I’ve always had more than a passing interest when it comes to Neil Finn. Split Enz, Crowded House, Finn, his solo stuff – all littered with amazing examples of songwriting wizardry. If songwriting resources could be turned to energy, the U.S would invade Te Awamutu tomorrow and deem Mayor Alan D Livingston a dictator who’s [...]

Something about some of the early Flying Nun stuff reminds me of Darcy Clay – especially when I think of the Verlaines. Obviously, very melodic, yet always a little askew. Beautiful classic Flying Nun – circa 1983 (and available on the album ‘Juvenilia’).

Shayne Carter has got the most obnoxious sting on Radio Active but it’s hard to hate on him. His work with Dimmer has been amazing and earlier stuff with Straitjacket Fits is NZ folklore. Here’s a live version of their prettiest effort – ‘Down In Splendor’ from 1990′s Melt – so timeless, it doesn’t even [...]

Former NME next big thing, The Datsuns are somewhat underrated here. Seeing them live a few years ago along with Shihad and Cut Off Your Hands was an experience. They were fantastic, and dear I say it, possibly better than the Wellingtonian’s headlining the bill…

Cut Off Your Hands haven’t quite made the impact here that I thought they would’ve. They’ve even had had a song on FIFA 10! Pretty cool live cut here from the Red Bull studios.

Darcy Clay. Dead. Too Early? I guess it’s suicide is hard to understand, and we’ve all had WTF? moments attached to someone’s untimely death. In Clay’s case, the only thing to do is bask in the glory that he gave us, something like 10 years ago/ And the rather large Havoc (he’s finding it hard [...]

Contrary to what some may say, I think the guys from Fat Freddy’s are geniuses. I appreciate that there is some real cynicism about their music and style and to be fair, if you were looking for something that is going to give you a heart attack, then FFD is not it. However, as far [...]

When Hollie Smith was signed by Blue Note subsidiary Manhattan Records, it was shouted from the rooftops – but the deal went south, and Smith was left to stand on her own to pick up the pieces after having been treated like shit by the US label everyone had such hope for. It is a [...]