 1997 with the addition of Durham's solo recording of fellow Seeker Bruce Woodley's "I am Australian" (with Russell Hitchcock of Air Supply and Mandawuy Yunupingu of Yothu Yindi) and the Smith Family theme song of the title. Her recording of "Always There" was first released on the 1997 double CD Anthems, which also featured Bruce Woodley's "Common Ground" and the Seekers' "Advance Australia Fair" arrangement.

In 2001, Durham did another Australian tour and in 2003 she toured the UK to celebrate her 60th birthday. Her birthday concert at the Royal Festival Hall in London was filmed and released on DVD in late 2004. The album was released on CD and download in 2014, titled Live in London. In 2006, The Seekers were awarded the "Key to the City" of Melbourne by Lord Mayor John So. As part of the ceremony, Durham sang part of her song "Seldom Melbourne Leaves My Mind" and was later invited by the Lord Mayor's Charitable Fund to record the song, as a fund-raiser, with Orchestra Victoria. 

The decision was then made to record The Australian Cities Suite with all proceeds from the sale of the CD to go to the charitable sector. The album was released in October 2008. The project was to benefit charities such as the Motor Neurone Disease Association of Australia (Durham is national patron) and Orchestra Victoria, in addition to other charities which benefit from the Lord Mayor's Charitable Fund or its national affiliated network United Way.

In 2006, Durham started modernising the music and phrases in the Australian National Anthem, "Advance Australia Fair". She first performed it in May 2009 at Federation Hall, St Kilda Road.

It was released on CD single. On 13 February 2009, Durham made a surprise return to the Myer Music Bowl when she performed the closing number at the RocKwiz Salutes the Bowl – Sidney Myer Music Bowl 50th Anniversary with "The Carnival is Over". On 23 May 2009, Durham performed a one-hour a cappella concert in Melbourne as a launch for her album Up Close and Personal.

 In October 2011, it was announced Durham had signed an exclusive international deal with Decca Records. George Ash, President of Universal Music Australasia said "It is an honour to have Judith Durham join Decca's wonderful roster of artists. When you think of the legends that have graced the Decca Records catalogue it is the perfect home to welcome Judith to, and we couldn't be more excited to work with Judith on not only her new recordings but her incredible catalogue as well."

Between 2011 and 2016, Decca Records re-released Gift of Song and Climb Ev'ry Mountain, The Australian Cities Suite and Up Close and Personal (as An A Capella Experience) as well as two compilations and a new studio album, Epiphany.

In June 2018, to celebrate Durham's 75th birthday, a collection of 14 previously unreleased songs was released on the album So Much More.   Thanks to Mustang

Finch - 1977 - Nothing To Hide FLAC

That's Your Way/Changes/Foolin'/Say You'll Be There/Leave The Killing To You/Nothing To Hide/Dreamer/Where Were You/One More Time/Right Day Fir A Riot



Finch were an Australian hard and pub rock band, initially forming as Stillwater in 1972. By 1973 they had changed their name with the line-up of Peter McFarlane on drums, Owen Orford on lead vocals, Bob Spencer on lead guitar, and Tony Strain on bass guitar. They won a 2SM/Pepsi Pop Poll, earning a contract with Picture Records to release their debut single, "And She Sings" in January 1974. Their first album, Thunderbird, appeared in May 1976. In March of the following year Spencer left to join Skyhooks and the group went through various line-ups to settle with McFarlane and Orford joined by Mark Evans (ex AC/DC) on bass guitar. Their second album, Nothing to Hide, was issued in March 1978. Upon attempting to enter the international market they changed their name to Contraband by October that year. They issued a self-titled album in May of the next year but disbanded later in 1979. 

 Stillwater formed in 1972 in Sydney as a hard rock band and by the following year had changed their name to Finch. The line-up of Finch was Peter McFarlane on drums, Owen Orford on lead vocals, Bob Spencer on lead guitar, and Tony Strain on bass guitar. They won a 2SM/Pepsi Pop Poll, earning a contract with Picture Records. The group released their first single, "And She Sings", in January 1974 while Spencer was still in high school. Finch contributed to the soundtrack album for the surfing film, Drouyn (August 1974), which featured world champion, Peter Drouyn. Finch's tracks, "Sail Away", "Lady of Truth" and "Roses" were used in contrast to "jazzy incidental material". The Canberra Times' Michael Foster noted the "sound is no less compelling, and perhaps is more evocative because it is less insistent on the one beat and theme".

 The band worked in the pub rock circuit and released a self-financed album, Thunderbird, in May 1976 on Eagle Records. It was produced by John Zulaikha (Buffalo), Brian Todd (their manager) and the band. Tony Catterall of The Canberra Times felt it was "not without its merits" as the group "are always at least exuberant", however "it suffers sadly from a lack of originality (Free, Status Quo and Black Sabbath influences abound), naivety in the lyrics and poor production". Australian musicologist, Ian McFarlane, noted the group "had a good deal of English-flavoured blues and hard rock buzzing around in their systems". In December they released a single, "Short Changed Again", which peaked at number 29 on the Sydney chart. As the single gained notice their distribution company foundered.

Late in 1976 Finch moved to Melbourne and supported a national tour by Supernaut. In March 1977 Spencer left to replace Red Symons on guitar in Skyhooks. Tony Strain left the band at the same time. From April to July the band went through nine different members (including Sam Mallett, Skeeta Pereira, Gary Quince, and Graham Thompson) before Peter McFarlane and Orford were joined by Mark Evans (ex AC/DC) on bass guitar, Graham Kennedy on guitar and vocals, and Chris Jones on guitars. The band signed to CBS / Epic Records and issued the single, "One More Time" in October. They started recording material for their second album, Nothing to Hide, in the following month. Dave Hinds (ex-Marshall Brothers, Rabbit) replaced Chris Jones (who joined Feather) on guitar and vocals in December.

The band adopted a more hard rock style, and the next single, "Where Were You?" reached number 14 in Melbourne and number 33 in Sydney in February 1978. Nothing to Hide (March) was produced by Peter Dawkins (Dragon) and provided a second single, the title track (May). The Canberra Times' Luis Feliu opined that they continued to provide "punchy rock and roll and a bit of R and B, the British way ... However, Finch's style has now become overworked to the point of being uninteresting". Finch signed with CBS's United States subsidiary label, Portrait Records. Due to a Dutch band also called Finch, the Australian group were renamed as Contraband.

In October 1978 Portrait issued Contraband's debut single, "That's Your Way" and Barry Cram (ex-Pantha, Avalanche, Russell Morris Band) replaced McFarlane on drums, who joined Swanee. In May the following year an album, Contraband was released, which was also produced by Dawkins. Some interest was generated in the US but the album was not successful in Australia. It provided two singles "Rainin' Again" (March 1979) and "Gimme Some Lovin'" (July) – which is a cover of The Spencer Davis Group 1966 single. Earlier Finch material was re-released under the Contraband name. However Portrait dropped them later in the year and they broke up.

The Hawking Brothers - 1973 - Country Gold FLAC

Catfish John/Release Me/Mama Tried/Me And Bobby McGee/Someone Told Me A Story/ Where Has All The Love Gone/I Can't Stop Loving You/Restless Soul/A Good Love Is Like A Good Song/Swinging Doors/Linda Darling/Night Runners/Bringing Mary Home/Working Man Blues/Yakity Axe/Too Many Tears



The Hawking Brothers, were an Australian country music band, formed in 1955 and disbanded in 1985. They comprised brothers Russell (1931–1976) and Alan (1933–1988). After originally recording with Regal Zonophone Records, they went on to record a number of albums with RCA Records. When it comes to winning awards, The Hawking Brothers have been very successful, winning 6 Golden Guitars. They played at the Grand Ole Opry in 1975. In 1989 The Hawking Brothers were inducted into the Australian Roll of Renown.


1931 July 1st Russell Hawking born, Mooroopna Victoria.1933 July 7th Alan Hawking born, Mooroopna Victoria.1935 Mother dies. Alan raised by his grandparents (mother’s parents) in Clifton Hill.Russell raised by grandparents (father’s side) in Mooroopna.Because they were raised separately they spent much of their childhood apart. When older Russell moved to the country inspired by brother Rus and cousin Barry Ling. Russell and Barry both played bass and sang.

1940’s Alan, Russell and Barry went along to the newly formed Hillbilly Club in Brunswick.This is where they got their basic training.Alan worked as a cabinetmaker, so he made his first guitar which led to a guitar making hobby.Later he joined the well known fretted instrument maker in Melbourne, “Maton” he stayed 15 years until he became a professional musician in the 70’s.

1950’s Alan and Russell joined the “Trailblazers” a Melbourne country music concert troupe, working in radio, touring and doing live concerts in and around Victoria where he met his future wife Diane.Alan and Russell started as a duo Alan on lead and Rus on rhythm guitar featuring their two voices Alan is a multi-instrumentalist. They then formed the band which turned professional in 1970.

1955 The Hawking Brothers as a duo record their first 78rpm Regal Zonophone disc. “My Darling Daisy”.Since then almost 30 more recordings in the Hawking Brothers name for W & G, Parlophone”, “Fable”, “Planet”, “Crest”, “Columbia” and “RCA”. 1956 Alan and Diane marry.They later have four children.1960 – Appeared on the television program “New Faces”, winning their heat and the final.Recorded for Ron Tudor on his new label, Fable, with a backing group called The Wildwoods which consisted of George Xanthos on pedal steel, Gary Newton on bass and Joe Attard on drums. They eventually became The Hawking Brothers Band.

1970 The Hawking Brothers (full band) become professional musicians. 1972 Hawking Brothers fan club founded by Dian Johns.First club ever set up in Australiafor a country band.They were support acts for Johnny Cash and Buck Owens and many other artists they toured Australia.Recorded at the famed RCA Studio in Nashville. 1974 Golden Guitars for Instrumental of the Year with “Yakity Axe” and Vocal Group with “Catfish John”. 1975 Golden Guitar for Vocal Group of the Year with “Julianna”. Representing Australia on the International Show in NashvilleUSA. On November 2nd Russell passed away. Peter Hayes was brought into the band and Alan took over as lead vocalist. 1976 Won award for “The Country Band” that has done the most in country music. 1977 Golden Guitar for Best Group” with “This House Runs on Sunshine”. Inducted into the Hands of Fame in Tamworth. 1978 Golden Guitars for Album of the Year with “Country Travellin’” and Vocal Group of the Year with “Silver Wings”. FEIP award (Favourite Entertainment Incentive Performance) for “Best Country Band”1979 Golden Guitar for Top Selling Single and Album of the Year with “One Day at a Time”.Three more FEIP Awards for “Best Country Band”, “Best Country Album – Australasian Radio Recording Award.

1980 Won Best Country Band FEIP. As The Hawking Brothers they toured with Charlie Pride.After numerous changes to the band line-up Alan decides to goes solo. – He performs with the help of his long time friends “Country Ltd.” Records with RCA a single “Just For Today” Releases album of the same name. He received two FEIP Awards for Best Male plus Most Popular.1983 Golden Guitar for “Best Instrumental” – “Back to Those Rolling Plains”. 1985 Golden Guitar for Instrumental of the Year with “Gospel Train” 1988 Alan Hawking passed away on 19th September. 1989 Inducted into the “Roll of Renown” in Tamworth. Thanks to Mustang

Anne & Johnny Hawker - 1968 - The Music Hawkers FLAC

Real True Lovin' (Duet)/Boom Bang-A-Bang (Anne Solo)/Cinderella Rockefella (Duet)/I Got You (Duet)/Sunglasses (Anne Solo)/You're Out Of Your Mind(Duet)/My Papa Has Got One (Johnny Solo)/Dear World (Duet)/Take A Breath (Duet)/ Timothy (Anne Solo)/Lovin' Season (Duet)/Runaround (Johnny Solo)



John Hawker was born in 1931 in Bristol, England. He is known for his work on Romper Stomper (1992), The Heartbreak Kid (1993) and Sounds Like Us (1969). Hawker recorded on the W&G and Astor labels with his own band (Johnny Hawker Band/Johnny Hawker Orchestra) during the sixties. He also worked on many Australian recordings, including Grantley Dee's Wild One. Hawker married Anne Hathaway in 1964 and they formed a duo in 1968 releasing a number of singles on Astor. Anne also recorded some singles on the same label as a solo artist. Johnny died on March 14, 2016 in Woodend, Victoria,

Cinderella Rockefella  charted #7 Sydney, #2 Melbourne, #4 Brisbane and #4 Adelaide Co-charted with the original version by Esther & Abi Ofarim. Thanks to Mustang.

Laughing Clowns - 1983 - Everything That Flies (12'') FLAC

Everything That Flies (Is Not A Bird)/The Year Of The Bloated Goat/Nothing That Harms/Every Dog Has Its Day



Laughing Clowns, sometimes written as The Laughing Clowns, is a post-punk band formed in Sydney in 1979. In five years, the band released three LPs, three EPs, and various singles and compilations. Laughing Clowns' sound is free jazz, bluegrass and krautrock influenced. The band formed to accommodate Ed Kuepper's growing interest in expanding brass-driven elements he had brought to The Saints' third album, Prehistoric Sounds, and by adopting flattened fifth notes in a rock and roll setting while using a modern jazz styled band line-up.

Along with The Birthday Party, The Go-Betweens, The Moodists and The Triffids, the Laughing Clowns also spent extended periods in Europe during the early 1980s, and gained an international cult status. All four aforementioned groups have cited Laughing Clowns as an influence at some point in their respective careers.  This rare 1982 12" single release is ripped from vinyl and the cover
art scanned from from the copy and a brilliant bit of Judi Kuepper artwork it is. This is brilliant  Clowns in all their glory, including the song "Every dog has its day" with the wildest bass intro
ever.

Hunters & Collectors - 1988 - Raw Material (12'') FLAC

Faraway Man [Live]/Say Goodbye [Live]/Back On The Breadline [Live]/Parting Glass [Live] [with Paul Kelly]



Hunters & Collectors are an Australian rock band formed in 1981. Fronted by founding mainstay, singer-songwriter and guitarist Mark Seymour, they developed a blend of pub rock and art-funk. Other mainstays are John Archer on bass guitar, Doug Falconer on drums and percussion. Soon after forming they were joined by Jack Howard on trumpet and keyboards, Jeremy Smith on French horn, guitars and keyboards, and Michael Waters on trombone and keyboards. Also acknowledged as a founder was engineer and art designer Robert Miles. Joining in 1988, Barry Palmer, on lead guitar, remained until they disbanded in 1998. The group reformed in 2013 with the 1998 line-up.

Originally Hunters & Collectors were influenced by Krautrock and productions of Conny Plank, featuring strong percussive influences, noisy guitar, and driving bass lines. Their sound was in the vein of the Talking Heads album, Remain in Light (1980). Hunters & Collectors utilised Plank to produce two of their early albums, The Fireman's Curse (1983) and The Jaws of Life (1984), but neither charted into the Top 50 of the Australian Kent Music Report Albums Chart. Their first Top 10 album, Human Frailty (1986), also featured their logo, a H & C symbol, where the "&" consists of twin snakes entwined around a hunting knife, a variation of a caduceus.

Later Top 10 studio albums were Ghost Nation (1989), Cut (1992), and Demon Flower (1994). Their hit singles were "Talking to a Stranger" (1982), "Throw Your Arms Around Me" (1984), "Say Goodbye" (1986), "When the River Runs Dry" (1989), "True Tears of Joy" (1992), and "Holy Grail" (1993). They became one of the best live acts in Australia and according to musicologist, Ian McFarlane, their "great achievement was to lay bare human emotions in the intensely ritualistic milieu of the pub-rock gig".

"Raw Material" was recorded Live in Australia July 1988. It is a 12″ only promotional live EP that was put out in America.Parting Glass does not exist in studio form in the Hunters and Collectors back catalog. Thanks to Sunny

The Lipstick Killers - 1984 - Mesmerizer FLAC

 Hindu Gods Of Love/Driving The Special Dead/Bongo Flip/Strange Flash/Let's Talk About Girls/Sock It To Me Baby/Dying Boy's Crawl/Twilight Of The Idols/I've Got Levitation/Pharmaceutical Au Go-Go/Out Of Our Tree/Liquor Fit



One of the best bands of the late 1970s and early '80s Sydney "Detroit" scene, the Lipstick Killers were a seminal punk group from Sydney. At the end of 1978, their mentors, Radio Birdman, flew overseas where they imploded, but the Lipstick Killers lived on, quickly becoming one of THE bands to catch in a city where live music venues were opening by the day. They released their debut album, 'Mesmerizer' in 1984.
 After the Psychosurgeons' breakup the band morphed almost immediately into Lipstick Killers, final singer Stan Armstrong being replaced by Filth's Peter Tillman, and Kim Giddy coming in on bass. David and Mark Taylor on drums and guitar made up the rest of the band;
in 1979 the original rowdy, high-energy line-up recorded their debut single, Hindu Gods (Of Love) with Steve Harris of the Visitors on piano and Deniz Tek behind the desk,
a year of growing popularity in Sydney based on legendary live performances followed encouraged by Greg Shaw's enthusiasm the band moved to L.A. in late 1980 for a year and, while they played several shows, nought was coming of it so they broke up, eventually returning home

Members

David Taylor (drums), Kim Giddy (bass), Mark Taylor (guitar), Peter Tillman (vocals),
Michael Charles (drums), Stephen Mather (bass)

Lime Spiders - 1988 - Headcleaner FLAC

25th Hour/Can't Wait Long/ Slave Girl/Out Of Control/That's How It Will Be/1-2-5/Beyond The Fringe/Save My Soul/Weirdo Libido/Here With My Love/Heard Her Call My Name/ Drip Out/ I Was Alone/Mr. Soul/ Time Of Day/My Flash On You



Headcleaner is a sixteen track compilation album from Australian alternative rockers, the Lime Spiders, issued in 1988 through Virgin Records. It was initially released on music cassette before being appearing on vinyl LP (1989) and CD formats.


Lime Spiders are an Australian punk rock band which formed in 1979 with founding mainstay Mick Blood on lead vocals. He was later joined by Tony Bambach on bass guitar, Gerard Corben on guitar, his son Tom Corben on drums, and David Sparks on guitar. Their debut studio album, The Cave Comes Alive! appeared in June 1987 and reached the top 60 on the Kent Music Report Albums Chart. 

Their most successful single, "Weirdo Libido", was released in January that year and reached the top 50 on the related Kent Music Report Singles Chart. In April its music video was the first ever shown on Australian Broadcasting Corporation TV music series rage. The track was used on the 1988 feature film Young Einstein's soundtrack. The group disbanded in 1990 and in 1999 Australian musicologist, Ian McFarlane, noted they had provided "raucous sound mixed screaming vocals and wild, fuzz-tone guitar riffs to arrive at a mutant strain of acid punk that bordered on heavy metal". The band have reformed for reunion shows and tours. In May 2016 the Lime Spiders catalogue was re-released for the first time ever digitally on platforms around the world.

Julie Anthony - 1977 - A Part Of Me FLAC

You're Part Of Me/Bye Bye Now/A Fool Like You/Winter In America/Another Suitcase/Sparrow/Playing Second Fiddle On The Way Down (Is Worse Than Playing Third On The Way Up)/Last Night I Didn't Get To Sleep At All/You're The Only Man/The Nearness Of You/Sunday Afternoon Boatride In The Park On The Lake/The Need To Be




b. Julie Moncrieff Anthony, 23 August 1951, Galga, South Australia. Anthony was born in Galga (population 15) and raised on the family farm. In her teens she began singing with a local band and in 1970 won an amateur television talent quest. Her victory and the first prize ($600 and a trip to Tasmania) led to regular appearances on the Adelaide Tonight Show. She moved to Sydney, making television appearances and performing on the club and cabaret circuit, and eventually embarking on international tours. An engagement at the Hong Kong Hilton in 1973 was followed by the lead role in the Australian production of Irene.

                                                                                                                 Julie in Irene.

Three years later she starred in the UK version at the Adelphi Theatre. The Play and Players of London honoured her with the Best Newcomer (Actress) award for 1976. She returned to Australian television and appeared in three national specials, and in the same year she married her manager Eddie Natt. In 1977 she won the Sammy and Penquin awards for Best Television Variety Performer. Tours of America followed and Anthony worked with Bill Cosby, Roy Clarke and Merv Griffin. In 1980 she was awarded an OBE for services to the entertainment industry. Three years later she accepted the role of Maria in The Sound Of Music; following a season in Sydney, the show successfully toured major and regional centres.

For the 1988 World Expo held in Brisbane, Anthony was invited to sing with the re-formed Seekers, joining the group as lead singer from 1988-89. In 1988 she sang the national anthem at the official opening of Australia’s new Parliament House. The same year she returned to the stage in I Do!, I Do! In 1990, she was awarded AM in the Order of Australia for services to the entertainment industry. In 1994, Anthony further demonstrated her versatility by teaming with jazz musician Don Burrows (reeds/flute) for tours, including a successful appearance at the Jazz and Blues Festival at the Gold Coast International Hotel in 1995. A year later she returned to cabaret with a season at the Tilbury Hotel in Sydney. In her extensive repertoire she demonstrated great conviction, whether singing ‘Amazing Grace’ or material ranging from Stephen Sondheim to the Beatles. In June 1996 she accepted a cameo role as a band singer in the Bruce Beresford film Paradise Road, starring Glenn Close and Jean Simmons. Julie Anthony is one of the best and most durable theatre and variety performers in the post-war Australian entertainment industry. She has won the prestigious Mo Award for Entertainer Of The Year three times, and Best Female Variety Performer nine times. An admirable singer and engaging personality, she has successfully blended her career and family duties. Thanks to Mustang.

Non Stop Dancers - 1984 - Surprise Surprise FLAC UPGRADE

 Surprise Surprise/Spider And The Fly/Shake This City/Armadillo Rhumba/Dancing/What A Way To Go/Midnight Matinee/House Across The Street/Too Young To Die/Mobbing Me/Spellbound

I won this back in 1984 when 2SM was king of the airwaves if you were the right number caller you would win 10 albums that were on 2SM's rotation at the time must have won a couple of hundred. Another album that I have never heard until now so that means I've owned it for all those years without a listen and I must admit I didn't mind it.
Formed in Newcastle then relocated to Sydney They trans-versed a wide range of styles from Ska, pop, reggae and swing. The single Shake this City was released October 1984 and reached No. 44 on the Australian charts and got to No. 22 in Sydney.

As a bonus I've included 3 live tracks the only info I have is 1986 Revesby, Sydney so maybe the Worker's Club.Formed in 1983 Style  

Pop, funk Original line-up: Larry Van Kriedt (sax, guitar, vocals; ex-AC/DC, Eighty Eights), Kevin Jones (guitar, vocals), Jane Stewart (keyboards), Karen Steains (bass), Brett Van Kriedt (drums)
 
Sydney dance outfit Non Stop Dancers played an energetic blend of pop, funk and soul. Larry Van Kriedt had a background of some note: born in San Francisco, his father was a renowned jazz sax player; he was also the original bass player for the nascent AC/DC. He formed Non Stop Dancers with his brother Brett following the break-up of his previous band, The Eighty Eights.

Non Stop Dancers issued The Independent Single (`Only One'/`Blow by Blow') in May 1984 before signing to EMI. The album Surprise Surprise (December 1984) produced three energetic singles, `Shake this City'/`Spellbound' (October), `Mobbing Me'/`Too Young to Die' (March 1985) and `Dancing'/`Armadillo Rumba' (June). `Shake this City' peaked at #22 in hometown Sydney during November. The band issued one more single, `Lost and Found'/`Strive' (August 1986), before breaking up. Larry Van Kriedt concentrated on session work, and then in the early 1990s teamed up with Def FX as a hidden fifth member. He co-wrote much of the band's early material.

Johnny Farnham - 1970 - Looking Through A Tear FLAC

One/ I've Been Rained On/Mirror Of My Mind/The World Goes Round And Round/All Night Girl/You're Breaking Me Up/Two/Raindrops Keep Fallin' On My Head/Looking Through A Tear/Visions Of Sugarplums/What Can I Do/In A Moment Of Madness/Ain't Society Great/1432 Franklin Pike Circle Hero


Looking Through A Tear is the third studio album by Australian pop singer Johnny Farnham, the title of which relates to a song on the album, which is a cover of an Aretha Franklin number. it was released in Australia by EMI Records in July 1970. Farnham's covers of Harry Nilsson's penned "One" which became a hit for Three Dog Night and a cover B. J. Thomas' single "Raindrops Keep Fallin' On My Head" were released as singles, and helped to propel the album to #11 on the Australian Kent Music Report Album Charts. "One"/"Mr. Whippy" (non-album track) was released as a double A-side in July 1969 and peaked at #4 on the Go-Set National Singles Charts. "Raindrops Keep Fallin' On My Head" was released in November and peaked at #1 for seven weeks in January–March 1970. Farnham wrote two songs for the album.

Farnham's first solo single was the novelty song entitled "Sadie (The Cleaning Lady)", which was released in November 1967, it made #1 on the Go-Set National Singles Charts in January 1968 and remained there for five weeks. Selling 180 000 copies in Australia, "Sadie (The Cleaning Lady)" was the highest selling single by an Australian artist of the decade. Farnham's first album, Sadie, produced by David Mackay was released in April. Almost immediately, Farnham was recording his second album, Everybody Oughta Sing A Song released in November. This was followed by a non-album single, "I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus", in November 1968. In July 1969, Farnham released a cover of Harry Nilsson's "One" with another novelty song, "Mr. Whippy", as a double A-side single, Produced by Howard Gable which peaked at #4 on the Go-Set National Singles Charts. Farnham then released a cover of B. J. Thomas' "Raindrops Keep Fallin' On My Head" also produced by Howard Gable, in November, which peaked at #1 for seven weeks in January–March 1970. Both of these singles were contained on his third album, Looking Through A Tear released in July 1970, which peaked at #11 on the Kent Music Report Albums Charts.

Jimmy Hannan - 1964 - Jimmy Hannan's Beach Party FLAC

At the Shore/Dance the Froog/Hokey Pokey Stomp/Beach Ball/Another You/Upside Down/Little Latin Lupe Lu/Everybody/You Make Me Happy/You Gotta Have Love/You Guessed It/Highway of Love



Jimmy Hannan (25 August 1934 – 7 January 2019) was an Australian radio and television personality, variety show host, singer, entertainer and game show host of the 1960s and 1970s. One of the pioneers of television, he appeared regularly on Graham Kennedy's variety show In Melbourne Tonight, and later hosted his own musical variety show Jimmy, later called Tonight with Jimmy Hannan. Hannan hosted music show Saturday Date from 1963 until 1967, which featured such performers as Billy Thorpe and Olivia Newton-John. He won the 1965 Gold Logie award for most popular personality on Australian television.
Hannan had his start musically performing in a big-band. As a teen idol, he often performed with people such as Johnny Devlin and Little Pattie. He released the single "Beach Ball", originally recorded by the City Surfers, in 1963. The song was written by Roger McGuinn who went on to become a member of the Byrds. The single reached number No. 2 on the local charts and featured the Bee Gees as backing vocalists. He worked on radio in Melbourne at 3UZ. He hosted game shows including Name That Tune and Celebrity Squares.Hannan was married to Joanne and had four children, including Melissa Hannan who won the Miss Australia title in 1981 and was also in the Miss World competition held in London. He retired from show business at 50 and died on 7 January 2019, aged 84, from cancer in Bellingen, New South Wales.

Jay Justin - Timeless Hits FLAC

Ramblin' Rose/Puppet On A String/Pretend/South Of The Border/You Don't Have To Say You Love Me/You Don't Know Me/Send Me The Pillow That You Dream On/Story Of My Life/100 Pounds Of Clay/I Only Want To Be With You/Why Do You Wanna Make Those Eyes At Me/King Of The Road/Just Married/Things/Green Grass Of Home


In 1960 Jay Justin signed a recording contract with EMI's subsidiary label HMV Records. His debut single was released in August but it failed to make the charts. His second single ''Why Don't You Try'' became his breakthrough record in July 1961, spending eight weeks in the charts and reaching the Sydney Top 40. By this stage he was appearing regularly on both Bandstand and The Johnny O'Keefe Show.

He released two relatively unsuccessful singles before he hit it big with ''Proud of You'' in April 1963. It made the number one spot right around the country and spent a total of seventeen weeks in the charts. It was also released in the US on the Veejay Records label. Two more singles were released that year but neither emulated his previous success. Jay was also a talented songwriter and in collaboration with Joe Halford, the Artist and Repertoire man for EMI Records, wrote a number of songs for other local artists like Bryan Davies and Patsy Ann Noble.

Jay was also responsible for discovering young singing sensation Little Pattie. He spotted her performing at a dance at the Bronte Surf Club and arranged an audition for her with HMV Records. Jay and Joe also co-wrote her debut double-hit single called 'He's My Blonde Headed Stompie Wompie Real Gone Surfer Boy' and 'Stompin At Maroubra'. Jay continued recording and issuing singles on a number of labels until the mid-Eighties. During this period he spent some time in the UK where he recorded one single with top British composer, producer and conductor Norrie Paramour. He also represented Australia at the World Songwriting Festival in Rio de Janeiro and even started his own record label called Jamboree Records.

(HISTORY OF AUSTRALIAN MUSIC FROM 1960 UNTIL 2010)

M0nd0 R0ck - 1984 - The M0dern B0p WAVE RE-POST

Lovers Of The World/Come Said The Boy/Happy Families/The Modern Bop/Take Me Away/Baby Wants To Rock/Flight 28/Marina/Cost Of Living/In My House


The Modern Bop is the fourth studio album by Australian rock band Mondo Rock, released in March 1984 and peaked at number 5 on the Kent Music Report.



 Mondo Rock was an Australian rock band formed in November 1976 by mainstay singer-songwriter, Ross Wilson (ex-Daddy Cool). They're best known for their second album, Chemistry which was released in July 1981 and peaked at number 2 on the Australian Kent Music Report. Their song "Come Said the Boy" peaked at number 2 in Australia in 1984. The group disbanded in 1991, although they have periodically undertaken reunion concerts. According to Australian musicologist, Ian McFarlane, "by way of ceaseless touring and the release of a series of sophisticated pop rock albums, the band was one of the most popular acts in Australia during the early 1980s".

Mondo Rock were formed in November 1976 in Melbourne by Bob Bickerton on drums (ex-Rock Granite and the Profiles); Mike Clarke on bass guitar (ex-Mick Rogers and Eclipse); Greg Cook on keyboards and guitar (ex-Cam-Pact, Skylight, Phil Manning Band); Peter Laffy on guitar (ex-Fox, Freeway); and Ross Wilson (ex-Daddy Cool) on lead vocals and harmonica.

In September 1978, Mondo Rock released their debut single, "The Fugitive Kind", on Oz Records which peaked at number 49 on the Australian Kent Music Report. In October 1979 the line-up of Wilson, Gyllies, Bulpin, Laffy and McLennan recorded their debut album, Primal Park, which was issued on the Avenue label via EMI Records and peaked at number 40 in Australia. The album yielded two singles, "Searching for My Baby" (September) and "Primal Park" (November). McLennan contracted hepatitis as the band was due to tour to promote the album, so he was replaced, first by Eddie Van Roosendael (ex-Stiletto), and then by Gil Matthews (ex-Billy Thorpe & the Aztecs) on drums, for the tour.

 In February 1980, a new version of Mondo Rock of Wilson, Matthews and James Black (ex-Rum Jungle, Russell Morris Band) on keyboards and guitar; Paul Christie (ex-Kevin Borich Express) on bass guitar; and Eric McCusker (ex-The Captain Matchbox Whoopee Band) on guitar was established.

This line-up released their first major hit single, "State of the Heart" in October 1980, which peaked at number 6 on the Kent Music Report. The track was written by McCusker, who contributed many songs to the band's repertoire, taking some of the pressure off Wilson, who was experiencing temporary writer's block. Matthews left after the single appeared and was replaced by Andy Buchanan (ex-Darryl Cotton Band) and then by John James "J. J." Hackett (ex-Stars, the Fabulaires) in March 1981. Their next single, "Cool World", appeared in April 1981 and was also successful on the chart, reaching No. 8.

The band's second album, Chemistry was released in July 1981 and peaked at number 2 on the Kent Music Report. Two more singles were released from the album with "Chemistry" peaking at number 20 and "Summer of '81" at 31. The royalties from "Summer of '81" single were donated to Amnesty International.

In June 1982, Mondo Rock released "No Time", the lead single from the bands third studio album. According to Mccosker, "No Time" was inspired by The Beatles' "Don't Let Me Down", as a tribute to John Lennon. The song peaked at number 11 in Australia. In July 1982 the band released its third studio album Nuovo Mondo, on RCA / WEA, which peaked at number 7 in Australia. Christie left the group in September and subsequently formed an all-star band, The Party Boys; he was replaced on bass guitar by James Gillard. Two additional singled were released, The Queen and Me" and "In Another Love". The album also includes "A Touch of Paradise" which was released in February 1987 by Australian pop singer John Farnham, as his third single from his album, Whispering Jack and reached the Australian top 30.

By 1983, the Mondo Rock line-up of Wilson, Black, Gillard, Hackett, and McCusker started recording their fourth studio album. In December, the album's lead single "Come Said the Boy" was released, which peaked at number 2 in Australia. The song is a provocative tale about the loss of virginity and was banned by many radio stations including Sydney's then top-rated 2SM – which was affiliated with the Roman Catholic Church. The Modern Bop was released in March 1984 and peaked number 5 in Australia. The album yielded two more singles, "Baby Wants to Rock" and "The Modern Bop".
 

 In June 1985 Polydor Records released the band's first compilation album Up to the Moment, which peaked at number 5.  The album produced two singles, "Good Advice" and "The Moment". On 13 July 1985 Mondo Rock performed four tracks for the Oz for Africa concert (part of the global Live Aid program). The concert was broadcast in Australia (on both Seven Network and Nine Network) and on MTV in the US.

Mondo Rock: (l-r) James Black, Ross Wilson, Gil Matthews, Eric McCusker, Paul Christie 2015

The group's sixth studio album, Boom Baby Boom was released in September 1986 with the line-up of Wilson, Gillard, Hackett, and McCusker, joined by Andrew Ross on saxophone and Duncan Veall on keyboards. The album peaked at number 27 in Australia. The album's second single "Primitive Love Rites" was released in October 1986 and peaked in the top 40 in Australia and in 1987, became a minor hit on the US Billboard Hot 100 and reached the top 40 on its Mainstream Rock chart. In November 1987, the band released an extended play titled, Aliens. Wilson disbanded the group early the following year and recorded a solo album, The Dark Side of the Man, which included a top 40 single, "Bed of Nails", in June 1989.

In 1990 Mondo Rock reconvened and recorded the group's sixth studio album, Why Fight It?, which was issued in November 1990. Three singles were released from the album, "Why Fight It?", "I Had You in Mind" and "Soul Reason". In 1991 Wilson dissolved the group again.

The Groop - 1968 - Great Hits From The Groop FLAC UPGRADE

Mad Over You/Downtown Women/Woman You're Breaking Me/The Gun And Flowerpot Trick/I'm Satisfied/Little Man/Here She Comes/
Empty Words/The Best In Africa/Ham And Eggs


The Groop were an Australian folk, R&B and rock band formed in 1964 in Melbourne, Australia and had their greatest chart success with their second line-up of Max Ross on bass, Richard Wright on drums and vocals, Don Mudie on lead guitar, Brian Cadd on keyboards and vocals, and Ronnie Charles on vocals. The Wesley Trio formed early in 1964 with Ross, Wright and Peter McKeddie on vocals, they were renamed The Groop at the end of the year.
The Groop's best known hit single "Woman You're Breaking Me" was released in 1967, the band won a trip to United Kingdom but had little success there. Other singles included "Ol' Hound Dog", "Best in Africa", "I'm Satisfied", "Sorry", "Seems More Important to Me" and "Such a Lovely Way".
When The Groop disbanded in 1969, Cadd and Mudie formed Axiom with Glenn Shorrock (later in Little River Band). Cadd was inducted into the Australian Recording Industry Association (ARIA) Hall of Fame in 2007, for his work with The Groop, Axiom and as a solo artist.

Pardon Me Boys - 1987 - Pardon Me Boys FLAC UPGRADE

Beat Me Daddy/Shoo Shoo Baby/I I I I I (I Like You Very Much)/Hot Voodoo-Monkey Doodle Doo/Embracable You/Lounging At The Waldorf/Rythm Is Our Business/Double Trouble/Perfidia/Choo Choo Ch-Boogie



In 1985 Ignatius Jones formerly of Jimmy and the Boys formed the band Pardon Me Boys, an affectionate and slightly irreverent salute to the hits of the 30s and 40s, with the smallest hint of speakeasy sleaze, the big band swing of Glenn Miller and the heavenly harmonies of the Andrew Sisters. It grew from a 3 piece vocal group into the incredibly popular 13 piece dance band extravaganza. MonicaTrapaga was a member of the band, we all know her from her time as the presenter on Playschool and her own band Monica and The Moochers the other mainstay is William O'Riordan or as you may remember him Joylene Hairmouth also from Jimmy and the Boys.

Johnny Young - 1973 - A Musical Portrait FLAC

 Just Another Rock 'n' Roller/ I Never Had It So Good/I Believe In Music/Old Pair Of Shoes/Just Another One Of Those Songs/Cleanest Boy In Town/ Little Red Boat/Now I've Seen The Light/ Anna/Mix Me Another Drink/Little Brown Basket




One of the most popular performers to leave Western Australia to become one of Australia’s top performers and comperes.
Originally born in Holland, His family migrated to Australia where he lived in Kalamunda.Perth.W.A. Young’s career started in Perth compering and singing on his home state TV show – CLUB 17.

Formed his backing group ‘The Kompany’ with many changes during the run. In Perth he was signed to Martin Clark’s Clarion Label with two hits to his credit.

Probably mainly known for the song ‘CARA-LYN’ and ‘STEP BACK’ the latter by Stevie Wright and George Young from The Easybeats in 1966. He became King of Pop in Australia taking the crown from Normie Rowe.

He compared the ‘Go Show’ and also compared the well known ‘Young Talent Time’.

Young’s career could be decribed as incredible not only for writing one of the most recognised songs ‘The Real Thing’ by Russell Morris.
His show ‘Young Talent Time’ was no fluke as he took the show to the top from 1969 to 1989, a near 20 year run and an abrubtly cancelled
show by the Ten network.

Johnny Young may be looked at in many ways with his singing, TV shows, and his Young Talent Schools, no one can say he ever under achieved.

Christie Allen - 1979 - Magic Rhythm RE-POST

Magic Rhythm/All Australian Female/Only Yes Will Do/Goose Bumps/Falling In Love With Only You/He's My Number One/Count Me Out/Fallin' In Luv/You Know That I Love You/Ships That Pass Through The Night

 
Christie Allen was born as June Allen on 24 July 1954 in the United Kingdom. Allen's father is Keith Allen and her mother is Vera Allen, her brothers are Keith, Stephen and Mark. At the age of eight years, Allen performed in a talent quest, singing "My Johnny's Gone Away". In 1965, the Allen family migrated to Australia and settled in Perth. Allen and her brothers formed a band, Pendulum, where she provided lead vocals.

Whilst performing with Pendulum, Allen contacted UK-born Terry Britten, a songwriter and record producer. According to an interview she gave on Sounds she virtually knocked on his door. In the mid-1960s Britten was the lead guitarist of Australian rock group, The Twilights, He had worked with Cliff Richard for whom he co-wrote "Devil Woman" (1976) with Kristine Holmes. After working with Richard, Britten was living and working in Australia, when he was impressed by Allen's vocal ability and bubbly personality, and began songwriting for her. Allen signed a recording contract with Mushroom Records. In September 1978 she released her first single "You Know That I Love You", which reached the top 100 on the Australian Kent Music Report Singles Chart, and attracted some national radio airplay and positive reviews. 

 Her next three singles from her debut album, Magic Rhythm (November 1979), were top 20 hits. Aside from co-writing most of the tracks with B. A. Robertson, Britten also produced Magic Rhythm for Mushroom Records. The first single was a ballad, "Falling in Love with only You", which reached No. 20 in April 1979. Her next two singles were strongly influenced by the popular disco style – "Goosebumps", which reached No. 3 in September 1979, and "He's My Number One", which peaked at No. 4 in February 1980. "Goosebumps" was Allen's greatest success, with sales of 60,000, and was one of Mushroom Record's highest selling singles at that time. Allen toured Australia backed by The Hot Band, which was composed of Max Chazan on guitar (Rubes), Greg Cook on guitar (ex-Cam-Pact, The Mixtures, Ram Band, Mondo Rock), Bruce Haymes on organ (Rubes, Richard Clapton Band), Michael Hegerty on bass guitar (Richard Clapton Band), and Rick Puchala on drums (Richard Clapton Band); and later Yuri Worontschak on keyboards: Yamaha CP70B and Mini Moog (ex Spitfire). 

Allen was voted the 'Most Popular Female Performer' at the TV Week / Countdown Music Awards for 1979 and 1980. At the 1979 awards ceremony, broadcast by Countdown on 19 April 1980, Allen performed, "He's My Number One". At the same ceremony, Britten won the 'Best Songwriter' award for "Goosebumps". Allen won the 1980 award for 'Most Popular Female Performer', broadcast on 22 March 1981, against nominees, Annalise Morrow of The Numbers and Lynda Nutter of The Dugites. 

Besides performing, Allen also appeared on Countdown as a guest host: in November 1979 with Russell Hitchcock (Air Supply), and in April 1980 with Molly Meldrum. In the early 1980s Allen supplied the voice over and sang the jingle 'Come Tarino with Me' for Tarino orange soft drink commercials. In 1980 and 1981, Allen released three singles – "Baby Get Away", "Switchboard" and "Don't Put Out the Flame" – from her second and final album, Detour, produced by John Hudson, but they had less chart success than her earlier work - though Don't Put Out The Flame was chart hit. Britten had moved on and was working with Tina Turner: writing her hits "What's Love Got to Do with It" and "We Don't Need Another Hero". By mid-1980s a long illness prevented Allen from adequately promoting her career and she subsequently retired.

Allen and her partner, Mark, had a daughter Christa Lea. In the 1990s Allen returned to performing as a vocalist, with country music bands. In October 1998 Allen married Mark, and at that time Michael Gudinski appealed on national radio for information on Allen's whereabouts – Gudinski wanted her to perform at a televised tribute concert for the 25th anniversary of his company, Mushroom Records.[12] On 14 November 1998 Allen sang "Goosebumps" before a huge crowd at the Melbourne Cricket Ground – she retired following her performance which was released on the VHS album, Mushroom 25 Live (December 1998).

In 2006, Gudinski asked Allen to participate in the Countdown Spectacular tour; however, due to ill health, she declined. In March 2008 Allen was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and died at her home in rural Western Australia on 12 August 2008, aged 53.

Glenn Shorrock - 1996 - The First Twenty Years FLAC RE-POST

Disc One

The Twilights - Needle in a Haystack/Bad Boy/If She Finds Out/9.50/Young Girl/What's Wrong With the Way I Live?/Cathy Come Home/My Gneration (live)/Axiom - Ford's Bridge/Fool's Gold/Arkansas Grass/A Little Ray of Sunshine/My Baby's Gone/Glenn Shorrock - Rock 'n' Roll Lullaby/Let's Get the Band Together/Statue of Liberty/ Little River Band - Seine City/When Will I Be Loved?

Disc Two

Little River Band - Cool Change/Home On a Monday/Shut Down, Turn Off/Help Is on Its Way/Man on Your Mind/Long Jumping Jeweller/Goin' Back (with Renée Geyer)/We're Coming To Get You (with The Bushwackers)/Glenn Shorrock - Paperback Writer/Dream Lover/Restless/Don't Girls Get Lonely?/Big Smoke/Will You Stand With Me?/The Duchess Is Returning/Rock 'n' Roll Soldier



Glenn Barrie Shorrock (born 30 June 1944) is an English-born Australian singer-songwriter. He was a founding member of pop groups The Twilights, Axiom, Little River Band, and post LRB spin-off trio Birtles Shorrock Goble, as well as being a solo performer.

The Twilights had eight consecutive national hit singles including "Needle in a Haystack" and "What's Wrong with the Way I Live". Axiom's top 10 hits were "Arkansas Grass", "Little Ray of Sunshine" and "My Baby's Gone". Little River Band had national and international chart success, including the Shorrock-penned "Emma", "Help Is on Its Way" and "Cool Change".

Shorrock was inducted into the Australian Recording Industry Association (ARIA) Hall of Fame as a solo artist in 1991 and as a member of Little River Band in 2004. In May 2001 the Australasian Performing Right Association (APRA), as part of its 75th Anniversary celebrations, named "Cool Change" as one of the APRA Top 30 Australian songs of all time.

Glenn Barrie Shorrock was born on 30 June 1944 in Chatham, Kent, England. His family migrated to Adelaide, South Australia on the Orcades in August 1954 when he was ten. His father, Harry Shorrock was a Yorkshire-born fitter and turner at the Weapons Research Establishment in Salisbury. The 1954–55 summer had days of 42 °C (108 °F) and Black Sunday bushfires ravaged the Adelaide Hills in January 1955. His London-born mother Joyce Shorrock was not impressed with Australia, and she took Shorrock and his younger sister back to UK on the Strathmore, only to return to Australia on the "Fairsea" for a second attempt in 1956. The family settled in Elizabeth 20 km (12 mi) north of Adelaide.

Shorrock's first public performance took place in 1958 in a Lutheran church hall—he was miming to Elvis Presley's "All Shook Up" on a gramophone and strumming on a cardboard guitar when the player stopped—he was forced to continue singing by himself and realised he had a good voice.


 Glenn ,Frank Barnard,Peter Brideoak,Terry Britten,Clem "Paddy" McCartney and John Bywaters

In 1962, Shorrock formed his first band, The Checkmates, with Clem McCartney, Mike Sykes and Billy Volraat. They were a doo wop harmony group covering The Platters and The Crew Cuts material. Sometimes teaming up with instrumental groups The Vector Men or The Hurricanes, The Checkmates performed in Adelaide cafes and folk clubs. As a result of The Beatles' popularity, members of The Checkmates and The Hurricanes merged to form The Twilights in 1964.

 In 1964 Shorrock, with McCartney as co-lead vocalist, formed The Twilights by merging with The Hurricanes' Frank Barnard on drums, Peter Brideoake on guitar, Terry Britten on guitar and John Bywaters on bass guitar. Their debut single, "I'll Be Where You Are", co-written by Shorrock and Britten, was released in June 1965. The band had eight consecutive hit singles including covers of The Velvelettes' "Needle in a Haystack" and The Hollies' "What's Wrong with the Way I Live" (recorded at Abbey Road Studios in London). With two lead singers, two guitarists and five vocalists, the Twilights performed note-perfect covers of pop-rock songs and were famed for their live prowess. They relocated to Melbourne late in 1965 and were popular with teenage audiences and respected by fellow musicians. In July 1966, they won Hoadley's Battle of the Sounds with the prize including a trip to London. In 1967, shortly after returning from London, the group regularly performed the entire Sgt Pepper's album live in sequence, weeks before it was released in Australia. Shorrock married Sue, while he was a member of The Twilights. The Twilights disbanded in January 1969 and Shorrock became band manager for Brisbane pop group, The Avengers.

In May 1969 in Melbourne, Shorrock formed an early Australian 'supergroup', Axiom, with Brian Cadd on keyboards and vocals, Don Mudie on bass (both ex-The Groop), Doug Lavery (The Valentines) on drums and Chris Stockley (Cam-Pact) on guitar. They recorded two highly acclaimed albums, Fool's Gold and If Only...; and had three top 10 singles, "Arkansas Grass", "Little Ray of Sunshine" and "My Baby's Gone" on the Go-Set national charts. Axiom travelled to UK but disbanded there in March 1971.

Shorrock remained in the UK to pursue his solo career, he signed with MAM Records and released the self-penned "Let's Get the Band Together" single in October 1971. This was followed by a cover of "Rock'n'Roll Lullaby" (written by Barry Mann and Cynthia Weil) in March 1972. As Andre L'Escargot and His Society Syncopaters, he released "Purple Umbrella" with his backing band being Quartet members Britten, Kevin Peek, Trevor Spencer and Alan Tarney. He joined the multinational progressive rock band Esperanto, which released their debut album Esperanto Rock Orchestra in 1973 with the Shorrock written track "Statue of Liberty". He left Esperanto before their third album was released in 1974 and performed backing vocals for Cliff Richard.

                                                                             Glenn and Janice Slater during the Esperanto days.

 Mississippi was an Australian rock band which was working in UK with Beeb Birtles on vocals and guitar, Graham Goble (later Graeham Goble) on guitar and vocals and Derek Pellicci on drums. They contacted Glenn Wheatley (former bass guitarist for The Masters Apprentices) to become their manager. Birtles, previously in Adelaide band Zoot, called Shorrock to take part in the line up. Shorrock returned to Australia in October 1974 and joined Mississippi in January 1975 in Melbourne. They were soon renamed as Little River Band with the original line up of Birtles, Goble, Pellicci, Shorrock and lead guitarist Ric Formosa and bassist Roger McLachlan. The group went on to become one of the most successful bands ever to come out of Australia, and the first to achieve major commercial success in the United States. For Little River Band, Shorrock wrote the hits "Emma", "Help Is on Its Way" (Australian No. 1) and "Cool Change".

LITTLE RIVER BAND, Original Line-up (1975)
L-R Glenn Shorrock, Beeb Birtles, Derek Pellicci, Ric Formosa, Roger McLachlan, Graeham Goble

While still a member of Little River Band, Shorrock released a solo single, a cover of Bobby Darin's 1959 hit "Dream Lover" in April 1979 on EMI, which peaked at No. 8 on the Kent Music Report Singles Chart. In February 1982, Shorrock left Little River Band and was replaced by former 1960s pop singer, John Farnham who was managed by Wheatley. Shorrock returned to Little River Band in 1988 but, despite several quality albums, they did not regain the earlier stellar recognition. He left again in 1991 leaving the naming rights with guitarist Stephen Housden. In May 2001 the Australasian Performing Right Association (APRA), as part of its 75th Anniversary celebrations, named "Cool Change", as one of the Top 30 Australian songs of all time.
Later solo career

In 1982 Shorrock released a solo album Villain of the Peace and a single, "Rock and Roll Soldier" on Capitol Records recorded in Los Angeles with John Boylan (Charlie Daniels, Little River Band) producing. "Rock and Roll Soldier" reached the Australian top 40 in November but he did not achieve the international success attained with Little River Band. Late in 1982 he toured Australia and then teamed with Renée Geyer to release a duet, "Goin' Back" on Mushroom Records in February 1983. One of his backing singers was Wendy Matthews who had been a session singer in Los Angeles. "We're Coming to Get You", which peaked at No. 6 in October, was recorded with folk group, The Bushwackers it was the theme for the film, We're Coming to Get You. He released "Don't Girls Get Lonely?" in November. In 1984, he recorded "Restless" for the documentary World Safari II: The Final Adventure.

 In 1985, Shorrock released The First Twenty Years, which was a double-LP album compilation of his career work with tracks by The Twilights, Axiom, Little River Band and solo work. He was compere of Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) TV music series, Rock Arena in 1986 and as a breakfast announcer for radio station Magic 11 in Sydney. His solo single, "American Flyers" appeared in July. He performed on the tour of stage show One for the Money in 1986–87. He appeared in other stage shows including his own showcase productions Go Cat Go (1990–91) and Two Up (1996).

On 25 March 1991, Shorrock was inducted into the Australian Recording Industry Association (ARIA) Hall of Fame, alongside contemporary rocker Billy Thorpe, bass-baritone Peter Dawson and jazz musician Don Burrows. In 1993, he re-joined with Axiom band mate, Brian Cadd, to record Blazing Salads and three singles for Blue Martin Records, and a subsequent two-year tour. On tour Shorrock played his hit songs, along with those of Axiom accompanied by Cadd and a backing band of Rex Goh on guitar (ex-Air Supply), Kirk Lorange on guitar (Richard Clapton Band) and Mark Kennedy on drums (Spectrum, Ayers Rock, Marcia Hines Band).

Long Way to the Top was a 2001 ABC TV six-part documentary on the history of Australian rock and roll from 1956 to the modern era Shorrock provided interviews, "In Awe of The Beatles", "Being Pop Stars" and "Coming from the UK", on his early years with The Twilights. Long Way to the Top Tour followed in August–September 2002 with Shorrock appearing with The Twilights in the first set performing "What's Wrong with the Way I Live?" and "Needle in a Haystack"; he returned in the second set with Axiom to perform "Arkansas Grass" and "Little Ray of Sunshine".

In 2002 Shorrock reunited with other Little River Band founders Beeb Birtles and Graeham Goble to form Birtles Shorrock Goble. On 17 October 2004, the 1970s members of Little River Band: Birtles, David Briggs, Goble, George McArdle, Derek Pellicci and Shorrock, were inducted into the ARIA Hall of Fame. The later members including fellow Australian, John Farnham, and US-based musicians, were not included in this induction. Due to a 2002 legal ruling on their right to use the band's name—a non-performing member holds the trademark—they performed "Help Is on the Way" as the Classic Lineup of Little River Band. Birtles Shorrock Goble recorded a successful DVD and CD, Full Circle (2005) and toured until 2007. In August–September, the trio played a medley of Little River Band hits at the Countdown Spectacular 2 concert series.

In 2005 Shorrock also undertook his career-spanning The Reminiscing Tour – Glenn Shorrock & Friends with invited guest singers including Doug Parkinson and Wendy Matthews. In May–June 2006, he partnered actress Judy Nunn on the first season of reality TV singing competition, It Takes Two, they were voted off after week three. His first solo CD for seven years, Meanwhile, which contains acoustic versions of his career hits was released in 2007 on the Liberation Blue label. He performed The Beatles tribute show Let It Be with Parkinson, Sharon O'Neill and Mark Williams.

In 2008 Shorrock toured with the musical Shout! The Legend of the Wild One, based on the life of Australian rocker Johnny O'Keefe. In July 2010, Shorrock performed a retrospective of his 45 years in the music industry. Currently Glenn Shorrock continues to tour Australia performing for public and private events in Australia and promotes new local music artists. In early 2013 Glenn and his band were headlining performers in Macau, New York and London for the media launch of the Titanic II project. This was at the personal invitation of Australian entrepreneur Clive Palmer.

In October 2014, Glenn Shorrock was inducted into the South Australian Music Hall Of Fame alongside Bon Scott's former band Fraternity, Chris Finnen and David 'Daisy' Day.