Various Artists - Take Everything Leave Nothing

Released in 1987 by the influential Australian label Citadel Records, Take Everything Leave Nothing is a definitive 23-track compilation capturing the raw energy of the mid-80s Australian underground scene. The double-LP features a powerhouse lineup of garage, psychedelic, and indie rock bands, including iconic acts like The Stems, The Celibate Rifles, and Died Pretty. Serving as both a label showcase and a time capsule of the "Sydney Sound," the album highlights the era's gritty production and high-octane songwriting, making it a sought-after piece for collectors of 1980s alternative rock history.

Released in 1987, Take Everything Leave Nothing stands as a monumental double-LP survey of the Australian independent scene at its absolute peak. Curated by the legendary Citadel Records, the compilation acts as a definitive manifesto for the "Sydney Sound," a gritty blend of 1960s garage rock revival, surf punk, and high-energy power pop. By 1987, many of the featured bands were transitioning from local pub heroes to international underground icons, and this collection perfectly captures that moment of creative combustion before the landscape shifted toward the 90s.

The album’s strength lies in its relentless pacing and the sheer quality of its roster. Opening with the raw, fuzz-drenched energy of bands like The Lime Spiders and The Psychotic Turnbuckles, the record immediately establishes an atmosphere of sweat-soaked, high-octane rock. However, it isn't just a wall of noise; the inclusion of The Stems and The Screaming Tribesmen provides essential melodic hooks and jangle, proving that these bands possessed a sophisticated sense of songcraft that rivalled the mainstream charts they intentionally avoided.

Midway through the compilation, the mood shifts into more atmospheric and brooding territory, highlighted by the inclusion of Died Pretty and The New Christs. These tracks showcase a darker, more cinematic side of Australian rock, drawing on post-punk influences and gothic blues. This diversity prevents the double-album format from feeling repetitive, instead offering a panoramic view of a scene that was as comfortable with psychedelic exploration as it was with three-chord garage anthems. It’s this balance between "tough" and "tender" that gives the compilation its enduring cult status.

Ultimately, Take Everything Leave Nothing is more than just a label sampler; it is a vital historical document of a DIY era that remains influential decades later. For the modern listener, it serves as a masterclass in independent spirit and authentic rock and roll, free from the polished artifice of 80s pop production. It remains an essential cornerstone for anyone looking to understand how a small group of Australian labels and bands managed to create a sonic legacy that resonated far beyond the shores of Sydney and Perth.

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Disc 1

Side A

1. Minuteman – "Voodoo Slaves"

2. New Race – "Crying Sun"

3. Deniz Tek – "100 Fools"

4. The Visitors – "Euro Girls"

5. The Stems – "Making You Mine"

6. The Screaming Tribesmen – "Igloo"

Side B

1. The Stems – "Love Will Grow"

2. The Trilobites – "Venus In Leather"

3. The Moffs – "Another Day In The Sun"

4. Angie Pepper – "Frozen World"

5. The New Christs – "Like A Curse"

6. Died Pretty – "Out Of The Unknown" 

Disc 2

Side C

1. Died Pretty – "Stoneage Cinderella"

2. Fixed Up – "What's The News Today"

3. The Stonefish – "Boobalooba Beach"

4. The Some Loves – "It's My Time"

5. The Trilobites – "Legacy Of Morons"

6. The New Christs – "Born Out Of Time"

Side D

1. The Bamboos – "Born Killer"

2. Meera Atkinson – "Clean Your Eyes"

3. Porcelain Bus – "The Hands Have Control"

4. Wet Taxis – "Sailor's Dream"

5. Died Pretty – "Final Twist"