Mental As Anything
Utilizing elements of rockabilly, rock and R&B combined with an energetic live act, Mental As Anything has proved a lasting, popular live and recording outfit. The group's debut album introduced Reg Mombasa (b. Chris O'Doherty, New Zealand; guitar/vocals), Wayne Delisle (b. Australia; drums) and the three songwriters: Martin Plaza (b. Martin Murphy, Australia; vocals/guitar), Greedy Smith (b. Andrew Smith, Australia; keyboards/harmonica/vocals) and Peter O'Doherty (b. New Zealand; bass). Despite their different writing styles, GET WET achieved success, particularly with the enigmatically titled single The Nips Are Getting Better. Their most fortuitous album, CATS AND DOGS, saw the production smooth out the rough edges, and subsequent albums have maintained a high standard, with single releases constantly charting in Australia (two dozen to the end of 1990). Their single, Live It Up gained considerable chart success in the UK in 1987, when it spent 13 weeks at number 3. Plaza has also released solo recordings which have enjoyed high sales in Australia.