Almost Frantic, Russell Morris & The Rubes

Russell Morris & The Rubes – Almost Frantic

Artist: Russell Morris & The Rubes

Title: Almost Frantic

Album Type: Studio Album

Original Release Date: February 1981

Label: Mushroom Records

Genre: Power Pop / New Wave / Rock

Background & Production Almost Frantic represented a major creative reinvention for Australian music icon Russell Morris. Best known for his psychedelic 1960s masterpiece "The Real Thing," Morris spent the late 70s touring the pub circuit with his band, The Rubes (featuring Bruce Howe, Rick Robinson, and Max Chazan). This album was recorded at Armstrong Studios in Melbourne and produced by Mark Opitz, the legendary producer behind the "big drum" sound of Cold Chisel and The Angels. The result was a sharp, contemporary record that traded psychedelic pop for the high-energy, jagged sounds of the early 80s New Wave.

Musical Composition & Style The album is a collection of punchy, guitar-driven Power Pop that fits perfectly alongside the era’s best work by bands like The Cars or The Knack.

• The Lead Single: The Roar of the Wild Geese is the album’s standout track, featuring a propulsive beat and a soaring chorus that proved Morris could compete with the new generation of Australian rockers.

• New Wave Edge: Tracks like In the Night and the title track Almost Frantic showcase the band's tight arrangements, utilizing staccato guitar riffs and modern synthesizer textures.

• Morris’s Vocals: While the music was modern, Morris's distinctive, soulful voice remained the centerpiece, lending a maturity and depth to the upbeat arrangements.

• The "Rubes" Sound: The band provided a muscular, rock-solid foundation that was far removed from the orchestral pop of Morris’s early career, leaning into the energy of the Australian pub rock scene.

Legacy & Collector Notes Almost Frantic is a cult favorite among collectors of Australian New Wave and Power Pop. It successfully bridged the gap between the 60s legends and the 80s Mushroom Records explosion. For vinyl collectors, the original Mushroom Records pressing (with its striking neon-accented cover art) is the version to seek out. It remains a vital piece of the Russell Morris story, showing his incredible ability to adapt and thrive in different musical eras.

• Keywords: Russell Morris, The Rubes, Almost Frantic, Mushroom Records, 1981 Vinyl, Australian New Wave, Power Pop, Mark Opitz, Roar of the Wild Geese.

• Collection Ideas: Australian Rock Legends, 80s New Wave & Power Pop, Mushroom Records Classics, Pub Rock Gems.

• Related Artists: The Sports, Jo Jo Zep & The Falcons, The Knack, The Real Thing, Daryl Braithwaite.

MINT - sealed

NM - likely never played - almost perfect

VG+ - light scuffs, light scratches wont effect play

VG -  signs of wear, light scratches you can feel

GOOD -  surface noise, visible groove wear

POOR / FAIR- some damage, causing issues like skipping & distorted audio

OIS - original inner sleeve