"Hard Times" was written by Bruce Hearn and Ian Hearn - the Collingwood 'Ska Brothers' who founded and led STRANGE TENANTS. Recognised by all the leading music critics of the time (and since) as Australia's premier Ska band of the 1980's Down Under Two-Tone Ska movement, STRANGE TENANTS self-financed this 1983 video clip for the independent release of "Hard Times" on their own BlueBeat Records label. A little bit Ska, a little bit old time Honky-Tonk, and a little bit traditional R & B, this song was typical of the 'TENANTS willingness to effectively absorb and utilise musical forms and ideas beyond just the Ska genere. Bruce 'Boots' Hearn takes the lead vocal duties on this menacing skankout which accurately captured and expressed the frustration of many unemployed and disadvantaged youth in Australia at the time. With angry references to 'Toorak' (the posh suburb of Melbourne), the song pulls no punches and struck fear into the hearts of the comfortable ruling class on the! south side of Melbourne's Yarra River!! On this tune, 'Evil' Ian Hearn supports his big brother with backing vocals and skanking keyboards, Johh 'The Wad' Holmes chunks out the guitar riffs, Chris 'The Artful Dodger' Rogers provides the ominous walking bass line, Jeff 'Bongo I Dread' Denny is behind the drum kit belting it out as hard as he can (as he loved to do!!), whilst Lawrence 'The Madman' Maddy adds the ruff n' gruff punch of a big trombone.... You'll believe it when Bruce 'Boots' Hearn sings ...
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