Big Name, No Blankets is the debut studio album by Australian band, Warumpi Band. It was released in 1985.

Big Name, No Blankets
Studio album by
Released1985
Recorded1984-1985
StudioTrafalgar Studios, Sydney, Centre Trax Studios, Koalaroo Studios
GenreCountry rock, Aboriginal rock
LabelPowderworks Records
ProducerThe Warumpi Band
Warumpi Band chronology
Big Name, No Blankets
(1985)
Go Bush!
(1987)
Singles from Big Name, No Blankets
  1. "Breadline"
    Released: April 1985
  2. "Blackfella/Whitefella"
    Released: October 1985

In 2011, Neil Murray explained the title of the album saying they were playing in Halls Creek in 1984 and their single "Jailangaru Parkanu (Out from Jail)" had played on Countdown. Locals saw it and said "You must be rich you blokes" to which lead singer, Kumunjay said, "no we only got big name, no blankets".[1]

The cover art was of the band in 1982 touring through the Tanami Desert.[1]

Reception edit

In a retrospective review in 2007, Double J said "their debut captures a rollicking desert rock band in electrifying form. Its raw energy ensured it stood out sonically from much else on offer in the early-80s. The fact that it featured songs sung in English, Luritja and Gumatj, telling stories of contemporary Aboriginal issues, makes it a significant document."[2]

Track listing edit

Big Name, No Blankets
No.TitleWriter(s)Length
1."Waru (Fire)"Neil Murray, George Rurrambu3:53
2."Blackfella/Whitefella"Murray, Rurrambu3:30
3."Breadline"Murray4:19
4."Nyuntu Nyaaltjirriku (What Are You Going to Do?)"Sammy Butcher, Edgar Ellis, Murray, Rurrambu4:14
5."Animal Song"Murray3:10
6."Warumpinya (Papunya)"Butcher3:14
7."Wiima Tjuta (All the Kids)"Rurrambu2:17
8."Fitzroy Crossing"Murray4:01
9."Mulga & Spinfex Plain"Murray5:49
10."Gotta Be Strong"Butcher, Murray, Rurrambu3:11

Release history edit

Country Date Format Label Catalogue
Australia 1985 LP, CS Powderworks Records POW 6098
Australia 1988 LP, CS, CD Parole Records, Festival Records C 38935 D 38935 L 38935
Australia August 2007 CD Warner Music Australia D 38935

References edit

  1. ^ a b "Big Name, No Blankets - Warumpi Band". Deadly Vibe. 8 January 2011. Retrieved 24 July 2023.
  2. ^ "Warumpi Band – Big Name, No Blankets". Double J. 3 July 2017. Retrieved 24 July 2023.