Utilizing elements of rockabilly, rock and R&B combined with an energetic live act, the Sydney, Australia-based Mental As Anything has proved a lasting, popular live and recording outfit. The band's debut EP, 1978's Mental As Anything Plays At Your Party, introduced Reg Mombassa (b. Chris O'Doherty, New Zealand; guitar, vocals), Wayne C-Bird Delisle (b. David Twohill, Australia; drums) and the three songwriters: Martin Plaza (b. Martin Murphy, Australia; vocals, guitar), Greedy Smith (b. Andrew Smith, Australia; keyboards, harmonica, vocals) and Yoga Dog (b. Peter O'Doherty, New Zealand; bass, vocals). Despite their different writing styles, their debut album Get Wet achieved success, particularly with the enigmatically titled single "The Nips Are Getting Bigger". Their most fortuitous album, Cats & Dogs, saw the production smooth out the rough edges, and subsequent albums maintained a high standard, with single releases constantly charting in Australia. Their single "Live It Up", which featured in the hit movie Crocodile Dundee, gained considerable chart success in the UK in 1987 when it reached number 3. After an extended recording hiatus, during which Plaza recorded with James Freud as Beatfish and Mombassa recorded an album as Dog Trumpet, the original line-up returned in 1995 with Liar, Liar, Pants On Fire. Two years later they celebrated their 20th anniversary.

Listen to Mental As Anything at Finetune.

• (1981)  Cats & Dogs

• If You Leave Me, Can I Come Too?

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