Midnight Oil

[CK]

Just reading "Beds Are Burning", the authorised Midnight Oil biography by Mark Dodshon, who was heavily involved in the band for many years. A really fascinating read, particularly when looking at some of the subtle lyrical changes in some songs to get them through radio ("Forgotten Years" had a number of changes to the original lyric to ensure it was more radio friendly), as well as some of the poor decisions made later in their career by the record company to continue their US push.

Most notable was the decision to change the first single release from the "Earth And Sun And Moon" album from "Truganini" to "My Country", when all the feedback was that the former was by far the best performer on radio from some feedback groups. Other feedback groups opted for "My Country". The decision was made by the record company, and they lost all momentum in the US, being the beginning of the end there.

Still one of my all time favorite bands and one of the best live shows I ever saw, with what turned out to be their farewell Adelaide show, at the old Heaven nightclub. I said to the person I was with at the time, that it sounded like a final show, simply by how they were taking requests all night and wanted to make sure "everyone heard their favorite songs".

Two questions - what are your favorite four songs from the band, and can you still listen to them in the same frame of mind nowadays, given the changes in philosophy from Peter Garrett, now that he has entered politics?

[dedja]

The Oils are a legendary band the likes of which we may never see again.

I've been to see them live countless times and I wouldn't want to pick my fav as they have so many great songs.

Does the present political ventures change anything ... not for me.

There are 2 specials that I recorded from Music Max on Fox ... both are brilliant.

One is the concert on Goat Island in Sydney for JJJ's 10 birthday over 20 years ago, and the other is an A-Z of the Oils that goes for about 3-4 hours.

[Pseudo]

Just reading "Beds Are Burning", the authorised Midnight Oil biography?

It has to be asked - especially on This August Forum: If GANGgajang ever released a biography, would they title it "Sounds of Then" or "This Is Australia"?

But seriously folks, I did cast a vote for US Forces, Power and the Passion, When the Generals Talk and Short Memory. Would have added Hercules and Don't Wanna Be The One if I had been allowed up to 6 votes. Difficult to pick a favourite among these 6, and all of 'em are miles in front of Beds Are Burning

[zipzap]

Love the Oils. Downloaded the recent benefit gig and they were still pretty awesome. Got a bit naff towards the end but from Head Injuries through to Blue Sky (and maybe E&S&M) they had a great run.

[am Bays]

Where's the Warra Kaurna option??? Their best song IMO. Love Sometimes.

Voted for Dead Heart, simply for the video clip on the 2001 RSL DVD/Video showing a mix of The Warampi bands Black Fella White Fella into the 'Oils Dead Heart (I think filmed at Numbulwar and Yellow Waters Kakadu).

US Forces and Hercules are classics

[dedja]

As stated before, could have picked lots but settled for Wedding Cake Island, Hercules, Only the Strong & Sometimes.

[Dirko]

Man this is hard. As a teenager in the 80's, the Oils were and are one of my favourites. Seen them countless times, and love all their stuff.

I went for US Forces as my first choice, as this was the first Oils song I used to hear belt out on my next door neighbours stereo. I was about 11 and loved it. The Dead Heart & Sometimes were off the first Oils album I bought Diesel & Dust. 15 years of age, and the Oils rocked. Truganini I feel was probably the last good Oils single they dished up.

So many songs I could've chosen.

[Dutchy]

would have to have "Best of Both Worlds" up there surely? Actually think youve missed a few - One Country, Back on the Borderline, Kosciosko, River runs red,

Never forget their cover of Instant Karma - one of my favourites from the Oils

From those listed I went - Only the Strong, Read about it, Hercules, Dont wanna be the one

[Leaping Lindner]

Cold cold change. I got the single when it first came out in 1979, and played it death.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iZTX1po5ec0

[CK]

Agreed there were a few that could have been in there, but unless the poll option allows 40 choices, no way to get 'em all in . For what its worth, I took Read About It, Sometimes, Forgotten Years and Hercules.

The latter is interesting - was talking with a mate the other day who had NEVER heard of the song. That was immediately arrested for them. Reckon the version of "Sometimes" from "Scream In Blue" is the best one - and for what its worth, "Scream In Blue" would have to be one of the most powerful live albums released by an Australian band.

Now, if only there was room to add Stars Of Warburton, Best Of Both Worlds, Back On The Borderline, Bedlam Bridge, Kosciuszko, One Country...actually, one of the only songs they released that never hit a chord for me was their cover of "The Real Thing".

I wonder if, in ten years, someone will be running a "Wes Carr" poll of similar nature....

[mick]

two words come to mind "sanctimonious hypocrite" although I don't think that was a song

[smithy]

This poll is way too hard, but a song from the Oils I never get sick of playing is Tin Legs and Tin Mines.

[Strawb]

my favourite has always been Bedlam bridge.

[schimma]

surfs up amazing song

[Rik E Boy]

would have to have "Best of Both Worlds" up there surely? Actually think youve missed a few - One Country, Back on the Borderline, Kosciosko, River runs red,

Never forget their cover of Instant Karma - one of my favourites from the Oils

From those listed I went - Only the Strong, Read about it, Hercules, Dont wanna be the one

Best of Both Worlds should have been on that list for sure. I reckon CK doesn't rate Red Sails much.

regards,

REB