W.O.C.K On Vinyl: Daddy Cool - Daddy's Coolest Radio Special [Track by Track Interviews] (1982)

Before things get too serious at Rock On Vinyl, I thought it might be fun to post a song or album at the end of each month, that could be considered to be either Weird, Obscure, Crazy or just plain Korny.

Almost by accident, Daddy Cool became one of the most successful Aussie groups of the '70s and one of the icons of Australian rock. The group originated as an occasional, informal offshoot of Melbourne progressive-rock outfit Sons of The Vegetal Mother, but within twelve months it had completely eclipsed its parent band to become the most successful and popular act in the country, and the Daddy Cool story became one of the pivotal chapters in Australian rock history. Their debut single and LP were the biggest selling Australian records ever released up to that time, and they ushered in a whole new era of Australian rock. The records are perennial favourites, their signature tune, "Eagle Rock", has become one of the anthems of Australian popular music, and their recordings have been anthologised many times in many forms, with at least twenty compilations of their songs to date. One of these compilations was 'Daddy's Coolest: Greatest Hits', released in 1982 and was probably one of the best value compilations released, sporting over 60mins of music.

Daddy Cool may have appeared to be an overnight success, but of course the background to Daddy Cool's breakthrough was years of hard slog. Founders Ross "The Boss" Wilson and Ross Hannaford had played together around Melbourne since they were teenagers, first in the Pink Finks, then Party Machine. The rhythm section, drummer Gary Young and bassist Wayne Duncan, had been working consistently since the early 60s, mostly in instrumental bands backing solo singers -- notably as member of The Rondells, the backing band for pioneering beat duo Bobby & Laurie. [extract from Milesago]

L-R  Ross Wilson, Wayne Duncan, Gary Young, Ross Hannaford

When Daddy Cool uncoiled their first album it sold 60,000 copies - five times what a 'hit record' normally did in Australia. Led by the black blues man voice of Ross Wilson & buoyed by classic & cool material, Daddy Cool became one of the nation's most loved bands. This collection is packed with their classics, "Eagle Rock", "Come Back Again", "Hi Honey Ho", "Sixty Minute Man", "Teen Love", "Rock 'n' Roll Lady", "Bom Bom" & many more.

This month's WOCK on Vinyl post features a Radio Special recorded for their Daddy's Coolest' compilation, featuring several original members of Daddy Cool being interviewed by Paul Holmes from the 25M Radio Station in amongst the original songs The interview was released as a double album by the Wizard label in the same year and has quickly become a collectors item. I was fortunate enough to come across a copy and as far as I can tell, it has never been made available in digital format before.

The interview was conducted with Ross Hannaford, Gary Young and Wayne Duncan, and provides some interesting insights into how these tracks came about and their American tours back in 1971-1972

Due to the rarity of this Radio Special, I can confidently tick the Obscure option for this month's WOCK post and perhaps reclassify the W & C for Daddy Who? Daddy Cool !

I found this double album at the flee market some time ago (no cover, just the vinyl in plain cardboard covers) and nearly missed them, if it wasn't for the distinct Wizard Record Label that caught my attention. Ripped to FLAC this recording has been de-clicked in places, but overall is in great condition. Full label scans are included and home made artwork included.

Also included are 2 radio commercials used at the time to advertise Daddy's Coolest compilation

Daddy Cool's Radio Special FLACs (486Mb)