The Exploding Universe Of...

In typical belligerent Kuepper style, he has released three collections to celebrate 45 years as a recording artist (beginning as guitarist in The Saints). For fans, the double album of solo singles, ‘Singles ’86’96’, is near-nirvana, the first time they’ve been collected together, featuring timeless classics such as Also Sprach, the downbeat splendour of Nothing Changes In My Heart and many others — the essence and soul of isolationist windswept reckless Australian rock. Laughing Clowns’ ‘Golden Days’ is, if possible, even finer, an entry point into the pantheon of a great live band. Debut UK single Mad Flies, Mad Flies puts every rival in the shade, and it’s not even the greatest song here.

If ‘Live At Marrickville Bowlo’ by The Aints! — pulled together from tracks Kuepper wrote during and prior to the formation of The Saints (’69-’78) — paled in such company it would be no disgrace. But it doesn’t. Everything the man does is honey-spun gold.