A 2 cd compilation of Australian singles (A sides?) that highlights (in
the main) the more hard rock influenced bands. Starting with glorious
tracks from Radio Birdman, The Saints and The Psycho Surgeons and
finishing off with some of their more turgid progenies (I really did
dislike a lot of the music made in the late 80s).
Along the way there's tracks by bands mentioned at this site : Tactics "Standing By The Window" sounds much better than my
scratchy 'remaster'; (Makers Of) The Dead Travel Fast's "Tael Of A
Saeghors" is as beautifull as ever and, finally, the first re-issues
of Sekret Sekret's "New King Jack" and Pel Mel's "No Word
From China". Why Pel Mel weren't included on the "Can't Stop
It" compilation is still a strange thing (unless they knew that they
were going to be on this comp?)
Some strange omissions - both Seems Twice and The Thought Criminals would
have fitted in very well although "Non-Pluseed" is an EP
(but it's only 5 mins long in total). And since it's been released through
FMR, you'd have to imagine that CEO (or whatever) Roger Grierson still
plans to re-release all of the Thoughties material soon - won't hold my
breath.
But, overall, this really is a great wide ranging selection covering a
huge time span in Australian music, compiled with care and love by Tim
Pittman.