Sharon O'Neill (1978) Photo: Simon Grigg courtesy AudioCulture
Before the guitar bands came along, the piano was the songwriter’s main tool in popular music. From Harold Arlen through to Burt Bacharach, songs emerged with sophisticated chords, clever hooks, and an almost orchestral palette. This episode of Blue Smoke looks at a period in the 70s and 80s when – inspired by Elton John, Carole King, or Paul McCartney – the piano-playing songwriter fought back against six strings and three chords.
More to explore:
- AudioCulture: Wayne Mason
- Musical Chairs: Arthur Baysting
- AudioCulture: Lea Maalfrid
- AudioCulture: Paul Hewson
Music Details
Artist: The Crocodiles
Track: Watcha Gonna Do
Composer: Dasent/Baysting
Album: Tears
Label: RCA Victor
Artist: Desna Sisarich
Track: Sometime in the Morning
Composer: Desna Sisarich
45rpm single
Label: HMV
Artist: The Fourmyula
Track: A Friend
Composer: Wayne Mason
Album: The Complete Fourmyula
Label: EMI NZ
Artist: The Warratahs
Track: The Only Game in Town
Composer: Mason/Saunders
Album: The Only Game in Town
Label: Pagan
Artist: Dragon
Track: I’m Still in Love With You
Composer: Paul Hewson
Album: O Zambesi
Label: Portrait
Artist: Sharon O’Neill
Track: Luck’s On Your Table
Composer: Sharon O’Neill
Album: This Heart This Song
Label: CBS
Artist: The Mockers
Track: My Girl Thinks She’s Cleopatra
Composer: Fagan/Curtis
Album: Swear It’s True
Label: Reaction
Artist: Greg Johnson
Track: Beautiful Storm
Composer: Greg Johnson
Album: Sea Breeze Motel
Label: EMI
Artist: Finn Brothers
Track: Last Day in June
Composer: Neil Finn|
Album: Finn
Label: Parlophone
Artist: Lea Maalfrid
Track: Lavender Mountain
Composer: Lea Maalfrid
45rpm single
Label: Atlantic
