Once again, I am at a loss to explain what could have possibly happened that this gifted band from Australia was not a huge hit in the states. From what I understand, Hoodoo Gurus got massive airplay on college radio stateside, but that’s about it. Thank goodness college/alternative radio had some good sense back then, otherwise so many of these criminally underrated bands would have suffered from complete US airway indifference.

I know I sound like a broken record, but I am so glad to have the chance to go back and revisit what I’ve missed thanks to the annoyingly misguided and downright stupid decisions made by clueless suits in boardrooms as to what got airplay and what didn’t during the most vital musical decade ever. (Huge intake of breath.) But I digress….

Hoodoo Gurus formed in Sydney Australia circa 1981, and was initially comprised of Dave Faulkner, (songwriter, lead singer and guitarist), Kimble Rendall (bass, guitar, backing vocals), Roddy Radalj (guitar, backing vocals), James Baker (drums), and Clyde Bramley (bass guitar, backing vocals). Shortly after, the band reformed into its more well-known lineup of Faulkner (original), Richard Grossman (bass), Mark Kingsmill (drums), and Brad Shepherd (guitar, vocals, harmonica).

They had a string of hits throughout the decade in their homeland of Oz and a strong, enduring popularity on US college radio. Refusing to ascribe to a single sound, the Gurus’ music spanned many genres including power pop, psychedelic rock, and punk. They recorded 7 albums from 1984 until 1996, then came back with two more albums in 2004 and 2010.

But, you say, you’ve never heard of them? Frustrating, isn’t it? Well, now you have.

Check out their music (some of which is posted below via YouTube), then expand the horizons of your 80s collection (and your mind) by making your purchase here. Be forewarned: if you’re looking for heavy, industrial music, you won’t find it with the Gurus. But, if you’re looking for a musical lift, you’ve definitely come to the right place.

Discography

1984: Stoneage Romeos
1985: Mars Needs Guitars!
1987: Blow Your Cool!
1989: Magnum Cum Louder
1991: Kinky
1994: Crank
1996: Blue Cave
2004: Mach Schau
2010: Purity of Essence

Hoodoo Gurus website.

Hoodoo Gurus ~ Bittersweet ~ via Youtube user nzoz1985:

Hoodoo Gurus ~ What’s My Scene ~ via YouTube user jazztronic:

Hoodoo Gurus ~ Come Anytime ~ via YouTube user amlimabr:

Hoodoo Gurus ~ A Place In The Sun ~ via YouTube user miketheblueeagle: