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The Innocents The Innocents
Australia has had its champions of power pop, principally The Summer Suns, Marigolds, Some Loves, Chevelles and the Stems and any other band involving Dom Mariani. These bands have in some instances enjoyed more success overseas as purveyors of power pop sought out records by any band that used the power pop monicker. However one band that is well known to afficionardoes but little known in the general market place in Australia, was Beathoven, who later became known as The Innocents. They originated in Tasmania, had some initial chart success, appeared on Countdown and built up a large fan base by playing in schools, both in Tasmania and Melbourne. They also were promoted by Glenn A Baker as the next big thing. After being dumped by their record company, they were re-discovered by Kim Fowley, a UK producer with a proven record in nominating the next big thing. The band changed names to the Innocents, re-located to Sydney and were sent into the studio again. However 12 months had passed and it was now 1980. Their debut single, released on RCA, Sooner or Later went Top 10 nationally, but they were unable to make any dent in international charts. The band continued on for a couple of years, as original members relocated back to Tasmania. Raven Records issued a compilation album in 1984 which included some of their earlier material as Beathoven, but it wasn't as comprehensive as this release. While Beathoven only officially released 4 songs, ie 2 singles, this has one CD of 17 tracks plus videos, image gallery and memorabilia. The Innocents recorded more songs, but I presume every recording they've done is included among the 15 tracks on the 2nd CD. Again there are some visuals, videos, articles and reviews about the band. In all, this is a great release - attention to detail, lots of extra recordings, interesting liner notes, a bit of humour and very collectible. Even though some of their earlier recordings are impossible to get, particularly Beathoven's single on Candle records, this CD will become collectible because of its comprehensiveness and smallish print run. It's easier to purchase overseas than in Australia too! However try writing to the address below. Zip Records: PO Box 358, Leederville 6903, zip@wiredcity.com.au Previous
columns Chris Spencer is author of the "Who's Who of Australian Rock'. He can be contacted through Moonlight Publishing. |
One
genre of pop music that is fairly easily recognisable and that has
spanned a couple of decades is Power pop. Ironically the music has
less emphasis on the power or loudness but more on the pop - singalong
melodies, short snappy tunes and lots of harmonies. Some would argue
that a lot of the beat music of the mid '60s is power pop, but it
probably wasn't until after the advent of punk and new wave that
the term power pop was coined. Some examples of bands tagged as
power pop include The Raspberries, The Rubinoos, The Knack.
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