Diesel and Dust cover

Diesel and Dust

Midnight Oil · 1987

46 min · 11 tracks · alternative rock · new wave · punk

A potent mix of political fervor and anthemic rock, infused with Indigenous themes and environmental urgency.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • steady pacing for reflection
  • politically charged anthemic energy
  • invigorating themes of urgency
  • thought-provoking lyrical engagement

Maybe skip if you want

  • prefer instant gratification tracks
  • seek purely upbeat soundscapes

Where this album fits

Themes
Indigenous land rights· environmental urgency· cultural dislocation
Career context
By the time 'Diesel and Dust' was released in August 1987, Midnight Oil had already established themselves as a significant force in Australian rock. This album followed their breakthrough record, 'Species Deceases', and marked a shift towards more politically charged lyrics and global themes, particularly focusing on Indigenous rights and environmental issues.
Stylistic neighbors
The Clash· U2· R.E.M.
Sounds like this from elsewhere
London Calling by The Clash — Shares a similar political urgency and anthemic sound, addressing social issues with global resonance.
Evil Empire by Rage Against the Machine — Combines rock with politically charged themes, echoing environmental and social justice concerns.
A Version of Now by Peter Garrett — Focuses on Indigenous themes and environmental advocacy, paralleling the urgent narrative style of Midnight Oil.

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

  • 1 Beds Are Burning 4:17
  • 2 Put Down That Weapon 4:38
  • 3 Dreamworld 3:37
  • 4 Arctic World 4:21
  • 5 Warakurna 4:38
  • 6 The Dead Heart 5:10
  • 7 Whoah 3:51
  • 8 Bullroarer 4:59
  • 9 Sell My Soul 3:37
  • 10 Sometimes 3:53
  • 11 Gunbarrel Highway 3:39

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata