Side B, Tracks 3-6 from the Australian edition of the K-Tel 1976 compilation 'Super Sounds' comprise this upload. I have used the original audio and durations of these songs on this particular post. For most of my subscribers outside of Australiana, this quartet may be unknown but there is some fun to be had here.
First up is a quirky one hit wonder from British duo Typically Tropical. My thanks to youtuber Fritz5176 for uploading the promotional clip for 'Barbados' which was a popular radio hit back in 1975. A #1 hit in their homeland Typically Tropical's single made the Top 20 here in Oz and spent 17 weeks in the chart. Although I must admit I have not revisited it many times in the ensuing 46 years, 'Barbados' is an example of the sort of distinctive, catchy pop that marked the Top 40 charts of the early to mid 70's and created a whole heap of One Hit Wonders in so doing. Not to suggest that these artists were only worthy of one success, but often their best song was appealing enough for exposure and then chart placements, but following up that achievement, proved difficult for many. I love the mix of reggae and pop on 'Barbados'. Having relaid the audio on this clip to improve it. I have not achieved perfect synch.
Renee Geyer is regarded as one of the best, if not the best vocalist that this country has produced. Boasting a voice that is like no other, Renee started her career in the early 70's as lead singer for school boy bands, before branching out on her own. The breakthrough for her came early in 1975 when 'It's A Man's Man's World' (a James Brown cover), became her first hit. At the end of that year the 'Ready To Deal' album was issued and it featured one of her signature hits 'Heading In The Right Direction'. Regarded as one of the best Australian compositions, Garry Paige and Mark Punch who wrote it, the latter was part of the 'Renee Geyer Band' as the recording was credited. The version here is a shorter one than the original album or single, and I have used a live performance from an awards' show by Renee to edit the mp3 of the classic track. It is such a beautiful song and Renee has re-recorded it several times during her career - a faster R&B treatment, an acoustic one and live performances memorialised on vinyl. Sadly it was not a huge hit back in late 75; early 1976 only peaking at #31 but spending 5 months in the Top 100.
Normie Rowe is Aussie entertainment royalty, with a career spanning several decades. By 1975 Normie had racked up a pile of hits and had not only travelled to Britain to establish himself outside Australia, but then returned to enlist for national service in the Vietnam war. 'Elisabeth' was a minor success here, peaking at #57 early in 1976. I posted this clip for the song back in 2011 and used images of Dame Elizabeth Taylor to illustrate it as the beautiful and humanitarian star had passed away earlier that year. I had not heard 'Elisabeth' until I bought 'Super Sounds' and I loved it immediately.
Finally in this quartet of selections from the K-Tel compilation 'Super Sounds' is another big voiced Australian the late great Doug Parkinson who only departed this year (2021) but whom held an esteemed place in the entertainment landscape here for decades. Fronting bands from the mid 60's onwards, Doug went solo and achieved sporadic hits including 'Everlasting Love', ''I'll Be Around', 'The Sun Ain't Gonna Shine Anymore' - all cover of soul and R&B classic at the time - indicative of the power and majesty that his big voice commanded. 'Raised on Rock' featured here was not a chart success, but is proof positive of what a kick ass vocalist Doug Parkinson was. He is so missed from the music culture here. :(
Tomorrow, what may be the most eclectic mix of 4 tracks to be lumped together in these collector's editions. Those K-Tel compilations were such a smorgasbord of music from a given time in pop music, and truly ranged from the sublime to the ridiculous as you will see/hear in the final instalment of 'Super Sounds'. Thanks for visiting!
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