Issue #11 Cassette: Plucked From The Bowels of Mediocrity (text only – audio awaiting)

March 8, 2024 admin

Side 1

Track 1: 'King For A Day' - Crabstick

Released a few cassettes and an album. John Peel was a fan - you can read what he had to say here. Guitarist Michael Nichols, also played in Melbourne's Panel of Judges for a while Not sure exactly what came of James Curran while David Nichols has been somewhat prolific in the world of writing and academia

Track 2: 'Propellor' - The Moles

I recall first meeting this band at Radio Skid Row. Unassuming, quiet and shy, they were a band who let the music do the talking. It was little surprise that they went onto bigger things - honcho Richard Davies talks about this on the band's website.

Although one could say their leanings early on were towards the Flying Nun catalogue, they certainly branched out and were always willing to try new things. Lineup changes happened mostly due to location, as Davies ended up moving to the USA in 1992-93. Not too sure what that meant for close friend Glenn Fredericks. nor Carl or Warren, and also Meredith who were all part of the group at some stage.

Track 3: 'John' - The Aftertaste

See issue 8.

Track 4: 'Parade' - Crow

Well, what can one say? See issue 9 'Where Are They Now?'

Track 5: 'Possibilities' - Fie On Love

Here is the video for the said track A band that made some noise for a short period of time. We were all saddened by drummer Neil Johnson's passing last year. Neil also played with Ashtray Boy, Craven Fops and originally for Even As We Speak. Guitarist/vocalist Greg McKittrick moved to the UK for some time where he formed Idiot Savants in Oxford. Ben Ker, also went abroad, uprooting to Scandinavia. I'm not exactly sure of Edwina's (bassist) whereabouts.

Track 6: 'Pete's Song' - Waxworks

Probably my favourite track from this band. They did appear on other Blunt compilations at the time, so I will let you be the judge.
Edwin Garland, the main honcho of the band, went on to play with Dwarf Thrower and I believe has been working on another project based around the northern beaches. Pete Kelly was in the marvellous Sea Life Park as well as the very good Decoder Ring
Simon Gibson, the band's drummer, also played in DisneyFist along with Pete Kelly. We're not so sure of the saxophonist Goknur's whereabouts.

Track 7: 'Lie' - Godbotherers

The band were essentially Living With Robert plus Daniel Morphett from the Craven Fops. And what a lineup there were. They parted with some great recordings, including this one - you can read about both the Craven Fops and Living With Robert in earlier issues here.

Track 8: 'Receding Lines' - Atrophy Belles

Sydney, Australia 1988 Very post punk - that's what it says on their YouTube recording of this great song Some of the best songs are captured in the memories that you have very little of. They were an Evil Star band and stood the test of their time; even if it was a short one.

Side 2

Track 9: 'Track Trauma' - Nunbait

Taken from their first single, this really captured the band's energy at the time. A rollicking express train who drew a lot of fans in their tenure. Wikipedia captures the band's chronology and releases. They did reform for a few shows in the 00's.

Vocalist Ivan became an avid hiker, spending many a year working in both Japan and South Korea. Shaun Butcher their guitarist formed Those Amazing Trousers with bassist Mark Guthrie, Bonita and Dave Bullock (Monroe's Fur) - check out this demo. Drummer Matt Fanti, relocated to the south coast in the early mid 90s and will always be remembered as an integral part of the Nunbait sound/journey.

Track 10: 'The Profumo Affair' - Las Empaladoras

see issue 8

Track 11: 'Dear John' - Nice

Randall Lee played in The Cannanes before forming Nice with Suzannah Lindsay and Jo Packer in 1991. If I had enough money at the time I would have asked to release this song 'Dear John'. It's such a good tune and I must admit I am quite excited to know that it was later covered by the band Aden Read Wikipedia for more info on Nice

Track 12: 'Gospel' - Vrag

see issue 9

Track 13: 'Too Hot, Too Much' - Slub

From Melbourne and featuring the exceptional talents of John Murphy RIP (Orchestra of Skin and Bone, Whirlywhirld) plus Marie Hoy (who sung Shivers from Boys Next Door in The Dogs in Space soundtrack). This lot released a few tapes and also some vinyl on Dr Jim's Records. Check them out.

Track 14: 'Running the Big Sleep Enterprises' - Monroe's Fur

Seen as one of the last Sydney bands at least to make dangerous music, Monroe's Fur always put on a big show. Here's their first gig
Once Paul Kidney (vocals) left, the band decided to take the inevitable path of going abroad. They ended up in Seattle and did well there before Guy Maddison (bass) went on to play w/Mudhoney. Guy now resides in Melbourne while Ringo (guitarist) is perched in the hills of Perth. He formed the very good disintegrates. Pete Hartley, after years of wilderness was seen on Facebook, and is now living in northern NSW. Dave Bullock also lives in Melbourne these days w/this band one of his new 2026 projects.

Track 15: 'Leather Face' - Gravel Samwidge

Isn't it great news that in 2026 they are still together?! Please support them on bandcamp and go see them live. Surviving member, Mark Spinks, also has another great band.

Track 16: 'Singer Beyond Means' - The Wallflowers

Guitarist Dave Archer first formed this Canberran band in the mid 80s before most of the band members relocated to Sydney not long after. https://www.facebook.com/people/Wallflowers-Canberra-1986-1990/100063618548987/# Dave would later form Peg in Sydney and the wonderful Skid Pan Alley years later. Mal, the bands drummer was also in La Huva. I'm not so versed on other band members whereabouts.

Track 17: 'Goodnight Harry' - Plug Uglies

One of the most understated bands ever. Always put on a good show and a motley crew too. Tina Stevens (drums) played in a bunch of bands after the Plugs, including work as an award winning artist. Sadly the band lost Michael Hiron (Flaming Hands, Riptides) while Clem played in Adult Bookshop and John Wilsteed (Go-Betweens) has a band in Brisbane called Halfway - check them out

Note, just found on YouTube is a video of Roger, John and Clem in 2017 at the Junk Bar in Brisbane

Track 18: 'Tripoli' - Stinkfoot

Not 100 percent sure of this one. We'll get back in due course though.

Where are they now?