Little River Band - Diamantina Cocktail (Remastered) (2022) [Hi-Res]

Condensed milk, Bundaberg rum, and an emu egg—that’s a Diamantina Cocktail. There’s no evidence anyone was game to actually drink one, but that didn’t stop Little River Band from taking the concoction’s name for their third album, released in 1977. Diamantina Cocktail proved to be the making of the country-rock group, scoring them their first Australian No.1 hit in “Help Is On Its Way” (which also peaked at No. 14 on the Billboard chart in America). “Happy Anniversary,” a boppy kiss-off that showcases the group’s vocal harmonies and noodly guitar stylings, also made an international splash. Elsewhere on the album, “Home On Monday” recreates one side of a phone conversation between frontman Glenn Shorrock and an unheard partner regarding his return from the road. Originally meant to be a jingle for a women’s stockings ad, “Witchery” showcases Beeb Birtles’ famous falsetto. Little River Band’s personnel changes would go on to be legendary: They’ve cycled through more than 30 members (including Johnny Farnham) and, since 1998, their roster has featured none of the original group. But this is the lineup and the album—along with 1978 follow-up Sleeper Catcher—that crystallized their legacy both at home and overseas.