Tolley & Dara - Cutheart

Recorded live in Melbourne 1980, file under 'experimental'.  I only bought this in the first place as it was distributed by Musicland.  Avant garde is descriptive.  Not really my cup of tea - too darn Weird and Wacky.

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Tolley & Dara - You Know You Know

.... and then they released this.  Still not a convert!

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The Terraplanes - Toke

This is the Australian Terraplanes.  Their 'album' is really a mini-LP in the 12'' format.  Tight R&R sound but not much info out there about this band.  I'm sure someone may be able to rectify that in the comments section.

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The Terraplanes - A Sides 7''

No idea where I got this single from - it doesn't seem to be listed anywhere.  In the liner notes they refer to 'Toke' so it must have come after that album.

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Terraplanes (aka Animals & Men) - Terraplane Fixation

Animals & Men was version 1 (Tracks 1-9) then they morphed into the UK version of The Terraplanes (remaining tracks in this compilation.

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Terraplanes - Evil Going On 7''

Pretty weird and wacky cover to their only single.  I'd say there's some evil going on but it ain't hip.  This is the UK band.  The Aussie band are entirely different.

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Street Kid Vandal (aka Elroy) - Here It Comes EP

Saw this band live in the late 90's.  In Yeppoon, of all places (that's between the fork and knife).  They slotted into a spot at the Village Arts Festival and were the absolute standouts.  I think one of their members came from the area (Rockhampton).  For me, their music was drastically overlooked.  Bands that change their name midstream (from Elroy to Street Kid Vandal) seem doomed to failure.  

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Street Kid Vandal - Cool As The Dead EP

Cool As The Dead seems like an apt title (in hindsight).  Real pity that after this they called it quits. 

In this download, I have included an 'unreleased' mp3 file that I found on Youtube.  Some of their members ended up in Melbourne and formed Dirty York.  It's worth your while chasing down their stuff.

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West Compilation

Handy little compilation of 1982 West Australian 'punk' artists (Manikins, Rockets, Invaders, Eurogliders, The Nobodies etc).

Of interest to me is the inclusion of The Hot Biscuit Band.  They would often play at our school socials and I have fond memories of them playing 'Running Bear'.  Should I have disclosed that!

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Rose Tattoo - Bad Boy For Love 7''

Their first single from 1977.  Wow.  Pretty sure that Ian Rilen was on this.  He wrote the songs and the b side is 'Snow Queen' (Ian was in Band Of Light and X).  It's just the perfect rock n roll single.  Iggy would approve.

Oh yeh, seeing this band live was a momentous occasion.  Pete Wells was one helluva guitar player.

I also have 'Rare Blooms' available for download. Go on - you know you want to. If you're a Tatt's fan, this is a must.

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The Slaughtermen - Live (Naturally)

Back around 1985ish, I remember seeing this band live on Rock Arena. Pressed my buttons.  Sort of had a blend of rock and gospel with punk thrown in.  Immediately went out and chased their stuff and this was all I could find (on cassette).  I hope you enjoy my conversion to mp3.

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Ulsers - Remember Them 7''

Do these guys know how to play their instruments?  That would be the first question you will ask when listening to this.  But - that's what the early punk era in Australia was all about.  We had no problem answering that question (in the positive) for The Saints, Radio Birdman, The Scientists etc.  But with these guys, I dunno ....

One song is "Julius Sumner Miller" - he was a well known and highly regarded scientist who often appeared on the tele espousing the virtues of science.  As a kid, I used to think he was God.  Inspirational.  The title of this 1980 single puts out the call to 'Remember Them'.  Will do. 

Alternatively, you may want to 'Forget Them'. This LP is available for a download on Mr Weird & Wacky.  

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Ground Zero - Double Meaning EP

Ground Zero were an Aussie punk band with a difference.  We would now say they were lo-fi, or experimental, or avant-grade, or ... well, not entirely melodic.  I reckon they were learning how to play their instruments (on record).  This appeared in 1981 so, like most releases from the time - I just bought it.  Hmmm, not a happy camper.  Should have heard it first.  To sell it now would make me much happier.

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Ground Zero split with No Actresses 7''

Last offering from Ground Zero (1981), split 7'' single with No Actresses.  Still trying to play their instruments but still can't seem to hear much melody.  No Actresses are similar but with a deep 'message'.  Either way, this single sells for silly dollars.  Don't know if it really should.

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The Moodists - Where The Trees Walk Downhill 7''

First single from Dave Graney & Co (1981).  Released on the Au Go Go label it pretty well much sunk without a trace.

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The Moodists - Gone Dead 7''

Second single from 1982.  I bought this at the same time as their first.  Very impressed.  The world awaits.

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Fast Buck - Drinking With The Boys

Saw these guys live in 1980 (at the time of this release) and was very impressed.  So much so that I dashed out and bought this 12'' mini LP.  They cover 'Runaway' (Del Shannon) and crunch n' grind their way through originals from their well honed live shows.  As per usual, capturing that live sound on vinyl is hard to do.  This band then basically disappeared.  I think (as in, think) some of the members joined Wendy & The Rockets?  Not sure on that though.  Maybe you may know something of their whereabouts after this .....  Or even before Fast Buck ...

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F.U.2. - Depressions

Well, is the band F.U.2. or Depressions??  My call is that they're F.U.2.

Back in 1977/78 I bought this LP.  Can't recall exactly which year but referred to the band (wrongly) as The Depressions.  Ahh, ignorance is bliss.  Hey - this is punk rock from when it was simply dirty rock n' roll. 

I'm pretty sure also that they were previously The Downliners Sect.  Good pedigree.

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Screaming Believers - Show Me Your Money EP

First release from this Adelaide band in 1981.  I'm attempting to give you all the Screaming Believers releases and have previously blogged their two LP's ('Refugees From The Love Generation' and 'Communist Mutants From Outer Space').  Now you'll be able to download their singles.

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Screaming Believers - My Eyes 7''

1984 release with 'unprofessional' on the B-side.

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Screaming Believers - Sandra 7''

One of their better known songs, released in 1987. 'Is Vic There?' was the B-side.

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Screaming Believers & Fools Apart - I Want To Have You & Within An Inch 7''

Fairly obscure flexi.  The Screaming Believers split this single with Fools Apart in 1984.  You now should have all the Screaming Believers releases, except for a 'recently' released ceedee titled 'Stories From The Other Side', which you should be able to get from Citadel Records. 

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Seems Twice - Non-Plussed EP

Possible an Aussie version of Wire.  Non-stop punk very darn similar to what Wire did on Pink Flag.  You know what, I'd say better.  Wire were just a version of Seems Twice!

Only a three piece (Anthony Yatras, John Douglas & Michael Molloy) - ladies and gentlemen, we have the perfect band from 1980.

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Trilobites - Venus In Leather 7''

And here my story of The Trilobites starts (1985).  I remember driving around Frankston (near Melbourne) a little lost.  It's late at night, I'm on holiday and trying to find a motel.  Tired and listening to the radio.  This song jumped out at me and I immediately bought the single.  Just great rock.

What follows are all their 'major' releases (albums, EP's, compilation and cassette).  I have not included all their other singles.  Most double up on their major releases but I'm not entirely sure about that.  Anyway, enjoy the ride.

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The Trilobites - Let's Pump (Live)

First output from these guys but I bought it after the single.  It's a cassette release and the year was 1985.  Songs like 'For Your Love' (Yardbirds) and 'Search & Destroy' (Stooges) tell you that this band will wear their heart on their sleeve.  Great Stuff.

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Trilobites - Turn It Around

I'd call this garage rock and at the time (1987), I can remember this being the time when I really latched onto this genre.  Previously, it was dirty rock n' roll.  It's a grower and I have The Trilobites to thank for this. 

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Trilobites - I Can't Wait For Summer To End EP

Things are hotting up for this band.  People are noticing so let's get this EP out in 1988.

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Trilobites - Savage Mood Swing

This album from 1990 is an Aussie classic.  Contains the single ' Fuck = Love' which will completely knock you over.  I have played this more than any of their other releases.

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Trilobites - The Lost Generation

Last album from 1992.  To call it a day was such a disappointment to all the fans.  Making it in the music industry is not as easy as it seems.

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Trilobites - American TV

Compilation from 1989.  Solid collection but I'd be disappointed if this is all that I had from this band.

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The Credits - It's You 7''

Brisbane punk from 1979.  Now, impossible to find - but this band should have gone on to bigger and better things.  The Saints did, so why not these guys.

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Ian Rilen - Love Is Murder

Don't get me started with the output from Ian.  It's just the perfect noise.  I have a bias and it's all about the bass guitar that gets pounded.  You need grab the flowers and listen to this release from 2001.

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Ian Rilen & The Love Addicts - Passion, Boots & Bruises

Ooooh this is good.  If you like rock n roll with that 'Ian Rilen Bass Sound', you won't stop playing this.  It's got that Wired & Wasted sound - you know what I mean.  Released in 2004 - now quite hard to get.

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X - I Don't Wanna Go Out 7''

Heaven.  Glorious heaven in the form of a 7'' single - thank you Ian Rilen (RIP).  Released in 1979, absolutely seminal.  Aussie punk rock never sounded so good (this is not the X from Los Angeles).  What was to follow?  Their album Aspirations.  My original copy of that is almost unplayable (scratched and layered with spilt beer).  It has been re-issued but this single (B-Side 'Waiting') is just waiting for you to do a download.

Then, get out there and chase down all their other releases - most probably only in CD form.

There is an interesting side project that Ian Rilen dabbled in - Sardine V.  Essentially it was a pop/new wave band with his wife and assorted muso's (Barton Price, Johanna Piggott etc).  They released a single ('Sudan') and EP ('I Hate You') which you will find in Mr Wired and Wasted.  

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Voodoo Lust - Shake 7''

Last hurrah, last release.  They've now moved to Sundown Records and left Rattlesnake.  Great single, extremely infectious. 

Why didn't it sell??  The band asked the same question - then split.  It's all over as another Brissy band bites the dust.  I was pissed off.

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Voodoo Lust - Life Love Booze and Bitterness EP

Moving into 1989, the sound now suggests that the band want to hit the big time.  More accessible and should sell.  Should!

Didn't!  Frustration.

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Voodoo Lust - Cathy's On Heat 7''

Indeed, she's on heat.  Suggestive cover.  Funny.  Pretty sure they did'nt intend it to be that!  Regarded by many as the band next to make it big ....

It's now 1988.

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Voodoo Lust - Self Titled EP

In 1987 this was the first item I bought.  Again, mistakenly thinking because it was a 12'', it was an LP.  Nope, only an EP - but totally power packed.

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