The Waiting Room is the second EP by Australian rock/pop group Do-Ré-Mi and was released by independent label Larrikin Records in January 1983.[1][2] The album has six tracks, which were written by lead vocalist Deborah Conway, drummer Dorland Bray, bass guitarist Helen Carter and guitarist Stephen Philip.[3][4] "Man Overboard" made its first appearance on this EP, but was re-worked and released as a single in 1985 to become a surprise top 5 hit,[5] it included lyrics referring to anal humour, penis envy and pubic hair; and had no chorus.[6] Paul Hester, later drummer for Split Enz and Crowded House, was living with Conway and guested on timbales for the track, "(Just Like) Hercules".[7][8]
| The Waiting Room | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | ||||
| EP by | ||||
| Released | January 1983 | |||
| Recorded | September 1982 | |||
| Genre | Rock/Pop | |||
| Label | Larrikan | |||
| Do-Re-Mi chronology | ||||
| ||||
Background
editDo-Ré-Mi had formed in Sydney in 1981 when Deborah Conway (lead vocals) and Dorland Bray (drums, percussion, backing vocals), both previously in Melbourne-based group The Benders, joined Helen Carter (bass, backing vocals) ex-Friction.[4] Stephen Philip (guitar), ex-Thought Criminals, was initially a studio musician for their debut EP, Do-Ré-Mi released in August 1982 and was asked to join formally.[2] They returned to the studio almost immediately and recorded The Waiting Room which was released in January 1983. Conway was living with Paul Hester[8] drummer in Deckchairs Overboard (later in Split Enz and Crowded House), Hester guested on timbales for the track "(Just Like) Hercules" on this EP.[7] "Man Overboard" had its first appearance on this EP but was later re-worked and released as a single in 1985 when it peaked at #5 on the Australian singles charts.[5] Lyrical content included references to anal humour, penis envy and pubic hair. In 2001, Carter recalled the problems Do-Ré-Mi had with their record company over "Man Overboard" for the Australian Broadcasting Corporation TV series Long Way To The Top.
There was a real hit-maker mentality ... people would say 'It can't be a hit - it doesn't have a chorus... You're talking about pubic hair, oh my God!'[9]
— Helen Carter, 2001
Track listing
editAll tracks were written by Deborah Conway, Dorland Bray, Helen Carter and Stephen Philip.[3]
- "Disneyland"
- "Creatures of Habit"
- "Wreaths and Bouquets"
- "(Just Like) Hercules"
- "Man Overboard"
- "Waiting Room"
Personnel
editDo-Ré-Mi members
- Dorland Bray — drums, percussion, backing vocals
- Helen Carter — bass guitar, backing vocals
- Deborah Conway — lead vocalist
- Stephen Philip — guitar
Additional musicians
- Peter Doyle — trumpet
- Louise Elliot — tenor saxophone
- Paul Hester — timbales (track 4)
References
edit- ^ McFarlane, Ian (1999). "Encyclopedia entry for 'Do-Ré-Mi'". Encyclopedia of Australian Rock and Pop. St Leonards, NSW: Allen & Unwin. ISBN 1-86448-768-2. Archived from the original on 2004-09-30. Retrieved 2008-10-15.
- ^ a b Nimmervoll, Ed. "Do-Ré-Mi". HowlSpace – The Living History of Our Music (Ed Nimmervoll). Archived from the original on 26 July 2012. Retrieved 10 February 2014.
- ^ a b "(APRA WebWorks) Works Search engine". Australasian Performing Right Association (APRA). Archived from the original on May 17, 2007. Retrieved 2008-10-14. NOTE: requires user to input song title e.g. DISNEYLAND
- ^ a b Holmgren, Magnus. "Do-Ré-Mi". Australian Rock Database. Passagen.se (Magnus Holmgren). Archived from the original on 5 November 2013. Retrieved 16 March 2014.
- ^ a b Kruger, Debbie (14–20 July 2004). "Once more with feeling". Melbourne Weekly Bayside Magazine. debbiekruger.com. Retrieved 2008-10-14.
- ^ "Long Way To The Top article on Helen Carter". Australian Broadcasting Corporation. Retrieved 2008-10-14.
- ^ a b "Deborah Conway Official website". Deborah Conway. Archived from the original on September 30, 2008. Retrieved 2008-10-14.
- ^ a b Harris, Anna (30 January 2004). "Deborah Conway - still alive and brilliant". Anna Harris. Archived from the original on 2006-05-14. Retrieved 2008-10-14.
- ^ "Helen Carter video interview for Long Way To The Top". Australian Broadcasting Corporation. Retrieved 2008-10-14.