You Were Robbed – Hoodoo Gurus

"You Were Robbed" features artists and bands that should have gotten much more recognition and fame than they did. Check them out now...better late than never!

Hoodoo Gurus “Blow Your Cool”

There are any number of albums in the extensive Hoodoo Gurus discography that I could pick as a demonstration of how this Australian band was robbed. But after a fun afternoon of revisiting their catalogue, followed by very careful deliberation, I have to go with 1987’s “Blow Your Cool” to be the biggest head scratcher - why this record didn’t catapult the band to superstardom in the States is the eighth wonder of the world.

The band released two albums prior to “Blow Your Cool”, which were well received at college radio and started earning the guys a rabid following. The debut and sophomore effort, 1984’s “Stoneage Romeos” and 1985’s “Mars Needs Guitars!” are now classics in garage pop rock, but were probably a bit too eclectic for mainstream listeners at the time. But flash forward to 1987 and we hear the band like we’ve never heard them before – slick, polished, and full of radio-friendly hooks. Just give a listen to the kickoff tracks “Out That Door” and “What’s My Scene”:





Can you imagine anything more tasty for late 80s rock radio? How about a duet their touring partners, The Bangles, one of the hottest groups around at the time? But not even that harmonious pairing in “Good Times” could ignite DJs.



The band shared a new dimension of their talent with fans on this record, too, in their first real – and most amazing – ballad, “I Was The One”, featuring some rip-roaring sax that was ubiquitous in the 80s.



The Hoodoo Gurus should have had success in excess of their INXS brethren. If you like “Blow Your Cool”, there is plenty more where that came from, including a new best of collection coming in March entitled, "Gold Watch: 20 Golden Greats".

Learn more about the Hoodoo Gurus here.

Rare Trax: Hoodoo Gurus "Good Times"

Every Saturday at BMF we present rare or deep tracks from my collection for your listening pleasure, or perhaps for your amusement!



This week’s track is "Good Times" by the Hoodoo Gurus from their album, "Blow Your Cool!". Recognize the backing vocals? They are supplied by The Bangles!

Review: Hoodoo Gurus "Purity of Essence"

I've been a big fan of Australia's Hoodoo Gurus ever since they released "Stoneage Romeos" in 1984. While the Gurus were inducted into the Australian Recording Industry Association (ARIA) Hall of Fame in 2007, they never got the recognition they deserved in the US. Throughout the 80s, they've released some phenomenal records, "Blow Your Cool" being my favorite. They stayed strong in the 90s, especially with "Crank". "Mach Schau" was a treat for fans in 2004, but we've been waiting 6 long years for the ninth record, "Purity of Essence".

"Purity of Essence" finds the Gurus in fine form - still rocking with melodic vocal hooks and sweet guitar licks after all these years - and the distinctive vocals of lead singer Dave Faulkner sound just as good as they did in 1984. The boys waste no time grabbing your attention with a trademark rocker, "Crackin' Up". The party continues with the powerpop gem, "A Few Home Truths", then ventures into ballad territory with "Are You Sleeping?" The best ballad the Gurus have done is "I Was The One" from "Blow Your Cool", but "Are You Sleeping?" is a close second - beautiful song. But in case you did fall asleep, you'll be jolted out of your slumber with the energetic and brassy "Burnt Orange". The soul-inspired and wonderfully catchy "I Hope You're Happy" and the haunting "Ashamed of Me" round out the better half of the record. We've waited six years, so the band gives us 16 tracks - an over an hour of new music...but honestly I could have done without the final third of the CD. The bottom end of the record is good, but the songs aren't as instantly memorable, with exception of "1968".

"Purity of Essence" shows that a band going on 30 years of age still has all the energy of their younger counterparts...and plenty to say in new songs to grace the musical landscape. Yet another jewel in the Gurus' crown.

iPOD-worthy: 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 7, 9, 15

Hoodoo Gurus on MySpace. Official site.