Southern Lightning - Down The Road

Aussie blues done damn good.  Released in 1986.  Can't get enough of this.

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Southern Lightning - Self Titled

Second (and last) self titled album from 1987.

They also put out two singles but all tracks are contained within these 2 LP's.

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The Apartments - Initials PMW (Live At The Junk Bar) EP

Recorded about 11th of October 2015 in Ashgrove (Brisbane, QLD).  The Junk Bar is a converted shop which one could now call 'very intimate'.  As in, Tiny.  About the size of your living room, it offers standing room only but wow - what a venue to hear someone like Peter Milton-Walsh (aka The Apartments) play material from his last album 'No Spell, No Song, No Madrigal'.  One of the great Aussie albums of all time (BTW).

This EP is special for me - I recall the gig with such fond memories.  Thank you PMW.

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As Clear As Day - Some Excited Feeling 7''

Aussie popsters with their one and only 1984 release on Rampant Records.  Sorry, don't know much more about this band - except that the music is very darn good.

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The Odolites - Chimes 7''

Not many bands come out of Tasmania, but when they do ...

Bought this when it came out in 1986 mainly because it featured Rickenbacker guitar.  There's a rule relating to this instrument - just buy it.  No regrets, pure pop.  I was hooked.

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The Odolites - Persistence Of Memory EP

Much heralded 1986 EP (mini-LP).  Probably the favourite release for many of this band.  EP's have that purity - compact with no filler.  Infectious.

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The Odolites - Kathleen's Tantrum 7''

Final single (1987), to accompany their LP.  Missing the B-Side track 'Call It What You May'.  Desperate for someone out there to help out - please.

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The Odolites - Face Down In The Violets

One and only album from 1987.  A few weeks after it's release, the band called it quits.  'Beaten  Into Submission' may have been a better title.

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The Spliffs - You Know What They'll Say 7''

This was the first single from one of my all time fave bands.  Released in 1986, this Townsville band had the knack to produce pop gems.  Their one and only LP ('House Of Seven') is also to be found on this blogsite.

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The Spliffs - Never Say Goodbye 7''

Second single to accompany 'House Of Seven'.  Released in 1987.

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The Spliffs - Merry-Go-Round 7''

Another release from 1987.  Again, this accompanies the LP.

C'mon world - get on board.

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The Spliffs - Sixteen 7''

Last effort (1988).  It's a great track but I cannot include track 2 (Side B - 'Survival Road').  Can anyone out there help out?

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Quasar - Nebular Trajectory

Quasar were a unique Aussie (Brisbane) jazz/prog fusion band from the mid to late 70's.  Two brothers were the mainstay (Barry & Trevor Tiplady) on bass and drums, with Len Henderson on guitar.  Yup - just a 3 piece.  There were only 500 of these released in 1979 on ACR records.  Quite complicated (hey, it's jazz) and not an easy listen.  All instrumental with tinges of King Crimson - this is for those that enjoy the experimental.  Prepare yourself. 

Their second album ('Man Coda') is also found here.

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The Kevins - Club Of Rome

Mini LP from Ausie popsters released in 1982.  They never released a 'full' LP and more the pity.  Can't help but admire those bands incorporating a brass section.

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Galapagos Duck ‎– The Removalists

Galapagos Duck are an Australian jazz band who supplied the soundtrack to this movie in 1974.  They released around a dozen albums, this being their second.  Sales were moderate (c'mon, it's jazz) and I'd say this cover would not have attracted any interest.  The movie did and this probably kick-started the band.  Worth a listen.

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Ian MacFarlane - Back From Beyond

Ian was a cutting edge electronics musician and gave birth to his career as a progressive electronic artist, releasing this LP in 1980.  From 1978-1983 he contributed keyboards to Cybotron, Australia's leading electronic group of that period ('Colossus' & 'Self Titled'). 

I rate this LP.  It's essential listening.  

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Ian MacFarlane - Planetarium

Second album from Ian, released in 1987.  Thoroughly enjoyable.

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Violet Lightning - Void Spirit

An alter ego of Ian MacFarlane.  Released in 1979 so it was really one of his recorded starting points.  Not easy to find but that would be your loss.  Groundbreaking Aussie electronic music. 

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Vertical Hold - My Imagination 7''

Fresh, exuberant pop from 1981.  First time hearing this spelt FUN.  The 80's were here.

Many thanks to Andrew for helping out with these Vertical Hold files.  There's nothing better than a blogsite where people are happy to contribute.  It's obviously not an imposition and I certainly appreciate all contributions.

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Vertical Hold - Tears Of Emotion 7''

Second single from 1982.  An album must be in the offing soon.

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Vertical Hold - Self Titled

It's 1983 and we get a full length LP of dance-pop-funk tracks.  In many ways, this was the sound of the 80's.

I remember thinking at the time "what's with jeans that are turned up at the leg??"  Have never been able to answer that question.

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Vertical Hold - Shot Down (In Love) 7''

Both tracks from their 1983 LP. 

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Vertical Hold - This Must Be Love 7''

1984 and it's all over for Vertical Hold.  This was their last single.  It's not love, more like despair. 

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Vertical Hold - USA 7''

Despite the song title, this band is actually from Australia.  I'm in the process of converting my singles that are not available on the web, or have never been re-issued on CD or just random - into mp3 files to share on this blogsite.  This came out in 1984 but they released an album the year before.  I don't have this and would be dead keen to get it.  Mp3 files are preferred, and I will then share on this site.

They also had a bunch more singles but I don't have these either.  Any help would be appreciated. 

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Doctor Stone - Purple Slice EP

Their only release from 1996.  Goddamn this has a great sound.  Why didn't these guys kick on?

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Helicopters - Self Titled Mini-LP

West Australian band featuring Phil Bennett and Tony Thewlis.  Released in 1982. 

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Debutantes

Various artists early Aussie 'Punk' (before it was called punk): The Sports, Stiletto, Wayne Burt, Mark Gillespie & Red Symons.  The only thing is, we probably would'nt call them punk.  It's simply pub rock (as in rock).  Released in 1977.  I have converted this from cassette - the standard music format in the mid 70's.

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Stiletto - Licence To Rage

1978 Aussie release which I only have on cassette.  Martin Armiger (Sports) is credited with a few songs.  Jane Clifton on vocals.

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Bastinados - Over The Side 7''

Appeared out of nowhere in 1983.  Not much I can tell you about this other than that one of the members (Boris Garter) was in Rip Torn & The Stockings (aka The Stockings).  The lead singer of that band (Rip Torn aka Bernie Lynch) went on to form the Eurogliders.

I think I should blog what I've got from The Stockings.  Always enjoyed seeing them live in Perth. 

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Atla - Back Of The Woods 7''

Produced by Todd Hunter, of XL Capris ('Where Is Hank?' and 'Weeds') and Dragon fame.  That's basically why I bought the single in 1980.  And, it's a good 'un.  One and only release.

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Surfside 6 - Cool In The Tube 7''

You can just about hear the waves crashing in the background and smell the sea air.  Classic single from this Sydney band.  I'm hummin' it now.

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Surfside 6 - Can't You See The Sign 7''

Second single, equally toe tappin'.  Many thanks to Andrew who sent me the mp3 files.  You won't pay much less than $100 Aus for this.  I'm first and foremost interested in the music itself - this hits the spot. 

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Innocent Bystanders - Lebanon 7''

Life is good.  Very good.  I only just posted the Innocent Bystanders last night and already my cry for help was heard.  This single was sent in by Don and I'm super happy.  Many thanks.  Here it is now for you.

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Innocent Bystanders (split with The Hurricanes) - Looking Down At You 7'' & Dangerous 7''

Innocent Bystanders hailed from Perth and released this single in 1986 (same time as their album).  It was split with a band called The Hurricanes (about whom I know absolutely nothing.  However, they released 2 singles before this:

• Lebanon (1984)

• Dangerous (1986)

I don't have these and would certainly appreciate copies (mp3 files).  Hold the press - just received a copy of 'Lebanon'.  MANY thanks.  Hey, it looks like this internet thingy works fine. AND - now have 'Dangerous'. 

Download 'Looking Down At You' 7''  

Download 'Dangerous' 7''

Innocent Bystanders - Don't Go Looking Back

One and only album (1986).  There is also a cassette floating about ('Sample Tape') but I don't have this.  If anyone out there can help - please do.  It's really only the mp3 files I'm after.  Cassette tape has a horrible habit of deteriorating over time - the aim of this blogsite is to try to preserve all this good music.

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The Widowed Isis - Jim Morrison (I Want To Be) 7''

Catchy single from this band - about whom I know very little.  My guess is that they came from Sydney (where this single was recorded).  First release (1985) but they also put out the following:

• You Can't Make Me Burn 7''

• Self Titled 12'' EP

I don't have these but would be over moon if you could help out with the mp3 files.

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The Sports - Fair Game EP

First EP from 1977.  Things were just starting to hot up in the Melbourne scene.  In 1978 they released their first LP, 'Reckless'.

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The Elks - Refer To Drawer

The Elks are a blues band that hailed from Perth.  I remember seeing them so many times and always in awe.  They were sensational when supporting BB King in the mid 70's (this album - their only - came out in 1978).  It was produced by Matt Taylor (from Chain) and recorded in Fremantle.  Wilbur Wilde, Joe Camilleri & Helen Matthews guested but it was all about the band.  They were so darn tight.  Terry Serio was on lead vocals and also had a starring role in the Aussie movie 'Running on Empty'.  In my collection, I also have a CeeDee 'Live 1977' (recorded at RMIT, Melbourne).  No idea how easy it is now to get (only 500 were made) but if you want a copy, I can also blog it.

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The Seclusions - Isolation For Creation

This is a 'grower' from 1985.  Very hard to describe, but I can tell you a few things: Joey Ramone is on backing vocals (occasionally), Busta “Cherry” Jones on bass and Jimmy Rip (who has been covering Richard Lloyd’s parts in Television).  The only consistent member seems to be a vocalist/songwriter named Randy Dash - I know nothing about him though.  There are some originals and some fascinating cover choices (Yardbirds, Blues Magoo's and Iron Butterfly).  Just download this album. 

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Ace Of Fools - Headline

Another Aussie band I know nothing about.  Bought this way back in 1982 and it's just  been sitting in my collection.  Gathering dust.  The time is ripe to just get this out there.  It may tickle someone's buds - such that they feel inclined to give some background info.  Please ....

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Gotham City - Radio Active

Bought this album in 1982 as some of the member(s) of The Angels contributed.  Not much more that I can tell you about this LP other than it having a certain 'pop' feel.  Interesting and obscure Aussie release.

There was also a single, featuring the tracks 'Don't Call Me' & ' Give Me The Part' (both contained on the album).

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Priority Paid - Image

Priority Paid were from Sydney and released this album is 1988.  I wish I could tell you more, but ....

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Cape Diem - Self Titled EP

Know very little about this 1984 release on Sundown Records.  The band are from Brisbane but that's about it ....

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