Little River Band
1975 |
The band's self-titled debut album was certainly not expected to be as successful as it eventually turned out to be. Opening with the later single track It's A Long Way There this album has definitely become a milestone in LRB'S history. Emma and Curiosity (Killed The Cat) were other chart-breaking singles taken from 'Little River Band'.
Click to order [Europe]
Click to order [USA]
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After Hours
1976 |
Originally only scheduled to be released in Australia, this second album gained its success later when being put out internationally and with a different track listing. When 'After Hours' hit the market, the band's debut still hadn't made it into the US charts. Additionally, LRB'S contract at that time didn't span release in America, which is why this Australian version didn't make it there when the recordings were finished. I highly recommend to listen closely to this! Great stuff! Up to this day GLENN SHORROCK names it as his favorite LITTLE RIVER BAND product. Selected tracks of this album were later chosen to be released with the US and worldwide version of 'Diamantina Cocktail'. Days On The Road and Broke Again were the singles taken from 'After Hours' The re-release in CD format by 'One-Way Records' in 1997 included three bonus tracks. |
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After Hours
197?
US & international issue |
You should look at the track selection of this album only after reading the information about the US & international issue of 'Diamantin a Cocktail'. This issue is the exact reversal track selection of Capitol's choice for 'Diamantina'. You'll find Witchery contained on this release - which actually belonged to the song cycle recorded for 'Diamantin a Cocktail' - as well as the other tracks missing from the US version of 'Diamantina Cocktail'. If have no idea when Capitol records decided to put this selection into the market, therefore any information about that would be appreciated! |
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Diamantina Cocktail
1977 |
With It's A Long Way There up in the US charts, and their debut album eventually entering the Billboard album charts the band commenced recording their next, third Australian long-player, this time enlisting the services of JOHN BOYLAN as the co-producer. The single Help Is On It's Way was the forerunner to the album release, published in April 1977, and instantly made it to #1, eventually becoming 'Song of the Year'. BEEB BIRTLES' Witchery was the second song taken from the album for a single release. This track was initially composed as an advertising jingle. With Home On Monday as single #3 'Diamantina Cocktail' became LITTLE RIVER BAND'S best selling album ever. |
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Diamantina Cocktail
1977
US & international issue |
The US & international version of 'Diamantina Cocktail' was simply put together from the best songs of the two Aussie versions of 'After Hours' and 'Diamantina Cocktail'. The release of this selection was decided after the band was released from their Australian recording contract in 1977 and thus eventually entitled to sign to Capitol Records in the US. Through this selection the Australian single hit Witchery didn't make it onto the album.
Click to order [Europe]
Click to order [USA]
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Sleeper Catcher
1978 |
With 'Sleeper Catcher' being the follow-up of the highly successful 'Diamantina Cocktail', and three more single hits in the charts, this LP also gained gold selling status in the US as well as in Australia. The opener Shut Down Turn Off really showed a much raunchier LRB than on the previous recordings, while Light Of Day and Fall From Paradise were magnificently produced with using orchestra and classical arrangements.
Again, here's an interesting detail pertaining to a difference between the Aussie and the US/intern'l version: RICK FORMOSA, who penned the orchestral introduction of Fall From Paradise, asked for more royalties when the US issue was negotiated. The band declined and opted against his demand, and logically the introduction was cut down to the version which is known on the worldwide issues of the album today. 'Backstage Pass' offers a chance to listen to the original orchestra introduction. |
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Greatest Hits
1975 - 1979
1979 |
This Greatest Hits collection, has put together all the successful and chart hitting songs of LITTLE RIVER BAND for the first time. |
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First Under The Wire
1979 |
It was now time for the band to prove with this album that they were able to continue releasing high quality recordings and hit singles, which they did with 'First Under The Wire' and their so-called hymn Lonesome Loser, starting with a wonderful close harmony choir and the undoubtedly known as LITTLE RIVER BAND sound. The other success of this album was the slow Cool Change. |
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Backstage Pass (double live)
1980 |
Having done extensive touring in 1978 and 1979, the band decided to release recordings from these venues on a double-live album. I've been informed that the original release in Australia saw two albums. The first one together with the Orchestra and the second one from the American concerts. The first part was recorded during a concert given by the Australian Broadcasting Commission in the Adelaide Festival Theatre together with the ADELAIDE SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA. At this time, GEORGE McARDLE was still playing the bass. The second part sees the group using guest musicians BARRY SULLIVAN on bass and MAL LOGAN on keyboards. 'Backstage Pass' contains four songs never before released. |
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Time Exposure
1982 |
On top of their success, the band decided to open up to a more international audience using the well-known THE BEATLES producer, GEORGE MARTIN. As is said on the history page, the band wasn't happy with what MARTIN did during the sessions, so the collaboration wasn't continued afterwards. But 'Time Exposure' brings a few of the most successful hit songs : The Night Owls, Man On Your Mind and Take It Easy On Me. |
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Live Exposure - VHS Video
1982 |
LITTLE RIVER BAND'S first official appearance with a visual product originated from a concert in Houston, Texas on October 7th, 1981 and is an ideal addition to the previously published 'Time Exposure' album. The magical event was conserved on this superb VHS video and already includes the new band members at the time, STEPHEN HOUSDEN and WAYNE NELSON. Especially interesting for fans are the excepts of interviews and backstage footage inserted herein. |
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