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''

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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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Pyramid - Sunshower

Second and last album. Released in 1984. The album was made for TV as part of the Don Burrows Collection. It is captured live, straight to tape. Many of the tracks from their first self titled album appear here again!

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Simon Jones - Melanie and Me

Aussie OST from a short film directed by Chris Fitchett (1975, Reissue 2014).  About an actress paying off debts by uhm ... dubious means.  Only 100 LP's released in the first instant (privately pressed).  Best categorised as folk rock but with occasional electric 'fuzz/psych' guitar (me like).

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The Clergy - Rosethorn 7''

Released in 1989. Morphed into St Jude then Halfway. Check out the other Clergy releases on this blogsite:

• Glow (Cassette)
• Pieces/Sebastian 7'' (still to be converted to mp3)

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Headband - A Song for Tooley

1973 Adelaide/Aussie release. Band members were linked to The Angels, Gangajang, Fraternity and Cold Chisel. Much requested ... here it is.

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The Silent Reach - Melancholy Love Song 12''

Australian band, highly rated. If you have more info on these guys, please add in the comments section.

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