Ferrets - Don't Fall In Love

After favourable reactions from audiences in Melbourne and Sydney, The Ferrets produced a demo tape that caught the attention of Ian "Molly" Meldrum talent coordinator for Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) TV series Countdown. Meldrum had them signed to Mushroom Records and started producing their debut album, Dreams of a Love, in July 1976. In April 1977 they released their debut single, "Robin Hood", which did not chart. After nearly a year, production of the album was still incomplete, so The Ferrets took over—assisted by recording engineers Tony Cohen and Ian MacKenzie—Meldrum was attributed as "Willie Everfinish". Album production was finalised in August and it was released in October.

Meldrum had carefully crafted their first single's A side "Lies" taking weeks but the B side "Don't Fall in Love" (written by Ian Davis and Firth) was rushed in three hours. The Ferrets premiered on Countdown in an episode compered by Jon English however, they used their B side. "Don't Fall in Love" quickly sold out its initial pressing and many customers wanted a copy of The Ferrets' debut album -- there was concern at Mushroom Records as Meldrum had not organised an album cover: a white hand stamped cardboard sleeve was issued with a promise of the album artwork to follow! The Ferrets released a promo as the single peaked at No. 1 on Melbourne's charts and No. 2 Nationally. They were awarded with 'Best Australian TV Performer' at the 1977 King of Pop Awards for their Countdown appearances.

Although generally remembered for their biggest hit, their follow-up single "Janie May" reached No. 25 nationally and was televised on Countdown on 13 November 1977, which also featured the infamous Prince Charles interview.Their debut album Dreams of a Love achieved Gold record status and the long awaited album cover depicted a model (Wendy Bannister) holding a snarling ferret on her shoulder (front), a photo of the seven member band (back), lyrics and recording details including a photo of "Willie Everfinish" (inside).

(extract from Wikipedia 2011)

[markgamble]

I am another who feels privileged to have grown up in the late ‘70’s, 80’s and early ‘90’s. I took it for granted as we all probably did and only really appreciate those times in retrospect. 😌

[chrisb]

How lucky I was to grow up with countdown, Molly and quality music like this

[Sinsteel]

Still really stands up well more than 40 years later.

[victoriapresser]

Found it! Why this song has been rattling around in my head for the last 2 days is beyond me; maybe a flashback to my teens that finally crawled to the surface. Great to hear the Ferretts again!

[rohantherockwiththerocketh]

They lived just down the street from me in Caulfield North (Halstead St) and St Kilda.
Used to go over all the time, they were nice people.

[mariuszhelon]

Growing up in the 70's, was awesome. So many many awesome songs came out back then, and this was one. Kinda like, everytime you play it, it's like listening to it for the first. Like a good bottle of Port, gets better with age.

[juliapearson]

Billy Miller was and I think continues to be a fantastic knowledgeable musician. I was lucky enough to share a house with Billy (my first love) when he and Martin Falls were writing fantastic songs and operas no less!! They were crazy crazy days. Some of the songs and covers were tried out at the Green Man in High Street Malvern. Billy went on to be a great writer and museo, husband and father. I am proud I knew him, way back then. A life time ago. Far better than the bs we are facing now with the push to the new world order.

[petervad]

Just love it. I remember seeing it for the first time on Count Down. What a blessed era we lived in. Thank you to all those wonderful Australian bands that shaped us. Thank you to Janie Miller for her precious inside-knowledge comments below. You were part of the shaping of Australian youth!

[AnnemarieMay]

Haven't heard this song for years. Where were they from? MELBOURNE?

[dontblink]

The 70s was an awesome era, I'm so lucky to have a big sister who taught me what real music is!!

[keithdickens]

Such great memories, these clips are getting me through this bloody awful lockdown, thank you

[froggieredcliffe]

One of The Best Songs Ever !! a Classic thank you to the "The Ferrets"

[stephendevincentis]

i am so glad my days were the 70s and music

[MrPete]

Ferrets lead singer, Bill Miller, does a lot of work these days with Dave Graney. Top bloke!

[stelstar]

Loved this song then, and still love it now, every time it comes up on my car radio station, Magic 1278, songs from the 60's 70's and 80's :)

[suziiq]

I haven't heard this song for many years. It popped into my head yesterday and here I am.

[Orangesjesus]

This is the best song for roller skating

[pixzjey]

I loved this song as a child,
I still enjoy it.
I honestly thought that their semblance to actual ferrets was uncanny.

[spaaggetii]

I was driving my Mums car and this song came on. I just searched "Don't fall in love" and I was surprised! This song is so great and I wish I had taken it to my heart. But WHAT surprised me was that the singer was MALE. I was listening to the AM channel, so sounds are obviously not the same as FM. But the singer reminds me of Freddy Mercury from Queen. With the jutting out teeth and facial expressions. Not sure if the movie makes me think they are bigger than they were actually in real life. But LOVE THIS SONG.

[Elitist]

I got their album (once the cover had been finalised). Scratched into the vinyl on the smooth bit near the label was the message 'Well Willie Everfinish finally finished. Hope you like it. Molly xxx'