Torpedopop

VARIOUS ARTISTS

Shake Yer Popboomerang [PB 002]

Shake Yer Popboomerang is a collection of rare and previously unreleased pop material. It’s the second release from Melbourne based independent label Popoomerang who released the Sarah Sarah EP, ‘Sing Till It Hurts’ late 2002. Shake Yer Popboomerang reads like a road map of Australian guitar-pop talent.

We begin the journey in Melbourne and find contributions from upbeat pop starlings Sarah Sarah; mod rockers Her Majesty’s Finest, the smooth crooning Icecream Hands front man Charles Jenkins and the Elliot Smith esq Tim Reid.

Also making appearances are psychedelic rockers the Treetops, the harmonious and melodious Smallgoods, leaders of the pop-rock movement Groundswell and Gippsland’s favourite son Danny McDonald. Hitting the road and venturing north of the Victorian border to Sydney, we discover the Teenage Fanclub inspired Starky and jangle popsters The Dreamdayers.

On a very full tank of gas, we travel the dusty highways ‘til we reach the power pop capital of Australia, Perth, where we pick up the incredible talents of Dom Mariani (Stems, Someloves, DM3) , Superscope and Showbag.

This compilation also contains a unique contribution from Jack & The Beanstalk leader Joe Algeri (recently relocated to Sweden) who teams up with Danny McDonald (ex P76) on their collaborative track ‘Til The End’. This song was recorded in Melbourne and Sweden with both musicians sending the song back and forth over email to each other. Email has never been so productive!

On this record you will discover debut recordings from some of the Australia’s freshest and most exciting new pop talent. Amazingly, at the time of writing, the Decembers (previously The Movies), Magneto (ex Alcotomic) and Andy Star (ex Holden Caulfield and Dinsdale) have not even played performed live under their current monikers and line-ups.

The majority of songs featured here on the compilation were recorded specifically for the project. None more obviously so than the Stoneage Hearts who contributed the garage rock stomper “Shake Yer Pop Boomerang”.

And indeed “Shaking” and grooving is exactly what you’ll be doing when listening to this CD. “Shake Yer Popboomerang” is an album chock full of addictive, melodic rock’n’roll. It’s an essential purchase for collectors of fine pop music. Clearly one of the finest compilations the world has ever seen!

Tracklisting:
01. The Stoneage Hearts - Shake Yer Popboomerang
02. Magneto - Living On the Moon
03. Her Majesty's Finest - Peggy Wednesday
04. Sarah Sarah - Ignorance & Arrogance
05. Treetops - Confused
06. Starky - Yesterday I Drove Your Girlfriend Home
07. The Smallgoods- Listen to the Radio
08. The Dreamdayers - I Will Listen
09. The Decembers - Saving Everything
10. Never Loved Elvis - Rodney Smart
11. Dom Mariani - Brothers and Sisters
12. Run On One - Karenin's Smile
13. The Elements - Ordinary Day
14. Tim Reid - Dancing Girl
15. Groundswell - to Be Young
16. Charles Jenkins - the Black Madonna
17. Showbag! - Goodbye Friend
18. Superscope - Untitled Demo #1
19. Joe Algeri & Danny Mcdonald - Til the End
20. Marcus Goodwin - One to Right
21. The Genes - Peeling From the Ceiling
22. Andy Star - Lucky Strike (radio Edit)
23. Danny Mcdonald - In the Comfort of A Summer's Night (acoustic)

TIM REID

Any Given Day [PB 004]

Anyone who has met Australian singer/songwriter Tim Reid or listened to his addictive music knows that he occupies a magical space. A space where a distinctive blend of unassuming flair and intense ambition collide to produce an artist who is at once approachable and intelligent.

Tim Reid’s music is characterised by beautiful, stirring melodies and an easy openness in his lyrics that only comes with genuine poise.

Tim released his first EP, Catherine, in 1998 which received local and national airplay and which also prompted him to begin showcasing his talents at live gigs. A song he recorded for ABC radio, World That’s Made For Two (featured on his current album) was play-listed on affiliated AM stations and has since maintained a constant level of airplay.

Tim has focussed (in his own endearingly disorganised but secretly exacting way) on becoming a mature songwriter and performer, and he has just emerged from the studio with his first full-length album. Recorded with the help of Arts Victoria and released by Popboomerang records, Any Given Day features the eclectic talents of Ross Calia, Susie Ahern, Marcus Goodwin and Matty Vehl (Ice Cream Hands), Marty Brown (Art of Fighting, Sodastream) and jazz artist Tim Wilson.

Brimming with real human emotion, it explores themes of love, loss, and all things in between, weaving familiar sketches, soothing philosophies and fresh ideas into delicate but potent songs that are easy on the ear and reassuringly catchy.

Tracklisting:
01. Two Left Feet
02. We All Need
03. Love With You
04. Any Given Day
05. Air With Words
06. Home Movies
07. World Made For Two
08. He's Counting Days
09. Unstable
10. Lily
11. Me And You

JERICHO

Retrospective 1999-1998 [PB 005]

Formed in the regional Victorian area of LaTrobe Valley sometime in the early 90’s, Jericho was the first recording outfit for one of Australia’s finest & most respected Power Pop solo singer / songwriters, Danny McDonald (P76 / The Stoneage Hearts / Oscarlima).

Although they existed at a time when America’s “Grunge” explosion had consumed the large majority of Australia’s original music scene, Jericho sported a unique take on the country’s rich heritage of classic guitar based Power Pop, recalling the likes of The Sunnyboys, The Hoodoo Gurus, The Stems, and Paul Kelly.

Relentless & extensive touring up & down Australia’s East Coast, supported by 4 classic & now highly collectable EP releases earned Jericho a reputation that has survived and consistently grown to this very day.

Following on from strong local and global acclaim for Danny McDonald’s recent solo and P76 releases, Melbourne label Popboomerang have enthusiastically compiled Jericho’s finest moments, and packaged them in a finely crafted & complete package.

Featuring 21 remastered tracks (the best of the bands’ released recordings coupled with 8 previously unreleased tracks) Jericho’s Retrospective album sets the record straight for a band who sadly never achieved the larger recognition they deserved and consequently imploded in their prime.

Packaged with numerous never before seen photo’s of the band, a full discography, and insightful liner notes from Danny McDonald, this album is a must for anyone with an interest in Australia’s fine rock & roll history.

Tracklisting:
01. Coming Down
02. Don’t Lead Me On
03. Talking To Myself
04. Can’t Find Reverse
05. Washed Out
06. Back Where We Began
07. Don’t Know What’s Come Over Me
08. Alone
09. Summah Jane
10. Satisfied
11. Foolproof
12. Miles Away
13. Everybody’s Fool
14. Tell Me Something I Don’t Know
15. Falling Out Of Love
16. Come Undone
17. Transit
18. Jumping The Gun

Bonus Tracks:
19. If I Could
20. Leaving
21. It’s All Downhill From Here

THE RICHIES

Forever And Today [PB 006]

Charley Davis - Vocals, guitars, Theremin & Keyboards
Eddie Owen - Guitars, keyboards, Mandolin & Vocals
Michael Carpenter - Drums, Percussion, Keyboards & Vocals
Bob Susnjara - Bass Guitar and Vocals

”Forever & Today” was recorded and mixed by Michael Carpenter at Stagefright studios between June 2000 and November 2002.

The Richies came together early in 2000 with the demise of Charley's former band The Stereos. Charley started arranging some simple ideas for new tunes with the aid of friend Eddie Owen of Sydney's The Pyramidiacs, (their mutual admiration for all things "Filthy, Rich & Catflap" provided the inspiration for their new bands title).

The new melodic tunes that evolved were a far cry from the work of The Stereos who practically verged on hard rock territory. Upon completion of a hand-full of songs, they enticed Michael Carpenter also of The Pyramidiacs and Bob Susnjara (formerly of the same band) to complete the line up.

With the long history of collaboration between these three new members, (and the fact that the record was also engineered and produced by Michael Carpenter at his own Stagefright Studios), Charley's job was never going to be difficult, (it has been said that Bob, Eddie & Mick can sing immaculate harmonies in their sleep).

The only minor problem for The Richies was the members’ demanding schedules. Firstly came The Pyramidiacs tours of Europe & secondly, Michael Carpenter’s own touring and studio commitments. The result being that the album took two & a half years to complete. The positive side to this is that the band was left with no regrets with the finished product.

Despite the humble beginnings of songs on The Richies debut long player "Forever & Today", they have quickly manifested themselves into a coherent and colourfully coloured landscape of sounds & melodies.

Tracklisting:
01. Fallen Stars
02. Up & Out
03. Every Little Thing
04. I Wanna Make It With You
05. I Won't Give In
06. My Love Is True
07. I Do
08. Little Petty Things
09. Today (Part 1)
10. Little Charms
11. You Fill Me Up
12. Oh No, Okay
13. Today (Part 2)

VARIOUS ARTISTS

Planet Of The Popboomerang [PB 007]

Our first compilation album Shake Yer Popboomerang showcased the
impressive talent on the Australian pop scene. It was so much fun to
compile, that we decided to put together another set of songs. Only this time around, we have invited artists from all around the world to contribute.

As, with “Shake Yer Popboomerang”, all the songs featured on this album are exclusive, unreleased or very hard to find. Most were specifically recorded for the project.

So! Pack your bags; the trip is about to begin!

Our first stop is Australia where powerpop supergroup The Finkers launch into their festive anthem Santa Comes in Stripes. Gippsland’s favourite son Danny McDonald contributes the homespun urban tale, A Bitter End To A Sweet Weekend Away. New Sydney band The Richies appear here with cheeky nod to the great Teenage Fanclub, Fanclubesque.

Prolific Sydney pop muso and producer Michael Carpenter delivers the rollicking Rolling Ball, which features backing vocals from Zac & Kate from the now defunct Melbourne pop band Sarah Sarah. Finally, from the vaults we unearth Fireplace, an unreleased jangle pop gem from pop god Dom Mariani (Stems, Someloves, DM3).

Following in the tradition of “Shake Yer Popboomerang”, we have trans Atlantic pop productions. Australian singer songwriter CC Hua teams with Norway's Kenneth Ishak (Beezwax) on the tender S.A.W. and Perth expat Joe Algeri (Jack & The Beanstalk) joins Swede Magnus Karlsson (happydeadmen) on the fable Stories Remain Untold.

Leaving Australia we head for the USA to unearth a host of emerging American pop acts. Bands such as Pipitone, Lolas, Ed James, Florapop, and Jeremy are ready & waiting to be discovered by the masses.

Perhaps the best-known USA band here would be Brooklyn act Champale who’s sprawling line-up has featured members of Luna, Clem Snide, Nada Surf and Sparklehorse. Champale contribute a haunting acoustic version of their song Motel California which features harmonies from Sid Hillman (nephew of Chris from The Byrds),

The next stop on our adventure is the United Kingdom where we find Kelly’s Heels who serve up the Beatlesque She (Still) Doesn’t Know It’s Wrong and The Samurai Seven who poke their tongue out at Australian soapie TV culture on Flamin Blake Hell.

Next up we jet set to Japan where the cream of the Japanese pop crop The Oranges, Sunbeams, Salt Water Taffy & Movin Jelly contribute new and exclusive pop gems. Salt Water Taffy contribute their unique take on the 80’s rock anthem Quiet Riot’s Were Not Going To Take It.

Our orbit around the world is far from over! In France we unearth the cute and catchy Sweet Apple Pie and their sing-along She Whistles In The Tube. In Finland we have 80’s inspired rockers Ben’s Diapers and punk-pop of The Sugarrush. Down in Spain we discover the Redd Kross/Jellyfish inspired Bondage.

Possibly the most exciting find comes all the way from Israel with Shy Nobleman who donates his quirky love song Spring B# (Stevie Winwood). Finally, on our way home we swing past New Zealand for a send off from the crunchy melodic sounds of Vocoder.

There is a stratosphere of rare rock and pop selections on offer from around the globe on “Planet Of The Popboomerang.” So, strap yourself in, sit back and enjoy the ride.

Tracklistning:
01. Lolas - Don’t Change A Thing (USA)
02. Kelly’s Heels - She (Still) Doesn’t Know It’s Wrong (England)
03. The Finkers - Santa Come In Stripes (Australia)
04. Sugarrush - Bootycall (Finland)
05. Shy Nobleman - Spring B# (Stevie Winwood) (Israel)
06. Champale - Motel California (acoustic version) (USA)
07. Vocoder - The Turnaround (New Zealand)
08. Pipitone - Anything I Want To Say (USA)
09. Sweet Apple Pie - She Whistles In The Tube (original) (France)
10. Florapop - Come To Me (USA)
11. Bondage - Hollywood Is Babyfood (Spain)
12. The Samurai Seven - Flaming Hell Blake (alt. version) (UK)
13. Moving Jelly - Rock'n Roll Girl High School (Japan)
14. Go You Huskies - S.A.W (Australia/Norway)
15. The Oranges - All Day All Night (English Version) (Japan)
16. Michael Carpenter: Rolling Ball (Australia)
17. Ed James - You And Whose Army (USA)
18. The Richies -Fanclubesque (Australia)
19. Ben’s Diapers - Punk Girl (Finland)
20. Dom Mariani - Fireplace (Australia)
21. Danny McDonald - A Bitter End To A Sweet Weekend Away (Australia)
22. The Sunbeams - Game (Japan)
23. Jeremy - This Is War! (USA)
24. Joe Algeri & Magnus Karlsson - Stories Remain Untold (Australia/Sweden)
25. Salt Water Taffy - We're Not Gonna Take It (Japan)