Australia’s favourite bands: Part II

There’s been plenty of feedback online with our favourite being: “The Presets? Who are they? Do they even rock?”

And for those people asking where TISM, Mental as Anything, The Twilights, Something For Kate and the John Butler Trio were, here you go.

Yesterday we gave you the Top 50 Australian bands of all time as voted by some of their peers.

There’s been plenty of feedback on line with our favourite being “The Presets? Who are they? Do they even rock?” And for those people asking where TISM, Mental as Anything, The Twilights, Something For Kate and the John Butler Trio were, here you go.

If you didn’t see your favourite then here’s the rest of the list, hopefully they’ll turn up in the Top 100. Buckle in.

Australian musicians pick their favourite Australian bands from No. 1 to No. 50

51. SHERBET

Just missed the Top 50, even after votes from Kylie and Marcia Hines. Howzat! Hoodoo Gurus’ Dave Faulkner is also a fan. “Blur vs. Oasis? Beatles vs. Stones? Well, in Australia in the ‘70s it was Sherbet vs. Skyhooks. I was never a fan of Skyhooks so for me there’s no contest. Sherbet were mostly a bunch of boofy Aussie blokes dressed in satin with a lot of eye shadow playing a weird mixture of pop, glam rock and prog, Occasionally the results veered towards cornball but, no matter what, Sherbert were never boring. “Life! Life is for living!” I couldn’t put it better myself.”

52. THE JOHN BUTLER TRIO

A national hero from out West. “As one of our biggest influences in music in our lives John Butler has been inspiration,” The Pierce Brothers state. “As a live act he is as much about telling a story as he is about dancing and feeling the groove.” Damien Leith notes “John is such a celebrated musician and songwriter and all you have to do is see him live to know why he’s so popular.”

53. MAGIC DIRT

Much missed Geelong rockers who gave the world the talents of the late Dean Turner, as well as Adalita. “Nailed it with the first two EPs,” notes Clint Hyndman of Something For Kate. James Tidswell of Violent Soho says “Released everything from excellent pop rock songs to avant garde noise albums, Adalita is also probably the most important woman in Australia’s rock n roll history.”

54. SPECTRUM

Formed in Melbourne in 1969, their hit I’ll Be Gone remains and Australian classic. “When I started in this caper Spectrum was a force,” says Joe Camilleri. “I’ll Be Gone was No. 1 and it deserved to be there.” Dave Graney notes “in an era of great players Mike Rudd had great songs too.”

55. THE SUNNYBOYS

Their power pop started in Sydney in 1980, was gone for a while but the band are pleasing a legion of fans after reforming and touring again. “Catchy songs, great look, real energy and they were also managed by Painters and Dockers’ old manager Lobby Lloyd,” says Paul Stewart.

56. THE WHITLAMS

Much loved by their peers, The Whitlams have been mixing pop and politics since 1992. “I’m a huge fan of Tim Freedman’s voice and their album Eternal Nightcap made a lot of batteries go flat in my Discman,” says Gossling “Tim Freedman’s musicality was a huge influence on me and we toured with them a lot in the early George days so I got to hear and see them over and over again,” says Katie Noonan. “Killer band and I love Tim’s lyrical view on Australian life.” Scott Spark notes “some people rag on The Whitlams, but Eternal Nightcap was pivotal for me. When Tim sang You Sound Like Louis Burdett, they were my friends too, and No Aphrodisiac was sheer brilliance.”

57. TISM

Gone but never forgotten. “Musical anarchists being masked allowed them to completely bag other bands and music journalists,” says Painter and Docker Paul Stewart. “Huge thought went into each performance. A true one off act.” Skyhooks’ Greg Macainsh was also a TISM devotee. “Great Trucking Songs of the Renaissance was my first CD and inspired me to then to buy a player! Drummerless and faceless, they could have only come from the neurotic over-intellectualised Melbourne of the mid 1980s. Doug Parkinson plays Christie Allen and The Fosters Car Park Boogie tell two of many a twisted tale. Skyhook Bongo Starkie and Fairlie Arrow were later immortalised in Jung Talent Time. Then there’s that song referencing River Phoenix …”

58. SOMETHING FOR KATE

The Melbourne trio are another band cherished by both the industry and their diehard fanbase. “Monsters came on the TV when I was 13?,” recalls Birds of Tokyo’s Ian Berney. “I remember thinking. This dude is deep. I’ve learnt what the word “Apathy” meant, I also agreed with Paul Dempsey (lead singer) that “dying in captivity” is not a great way to live your existence. Paul gets me. Or at least, I get Paul. Thanks Paul. You’re very tall, smart and talented.”

59. JET

Straight outta Dingley in Melbourne’s suburbs Jet took Aussie pub rock to the world and their debut album sold droves here in the era when people still bought albums. They were good times. Still yet to reform. Still waiting for singer Nic Cester’s solo project. Young rockers Masketta Fall were some of the kids influenced by their retro tunes. “You need to give credit to a rock band that was so successful in a time where rap and RnB dominated commercial music,” the band state. “The big shame with Jet is that they didn’t stay together long enough — I would have liked to hear what they would have done next,” says Damien Leith.

60. SNEAKY SOUND SYSTEM

Singer Connie Mitchell’s voice gets major respect from her peers in the Australian music scene, with Sneaky managing to take club music to the mainstream with hits including Pictures, Kansas City, I Love It, UFO and Big. “I love the songs and she is just so cool,” says Kylie Auldist.

61. ESKIMO JOE

The trio from Way Out West are a favourite of Keith Potger of the Seekers, who doesn’t mind getting down to a bit of Black Fingernails Red Wine. “They are always creative as a group and as individuals,” he says. “They step up for charities too.”

62. MENTAL AS ANYTHING

Still going after all this years, the Mentals have a vary varied canon of pop tunes. “The best fun, the best quirky songs,” says Brett Pattinson of Allnighters. “They actually played at our wedding and we did the bridal waltz to If You Leave Me Can I Come Too?,” says former Weddings Parties Anything frontman Mick Thomas. “Just so many good songs and always entertaining.”

63. YOTHU YINDI

Formed in 1986 and inducted into the ARIA Hall of Fame in 2012 and in the charts with Treaty and album Tribal Voice in 1991. “They got people talking about important issues and celebrated their culture in a way that everyone could get into it,” says Voice winner Karise Eden. “Treaty always gets me dancin’, lol!.” Isabella Manfredi of the Preatures is also a fan. “When I was a kid World Turning and Treaty were my favourite songs. A political message with groove for days.”

64. THE WAIFS

Yet another gift to our ears from Western Australia, with the folk trio still one of our most endearing live acts. Keith Potger of the Seekers is a fan. “They’re still fresh and vibrant and kicking that rock’n’roll glass ceiling.”

65. VIOLENT SOHO

The Queensland rock band are hailed for keeping the genre alive and interesting. “The songs and the attitude towards playing music really connect with me. I love the honesty and I also love how these guys fly the flag for rock music in this current musical climate,” says Vanessa Thornton of Jebediah. Voters also included Shaun Diviney of Short Stack (”they’re leading the way for a new generation of Australian rock bands”) and BC of Dune Rats who notes they are “The best, nicest people and really down to earth, they f—ing rule.”

66. EDDY CURRENT SUPPRESSION RING

Envelope-pushing Melbourne indie rock band who crashed the ARIA Top 10 with their debut album in 2008. Who can forget singer Brendan Suppression and his glove? Not James Tidswell of Violent Soho. “They influenced more bands in the past nine years than any other band from this country,” he says. “They did real music by real dudes who played in a real band. Nothing fake, just good garage rock. They went on to do a swag of other awesome bands including Total Control, UV Race and Boomgates. But Eddy Current Suppression will forever be remembered in history as one of Australia’s best bands.”

67. THE SPORTS

Between 1976 and 1981 this Melbourne band, fronted by Stephen Cummings, subverted the charts with Who Listens to the Radio?, How Come, Don’t Throw Stones and Strangers on a Train. They’re reforming for one-off shows next month with original members Cummings, Martin Armiger and Andrew Pendlebury. “They shaped my youth,” Allniters Brett Pattinson says. “And Martin Armiger produced our first album.”

68. BILLY THORPE AND THE AZTECS

RIP Thorpey. Left behind an amazing legacy. “Cultural icon and grandfather,” says James Reyne while Sarah McLeod said they got her vote because “Billy was the greatest rock singer on the planet.”

69. BEASTS OF BOURBON

Formed in 1983, this was our introduction to the powerhouse talents of Tex Perkins, Spencer P Jones and Kim Salmon. Adalita says “such an incredible live band and so bad ass. They scare me and I like to be scared when I go see a band.”

70. ART OF FIGHTING

Beloved Melbourne indie band formed in 1995. “Wires is the best debut album by any band,” says Clint Hyndman of Something For Kate. “My first ever real boyfriend played Wires on repeat, and so now I hear Reasons Are All I Have Left and remember what it felt like to be loved for the first time and hoping like hell that feeling would never end,” recalls Scott Spark. Katie Noonan simply says “Ollie’s (Browne) voice just kills me.”

71. JOHNNY DIESEL & THE INJECTORS

The first sighting of the musician now known simply as Diesel. “Great music, not to mention sex on a stick,” says Marcia Hines. “He’s the one artist I’ve seen live more than any other,” says Damien Leith. “Amazing guitarist and singer.” Mahalia Barnes grew up with Diesel in the family. “He is so soulful, so bluesy,” she says. “Growing up, I wanted to (musically) be just like Diesel.”

72. WOLFMOTHER

Are they still together this week? Think so. Andrew Stockdale made an incredible first impression on his peers. “I’m a big Zeppelin and Sabbath fan so it grabbed me straight away,” admits Karise Eden.

73. FRENZAL RHOMB

They had a sense of humour and plenty of fans in the industry. “The first album I heard from Frenzal was Not So Tough Now and I couldn’t believe I hadn’t heard them before,” says Joey from The Amity Affliction. “An Australian band touring the world playing with my favourite SoCal bands? Mind blowing. That and the fact they managed to insert political satire into their songs at the same time as songs about getting pissed blew me away as a 15 year old; that album made such an impression I got a tattoo much later on as a tribute.”

74. THE CAT EMPIRE

Formed in Melbourne in 1999 and still one of the major drawcards of our live music scene. “That’s what I call style in music,” says Marcia Hines. Harry Hookey notes they are “consummate players playing songs like they’ve never been played before. An experience of a band.”

75. BOOM CRASH OPERA

Another Melbourne band who survived the `80s and `90s and still tour regularly, with crowd anthems including Great Way, Hands Up in the Air, The Best Thing, Onion Skin, Get Out of the House and Dancing in the Storm. “I challenge anyone to show me a more original sounding Australian band,” says Savage Garden’s Darren Hayes.

76. BIRDS OF TOKYO

The Perth band have filled the alternative-meets-mainstream rock void left by Powderfinger thanks to hits like Plans and Lanterns. “Awesome feel-good crossover,” says Voice winner Harrison Craig. “Love their work.”

77. THE TEMPER TRAP

Celebrating their tenth anniversary this year, the Melbourne band took Sweet Disposition around the world and are now working on a third album. “Their first album (Conditions) would have to be my favourite overall album from an Australian group, ever,” says producer Stylaz Fuego. “Sweet Disposition’s hooks hooked into me and I just couldn’t get go,” says Tania Doko.

78. CHAIN

You think Melbourne blues bands and you think Chain, and they’ve still got the blues. “Our premier blues outfit,” notes Brian Cadd. “The best way back then and still doing it today.”

79. MONDO ROCK

Ross Wilson’s already been on this list with Daddy Cool, now here’s his `80s outfit, behind classics like Come Said the Boy, No Time, Chemistry, State of the Heart and the original version of Touch of Paradise, later a hit for John Farnham. “I loved the songs and I loved the band,” says Doug Parkinson. “Ross Wilson is one of the most original artists this country has produced.”

80. THE DIRTY THREE

Instrumental rock band formed in 1992, with Warren Ellis now doing side duty as a Bad Seed with Nick Cave. “This group of astral travellers have been on a wild adventure over the last 10,000 years to the known reaches of the universe, all the way through the bowels of the earth and decided to possess three bodies to transfer their wisdom through violin, baritone guitar and a drum kit,” says Whitley. “If you haven’t seen the Dirty Three, you’re missing out on a transcendental cluster-f— of folk.”

81. THE CRUEL SEA

Another showing for Tex Perkins, with this band tasting mainstream success in 1993 with their album The Honeymoon is Over. “I loved how they had instrumentals on their albums and they were incredible live,” says Rebecca Barnard. “Dan Rumour and Tex Perkins were a unique combo. They were meditative and edgy all at once.” Dave Graney notes they were a real unit. “The rhythm section had been together for more than a decade and Tex came in over the top and all through it. A natural fit. Saw them play so many times and it was always terrific. Danny Rumour on guitar a real one-off.”

82. FRATERNITY

Their ranks included Bon Scott, Jimmy Barnes and John Swan. Not too shabby. “”I learnt more from them than any other,” says John Swan. “Plus I joined them as drummer and singer when Bon left then Jimmy came in, just for the record.” Mark Holden notes “Their version of Seasons of Change is a classic. Any track with Bon Scott on recorder has to be legendary and it is.”

83. CLOUDS

Dominated Australian indie pop in the `90s along with Ratcat, Falling Joys and the Hummingbirds, with Soul Eater, Cloud Factory and Hieronymous still sounding amazing. “Some of the best female vocal harmonies ever produced, heavily under rated and way ahead of their time,” says Clint of Something For Kate.

84. COG

Progressive rock band praised for their live shows. ”Incredible energy, incredible songs, incredible musos,” says Doug Parkinson.

85. ANGUS & JULIA STONE

They’ve been together all their lives, but over the last decade when the Stone siblings unite people listen, including fellow musicians. “They were like a breath of fresh air,’ says Beccy Cole of their folky arrival on the scene.

86. BALL PARK MUSIC

Big things are predicted of this Brisbane band whose third album made No. 2 last year.“Their albums are full of clever songwriting and interesting production ideas,” says Gossling. “They’re too good for me to believe they’re real,” says Declan Melia of British India. “Most bands you consider competition, they’re on another level. They’re so admirably untouched by fad or fashion, it’s great guitar songs for the sake of great guitar songs.”

87. DOUG PARKINSON IN FOCUS

The band that gave the world that voice. “For the time we were the greatest musicians in the country,” says Mr Parkinson himself. “We enjoyed the respect of our peers and had a hit with Dear Prudence which is still a much loved song by audiences around the country.”

88. THE BADLOVES

Big in the `90s with Lost and Green Limousine. “Nice local version of that southern laid-back blues rock,” says Pseudo Echo’s Brian Canham. “A band I grew up listening to that probably didn’t get the recognition they deserved,” says Casey Barnes. “Some great songs and Michael Spiby — what a voice.”

89. FRENTE

Another band who came out of Melbourne’s pub scene and took over the mainstream. Reformed last year for to celebrate their million selling debut Marvin the Album, home to Ordinary Angels and Labour of Love. “I often model my more poppy sounding folk tunes after the sound that Frente embedded into my psyche at a young age,” says Catherine Britt. “It’s a sound all on its own and nobody has sounded like it since! Katie Noonan says Frente were her “first Aussie musical girl crush and I fell hard! Angie (Hart) just fascinated me and I loved how melodic and inventive the band was — a huge inspiration to me and the soundtrack to my last years in school.”

90. GEORGE

Speaking of Katie Noonan, her band George left their mark on her peers.“Katie Noonan’s voice is one of a kind and so beautiful, says Tina Arena. “Growing up I had Spawn on repeat and I daydreamed of having Katie Noonan’s voice,” says Gossling. “I remember hunting down their album Polyserena and feeling like I’d discovered gold.”

91. THE MIDDLE EAST

Made fans and friends between 2005 and 2011. “The most beautiful band/musicians I have ever heard,” says Thelma Plum. “I know every breath of their album, I Want That You Are Always Happy,” says Lisa Mitchell while Ben Abraham points out “you can hear their influence in every Aussie folk band since 2009.”

92. THE TWILIGHTS

`60s band who gave the world the talents of Glenn Shorrock and songwriter Terry Britten (Tina Turner, Cliff Richard). “Adelaide strikes again a la the Chisels,” says Keith Potger. “These guys spread their wings globally and have contributed to some of the biggest selling songs in the pop music repertoire.”

93. THE DEAD RINGER BAND

Bill and Diane Chambers’ band featuring their kids Kasey and Nash. Skyhooks’ Greg Macainsh gave them a vote. “You can’t beat genetic harmonies and the Chambers family were a group that I was blessed to witness intact on too few an occasion,” he says. “You could hear a pin drop at Tamworth Leagues at any of their sold out shows such was the reverence that the audience held for them. Kasey’s voice found your heart wherever you were in the room and it was a given back then that she was platinum in the making.”

94. COSMIC PSYCHOS

Iconic Melbourne rock band who’ve been doing this since 1992, scoring fans along the away including Kurt Cobain and Eddie Vedder. “They keep on keepin’ on,” says Wally Kempton of the Meanies.

95. ARIEL

We had Spectrum, now here comes the band Mike Rudd formed after they split. James Reyne is a major fan. “The disgracefully underrated Mike Rudd (with Bill Putt) should have his own section in any and every one of these lists,” Reyne says. “Ariel formed from their great band Spectrum and released three fabulous albums among other assorted live recordings.”

96. THE BUSHWACKERS

Folk/country band formed in 1971 who hit big with the 1975 album And the Band Played Waltzing Matilda. “The Bushhackers (and in a similar way, the Captain Matchbox Whoopee Band) brought attention to Australian stories in an Australian style that is sadly mostly ignored by the Celtic-Bluegrass revivalists of today,” notes Kris Schoeder of the Basics.

97. REAL LIFE

Pioneering synth pop band whose 1983 hits Send Me an Angel and Catch Me I’m Falling were global hits. “Who said the 80s were all about fun?,” says Matt Sigley. “As a kid I thought Send Me An Angel was the most serious music on earth. The minor chords, spooky Oberheim synth line and David Sterry’s stern vocals made me think the future had arrived and it was dark.”

98. THE SCREAMING JETS

Classic Australian pub rock with their own classic in Better. Frontman Dave Gleeson now also sings in the Angels. “My dad loves the Screaming Jets,” says Ricki-Lee “and their CD was always in the car or in the CD player at home..”

99. REDGUM

Folk/political band fronted by John Schumann. “I Was Only 19 will live forever,” Lee Kernaghan rightly points out.

100. TUMBLEWEED

Psychedelic rock band who lost a member, Jason Curley, last year. Todd from Warped is all about the `Weed’s album Galacatphonic. “Still remember hearing Hang Around on the radio and losing my stuff! This album and band are still a big influence on my songwriting, sound and playing.”

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