The most famous line-up consisted of prolific songwriters Ross Wilson (ex Daddy Cool) and guitarist Eric McCusker (who luckily pestered Wilson to let him join, doing three auditions, after the initial outing of Mondo Rock had lost momentum) as well as Paul Christie on bass (ex-Kevin Borich Express, who later formed The Party Boys), John James "J. J." Hackett, ex-Stars, on drums, and the versatile James Black (now leading the RocKwiz TV show house band on SBS) on keyboards and guitar. This line-up recorded the second LP Chemistry, out July 1981. The first LP was Primal Park (1979).
The group had numerous successes on the Australian charts. Early hits included Fugitive Kind, Chemistry, State Of The Heart, and Cool World - the latter three collected on their award-winning second album Chemistry. 1980s teen-idol Rick Springfield recorded a version of McCusker's State Of The Heart some years later, making the U.S Top 40.
Further success followed in 1982 with the release of their third LP Nuovo Mondo, spawning the Top 10 single No Time, as well as the Top 40 hits The Queen And Me and the haunting In Another Love. John Farnham recorded a version of A Touch Of Paradise contained on this album, which became a Top 20 single from his 1986 Whispering Jack album.
They had to wait until 1984's The Modern Bop LP for their biggest success however. It came from the McCusker penned "Come Said the Boy", a provocative tale about the loss of virginity , which was banned at the time of release by many radio stations including Sydney's then top-rated 2SM. This failed to stop the song's momentum though, and it went on to become the band's most successful single, peaking at number 2 on the Australian charts in 1984, and is still played on radio today. The album featured two more minor hits - Baby Wants To Rock, and the title track The Modern Bop. In the same year, Ross Wilson wrote the song Bop Girl which his wife Pat Wilson recorded. The song was a major hit in Australia, cracking the Top 5.
Things were cooling by 1986's new recording Boom Baby Boom, however the group still scored a further two hit singles - Rule Of Threes and Primitive Love Rites - the latter being a minor hit in the U.S.
1990 saw their last recording of new material as Mondo Rock, in the Why Fight It LP. The singles released were Things Are Hotting Up and I Had You In Mind, however the group seemed to be running out of steam.
They still play together from time to time, and more recently starred in the 2006 Countdown Spectacular concerts (which were seen by more than 100,000 people throughout Australia), performing a medley of Cool World and Summer Of '81, and a full version of Come Said The Boy.
Ross Wilson dabbled in a solo career and had success with the single Bed Of Nails. (from Wikipedia)
Good Advice
Mondo Rock Lyrics
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That′s all I hear is "Good advice"
Risk your heart you'll pay the price, but it′s
My life, my life
How well it's said, how well it's meant
This good advice is heaven sent
Right to words and the right intent, but it′s
I don′t want it to seem that I am ungrateful to you
But now that she's not between us
I can see our world with an open view
I see the truth, I see the trap
This good advice is like a crash barrier
I′m not looking for the marrying kind
(Ay-ya-ya)
(Ay-ya-ya)
(Ay-ya-ya-ya)
(Ay-ya-ya)
(Ay-ya-ya)
(Ay-ya-ya-ya)
I don't want it to seem that I am ungrateful to you
But now that she′s not between us
I can see our world with an open view
I see the truth and I see the trap
This good advice is like a crash barrier
I'm not looking for the marrying kind
(Ay-ya-ya)
(Ay-ya-ya)
(Ay-ya-ya-ya)
Good advice, good advice
(Ay-ya-ya)
(Ay-ya-ya)
(Ay-ya-ya-ya)
(Ay-ya-ya)
(Ay-ya-ya)
(Ay-ya-ya-ya)
Good advice, good advice
All I hear is "Good advice"
Risk your heart and you′ll pay the price, but it's
My life, my life
It's my life (my life) yeah
It′s my life (it′s my life)
Oh, you can keep your good advice, 'cause it′s
My life, my life
Hey, ooh
Ay-ay, ooh-a-ooh
Yeah, ooh
Hey, ooh
Hey, ooh-a-ooh
Yeah, ooh, ooh
The lyrics to Mondo Rock's song "Good Advice" explore the theme of personal autonomy and the struggle between following others' advice and staying true to one's own desires and decisions. The repetition of the phrase "good advice" throughout the song emphasizes the constant stream of well-meaning suggestions that the singer receives from others.
In the first verse, the singer acknowledges that the advice they receive may be well-intentioned and have the right words and intent, but ultimately, it is their life, and they want to live it according to their own choices. They express gratitude to the person offering advice but assert that now that someone is no longer in the picture, they can see the world with a fresh perspective.
The second verse further emphasizes the singer's realization that the advice they've been given is like a crash barrier, implying that it may be limiting or restrictive. They declare that they are not interested in conforming to societal expectations of settling down and getting married, reflecting their desire for independence and freedom.
The chorus reinforces the central message of the song, with the singer asserting that it is their life and they will make their own decisions. They reject the good advice and assert their autonomy.
Overall, "Good Advice" is a reflection on the importance of following one's own path and not being swayed by the opinions or expectations of others. It highlights the struggle between wanting to please others and staying true to oneself.
Line by Line Meaning
Good advice, good advice
The repetition of 'good advice' emphasizes the abundance of advice received.
That's all I hear is 'Good advice'
The singer feels overwhelmed by the constant flow of advice they receive.
Risk your heart you'll pay the price, but it's My life, my life
The singer acknowledges that taking risks in matters of the heart may lead to consequences, but ultimately, they have agency over their own life.
How well it's said, how well it's meant
The artist recognizes the good intentions behind the advice they receive.
This good advice is heaven sent
The artist views the advice as a helpful and timely gift from a higher power.
Right to words and the right intent, but it's My life, my life
Although the advice may be well-meaning and sound in theory, the singer prioritizes their own autonomy and decisions.
I don't want it to seem that I am ungrateful to you
The singer wants to assure the advisor that they appreciate their concern.
But now that she's not between us
With the absence of a significant other, the artist gains a new perspective on their life and relationships.
I can see our world with an open view
Without the influence of a romantic partner, the artist can see things more objectively and clearly.
I see the truth, I see the trap
The artist recognizes the reality and potential pitfalls associated with following the given advice.
This good advice is like a crash barrier
The advice acts as a protective barrier, preventing the singer from making impulsive or reckless decisions.
I'm not looking for the marrying kind
The artist is not currently seeking a long-term or serious commitment in their romantic endeavors.
(Ay-ya-ya) (Ay-ya-ya) (Ay-ya-ya-ya) (Ay-ya-ya) (Ay-ya-ya) (Ay-ya-ya-ya)
These lines serve as vocal expressions rather than conveying a specific meaning.
It's my life (my life) yeah
The singer asserts their ownership and control over their own life.
It's my life (it's my life)
The repetition reinforces the singer's autonomy.
Oh, you can keep your good advice, 'cause it's My life, my life
The artist rejects the offered advice, emphasizing that they will make their own choices and live their own life.
Hey, ooh
An exclamation or vocalization.
Ay-ay, ooh-a-ooh
An enthusiastic vocal expression.
Yeah, ooh
An exclamation of agreement or enthusiasm.
Hey, ooh
An exclamation or vocalization.
Hey, ooh-a-ooh
An enthusiastic vocal expression.
Yeah, ooh, ooh
An exclamation of agreement or enthusiasm.
Writer(s): Eric Maltby Mccusker
Contributed by Logan P. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@aimekelly7055
These days when I start to offer someone some "good advice," I stop myself immediately and remember this song. Brilliant!!
@Aussiebattlervideos2
Love it mate, looks like it may have come from an old Countdown episode, it looks like their titles a bit. Thanks heaps this is brilliant