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The SunnyboysThis Is Real Feel/FMR The Sunnyboys are one of the great nearly-weres of Australian music. The Sydney-based quartet was poised for greatness thanks to a strong live following (especially in the eastern states, where they were damn near worshipped) and significant hits (especially the hands-down classic Alone With You). However in 1984, just when overseas success beckoned, they split in the wake of singer/songwriter/guitarist Jeremy Oxley's schizophrenia and left the likes of the Hoodoo Gurus to take the next step while the Sunnyboys disappeared off the radar altogether. That is, until now. Promoter and Australian music obsessive Tim Pittman has lovingly compiled 'This Is Real,' a collection of The Sunnyboys' singles and b-sides (many appearing on CD for the first time) alongside a disc of live material. There are the hits (Alone With You, Happy Man, The Seeker, Show Me Some Discipline), there are little heard gems (Guts Of Iron) and songs that hint toward the broader scope the band might have taken had there been a future (the Stax stomp of late-period b-side Bottom Of My Heart). The live disc is interesting rather than astonishing but records just how tight and committed the band were on stage. What really sets 'This Is Real' apart is the extensive sleevenotes which provide an excellent oral history of the band via interviews with the members (minus the still-troubled Jeremy), former manager Michael Chugg, producer Lobby Lloyde and more. This compilation has been made all the more timely as another Australian band implodes from the mental illness of it's main creative force. However, should anyone seek to compile a retrospective on The Vines in 20 years time, 'This Is Real' sets an impressively high standard.  |
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