The Essential Radio Birdman (1974-1978)

Radio Birdman | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (July 17, 2001)
• Original Release Date: 1974
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Sub Pop
• ASIN: B00005LOPY
• Also Available in: Audio CD  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (24 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #75,830 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars YOU NEED TO OWN THIS, August 23, 2001

By 

Michael P. Ray "mikeray76" (Austin, TX United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Essential Radio Birdman (1974-1978) (Audio CD)

Radio Birdman is one of the most classic of all bands, and it's a shame hardly anyone knows who they are. Credit that to their roots in Austrailia, but still no borders or oceans should be able to contain the ravenous blazing sounds that were coming from down under circa 1976. We should be ashamed they have been ignored for so long (stateside, at least). Compiling material that has not been available in the US for OVER 20 YEARS, The Essential contains most of the recordings of this magnificent band. Influenced by The Stooges, MC5, and The Doors (Lead Singer Rob Younger's baritone reminds one of Mr. Morrison at times), and fueled by the fiery guitar of Deniz Tek, Radio Birdman set a new standard for rock. Truly no band up to then or since has played with such intensity and sense of purpose as RB.

Highlights of this album (and there are many) include the classic "New Race", "Descent Into the Maelstrom", "Burn My Eye", "Breaks My Heart", "I-94", "Aloha Steve and Danno", and "Non-Stop Girls." My only complaint is that this compilation is too short (at 22 songs). At any length, hats go off to Sub Pop for re-releasing this classic band that has been ignored far too long.

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Birdman Has No Equal, September 1, 2002

By A Customer

This review is from: The Essential Radio Birdman (1974-1978) (Audio CD)

I own hundreds of CDs. If I could only take one to a deserted island, it would be this one. I have listened to them every week going back to 1987 (I still have the Aussie releases on vinyl) and I never tire of them. I also recommend to anyone who likes RB a collaboration they did in the late 70s with members of the Stooges and MC5 called New Race. It may be hard to find, but New Race Live is unbelievable. Their version of Looking At You makes the version done by the Damned sound like the Mormon Tabernacle Choir. Anyone who likes rock, classic rock, or punk will enjoy RB.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Yeah Hup!, July 3, 2006

By 

Abe Vigoda "Book'em Fish!" (Los Angeles, CA. USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Essential Radio Birdman (1974-1978) (Audio CD)

If you like power pop fast and lots of guitars this could be
your diamond in the rough.
there are many overtones of other bands like MC5-the Who-the Doors-Stooges.
this Essential disc possess's some of the best Birdman songs ever recorded.....there are a few gems that should've made it on this disc that didn't it but you can't have too much of a good thing!
these guys are from australia and most of these songs are from the time of around 74-78 and still stand tall to the test of time.
they are influenced by the MC5 and the Stooges and cover some of there songs.
these guys have many spin off bands that are quite good as well
the New Race, the Visitors, the New Christs, the Screaming Tribesman, the Hitmen
these guys are very rare in most circles and not to easily available........I refer to it as record collector rock.

this is early punk/power pop and it is good