Make You Mine...The Stems Story and Show # 187

Coming from Perth, Australia, The Stems had their beginnings in the later part of 1983. The band started while Don Mariani was in a band called the Go-Starts. He was asked to give guitar lessons to Richard Lane, the lessons would then turn into more of a band situation. Gary Chambers would play drums and Julian Matthews would play bass. After a band was assembled the band recorded some demos and started playing live gigs. The bands first live gig was supporting The Saints and the Triffids. The band would be influenced by 60's garage rock bands such as The Standells, The Easybeats, and The Rolling Stones, they also had some R&B influences as well; The band falls under the categories of garage rock revival or garage punk. The band would continue playing live shows, securing a residency and in 1985 released their first single which was, "Make You Mine" with "She's A Monster" as the B-side. They would also record the song "Tears Me In Two" around this time as well.

The EP Love Will Grow came next in 1986. The EP was produced by Radio Birdman's Rob Younger and was released on Citadel Records. After touring to support the EP with the likes of the Flamin' Groovies, The Stems proceeded to record material that would make up their first full length album. After some complications in the studio and three months later At First Sight, Violets Are Blue came out in 1987. The album did quite well and went to number one on the Australian alternative charts, it even went to number 34 on the mainstream charts. The album was a mix of Mariani and Lane's garage rock and pop influences. The album was also on a different label Mushroom Records. There seemed to be interest in the band the song "At First Sight" was even featured on the soundtrack to the movie Young Einstein. After a tour to support the album and some TV appearances in 1987, they called it quits. The band did quite well for an Australian band that was only around for a short period of time, then released one full length album and a bunch of EP's; They have also been featured on numerous garage rock compilations.

After being in the Stems, Don Mariani would go on to form The Someloves, and DM3. Richard Lane would play with The Chevelles. In 2003, The Stems re-united for a tour and to promote the re-release of their first album. In 2007, The Stems recorded Head's Up, their second full length album.

CJAM is once again having voting take place for it's annual Jammy Awards. My Show (Revolution Rock) has been nominated for best punk/hard rock show. If you're a fan of the show and/or visit this website you can vote for my show (and your other favourite CJAM shows) at cjam.ca or by clicking this link Jammies 2008.

the Play List:

1. Collectors - We Can Make It
2. King Beez - Gloria
3. 409 - They Say
4. Velvet Underground - White Light/White Heat
5. Rolling Stones - Around and Around
7. Standells - Medication
8. Foxboro Hot Tubs - Ruby Room
9. Love Me Nots - Come on Over
10. The Stems - Sad Girl
11. The Stems - Tears Me in Two
12. Pointed Sticks - The Witch
13. Neil Young - After the Garden
14. MC5 - Future/Now
15. The Clash - Stay Free (King Biscuit Flower Hour 1979)
16. The Clash - Janie Jones (King Biscuit Flower Hour 1979)
17. The Clash - Julie's Been Working for the Drug Squad (King Biscuit Flower Hour 1979)
18. Buzzcocks - Harmony in My Head
19. Saints - Run Down
20. The Dogs - Sleaze City (Live)
21. Modernettes - Barbra
22. Constantines - Easy Money
23. The Strokes - Fear of Sleep
24. Compulsive Gamblers - Rock and Roll Nurse
25. Black Keys - Wicked Messenger

Stems Videos:

At First Sight
Sad Girl