The Spliffs - House of Seven

Pop heaven.  The Spliffs originated in Townsville (North Queensland) in the early 80's.  They put out a single ('You Know What They'll Say') then this album.  Both releases have been blogged here - they're classics.  It's something I've been dying to do for ages - the reason for this will be obvious when you sink your ears into the delights within.  Why was this band not the biggest thing on the planet?  There hasn't even been a ceedee release - unbelievable!  Another  three singles were released to back up the LP (they contained A sides from the album) but these are not included.

By the way, here is the actual house on the LP cover (2/3 Wickham St, Townsville).  Magnificent building - many thanks to the reference for this (see comments section).

Download Album (+ first single)

Mississippi - Self Titled EP

Perfect harmonising was the order of the day for this band.  They had a big-ish hit with the song 'Kings Of The World' and it certainly caught my ear in the early 70's.  The main members (Graeham Goble, Beeb Birtles & Kerryn Tolhurst) are something of an institution in Australia and as time went by they morphed into the Little River Band after enlisting Glen Shorrock (from The Twilights).  Pedigree galore here.  My advice however is to forget about the rest and grab this just for 'Kings Of The World'.

You can also get their self titled album here.

Download EP

The Distractions - Nobodys Perfect

Pop perfection.  Often cited as one of the GREAT lost classics, the Distractions certainly hit a winning formula with this.  Elvis Costello eat your heat out!! Don't think it's ever surfaced on ceedee but they did re-form in 2012 and released an album that was head 'n shoulders above most.

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Interview - Snakes and Lovers

Second (and last) album from these popsters.  Possibly not as good as their first but now that you've had a taste (and the singers voice has you hooked) well, here's more.  Much harder to get (-ie- impossible) so it would be criminal to keep this LP locked away.  Would love to see a double CD re-ish someday.

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Interview - Big Oceans

You can't help but have a soft spot for this band.  Totally naff name, bland cover and no airplay - a ruthless combination that ensures life begins in the second hand 'el cheapo' bin.  The first thing that grabs you is the singers voice - very different.  The closest reference point could be that of Pavlov's Dog (the band).  Anyway, give this unusual bunch of popsters a good listen - you won't be disappointed.

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Bobby & Laurie - Hitch Hiker (1966)

Killer album.  Full stop (despite the goofy cover).  This Aussie band were unfairly ignored in the late 60's and have remained so ever since.  Why aren't the multitude talking about this with a full CD re-mastered release?  Damn unfair.  So, all we can settle for (eternally) is my scrubby LP conversion.  Better than nothing despite the sound of cooking bacon.  This is a classic - it still shines.

Check out Jump Back, an excellent compilation LP.

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Little Heroes - Self Titled

Got a real soft spot for these Aussie popsters.  They had a big hit with the song 'One Perfect Day' (not included here) but it's their first album (along with the single 'For A Bleeding Heart') that tickled my ear lobes.  It seems that their three albums have been eradicated from history ... not fair!  Check out this release, then chase up the others.

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