Complete List Of The Go-Betweens Albums And Songs

The Go-Betweens: A Comprehensive Guide to Their Studio Albums

The Go-Betweens, a highly influential Australian rock band, has left an indelible mark on the music world. With a career spanning over two decades, the band has released seven studio albums, each showcasing their unique blend of post-punk, indie rock, and pop sensibilities. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll delve into the world of The Go-Betweens, exploring their discography, album reviews, and essential tracks.

Send Me a Lullaby (1981)

Released in 1981, Send Me a Lullaby marked the debut studio album of The Go-Betweens. This album exhibits a raw sound with complex lyrics, showcasing the band’s early experimentation with indie post-punk. The album features a consistent lineup of Robert Forster on guitar and vocals, Grant McLennan on bass and vocals, and Lindy Morrison on drums.

Track Listings:

1. "Your Turn, My Turn" – 3:00
2. "One Thing Can Hold Us" – 3:10
3. "People Know" – 2:12
4. "The Girls Have Moved" – 2:39
5. "Midnight to Neon" – 2:18
6. "Eight Pictures" – 4:20
7. "Careless" – 2:33
8. "All About Strength" – 2:15
9. "Ride" – 2:42
10. "Hold Your Horses" – 1:45
11. "Arrow in a Bow" – 2:53
12. "It Could Be Anyone" – 4:18

Before Hollywood (1983)

Before Hollywood, released in 1983, is the second studio album by The Go-Betweens. This album showcases a significant progression in the band’s sound, introducing more polished production and intricate songwriting. The album features the same band lineup as their debut, with the addition of Malcolm Ross on additional instruments.

Track Listings:

1. "A Bad Debt Follows You" – 2:23
2. "Two Steps, Step Out" – 3:13
3. "Before Hollywood" – 3:50
4. "Dusty in Here" – 4:03
5. "Ask" – 3:11
6. "Cattle and Cane" – 4:14
7. "By Chance" – 2:22
8. "As Long as That" – 4:57
9. "On My Block" – 3:02
10. "That Way" – 4:06

Spring Hill Fair (1984)

Released in 1984, Spring Hill Fair marked a significant milestone in The Go-Betweens’ career. This album introduces more lush orchestrations and emotional depth, solidifying the band’s reputation as masters of indie rock. The album features a consistent lineup, with recording taking place at Studios 301, Sydney, and Sunshine Studios, London.

Track Listings:

1. "Bachelor Kisses" – 3:30
2. "Five Words" – 3:50
3. "The Old Way Out" – 4:12
4. "You’ve Never Lived" – 4:50
5. "Part Company" – 4:50
6. "Slow Slow Music" – 3:36
7. "Draining the Pool for You" – 4:14
8. "River of Money" – 3:18
9. "Unkind and Unwise" – 3:04
10. "Man O’Sand to Girl O’Sea" – 3:23

Liberty Belle and the Black Diamond Express (1985)

Liberty Belle and the Black Diamond Express, released in 1985, is the fourth studio album by The Go-Betweens. This album sees the band exploring new territories, incorporating elements of pop and new wave into their sound. The album features a consistent lineup, with recording taking place at Good Luck Studios, London.

Track Listings:

1. "The Long Way with You" – 3:45
2. "It Was There" – 3:53
3. "The Clarke Sisters" – 3:35
4. "In the Same Time Stream" – 3:57
5. "A Place to Begin" – 3:27
6. "I’m Talking Here" – 3:15
7. "The Devil’s Right Hand" – 3:45
8. "The Ghosts and the Black Diamond Express" – 3:15
9. "The Rise and Fall of the Young Man in You" – 3:45
10. "The Long Way Home" – 3:45

16 Lovers Lane (1988)

16 Lovers Lane, released in 1988, is the fifth studio album by The Go-Betweens. This album sees the band refining their sound, incorporating more lush production and intricate songwriting. The album features a consistent lineup, with recording taking place at Good Luck Studios, London.

Track Listings:

1. "Clouds" – 3:53
2. "The Clock" – 4:20
3. "Dancing School" – 4:13
4. "Love Goes On" – 3:45
5. "The Heartbreaks" – 3:35
6. "Don’t Let Him Come Back" – 3:45
7. "Shyness" – 3:25
8. "The House That Came Along the Way" – 4:03
9. "The Wrong City" – 3:45
10. "That’s All This Story Really Was About" – 3:25

The Friends of Rachel Worth (2000)

The Friends of Rachel Worth, released in 2000, is the sixth studio album by The Go-Betweens. This album marks a reunion for the band, with the return of Robert Forster and Grant McLennan. The album features contributions from members of Sleater-Kinney and other contemporary indie musicians, blending the band’s classic style with fresh influences.

Track Listings:

1. "Magic in Here" – 3:04
2. "Spirit" – 3:57
3. "The Clock" – 5:38
4. "German Farmhouse" – 4:04
5. "He Lives My Life" – 4:02
6. "Heart and Home" – 3:12
7. "Surfing Magazines" – 4:34
8. "Orpheus Beach" – 3:27
9. "Going Blind" – 3:39
10. "When She Sang About Angels" – 4:29

Bright Yellow Bright Orange (2003)

Bright Yellow Bright Orange, released in 2003, is the seventh and final studio album by The Go-Betweens. This album sees the band continuing their tradition of crafting thoughtful, literate pop songs. The album features a consistent lineup, with recording taking place at Good Luck Studios, London.

Track Listings:

1. "Caroline and I" – 3:53
2. "Poison in the Walls" – 3:54
3. "Mrs. Morgan" – 4:00
4. "In Her Diary" – 4:02
5. "Too Much of One Thing" – 4:34
6. "Old Mexico" – 3:48
7. "Make Her Day" – 4:06
8. "Something for Myself" – 2:55
9. "Unfinished Business" – 2:35
10. "The Wrong Road Round" – 2:43

Oceans Apart (2005)

Oceans Apart, released in 2005, is the final studio album by The Go-Betweens. This album sees the band exploring new territories, incorporating elements of pop and new wave into their sound. The album features a consistent lineup, with recording taking place at Good Luck Studios, London.

Track Listings:

1. "Here Comes a City" – 3:27
2. "Finding You" – 4:01
3. "Born to a Family" – 3:50
4. "No Reason to Cry" – 3:04
5. "Boundary Rider" – 3:10
6. "Darlinghurst Nights" – 6:20
7. "Lavender" – 3:00
8. "The Statue" – 4:09
9. "This Night’s for You" – 3:57
10. "Mountains Near Dellray" – 3:50

Conclusion

The Go-Betweens’ discography is a testament to their innovative spirit, artistic vision, and dedication to their craft. From their early days as a post-punk band to their later years as indie rock pioneers, The Go-Betweens have left an indelible mark on the music world. This comprehensive guide is a celebration of their music, providing a detailed look at their studio albums, track listings, and essential tracks.

FAQs

Q: Who are The Go-Betweens?
A: The Go-Betweens are an Australian rock band that formed in 1977. The band consisted of Robert Forster, Grant McLennan, Lindy Morrison, and Grant McLennan.

Q: What is the significance of The Go-Betweens’ music?
A: The Go-Betweens’ music is significant for its innovative blend of post-punk, indie rock, and pop sensibilities. Their songs often feature complex lyrics, intricate arrangements, and a distinctive vocal style.

Q: What are some essential tracks by The Go-Betweens?
A: Some essential tracks by The Go-Betweens include "Your Turn, My Turn," "Before Hollywood," "Spring Hill Fair," "Liberty Belle and the Black Diamond Express," and "The Friends of Rachel Worth."

Q: What is the impact of The Go-Betweens on the music world?
A: The Go-Betweens have had a significant impact on the music world, influencing bands such as R.E.M., The Smiths, and The Pixies. Their music has also been praised for its literary depth, poetic lyrics, and innovative production.