Some of Robyn Archer's best

Some of Robyn Archer's best

Ancient Wonders

By Robyn Archer

Larrikin Records

Reviewed by Melanie Sjoberg

It is a reflection of the high level of seriousness that Robyn Archer pays to political issues and her home town, that she sent her apologies to the recent pro-choice rally held in Adelaide. Tanya Namow gave a rendition of Archer's "Backyard Abortion Waltz" in her absence.

Ancient Wonders is a live production bringing together music Archer has not previously recorded. I remember being transfixed when I first saw her live in Pack of Women. This CD captures that strength and vitality which she brings to a performance, along with the humorous rapport she establishes with the audience.

There are many old favourites, but I would have to put "Two Women", written in 1983, up front. This beautiful ballad tells the story of women gazing lovingly at each other amid the throng of an unseeing cafe. Ten years on, the invisibility of lesbians has only shifted slightly. Similarly, the 1981 "Women Who Kill" was considered too tough to be used in the TV version of Pack of Women, yet the reality of domestic violence survivors' stories are now relatively common knowledge.

Other political numbers on the CD include "Bye Bye Cruise", celebrating the banning and exit of Cruise missiles from the UK, "Deep Water", commemorating January 26, and "Ballad for Johnny M" about the events of spring 1968. The "Queensland Yodel" demonstrates the quality and versatility of Archer's voice, and "Insect on the Windscreen of My Heart" captures a more frivolous attitude.

From GLW issue 125