Various

Puberty Blues Soundtrack (Sony)

Whereas Howzat! Got it so wrong, Puberty Blues gets it so right. We have to admit to getting a little obsessed with the lives of our favorite 70’s Australian girls, Deb and Sue. The series was right on the money and so is the soundtrack. First off, the mastering of these old tracks is first class. Every tune sounds a million bucks and the sonics have been brought into 2012. For this reviewer the highlights belong to the Australian artists featured. Daddy Cool ‘Come Back Again’, The Angels ‘Coming Down’ and Skyhooks ‘Ego’ are terrific. And then there are artists who haven’t stood the test of time as well, but the tunes sound spot on in context of the period soundtrack. It’s here you’ll find Spectrum, Ted Mulry Gang and Flash & The Pan. If anything the set proves The Ferrets’ Don’t Fall In Love is a perfect pop song and Richard Clapton’s Deep Water is a masterpiece. Tishana does a note perfect Lovin’ You (we assume the original was out of bounds), Charlene’s I’ve Never Been To Me is still bloody awful and, when you listen to the lyrics, Dragon’s Are You Old Enough? is kind of creepy.

[rating: 4/5]

Peta Kent