Midnight Oil
 

I searched and, alas, no thread! So here we go then...

One of my latest musical endeavours has involved getting into the classic Australian bands which emerged from the late 70s/early 80s punk scene, and while I've come across a fair few class acts, these fellas are definitely my pick of the litter. They're certainly the most musically interesting of the bunch to me and Peter Garret's a truly great singer and lyricist. The three albums I've managed to sink my teeth into are all immense as well (those being 10-1, Diesel and Dust and Blue Sky Mining).

Anyway, I'm going on a bit and not posting any videos, so here's something to satisfy your curiosity;

Blue Sky Mine


Power and the Passion


Dreamworld


Any other fans out there (I've spotted a few of you hanging around before)? Which albums do you reckon I should go for next?

Great band, I'm familiar with plenty of their songs, but I've never really paid attention to which album I was listening to. My favourite song would be Beds are Burning.

Though I've built up a pretty steady dislike of Peter Garret after he got into politics. I don't think he's accomplished anything besides steadily compromising his principles.

Man I love it when great Australian music gets noticed. Midnight Oil were a fantastic band... not only producing great music but producing some great insight into Australian political issues including the environment and indigenous peoples' rights. To be honest though, I've never heard them been classified as punk. But they were great. I love Peter Garret's signature crazy dance.

I wholeheartedly agree. Bad, bad idea. As soon as he became a politician he's just painted a very bad image for himself.

Well, I'm no expert (I am English after all), but I'm pretty sure they started with a more aggressive, punk-oriented sound - you wouldn't think it from the videos I posted though. And, yeah, that whole crazy dance thing rules too. Whatever you all think of the guy down under, he's still a gazillion times cooler than Hilary Benn in my book :D

Yeah, I remember when they were quite big here in Aus, they were always just categorised as rock - as they definitely weren't anything like Australian punk.

Anyway, they're just one of those really unique, memorable bands. Great music.

I would not call them Punk either Bulldog but glad you are enjoying them. They were a fine band. Better than the rather dull Pub Rock fare that was prevalent and popular at that time.
My pick though is Diesel and Dust. A wonderful record. Some where critical as it was a bit less rock oriented, a bit more listener friendly, but that could not detract from a wonderful record in my opinion.
Dead Heart is a great song.

I finally got around to listening to Diesel & Dust. I'm not blown away but I like it and I think it'll be a grower.

Diesel and Dust is definitely a grower. I'm ashamed to admit I bought the album when I was 16, listened to it, hated it and sold it off to some second-hand place. It was only when I got my hands on it again a couple of months back when I realised I'd done a bit of a howler - definitely a grower and a wonderful album. Dream World, Beds Are Burning and Put Down That Weapon are probably the highlights for me.

10-1 has to be my personal favourite though. I just can't find anything wrong with that album.

For anyone who hasn't heard them before, if I can get 'round to it I'll up 5-odd of my favourites to Mediafire a bit later

Beds are Burning is amazing and I'm pretty sure it changed a lot of Australian's attitudes. I'm reminiscing and listening to this band right now.
Thanks for making a post on them, Bulldog! :)

When I want to reminisce about Australia and feel all nostalgic, I start listening to Cold Chisel. :D

Anyway, I'm just acquiring more Midnight Oil albums now.