Coloured Balls: Ball Power (1973)
Date
2020
Authors
Oldham, P.N.
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Stratton, J.
Dale, J.
Mitchell, T.
Dale, J.
Mitchell, T.
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Book chapter
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Source details - Title: An Anthology of Australian Albums: Critical Engagements, 2020 / Stratton, J., Dale, J., Mitchell, T. (ed./s), Ch.3, pp.39-52
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Abstract
This chapter is a historiographic examination of one of Australian rock’s most important, yet oft-overlooked recordings. In addition to the original 1973 release of the Coloured Balls’ Ball Power album, space is given to crucial bonus material included on the 2006 digitally remastered reissue by Aztec Records. This consists primarily of early non-album single releases, and the seminal Sunbury1 1973 live recording of Coloured Balls’ perennial centrepiece, ‘G.O.D.’ What follows is informed by dozens of conversations between the author and Coloured Balls members Ian ‘Bobsie’2 Millar and the late Trevor Young that have occurred since 2008. This chapter could not have been written without them. The examination begins with a brief overview of the career of band leader and chief songwriter Lobby Loyde,3 with a specific eye on the through line of musical themes, innovations and styles that fed directly into the formation of the Coloured Balls. It then explores the origins of the band and some relevant key events leading to the recording of Ball Power, before offering a detailed exploration of the album’s songs. It wraps up by discussing both the band’s disintegration and the album’s legacy.
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Copyright 2020 Jon Stratton, Jon Dale & Tony Mitchell; each chapter of contributor