The Allusions' sole album was a bit of a compromised affair, with four tracks already having seen release the previous year on 1966 singles, and a few cover versions (the Miracles' "Shop Around," the Kinks' "I Gotta Move," and especially the standard "I Believe") that seemed like obvious filler. Still, at its best it's very good British Invasion-styled mid-'60s Australia rock, even if the best tracks by far are those 1966 singles (the Beatlesque "The Dancer," a gritty cover of Rick Nelson's "Gypsy Woman," and the ominous garage-pop "Looks Like Trouble"). In contrast, the original material that hadn't seen the light of day before 1967 was on the lighter side. Still, certainly tracks like "I'll Be Home" and "Lady of Leisure" showed a knack for pleasantly emulating the poppier side of the British Invasion, as if their boat had somehow been misdirected from Manchester to Melbourne. On "Blue Tomorrow," they sound a little like a gutsier variation on Gary Lewis & the Playboys; "In My Solitude" takes a more dated melodramatic Elvis Presley/Roy Orbison beat ballad approach. All 14 of the tracks are on the CD compilation Anthology 1966-1968, a recommended alternative both because it has seven additional songs and it's far easier to find than an original copy of this Australian LP.....by Richie Unterberger.....~
The Allusions formed in late 1965, its members drawn from several other accomplished Sydney groups, and boasting four singers. Their leader, singer-guitarist-composer Mike Morris, had previously played with Dennis & The Dellawares; Terry Hearne had been the bassist in popular instrumental group The Dave Bridge Trio, led by ace gutarist and Joy Boys founder-member Dave Bridge. Terry Chapman and Kevin Hughes had both been members of the early '60s Sydney surf band The Midnighters....~
The Allusions was an Australian quintet based in Sydney, New South Wales formed in late 1965. Its members were drawn from several other accomplished Sydney groups, and boasted four singers. Their leader, singer/guitarist/composer Mike Morris (9), had previously played with Dennis & The Dellawares; Terry Hearne had been the bassist in popular instrumental group The Dave Bridge Trio. Terry Chapman (2) and Kevin Hughes (5) had both been members of the early 1960's Sydney surf band The Midnighters (3). Terry Chapman quit the band in July 1966, not long before their third single was recorded. Chapman's replacement was Bruce Davis (4), who had worked with Morris in The Dellawares. Mike Morris left the band in late 1967, and he was replaced by John Spence (7). The Allusions continued as a four-piece until October 1968, when Terry Hearne quit to join Digger Revell's backing band. Mike Morris then rejoined, to raise money for an overseas trip, but by this time the momentum of their early success had dissipated, and in the face of changing trends they split for good in early 1969. Artist John Shaw (10) is recorded as a vocalist and playing piano and organ but his exact tenure with the band is unclear.....~
Credits
Bass – Bruce Davis
Drums – Kevin Hughes
Lead Guitar – Terry Hearne
Lead Vocals, Rhythm Guitar – Mike Morris
Organ, Vocals – John Shaw
Tracklist
A1 Roundabout 3:07
A2 I Gotta Move 3:36
A3 Blue Tomorrow 1:58
A4 Looks Like Trouble 2:36
A5 Shop Around 2:40
A6 Lady Of Leisure 2:10
A7 Gypsy Woman 2:18
B1 And She's Mine 2:31
B2 In My Solitude 2:40
B3 I'll Be Home 2:12
B4 I Believe 2:19
B5 Out Of Order 2:03
B6 Ninety-seven Cigarettes 2:19
B7 The Dancer 2:00
