Complete List Of The Go-Betweens Albums And Songs

Feature Photo: Cnwb, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

THE GO-BETWEENS STUDIO ALBUMS

Send Me a Lullaby

Released: 1981

Send Me a Lullaby was the debut studio album by The Go-Betweens, marking their transition from indie post-punk to more melodic compositions. The album exhibits a raw sound with complex lyrics, offering a unique blend that would evolve in their later works.

The band lineup featured Robert Forster on guitar and vocals, Grant McLennan on bass and vocals, and Lindy Morrison on drums. Produced by The Go-Betweens and Tony Cohen, the recording took place at Window Studio, Melbourne, in late 1980. This album did not chart on Billboard.

CD Track Listings:

“Your Turn, My Turn” – 3:00
“One Thing Can Hold Us” – 3:10
“People Know” – 2:12
“The Girls Have Moved” – 2:39
“Midnight to Neon” – 2:18
“Eight Pictures” – 4:20
“Careless” – 2:33
“All About Strength” – 2:15
“Ride” – 2:42
“Hold Your Horses” – 1:45
“Arrow in a Bow” – 2:53
“It Could Be Anyone” – 4:18

Before Hollywood

Released: 1983

Before Hollywood is the second studio album by The Go-Betweens, featuring a shift towards greater musical complexity and poetic sophistication. This album is often cited for its lyrical depth and is considered a pivotal record in the band’s history.

Recorded at IC Studios in East London during December 1982, the album involved the same band lineup as their debut, with the addition of Malcolm Ross on additional instruments. John Brand and The Go-Betweens handled the production. The album did not chart on Billboard.

CD Track Listings:

“A Bad Debt Follows You” – 2:23
“Two Steps, Step Out” – 3:13
“Before Hollywood” – 3:50
“Dusty in Here” – 4:03
“Ask” – 3:11
“Cattle and Cane” – 4:14
“By Chance” – 2:22
“As Long as That” – 4:57
“On My Block” – 3:02
“That Way” – 4:06

Spring Hill Fair

Released: 1984

Spring Hill Fair marked a significant progression in the band’s sound, introducing more polished production and intricate songwriting. This album is characterized by its lush orchestrations and emotional depth.

The lineup remained consistent, with recording taking place at Studios 301, Sydney, and Sunshine Studios, London, in mid-1984. The album was produced by John Brand, Colin Fairley, and Robert Andrews. Despite its critical acclaim, Spring Hill Fair did not chart on Billboard.

CD Track Listings:

“Bachelor Kisses” – 3:30
“Five Words” – 3:50
“The Old Way Out” – 4:12
“You’ve Never Lived” – 4:50
“Part Company” – 4:50
“Slow Slow Music” – 3:36
“Draining the Pool for You” – 4:14
“River of Money” – 3:18
“Unkind and Unwise” – 3:04
“Man O’Sand to Girl O’Sea” – 3:23

Liberty Belle and the Black Diamond Express

Liberty Belle & The Black Diamond Express by Go Betweens [Music CD]

Released: 1986

This album by The Go-Betweens features more accessible pop elements, demonstrating a matured approach to songcraft and production. Liberty Belle and the Black Diamond Express includes some of the band’s most memorable tracks and showcases their ability to blend poetic lyrics with catchy melodies.

The recording was carried out at Berry Street Studio, London, in November 1985. Produced by Richard Preston and The Go-Betweens, the album featured a guest appearance by Tracey Thorn on backing vocals for “The Ghost and the Black Hat.” The album did not chart on Billboard.

CD Track Listings:

“Spring Rain” – 3:05
“The Ghost and the Black Hat” – 2:35
“The Wrong Road” – 4:53
“To Reach Me” – 3:34
“Twin Layers of Lightning” – 4:21
“In the Core of the Flame” – 2:53
“Head Full of Steam” – 3:37
“Bow Down” – 3:45
“Palm Sunday (On Board the S.S. Within)” – 3:20
“Apology Accepted” – 4:17

Tallulah

Released: 1987

Tallulah is notable for its lush production and the introduction of orchestral elements that expanded The Go-Betweens’ sound. The album showcases a mix of vibrant pop songs and reflective ballads, establishing a more mainstream appeal while maintaining the band’s signature lyrical depth.

Recorded at Prehistoric Sounds Studios, Sydney, and mixed at Mayfair Studios, London, in early 1987, the album was produced by Craig Leon. The band’s lineup included Amanda Brown, who contributed violin, oboe, and backing vocals, enriching the band’s sonic palette. Tallulah did not achieve Billboard chart success.

CD Track Listings:

“Right Here” – 3:50
“You Tell Me” – 3:35
“Someone Else’s Wife” – 4:10
“I Just Get Caught Out” – 3:05
“Cut it Out” – 3:57
“Real World” – 3:07
“Bye Bye Pride” – 4:04
“Spirit of a Vampyre” – 3:41
“The House that Jack Kerouac Built” – 4:42
“Slow Slow Music” – 4:50

16 Lovers Lane

Released: 1988

16 Lovers Lane represents the pinnacle of The Go-Betweens’ commercial and artistic success, featuring some of the most polished and poignant songs of their career. The album is celebrated for its rich emotional landscapes and masterful songwriting, highlighted by the hit “Streets of Your Town.”

The album was recorded at Studios 301 in Sydney, from February to March 1988, and produced by Mark Wallis. It featured an expanded lineup including John Willsteed on bass, which allowed more intricate guitar interplays. 16 Lovers Lane charted modestly in the UK.

CD Track Listings:

“Love Goes On!” – 3:19
“Quiet Heart” – 5:20
“Love is a Sign” – 4:13
“You Can’t Say No Forever” – 3:57
“The Devil’s Eye” – 2:05
“Streets of Your Town” – 3:48
“Clouds” – 2:20
“Was There Anything I Could Do?” – 3:06
“I’m All Right” – 3:10
“Dive for Your Memory” – 4:13

The Friends of Rachel Worth

Released: 2000

After a decade-long hiatus, The Go-Betweens returned with The Friends of Rachel Worth, an album that recaptures the essence of their earlier work while introducing new dynamics. This album features contributions from members of Sleater-Kinney and other contemporary indie musicians, blending the band’s classic style with fresh influences.

Recorded at Jackpot! Recording Studio, Portland, Oregon, in April 2000, the album was produced by Janet Weiss and The Go-Betweens. This reunion album did not chart on Billboard but was well-received critically.

CD Track Listings:

“Magic in Here” – 3:04
“Spirit” – 3:57
“The Clock” – 5:38
“German Farmhouse” – 4:04
“He Lives My Life” – 4:02
“Heart and Home” – 3:12
“Surfing Magazines” – 4:34
“Orpheus Beach” – 3:27
“Going Blind” – 3:39
“When She Sang About Angels” – 4:29

Bright Yellow Bright Orange

Released: 2003

Bright Yellow Bright Orange continues the band’s tradition of crafting thoughtful, literate pop songs. This album leans more towards acoustic arrangements, providing a warm, intimate sound that highlights the strength of their songwriting.

The album was recorded at Good Luck Studios in London and produced by The Go-Betweens. Like its predecessor, it did not make a significant impact on the Billboard charts.

CD Track Listings:

“Caroline and I” – 3:53
“Poison in the Walls” – 3:54
“Mrs. Morgan” – 4:00
“In Her Diary” – 4:02
“Too Much of One Thing” – 4:34
“Old Mexico” – 3:48
“Make Her Day” – 4:06
“Something for Myself” – 2:55
“Unfinished Business” – 2:35
“The Wrong Road Round” – 2:43

Oceans Apart

Released: 2005

Oceans Apart, the final studio album by The Go-Betweens before the untimely death of Grant McLennan, is noted for its reflective tone and lyrical depth. The album received critical acclaim and won the 2005 ARIA Award for Best Adult Contemporary Album.

Recorded at Good Luck Studios, London, and produced by Mark Wallis and Dave Ruffy, this album featured some of the most sophisticated songwriting of the band’s career. Despite its success in Australia, it did not chart on Billboard.