The Exponents
Encyclopedia
The Exponents are a New Zealand
New Zealand
New Zealand is an island country in the south-western Pacific Ocean comprising two main landmasses and numerous smaller islands. The country is situated some east of Australia across the Tasman Sea, and roughly south of the Pacific island nations of New Caledonia, Fiji, and Tonga...

 rock
Rock music
Rock music is a genre of popular music that developed during and after the 1960s, particularly in the United Kingdom and the United States. It has its roots in 1940s and 1950s rock and roll, itself heavily influenced by rhythm and blues and country music...

 group led by vocalist and songwriter Jordan Luck
Jordan Luck
Jordan Luck was the lead singer and songwriter for the New Zealand rock band The Exponents. He was born in Vanderhoof in the province of British Columbia, Canada, but his family moved to Tokarahi and later moved to Geraldine where he grew up. He attended University of Canterbury and College House...

.

Their major hits, including "Why Does Love Do This To Me", "Who Loves Who The Most", "Victoria", "I'll Say Goodbye (Even Though I'm Blue)" and "Whatever Happened To Tracey" have been taken up by successive generations of younger New Zealanders, with social commentators going so far as to say that an Exponents concert forms a rite of passage for New Zealand youth.

1980s: "The Dance Exponents"

The group formed in 1981 after vocalist Jordan Luck
Jordan Luck
Jordan Luck was the lead singer and songwriter for the New Zealand rock band The Exponents. He was born in Vanderhoof in the province of British Columbia, Canada, but his family moved to Tokarahi and later moved to Geraldine where he grew up. He attended University of Canterbury and College House...

 and guitarist Brian Jones disbanded their first group, Basement, and relocated from the South Canterbury town of Timaru to Christchurch
Christchurch
Christchurch is the largest city in the South Island of New Zealand, and the country's second-largest urban area after Auckland. It lies one third of the way down the South Island's east coast, just north of Banks Peninsula which itself, since 2006, lies within the formal limits of...

 with their ex-Splash Alley friend, Steve "Fingers" Cowan. Searching for a drummer in Christchurch, the trio met David Gent (bass) and Michael "Harry" Harallambi (drums) from punk band Channel 4. Cowan moved from bass to keyboards and guitar and the five piece became The Dance Exponents. Their first gig was at the Hillsborough Tavern on Luck's 20th birthday and Cowan's 22nd - 15 October 1981. A residency at Christchurch's Aranui Tavern quickly earned them a strong live reputation, and on the recommendation of Jim Wilson they were signed by Mushroom Records by Mike Chunn
Mike Chunn
Mike Chunn is a former member of the New Zealand bands Split Enz and Citizen Band. He performed alongside his brother Geoff Chunn in both bands....

 in 1982.

The band's debut single "Victoria" was a top ten hit and was the start of a remarkable run of hit songs by Luck. Steve Cowan left the group after the release of "Victoria" and was replaced by Martin Morris who only spent six months with the band and left before they began recording their debut album. Sadly Cowan passed away a couple of years later. "Airway Spies" and "All I Can Do" followed as singles two and three.

With their popularity growing nationally from extensive touring, TVNZ recorded them live at Mainstreet in Auckland. The show was simulcast on television and FM radio and the companion album released in June 1983 saw six songs from the Dance Exponents on one side of the album with four songs from The Legionnaires on the other side.

In December 1983 the group's debut album "Prayers Be Answered" was released. The album featured re-recordings of "Victoria", "Your Best Friend Loves Me Too", "Poland" and "All I Can Do" and two further singles, "Know Your Own Heart", and "I'll Say Goodbye (Even Though I'm Blue)". Prayers Be Answered stayed in the NZ Album chart for nearly a year, selling double platinum in the process - a rare feat for a new New Zealand act at the time . Luck's songs, their exuberant live shows and the group's broad appeal made them one of the most popular new bands in New Zealand in the early 80s.

Chris Sheehan joined the Dave Exponents on guitar in late 1983, just before the release of Prayers Be Answered. Sheehan brought a new edge to the group, best heard on his first recording with them; the Julian Mendlesohn
Julian Mendelsohn
Julian Mendelsohn is a British record producer, audio engineer and mixer. Records bearing his work have been featured on English top ten charts...

 produced single "Sex & Agriculture". In late 1984 Harry left the group and moved to Auckland where he drummed for Grey Parade. He was replaced for a short while by Christchurch drummer Steve Birss, who played only a handful of shows.

As Birss had not had time to settle with the band before they recorded their second album, Vince Ely from The Psychedelic Furs was hired by producer Ian (Fab) Taylor to drum on the album.The album was called "Expectations"
Expectations (Dance Exponents album)
Expectations is an album by New Zealand band the Dance Exponents, released in 1985.-Track listing:#These Oceans Wave & Tide Us In #Christchurch Expectations is an album by New Zealand band the Dance Exponents, released in 1985.-Track listing:#These Oceans Wave & Tide Us In (Jones/Luck)#Christchurch...

 and featured the singles "My Love For You", "Christchurch (In Cashel St. I Wait)" and the Australian only single "Greater Hopes. Greater Expectations" . It was released in New Zealand in May 1985, and shortly before that Eddie Olson joined the band on drums for the nationwide "Expectations" tour.

The band's third album "Amplifier"
Amplifier (Dance Exponents album)
Amplifier is an album by New Zealand band the Dance Exponents, released in 1986.-Track listing:#Time X Space #Only I Could Die #Sex And Agriculture...

 was co produced by John Jansen
John Jansen (producer)
- Jimi Hendrix recordings :Jansen was a studio assistant at Jimi Hendrix's Electric Lady Studios.He worked with Eddie Kramer on a 1972 Hendrix single that contained live versions of "Johnny B. Goode" and "Little Wing"...

 and Doug Rogers and released on Roger's Zulu label in 1986. Amplifier featured the single "Caroline Skies" and re-recordings of "Sex & Agriculture" and "Only I Could Die (And Love You Still)", the latter becoming the second single from the album. Without the band's approval, Zulu released a recording of "Brand New Doll" as single. It was not featured on the original Amplifier album but was included on the CD when it was released in 1999 along with a re-recording of "Victoria" made during the original album sessions. After only a moderate response to the album, Eddie Olson left the group and the band moved to Britain in 1987. There, they were a popular draw for expatriate New Zealanders (and sometimes Australians and South Africans) and attracted A&R interest, but did not gain a record contract. During their four year hiatus in the UK, Luck continued to write and accumulated a number of strong songs which were demoed by the band.

1990s: "The Exponents"

Interest in the UK demos from PolyGram Records NZ brought the band back to New Zealand in 1990, although Sheehan remained in the UK and went on to form The Starlings
The Starlings
Starlings were an alternative rock band from London, England, formed in 1989, acting as a vehicle for New Zealand-born singer/guitarist Chris Sheehan . The group released two albums before splitting up in 1994...

. In New Zealand, Harry rejoined the group and to mark the new start of the four original members, they dropped the "Dance" from their name to become The Exponents. Their subsequent 1992 album for PolyGram "Something Beginning with C
Something Beginning With C
Something Beginning With C is an album by New Zealand band The Exponents, released in 1992.-Track listing:#Come On In#Please Please And Thank Yourself#Why Does Love Do This To Me *#Sink Like A Stone#Sometimes...

", yielded the group's biggest hits of their career in "Why Does Love Do This To Me" and "Who Loves Who The Most" and the album became the band's first number 1 record in New Zealand. It includes some of Luck's strongest songs and is marked by simple arrangements and Brian Jones' vocal harmonies with Luck. Widely considered a New Zealand classic, it is included in Nick Bollinger's book "100 Essential New Zealand Albums".

In 1992 The Exponents signed to Phonogram Records in Australia and relocated to Sydney to record their fifth album "Grassy Knoll". Before they began Jones left the band and relocated to the UK. With guitars played by Dave Dobbyn
Dave Dobbyn
Dave Dobbyn, ONZM is an award-winning New Zealand musician, singer-songwriter and record producer. In his early career he was a member of the rock group Th' Dudes and was the main creative force in pop band DD Smash...

 and Brent Williams (an old band mate of David Gent who went on to join Pop Mechanix), "Grassy Knoll" was significantly rockier than it's predecessor and delivered the singles "Like She Said", "Don't Say Goodbye" and "House Of Love". With limited promotion in New Zealand, "Grassy Knoll" went gold but failed to match the success of "Something Beginning With C".

Following the release of Grassy Knoll, the band met Rockingham raised Dave "Duck" Barraclough in Sydney in 1994 and he joined them as guitarist and songwriting partner to Luck. His first contribution to the group was his song "La La Lulu" which was backed by a co-write with Luck called "Summer You Never Meant". "La La Lulu" returned the band to the singles charts and the two songs featured on the group's first hits compilation entitled "Once Bitten, Twice Bitten - The Singles 1981 - 1995"
Once Bitten, Twice Bitten
Once Bitten, Twice Bitten; The Singles 1981 - 1995 is a greatest hits collection by New Zealand band The Exponents, released in 1995 and now deleted.-Track listing:#Victoria#Airway Spies#Your Best Friend Loves Me Too#All I Can Do...

 which was released by Warner Music. The album was a massive success hitting Number 1 on the New Zealand album charts and selling 5 x Platinum. In 1996 the group recorded a final, one off single for Warner Music entitled "Do You Feel In Love".

In 1997 the Exponents signed to Sony Music and released their sixth studio album "Better Never Than Late" which featured the singles "One In A Lifetime", "Close" and "Change Your Mind". Produced by Eddie Rayner
Eddie Rayner
Eddie Rayner , is a New Zealand musician who has played in bands such as Split Enz, Space Waltz, Crowded House, The Makers and 801....

 and The Exponents it reached number 3 on the album chart.

In 1999, Dave Gent took a break from the group and Steve Simpson was drafted in on bass. Shortly after The Exponents decided to call it quits and went out on a final New Zealand tour in support of their final album "Hello, Love You, Goodbye
Hello, Love You, Goodbye
Hello, Love You, Goodbye is an album by New Zealand band The Exponents, released in 1999. The first six tracks were new studio recordings, while the final six were live recordings of some of The Exponents' hits. The live tracks were taken from the Pounamu Hotel, in Takapuna in Auckland.-Track...

". The record featured Simpson on bass with 6 new tracks and 8 live tracks recorded at the Pounamu Hotel in Takapuna in 1999. Following the tour Barraclough returned to Australia and joined Mental As Anything
Mental As Anything
Mental As Anything are an Australian New Wave–rock music band formed at an art school in Sydney in 1976. Their most popular line-up was Martin Plaza on vocals and guitar; Reg Mombassa on lead guitar and vocals; his brother Peter "Yoga Dog" O'Doherty on bass guitar and vocals; Wayne "Bird"...

.

2000s: Reformation

Luck formed his own band, Luck, playing Exponents songs and new compositions with songwriting partner Bryan Bell and he continues to play in the Jordan Luck Band today.

Brian Jones returned to New Zealand in the early 2000s and began working with former Bird Nest Roys
Bird Nest Roys
The Bird Nest Roys were a rock group born in the hills west of Auckland, New Zealand, who released one self-titled album on Flying Nun Records. Despite being from Auckland, they are frequently cited as one of the bands that played the Dunedin Sound, named after the city of Dunedin on the South...

 singer Little Ross Hollands in their new group The Diamond Rings which also included a rhythm section of fellow Exponents David Gent and Harry. The Diamond Rings released their debut album "The Rasper" in June 2009.

In 2005 the four original Exponents - Luck, Gent, Jones and Harry got together to record "Geraldine" and "Or A Girl I Knew" with producer Neil Finn
Neil Finn
Neil Mullane Finn, OBE is a New Zealand Pop recording artist. Along with his brother Tim Finn, he was the co-frontman for Split Enz and is now frontman for Crowded House...

 for inclusion in a new Exponents hits compilation called "Sex & Agriculture - The Very Best Of The Exponents"
Sex and Agriculture: The Very Best Of The Exponents
Sex & Agriculture: The Very Best of The Exponents is a greatest hits collection by New Zealand band The Exponents, released in 2005 and now deleted. This two CD set featured their hit singles on CD1 and a collection of B-sides and rarities on CD2...

. The album featured one disc of the hits and a second of b-sides and rarities. They played a few shows in support of the album which went platinum and reached number 7 on the charts.

The four reunited again in 2010 to play at the "Band Together" benefit concert for the 2010 Canterbury earthquake
2010 Canterbury earthquake
The 2010 Canterbury earthquake was a 7.1 magnitude earthquake, which struck the South Island of New Zealand at 4:35 am on local time ....

. Their 1985 hit "Christchurch (In Cashel Street I Wait)" became the theme song for the concert and the band closed the show with a mass chorus of the song featuring all the artists who performed at the concert.

In October 2011, to mark the group's 30th Anniversary, The Exponents announced the November release of a new Greatest Hits package which featured 24 song's including the brand new single "It's Rugby". They also announced they would play an special anniversary show in Christchurch - back where it started 30 years earlier.

New Zealand Music Awards

In 1984 The Dance Exponents won three NZ Music Awards:
  • Album Of The Year "Prayers Be Answered"
  • Top Male Vocalist - Jordan Luck
  • Best Group


In 1992 The Exponents won two NZ Music Awards:
  • Single Of The Year "Why Does Love Do This To Me"
  • Top Male Vocalist - Jordan Luck

APRA Awards

In 2001, to celebrate 75 years of its existence, APRA
Australasian Performing Right Association
The Australasian Performing Right Association is a copyright collective representing New Zealand and Australian composers, lyricists and music publishers. The association's head offices located in Sydney Australia, and it has branch offices in Auckland, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide and Perth...

 invited its members and an academy to vote on what they believe are to be New Zealand's top songs of all time.
The Exponents had several songs appearing in the top 100:
  • #8 - "Victoria"
  • #47 - "Why Does Love Do This To Me"
  • #89 - "I'll Say Goodbye"


At the 2007 APRA Silver Scroll Awards on 18 September, Jordan Luck was named by Mike Chunnas the first inductee to the New Zealand Music Hall of Fame
New Zealand Music Hall of Fame
The New Zealand Music Hall of Fame is a hall of fame dedicated to noteworthy musicians from New Zealand. The Recording Industry Association of New Zealand and Australasian Performing Right Association announced their intentions to create the hall of fame in August 2007...

.

Albums

Date Title Producer Label Charted Certification Catalog Number
as the Dance Exponents
1983
1983 in music
This is a list of notable events in music that took place in the year 1983.-January-April:*January – ZTT Records is founded.*January 8 – The UK singles chart is tabulated from this week forward by The Gallup Organization...

Live At Mainstreet - Mushroom Records NZ 3 (NZ) - L38017
1983
1983 in music
This is a list of notable events in music that took place in the year 1983.-January-April:*January – ZTT Records is founded.*January 8 – The UK singles chart is tabulated from this week forward by The Gallup Organization...

Prayers Be Answered Dave Marett Mushroom Records NZ 4 (NZ) 2 x Platinum L38077
1985
1985 in music
This is a list of notable events in music that took place in the year 1985.-January–March:*January 1 - The newest music video channel, VH-1, debuts on American cable. It is aimed at an older demographic than its sister station, MTV...

Expectations
Expectations (Dance Exponents album)
Expectations is an album by New Zealand band the Dance Exponents, released in 1985.-Track listing:#These Oceans Wave & Tide Us In #Christchurch Expectations is an album by New Zealand band the Dance Exponents, released in 1985.-Track listing:#These Oceans Wave & Tide Us In (Jones/Luck)#Christchurch...

Ian Taylor Mushroom Records NZ 7 (NZ) - RML53163
1986
1986 in music
This is a list of notable events in music that took place in the year 1986.-January-June:*January 23 – The first induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame takes place...

Amplifier
Amplifier (Dance Exponents album)
Amplifier is an album by New Zealand band the Dance Exponents, released in 1986.-Track listing:#Time X Space #Only I Could Die #Sex And Agriculture...

John Jansen
John Jansen (producer)
- Jimi Hendrix recordings :Jansen was a studio assistant at Jimi Hendrix's Electric Lady Studios.He worked with Eddie Kramer on a 1972 Hendrix single that contained live versions of "Johnny B. Goode" and "Little Wing"...

 & Doug Rogers
Zulu Records 18 (NZ) - ZCD001
as the Exponents
1992
1992 in music
This is a list of notable events in music that took place in the year 1992.-January–February:*January 11**Nirvana's Nevermind album goes to #1 in the US Billboard 200 chart, establishing the widespread popularity of the Grunge movement of the 1990s....

Something Beginning With C
Something Beginning With C
Something Beginning With C is an album by New Zealand band The Exponents, released in 1992.-Track listing:#Come On In#Please Please And Thank Yourself#Why Does Love Do This To Me *#Sink Like A Stone#Sometimes...

Duffy PolyGram Records NZ 1 (NZ) 3 x Platinum 512210-2
1994
1994 in music
This is a list of notable events in music that took place in the year 1994.-January–February:*January 25 – Alice in Chains release their Jar of Flies album which debuted at number one on the Billboard 200, becoming the first ever EP to do so....

Grassy Knoll David Hemming Phonogram Records Aust. 9 (NZ) Gold 522913-2
1995
1995 in music
This is a list of notable events in music that took place in the year 1995.- January–February :*January 18 – Jerry Garcia crashes his rented BMW into a guard rail near Mill Valley, California, USA, but is not injured in the accident....

Once Bitten, Twice Bitten: The Singles 1981 - 1995
Once Bitten, Twice Bitten
Once Bitten, Twice Bitten; The Singles 1981 - 1995 is a greatest hits collection by New Zealand band The Exponents, released in 1995 and now deleted.-Track listing:#Victoria#Airway Spies#Your Best Friend Loves Me Too#All I Can Do...

Various Warner Music NZ 1 (NZ) 5 x Platinum 063012558-2
1997
1997 in music
This is a list of notable events in music that took place in the year 1997.-January:*January 9 – David Bowie performs his 50th Birthday Bash concert at Madison Square Garden, New York City, USA with guests Frank Black, The Foo Fighters, Sonic Youth, Robert Smith of The Cure, Lou Reed, and Billy...

Better Never Than Late Eddie Rayner & The Exponents Sony Music NZ 3 (NZ) - 487708-9
1999
1999 in music
-Events:*January 7**After eight years of marriage, Rod Stewart and supermodel wife Rachel Hunter announce their separation.**Paul McCartney attends the first of his stepdaughter Heather's first housewares collection in Georgia....

Hello, Love You, Goodbye
Hello, Love You, Goodbye
Hello, Love You, Goodbye is an album by New Zealand band The Exponents, released in 1999. The first six tracks were new studio recordings, while the final six were live recordings of some of The Exponents' hits. The live tracks were taken from the Pounamu Hotel, in Takapuna in Auckland.-Track...

Malcolm Welsford
Malcolm Welsford
Malcolm Welsford is a New Zealand Record Producer and is best known for his work with Shihad, The Feelers and Supergroove.-Early career:Welsford's professional recording career began in 1984 at a small largely unknown Studio called Frontier Studios, Wellington New Zealand...

Sony Music NZ 48 (NZ) - 496324-2
2005
2005 in music
-Events:*During the year 2005, 12 rock music albums scored number 1 in the USA. This was the first time even ten albums have scored number 1 since 1996.-January:...

Sex & Agriculture: The Very Best Of The Exponents
Sex and Agriculture: The Very Best Of The Exponents
Sex & Agriculture: The Very Best of The Exponents is a greatest hits collection by New Zealand band The Exponents, released in 2005 and now deleted. This two CD set featured their hit singles on CD1 and a collection of B-sides and rarities on CD2...

Various Universal Music NZ 7 (NZ) Platinum 9875421
2011 Why Does Love Do This To Me: The Exponents Greatest Hits Various Universal Music NZ N/A N/A

Singles

Year Single Album Charted Certification Catalogue
June 1982 Victoria Prayers Be Answered 6 (NZ) - Mushroom X13083 (12")
Mushroom K8793 (7")
November 1982 Airway Spies 7" & 12" Single 11 (NZ) - Mushroom X13097 (12")
Mushroom K8905 (7")
March 1983 All I Can Do Prayers Be Answered 23 (NZ) - Mushroom:K9044
October 1983 Know Your Own Heart Prayers Be Answered 19 (NZ) - Mushroom K9250
April 1984 I'll Say Goodbye (Even Though I'm Blue) Prayers Be Answered 18 (NZ) - Mushroom K9051
1984 Your Best Friend Loves Me Too Prayers Be Answered - - Mushroom K9053
August 1984 Sex and Agriculture 7" & 12" single 11 (NZ) - Mushroom X14083 (12")
Mushroom K9478 (7")
April 1985 My Love For You Expectations 14 (NZ) - Mushroom K9711
1985 Christchurch (In Cashel St. I Wait) Expectations 14 (NZ) - Mushroom X14205 (12")
Mushroom K9713 (7")
July 1985 Greater Hopes, Greater Expectations
Released in Australia only
Expectations - - Mushroom K9659
August 1986 Caroline Skies Amplifier 24 (NZ) - Zulu Z001
November 1986 Only I Could Die (and Love You Still) Amplifier 35 (NZ) - Zulu Z003
1987 Brand New Doll 7" Single - - Zulu Z007
April 1991 Why Does Love Do This To Me Something Beginning With C
Something Beginning With C
Something Beginning With C is an album by New Zealand band The Exponents, released in 1992.-Track listing:#Come On In#Please Please And Thank Yourself#Why Does Love Do This To Me *#Sink Like A Stone#Sometimes...

3(NZ) Gold Mercury 868176-2
August 1991 Who Loves Who The Most Something Beginning With C
Something Beginning With C
Something Beginning With C is an album by New Zealand band The Exponents, released in 1992.-Track listing:#Come On In#Please Please And Thank Yourself#Why Does Love Do This To Me *#Sink Like A Stone#Sometimes...

3 (NZ) Gold Mercury 866543-2
August 1991 Whatever Happened To Tracey Something Beginning With C
Something Beginning With C
Something Beginning With C is an album by New Zealand band The Exponents, released in 1992.-Track listing:#Come On In#Please Please And Thank Yourself#Why Does Love Do This To Me *#Sink Like A Stone#Sometimes...

6 (NZ) - Mercury 868776-2
June 1992 Sink Like a Stone Something Beginning With C 28 (NZ) - Mercury 866658-2
July 1992 The Exponents EP
Lead track - Sink Like A Stone
Something Beginning With C - - Mercury 864013-2
December 1992 Erotic EP Something Beginning With C 27 (NZ) - Mercury 864775-2
December 1993 House of Love Grassy Knoll 25 (NZ) - Mercury 858052-2
August 1994 Like She Said Grassy Knoll 25 (NZ) - Mercury 858847-2
August 1994 Don't Say Goodbye Grassy Knoll - - Mercury 856375-2
October 1995 La La Lulu/Summer You Never Meant Once Bitten, Twice Bitten 13 (NZ) - Warner 063012167-2
July 1996 Do You Feel In Love CD Single 23 (NZ) - Warner 063015229-2
April 1997 One In A Lifetime Better Never Than Late 24 (NZ) - Columbia 664262-2
August 1997 Close Better Never Than Late - - Columbia 664717-2
December 1997 Change Your Mind Better Never Than Late - - Columbia 664991-2
September 2011 It's Rugby Why Does Love Do This To Me: The Exponents Greatest Hits - - Digital Only

Videos

Year Video Director
1982 Victoria Simon Morris
1982 Airway Spies -
1982 All I Can Do -
1983 Know Your Own Heart -
1983 I'll Say Goodbye (Even Though I'm Blue) -
1984 Sex & Agriculture -
1985 Greater Hopes Greater Expectations Salik Silverstein
1986 Only I Could Die (And Love You Still) Salik Silverstein
1991 Why Does Love Do This To Me Kerry Brown
1991 Who Loves Who The Most Kerry Brown
1992 Whatever Happened To Tracy Kerry Brown
1992 Sink Like A Stone Kerry Brown
1993 Erotic -
1994 House Of Love -
1994 Like She Said -
1995 La La Lulu -
1996 Summer You Never Meant -
1996 Do You Feel In Love -
1997 One In A Lifetime Andrew Moore
1997 Close -
1997 Change Your Mind -
2011 It's Rugby Andrew Moore
The source of this article is wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.  The text of this article is licensed under the GFDL.
 
x
OK