Midnight Oil was only known in America for ‘Beds Are Burning’ but in their native Australia they had successful career that spanned three decades. One of the best (and only) politically-minded rock acts of the 80s, their songs dealt with a variety of issues, such as fair wages, nuclear war and Aboriginal rights. They were so political, in fact, that lead singer Peter Garrett left the band in 2002 and ran for parliament…and won. Australia gets Peter Garrett and the U.S. Senate gets Sonny Bono, that’s totally not fair.
While I’m sure he’ll do good for the people of Australia, it sucks that he ended his music career to do it. If you only know ‘Beds Are Burning’ and want to get into the band a little more, I suggest their comprehensive greatest hits collection, 200 Watt R.S.L. as a good starting point. If you like it, nearly any of their 80s albums are safe bets, with Diesel And Dust, Earth And Sun And Moon, Blue Sky Mine and 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1 being the best.
Midnight Oil – Beds Are Burning (Tamarama Remix)
This is a remix of Midnight Oil’s signature tune, off of the promo-only release, The Green Album. It’s a little hinky, but fans of the song should dig it.
Midnight Oil – Blue Sky Mining (Original
Blue Sky Mining (Remix)
The original version of Blue Sky Mining is on Blue Sky Mine, which in print and available at any halfway decent record store. I’m including it because most people in America probably haven’t heard it, which would make posting the remix (also off of The Green Album) a little pointless.
Midnight Oil – Wedding Cake Island
A genuine B-Side and rarity. This song first appeared on the 1980 EP Bird Noises, and occasionally appeared on 12-inch singles throughout the 80s. A bitchin’ little instrumental ditty that sounds kind of like a surfer tune. Great driving music.
I got some more rarities from the rockin’ Aussies that I might put up some other time. Throughout the month I’ll be posting B-sides and rarities from Human League, Soft Cell, New Order, Depeche Mode and more great 80s bands, so if you dig the 80s, stay tuned.