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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