Radio Birdman - Radios Appear (Sire Version)

Radio Birdman's "Radios Appear" is a highly regarded album, often cited as a cornerstone of Australian punk and proto-punk. Reviewers praise its high-energy, raw sound, influenced by bands like the Stooges and MC5, while also incorporating elements of surf rock and a distinct melodic sensibility. The album is lauded for its fun, upbeat nature and enduring quality, with many highlighting its impact on the Australian music scene. Overall, "Radios Appear" is celebrated for its energetic sound, unique blend of influences, and enduring impact on the Australian music scene, establishing Radio Birdman as a significant force in the development of punk rock and garage rock. 

Australian punk progenitors Radio Birdman are as essential a part of early punk history as the Ramones, Pistols, Buzzcocks, Clash, Wire, etc., yet outside of music nerd circles they remain largely unknown (at least in the States). Which is a shame, as their 1977 debut is as compelling as the work of their better-known brethren. Though stylistically similar to many of the early punks, with stripped down 3-or-4-chord guitar blasts, raggedly cathartic vocals, and pure feral energy, the Radios also had a knack for melody and atmospherics, blending an obvious Stooges-inspired hard rock ferocity with riff-heavy surf rock.

Side 2 opener "Aloha Steve & Danno," a "Hawaii Five-O"-themed ditty that perfectly meshes the Clash and the Ventures (with helpful wooh-ooh-oohs in the chorus), is as timeless an anthem as anything else from the era. Songs like "What Gives?" and "Murder City Nights" barrel forward relentlessly, but the guitar riffage and thunderous rhythm section elevate them beyond lesser punk also-rans.

Tracks specially ripped to MP3

A1 - What Gives
A2 - Non-Stop Girls
A3 - Do the Pop
A4 - Man With Golden Helmet
A5 - Descent Into the Maelstrom
A6 - New Race
B1 - Aloha Steve & Danno
B2 - Anglo Girl Desire
B3 - Murder City Nights
B4 - You're Gonna Miss Me
B5 - Hand of Law

B6 - Hit Them Again