‘The Real Thing’ by Kylie Minogue

Kylie Minogue’s rare cover version of Russell Morris's ‘The Real Thing’ is from the soundtrack to Sample People (2000, Clinton Smith, Australia). 

Kylie also acted in the film as Jess, alongside Ben Mendelsohn, Simon Lyndon and David Field. 

Morris’s original song, written by Johnny Young of Young Talent Time fame, was released in 1969 and is an Australian rock classic.  

Kylie’s version has a rich electronic feel that wouldn’t have been available to Morris in the late 60s, but it sounds in keeping with the psychedelic feel of the original recording. 

Kylie’s vocal track is powerful and, despite the different instrumentation (synthesisers and drum machine instead of bass and guitar), the cover feels respectful of the original and is still totally recognisable. 

The soundtrack was central to the film’s marketing. It was originally released through Festival Mushroom Records, now owned by Warner Music Australia.

Notes by Beth Taylor