Andrew P. Street is a writer who played in several bands in his 20s and 30s, and describes himself as a 'failed Indie rock star'.

His intense love of music began with a compilation tape he played obsessively in the early 1980s.

Hearing songs on that tape by bands like Tears for Fears and The Cure, blew Andrew's schoolboy mind, and set the course of his life in motion.

Andrew has compiled a list of the pop songs which in his view, best define Australian music.

He explains why they raced up the charts, why they mattered, and the stories behind them.

Further information

Songs are edited for the podcast in accordance with Australian copyright law

Tracks played in broadcast

The Wild One - Johnny O'Keefe

The Carnival Is Over - The Seekers

Long Way to the Top - AC/DC

Throw Your Arms Around Me - Hunters and Collectors

These Days - Powderfinger

Breath Me - Sia

The Long and Winding Way to the Top: 50 (Or So) Songs That Made Australia published by Allen & Unwin

Andrew's top 50 songs on Spotify