FORTUNE TELLER (1966) by the Throb

From obscure origins as a Sydney-based surf-instrumental band, The Throb emerged in 1965 and briefly shot to national prominence. Despite its short tenure, the group left no doubt about its punkish potential and they have been immortalised on record by two superb singles, their snarling "garage-punk" version of "Fortune Teller", which smashed its way to the top of the national charts in early 1966, and their group arrangement of the old English folk song, "Black (Is The Colour Of My True Love's Hair)", a slashing, snarling piece of proto-gothic wonderment. (Source: Milesago, great site on early Australian bands).

The Throb consisted of John Bell (vocals, guitar, harmonica), Denny Burgess (bass, vocals), Peter Figures (drums) and Marty Van Wynk (lead guitar).

There is no video for this song, and I could find few images. However I have cobbled together this video as a tribute to the band.

Comments are invited.

Category:

Music

Tags:

• the
• throb
• fortune
• teller
• sixties
• Australian
• rock
• band

[jakjazzz]

i just got onto utube and this is absolutely fantastic music....i listened to this music in the 60s and its still brilliant...just love it....

[samcashmooney]

These guys were great and with the Loved Ones, Masters Apprentices, Ray Brown, MPD and Johnny O'Keefe they made Aussie music the best it ever was.

[northernsoulx]

The guitarist is actually Martin Van Wijk, son of Dutch immigrants. In the late 1960s he returned to The Netherlands and played in various groups. In 1973 he replaced main songwriter Robbie Van Leeuwen in Shocking Blue (of 'Venus'-fame). Other bands he played with were Telephone and Lemming.

[recwaz]

The three best versions of this song belong to Benny Spellman (New Orleans Creole), The Merseybeats (British Invasion Stereo), and The Throb (Australian Punk).

[alanbstard4]

good as the stones version

[tvgp200]

this is a killer !.

[goulburnalbion]

The very best Aussie raw pop-rock! It's a long way to the top!

[alanbstard4]

mod  not punk. 12 years too early for punk

[colindominy]

Make no mistake .. this song was as good as anything which was around on the charts at the time. Great band, a pity that they didn't hang around in the spotlight for longer ...

[chitta50]

ditto to samcashmoney...Loved ones were my favourite band....jazz musos turn to rock!!!

[groenspanje]

Fav Of The Day on MOANIN and GROANIN Radio

[waltinhopai]

"The Throb",esses eu não conhecia,mas estou achando muito bacana,apesar de ser uma versão bem em cima da dos "Stones".É válido,tinha a ver com o período.