Some of Australia’s finest musicians have come together to pay tribute to local rock pioneers The Easybeats. Easyfever will feature the works of new kids like Skybombers and Dappled Cities alongside industry veterans like Neil Finn and Iva Davies.
The album will also include a real treat for fans: a previously unreleased song called “Motherfigure.” Harry Vanda and George Young penned the song in the 70s, intending it to be the first single from Stevie Wright’s third solo abum. Of course that album never came. Stevie’s rerecorded the track with another of Australia’s favourite sons, Jimmy Barnes.
“The Easybeats are an integral foundation stone of Australian rock and roll,” explained Albert Music CEO Tim Prescott.
“As a band they really were the first truly ‘Oz Rock’ export; and as songwriters, performers and producers, the band became the genesis of so much amazing Australian music – with Harry Vanda, George Young and Stevie Wright in particular all writing many hits, and George and Harry playing a hand in the careers of some of our greatest artists (including AC/DC , The Angels, Rose Tattoo, John Paul Young and of course Stevie’s solo career). Despite all this history, well known to music industry pundits, with the passing of time, The Easybeats and Stevie probably haven`t received the public accolades, or broad recognition, that they so richly deserve.
“Therefore to have this tribute album, featuring these extraordinary homegrown artists, playing Easybeats songs, is really a fitting testament to The Easybeats, and their long standing influence as songwriters and performers of some of the greatest songs that shaped our industry.”
If you know the music of the Easybeats, you already know these songs are amazing. If you don’t, this is the perfect education to songs like “Friday on My Mind,” “Sorry,” and “I’ll Make You Happy.”
Easyfever will be in stores on October 4. Here’s the amazing track listing!
- “Sorry” – Skybombers
- “Guitar Band” – The Living End
- “Wedding Ring” – Resin Dogs
- “Good Times” – The Veronicas
- “Women (Make You Feel Alright)” – Neil Finn
- “She’s So Fine” – Thirsty Merc
- “For My Woman” – Dappled Cities
- “Somethin’ Wrong” – Dash & Will
- “Come And See Her” – The Cruel Sea
- “I’ll Make You Happy” – Faker
- “The Music Goes Round My Head” – Old Man River
- “Sad And Lonely And Blue” – Iva Davies
- “Friday On My Mind” – Ben Lee
- “Heaven & Hell” – Gyroscope
- “Motherfigure” – Jimmy Barnes and Stevie Wright
- “St. Louis” – Grinspoon
- “Black Eyed Bruiser” – Children Collide
- “Evie Pt. 1 (Let Your Hair Hang Down)” – The Wrights feat. Nic Cester
- “Evie Pt. 2 (Evie)” – The Wrights feat. Bernard Fanning
- “Evie Pt. 3 (I’m Losing You)” – The Wrights feat. Phil Jamieson
Image source: Eric Koch @ Wikimedia Commons