By TANIA PHILLIPS
HAVING blessed stages, radio airwaves, record books, playlists, TV screens and award nights for close to 40 years – Mental As Anything are today proud to announce a new chapter in their story.
The Mentals, who head to Warwick RSL next week, boast 12 albums between 1979 and 2009 and can proudly call themselves art pop pioneers – blending left-of-centre lyricism, blue-eyed soul and rock into a distinctively Australian context, providing chart success and mainstream appeal.
Their contribution to the Australian music landscape was formally recognised in 2009 with their induction into the ARIA Hall Of Fame.
Closing in on their 40th Anniversary in 2017 – Mental As Anything- they have announced the release of a new single ‘Shake Off Your Sandals’ – released recently under a new partnership with Universal Music Australia.
The new deal covers both their cherished back catalogue and new material, according to Greedy Smith.
“Martin Plaza and I are excited Universal are re-launching the Mentals across the physical / digital divide,” he said.
“We are pumped to release five of our most important studio albums in a 5CD set. This coincides with our first new recordings in many years.
“In the studio with producer engineer Steve James, we will pump out a new single every five months.
“First cab off the rank is “Shake Off Your Sandals“. No new album for us … just singles!
“We are quietly proud of where this project is taking us – our recording heritage in step with our future. We have toured continuously for 38 years and aren’t stopping yet. Hello Beijing, hello UK, hello Sweden and hello a venue near you. Bring it on.”
George Ash, president Of Universal Music Asia Pacific was equally excited about the deal.
“I love The Mentals, they are an essential thread in the fabric of Australian music history,” he said.
“Their record of chart hits is absolutely incredible; the envy of any artist. We’re all honoured to be working with Mental As Anything; building on their legacy and introducing their work to new generations in new ways.”
In total, Mental As Anything boast a nigh-unparalleled 20 ARIA Top 40 singles in Australia, spanning The Nips Are Getting Bigger (#16, 1979) to Mr Natural (#27, 1995).
The Mentals success also translated internationally with Top 10 singles in Germany, UK, Norway and NZ.
Today Greedy Smith and Martin Plaza continue the Mentals legacy with James Gillard (ex-Mondo Rock), Martin Cilla (The Atlantics) and drummer Jacob Cook, fulfilling a comprehensive tour schedule – most weekends of the calendar.
Mental As Anything
Where: Warwick RSL
When: 17 December
