Danish Descendent, Singer/Songwriter Hans Sven (born Brian Gordon 1945) Poulsen was Australia's resident hippy eccentric. His music was a pleasant and idealistic blend of soft-rock, pop, country, folk and even bluegrass elements. His melodies were always enchanting  and his lyrics delved into social and environmental issues, alternative lifestyles, the meaning of life and good old fashioned love. Throughout his lengthy career, Poulsen maintained a positive and optimistic outlook on life. Poulsen was a prolific songwriter, and reputedly wrote more than 300 songs while still in his teens. He was also a multi-instrumentalist, with the ability to play more than ten different instruments including mandolin, recorder, balalaika, bouzouki, harpsichord, guitar and piano.

 

In 1965, Poulsen formed 18CQ which evolved into Eighteenth Century Quartet with the addition of Keith Glass (Guitar and Vocals), John Pugh (Guitar, Violin, Autoharp, Harmonica and Vocals), Frank Lyons (Bass) and Dennis Forster (Drums). Poulsen left the band at the end of 1966 to concentrate on his songwriting and to get his solo career off the ground. He signed to EMI/Parlophone and issued two unsuccessful singles, 'Rocking Chair/After Dinner Evening Stroll' (January 1968) and 'Coming Home Late Again/ Run Away Children' (December 1968).

 

By 1969, Poulsen had written hit songs for Johnny Farnham ('Jamie' & 'Rose Coloured Glasses'), The Strangers ('Lady Scorpio'), Zoot ('Monty And Me'), Russell Morris ('It's Only A Matter Of Time' B-side of 'The Real Thing') and New Zealand Band Larry's Rebels (Everybody's Girl). In 1970, Poulsen signed a new deal with Ron Tudor's Fable label. His debut album, Natural High, yielded the hit singles 'Boom Sha La'/'Mister Curiosity' (#6 in May) and 'There's A Light Across The Valley'/'Jenny Come Out Of Hiding' (#30 in December). The title track 'Natural High', is an underrated psychedelic pop gem. During 1971, two further singles were lifted from the set, but failed to chart. Poulsen made appearances at a number of pop festivals., including Ourimbah (January 1970), Wallacia (January 1971) and Launching Place (March 1971), but none more memorable than the Myponga Pop Festival.