The Strangers - Western Union (1967)

(Mike Rabon - Norman Ezell - John Durrill)
 Australia
#27 Sydney #48 Melbourne #27 Adelaide #9 Perth

Single on Go!! May 1967.

Co-charted with the original version by The Five Americans.

The Strangers: Melbourne band, formed in 1961, started out playing instrumentals after the fashion of The Shadows but went through several stylistic and personnel changes until breaking up in the mid-70s. The Strangers backed numerous local and Australian artists, notably Colin Cook with whom they released the LP Colin Cook and the Strangers (1964). In 1966 they became resident backing band on the TV pop show Go!!.

One of The Strangers’ better known alumni is John Farrar, who joined British post-Shadows guitar group Marvin, Welch and Farrar and then the re-formed Shadows. He later produced and wrote for Olivia Newton-John. In Grease (1978), Olivia performed You’re The One That I Want and Hopelessly Devoted To You, John Farrar’s additional songs for the movie version of the musical.

Founding member Peter Robinson, who was earlier with The Thunderbirds, was also an active producer, arranger and session musician, and went on to replace Athol Guy in The Seekers from the late 70s.

See also Cry Of The Wild Goose (1963, an early instrumental), If You Gotta Make A Fool Of Somebody (1965), Happy Without You (1968), Melanie Makes Me Smile (1970), Looking Through The Eyes Of A Beautiful Girl (1970) and Mr President (1970).

References: Ian McFarlane’s Encyclopedia of Australian Rock & Pop. Privately published 2000 biography of The Strangers by Geoff Jermy with Peter Robinson.