The Waiting Room is the second EP by Australian rock/pop group Do-Ré-Mi and was released by independent label Larrikin Records in January 1983.[1][2] The album has six tracks, which were written by lead vocalist Deborah Conway, drummer Dorland Bray, bass guitarist Helen Carter and guitarist Stephen Philip.[3][4] "Man Overboard" made its first appearance on this EP, but was re-worked and released as a single in 1985 to become a surprise top 5 hit,[5] it included lyrics referring to anal humour, penis envy and pubic hair; and had no chorus.[6] Paul Hester, later drummer for Split Enz and Crowded House, was living with Conway and guested on timbales for the track, "(Just Like) Hercules".[7][8]

The Waiting Room
EP by Do-Re-Mi
Released	January 1983
Recorded	September 1982
Genre	Rock/Pop
Label	Larrikan
Do-Re-Mi chronology
Do-Ré-Mi (1982) The Waiting Room (1983) Domestic Harmony (1985)

Background

Do-Ré-Mi had formed in Sydney in 1981 when Deborah Conway (lead vocals) and Dorland Bray (drums, percussion, backing vocals), both previously in Melbourne-based group The Benders, joined Helen Carter (bass, backing vocals) ex-Friction.[4] Stephen Philip (guitar), ex-Thought Criminals, was initially a studio musician for their debut EP, Do-Ré-Mi released in August 1982 and was asked to join formally.[2] They returned to the studio almost immediately and recorded The Waiting Room which was released in January 1983. Conway was living with Paul Hester[8] drummer in Deckchairs Overboard (later in Split Enz and Crowded House), Hester guested on timbales for the track "(Just Like) Hercules" on this EP.[7] "Man Overboard" had its first appearance on this EP but was later re-worked and released as a single in 1985 when it peaked at #5 on the Australian singles charts.[5] Lyrical content included references to anal humour, penis envy and pubic hair. In 2001, Carter recalled the problems Do-Ré-Mi had with their record company over "Man Overboard" for the Australian Broadcasting Corporation TV series Long Way To The Top.

There was a real hit-maker mentality ... people would say 'It can't be a hit - it doesn't have a chorus... You're talking about pubic hair, oh my God!'[9]

— Helen Carter, 2001

Track listing

All tracks were written by Deborah Conway, Dorland Bray, Helen Carter and Stephen Philip.[3]

1. "Disneyland"
2. "Creatures of Habit"
3. "Wreaths and Bouquets"
4. "(Just Like) Hercules"
5. "Man Overboard"
6. "Waiting Room"

Personnel

Do-Ré-Mi members

• Dorland Bray — drums, percussion, backing vocals
• Helen Carter — bass guitar, backing vocals
• Deborah Conway — lead vocalist
• Stephen Philip — guitar

Additional musicians

• Peter Doyle — trumpet
• Louise Elliot — tenor saxophone
• Paul Hester — timbales (track 4)

References