Graham Lowndes - Survival's A Song (1973)

(Australian 1972 - 1975)

Graham Lowndes is an Australian singer-songwriter that started out in the early 70s and is fondly remembered by many folkie enthusiasts. He recorded two albums in Melbourne, 'Survival's a Song' and 'Mouthmusic'. Like Eric Clapton, he combined personal and social commentary to his songs.  His style of music compares with that of other Aussie artists like Glenn Cardier, Greg Sneddon, Greg Quill and even Mike McClellan.

His debut album Survival’s a Song (1973), was released on Albert Productions, so it sits beside early recordings from John Paul Young and Ted Mulry. Even with Lowndes' bluesy voice and thought provoking lyrics, the record failed to impress the general public and consequently failed to chart.

His album 'Mouthmusic' made the Top 100 Australian Albums as judged by music writers John O'Donnell, Toby Creswell and Craig Mathieson, in their published book The Best 100 Australian Albums. Graham Lowndes, now lives in Fremantle, and despite health problems, is still singing brilliantly.   

I was originally drawn to his music through one of this country's most inspirational singers and performers, Jeannie Lewis, who covered his "Till Time Brings Change" on her 1973 debut album 'Free Fall Through Featherless Flight'. Lewis made albums a performance art and still does. Her Tears of Steel and the Clowning Calaveras included works by Jimmy Webb, Loudon Wainwright III, Graham Lowndes, Victor Jara, Mikis Theodorakis, The Fugs, David Bowie and Dory Previn. Lowndes also sang on Lobby Lloyd's classic Plays With George Guitar album.

At time of writing, Lowndes was on Facebook, but his musical activities had been limited by his being disabled by a damaged spine, though he still manages to play the piano and sing. [extract from themonthly.com.au]

This post consists of FLACS ripped from my near mint vinyl copy and includes full album artwork and label scans.  Based on prices listed by eBay and Popsike, this album is extremely rare and has never been released on CD. In fact, I suspect this post will be the only digital copy available on the web at this point in time. One thing to note: the album cover, especially the back cover reminds me of the 1972 Yes album 'Close To The Edge'. There are so many similarities, I wonder whether the cover artist John Stewart was a Yes fan which influenced his design. Either way, I love this aspect of the album, in addition to the great music. My favourite track is the album closer "The House Is Burning". 

Track List

A1 Lazy Bones (Survival's A Song)

A2 Town Of Fear

A3 Bundeena Sands

A4 Sweet Sunny World

A5 Visions From The Gallery

B1 Till Time Brings Change

B2 The Rising Of The Tide

B3 To Rosalind

B4 The House Is Burning

Note: Track B3 is "To Rosalind" on the back cover and inner sleeve lyrics but "For Roslyn" on the Side B label

Vocals & Guitar - Graham Lowndes

Acoustic Guitar – Peggy Daroesman (tracks: A5)

Alto Flute, Alto Saxophone, Soprano Saxophone – Donnie Reid

Backing Vocals – Bobbi Marchini (tracks: A1), Fay Lewis* (tracks: A1), Jeannie Lewis (tracks: B3), Renée Geyer (tracks: A1)

Bass – Dave Ellis

Drums – Laurie Prior, Russel Dunlop

French Horn – Rick Solis

Guitar – Dave Donovan, Mark Punch

Organ – Claude Papesch

Pedal Steel Guitar – Ken Kitching

Piano, Electric Piano – Ian Mawson

Tenor Saxophone – Geoff Oakes

Trombone – George Brodbeck

Trumpet – Larry Elam

Graham Lowndes Link (199Mb)