Friends - The Easybeats (1969)

Not the most energetic release by these Aussie beatsters but not bad at all. Despite the generic re-issue cover, this is actually their 1969 release "Friends". The title track and the single "St. Louis" reflect the musical trends happening in 1969-70 as the Easybeats straight-forward beat music was giving way to progressive influences. This was a transition that the Easybeats did not survive amidst management and label problems and lack of commercial relevance. Apart from some greatest hits LPs (which I won't be posting), this concludes my Easybeats retrospective. I hope you've enjoyed it and that it has motivated you to search out their CD re-issues.

Review: [Richie Unterberger/AMG]

Originally released in 1969, Friends, The Easybeats' last album, was a curiously half-baked and deflated affair, despite some interesting moments. The Australian group's trademark peppiness gave way to a world-weary tone, perhaps as a result of their roller-coaster ride through near-Beatles-like fame in their native land and limited success elsewhere. Apparently much of this collection was actually half-finished demos, which accounts for the fairly sparse feel on several tracks. The least successful songs are the forced rock & roll boogies, with overwrought vocals from lead singer Stevie Wright. The more pensive tracks, like the title tune, have an oddly compelling, hollow feel of resignation bordering on gloom that starkly contrasts with their more well-known mid-'60s material. The Harry Vanda/George Young songwriting team wrote all of the album's songs, including the group's final single, "St. Louis." This CD reissue adds 11 songs to the original LP from various late '60s singles, obscure Australian compilations, and alternate mixes; all are reasonably enjoyable, none are particularly essential.


MP3 @ 192 Kbps 71.1 MB

Won't you be my friend.
PW:apoxonrox

Track list in comments.