Down Under: The Tune, The Times, The Tragedy

by Trevor Conomy

This is the biography not of a person, but of one of the most loved and controversial songs in the history of Australian music.

Originally released as a B-side in 1980, Down Under made Men at Work the biggest band on the planet. The song became an alternative Australian anthem and its video (recorded on the sand dunes of Cronulla) became an image of Australia recognised the world over. Even when Men at Work suddenly disappeared, Down Under remained in the national psyche.

Nearly three decades later, Spicks and Specks innocently revealed a link between the song and the tune of the old Kookaburra nursery rhyme, and the American owners of the lullaby decided to sue for plagiarism. After the legal battle raged, the flautist forever linked with that unforgettable and contentious flute riff, Greg Ham, died due to ill health caused by stress and anxiety brought on by the court case.

Genres: Music, Biography, Nonfiction

245 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2015

Reviews

[Peter O'Connor · Rating 4 out of 5]

One would think it a little ambitious to dedicate a whole book to just one track but when the track in question is one so iconic and mired in such controversy, it makes for a good read. I must have played this song off the turntable when I was a kid and never once noticed the similarity between the flute solo and 'Kookaburra sits in the old gum tree' but, where there is a buck to be made, things can sound a little different. The ugly legal battle that followed and ultimately ended in tragedy is about as un-rock and roll as it gets.

[Natalie M · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you want a relatively short non-fiction read that clearly defines the modern Australian Identity, this is an excellent resource. A well-researched and unbiased account of the impact, largely of music, on the idealogical development of a society from colloquialisms to symbolism, sport to politics, you will find it in this true story of a song that became the unofficial anthem for a country (and so very much more). An in-depth vocabulary (largely legalese, musical terminology & linguistics), journalistic writing style and wealth of knowledge on the topics discussed; leave the reader debating their own thoughts on plagiarism, artistic license, the role of law in both protecting & defining these constructs, the corporate ‘dollar’ chase and ultimately the human beings behind each of these ideologies. Ultimately, who creates, defines and protects the underlying premise of who we are as a nation, who profits from that identity and how it is portrayed?

[Zac Stojcevski · Rating 4 out of 5]

A tightly written book in two halves. Initially, we have a historical tour de force of the Australian music scene of the 70s and 80s, in particular that in Melbourne. Thereafter we have a treatise into copyright law and how the Kookaburra song depleted the Down Under song of artistry and pleasure for punters like me. Whilst the book is well researched, it is distant from its subject matter. With no direct sources and interviews to rely on, citations and quotes make the text read like a solid high school essay- a little more investigative effort and human contact would have made it a superior read.

[Geoff Sheehan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very interesting, could almost be presented in 2 parts. One the band & two the case.

[Jade · Rating 1 out of 5]

Picked it up on a whim because it's an interesting story.

The writing is appalling. Did not finish.

[Michael C · Rating 5 out of 5]

The story of a song and its impact. Told with clarity and empathy. A touching salute to Greg Ham, too.

[Rob Pearce · Rating 4 out of 5]

A trip down memory lane.

[Barry Simiana · Rating 4 out of 5]

Big fan of Man at Work and Colin Hay. Was disgusted at the time that larrikin Records could pull such a stunt so many years after the song was a hit and get away with it. This book tells all the tale, from the inception of the band, the creation of the song, it's Genesis into Aussie history and the language itself and the mess that followed because some shit decided he could make a few dollars without having to work for it.

The book itself is a hard read, once the settings are put in place and the legalese starts, it becomes a very dry book. Sadly, the writer tends to repeat himself, at times on the same page, rebelling what has just been said. It ruins the flow of the book, which, when pare3d back is an excellent telling of the sordid story. It's just a bout messy.

Good read for fans of the band, thee music and music in general. A good read for bands starting out as to something to look out for.

[Julie Garner · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was an interesting read about a song that put Australia on the map - for all the right reasons, then the wrong reasons.
It is about the history of Down Under and the men who wrote and played it. How it became such a huge phenomenon and what happened when someone cried 'copyright'
Right or wrong, the author takes us on a journey and leaves the final decision to you, the reader and listener. I could offer my opinion but I don't want to spoil it for you.