Zoot Suit Riot - Cherry Poppin' Daddies

I first heard this 1990's swinging wonder on ABC 774's breakfast radio a few years ago.  Based on the audio-only, I thought the lead singer was our own Paul McDermott (DAAS, Good News Week etc), but nope. They are a USA outfit, from Oregon way.

I also remember hearing later that they were part of a late 90's big-band, swing revival.  Wow. It must have been local and/or short lived as I would have jumped on board. Always liked swing. One of the first CDs I bought was In The Digital Mood; Glenn Millers original band recorded afresh in the 80s in "pure digital."

As for the CPDs (naughty name), get your dancing trousers on and dig this.

Boys Will Be Boys - Taste

Ahh, to be back in the mid 1970s again. These local lads came to my school to do a lunchtime gig. Probably 76 or 77.  As I was telling someone today, they were in 3 classrooms, with the partitions removed. But still had amps, PA and speakers going from the floor to the roof.  Yes, it was loud.

This is probably my favourite song of theirs. Quality of audio pretty lousy...am trying to track down a better one, but it's a bit of a rare song it seems.

Cassandra - Sherbet

I was never caught up in the Sherbet v Skyhooks 'war' of the 1970s. You, apparently, had to pick which band you supported.  I honestly liked them both. 

A very early (1973) hit for Sherbet was this wonderful piece of melodic pop. I think I liked it at the time; was only 12. Not sure about the clip - the band aren't even in it. Ah well, plenty of other chances to see the satin and flares in other clips to follow. Meanwhile sit back and enjoy this sweet, marvellous song.

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.