Cowboys International - The Backwards Life of Romeo

2004 release from these guys. I completely missed this when it came out but always enjoyed their first album ('The Original Sin'). Purchased it recently but it's for completists only. Sounds nothing like their first (boo-hoo) and features only one original member - Ken Lockie. He plays most of the  instruments with a little help from family. Hey - it's Cowboys International. What more do you want!

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Mark Gillespie - Flame

Rarely heard album from Mark Gillespie, released in 1992. His first two albums are highly regarded ('Only Human' 1980 & 'Sweet Nothing' 1981 - both re-issued) and the third ('Ring Of Truth' 1983) fell upon deaf ears. Mark then left Australia to work in Bangladesh and set up a child orphanage. He released this gem during this time and then silence (musically). No doubt he had bigger fish to fry with his new life in Bangladesh - I get that.

It would be a pity though if this album continued to be unheard.

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The Benders - False Laughter

Sydney jazz band BUT not the same as The Benders previously blogged.

Chris Abrahams, Jason Morphett, Lloyd Swanton and Andrew Gander were part of this collective. All highly regarded muso's. Thoroughly enjoyable.

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The Benders - Distance

Last album (1985) - next stop is solo projects then The Necks.

However - there is one hiccup. I do not have their first album - 'E' (released in 1983). If you can help out with the mp3 files, please email me.

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The Benders - Picnic At Oakleigh Rotunda

This album (mini-LP? - only 8 tracks and 45rpm) is an absolute gem. Recorded in 1979 at Melbourne with a sound that is very bouncy. Very poppy. Not unlike The Sports. Highly recommended. This is their one and only release but a CDR ('Revault') collecting this album plus heaps of live material is apparently out there (1998 - both on Incognito Records). If you can help out with that - please please email me.

None of the members went on to do anything/much else that I know of. That's a real pity. Have I said that this is sensational?

One more thing - there are a few skips on Track 1. Only minor but I can't get rid of. Sorry.

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Tymepiece - Sweet Release

Prog/Psych Aussie rock from 1971. This is where The Black Diamonds ended up. Both their singles from 1969 ('Become Like You' and 'Bird In The Tree') are contained in this download.

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Melissa - Midnight Trampoline

Prog/Folk Rock from 1971. Naff name for three blokes I reckon. But - it's well worth your time. Don't even bother chasing this down on LP - mission impossible.

The single ('Mississippi Mama') that preceded this LP is also included in the download. That's their full output.

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It Flew Away - The Lounge Room Tapes

Double album, self released. Best described as Prog Rock.

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McPhee - Self Titled

Prog Rock 1971 release from this Aussie band. One and only album.

Again, impossible to find an original LP.

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Tamam Shud - Goolutionites And The Real People

Aussie Psych/Prog/Surf Rock. Highly regarded by just about everyone you could meet. Began life in Newcastle around 1964 and released this beast in 1970. The album before this was 'Evolution'. They're had a stop/start career and feature Mr Tim Gaze - guitarist extraordinaire. He can sure push out the licks with a solo career well worth checking out. Lindsay Bjerre is also prominent. Hey - this is a classic with a killer album title.

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Galadriel - Self Titled

Aussie Prog Rock from 1971. This is an absolute classic - also impossible to find.

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Madden & Harris - Fools Paradise

David Madden and Pete Harris released this Aussie  Prog/Psych/Folk album in 1975. Their single is also included here.

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Dave Miller & Leigh Corbett - Reflections Of A Pioneer

Dave Miller started out in New Zealand with The Dave Miller Set of which Leigh Corbett was a member. They released their one and only LP in 1970. Very hard to get this gem (and that's an understatement). I've always enjoyed this album - perfect example of Aussie Psych/Rock.

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Arena - Self Titled

1975 Aussie Jazz/Funk/Rock fusion. One and only release.

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David Bowie - Toy (The Lost Album)

Recorded in 2011 a bit before 'Heathen', Bowie decided to re-record some of his very early songs. He teamed up with Gail Dorsey (Bass), Sterling Campbell (Drums), Earl Slick (Guitar), Gerry Leonard (Guitar) and Mike Garson (Piano) to see where the music would take him this time around.

It went well. Very well. OK, Bowie then decides to release this as a bona-fide LP. His label declined (possibly because they did not own the rights to most of these tracks). That's a shame BUT, 'Heathen' was released instead. This was then shelved but Bowie began a new grand era in his life/music.

What you hear hear are in effect bootlegged mp3 files. So, until it's released officially - this will have to do.

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Davey Lane - Under The Covers

Impossible to find 2014 self-released CDR covers album by Davey Lane. This took me 5,000 years to chase down. It's obviously an album of cover versions but it was Todd Rundgren's song 'International Feel" (from 'A Wizard, A True Star' - absolute classic) that started the chase. I'm a big fan of Todd.

When I finally got this CD (in Melbourne - Rock Steady Records) I was a bit pissed off - it didn't play on my CD player. With much persistence and about 6 different CDR drives, I was able to extract the sound files and convert to mp3. Hooray. Now you can reap the benefits. It would be an absolute shame for this to disappear.

Dave plays a big role in Aussie music as a solo artist (get his albums - all of 'em - you won't be disappointed), The Pictures, You Am I, Charles Jenkins and the Zhivagos, Crowded House, Jimmy Barnes, The Wrights, The Stems etc. I've probably missed something !!

He also did a live Bowie covers series of concerts and The Beatles 'Abbey Road' album live tour. On this release he covers songs mainly from The Beatles and Nick Lowe. But you will also find a track by The Mighty Boosh, Bowie/Queen ('Under Pressure'), XTC, You Am I and The Rutles.

Phew ...

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Waves (An Anthology Of New Music)

Unique collection of music. Well worth adding to your collection. Tracks by The Lonely Boys, Toy Love, The Toasters, Martians, The Last, Invaders etc.

Download Vol 1 (1979)

Download Vol 2 (1980)

The Particles - Colour In 7''

Probably more of a pop sound to be heard here. Female vocals with a healthy smattering of trumpet. Reminds me a lot of Pel Mel ('No Word From China') and even the B-52's. The Particles released 3 EP's/Singles - this one came out in 1980.

The two lead players (Peter & Astrid) experimented with drum machines, tape machines, brass instruments and keyboard sounds. There always seemed to be a pop sound to their recordings. Not easy to do.

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The Particles - Advanced Colouring 7''

1981 and we cheer that The Particles have released a second single. Almost a rarity. Rocking horse shit. But, it happened.

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The Particles - I Luv Trumpet 7''

Last release (1983) for these experimental pop delights.


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Cam-Pact - Living In The Sixties EP

Very influential Aussie band in the 60's. Trevor Courtney on drums, Chris Stockley guitar/vocals, Greg Cook on guitar/piano/vocals and Keith Glass bass/vocals.

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Power Pop From The Garage (Australian Power Pop 74-86)

Absolutely essential collection of Aussie Power pop.

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Penny Ikinger - Songs From The Deep EP

Posting this because more people need to hear Penny armed with a dirty fuzz guitar. Her album from last year ('Tokyo') is a ripper and well worth chasing down. In the meantime, you'll just have to settle for this EP.

Apart from her solo career, she was in The Wet Taxis and Salmon and has occasionally teamed up with Deniz Tek, Ron Peno, Charlie Owen, Louis Tillett, Mark Ferrie, Dave Graney, Clare Moore and The Sacred Cowboys. Wowsers.

Three LP's prior to 'Tokyo' : 'Electra' and 'Penelope'. Also, another EP 'Fragile'. There is a doco out there which you will find on YouTube ('Electra: The Music of Penny Ikinger'). Chrissie Amphlett is the interviewer. Made in 2006.

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Summer Suns - Greatest

2008 collection from a Perth band led by Kim Williams. The million dollar question is - who is that on the cover?

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Tune Bureau - Laminex

Who the heck are these guys?? They hail from Perth and released this gem in 1997. Nothing about them on the internet (not even Discogs) - this may have something to do with them remaining 'undiscovered'.

It be good. Very good. 'Over The Top' and 'Budget Pop' (as proclaimed on the cover) may be apt descriptions.

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Serious Young Insects - Housebreaking

Seriously good pop from 1982. Therefore it may come under the New Wave banner. Obviously Australian - they could've been the new Sports. Bouncy. Neglected.

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Howling Rabbits - Beware The Hunter

Sadly neglected Brisbane band from 2010 (perhaps 2009). Hardly any mention on the web (not even Discogs!). After this album, they changed their name to Soviet X-Ray Record Club. VERY little info out there about this band, but Soviet X-Ray Record Club have a site on bandcamp you should check out (with downloads). The Facebook site is also handy. A band website is listed but is now defunct.

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Danse Macabre - Between The Lines (Compilation)

This is a CD compilation of their two releases: 'Between The Lines' (1981) and 'Last Request' (1982). Both were really mini-LP's. Kiwi band with a sound similar to Joy Division or The Cure. I have absolutely no doubt that you will enjoy this.

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The Genes - Self Titled

The Genes are such a good band. Totally underrated. With this 1992 release (their first, it's a mini LP) we perhaps get a hint as to why. They look like a boy band!

That's never good, unless you're aiming at that market. These guys were just surfers singing excellent pop songs and that's very hard to do.

It could be recommended that you start with their phenomenal last album ('Dead Street Light'). I'd agree with that but it's something you should buy. Once hooked - you'll be desperate to get their earlier stuff - so it's here where this blog springs to the rescue. Well out of print and impossible to find. The key words are magnificent and underrated.

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The Genes - Buy A Guitar

Released in 1996 and still struggling to get recognised. Again, their image probably does not help. Hard to say really but the journey really begins with these 2 releases.

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Tony Barber - Someday ... Now!

Have seen this around the ridges selling for silly $$ but there is a CD reissue (with extra tracks - included here). There were 2 Tony Barbers in Australia: the other being a more famous game show host (Sale Of The Century). This guy was very much a quality act.

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Stars - Paradise

Mick Pealing starred in this band. He also had a part in the Spaniards with Billy Miller. Australia's take (in the 70's) of Americana. Maybe Americana should be called Australiana. Nah - too weird.

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Love Affair - Up From The Skies 7''

Obscure Aussie band. Both songs on this single are cover versions: 'Up From The Skies' is a Hendrix song (Axis: Bold As Love LP) and 'World Of Pain' by Cream (on Disraeli Gears LP). No idea when it was released - but it presses my buttons.

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Tony Worsley - Velvet Waters (And Other Great Songs)

Tony pioneered the Australian rock n' roll sound of the 60's with his band the Blue Jays - but this is his second solo album. The first was 'My Time Of Day'. I'm blogging this because I enjoy listening to it and it also links up with Mr Weird and Wacky. The cover is pure W&W. Cheesecake (perhaps). Shirtless!!

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John Justin & The Thunderwigs - Justice

Now that's what I call hair. And lots of it. The only reason I'm blogging this 1986 release is because Gordon Pitts was a member for a while - he was also in Microfilm (Mr Wired and Wasted). It's not easy to find so you'll have to settle for that aspect.

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The Spaniards - Locked in a Dance

Mini LP from 1986. Billy Miller (from The Ferrets) was a member, he also starred in The Motivators ('After The Fall' EP and 'Self Titled' LP) plus being a regular with Stephen Cummings. Mick Pealing was also in the band - he was a mainstay with Stars. I remember their first album 'Paradise' fondly. Oh, BTW - Stars are still active and put out 'Boundary Rider' in 2018.

Spaniards (no 'The') put out 3 singles (listed below), but they are also (mostly) collected on this mini LP. I guess the LP was put out to collect the singles. However the first 2 singles have b sides that are extended mixes of the a side song. Hate that - it's unnecessary and lazy - they are not included in this download. So there!

• God Is A Shield 1984 (with extended mix) 7''

• Angel 1985 (with extended mix) 7''

• What Can I Do 1986 (with 'Memory') 7''

Download Mini LP

The Denver Men (aka Denvermen) - Surf Side (aka Surfside) 7''

The band name and single title are confusing but the music is not. It's straight up surf twang rock (is that a genre?)

I'm 99% sure that the band name is actually 'The Denvermen' and the single is titled 'Surfside'. Both one-word.

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The Chills - Pink Frost 7''

Such a great band. They originate from New Zealand and obviously were a big part of the Flying Nun label. 'Pink Frost' was their first song - I remember vividly first seeing it on TV and going WOW. Absolute classic. I also have fond memories of traveling through NZ and humming this song everywhere. It's just so ... New Zealand. Dreamy. Snow capped mountains and all that.

The mainstay of the band is Martin Phillips. When he puts out an album all I can think is BUY!

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The Chills - Secret Box (Rarities 1980-2000)

This 3CD compilation sells for anywhere between $500 and $1500 (Aust). Wow. I'd call that a travesty of fairness.

This box set certainly is very secret. Maybe only 500 put out in the first instant and all pretty well snapped up (please do a re-ish). So - without further ado - a wrong will be righted. Just download this gem then track down all their albums. I should say, Martin is still putting out albums and may he never stop. Each is essential.

Download CD1 (Sonic Bygones)
Download CD2 (Salvaged Bullion)
Download CD3 (Singular Booty)

War - The World is a Ghetto

There's just something about this LP that pushes all my buttons. I was reminded that it needed posting after blogging 'The Black-Mans Burdon' (War with Eric Burdon) on Mr Weird and Wacky.

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Pyramid - Self Titled

From the back cover - you'd guess that this is jazz-rock fusion. Correct. Then you'd chuck in the word 'psych'. Uhmm, dunno. OK. Nah.

Just have a listen. The first song is 'Song For Bobby'. It's good. Released in 1980, Australia.

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