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The Allusions
Canetoad
The late Garry Aurisch, who wrote the only major story about the band in his book, The Allusions, claimed the band had been overlooked by both collectors and writers of Australian pop. Despite recording an album of mostly original songs, the band did not go on to stand out among the many other bands of the time, although to have been given the resources to record an album was a coup. The band formed in 1965, based around Terry Hearne who contributes to the liner notes, written by David McLean, and Michael Morris. They were influenced by the Mersey sound coming out of the UK, particularly the Beatles. Morris was the major songwriter of the group, although their big hit, Gypsy Woman was not written by the band. Another member, Bruce Davis, also wrote some of their original material as well. Collectors have been known to pay over $50 for a copy of the vinyl album, particularly copies with the black coloured label. I will quote from Aurisch's book when describing the album: "It remains a versatile work crammed with intelligently crafted pop songs, most of which are adorned with nifty little guitar solos and carefully throughout, unobtrusive harmony". As well as recording their own material, the band also covered several covers including the aforementioned Gypsy Woman, Gotta Move, Shop Around and the oft criticised I Believe, particularly by Aurisch. However on reflection it's not as bad as some make us believe, and doesn't sound out of place on this collection. Other better songs on the collection include Out of Order and Looks Like Trouble. It's interesting to note that the band were more popular in Sydney, having 4 songs reach the top 40 in NSW - Gypsy Woman, The Dancer, Roundabout and Seven Days of Rain. While in Victoria not one song appeared on the charts. A must have addition to any Australian collect of sixties' music. References:
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columns Chris Spencer is author of the "Who's Who of Australian Rock'. He can be contacted through Moonlight Publishing. |
Finally after over 30 years a classic album of Australian sixties'
Mersey styled pop has been re-issued on CD. And who could have done
it better, than the pre-eminent label of re-issues, Canetoad Records.
Why this album has not been issued on CD prior to this is a mystery
to most collectors. Not only has David McLean cleaned up all of
the original recordings for CD, (including all their singles and
album tracks) he has found an extra two tracks the band recorded
under the Telemen, so the Allusions' catalogue has been completed.
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