Two Perth music luminaries, James Baker (Hoodoo Gurus, Beasts of Bourbon, Scientists, Victims) and Dom Mariani (The Stems, DM3, DATURA4) have come together to record a wonderful new single under the moniker of The James Baker Beat.
‘Friday Night Friends’ and ‘She Said (Bad Weekend)’ both penned by James and Dom are classic garage punk and pop fare which recall the rock and roll sounds and tradition of both the early Scientists and Stems. They had been talking about a collaboration for some time and we’re so glad it finally came to fruition.
The release of the single on January 10 will coincide with two benefit shows for James Baker in Perth and Fremantle. James is unfortunately battling liver cancer. James is the backbeat, and the hammer and tongs drummer to the soundtrack of your misspent, angst-ridden youth – and let’s face it – to your modern day obsession of good music on your Spotify list.
From one of the most influential punk anthems (The Victims – ‘Television Addict’) ; to the pre-swamp pop n’roll leanings (The Scientists – ‘Frantic Romantic’/‘Last Night’) ; to the tall-tale future of the term Australian Super Group (The Beasts of Bourbon – Axemans Jazz) ; to the highly celebrated timeless Oz rock classic (Hoodoo Gurus – Stoneage Romeos) – James Baker has no peers when it comes to a rock n roll curriculum vitae.
‘Friday Night Friends’ and ‘She Said (Bad Weekend)’ will be released on 7” limited edition pink vinyl (300 only) and digitally through Cheersquad Records & Tapes on 10 January 2025.
You can pre-order your copy now from
https://cheersquadrecordstapes.bandcamp.com/album/friday-night-friend
Perth’s music community has come together to celebrate the life and times of its dear friend and brother, the imitable James Baker. Over one weekend in January, a host of artists and bands influenced by James Baker will come together and donate their services as a bond of love and gratitude to help assist with his ongoing treatment.
The Fremantle show at Clancys on Jan 10 features The Kill Devil Hills, The Volcanics, Greenzo’s Weird Ol’ Blues and The Shakeys, while Lyric’s Underground hosts a cracker bill on Jan 11 comprised of Datura4, The Floors, Carla Geneve, The Secret Buttons and Robber’s Dog.
Please celebrate with us through what James seamlessly and selflessly gave us for nigh on 50 years – Rawknroll par excellence!!
Born To Rock! Born To Be Punched! – James Baker Fundraiser (Fremantle)
feat. The Kill Devil Hills + The Volcanics + Greenzo’s Weird Ol’ Blues + The Shakeys
Clancy’s Fish Pub | Fremantle (Fremantle, WA)
Friday, 10 January 2025 7:00 pm – Tix
Born To Rock! Born To Be Punched! – James Baker Fundraiser (Perth)
feat. Datura 4 + The Floors + Carla Geneve + The Secret Bottons + Robber’s Dog
Lyric’s Underground (Maylands, WA)
Saturday, 11 January 2025 6:30 pm – Tix
‘Friday Night Friends’ and ‘She Said (Bad Weekend)’ credits:
James Baker drums and vocals
Dom Mariani guitar and vocals
Bob Patient piano on Friday Night Friend
Recorded at Pinkhouse
Engineered and mixed by Ben Ward
Additional recording by Toni Italiano at Pet Rock Studios
Mastered by Will Bowden at King Willy Sound
Sleeve art by Dave Brockwell
Photos by Ben Ward and Andrew ‘Fang’ de Lang
Spiritual Adviser Andrew ‘Fang’ de Lang
Both songs by J. Baker and D. Mariani
