W.O.C.K On Vinyl - Glenn Shorrock - We're Comin' To Get You (1983)

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Before things get too serious here at Rock On Vinyl, I thought it might be fun to post a song / album at the end of each month, that could be categorized as being either Weird, Obscure, Crazy or just plain Korny.
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This single, which peaked at No. 6 in October 1983, was recorded by Glenn Shorrock (vocalist from the Little River Band) with folk group 'The Bushwackers' and was about the Australian challenge for the America's Cup. It was the theme for the film of the same name.

Hopefully this track will take all of you Sailing enthusiasts back in time to that history making day on 26 September 1983 on the waters off Newport Rhode Island to watch again those Aussie Legends in John Bertrand and his Australia II crew take on the American Legends of Dennis Conner and his Liberty crew as they sailed to Americas Cup Immortality in the Race 7, The  Race of the Century of the 1983 Americas Cup.

In 1983 Australia II with its secret ‘winged keel’ won the America’s Cup putting an end to America’s 132-year hold of the title—still the longest winning record in modern sports history. Australia II was the smallest yacht ever to challenge for the America’s Cup.
The winged keel, an innovative design by Ben Lexcen, was heavier than usual and fitted with fins. It helped the yacht to be swift and easily maneuverable. The yacht’s owner, Alan Bond, was careful to hide the keel whenever the boat was out of the water, creating much curiosity and speculation about its design. One night guards removed divers who tried to swim underneath the boat to look at the keel. Australia brought charges of illegal espionage against the New York Yacht Club over the incident. The Club countered by asking that Australia II be disqualified because of the keel, but were overruled. Australia II went on to win the Cup, beating the American yacht Liberty 4-3 in the series.

This is arguably Australia’s greatest sporting achievement and I’m not a yachtsman. If my memory serves me correctly we were 3-1 down in the best of a 7 race series and won the last 3 races with the Americans trying to fudge the rule book in some way because they thought we were cheating, but I can’t remember exactly what it was. I do recall they were so pissed that they were not allowed to look under the yacht until the series ended. This is a wonderful song with great memories, so thanks to Glenn for recording this somewhat 'Obscure' and hard to find 45.

Thanks to the 'Advertiser Newspapers Ltd' for the use of their front page account of the America's Cup win by Australia II

Track Listing
01 - We're Coming To Get You
02 - We're Coming To Get You (Instrumental)

Glenn Shorrock Link  (MP3/320kps) New Link 24/10/2018