At a time when Australia was finding its voice, Ian “Molly” Meldrum helped us find the music. And that music is now on one classic album – the soundtrack to the eagerly awaited mini-series MOLLY.
“Watching the mini-series and listening to this album, my life literally flashes before my eyes,” Molly says. “Re-Living In The ’70s.” The two-part mini-series, produced by Mushroom Pictures, is coming soon to the Seven Network, starring Samuel Johnson as Molly. The Man In The Hat personally selected Sam for the role. “And what can I say?” Molly smiles, “Sam does a better job of playing Molly than I do. In fact, it’s almost scary.”
The album features the key characters in Molly’s story, including Skyhooks, Sherbet and John Paul Young, as well as many of the international stars that have Molly to thank for their first chart-toppers, including Blondie, Duran Duran and Billy Idol.
The soundtrack features some of Molly’s memorable record productions, including Russell Morris’ “The Real Thing”, The Ferrets’ “Don’t Fall In Love” and Supernaut’s “I Like It Both Ways”, as well as contributions from close personal friends Elton John (“Kiss The Bride” and “Your Song”), Lynne Randell (“Ciao Baby”) and Kylie (“Locomotion”). And it’s filled with songs that recall classic Countdown moments, such as Cold Chisel’s set-busting “My Turn To Cry”.
Molly jokes that many of the song titles tell the story of his life, including “Most People I Know (Think That I’m Crazy)”, “Cheap Wine”, “I See Red” (“and I mean Red Symons”), “You Just Like Me ’Cos I’m Good In Bed” and “I Like It Both Ways”. “But if just one title sums up the era,” Molly adds, “it would have to be [Skyhooks’] ‘Party To End All Parties’ – we had so much fun, and it was a great time for Australian music.”
MOLLY executive producer Michael Gudinski says: “I’m proud that Mushroom Pictures has now turned Molly’s life into a mini-series. Of course, it hasn’t been a stretch turning his life into a drama.” “All jokes aside, Molly is worthy of all the accolades and attention. No one has done more for Australian music.”
The mini-series chronicles the rise of Molly: the celebrities, the parties, the international trips, behind-the-scenes politics and, of course, the unforgettable music. “It’s a surreal experience watching your life on screen,” Molly admits. “For me, it only really makes sense when I listen to the music, the songs that are on this soundtrack.” All it takes is one song to bring back a million memories.
The soundtrack to the TV mini series and Molly’s life in music is out this week through Liberation Music and ‘Molly’ hits our screens in February.
As a wise man once said: Do yourself a favour.