30 review for Stranded: The Secret History Of Australian Independent Music

1. 

   4 out of 5

   fourtriplezed – Sep 01, 2018

   Author Clinton Walker has written a personal history of his involvement in the Australian underground/independent music scene. From the impact of The Saints on the Punk Rock / New Wave scene of the late 70’s through to the rise of Nick Cave in the 90’s Walker was there. With that he has covered the many excellent bands and individual artists that made a small splash as doing something unusual in an independent scene that was far more interesting than the boredom that the major labels and public Author Clinton Walker has written a personal history of his involvement in the Australian underground/independent music scene. From the impact of The Saints on the Punk Rock / New Wave scene of the late 70’s through to the rise of Nick Cave in the 90’s Walker was there. With that he has covered the many excellent bands and individual artists that made a small splash as doing something unusual in an independent scene that was far more interesting than the boredom that the major labels and public at large seemed to revel in. On a personal level I caught The Saints in their early days in a hall somewhere in the western suburbs of Brisbane. My mates hated them but they left enough of an impression with me that when Sounds mag in the UK declared "(I'm) Stranded" as "Single of this and every week" I knew who they were. And with that they changed my musical listening and life. Over the last few months I have actually given away or sold a fair bit of the vinyl I collected from those days. The Leftovers are an infamous Brisbane Punk band and get a mention in this book. I sold a copy of their Cigarettes and Alcohol single for the rather considerable sum of $1,200 aus and the Go-Betweens 2nd single People Say for $500aus. While reading the book a Sydney band was mentioned called The Lipstick Killers. One member was the son of family friends and back in the day he gave me a copy of their single Hindu Gods of Love. I have no idea what happened to that, maybe given away as has been my wont but I see that that has been sold for as high as $500aus. I still have a few more from those days that fetch a few dollars, 77 Sunset Strip by The Riptides, a couple of Razar singles among others. Offers? A must read for anyone with an interest in the subject.

2. 

   5 out of 5

   Ben Winch – Feb 04, 2012

   Four Alternate Australian National Anthems: The Saints: '(I'm) Stranded' Go-Betweens: 'Cattle and Cane' The Triffids: 'Wide Open Road' The Moffs: 'Another Day in the Sun' Four Alternate Australian National Anthems: The Saints: '(I'm) Stranded' Go-Betweens: 'Cattle and Cane' The Triffids: 'Wide Open Road' The Moffs: 'Another Day in the Sun'

3. 

   4 out of 5

   Nocheevo – Jun 13, 2008

   In fairness probably a 4 star book but it gets a bonus star fo being the only decent book on the boom of he independent music scene in Australia. Largely chronological with scores of interview quotes to build up the story. The author adds a personal story through his own music efforts, fandom/ fanzine work and association with the Saints.

4. 

   4 out of 5

   Duncan – Apr 29, 2022

   As someone who lived and loved the Sydney indie scene late eighties early nineties this book is magic, a raw honest and fascinating inside view of the ‘indie’ music industry and the human beings who make it what it is. I think anyone who loves music will gain from this, though maybe not knowing the music behind the stories will make it harder to appreciate. Added bonus the Spotify playlists to accompany the chapters.

5. 

   5 out of 5

   Terry Wheeler –

6. 

   4 out of 5

   Lauren –

7. 

   4 out of 5

   Steve Coates –

8. 

   5 out of 5

   Garry –

9. 

   5 out of 5

   Iain Colquhoun –

10. 

    5 out of 5

    Benjamin Ashton –

11. 

    4 out of 5

    Clinton Toghill –

12. 

    4 out of 5

    Mark Rubenstein –

13. 

    5 out of 5

    Dermot –

14. 

    5 out of 5

    A Adams –

15. 

    4 out of 5

    Rafe Abrahamsson –

16. 

    5 out of 5

    Matt Johns –

17. 

    5 out of 5

    Geoff Nicholson –

18. 

    4 out of 5

    Glenn Smith –

19. 

    5 out of 5

    Stevolende –

20. 

    4 out of 5

    Grant Keys –

21. 

    5 out of 5

    Claire Wiltshire –

22. 

    5 out of 5

    Ian "Marvin" Graye –

23. 

    5 out of 5

    Roger Griffin –

24. 

    5 out of 5

    David –

25. 

    5 out of 5

    Woody –

26. 

    4 out of 5

    Daisy –

27. 

    5 out of 5

    Danny –

28. 

    5 out of 5

    Avis Black –

29. 

    5 out of 5

    Nicky Potter –

30. 

    5 out of 5

    Andy Ryan –