The Real Thing: Russell Morris’s 1969 Psychedelic Breakthrough

In 1969, Russell Morris released The Real Thing, a six-minute psychedelic masterpiece that topped Australia’s charts for two weeks. Released on Columbia, it was written by Johnny Young and produced by Ian “Molly” Meldrum, charting for 26 weeks and landing at No. 4 for the year. It knocked off Peter Sarstedt and bowed to The…

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Eagle Rock: Daddy Cool’s 1971 Rock’n’Roll Triumph

In 1971, Daddy Cool released Eagle Rock, a rock’n’roll hit that ruled Australia’s charts for ten weeks. Out on Sparmac Productions, it charted for 37 weeks, cementing its place in Aussie music. Written by Ross Wilson, with B-side Bom Bom, it took over from The Hollies and handed off to Drummond. A Melbourne classic, let’s…

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I Got You: Split Enz’s New Wave Rise in 1980

In 1980, Split Enz released I Got You, a song that turned a simple riff into an eight-week No. 1 reign in Australia. Out on Mushroom Records (K 7759), it was Neil Finn’s breakout, written from a Tim Finn title, produced by David Tickle, and paired with Noel Crombie’s oddball video. It ruled charts and…

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Horror Movie: Skyhooks’ Glam Slam That Defined 1975 Australia

When Skyhooks released Horror Movie in 1974, it wasn’t just a song—it was a glitter-bombed jab at the telly that topped Australia’s charts. Out on Mushroom Records (K-5753), it hit No. 1 on March 31st, ’75, for two weeks, with a 27-week run. Written by bassist Greg Macainsh and produced by Ross Wilson, it launched…

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How Farewell Aunty Jack Captured Australia’s ’70s Rebellion

Farewell Aunty Jack

In 1974, a song born from a TV show about a cross-dressing bikie blasted to No. 1 on Australia’s charts, elbowing out David Bowie and holding court for three weeks. Farewell Aunty Jack, penned and performed by Grahame Bond and Rory O’Donoghue, wasn’t just a catchy tune—it was a middle finger to the staid norms…

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Tucker’s Daughter: The Making of Ian Moss’s 1989 Breakout Hit

When Ian Moss released Tucker’s Daughter in 1989, it wasn’t just a song—it was a declaration. After years as Cold Chisel’s guitar wizard, he stepped into the spotlight with a single that roared to No. 1 on the ARIA charts and snagged two ARIA Awards. Released on Mushroom Records (K 690), this track—co-written with Don…

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