Tag: australian rock

a brief history of australian (and new zealand) rock bands pt 2

The Boys Next Door – Somebody’s Watching (1978)
Nick Cave’s first band, before the Birthday Party and long before The Bad Seeds, way back when he hadnt even done drugs yet, imagine that?

Radio Birdman – Descent Into Maelstrom (1977/78)
70s Aussie punk / indie garage rock heroes

Split Enz – History Never Repeats (1981)
Formed by Tim and Neil Finn and Phil Judd in 1973 in New Zealand, Split Enz would become the face of Australian New Wave with a multitude of top 10 hits, later moving to the UK and eventually splitting off into the international pop success Crowded House.

The Swingers – One Good Reason (1979) [7″ version]
Phil Judd‘s next band and another of Australia’s iconic new wave bands (although originally from New Zealand). The band was featured in the popular 1982 cult movie musical “Starstruck” doing a totally revamped version of this track.

The Veronicas – 4ever (2005)
And i’ll leave you with the infectious pop anthem from The Veronica’s debut album, back when identical twin (whats with aussie bands and siblings?) sisters Lisa and Jessica Origliasso were just sweet innocent teenagers. Go find their further videos to see how that turned out (spoiler, still sweet, no longer teenagers, not so much innocent)

a brief history of australian (and new zealand) rock bands pt 1

The Easybeats – I’ll Make You Happy (1965)
Known as Australia’s Beatles, The Easybeats dominated Aussie rock throughout the 60’s, and after breaking up, songwriting duo Harry Vanda and George Young would continue to write and produce Number 1 hits for a dozen other bands throughout the 70s and 80s

AC/DC – Can I Sit Next To You Girl? (1974)
Their first single, with vocalist Dale Evans and Easybeats guitarist George Young sitting in with his little brothers Angus and Malcolm.

Cheetah – Bang Bang (1981)
Another Vanda and Young produced band, fronted by tough as nails hard rock sisters Chrissie and Lyndsay Hammond

The Angels – No Secrets (1979)
Brothers Rick and John Brewster formed The Angels in 1974 and preceded the late 70s powerpop and 80s no frills hard rock genre, and are still active 5 decades later. Also produced by Vanda and Young, of course.