Yesterday Once More

5 Jul 2016

Aussies 1970

Hi Listeners,

In this week’s program we are concentrating on all Aussie songs and singers and one specific year: 1970. This is all about casting our memories back to where we were; what were we doing and what incidents or experiences we can remember. For example, can you remember that our Prime Minister was John Gorton and the Opposition leader was Gough Whitlam? This was the year when the metric system of weights and measures became law. It was also the year when some of our top Aussie performers were going strong.

Super group Masters Apprentices recorded a big hit with the rasping ‘Turn Up Your Radio’ and John Farnham once again showed what a great singer he was with ‘Comic Conversation’. Bobby And Laurie popped up with their successful recording of the country style ‘Carroll County Accident’. It was also the year for covers. The Mixtures successfully covered Mungo Jerry’s English hit ‘In The Summertime’ and Doug Parkinson in Focus surprisingly released the title song from the rock musical ‘Hair’. Aussie female singers were still in short supply. Only Liv Maesson managed to break through with her big hit ‘Knock Knock Who’s There’. Johnny Chester’s group, Jigsaw, released their very popular cover ‘Yellow River’.

Other singers to release songs were the under rated Doug Ashdown with a poignant ballad ‘Saddest Song Of All’ and Kamahl with his biggest hit ‘Sounds Of Goodbye’. Bubblegum songs were performed by Melbourne’s Strangers (Melanie Makes Me Smile) and the Vibrants (I Can’t Let Go Of Your Love). Perhaps the most surprising release of the year was from Robbie Porter. More known as Rob E G he released several top hits as a lap steel guitarist, but at the same time he also released vocal recordings. A highlight of our program this week is his striking powerhouse ballad voice on the song ‘Gemini’ released in 1970.

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