The Reels

The Reels were formed in the late 70’s after few name changes. The major figures of the group were David Mason (lead vocals, keyboards), Craig Hooper (guitars, keyboards, vocals), Colin 'Polly' Newham (keyboards), John Bliss (drums), Paul Abrahams (bass) Karen Ansell (keyboards, vocals), Stefan Fidock (drums). They released four albums, two EP’s and several singles between 1979 and 1991.

The Reels went under few name changes in their early career and when they signed the first record contract with Australian branch of Mercury records, they then changed their name into The Reels and released their debut single “Love Will Find A Way”. Another single followed and their self-titled album was released the same year, in 1979.
In 1980 the Reels added a second keyboardist and released their third single “After The News”. This song marked a transition in their music both in the songwriting as well as in the sound. They began using synthesizers as the main instrument. In May 1981 the Reels released ‘Quasimodo Dream’ which is considered as their best album today.

After few line up changes the Reels signed a new record contract with RCA Records in 1982 and they scored their first international hit with a cover of the song “The Guys In Love With You”
In mid-1980 the group undertook the innovative "Reels By Rail" tour, which saw them using rail transport to travel to all the destinations on their tour. At the end of the year, returning to their roots as a covers band, they released a five track Christmas EP, Five Great Gift Ideas From The Reels, produced by Bruce Brown and Russell Dunlop, which included versions of Jim Reeves' "According To My Heart", and Freda Payne's "Band Of Gold". "According To My Heart" was very successful and featured a folksy music video filmed at the ranch of Australian country music star Smokey Dawson. In 1986 the Reels were signed with Regular records and continued to record cover songs. Even their 1987 tour was called ‘Reels by Request’ and audience called out for the songs they wanted to hear.

In 1989 Mason appeared in the acclaimed Australian feature film Ghosts... of the Civil Dead, in which he co-starred with Nick Cave. In September 1991 the Reels issued their first original single in five years, "I Don't Love You Anymore", followed by what proved to be their last single, a remix by Filthy Lucre of "Bad Moon Rising" . The group officially disbanded to coincide with the release of the compilation CD Requiem.

In May ‘07, Dave Mason released his first album in more than 15 years, ‘Reelsville’, an acoustic celebration of The Reels hits re-recorded by the original artist. In August ‘07 ‘Reel To Reel’ was also released - a compilation of The Reels classic tracks with new liner notes as written by Dave.Dave Mason, John Bliss and Colin ‘Polly’ Newham have resurrected themselves in their former guise ‘The Reels’ and plan to play shows in May 2008.

Next Wave: Blondfire

Blondfire is the Brazilian/American brother/sister duo of Bruce and Erica Driscoll. They began under the name Astaire, but due to legal threats from the Fred Astaire estate they were forced to change their name. The siblings write/record/produce all their own songs and make a refreshing, UK influenced sound that is at once catchy, original, and undeniably their own. Despite their polished, pop hooks, the duo is the true definition of Indie.

Retrovision: Fay Ray- Heatwave

Instant Hit: East Wall- Eyes of Glass

East Wall released their only single "Eyes of Glass" in 1985 through ZYX Records. The single was issued as 12" only and included the vocal and instrumental version of the song. It was recorded in at the Master Studio 33 in 1984 and produced by Ray Masola. The duo recorded one album in 1981, entitled Silence.

Clinic- Do It!

A Liverpool based indie rock band noted for their often fast-paced, eclectic sound are set to relese their fifth album 'Do It!'. The album is going to be released on 8 April 2008. The single "Free Not Free" was made available on 1 February 2008 as a free download from clinicvoot.org.

Cut Copy- In Ghost Colours

'In Ghost Colours' is the second studio album by Australian band Cut Copy. The record contains 15 tracks including a song "Hearts on Fire" which was re-recorded. 'In Ghost Colours' has already been released in Australia, and it will be released in US on April, 7th and on April 14, 2008 in the UK.

dEUS- The Architect

Instant Hit: Cee Farrow- Lost And Memorized

Cee Farrow was one of the most underrated 80's stars led by Christian F. Kruzinski. They released their only album Red and Blue in 1983 and a year before that the famous Cee Farrow song "Should I Love You" for which they also recorded a slick music video. Cee Farrow tried a comeback in the early 90's, but failed to gain any success. Christian sadly passed away in 1993 due Brain disease attributed by Aids. "Lost and Memorized" was never released as a single, but remains as one of the unforgettable and most played Cee Farrows tunes.

R.E.M.- Accelerate

'Accelerate' is the fourteenth studio album by the American alternative rock band R.E.M., released on March 31, 2008 in Europe and a day later on April, 1, in North America. Produced with Jacknife Lee, Accelerate is intended as a departure from the band's poorly-received 2004 album 'Around the Sun'. The first single from the album, "Supernatural Superserious", was released in February 2008. The video for this single was already featured on this blog.

Echo & The Bunnymen- The Works

Echo & The Bunnymen will release their best of compilation “The Works”, a three CD retrospective which will feature 45 songs including Echo & the Bunnymen’s biggest hits. The record will be released on March, 31st 2008.