Australian Music Archives

In Episode 2 of "Australia Plays America", we have a wider timespan: 1940-2001. We'll hear two sets of three tracks, one focussing on Kentucky, and the other, California. There'll be a Surf tune set in a far-flung place of the USA and a cover of "The Banks of the Ohio", several years before it was a hit for Olivia Newton-John. There's also the final high-charting hit for a legendary Australian Rock band. Take the listening journey as Australia (musically) criss-crosses America!

Under the banner of Australian Music Archives, the first episode of Theme Time; Australia Plays America. This episode takes the form of a DJ set in deference to my ailing voice; maximum music and minimal talk. In this episode, we explore the Americanisation of Australian Music, post WWII. We'll hear artists as diverse as The Purple Hearts and Bruce Woodley. We'll hear music that references American cities, states and even the Civil War! The series is titled "It's Theme Time" and is genre agnostic: Expect some big swings across the musical pendulum! 

The Story of 1976 - my final podcast! The Story of 1976 includes the themes of immersion, naivety, deception, vocation, religion and coincidence; quite a list for one podcast! In some ways, this podcast has been almost 50 years in the making. I started seriously thinking about it ten years ago, started building the playlist about five years ago and finally, writing the script about three weeks ago. I do ‘give away’ a fair bit about myself but at this stage of life it’s “Que, Sera, Sera”.
What I have done is mix Australian artist music (except for one Neil Young track) with narration; some tracks in full and some abbreviated. As I mention in the narration, a lot of the script is spoken with a wry smile on my face. I have studiously followed “the no names, no pack drill” dictum (except for one cryptic reference).
This final podcast is very different to the rest of my work. I hope that you enjoy it and thanks to all who have listened and downloaded over the last few years. And thanks to all of the Australian singers and musicians who made so much great music!

Episode #101 tells the story of “Australian Artists in Japan”. From the Milesago website, I’ve discovered that the idea of Australian Artists recording in Japan emerged from a cultural exchange that began in conjunction with the 1964 Tokyo Olympics. As far as I can ascertain, three Australian artists recorded in Japan; Col Joye and The Joy Boys, Noeleen Batley and Little Pattie. I have a picture of Judy Stone in Japan but no record of any recording. Episode #101 is also my penultimate episode. The voice is obviously deteriorating which is almost certainly related to Parkinsons (meaning that it’s not going to get any better). Episode #102 will be something entirely different; coming soon! Enjoy episode #101!

The Annette Steele Story:
Episode 100 is a ‘fill-in’ episode of sorts while I find all that I need for the “Australians in Japan” episode. Episode 100 focusses on Australian singer Annette Steele who recorded three 45s on the IN label, 1966-67. Annette had a unique and powerful voice but, sadly, none of the 45s dented the national charts. Annette came from Melbourne, made appearances on the GO!! Show and was a regular at the Q Club in Kew. After her third and final 45, 1967, Annette seems to have disappeared. Any information would be most welcome.

With the recent sad passing of the great Col Joye, I have returned to The Col Joye Story for Part 4, covering the years 1964-65. I think it quite possible that many listeners may not be familiar with some of the 45 tracks that will be played in this episode. Only two of the seven 45s released in the period made the national Top 100. The British Beat boom, led by The Beatles, with The Rolling Stones not far behind, changed the Music Industry forever. Col Joye only released one EP in the period 1964-65, however, he did release three LPs and one very odd 3 EP set ( a Festival cash grab that didn’t work!). On the LPs are some of Col Joye & The Joy Boys’ best Rock ‘n’ Roll, perhaps even better than their original work in the 50s. Enjoy Part 4 of The Col Joye Story.

In Episode Three of The Judy Stone Story, we cover the period 1965-69. Within this timeframe, Judy released her biggest hit, “Born A Woman”, recorded after her shift from Festival to the ATA label. We’ll hear a couple of tracks that found their way onto EPs and LPs but were never on a 45 single. Also, we’ll hear the A side of a 45 release on which a then up-and-coming Australian songwriter named Kevin Johnson wrote both sides. And, towards the end of the episode, we’ll hear a track from Judy’s EP, “Italian Style”, on which all tracks are sung in Italian! Enjoy Part 3 of The Judy Stone Story.

Episode Two of THE JUDY STONE STORY covers the years 1963-64. In a strange quirk of fate, Judy only released three 45 singles in these two years, including the big hit, “4 003 221 Tears From Now”. In the same period, five EPs were released and three LPs, including “The Best of Col and Judy”. There’s a number of lesser-known recordings, including a couple that should have found their way onto 45 singles. One of those five EPs was titled, “Once in a While”, a track that never appeared on a 45 single; very unusual! Enjoy some great Judy Stone vocal performances in this episode.