John Nemeth - Why Not Me

Wow. Just heard this on the radio 5 mins ago;  specifically on The Planet show (with Lucky Oceans) on ABC Radio National. Just hooked me. Soul done well.
Now, it seems it was recorded quite recently but is a cover of an old, obscure soul number. John does a magic job.

To add to the feeling, this clip is from a 45 RPM record version. Yes a vinyl, analogue SINGLE released in 2010. And this one has a click or pop where the record seems to be scratched... 

Smiley - Ronnie Burns

A 2nd Australian anti-war song, again with a subtle message, like yesterdays. From 1969, this is more obviously commenting on the Vietnam war.  It was, I read, written by Johnny Young (yes, of Young Talent Time) about his mate and fellow singer, Normie Rowe.  Rowe had been sent "off to the Asian War".  To be fair, some sources say "inducted" others say "drafted".  So I'm not 100% sure.  But here's Ronnie Burns with this heartfelt song.

Rachel - Russell Morris

Am going to do a few anti-war songs over the next few posts. For no particular reason and also not your sledge-hammer ones, where the message is clearly laid out for all to hear. No, I'm going for the subtle ones.

To start with we have this fine 1970 work from Russell Morris. Whilst it came out during our involvement in the Vietnam War, it could be seen as a more general comment.  It sounds like Rachel is a nurse, working with wounded soldiers. It's a moving song and well worth a visit.

Never Let You Go - Divinyls

From the first time I heard their debut single - Boys in Town - I loved The Divinyls.  Rare for a male voice to be heard on one of their songs, as Chrissie usually takes the lead with her fantastic vocals.  But this one starts with a bloke before Christine Joy Amphlett rips in.  Not only that, but for those learning English there's an alphabetical-treat, just for you. From 1983, this song is also known as "Siren (Never Let You Go)". No matter what it's called, it's just so good:

Undecided - The Masters Apprentices

1966 and all is well. I believe this rip-roaring track was their debut single. Wikipedia claims that the "biting fuzz-tone" guitar sound was due to a faulty amplifier, but the band loved it and left it there.
Formed in Adelaide, the Masters Apprentices moved on over here to Melbourne and later went on to give us other great songs including It's Because I Love You and Turn Up Your Radio.