Post 246 - Dancing Daze - Soundtrack

ABC TV series which was devised by Michael Cove and Chrissie Koltai which starred Meryl Tankard, Patsy Stephen and Laurence Clifford. In 1988 the soundtrack LP was released on ABC Records and featured songs by Wendy Matthews, Jenny Morris, Mark Williams, Jane Clifton, Larry Van Kriedt, Martin Armiger, Sherlie Matthews and the late Marc Hunter. The LP was produced by Martin Armiger. Sharon O'Neill wrote the title track and "Dare To Be Bold" both sang by Wendy Matthews, other tracks were penned by Martin Armiger, Greg Macainsh, David Briggs, Stephen Cummings and Dean Richards to name a few. Here to download is that LP "Dancing Daze" (RML 53191).

Post 245 - Jamie Redfern - One / Walking My Baby Back Home

As a added bonus to the 4 Jamie Redfern LP's on our Blog we have found this single. In 1977 Festival Records released this single by Jamie Redfern "One" b/w "Walking My Baby Back Home" (K-6787) the A side was from "A Chorus Line" both sides of the single never appeared on any of his LP's. It was produced at T.C.S. Studios Melbourne and was arranged and directed by John Hawker.

Post 244 - Jamie Redfern - Jamie Redfern's Golden Hits LP

Following the release of the single "Jenny" in October 1974, and the album "Jamie Redfern's Golden Hits" (L 35724) during 1975, Redfern slipped from public view. By that stage his younger brother Derek had also entered the entertainment world - also as a member of the Young Talent Time team. Here to download is Jamie's last LP release from 1975 on Festival Records.

Post 243 - Jamie Redfern - Hitch A Ride On A Smile LP

In early 1974, Jamie Redfern released his third album. "Hitch a Ride on a Smile" (L 35285) produced his fourth hit single, also entitled "Hitch a Ride on a Smile", which reached Number 28 in Australia in March. Redfern took the song into the finals of the World Popular Song Festival held in Tokyo, and topped off a successful 1974 by taking out the King of Pop award ahead of Johnny Farnham and Daryl Braithwaite. This LP was different than his first 2, as we get the opportunity to hear not only the young voice of Jamie, but also a more mature manly voice as well. Here to down load is that LP produced by Johnny Young at T.C.S. Melbourne for Festival Records.

Post 242 - Autumn - A Patch Of Autumn E P

Like their contemporaries The Executives, The Affair, New Dream and Zoot, Sydney band Autumn has been unfairly labeled as a lightweight pop band, mainly on the basis of their early recordings. Fronted by lead vocalist Tony Romeril, Autumn was a superb band with a strong following in their home city of Sydney, and they could tackle pop, country rock and heavy/progressive rock with ease. Autumn walked into the advertising agency that handled the Levi's account, with a request to record the Levi's song. Levi's liked the idea so recorded it they did, and in 1971 released the EP here for you to download "A Patch Of Autumn" (EPW-200) on Warner produced by G.Wayne Thomas. Autumn recorded 8 singles, 3 EP's and two LP's. Tony Romeril worked in Italy for some time, recording under the pseudonym Andy Foxx. Romeril and Rick Graham re-formed Autumn briefly in Sydney during 1976, with a new line-up, but this new version, which played only new material and none of the Autumn songs, quickly fizzled out.

Post 241 - Jimmy Hannan - Curly / Sheila Ann

Ron Tudor's Fable Records was the most successful Australian independent recording company of the early 1970s. It was also one of the most productive 'indie' labels of the period, issuing over 300 singles and dozens of EPs and LPs. Fable released a wide variety of music from rock groups to mainstream vocalists; its catalogue also included Christian gospel music by singing group The Proclaimers, comedy recordings by Frankie Davidson, and novelty items like Drummond's 'chipmunk' version of "Daddy Cool" and the quaint piano version of The Mixtures "In The Summertime." Here to download is the very first single Fable released in April 1970 for Jimmy Hannan "Curly" b/w "Sheila Ann" (FB-001), #35 / 2 weeks. Fable was officially launched in April 1970 with a batch of five singles (all by Australian artists) and the success it enjoyed over its first nine months was nothing short of spectacular, seven of its first twelve singles made the national Top 40, and of the forty-one singles Fable released between April and December 1970, seventeen became hits, including two national #1s by The Mixtures' "In The Summertime" and "The Pushbike Song" and four other Top 10 hits by Hans Poulsen, Liv Maessen, Jigsaw and John Williamson. Fable won many industry awards during its fifteen year life.

Post 240 - Allniters - Hold On / Mr.Yunioshi

The Allniters signed with Midnight Oil's label Powderworks and with RCA in 1983. First single for Powderworks was "Hold On" in May, followed by a cover of Bobby Bloom's "Montego Bay" in September, which peaked at #16 on the Australian singles charts. Their debut album, D-D-D-Dance was released in October and a third single, "Love and Affection" followed in November. The album and all three singles had reached the Top 40 on the Australian charts. Here to download is the first single for Powerworks in 1983 "Hold On" b/w "Mr.Yunioshi" (POW 0132) produced by the Allniters. The B side was a non album track with guest appearance by Jonathan Coleman. In 1987 they recorded "All That Easy", which was released by Mushroom Records with Mental As Anything's Martin Plaza producing. The single had no chart success and The Allniters disbanded. The Allniters reformed with a new lead singer, Miss Velvet Vass (aka Juliana Vasilkov), and released "Nowhere Fast" on the Sound System Record label, with the album The Allniters disbanded again in 2001. They reformed in 2004 to support reggae band, UB40's Australian tour, but they did not record any new material.

Post 239 - The Mixtures - The Mixtures LP

The Mixtures, now comprising Peter Williams, Fred Weiland, Don Lebler and Chris Spooner, subsequently returned to Australia and cut a new self titled LP on the Festival label and a new single, "Down Under Girls" / "My Neck Of The Woods" in Oct. 1974. Here to download is that LP from 1974 "The Mixtures - The Mixtures" (L 25184). The LP was produced by Bruce Brown except "Down Under Girls" produced by Martin Erdman and "My Neck Of The Woods" produced by Kingsley Ward & Martin Erdman. Other players on the album were Bob Bertles (sax), John Phelps (keyboards) and Garth Porter (mellotron). They released another single, in April 1975, but it was to be their last and the group folded sometime in 1976.

Post 238 - The Sports - Poor Mouth / Heart Of Darkness

This single was a bonus single that came with the LP "Suddenly" in 1980. Credited as “The Lost Demo's” on Mushroom Records the A side penned by Stephen Cummings & Andrew Pendlebury and the B side by Martin Armiger. Here to download is that single "Poor Mouth" b/w "Heart of Darkness" (L37131) Thanks to Steve for this single.

Post 237 - Doug Scroope - Australia Speaks

Doug Scroope is an Australian actor who has played various acting roles in such series as Kingwood Country, Prisoner, A Country Practice, Hey Dad, Police Rescue, All Saints and in 2005/2006 played Graham Walters in Home & Away. Here to download is a single Doug released in 1975 for Warner "Australia Speaks" b/w "Australia Speaks (English Version)" (100043) produced by William Quills. In my opinion this track could have been the prequel to "Australiana" by Austen Tayshus maybe???

Post 236 - Sunbury - Various LP

The Sunbury Pop Festival was an Australian rock music festival held on the Australia Day long weekend from 1972 to 1975. The four Sunbury Pop Festivals were held on on the same 620-acre (2.5 km2) private farm along Jacksons Creek, on the southern outskirts of Sunbury, between Sunbury and Diggers Rest. The Property was owned by farmer and local identity George Duncan. It has been estimated that as many as 40,000 people attended Sunbury in 1972, although figures vary considerably depending on the source. Music entrepreneur Michael Gudinski had some involvement with the first Sunbury festival as well as managing several of the major acts appearing, he operated a lucrative concession selling watermelon to festival goers. British owned record company EMI released a double-album of live performances from the 1972 festival. Here for you to download is that LP "Sunbury" (SOXLP 7561/2) on HMV/EMI Records. Billy Thorpe & the Aztecs also released a live recording of their performance at the '72 festival on the independent Havoc Records label. In 1974 the festival featured its first international act Queen, who were booed off the stage to screams of 'go back to Pommyland, ya pooftahs'. Skyhooks were also booed off stage, and after watching a recording of their performance, lead singer Steve Hill quit and was replaced by Graham "Shirley" Strachan. The first Sunbury Pop festival titled "Rock Happening of 1972" and ran from Saturday January 29 to Monday January 31, 1972. The attendance was 35,000 - 40,000 and the entry fee was $6.00 (3 days), $5.00 (2 days), $1.00 (1 day).

Post 235 - The Hooter Sisters - To Know Him Is To Love Him / So Tough

In 1974 Alison McCallum signed to Albert Productions, and collaborated with two of Australia's more respected singers, Bobbi Marchini and Janice Slater as the Hooter Sisters, releasing a version of Phil Spector's "To Know Him Is To Love Him". Here to download is that single "To Know Him Is To Love Him' b/w "So Tough" (AP-10605) the B side was co written by Janice Slater, Chris Gilbey and Dan Brodbeck and Chris Gilbey produced the single for Alberts. Despite the talents of these three ladies, the single was passed over by all, possibly due to other commitments. I believe Alison is living in Sydney, Bobbi is in the Greek Islands and Janice is in the Blue Mountains area. If you check out our links you'll find Janice Slater's - A Musical Journey.

Post 234 - Johnny Tapp - The Jones'

John Frederick “Johnny” Tapp was born in 1941 in Rams gate, New South Wales, is a former Australian race caller based in Sydney. During a career spanning thirty three years it is estimated that he has called over 50,000 individual races and became the voice of Australian racing to a whole generation. Here to download is the B side of Johnny’s 1974 single “Little Hondo” “The Jones'” (SAC-045) written by Terry Arnold with backing vocals by the Rhythmaires. To download the A side go to http://tommixmusic.blogspot.com/2010/01/download-no340-johnny-tapp.html

Post 233 - Ol' 55 - Diana / Goodnight Sweetheart

Ol' 55 dressed in authentic 1950s rocker gear and mixed vintage material with excellent originals mostly penned by bassist, Jimmy Manzie. By September 1975 the band had released it's first single a cover of Paul Anka's Diana on the Mushroom label. The single was a minor hit in Sydney, but it was the follow up track, On The Prowl which launched Ol' 55 into the national Top 20. Here to download is their first single "Diana" b/w "Goodnight Sweetheart" (K-6091) produced by Charles Fisher. The single never appeared on an album till the "Greaseworks Greatest Hits 1976-79" in 1980 and there was a live version on the second album "Fiveslivejive" 1977.

Post 232 - Grantley Dee - Let The Little Girl Dance / Answer Me

Singer and radio personality Grantley Dee (real name Grantley De Zoete) was a well known and popular presenter on Melbourne radio station 3AK and he is especially notable for being the first visually impaired pop DJ on Australian radio. But Grantley's achievements didn't stop there, he was also a popular singer who recorded a string of singles for EMI between 1966 and 1968. Grantley was an accomplished singer and during 1966, he was the vocalist in the short lived Melbourne based band called The Hurricanes, although this band didn't make any recordings. His 3AK career slowed down somewhat during this year, after he was signed to EMI's subsidiary label HMV, for whom he recorded five singles, an EP and an LP. Here to download is his 1966 hit for HMV and it's non album B side "Let The Little Girl Dance" b/w "Answer Me" (EA-4762) During 1970 -71 he was vocalist in the Melbourne band Taurus, also with Gil Matthews. Grantley's solo career tapered off in the early seventies although he performed with two other Melbourne acts, Rock Steady and The Henchmen in 1973, neither of which made it to record. Grantley Dee passed away on the 7th of February 2005.

Post 231 - Dianne Hammond - Stand Up Australia

And yet another one of those singles that no one seems to know anything about. Dianne Hammond or Di Hammond depending on what side of the cover you look at wrote this song in 1987. The single was produced by Mike Harvey with the help of engineering by Glen Phimiston at Studio 301. It was released on Diamond Rose Records and backing vocals were by the children of Denistone East and Middle Harbour Primary Schools. So if my maths are right most of these kids now would be in their 30's so maybe one of them will read this and may enlighten us with some info on this song. Here to download is "Stand Up Australia" (DIROS 1) with its instrumental B side of the same song.

Post 230 - Frankie Davidson - The Dollar Auctioneer / Just For Today

Sunshine Records was an Australian independent pop music record label of the mid 1960s. It was established in late 1964 by promoter Ivan Dayman in collaboration with musician, producer, arranger, songwriter Pat Aulton and producer and songwriter Nat Kipner (who also founded the Spin Records label). Here to download is another record by Frankie Davidson from 1966 on Sunshine Records "The Dollar Auctioneer" b/w "Just For Today" (QK-1250) The A side is an arrangement of Leroy Van Dyke's song with the B side penned by Frankie. The Sunshine catalogue remained part of the assets of Festival Records until that company went into liquidation in 2005. The combined Festival/Mushroom Records archive was sold to the Australian division of the Warner Music Group for a reported AU$10 million.

Post 229 - Troupadours - By The Devil I Was Tempted / The Collector

Here from 1973 is the Troupadours cover of the Blue Mink song also from '73. There is little information on this band from Brisbane. They have only recorded 2 singles with no mention of an album. They released 2 singles for M7 Records "Sing A Song" '74 and this one from '73. Here to download is their 1st single "By The Devil I Was Tempted" b/w "The Collector" (MS 015) produced by Roger Savage at Armstrong Studios Melbourne.

Post 228 - Mike Brady And The Cubettes – The Cube / The Headless Horsemen

Born on the 28 of February 1948 Mike Brady migrated to Australia from England in the 1950s with his family. He was one-third of the 1960s pop act MPD Ltd. which stood for Mike, Pete and Danny, which had hits in Australia including "Little Boy Sad" and "Lonely Boy". The band toured Australia and also played shows in Vietnam for Australian troops. After the break-up of MPD Ltd., Brady continued to record occasionally and had a top 10 hit with "Sympathy". He worked with Pete Sullivan on recording a jingle. The popularity of the jingle led to the release of the song "Up There Cazaly" credited to the Two-Man Band. It reached #1 on the Australian charts in September ‘79 and was the most popular single recorded by an Australian artist that year. It sold 250,000 copies making it the most popular single ever released by an Australian artist in Australia at that time. Here to download from 1981 on Mike’s Full Moon label is the single “The Cube” b/w “The Headless Horseman” (FMS 2112) the B side is credited to Peter Sullivan. Peter has written arrangements and produced albums for many of Australia’s leading artists including Pseudo Echo, Little River Band, Daryl Somers, Ricky May, Normie Rowe, The Seekers, Colleen Hewitt, Dennis Walter. The single was produced by Mike & Peter.

Post 227 - Mondo Rock - Why Fight It LP

Mondo Rock was formed in late 1976 by singer songwriter Ross Wilson. 1990 saw their last recording of new material as Mondo Rock, with the album "Why Fight It", featuring Wilson and McCusker with a studio super group that included former Beach Boys drummer Ricky Fataar and renowned American guitarist Waddy Wachtel. Three singles were released, "Things Are Hotting Up", "I Had You In Mind" and "Soul Reason", but these did not chart and Wilson dissolved the group during 1991. Here to download is their last LP "Why Fight It" (VPL1 0831) on RCA Records. Mondo Rock has occasionally reformed, and they starred in the 2006 "Countdown Spectacular" concerts, which were seen by more than 100,000 people throughout Australia, performing a medley of "Cool World" and "Summer Of '81", and a full version of "Come Said The Boy". We accidentally did not zip the artwork in the above link, so here is a link to the artwork: http://www.megaupload.com/?d=M58CPF6D

Post 226 - John Laws - John Laws Sings Fiat Big Wheels

This post is 3 commercials John Laws did for Fiat trucks there's no date, so not sure what year it came from or no label name on the record. Here to download is the promo single "John Laws Sings Fiat Big Wheels" (7XF 8010 PRS 2399)

Post 225 - Hot Rocket - Pianola Roll

Here to download is the B side of post #35 "That's Your Business" guitarist Dave Webster penned this track "Pianola Roll" (FK-4301). Recorded on Festival Records in '71 and like the A side was produced by David Gibbons.

Post 224 - Grand Junction Country Band - Walk All Over Georgia / Devil Whiskey

Grand Junction Country Band was formed in 1973 included founding members Dave Tyne on bass guitar and vocals, Mike Tyne on pedal steel guitar, Lance Clarke on Lead guitar and vocals, with Duncan Watt on Drums. The band released their first single on ATA Records in 1974 called "Walking All Over Georgia". In 1975 Mike Tyne left the band to tour with Slim Dusty's Travelling Country Band, and was replaced by Colin McIntosh on steel guitar, and Peter Brown takes over on Lead Guitar. Alan Trudinger (aka Alan Stewart) joins Grand Junction in 1976 along with Keith Longman on drums. In 1977 Longman is replaced by John Fraser on drums. Peter Johnson replaces Peter Brown in 1978 on vocals and lead guitar. In 1981 Doug Rowe (ex Flying Circus) replaces Peter Johnson as lead guitarist & produces the bands first album for RCA Records simply titled "Grand Junction." Here to download is their first single produced by Gerry Stevens "Walk All Over Georgia" b/w "Devil Whiskey" (K-5863).

Post 223 - Fred Strauks & John Elder - Happy New Year

Fred Strauks, with Greg Macainsh, was the second founding member of Skyhooks. His association with the bass guitarist goes back ten years. He is a kick it around style drummer, versatile to fit into all the different shadings of the music he plays. Imants Alfred Strauks ("Freddy Kaboodleschnitzer") was born in Melbourne on the 25/12/50. Before Skyhooks he played with Spare Parts, Sound Pump, Clap Trap and Frame. He also played drums with Jo Jo Zep from 1982 - 1983. Here to download is a single he and trumpeter John Elder released from their mini LP in 1984 on Arika Records, "Happy New Year"(ASP 007). The guys wrote and produced the single. In the mid 90's he joined the Ol' Skydaddys and now he loves to renovate houses.

Post 222 - Jamie Redfern - When You Wish Upon A Star LP

Jamie Redfern's second single, When You Wish upon a Star (from Disney's Pinocchio (1940 film)) reached Number 31 on the national Australian chart in February 1972. The album of the same name peaked at Number 12 that same month. Here to download is that LP from '72 produced by Johnny Young for Festival Records. Following the release of the single Jenny in October 1974, and the album Jamie Redfern's Golden Hits during 1975, Redfern slipped from public view. By that stage his younger brother Derek had also entered the entertainment world - also as a member of the Young Talent Time team.

Post 221 - Richard Kaal - Lesser Folk / Yesterday Hey

In 1970 Richard Kaal joined the cast of "Hair", for twelve months, then joined "Jesus Christ Superstar" playing an apostle, understudy Simon, then understudy Jesus for a further eighteen months. Richard recorded with E.M.I. in 1970 and 1971 as a singer/songwriter, unfortunately airplay was very limited so he left in 1972. After playing in bands ranging from a ten piece called Nine Stage Horizon in Sydney, to a duo called Moondyne in Perth. Richard has been involved in music from the age of six, learning violin for ten years, after which he began playing guitar and singing. Here to download is his single from 1972 on H.M.V. Records "Lesser Folk" b/w "Yesterday Hey" (EA-9974). The A side was written by Brian Cadd & Don Mudie and the B side penned by Richard, the single was produced by Rod Coe. Richard gained a keen interest in sailing, buying, repairing and updating his boats. He finally bought 'Cadenza', a 36 foot Van de Stadt yawl, which he restored, lived on and sailed extensively with PA system on board. He is presently building a house, retreat and studio high in a mountain in Bali (Gunung Batukaru) to be more involved in his quest to study the music of Bali.

Post 220 - Jon Blanchfield - Son Of A Simple Man / Waltzing Matilda

"Son Of A Simple Man" was written by Brian Cadd and Don Mudie from Axiom who actually provided the backing for the song as well as Brian doing backing vocals. The song was issued by RCA in 1969 and was written about bush ranger Ned Kelly. Jon had several hits in his hometown of Brisbane; this was his 7th RCA single, again a non charter in Melbourne and Sydney despite going to #1 in Tasmania. Here to download is that single "Son of a Simple Man" b/w "Waltzing Matilda" (101874).

Post 219 - Skyhooks - Sweet Sister / Guitar Thunders In My Hand

From the Vault Magazine vol 1 #4 The Skyhooks Issue, limited copies contained the rare Skyhooks flexi-disc with "Sweet Sister" b/w "Guitar Thunders in my hand" it came out in '88. Both tracks were written by Greg Macainsh. "Sweet Sister" has Shirley on vocals and "Guitar Thunders In My Hand" has Tony Williams on lead. "Sweet Sister" turned up on the Demos And Dialogue CD but I'm sure Guitar Thunders In My Hand has never seen CD. Sadly the magazine called it a day sometime during Volume two. The Hooks issue is now part of the Skyhooks Club Membership kit without the Flexi.

Post 218 - Jimmy Barnes - Merry Christmas Everybody

In 1995 Jimmy Barnes recorded his version of Slade's 1973 Christmas hit "Merry Christmas Everybody" written by guitarist Noddy Holder and bassist Jim Lea. Before its release, "Merry Christmas Everybody" received about half a million advance orders. 350,000 copies were bought upon its release on 7 December 1973. Jimmy's version was produced by Jimmy and Guy Davies and was recorded at Hattytown Studios London. Here to download is his version of Slade's classic with the help of musicians Guy Davies and Edward Pearson.

Post 217 - Billy Thorpe & The Aztecs - Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas

In the early '90s, Billy Thorpe and family came back to Australia for good. Renewed interest in Billy's amazing body of work led to the successful launch of a 3CD set, "Lock Up Your Mothers" and national concerts again reuniting the classic Sunbury Aztecs line up. Billy continued to record and found a lucrative sideline in advertising composition like the Friday Night Football TV promo for the 9 Network. He also penned two highly entertaining autobiographical books, and in 1994 Billy, Gil, Warren and Paul put down the Christmas track here for you to download "Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas" produced by Billy at Metropolis Studios. (Mrs. Ozzie's Favourite)

Post 216 - Ross Wilson & The Salvation Army Band - Born Again

Ross "The Boss" Wilson teaming up with The Salvation Army Band in 1993 to bring you "Born Again" written by Ross and Eris O'Brien, the song was produced by Lindsay Field and Ross. Eris O'Brien also co wrote "The Christmas Bug" with Ross for Daddy Cool in 2005. In August of this year Ross celebrated 45 years in music with the commemorative "5 Decades of Cool" concert at the Palais Theatre, St Kilda, Melbourne. Mrs. Ozzie and myself were there and what a concert it was and the DVD of the concert was released in November what a nice Christmas present.

Post 215 - Cotton Keays & Morris - We Three Kings

Cotton Keays & Morris formed in 2000 consisting of singer songwriters Darryl Cotton, Jim Keays and Russell Morris. Each has written and recorded numerous hit songs since the 1960s. The band tours the land regularly, their stage show featuring the hits of each member and their previous groups. Here to download is their Christmas song "We Three Kings" produced by Darryl, Jim and Russell with the help of Tony Day (drums), Rob Hornbuckie (bass), Stuart Fraser (guitar), Adrian Scott (keyboards) and John Kendall on fiddle.

Post 214 - Frankie J Holden - Santa Claus Is Coming To Town

Front man for Ol' 55 Frankie J Holden is back with another Christmas song for you to download this time with "Santa Claus Is Coming To Town" produced by ex Flying Circus keyboard player Sam See in 1996. Frankie is joined by Stuart Fraser (guitar), Chris Bekker (bass), Angus Burchall (drums), Tibor Gyapjas (trumpet), Lex Tier (trombone), Steve Williams (sax), Penny Dyer and Angela Lilbrandi (backing vocals) and Sam See (piano).

Post 213 - Angry Anderson - Christmas Day Australia Way

Born Gary Anderson on the 5th of August 1947 in Melbourne, he first came to notice as the vocalist with Buster Brown, a band he fronted between 1973 and 1975. Along with himself, the original line up also featured drummer Phil Rudd, who would leave the group in 1974 to join AC/DC. Buster Brown released an album, Something to Say in 1975, before disbanding the same year. Rose Tattoo had been formed by Peter Wells of the heavy metal band Buffalo. Anderson replaced the group's original singer Tony Lake and when drummer Michael Vandersluys departed soon afterwards, he was replaced by Dallas Royal, who had been Rudd's replacement in Buster Brown. Anderson led Rose Tattoo through six studio albums until disbanding the group in 1987. He is also recognized for his acting roles and his charity work. On Australia Day , 1993, he was made a Member of the Order of Australia for his role as a youth advocate. Here to download is Angry's Christmas track "Christmas Day Australia Way" from 2003. He is backed by Adam Silady, Rex Goh and Dave Lesley on guitars, Anthony Corrie drums, Lorenzo Toppano keyboards and Cheryl Webb, Cassandra Delaney on backing vocals. Today, Anderson is a single father of four, and lives in Sydney. Having lost four former band mates (Royal, Wells, Ian Rilen and Lobby Lloyde), Anderson became an advocate for men's health. He currently appears in a TV campaign promoting awareness of prostate cancer.

Post 212 - The Reels - 5 Great gifts Ideas From The Reels EP

The Reels originated with the group Native Son which was formed in the country town of Dubbo, New South Wales and played in the area for about three years, mainly playing cover versions of current and classic hits. After moving to Sydney in 1978 they changed the band's name to The Brucelanders. They gradually developed an original repertoire of fast paced, quirky pop and ska music, and their energetic performances gained them a strong following on the thriving east coast live music scene at that time. They were also given enormous support in Sydney by the ABC's rock radio station Double J. In 1979 they secured a recording contract with the Australian branch of the Mercury Records label, changed their name to The Reels and released their debut single, "Love Will Find A Way" and its follow-up "Prefab Heart." In mid 1980 the group undertook the innovative Reels By Rail tour, which saw them using rail transport to travel to all the destinations on their tour. At the end of the year, returning to their roots as a covers band, they released a five track Christmas EP, 5 Great Gift Ideas From The Reels. Here to download is that EP on Mercury Records "5 Great gifts Ideas From The Reels" (6235 014)

Post 211 - Renee Geyer - Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas

Renée Rebecca Geyer was born on 11th of September 1953, in Melbourne to a Hungarian Jewish father, Edward Geyer, and a Slovakian holocaust survivor mother, as the youngest of three children. Geyer was named Renée for another holocaust survivor who had helped her mother in Auschwitz after Josef Mengele had assigned the rest of her mother's family to death. At a young age, the Geyers moved to Sydney where her parents were managers of a migrant hostel. Geyer describes herself as a problem child, she attended various schools and was expelled from a private school, Methodist Ladies College, for petty stealing. Her first job was as a receptionist for the Australian Law Society. In 1970, at the age of 16, Geyer's singing career began as a vocalist with jazz blues band Dry Red, for her audition she sang The Bee Gees' hit "To Love Somebody." She left Dry Red for other bands including the more accomplished jazz rock group Sun. The group released one album, Sun 1972 in August 1972, Geyer had already departed in mid 1972 and later joined Mother Earth. RCA, who had released Sun's album,then signed Geyer to a solo contract; however, when it came time to record her first solo album, Geyer, already showing signs of her self proclaimed "Difficult Woman" tag, insisted that Mother Earth back her on the album. Here to download is Renee's Christmas song "Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas" from 2002, she was backed on this by muso's Steve Hadley (bass), Bruce Hames (keyboards), Peter Luscombe (drums) and Shane O'Mara (guitar) who also produced the song.

Post 210 - Jay Justin - Letter To Santa Claus / White Christmas

It's been over 45 years since "Proud of You" first hit the charts on its way to a national Number 1. Jay was unusual in that he actually wrote his own songs, as well as writing or helping to write hits for others. A school girl named Patricia Amphlett was one of his discoveries. At the age of 13, she'd appeared on the TV show, Opportunity Knocks but her career really took off when Jay saw her performing at the Bronte Surf Club and introduced her to EMI records. He and EMI producer Joe Halford wrote the 2 songs which would be Little Pattie's first single release "He's My Blonde-Headed Stompie-Wompie Real Gone Surfer Boy" on the A side and "Stompin' at Maroubra" on the B side. Jay had a number of other hits himself, including "Reminiscing." Here to download is Jay's Christmas single recorded on Jamboree Records "Letter To Santa Claus" b/w "White Christmas" (J1) backing vocal by the Peakhurst Girls High School and produced by Jay and Peter Dilosa.

Post 209 - Kamahl - White Christmas / Silent Night

Kamahl who's real name is Kandiah Kamalesvaran was born on the 13th of November 1934 who is perhaps best known for his song "The Elephant Song", as well as his sensitive interpretations of standards in the repertoire of popular music. Kamahl began his music career in small time band "Radial Arm". At his first public performance in 1958 he shortened his name to Kamal, but the Master of Ceremonies announced him as "Camel". After that he changed the spelling to Kamahl. Kamahl has performed at the London Palladium and Carnegie Hall, as well as pubs and clubs throughout Australia. In 1982 Queen Elizabeth II asked him to give a Royal Command performance in Brisbane for the Commonwealth Games there, and in 1984, he sang with Cathy Lee Johnson at the LA Variety Telethon. Here to download from 1977 is his Christmas single recorded for Philips Records "White Christmas" b/w "Silent Night" (6037 103).

Post 208 - Bert Newton - Bring Back The Spirit Of Christmas

Albert Watson "Bert" Newton, AM, MBE, was born on the 23rd of July 1938, he is a multiple Gold Logie winning Australian television, radio, film, stage performer and author. Newton was born in Fitzroy, an inner suburb of Melbourne, Victoria. Bert lived at home with his mother until the age of 36, prompting widespread gossip that he was gay. In 1974 he married Patti McGrath, a co-worker. The Newtons have a son, Matthew, and a daughter, Lauren. To write all about Bert's career in television, radio and stage it would be many pages but if you are interested go to http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bert_Newton. Here to download is Bert's Christmas single from 1979 on Fable Records "Bring Back The Spirit Of Christmas" (FB 1882). The B side was another Christmas single from 1981 by radio D.J. Keith McGowan "A Little Boys Christmas Prayer" This single was released as a special edition in 1981. I'm not sure what the B side of Bert's single was but if you want to hear the B side of McGowan's single go to http://tommixmusic.blogspot.com/search?q=keith+mcgowan. Bert was backed by the Debney Park High School Band.

Post 207 - Johnny Farnham - Christmas Is LP

Johnny Farnham's first #1 single on the Go-Set National Singles Charts was the novelty song "Sadie (The Cleaning Lady)" released in 1967. Selling 180 000 copies, "Sadie" was the highest selling single by an Australian artist of the decade. His first Christmas song was a non-album single, "I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus" b/w "The Little Boy That Santa Claus Forgot". Here to download out of December 1970 is Johnny's Christmas LP "Christmas Is" (SOEX 9700). The single, "Christmas Happy", was also released in December. The album was re-released as Memories of Christmas on 13 November 1995 and again on 6 December 1997 with different covers each time. The album was produced by Howard Gable for EMI/Columbia.