Harem Scarem (Australian band)
| Company type | Band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1982 in Melbourne, Australia |
| Defunct | 1989 |
| Headquarters | Melbourne , Australia |
| Products | Music albums, singles, extended plays |
Harem Scarem was an Australian blues rock ensemble established in 1982. They issued two full-length albums: Pilgrim's Progress through Au Go Go Records in 1986, followed by Lo & Behold under Citadel Records in 1988, before dissolving in 1989. Initially fronted by Christopher Marshall on lead vocals, the group included his brother Charlie Marshall, who started on bass guitar and later switched to rhythm guitar, ultimately taking over lead singing duties in 1987. By September 1985, the lineup featured Peter Jones on drums, Barry Palmer handling lead guitar, Glen Sheldon moving from rhythm guitar to bass, and Chris Wilson contributing harmonica and saxophone. Australian music historian Ian McFarlane remarked on the band's formidable "muscular bravado and sheer instrumental firepower." Peter Jones passed away from brain cancer in 2012 at age 45.
History
Originating in Melbourne in 1982, Harem Scarem formed as a blues rock outfit with Christopher Roy Marshall as lead vocalist, his brother Charlie Marshall on bass, and Philip Wales playing guitar. Early members also included Clifford Booth on drums and Glen Robert Sheldon on rhythm guitar. The band secured a deal with the local label Au Go Go Records, contributing the track "Love Attraction" to the compilation Asleep at the Wheel (1983). The lineup expanded to include Kurt Hans Linotner on harmonica and David John Moll replacing Wales as lead guitarist.
Late in 1984 saw the release of their debut EP Dogman, which featured the track "Fever Rock," produced by John Archer of Hunters & Collectors. McFarlane identified "Fever Rock" as a highlight and a fan favorite during live performances. In February 1985, Peter Jones took over drumming duties from Booth. By September that year, Barry Palmer replaced Moll on lead guitar; Chris Wilson succeeded Linotner on harmonica and saxophone; and Sheldon swapped roles with Charlie Marshall, moving from rhythm guitar to bass as Charlie shifted to rhythm guitar. This restructured lineup was acclaimed for its intense and powerful sound.
Their first album, Pilgrim's Progress, was released in December 1986 through Au Go Go Records and again produced by Archer. Recorded at Herzog Studios and The Esplanade Hotel in Melbourne, it earned praise as a quintessential urban blues album. Singles such as "Hard Rain" and "Miracle Mile" were launched from this record. Additionally, their rendition of Iggy Pop and The Stooges' "Open Up and Bleed" was featured on Au Go Go's tribute compilation Hard to Beat (1988).
In May 1987, Chris Wilson departed to embark on a solo career, while Christopher Marshall left later that year to pursue academic studies. Charlie Marshall took over lead vocal responsibilities. By 1988, the band embraced a harder rock edge; Peter Hall joined as bassist replacing Sheldon. Concurrently, Palmer became part of Hunters & Collectors but maintained his role within Harem Scarem.
Upon signing with Sydney’s Citadel Records, they released their sophomore album Lo & Behold in December 1988, produced by Chris Thompson of The Wreckery. By this period, Jex Saarelaht had joined on piano. To promote the album, the group performed shows incorporating horn sections from Hunters & Collectors.
Harem Scarem disbanded towards the end of 1989 after cementing their status as a prominent presence within Melbourne’s inner-city music scene. McFarlane emphasized their progression from energetic blues rock with vibrant vocals to a more sophisticated rock approach marked by polished musicianship.
Subsequent Activities
Following his departure from Harem Scarem, Christopher Marshall established the Christopher Marshall Band in 1997, featuring Palmer on lead guitar; Stephen Cummings handling rhythm guitar and vocals (formerly of The Sports); Mark Ferrie on bass (ex-Models); and John Watson on drums (ex-Australian Crawl). That September, they introduced the EP Kiss Me Ether. The ensemble later adopted the name Christopher Marshall and His Wildest Dreams for touring purposes. In May 1998, Marshall unveiled his first solo album, Strange Waters, Small Mercies, which included contributions from Cummings, Ferrie, Palmer, Watson, and Dan Knight on keyboards. Charlie provided backing vocals on the project. A follow-up album titled Story of Us was released in 2002.
During the early 1990s, Charlie Marshall fronted Charlie Marshall and the Body Electric as lead vocalist and rhythm guitarist. The lineup featured Terry Bartholomew on drums; Lindsay Brunsdon on lead guitar (formerly with Ku Klux Frankenstein and Fire); Matt Heydon on keyboards; and Stuart Speed on bass. In November 1994, Charlie recorded his debut EP, Charlie Marshall and the Body Electric, enlisting Brian Hooper (from Kim Salmon and the Surrealists, Beasts of Bourbon) on bass; Warren Ellis (Dirty Three) playing violin; and Jim White (Dirty Three) on drums. Their album I Don't Want It was issued in 1995. A revised roster including Cam Butler (guitar) and Chris Chapple (bass) released another EP called Making My Way to You in July 1999.
Peter Jones contributed as a drummer for Crown of Thorns during 1988–89 and again in 1991 alongside Chris Wilson and Palmer. Subsequently, he joined Crowded House from 1994 to 1996 before co-founding deadstar (active 1995–2001) with Palmer. Palmer himself remained with Hunters & Collectors until 1998 and continued with deadstar until its disbandment in 2001. Since 1996, Palmer has also pursued a career as a record producer. Chris Wilson sustained a solo career while serving as a session musician for Paul Kelly & the Coloured Girls, Hunters & Collectors, and Crowded House. Alongside Palmer, he formed Pub Dogs (1991–92), releasing the EP Scatter's Liver.
Beginning in 1999, Jones transitioned into teaching at a school level. After being diagnosed with brain cancer in 2011, he passed away on 18 May 2012 at age 45.
Chris Wilson succumbed to pancreatic cancer in January 2019.
Personnel
- Charlie Marshall – bass guitar, rhythm guitar, lead vocals (1982–89)
- Christopher Marshall – lead vocals (1982–87)
- Philip Wales – lead guitar (1982–83)
- Clifford Booth – drums (1983–85)
- Glen Sheldon – rhythm guitar, bass guitar (1983–88)
- Kurt Linotner – harmonica (1983–85)
- David Moll – lead guitar (1983–85)
- Peter Jones – drums (1985–89)
- Barry Palmer – lead guitar (1985–89)
- Chris Wilson – harmonica, saxophone (1985–87)
- Peter Hall – bass guitar (1988–89)
- Jex Saarelaht – piano (1988–89)
Studio Albums
- Pilgrim's Progress (December 1986) Au Go Go Records (ANDA 55)
- Lo & Behold (December 1988) Citadel Records (CITLP522)
Extended plays
- Dogman (1984) released by Au Go Go Records
- Harem Scarem (1987) issued through Au Go Go Records
Singles
- "Fever Rock" (1985)
- "Figure Head" (1985)
- "Hard Rain" (1986)
- "Miracle Mile" (1987)
- "Long Time Between Drinks" (1988)
- "Rub Me" (1989)
References
- General
- Note: The archived online version offers limited functionality.
- Specific
External links
- ↑ McFarlane, 'Harem Scarem' entry. Archived from the original on 15 June 2004. Retrieved 19 September 2014.
- ↑ Harem Scarem listings at Australian Rock Database:
- Harem Scarem: – Holmgren, Magnus. "Harem Scarem". passagen.se. Australian Rock Database (Magnus Holmgren). Archived from the original on 19 March 2004. Retrieved 20 September 2014.
- Peter Jones (1985–89): – Holmgren, Magnus. "Peter Jones". passagen.se. Australian Rock Database (Magnus Holmgren). Archived from the original on 24 February 2004. Retrieved 20 September 2014.
- Charles Marshall (1982–89): – Holmgren, Magnus. "Charles Marshall". passagen.se. Australian Rock Database (Magnus Holmgren). Archived from the original on 19 March 2004. Retrieved 20 September 2014.
- Christopher Marshall (1982–87): – Holmgren, Magnus. "Christopher Marshall". passagen.se. Australian Rock Database (Magnus Holmgren). Archived from the original on 19 March 2004. Retrieved 20 September 2014.
- Barry Palmer (1985–89): – Holmgren, Magnus. "Barry Palmer". passagen.se. Australian Rock Database (Magnus Holmgren). Archived from the original on 19 March 2004. Retrieved 20 September 2014.
- Chris Wilson (1985–87): – Holmgren, Magnus. "deadstar". passagen.se. Australian Rock Database (Magnus Holmgren). Archived from the original on 20 December 2003. Retrieved 20 September 2014.
- ↑ Christopher Marshall (1 February 2008). "Pilgrim's Progress Remastered Edition Liner Notes, 2008". Human Frailty: Hunters & Collectors Official Website. Archived from the original on 21 August 2012. Retrieved 20 September 2014.
- ↑ "ASCAP – ACE Title Search". American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP). Retrieved 20 September 2014. Note: Search for 'Dogman' under Titles.
- ↑ "'Dogman' in APRA search engine". Australasian Performing Right Association (APRA). Retrieved 27 July 2014. Note: Use title 'Dogman' or artist 'Harem Scarem' for search.
- ↑ Template:Cite AV media notes
- ↑ Template:Cite AV media notes
- ↑ Trevor Block. "Harem Scarem – Pilgrim's Progress Album Review". Mess+Noise. Sound Alliance. Retrieved 20 September 2014.
- ↑ Jarrod Watt (12 February 2008). "Pilgrim's Progress Album Review". 107.9 ABC Ballarat (Australian Broadcasting Corporation). Retrieved 20 September 2014.
- ↑ Zakharov, Jeannie (23 February 1989). "Music Good Times: Behind the masks... still Melbourne bad boys". The Canberra Times. p. 29. Retrieved 20 September 2014.
- ↑ Pereira, Ray; Wakefield, Lynn (9 June 2012). "A Rock-Solid Groove in Music and Life Maintained". The Age. Fairfax Media. Retrieved 21 September 2014.