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Australian Music Archives

Australian Music Archives

By: rock61
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About this listen

 Building on the work of many others, this series of podcasts charts the development of Australian Music. The Chart series commences at 1957 with the introduction of Top 40 charts. Other series will focus on Singers and Groups. Whilst 1957 is the starting-point, we will also be moving back in time to chart the rich history of Australian Music in many forms, before the beginning of the Top 40 era. The general principle in the development of these podcasts is 'let the music do the talking'. Thus, there will be a premium on musical content, with less emphasis on the narrative. Occasionally, when there is a good story to be told (and there are many!), I may wax a touch lyrical, more so in the Singers and Groups series. The key reference work is David Kent's "Australian Chart Chronicles 1940-2008", a truly monumental work in its breadth of detail. Many people/sites have contributed to the research for the podcasts; too many to name them all but special thanks to the History of Aussie Music Blogspot, the Milesago Facebook page, the Best of Bandstand Facebook page and the Pop Archives site, where you can answer the question, "Where did they get that song from?". Many video contributors on You Tube have been a great resource in finding obscure songs including Folk Rock Australian Rock More! sallie6 and Clem Viney and there are many others! The podcasts are designed to be a permanent record and as such this is a 'labour of love' and strictly not-for-profit. I have attempted to partner with a major Australian organisation but, alas, no interest! Thus, as my late Father would have said, I am the "chief cook and bottle-washer" which means that I'm researcher, scriptwriter, digitiser, narrator and producer. As such, especially in terms of digitising vinyl records, there may appear to the ear of the listener, to be less-than-optimal sound. I work all music through Audacity, vinyl or otherwise, but, at times with old vinyl, "you can only do so much"! So, please enjoy the podcasts and let me know what you think.Copyright 2021 All rights reserved. Music
Episodes
  • The Story of 1976

    The Story of 1976
    Nov 9 2025

    The Story of 1976 - my final podcast! The Story of 1976 includes the themes of immersion, naivety, deception, vocation, religion and coincidence; quite a list for one podcast! In some ways, this podcast has been almost 50 years in the making. I started seriously thinking about it ten years ago, started building the playlist about five years ago and finally, writing the script about three weeks ago. I do ‘give away’ a fair bit about myself but at this stage of life it’s “Que, Sera, Sera”.

    What I have done is mix Australian artist music (except for one Neil Young track) with narration; some tracks in full and some abbreviated. As I mention in the narration, a lot of the script is spoken with a wry smile on my face. I have studiously followed “the no names, no pack drill” dictum (except for one cryptic reference).

    This final podcast is very different to the rest of my work. I hope that you enjoy it and thanks to all who have listened and downloaded over the last few years. And thanks to all of the Australian singers and musicians who made so much great music!
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    36 mins
  • #101 Australian-Singers-Ep20-Australians in Japan

    #101 Australian-Singers-Ep20-Australians in Japan
    Oct 19 2025

    Episode #101 tells the story of “Australian Artists in Japan”. From the Milesago website, I’ve discovered that the idea of Australian Artists recording in Japan emerged from a cultural exchange that began in conjunction with the 1964 Tokyo Olympics. As far as I can ascertain, three Australian artists recorded in Japan; Col Joye and The Joy Boys, Noeleen Batley and Little Pattie. I have a picture of Judy Stone in Japan but no record of any recording. Episode #101 is also my penultimate episode. The voice is obviously deteriorating which is almost certainly related to Parkinsons (meaning that it’s not going to get any better). Episode #102 will be something entirely different; coming soon! Enjoy episode #101!
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    38 mins
  • #100 Australian-Singers-Ep19-Annette Steele

    #100 Australian-Singers-Ep19-Annette Steele
    Oct 7 2025

    The Annette Steele Story:

    Episode 100 is a ‘fill-in’ episode of sorts while I find all that I need for the “Australians in Japan” episode. Episode 100 focusses on Australian singer Annette Steele who recorded three 45s on the IN label, 1966-67. Annette had a unique and powerful voice but, sadly, none of the 45s dented the national charts. Annette came from Melbourne, made appearances on the GO!! Show and was a regular at the Q Club in Kew. After her third and final 45, 1967, Annette seems to have disappeared. Any information would be most welcome.
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    18 mins
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