Hailing from the coal mining town of Lithgow NSW, The Black Diamonds (their first band name is a reference to coal), was one of the most enduring Australian Rock and Roll bands of their era. When you include their later incarnation as Tymepiece, the group managed to have a foot in three decades - the 1950s, 1960s and 1970s. But during their tenure as the Black Diamonds they only got to release a few singles. Highly collectable they are too.Toward the end of 1967, the Black Diamonds decided to make the big move to Sydney. The Sydney shift proved to be a fruitful one for the Black Diamonds. The band’s fine musicianship and extensive live repertoire earned them residencies at the prestigious establishment Caesar’s, although pressure from the record company prompted a name change. On January 1st, 1968 the Black Diamonds became Tymepiece. 
In August 1968, the band appeared on two simultaneous singles. As Tymepiece, they issued "Bird In The Tree" and producer Pat Aulton also set them up to record a version of The Tokens’ old standard "The Lion Sleeps Tonight" but under the moniker Love Machine. “The Lion Sleeps Tonight” was a national top 40 (#18) hit - and its “B” side, the eccentric “The Lonely Hearts Club Christmas Club Party” has become something of a cult-track.
Love Machine only ever released the one album and it's so rare that most Oz rock discographers weren't even aware of it. But it came out on the budget Calendar label back in the very early '70's.
Side A
1. The Lion Sleeps Tonight
2. Oh Me Oh My
3. Keep Searchin'
4. Love At First Sight
5. Little Green Bag
6. Get a Little Dirt On Your Hands
Side B
1. (Just Like) Romeo and Juliet
2. My Little Chickadee
3. The Devil Came From Kansas
4. After All (I Live My Life)
5. I Can Make It Without You.
6. Mr. D.J. Play Me a Sad Song
In 1971, Tymepiece went on to record an acclaimed album entitled “Sweet Release” which contained tracks that range from prog-blues and psychedelia, to R&B and country. Tymepiece broke up later that same year.
Here is a Tom Mix extended version of “The Lonely Hearts Club Christmas Club Party”:
I have just looked at material on the band Tymepiece I am the the drummer from that band and its great to see and read about it after all these years thank you for all your imput. yours sincerly Colin Mcaulay.
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