The Aliens - Translator

Too few people have heard this.  Strange, at the time (1980) it was quite the big thing.  My memory is that everyone was humming along to 'Confrontation' and 'Follow That Girl'.  Mushroom records certainly thought they'd be the next big thing, then ptooof - all gone.  Nothing to be heard of again,

Download Album

Ward 13 - Try To Please Me 7''

Don't know whether or not this came before or after the 'Robot Wizards' EP (perhaps after).  Anyway, as I was to find out, this band will end up being a grower.  At the time they certainly looked very 'new wavey'.

Download Single

Ward 13 - Robot Wizards EP

I remember buying this EP from the el cheapo bin in 1980.  Didn't take long for it to get there.  The cover looked cool and futuristic.  Had no idea that it was pop or even Aussie.  Joy of joys when I spun this sucker on the turntable.

Download EP

Ward 13 - Slow Dancer 7''

Somewhat raunchy cover - probably belongs more on Mr Weird and Wacky (greatest blogsite on the face of this planet).  We've now moved onto 1981.  Bring it on guys.

Download Single

Ward 13 - See Venice and Die 7''

Great single.  They keep getting better.  This one was from 1981.

Download Single

Ward 13 - News For You 7''

Another single from 1981.  The plan here is to get more people to listen to Ward 13.  That's Plan A anyway ... It wasn't really working.  But hey, I was there.  Having a great time listening to this band.  Can't wait for the LP.

Download Single

Ward 13 - Flash As A Rat

This is a good album.  Full stop.  Infectious pop from 1981.  It was a long wait for this LP, well worth it.  OK, the singles are collected here, but so what. 

Download Album

Ward 13 - Midnight Caravan 7''

1982 release - guaranteed to get your attention.

Download Single

Ward 13 - Too Much Talk EP

Last output from 1982 - then nothing more!  Not good.  Why does this always happen?

Download EP

Whirlywirld - Window to the World 7''

First release in 1979 Ollie Olsen, John Murphy & Co.  I saw it as being anti-rock at the time and 'tolerated' their sound.  Then it crept up and grew on me.  Became a bit of an obsession really.  They certainly had their place in the New Wave explosion.

Download Single

Whirlywirld - Big Gun Action EP

Released in the 12 inch format (I mistaken thought it was an LP at purchase).  Barely hesitated to grab this from day 1.  Yup, I was hooked.

Download EP

Whirlywirld - Sextronics 7''

Their last release.  Boo hoo.  B-Side is 'Eyebrows Still Shaved'. 

Download Single

The Numbers - Government Boy 7''

Released in 1978, this Sydney band instantly grabbed my attention.  Three piece band fronted by a brother and sister combo.  Perfect pop can be found within this single.

Download Single

The Numbers - Five Letter Word 7''

Second single.  Thoroughly good.

Download Single

The Numbers - The Modern Song 7''

Third single and my favorite.  By now, they've hit the 'big time' and an LP follows.  You may want to chase down the CD re-issue (Numeralogy) that seems to collect this LP and their singles.

Download Single

The Numbers - Sunset Strip 7''

There was another 'Numbers' in Australia!  This band hailed from Brisbane and hit the floor running in 1978.  Then (obviously), they changed their name to The Riptides and re-issued the same single again but with the new band name.  The 7'' version as the Numbers is much sought after.  Actually, both are.


Download Single

 

The Riptides - Tomorrow's Tears 7''

Now the Brisbane Numbers become fully fledged as The Riptides.  Everyone likes 'em.  They have this infectious, poppy, and melodic sound.  It's fun.  Like the Go-Betweens, they seem to capture that striped sunlight sound.  Later, they morphed again - into Gangajang.  Success and immortality await.

Download Single

Pirana - I & II

Aussie band formed in 1970. Pirana I was released in 1971 with what many at the time called a 'Santana-like sound' (they covered 'Soul Sacrifice' live).  Line-up changes followed this release (of course) and they inventively followed 'I' with 'II' in 1972.  They performed live at Sunbury (also 1972) to much acclaim but still their 2 LP's were ignored.  That seems to have been a 'thing' of the times - great live, but ignored on vinyl.  They plugged along till 1974 then fizzled out.  More the pity.

Download Both Albums

The Cafe Racers - Self Titled (Cassette)

Aussie rockabilly - and it sounds great.  You won't find anything else about these guys on the net - I simply bought the cassette way back when, while in Perth.  Why did I buy it?  Well, it was Australian and on cassette.  That's what you did in those days.

Download Cassette