Pontiac Conspiracy - 'Cycles and Cut

Where was I when this was released in 1987?  Being on the Rampant-Musicland label, I would always have a second look when I stumbled across LP's like this in the el cheapo box.   Somehow, this slipped through the cracks.

Many thanks to Dave for lending this to me so I could do an MP3 convert then blog on this site.  He knows I'm a sucker for this stuff.

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Chris Freeman

Chris is an Aussie guitarist of considerable repute.  It's only when you realise that the top of his middle fret finger is missing that things take a step up.  Wow - if we're talking about guitarists disabilities, that's a biggie.  To get around this problem, he had a metal prosthetic limb specially made up - problem solved.  The image of this is best seen on the 'Silverfinger' cover.  My advice is to listen first to the album with John Shaw - talk about a psychedelic wigout.

Download 'Chris Freeman & John Shaw'

Download 'Shifting Sands'

Download 'Silverfinger'

Bennelong Session - Various

Much sought after 1974 Australian Christian rock/folk compilation on the Heaven label (HRS2077).  This set was recorded live at the Sydney Opera House recording studio.  Featured artists are: Kristopher, Peter Campbell, Ian & Sue Smith, Ebenezer, Maranatha and Second Hand Blues (see track list in comments section).

The second side has some heavy progressive tracks with extra wow guitar.  Well worth a listen.  It will probably never be released on ceedee so this is as good as it will get.

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The Lonely Boys - Self Titled

Ever heard of these guys before? I certainly had not - until a follower sent this my way.  Now, I can't stop playing it. Something about this, can't put my finger on it - but it's great.  Maybe it's the sound of the vocals, or the rhythm section.  Dunno, it's simply infectious.

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The Secrets - Success Without College

Pure power pop is hard to do.  OK, The Beatles made it look easy - but who's been able to do that since?  Well, these guys get pretty close.  Superb album from 1980.

Like this, try the Secrets*.  They're not actually the same band (at first, I thought they were - my research skills are crap).  Very much sought after and ultra cultish.

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The Mexican Spitfires - Lupe Velez (Mini-Album)

Their only release!!  Jangly guitars with an acoustic twist.  After this mini LP they went into the studio but ground to a halt.  Enough tracks were collected for an EP which was to be titled 'Elephant' - but it's never been released.  Now, that may not be correct (officially) - maybe it snuck out.  Would love to hear from anyone who has this or any other output. 


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Fresh Air - A Breath Of ...

Has anyone ever heard of this band (they're not to be confused with Fresh Aire)?  No, I thought not.  But wow, what a great album.  This is one of those moments that makes you wonder and besides, how did these guys remain totally undiscovered.  They cover Buffalo Springfield "For What It's Worth" - that's a good start.  Then there's the song "I've Lost My Faith" - absolute killer psych/pop track.  Don't pass this up.

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Bobby & Laurie - Jump Back

Another LP from this 60's Aussie duo - this time a compilation from Raven Records.  While I prefer listening to Hitch Hiker, this is the album that others refer to with great affection.  There's no doubt about it - this is a good comp.

The cover is a bit odd, Bobby & Laurie are covered in talcum powder.  I'm sure there must be a reason for that but I don't get it.

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Mark Andrews & The Gents - Big Boy

Stumbled across this courtesy of a friend.  The cover suggests a rockabilly style but this is pop/rock.  Hidden away in the el-cheapo bins, this album is a worth contender.

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Loaded Dice - No Sweat

Perth tends to produce power pop bands with few rivals.  I remember buying this around 1979 and just being blown away. One of those LP's you just buy because the cover (or the back) looks cool.  It turned out to be a killer LP - but no one has ever heard of this band.  Then and now.  Just download and listen to a lost treasure.

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Jenny and Johnny - I'm Having Fun Now

Not all that hard to get but WOW - what a great pop album.  Betcha you haven't even heard of it.  That's the whole idea of this particular entry, you really need this.

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Ivy & The Teachers - Self Titled (1980)

From Belgium this band ventured forth.  OK - great cover.  No disputing that.  The pop tunes contained within have a tinge of reggae and ska.  Hey, they're from Belgium - that's what happens.  One odd thing about this album is that track 3 is listed as 'Suburban Love' - but it's not actually on the LP.  No idea as to how that occurred but would like to actually get the song.  I'm a completist at heart.

For those that have come here via Mr Weird and Wacky, have a good look around.  This music is actually my favorite kind.  The weird stuff is just a side issue.  Oh yeh, while you're at it, why not check out Mr Wired and Wasted (Punk, especially Aussie).

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A Raincoat - Digalongamacs

The world of Andy Arthur's is intriguing and A Raincoat was a band that highlighted his many talents.  This release is totally W&W - that could be Worthy & Whammo or Weird & Wacky.  Either way, the album is an absolute hoot.  Sing-a-long to this, and you'll lose your mind.

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James Griffin & The Subterraneans - A Cure For Snakebite

More from James & Co.  This is my preferred album with riffs galore.  Irresistible but resisted by all.  No idea - why is that?  It's a darn Aussie songwriter classic.

Also included here is the track "The Angel Run" (from the single of the same name) plus the single "Blood Of The Poet".  If you thought singles were irrelevant, think again.

BTW - don't forget to also download "The Immigrant Tango".

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John Dowler - Low Society

John Dowler has a lot of history.  He started out in Spare Change which then morphed into Young Modern.  Classic Aussie pop - there's no other description for these bands (one album from each).  After this he formed The Zimmermen and hit gold with the single 'Don't Go To Sydney'.   Two albums followed then all over red rover.  This is a mish-mash of solo stuff plus some tracks from previous bands.  Absolutely essential.

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Lizard - Bad Companions

One of the most sought-after Aussie albums of all time - apparently.  Sells for big, silly $$$ if ever a copy becomes available.  So what's the fuss?  Well, in 1973 this Prog Rock (with a bit of Jazz fusion) LP emerged to zero response.  Bummer.  That gives it added appeal to many.  It certainly has it's moments and should be re-issued.  The fact that it is still ignored after all this time is kinda odd.

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Midget - Collected

Midget emerged from Brisbane (and Toowoomba) with a spark that reeked of youth and enthusiasm.  Later they settled in Sydney and because of that, many considered them to be a 'Sydney Band'.  Not so.  Output was limited to 3 EP's (Vagus Wandering, The Toggle Switch, Sift) and an album (A Total Abandonment of Understanding).  Geez, I wish they never stopped.

Your download here is a 'pick n choose' affair.  The link will take you to each item.  I have never bothered with their singles so this is essentially their entire output minus the singles

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The Freshies - Very Very Best Of

Chris Sievey formed this unique band in the mid 70's.  They are characterised by one of their singles: "I'm In Love With The Girl On The Manchester Virgin Megastore Check-out Desk" (later it was renamed with the word 'Virgin' removed).  He found fame as Frank Sidebottom but that was about it.  Real pity as you will like everything on this compilation (subtitled 'Some Long and Short Titles').  Totally infectious and ignored.  


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Steve Kilby & Rick Maymi - The Wilderness Years

These two muso's teamed up under the pretense of producing an album based on the wilderness years of someone called David Neil.  Who is that you may ask?  Well, doesn't matter - he is fictional.  Steve Kilbey is the frontman for The Church and Rick Maymi is in The Brian Jonestown Massacre. It all makes sense to me if we say that these two guys simply got together to put out an album of music.  And .... it's good.

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Suburban Lawns - Collected

What a great band they were.  Only one LP plus a bunch of singles (all collected here) - they pressed all my buttons.  Saw them live one night in Chicago and thoroughly enjoyed the moment.  Famous for their single 'Janitor' which referenced 'my genitals', quirky enough to be in Mr Weird and Wacky but with a tinge of raw punk so that they could be in Mr Wired and Wasted.  But, no dispute, they sit comfortable here in Mr Worthy and Whammo.

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