If asked to name the most entertaining and best-loved Australian band of the early '70s, it's a fair bet that most young people who lived through that period would nominate The Captain Matchbox Whoopee Band. This crazily brilliant Melbourne-based ensemble played a uniquely Aussie brand of jug-band blues, spiced with jazz, swing, popular standards, cabaret, sideshow alley schtick and vaudeville routines including slapstick, tap dancing, juggling, magic and even fire-eating. (Milesago) In these parts, Iconic; elsewhere, possibly merely Outstanding. Undoubtedly Significant, File under: Australian Underground Institutions.
Discography:
In the music library: Smoke Dreams Wangaratta Wahine
Boogie! - Australian Blues, R & B and Heavy Rock from the 70's: Your Feets Too Big
(When the Sun Sets Over) Carlton: Roll That Reefer
Links: Wikipedia Official web site AllMusic Discogs Milesago
Mic and Jim Conway review: mayhem and music from Captain Matchbox and beyond
Mic Conway on vaudeville, humour and life in Captain Matchbox Whoopee Band