VA - The Clarion Set (The Story Of Australian Independent Label Clarion 1965-1974) (3 x CDs)

CLARION LABEL

VA - The Clarion Set (The Story Of Australian Independent Label Clarion 1965-1974) [2023] (3 x CDs)

Clarion Records was a pioneering independent label that operated in Perth, Western Australia, from 1962 to 1978. Founded by Martin Clarke, a radio producer and engineer, and Keith MacGowan, a radio DJ, Clarion Records was dedicated to promoting local talent and producing high-quality recordings. Clarion Records was one of the most productive and influential labels of its time, releasing 120 singles, 20 EPs and 20 LPs, covering a wide range of genres, from pop and rock to folk and country. The label also had a national impact, thanks to the success of several acts such as Johnny Young, The Valentines (featuring Bon Scott), Fatty Lumpkin and Chalice.

The Clarion Set is a three-CD box set that showcases the best of Clarion Records from 1965 to 1974. It contains 86 tracks, including many rare and unreleased recordings and is divided into three thematic discs: 1965-1967,1967-1969 and 1969-1974. Each disc reflects the diversity and creativity of the Perth music scene in the sixties and seventies, as well as the vision and passion of Martin Clarke and his team.  It is a smorgasbord of driving R&B, sunshine pop, studio psychedelia and progressive rock recorded in Perth, Western Australia.

CD1, features some of the earliest and most energetic recordings from Clarion Records. It includes garage rock classics such as “I’ve Got My Eyes on You (And I Like What I See)” by Russ Kennedy and The Little Wheels, “Gloria” by The Spektors, “Bama Lama Bama Loo” by Ray Hoff & The Off Beats and “Step Back” by Johnny Young (demo). It also showcases some of the lesser-known but equally talented bands such as Roy Hoff & The Off Beats, Glen Ingram with The Hi-Five, Terry Walker with The Hi Five and Robby Snowden. The disc captures the raw and exciting sound of the Perth beat scene, influenced by British Invasion bands such as The Beatles, The Rolling Stones and The Kinks.

CD2, explores the more adventurous and experimental side of Clarion Records. It features some of the most psychedelic and progressive recordings from the label, such as “King of the Mountain” by The Proclamation, “Love Makes Sweet Music” by The Valentines, “Hip Huggin’ Mini” by Soul Purpose and “Geno Pts 1 and 2” by Johnny Young. It also includes some of the more melodic and catchy pop songs such as “Hold On” by Johnny Young, “Da Doo Ron Ron” by Chris James, “Come On Up” by Johnny Young and “Little Boat” by The Troupadours. The disc demonstrates the versatility and innovation of the Perth pop scene, influenced by American West Coast bands such as The Byrds, The Beach Boys and The Mamas & The Papas.

CD3, showcases the more acoustic and rootsy side of Clarion Records. It features some of the finest folk and country recordings from the label, such as “Magic Words” by The Birds, “Sunshine River” by Gemini, “Don’t Knock My Boogie” by Fatty Lumpkin and “Mr. Won’t You Help Me” by Chalice. These songs reflect the rich and varied musical heritage of Western Australia, influenced by Irish folk music, Italian accordion music and Australian bush ballads. However, the disc also features some of the most psychedelic and progressive recordings from the label, such as “In My World” by Chalice, “Ebenezer” by Chalice, “Millionaire” by Fatty Lumpkin and “Nine to Five Girl” by Chalice. The disc also includes some of the more energetic and soulful tracks such as “Somebody to Love” by Swingshift, “Soul Finger” by Willpower, “Boogaloo Down Broadway” by Soul Purpose and “Spinning Wheel” by Willpower. The disc  alsso features some of the more melodic and catchy pop songs such as “Things We Said Today” by Strawberry Fair, “Even Stevens” by The Vegetable Garden, “Little Boat” by The Troupadours and “Do You Want to Dance” by Robby Snowden. These songs show the influence of British pop bands such as The Beatles, The Hollies and Herman’s Hermits. The disc also includes some of the more classic and timeless songs such as “We Can Work It Out” by Swingshift, “Here, There & Everywhere” by Swingshift, “I See the Rain” by The Birds and “Rene” by The Birds. These songs are inspired by some of the greatest songwriters of all time such as Lennon-McCartney, Goffin-King and Bacharach-David.

The disc is a remarkable collection that showcases the diversity and creativity of Clarion Records and its artists. It is a tribute to Martin Clarke’s vision and dedication to recording quality music in Western Australia. It is also a testament to the talent and diversity of the Perth music scene in the sixties and seventies. The disc is an essential listen for anyone interested in Australian music history or independent music in general.

The Clarion Set is a remarkable collection that celebrates the legacy of Clarion Records and its artists. It is a tribute to Martin Clarke’s vision and dedication to recording quality music in Western Australia. It is also a testament to the talent and diversity of the Perth music scene in the sixties and seventies. The Clarion Set is an essential listen for anyone interested in Australian music history or independent music in general. (B)

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Track lists

CD1

01 Russ Kennedy & The Little Wheels - I've Got My Eyes On You 1:53

02 Times - Glad Not Sad 1:43

03 Ray Hoff And The Off Beats - Bama Lama Bama Loo 2:10

04 Spektors - Gloria (Live - Original Tv Broadcast) 2:27

05 Johnny Young - Cara-Lin 2:37

06 Mort & The Mobees - Choose Who I Like (Demo) 2:14

07 Terry Walker - Long Time Gone 2:02

08 Ray Hoff And The Off Beats - Uncle Willee 3:16

09 Glen Ingram - Skye Boat Song 2:45

10 Kompany - Tell Her No 2:12

11 Russ Kennedy & The Little Wheels - I've Been Watching You 2:08

12 Ray Hoff And The Off Beats - My Good Friend Mary Jane 2:18

13 Spektors - On My Mind (Live - Original Tv Broadcast) 2:00

14 Johnny Young - Step Back (Demo) 2:12

15 Little Wheels - Little Wheel 2:06

16 Maggie Hammond - Go Laddie 3:29

17 Glen Ingram - Take This Hammer 3:05

18 Colin Cook - Cry I Do 2:00

19 Valentines - Everyday I Have To Cry 2:30

20 Ray Hoff & The Offbeats - Lookin' For My Pigs 2:47

21 Mort & The Mobees - Can't You See 2:14

22 Maggie Hammond - High Flying Bird 3:10

23 Valentines - I Can't Dance With You 2:54

24 Johnny Young - Good Evening Girl 2:15

25 Ray Hoff And The Off Beats - Tossin' And Turnin' 2:42

26 Russ Kennedy & The Little Wheels - Too Much Monkey Business 2:09

27 Glen Ingram - That It's Me 2:51

28 Robbie Snowden - No One Really Loves A Clown 2:14

29 Maggie Hammond - You Won't Be Leaving 1:59

30 Ray Hoff And The Off Beats - Ain't Doin' Too Bad, Pts 1 & 2 8:27

CD2

01 Johnny Young - Hold On 3:12

02 Proclamation - King Of The Mountain 3:06

03 Valentines - Love Makes Sweet Music 2:20

04 Kompany - The Family Way 2:14

05 Clan - Peeping Tom 2:17

06 Christopher James - Da Doo Ron Ron 2:14

07 Ray Hoff & The Off Beats - Love, Love, Love 2:40

08 Johnny Young - Come On Up 3:34

09 Robbie Snowden - Talkin' 1:59

10 Glen Ingram - I'll Be Doggone 2:35

11 Birds - No Good Without You 2:42

12 Valentines - Sooky Sooky 2:19

13 Johnny Young - Craise Finton Kirk (Royal Academy Of Arts) 2:29

14 Robby Snowden - Sunshine Rides On A Trolley 1:59

15 Troupadors - Come Home, Baby 2:43

16 Colin Cook - You Baby 2:27

17 Off Beats - I've Got To Get To You 2:15

18 Soul Purpose - Hip Huggin' Mini 2:15

19 Robby Snowden - Do You Want To Dance 1:58

20 Troupadors - Near To Me 2:22

21 Valentines - Peculiar Hole In The Sky 2:47

22 Johnny Young - Geno, Pts 1 & 2 3:29

23 Clan - Sunday Afternoon 2:51

24 Robby Snowden - Just A Little 2:09

25 Troupadours - Little Boat 2:17

26 Kompany - Little Joe The Boxer 3:12

27 Strawberry Fair - Come Back And Shake Me 2:37

28 Proclamation - Tea And Sympathy 2:44

29 Johnny Young - Every Christian Lion Hearted Man Will Show You 2:35

30 Valentines - She Said 2:45

31 Colin Cook - Riot In Cell Block Number 9 2:36

CD3

01 Birds - Magic Words 3:08

02 Chalice - In My World 3:20

03 Swingshift - Somebody To Love 2:26

04 Vegetable Garden - Hypnotic Suggestion 3:02

05 Gemini - Sunshine River 3:10

06 Willpower - Soul Finger 1:47

07 Soul Purpose - Boogaloo Down Broadway 3:06

08 Strawberry Fair - Things We Said Today 2:36

09 Vegetable Garden - Even Stevens 3:18

10 Fatty Lumpkin - Got To Get Back T' My Nellie 3:46

11 Chalice - Ebenezer 2:58

12 Birds - Dust In My Pants 3:47

13 Gemini - 12.30 (Twelve Thirty) 3:48

14 Chalice - Mr Won't You Help Me 3:01

15 Soul Purpose - Share 2:18

16 Willpower - Spinning Wheel 3:04

17 Swingshift - We Can Work It Out 2:27

18 Birds - Rene 4:02

19 Fatty Lumpkin - Don't Knock My Boogie 3:04

20 Chalice - Nearly Gone 3:44

21 Gemini - Butterfly Wings 2:38

22 Swingshift - Here There And Everywhere 4:05

23 Birds - I See The Rain 3:10

24 Chalice - Nine To Five Girl 3:35

25 Fatty Lumpkin - Millionaire 3:26

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