Almanac Music: So You’re Overseas and Suddenly….(Part 2)

 

 

Have you ever been a long way from home for a significant period when suddenly you hear the opening chords from an Australian band, a band you may not of even loved, just that song?

 

It could be in a café or a shop, but it shoots out of a speaker somewhere, and into your ears like a lightning bolt. You’re home!

 

Instantly you are taken back to your homeland, a place that has produced some of the greatest musicians and songs ever created and you unconsciously starting singing aloud.

 

That is the power of a good Aussie opening riff. Here is Part 2 of my favourites.

 

The opinions of the following are those of the author and him alone! Don’t shoot the messenger!

 

12.  ‘Swampland’ – The Scientists – Another fine WA export from the 80s, The Scientists were masters of psychedelic punk and hugely influential both here and overseas.

 

 

 

13.  ‘Short Memory’ – Midnight Oil. – Lots to choose from but in terms of instant recall, this probably takes the cake for me. It’s also a fantastic song.

 

 

 

14.  ‘My Pal’ – God – Hard to believe these guys were sixteen years old. They were only around for a few years but left a song behind that has been covered by many bands since.

 

 

 

15.  ‘Who Listens to the Radio’ – The Sports. Another underrated legendary Melbourne band led by the distinctive voice of Stephen Cummings and two excellent guitarists in Andrew Pendlebury and Martin Armiger.

 

 

 

16.  ‘Nice Day to go to the Pub’ – The Cosmic Psychos. No nonsense, funny and authentically Australian. There’s no one quite like them. Any song that includes sauce and beetroot in it, gets my vote. Get down to the rubberydub.

 

 

 

17.  ‘Know Your Product’ – The Saints – Simply a classic with an awesome intro.

 

 

 

18.  ‘From St Kilda to Kings Cross’ – Paul Kelly – Toss up between this and ‘Leaps and Bounds’ for the trademark intros, but my favourite album of Kelly’s is still Post and especially the late Steve Connelly’s sublime guitar work throughout it.

 

 

 

19.  ‘Alone With You’ – The Sunnyboys – A great intro and one of the best debut albums ever made.

 

 

 

20.  ‘Long Way to the Top’ – AC/DC – What more can you say? Still my favourite film clip of all time and that Malcolm Young intro to so many songs is legendary.

 

 

 

21.  ‘Blackfella Whitefella’ – The Warumpi Band – The band are a fascinating story and their music was amazing. A toss up between this and ‘My Island Home’. Both enough to make you want to get on a plane and head home.

 

 

 

22.  ‘I’ll be Gone’ – Spectrum – ‘Middle-Agers’ will remember this song very well. One of the most recognisable intros and a classic Australian song.

 

 

 

23.  ‘Man Overboard’ – Do Re Mi – Sadly the subject matter is still relevant in our country forty years on. Our status as world leaders in domestic abuse is shameful. This is a powerful delivery from Deborah Conway and a brilliant song.

 

 

 

24.  ‘Weather With You’ – Crowded House – Neil Finn has that ability to write perfect pop songs and this is no exception. I chose it for the intro but mainly because I love the harmonies with his brother Tim. More an ANZAC song this one but what the hey? See Phar Lap, Pavlova and Russell Crowe….:)

 

 

 

25.  ‘Friday on My Mind’ – The Easybeats – I think it’s been voted the number one Australian song ever in a poll somewhere and deservedly so. I just loved the late Stevie Wright. Unashamedly awkward and honest, can you believe he was sixteen when they recorded this?

 

 

 

 

 

More from Ian Wilson can be read Here.

 

 

To return to our Footy Almanac home page click HERE.

 

Our writers are independent contributors. The opinions expressed in their articles are their own. They are not the views, nor do they reflect the views, of Malarkey Publications.

 

Do you enjoy the Almanac concept?

And want to ensure it continues in its current form, and better? To help things keep ticking over please consider making your own contribution.

 

Become an Almanac (annual) member – click HERE.