Counting the Beat

"Counting the Beat" is a single by New Zealand rock band The Swingers released in 1981 from their album of the same name, Counting the Beat.

History

The single was performed by The Swingers, with frontman Phil Judd from Split Enz. Although the band had several hit songs in New Zealand, "Counting the Beat" was their only major chart success in Australia and they are considered a one hit wonder in that country. The song is well known for its catchy beat and memorable music video.

The song was #1 in Australia in March 1981 and in New Zealand that May. The song was the number one charting song of 1981 in Australia according to the Kent Music Report end of year chart.

Popular culture

• In the early to mid 1990s, the title of the song was also the name of a New Zealand music show, broadcast on (mostly independent) radio stations across New Zealand.
• From the early-mid 1990s until the early 2000s, the song was used as the theme for New Zealand soft drink, Lemon and Paeroa.
• From 1998-2002 the song was used in advertisements for K-Mart Australia.
• It was included on an episode of the Australian TV series 20 to 1, covering "one hit wonders". "Counting the Beat" was ranked number 13 and was identified as Australian in origin. As The Swingers were signed with Australian label Mushroom Records and were resident in Australia at the time, the song is sometimes seen as an Australian song.
• In 2011, MediaWorks New Zealand owned television channel TV3 used the song in some programme advertisements, Since 6 February 2011 the song is now used as their official theme song.

References

• The Swingers: "Counting the Beat"
• "20 to 1" with Bert Newton: One Hit Wonders (aired 13 Feb 2006)
• Music video for "Counting the Beat"