Skyhooks – Living In The 70's (50th Anniversary Remastered Vinyl LP)

Living in the 70's is the groundbreaking debut studio album from Australian rock legends Skyhooks, originally released in October 1974 through Mushroom Records. Combining theatrical glam rock, sharp social commentary and distinctly Australian storytelling, the album helped redefine the country's rock music landscape. With its infectious guitar riffs, irreverent lyrics and larger-than-life performances, Living in the 70's remains one of the most influential Australian albums of its era.

Produced by Ross Wilson and featuring the distinctive vocals of Graeme "Shirley" Strachan, the album captured the energy and attitude of Melbourne's emerging rock scene. Songwriter and bassist Greg Macainsh drew inspiration from suburban life, popular culture, sexuality and social change, creating songs that spoke directly to Australian audiences rather than imitating overseas rock conventions.

The album opens with the unforgettable title track, Living in the 70's, a driving glam-rock anthem built around powerful guitar riffs and Strachan's charismatic vocal delivery. Whatever Happened to the Revolution? follows with a pointed look at changing attitudes and social ideals, while Balwyn Calling brings the band's characteristic suburban humour and storytelling to the forefront.

One of the album's defining moments, Horror Movie, delivers a biting commentary on television news and sensationalism. Its memorable chorus and energetic arrangement helped establish Skyhooks as a major force in Australian music. You Just Like Me 'Cos I'm Good in Bed closes the first side with the provocative humour that became a hallmark of the band's early recordings.

Side B opens with Carlton (Lygon Street Limbo), a vivid portrait of Melbourne's inner-city culture. Toorak Cowboy continues the band's observations of Australian society, while Smut embraces their theatrical, mischievous side. Hey What's the Matter brings another energetic rock performance before Motorcycle Bitch closes the album with swagger and attitude.

Upon release, Living in the 70's became a landmark commercial success, spending 16 weeks at number one on the Australian Albums Chart. Despite controversy surrounding its provocative lyrics, the album connected with a generation of listeners and helped establish Australian rock as a powerful cultural force. Its enduring importance was recognised with a number nine ranking in the book 100 Best Australian Albums.

Featuring a distinctive combination of glam rock, hard rock and Australian pub rock, the album captures Skyhooks at their most daring and influential. More than five decades after its original release, its songs remain an essential part of Australian rock history.

This 50th Anniversary Edition features the album's 2024 remastered audio, prepared by David Briggs and released on vinyl in January 2025 through Warner Music Australia and Mushroom Records. Pressed on black vinyl and housed in a gatefold sleeve, the reissue presents all ten original album tracks across two sides, celebrating one of Australia's most important rock releases.

Supplied brand new and sealed.

Available from Heathen Records, your independent Australian online record store specialising in new and collectible vinyl.

Details

• Artist: Skyhooks
• Album: Living in the 70's
• Format: Vinyl LP
• Edition: 50th Anniversary Remastered Edition
• Vinyl Colour: Black
• Original Release: October 1974
• Remaster: 2024, by David Briggs
• Vinyl Reissue: 17 January 2025
• Genre: Australian Rock / Glam Rock / Pub Rock
• Record Label: Mushroom Records / Warner Music Australia
• Catalogue Number: 2173247667
• Barcode: 5021732476678
• Packaging: Gatefold Sleeve
• Tracks: 10
• Condition: Brand new and sealed

Tracklist

Side A

• A1 Living in the 70's
• A2 Whatever Happened to the Revolution
• A3 Balwyn Calling
• A4 Horror Movie
• A5 You Just Like Me 'Cos I'm Good in Bed

Side B

• B1 Carlton (Lygon Street Limbo)
• B2 Toorak Cowboy
• B3 Smut
• B4 Hey What's the Matter
• B5 Motorcycle Bitch