The music of my people (Australia Day Blog) · 5:31pm Jan 25th, 2021
January 26 is Australia Day. It’s a day that I am in two minds about. While it is nice that we have a day to celebrate our nation and values, it has become somewhat more a declaration of nationalism. I do fear our pride may be leading us to forget the lessons of history.
But that is a blog for someone more politically savvy than me.
I’m here to post about Australian music. Or, more accurately, the Australian music I grew up with. For those with a discerning ear, you may pick the overwhelming theme of the genre. For those that look at the copyright dates, you’ll spot a rather specific era. I make no apologies for my narrow focus. We all tend to like what we like...
YouTube Playlist. Guess I’m too old to figure out how to embed a playlist. And I am definitely too lazy to embed each song individually. So, if it plays in order, this is what you should hear.
Khe Sanh by Cold Chisel
Much like Born in the USA, this is about a vet returning and not being able to fit into society. Also like Born in the USA it has been adopted as an anthem by those that have missed the point of the song, and have not looked too hard at the lyrics.
Sounds Of Then by GANGgajang
This evokes those summer nights where it’s too hot to sleep. Much like right now...
Solid Rock by Goanna
I’ve heard this song just about all my life. And so many of us still miss the message.
You Can’t See Black In The Dark by Scott Darlow
And a modern song that shows that we’re still dragging our feet.
Reckless by Australian Crawl
A tale of Sydney by a Melbourne band. You’d be hard pressed to find a better song of my city.
He’s Just No Good For You by Mental As Anything
Lead singer ‘Greedy’ Smith passed away last year. I had to include a song from the Mentals. This video clip is a snapshot of Australian suburbia of the 1980s.
Better Be Home Soon by Crowded House.
Hey, it wouldn’t be an Australian list if I didn’t appropriate a New Zealander. Possibly the finest song of either of our two nations.
Holy Grail by Hunters & Collectors
After the band had gone as far as they could in Australia, they chased the American market. They wrote this about their experience. It was the band’s swan song...
Great Southern Land by Icehouse
Close your eyes and let them paint a picture of this land.
Under The Milky Way by The Church
Slow, mellow, and haunting. Just like looking up at the night sky.
Wide Open Road by The Triffids
Every journey starts with the existential question, am I chasing after something, or running from something?
My Kind of Scene by Powderfinger
And sometimes you ask that exact same question while staying exactly where you are.
Out of Sight, Out of Mind by The Models
Sometimes you just need a light, fluffy, feel good song.
The Real Thing by Russell Morris
Australian psychedelica. The producer threw every effect that existed at this song. Does it work?
Black Eyed Bruiser by Stevie Wright
The world Is familiar with AC/DC. I’m sorry, but this song blows anything of theirs out of the water.
Australiana by Austen Tayshus
Okay, this is a comedy set. One where every sentence contains a pun. I get that many international viewers might not get all the jokes (as they rely on Australian flora, fauna, geography and culture). But you can hear the laughs and groans of the audience.
I don't know if I should be concerned that I have all of these in my regular playlist rotation... good selection of classics... and, of course, there always has to be a Kiwi or two on any good playlist. Only surprise was a lack of a Paul Kelly track. ;-)
You're missing a few good songs but here's my contribution to the playlist: