• David
• 22 Jul, 2023

Gary Numan - I, Assassin (1982)

Gazza was absolutely persecuted, nay despised by the music press and completely ignored by the radio jocks after his early fame.

• • #garynuman

• David
• 16 Jul, 2023

The Moody Blues - Long Distance voyage (1981)

I picked up this rather nice, vinyl re-press for bugger-all back when The Warehouse was a proper pot pouri of un-loved and abandoned musical media.

• • #themoodyblues

• David
• 13 Jul, 2023

The Body Electric - Presentation & Reality (1983)

This simply wonderful 2020 remaster by New Zealand pioneers of electronic dance music is like a big warm hug. While sounding somewhat naive these days, it’s reassuring that this record was part of my life.

• • #thebodyelectric

• David
• 10 Jul, 2023

Arthur Russell - Picture of Bunny Rabbit (2023)

(code only faster: crossing the line from vocal to instrumental and back) This posthumous release from Arthur Russell, who died in 1992, is certainly not the place to start your musical journey through his back catalogue.

• • #arthurrussell

• David
• 09 Jul, 2023

Micronism - Inside A Quiet Mind (1998)

1998’s “The Gathering” was a musical event I would never have contemplated ever attending, unless I was serving up curries to the masses.

• • #micronism

• David
• 08 Jul, 2023

Various Artists - After Dark 3 (2021)

This Triple LP pressing, on hefty purple vinyl, is a compilation of “Italians Do It Better” label artists. It oozes effortless cool from every groove.

• • #variousartists

• David
• 06 Jul, 2023

Curve - Come Clean (1998)

Take Massive Attack’s “Mezzanine”, give it a bit more edge ala The Prodigy, then add Toni Halliday’s calm but devastating vocals into the mix.

• • #thecure

• David
• 04 Jul, 2023

Various Artists - Nigeria '70 Lagos Jump (2008)

Original Heavyweight Afrobeat, Highlife & Afro-Funk. This fantastic compilation, from Strut records, is a brilliant showcase of West African music from the 70’s.

• • #variousartists

• David
• 03 Jul, 2023

Boards Of Canada - Music Has The Right To Children (1998)

Not only frightening, frighteningly good. This debut album from Scottish duo, Michael Sandison and Marcus Eoin, would not be something I’d recommend to ease your morning commute with.

• • #boardsofcanada

• David
• 30 May, 2023

Shiner - The Egg (2001)

I’m not sure how this album got on my Tidal playlist or how I first heard about it, but what a blinder of a record!

• • #shiner

• David
• 28 May, 2023

Damien - The Boy Who Drew Cats (2023)

This stonkingly great 6 Track, mini-album comes from the remnants of the incredible band Low. Led by Alan Sparhawk, and joined by his son Cyrus, this music could not be any further away from Low’s remarkable musical legacy.

• • #damien

• David
• 26 May, 2023

New York Dolls - New York Dolls (1973)

Universally loved or loathed, this debut record should have kick-started the demise of the dinosaurs. Unfortunately, no one was really listening.

• • #newyorkdolls

• David
• 24 May, 2023

T.Rex - Electric Warrior (1971)

It must be said, grand kids and audio equipment are not in any way compatible. Usually I have just my single black box, NAD C700 amp/streamer, Theophany speakers (woofers and tweeters - which are well protected by metal) and concealed sub, in the lounge.

• • #trex

• David
• 23 May, 2023

GracieHorse - L.A. Shit (2023)

Sometimes country music can be right up on top of my “this-genre-ain’t-for-me” list, along with some god awful Jazz. While this is most definitely a country album, it doesn’t even come close to making that list.

• • #graciehorse

• David
• 21 May, 2023

Various Artists - English Weather (2017)

Bob Stanley & Pete Wiggs Present English Weather. The autumnal sound of Britain at the turn of the 70’s, looking out through wet wind panes to a new decade with a mixture of melancholy and optimism to what might come next.

• • #variousartists

• David
• 20 May, 2023

Kruder & Dorfmeister - 1995 (2020)

1998’s “The K&D Sessions” is a big 21 track, 2-hour plus, 6-LP behemoth of blissful bangers and downtempo/trip hop reworks of other artists material.

• • #kruderanddorfmeister

• David
• 19 May, 2023

Fire! Orchestra - Echoes (2023)

Holy cow! This monster is quite something else. While I don’t dig the more chaotic avant guarde elements, there are some simply stunning arrangements and performances.

• • #fire!orchestra

• David
• 15 May, 2023

Mako Road - The Great Superintendent {EP} (2018)

As Kiwi as Bro! This is a sensational six track EP release from Christchurch-based Mako Road. I first heard this on “A Sonic Youth” podcast (my firm favourite for better-than-decent new and re-discovered music) A band that has truly flown under the radar.

• • #makoroad

• David
• 14 May, 2023

Bill Callahan - Dream River (2013)

Everything about Mr. Prolific here, and even more so since the demise of former band Smog, is the richness of his ever maturing voice, along with the power of his story telling.

• • #billcallahan

• David
• 13 May, 2023

Ioapok - Oisolün (2023)

Quite a strange trip this evening. This French outfit play a progressive type of jazz and rock music. Listening ecxlusively on headphones and DAC, its quite an emersive experiece.

• • #ioapok

• David
• 10 May, 2023

Saâda Bonaire - 1992 (2022)

This 2022 release, gathers together a bunch of 30 year old, dance-new wave fusion tracks from multi-cultural collective, Saâda Bonaire, natives of Bremen, Germany.

• • #saâdabonaire

• David
• 09 May, 2023

Tiny Ruins - Ceremony (2023)

I just love it when you can hear the strings rattle on the frets and actually feel the reach of the singer’s breath.

• • #tinyruins

• David
• 06 May, 2023

Sublime - Sublime (1996)

I know absolutely nothing about Sublime. I always thought they were just another stoner, spliff-toting, skateboard pretenders. How wrong was I.

• • #sublime

• David
• 03 May, 2023

Mogwai - As The Love Continues (2022)

I’ve held back long enough. This is the moment to finally release the Glaswegian beast. This has been tucked away, unplayed, to allay my expectant disappointment.

• • #mogwai

• David
• 01 May, 2023

Hole - Celebrity Skin (1998)

Hole’s second record, 1994’s “Live Through This” remains one of my top album contenders across any genre. While it’s peak grunge, it still has one of the highest, and surely not legal, quotas of hooks possible on a single record.

• • #hole

• David
• 30 Apr, 2023

Nancy Sinatra & Lee Hazelwood - Nancy & Lee Again (1972)

This album is the 4th in the Nancy Sinatra Archival Series on “Light in the Attic” records. Beautifully packaged and remastered, they look and sound fantastic.

• • #nancysinatra
  • #leehazlewood

• David
• 28 Apr, 2023

Gorky’s Zygotic Mynci - Barafundle (1997)

Along with The Super Furries, these fellow Welshmen, proudly celebrate their musical heritage as well as their language. Mixing things up equally in both English and Welsh, it works effortlessly.

• • #gorky’szygoticmynci

• David
• 26 Apr, 2023

Can - Live in Cuxhaven 1976 (2021)

This recording is as close to improvisational “free” jazz as I’m willing to ever venture. Can never just play their last record, they deconstruct, reconstruct or completely destroy it at every opportunity.

• • #can

• David
• 25 Apr, 2023

Everything But The Girl - Fuse (2023)

God it’s good to hear Tracey Thorn’s fabulous voice again. While she’s dabbled with several great solo records, this is her teaming up again with husband and chief knob fiddler, Ben Watt.

• • #everythingbutthegirl

• David
• 24 Apr, 2023

Car Seat Headrest - Teens Of Denial (2016)

Picture this scenario; “let’s have a look around this vehicle, pick the nearest object and use it to name our band”.

• • #carseatheadrest

• David
• 23 Apr, 2023

Cloudboy - Down at the end of the Garden (2001)

My second and only other RSD purchase was this little gem from Dunedin’s, now long-defunct, Cloudboy. While I didn’t know anything about this record, or the musicians involved, it was a record they were running out of around the country very quickly.

• • #cloudboy

• David
• 22 Apr, 2023

David Menke/Lionel Liminana - Thatcher's Not Dead (2023)

Soundtrack from the Guillaume Podrovnik Documentary. It’s Record Store Day (RSD). Translation = an overhypered, completely contrived day to celebrate the market-induced scarcity and fleecing of fully suspecting vinyl buying punters.

• • #davidmenke
  • #lionelliminana

• David
• 21 Apr, 2023

Jen Cloher - I am the River, the River is Me (2023)

A lovely first listen to Australian singer, Jen Cloher this evening. This beautiful recording took me completely by surprise. Folky, gritty, poppy, and at time crunchy rock.

• • #jencloher

• David
• 20 Apr, 2023

The Alan Parsons Project – I Robot (1977)

Wow! This is one of the most stunning sounding records I’ve heard in a long time. Not just production-wise, it’s a musical masterpeice.

• David
• 15 Apr, 2023

Bloc Party - Silent Alarm (2005)

Coming up to it’s second decade, this incendiary debut album from London-based Quartet, Bloc Party, is refreshingly “rock”. No fancy keyboards or unnessecary embellishments, this is just a slam of guitars, bass and drums and some vitriolic vocals from Kele Okereke.

• • #blocparty

• David
• 13 Apr, 2023

King Gizzard & the Lizard Wizzard - Ice, Death, Planets, Lungs, Mushrooms and Lava (2022)

By my count, this is record number 20 (since 2012) for this Melbourne sextet. The truly amazing thing is, and I take the reviewers’ word for it, they all sound different.

• • #kinggizzardandthelizardwizard

• David
• 12 Apr, 2023

Sparklehorse - Dreamt for Light Years in the Belly pf a Mountain (2006)

While not prolific, averaging 3 to 4 years between records, Mark Linkous is consistent in his greatness. There’s never a note wasted on all of his records.

• • #sparklehorse

• David
• 11 Apr, 2023

The Stranglers - Feline (1983)

The Stranglers were always outliers, probably before the term was even in the common vernacular. Their first two records were right in the thick of the punk ethos but strangely dissimilar to anything else.

• • #thestranglers

• David
• 09 Apr, 2023

Lana Del Rey - Did you know that there's a tunnel under Ocean Blvd (2023)

You’d think I’d be sick to death of Lana Del Rey. This is her 9th record since 2012’s “Born To Die”.

• • #lanadelrey

• David
• 06 Apr, 2023

Echo & The Bunnymen - Siberia (2005)

Unlike the Cure’s later, post 1992’s “Wish” albums, the Bunnymen HAVE continued to make great records. While The Cure re-peddle their magnificent back catalogue, Ian McCulloch and Will Sergeant have managed to be creative and sound as fresh as those early days.

• • #echoandthebunnymen

• David
• 05 Apr, 2023

Les Rallizes Denudes - The OZ Tapes (2022)

50 years ago, Takashi Mizutani and his bunch of fellow Japanese ruffians hung out at OZ, a cafe and live performance venue in the heart of Toyko’s Kichijoji neighborhood.

• • #lesrallizesdenudes

• David
• 03 Apr, 2023

Yellow Magic Orchestra - Solid State Survivor (1979)

RIP: The Great Ryuici Sakamoto, founding member of YMO, actor, record producer and composer/muscian, died after a long illness on March 28th.

• • #yellowmagicorchestra

• David
• 26 Mar, 2023

The Who - The Who Sell Out (1967)

This 2022 half-speed-mastered, repress of The Who’s 3rd record sounds ridiculously good. Entwistle’s bass guitar especially comes to the fore but there’s amazing staging of all instruments.

• • #thewho

• David
• 25 Mar, 2023

Roxy Music - Country Life (1974)

This was right amongst the pomp and excess of the times. Eno had long gone and Bryan Ferry oozed confidence as the suave frontman.

• • #roxymusic

• David
• 23 Mar, 2023

Unknown Mortal Orchestra - V (2023)

Just what we need, some bright and summery uplift. Beautifully packaged with embossed gold lettering and a big bold gatefold sleeve, the vinyl matches the cover and is pressed on gold nugget vinyl (Legendary Edition.

• • #unknownmortalorchestra

• David
• 21 Mar, 2023

Goldfrapp - Supernature (2006)

Another great Alison Goldfrapp/Will Gregory Collaboration. There’s no end to the talent of these two. While nothing will improve on my first exposure, this is one slick record.

• • #goldfrapp

• David
• 19 Mar, 2023

Trees Speak - Mind Maze (2023)

Another all instrumental release from Tuscon’s best avant-garde, neo-psychedelic, Miles Davis Bitches Brew-era protagonists. Absolutely made for vinyl, there’s no other way to replicate and consume their retro-70’s schtick.

• • #treesspeak

• David
• 15 Mar, 2023

Eddie Suzuki New Hawaii - High Tide (1973)

OK, it’s quite corny in places but that only half describes this slightly easy/uneasy, but effortlessly listenable recording from Hawaii’s premier ex-shoe shining, piano shop proprietor.

• • #eddiesuzukinewhawaii

• David
• 09 Mar, 2023

Goldfrapp - Felt Mountain (2000)

Wow! This ain’t rock’n’roll, this is an electro-cabaret masterpiece. Tricky prodigy Alison Goldfrapp, croons like Liza Minelli, yodels like Melanie Oesch, and whistles like Roger Whitaker.

• • #goldfrapp

• David
• 07 Mar, 2023

Kirsten Edkins - Art & Soul (2015)

I didn’t know anything about this recording before playing this via Tidal this evening. As the reveiw states “Saxophonist Kirsten Edkins delivers a delightful and charming batch of mainstream jazz with her engaging and exuberant debut Art & Soul.

• • #kirstenedkins

• David
• 06 Mar, 2023

Elton John - Honky Chateau (1973)

For various reasons, I felt a little nostalgic this evening. Before Bowie and T-Rex came along, Elton was my goto artist.

• • #eltonjohn

• David
• 04 Mar, 2023

Asobi Seksu - Asobi Seksu (2007)

Fantastic debut from New York-based group Asobi Seksu. While firmly in the noise rock genre, it’s fabulously diverse throughout. On the very first listen there’s a lot to like about this record.

• • #asobiseksu

• David
• 01 Mar, 2023

Mogwai - Happy Songs for Happy People (2003)

It’s March already. Let’s kick things off with this magnificent beast. No vocals to get in the way just their majestic soundtrack.

• • #mogwai

• David
• 25 Feb, 2023

Tangerine Dream - Phaedra (1974)

David Bowie - The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars (1972) Tangerine Dream - Phaedra (1974)

• • #tangerinedream

• David
• 23 Feb, 2023

Yo La Tengo - This Stupid World (2023)

This record is so refreshingly old school. Like similarly discordant outliers, Sonic Youth, it’s a messy, chunky but palatable goulash.

• • #yolatengo

• David
• 18 Feb, 2023

Lord Huron - Strange Trails (2015)

A very easy choice tonight. When you are out walking and the dog makes a bee line for a young American woman wearing a Lord Huron “Long Lost” T Shirt, there’s a clear message there.

• • #lordhuron

• David
• 15 Feb, 2023

Luluc - Sculptor (2018)

Here’s yet another fantastic band from Melbourne. Several recent favourites of the last few years have come from this town. Duo Zoë Randell and Steve Hassett have breached their folky ways and delivered a rich, cinematic experience far removed from the traditional acoustic fare.

• • #luluc

• David
• 12 Feb, 2023

Television Personalities - Some Kind of Happening (2019)

Singles 1978 to 1989. At times abrasively authentic, at other times delicately ridiculous, this rough and ready collection presents a quirky collection of non-album tracks and singles.

• • #televisionpersonalities

• David
• 08 Feb, 2023

Lone Lady - Former Things (2021)

Time warp, flash back alert. There’s a somewhat wacky (corny even!) minimalistic analogue synth and drum machine vibe happening on this surprisingly catchy recent release.

• • #lonelady

• David
• 07 Feb, 2023

XTC - Black Sea (1980)

This is another vinyl relic that’s been added to my “Essentials” vinyl collection. This 2019 re-press is NOT the Steven Wilson remaster but the original 1980 pressing.

• • #xtc

• David
• 06 Feb, 2023

Various Artists - Close To The Noise Floor (2016)

What I have here is possibly the single greatest bargain of my entire music media collection. This 4x CD compilation and 50 page, brilliantly informative hardback book, cost me 79 cents.

• • #variousartists

• David
• 04 Feb, 2023

Enya - The Very Best Of Enya

Don’t judge me! This is a fabulous chill-out, sonically pleasing, guilty pleasure. All the Enya you’ll ever need on a single release.

• • #enya

• David
• 03 Feb, 2023

David Bowie - Moonage Daydream (A Film By Brett Morgen)

30 odd years ago, one of my prized possessions was a bootleg copy of “His Master’s Voice”, Bowie’s last stand as “Ziggy” at the Hammersmith Odeon on July 3rd 1973.

• • #davidbowie

• David
• 01 Feb, 2023

Katie Kim - Hour Of The Ox (2022)

Going through the top albums lists of the previous year is always a great way of letting others do the heavy lifting in one’s search for new music.

• • #katiekim

• David
• 28 Jan, 2023

Kimbra - A Reckoning (2023)

Just thought I’d dip into a track or two to sample my new laptop/DAC/headphones setup. I never left. That headphone setup is now my new benchmark for the best way to listen to serious music.

• • #kimbra

• David
• 23 Jan, 2023

Nancy Sinatra & Lee Hazelwood - Nancy & Lee (1968)

Last night’s effort, while pleasant enough and engaging, was never going to threaten these two crooners. While possibly the eipitome of polar opposites in singing styles, there is something truly other-worldly that glues this all together.

• • #nancysinatra
  • #leehazlewood

• David
• 22 Jan, 2023

Adam Green & Binki Shapiro (2013)

Third time lucky. I tried to listen to a couple of CDs from “The Redcross Collection” this evening. That was a painful 6 minutes of my life that I’ll never get back - they were truly hideous.

• David
• 20 Jan, 2023

Tones On Tail - Everything! (1998)

A fantastic post-Bauhaus compilation of Daniel Ash’s side project prior to establishing the equally wonderful Love & Rockets. Like some Ziggy Stardust/Mick Ronson clone, Daniel Ash exudes the combination of squalling guiter slinger and crooning frontman.

• • #tonesontail

• David
• 18 Jan, 2023

Roger Waters - Amused to Death (1992)

The audiophile vinyl box set of this has just been released. While I’m not at all interested in an analogue version of a digital recording, the high resolution bu-ray version will do me nicely thanks, I did watch a YouTube reveiw by German vinyl guru Michael of 45RPM Audiophile fame.

• • #rogerwaters

• David
• 16 Jan, 2023

Psychic Ills - Hazed Dream (2011)

There’s been a recent but gradual (r)evolution in my musical consumption of late, firstly with the introduction of headphones, but now taken to the next level with the purchase of a dedicated headphone DAC.

• • #psychicills

• David
• 14 Jan, 2023

The United States of America (1968)

I picked up this original 1968 pressing recently as I was aware of it’s apparent legacy as a stone cold Psychedelic classic.

• David
• 12 Jan, 2023

XTC - The Big Express (1984)

The big news of the day was the passing of guitar maestro and personal hero, Jeff Beck. I chose not to spend the evening playing his music but did play a couple of tracks earlier in the day.

• • #xtc

• David
• 11 Jan, 2023

Alt-J - This Is Yours (2014)

I don’t know why I even bother reading reviews on “Pitchfork.com”. Despite being around for more than a decade, Alt-J is a very recent discovery.

• • #altj

• David
• 10 Jan, 2023

Vanishing Twin - The Age of Immunology (2019)

This multi-national collective make some of the most magical music I’ve heard in a long time. Another band that is genre-less (a favourite genre of mine) which I’d put firmly in the Broadcast and Stereolab camp.

• • #vanishingtwin

• David
• 08 Jan, 2023

Michael Kiwanuka - Kiwanuka (2019)

I’ve always been really impressed with the the non-genre disclosure of this very clever English gentleman born to Ugandan refugee parents.

• • #michaelkiwanuka

• David
• 06 Jan, 2023

Kikagaku Moyo - Kumoyo Island (2022)

I’ve finally got my space/place back where I can listen to the weird shit. With my grandkids now safely back in Australia, some semblance of order or disorder returns.

• • #kikagakumoyo

• David
• 05 Jan, 2023

Everything But the Girl - Temperamental (1999)

1996’s “Walking Wounded” and this, their last record as EBTG, have aged very well indeed. Moving from acoustic folk/pop music to electrified trip hop and dance was a bit of a bold move.

• • #everythingbutthegirl

• David
• 04 Jan, 2023

Cure - Wish [2022 Remaster](1992)

Fuck Yes!! While there’s some poppy, happy-clappy stuff on this record (incidently, this is the brand new, freshly minted 3CD deluxe edition), there’s still a wonderful, post-“Disintegration”, doom-laden dirge as thick as treacle.

• • #cure

• David
• 31 Dec, 2022

Bee Gees - 1st (1967)

For some light summer reading, I’m currently plowing through Jeff Apter’s biography of The Bee Gees, “Tragedy: The Sad Ballad of The Gibb Brothers”.

• • #beegees

• David
• 30 Dec, 2022

Angus & Julia Stone - Snow (2017)

Brother Angus’s stoner, melancholic alter ego, Dope Lemon was my introduction to half of this Aussie duo at least. Adding sister Julia to the equation on 2014’s self-titled “Angus & Julia Stone” pushed the mellow, chilled-out, easy going even further.

• • #angusandjuliastone

• David
• 23 Dec, 2022

Vieux Farka Toure Et Khruangbin - Ali (2022)

After the highlight of last night’s Neneh Cherry and Youssou N’Dour collaboration on “7 seconds”, this whole album is another match made in heaven.

• • #vieuxfarkatoureetkhruangbin

• David
• 22 Dec, 2022

Neneh Cherry - Man (1996)

A bit of Neneh this evening was warranted following an earlier full on, engulfed-by-music moment while driving back into Nelson this afternoon.

• • #nenehcherry

• David
• 21 Dec, 2022

Dean Wareham - I Have Nothing to Say to the Mayor of L.A. (2021)

One of my favourite first songs on any record in my collection is Luna’s “Chinatown” from their album Penthouse. This new record from legendary* Kiwi Muscian Dean Wareham, reignites that moment.

• • #deanwareham

• David
• 19 Dec, 2022

Car Stereo Wars - For Your Comfort And Safety (2008)

Another selection from my penny each, CD haul from the Red Cross shop. There’s almost nothing much on the interweb about this Melbourne-based band or this recording.

• • #carstereowars

• David
• 15 Dec, 2022

Hot Chip - Why Make Sense? (2015)

On paper, I should probably hate this band. Instead, and despite their electronic, dance-focused, clubiness I fully imbrace all they have done.

• • #hotchip

• David
• 14 Dec, 2022

Vanishing Twin - Choose Your Own Adventure (2016)

While the influences on this, Vanishing Twin’s first record are clear, it’s nearly impossible to categorise. Dream-pop weirdness interweaves with more grounded song structures and several songs clearly fit into the Stereolab and Broadcast camp.

• • #vanishingtwin

• David
• 12 Dec, 2022

The Bush Tetras - Rhythm and Paranoia: The Best of Bush Tetras (2021)

This beautifully presented box set from New York funky punk pioneers Bush Tetras, is a fabulous compilation of their best moments accross 6 sides of vinyl.

• • #thebushtetras

• David
• 11 Dec, 2022

Unknown Mortal Orchestra - Multi Love (2015)

After NZ’s post-punk band The Mint Chicks broke up, guitarist Ruban Nielson formed genre-fluid combo Unknown Mortal Orchestra with his brother and ex Mint Chicks frontman Cody.

• • #unknownmortalorchestra

• David
• 10 Dec, 2022

Cat Stevens - Tea for the Tillerman (1970)

I’m not a great Cat Stevens fan but couldn’t resist buying this 2CD, 50th Anniversay edition of his best? (selling) album rather cheaply at Rotorua’s “Q Records”.

• • #catstevens

• David
• 09 Dec, 2022

Fishmans - Long Season [Tidal & YouTube] (1996)

This amazing recording has been haunting my dreams lately (as well as causing a few offline listening nightmares on my iPhone with the finiky Tidal app) The 34 minute, single track is like nothing you have ever heard, and if you have the patience, has one of the most haunting melodies ever to hit your ears.

• • #fishmans
  • #youtube

• David
• 04 Dec, 2022

David Bowie - Toy Box (2021)

As a semi-completist Bowie-phile, I was inspired to acquire this 3CD box of revisited, pre-fame, early recordings. As a school kid in the early 70’s, and before I really knew who David Bowie was, I remember listening to the 1967 record “David Bowie”.

• • #davidbowie

• David
• 02 Dec, 2022

Avantdale Bowling Club - Trees (On vinyl) (2022)

A re-listen to this fabulous record cements this as one of the very best releases of 2022. Nothing conveys New Zealand’s societal pressures and bleak outlook, perceived or otherwise, better than Tom Scott.

• • #avantdalebowlingclub

• David
• 01 Dec, 2022

David Bowie - Hunky Dory (2015 Mix Blu-Ray Audio) (1971)

Ok, when it really boils down to it, Hunky Dory is David Bowie’s best record. It’s best because it was my first, very innocent exposure to folky Dave transitioning into the rock’n’roll messiah.

• • #davidbowie

• David
• 30 Nov, 2022

Tehimana Kerr - Defamation Of Character (2008)

Another great $1 find. Fat Freddy’s guitarist Tehimana Kerr goes solo on this merge of ambient, electronica and funk. Beautifully produced as you would expect, it’s an interesting and unexpected sonic journey.

• • #tehimanakerr

• David
• 29 Nov, 2022

Band Marino - The Sea & The Beast (2006)

It’s $32 Tuesday. Time to rip open another CD from The Red Cross Collection. I started out with Dum Dum Girls 2011 album, “Only In Dreams”, but gave up after a few tracks.

• • #bandmarino

• David
• 28 Nov, 2022

Mark Lanegan - Whiskey For The Holy Ghost (1994)

You can feel the smoke and whiskey blend hit your face as the big gravelly voice of Mark Lanegan oozes out of the speakers.

• • #marklanegan

• David
• 27 Nov, 2022

Zeitgeist Freedom Energy Exchange - Sci-Fi Jazz Directions (2022)

OK, I wasn’t expecting this. Purchased mainly for it’s slightly unhinged cover, and because it was going cheap, I was a bit worried that this would be some weird, inaccessible, electronic squawlk fest.

• • #zeitgeistfreedomenergyexchange

• David
• 26 Nov, 2022

Mad Monster Party Original Motion Picture Soundtrack (1967)

Black Friday sales bring out the worst in me. I took advantage of sales at JB Hi-fi and Flying Out and bought a few CD box sets I’ve had my eye on.

• David
• 25 Nov, 2022

Violens - Amoral (2010)

Another $1 CD tonight. I wasn’t completely anamoured with this New York collective at first but I’m really glad I perservered.

• • #violens

• David
• 24 Nov, 2022

Poor Moon - Poor Moon (2012)

Another random selection from my “Lucky Strike At The Red Cross” collection. This album on the Sub Pop label, turned out to be a side project by Fleet Foxes members Christian Wargo and Casey Wescott.

• • #poormoon

• David
• 23 Nov, 2022

Dominick Martin - Shine A Light (2009)

This is the first CD from my recent Richmond Red Cross haul and all I can say is it’s off to a great start.

• • #dominickmartin

• David
• 22 Nov, 2022

Music Monday Mania (2022)

Another couple of days with a house full of babies equates to a huge reduction in air moving from my speakers.

• David
• 12 Nov, 2022

Yeah Yeah Yeahs - Cool It Down (2022)

A simply stunning comeback record after nearly a decade off grid. Karen O stars again and the 3 piece are as tight as ever.

• • #yeahyeahyeahs

• David
• 10 Nov, 2022

Various Artists - Day Of The Dead (2016)

I can’t say I’ve ever (intentionally) listened to The Grateful Dead. If I have in the past, its hardly been memorable.

• • #variousartists

• David
• 09 Nov, 2022

Goldie - Timeless (1995)

After last night’s fabulous, Afro-centric jazz monster, something equally rich and musical is called for. This drum’n’bass classic from England’s then king of Jungle, has moments of bliss.

• • #goldie

• David
• 08 Nov, 2022

Tony Allen & Hugh Masekela - Rejoice (2020)

Now I remember why I still love vinyl! This remarkable recording featuring two African greats, drummer Tony Allen, and trumpet player Hugh Masekela, shouldn’t exist in any other format.

• • #tonyallen
  • #hughmasekela

• David
• 07 Nov, 2022

Low - Things We Lost In The Fire (2001)

A very sad day today with the passing of Mimi Parker. I was totally taken by surprise and devastated to hear of her losing her battle with Ovarian Cancer at just 55.

• • #low

• David
• 06 Nov, 2022

Various Artists - A Screaming Masterpiece [DVD]

This is without any doubt at all, one of my favourite music documentaries of all time. This feature length doco highlights the magesty and splendor of Icelandic music.

• • #variousartists

• David
• 05 Nov, 2022

Laura Jean - Amateurs (2022)

In my persute of “making do” with what I’ve already got, I’ve even gone back to wired headphones via a little DragonFly DAC.

• • #laurajean

• David
• 03 Nov, 2022

Various Artist - Jools Holland "Legends" [DVD]

I felt like some audio visual stimulation this evening. Part of my revelatory musical-medium rebirth, has me trawling through a rather splendid collection of multi-genre, multi-era musical collectives and individuals.

• • #variousartists

• David
• 28 Oct, 2022

The Pineapple Thief - Give It Back [BD-Audio](2022)

Gavin Harrison is probably the world’s best unknown drummer. He’s played bongos on many sessions for other musicians, but probably is best known (in the right circles) for his stick work with Porcupine Tree, The Pineapple Thief and the mighty King Crimson.

• • #thepineapplethief

• David
• 27 Oct, 2022

Pavement - Terror Twilight: Farewell Horizontal (1999)

The only full-priced CD I bought during my sojourn to Auckland was this Pavement 2022 Redux. As a completist, this sits very nicely on my CD shelf along with the other 4 remastered/extended editions.

• • #pavement

• David
• 26 Oct, 2022

Fazerdaze - Break! (2022)

I tried; I really did. I had a few things to listen to this afternoon, nothing I physically owned thank goodness, but I quickly became underwhelmed and even irritated with stuff passing as entertainment.

• • #fazerdaze

• David
• 25 Oct, 2022

The Shins - Oh Inverted World (2001)

I’m a new convert to James Mercer’s witty, whimsical stories and quirky, off-centre soundtracks. My first real taste of The Shins was a different kettle of fish entirely.

• • #theshins

• David
• 24 Oct, 2022

Pink Mountaintops - Axis Of Evol (2006)

Stephen McBean, front man and guitarist of the fabulous Black Mountain, takes a trippy diversion with offshoot band, Pink Mountaintops. Fuzzed-out guitars, a wonderfully swampy, lo-fi production and wonky vocals makes for a real treat.

• • #pinkmountaintops

• David
• 23 Oct, 2022

Dry Cleaning - Stumpwork (2022)

Dry Cleaning’s 2021 debut, “New Long Leg” was up there with my favourite peri-COVID releases. Despite it being a bit more restrained, this new record ups the musical ante significantly.

• • #drycleaning

• David
• 20 Oct, 2022

The Books - Freedom From Expression [DVD](2012)

I picked this DVD up in Auckland recently at Flying Out Records. It was sitting all alone, on a dusty old shelf, well removed from the tsunami of vinyl.

• • #thebooks

• David
• 19 Oct, 2022

Cracker - Sunrise In The Land Of Milk And Honey (2009)

I had a bit of a field day in Auckland during the weekend hunting for those (not so elusive) CD bargains.

• • #cracker

• David
• 12 Oct, 2022

Jakob - Solace (2006)

I’m just reading a great, totally self-depreciating and honest book about Steven Wilson’s perceived failings as a rock star. Ok, it’s agreed, he’s no rock star but he’s a fantastic musician, producer, band leader (of several ensembles) and a complete music nerd.

• • #jakob

• David
• 07 Oct, 2022

Tame Impala - Lonerism (2012)

If this record wasn’t so awash with psychedelic goo, it could be a lost Beatles record. The prevalence of ultra-hooky pop hooks is ridiculous.

• • #tameimpala

• David
• 06 Oct, 2022

Diana Krall - Stepping Out [HiRes](1993)

I actually stepped into “Stepping Out” following a very informative YouTube clip offering a list of the best sounding CDs to listen to.

• • #dianakrall

• David
• 05 Oct, 2022

Nightmares On Wax - In A Space Outta Sight (2006)

Bulging to the brim full of bangers, this post-rave/downtempo collection requires little listening investment. The fact that it slaps you around the ears and envelopes you with warm syrupy beats and rhythms is enough.

• • #nightmaresonwax

• David
• 03 Oct, 2022

Poliça - Give You The Ghost (2012)

This is music that simply stops me in my tracks. It’s not just a casual listen, it takes over every synapse and sinew.

• • #poliça

• David
• 02 Oct, 2022

Tame Impala - Innerspeaker (2010)

It’s time to get the Tame Impala back catalogue out. They play live on Saturday 15th at Spark Arena. It’s been a two and a half year wait for a gig originally scheduled for Thursday 16th April, 2020.

• • #tameimpala

• David
• 01 Oct, 2022

Fleetwood Mac - Mirage (1982)

I picked up a few soon-to-be-tossed-out CDs while in Hastings over the last few days. (My Brother was having a clean out.

• • #fleetwoodmac

• David
• 30 Sep, 2022

Avantdale Bowling Club - Trees (2022)

I had my first listen to this hot-off-the-press album {OK, I streamed and downloaded it from off-shore servers somewhere in the ethers} from Taite Music Prize-winning hip hop / jazz project Avantdale Bowling Club.

• • #avantdalebowlingclub

• David
• 26 Sep, 2022

Mercury Rev - Yerself Is Steam (1991)

I was NOT prepared for this! Even my watch protested about the noise of the first track - screaming out something ‘bout “…exceeding decibels…30 minutes…potential damage…” It wasn’t just the volume; it was the shear harshness of the assault.

• • #mercuryrev

• David
• 23 Sep, 2022

Pink Floyd - Animals (2018 Remix) (1977)

Animals has always been my favourite Pink Floyd record so I’m in two minds about people messing with it. While I do revere the original, I must admit, this 24-bit high resolution remix is significantly subtle is bringing everything to the fore.

• • #pinkfloyd

• David
• 22 Sep, 2022

Cari Cari - Anaana (2018)

Fabulous surf-punk-everything-including-the-kitchen-sink-psych. This is a recently discovered album from duo Stephanie Widmer (vocals, drums, didgeridoo) and Alexander Köck (vocals, guitar) aka Cari Cari.

• • #caricari

• David
• 21 Sep, 2022

Oh Sees - Face Stabber (2019)

Never, ever judge a book, (or any record for that matter), by it’s cover. While most of The Oh Sees album sleeves are butt ugly, the music is anything but.

• • #ohsees

• David
• 19 Sep, 2022

The Beta Band - The Three EP.'S (1998)

A classic non-album from the Betas. This is a compilation of early EP’s. Nary a missed beat from these Scotsmen. Brilliant, dreamy strum-along, sing-along anthems that traverse folk, rock and indie.

• • #thebetaband

• David
• 18 Sep, 2022

The Beths - Expert In A Dying Field (2022)

Full of catchy riffage and pop-leaning hooks, this new release from The Beths should be great to see played live next week.

• • #thebeths

• David
• 17 Sep, 2022

Oh Sees - Orc (2017)

The genius of John Dywer never lets up throughout an array of different band monikers, (including Orinoka Crash Suite, OCS, Orange County Sound, The Ohsees, The Oh Sees, Thee Oh Sees, and Oh Sees), and a myriad of fluid genres over the last 25 years.

• • #ohsees

• David
• 15 Sep, 2022

Appliance - Manual (1999)

Not a bad haul this. I got all three Appliance CD’s, including this debut, super dirt cheap at the big red shed during peak multi-format media acquisition days.

• • #appliance

• David
• 14 Sep, 2022

Marlon Williams - My Boy (2022)

A courier package arrived from Flying Out Records this afternoon. In that package was a compact disc (aka CD). This also happened to be a brand-new release from the undisputed boy with the silkiest voice in Godzone.

• • #marlonwilliams

• David
• 13 Sep, 2022

Porcupine Tree - Lightbulb Sun (2000)

I reached for a safety net this evening. Steven Wilson/Porcupine Tree is always an easy win to stimulate the synapses and trim back the auditory neurons back to normal.

• • #porcupinetree

• David
• 12 Sep, 2022

Cranes - Particles & Waves (2004)

OK. I’m being right up front here. Give me actual, physical media over streaming any day. I reached for a randomly chosen CD this evening, put it in my repurposed Oppo Blu-ray transport and immersed myself in its warm, earthy, organic texture and sonic splendor.

• • #cranes

• David
• 11 Sep, 2022

Harold Budd/Brian Eno - The Pearl (1984)

When we happen to have a visiting contingent of guests, related or otherwise, I’m always conscious of playing music in the lounge that does not challenge.

• • #brianeno
  • #haroldbudd

• David
• 09 Sep, 2022

Autechre - Amber (1994)

This ambient/techno record is startlingly apt for a day of national introspection. This makes a terrific soundtrack as one watches the fairy tale tributes unfold across multiple channels.

• • #autechre

• David
• 07 Sep, 2022

David Sylvian - Gone To Earth (1986)

A timeless masterpiece from my favourite, post-punk/decommissioned new romantic front man, neo-reclusive avant-jazzasist. Surrounded by extraordinary musicians, Robert Fripp and Bill Nelson included, this remains genre resistant.

• • #davidsylvian

• David
• 05 Sep, 2022

Thee Oh Sees - Mutilator Defeated at Last (2015)

While I was completely gob smacked with the brilliance of 2018’s “Smote Reverser” , this is it’s little noisy brother. The same sentiments apply just as equally to this album.

• • #theeohsees

• David
• 04 Sep, 2022

Various Artists - Fell From The Sun (2022)

Bob Stanley and Pete Wiggs present downtempo and after hours 1990-91 Another stupendous ACE Records compilation curated by fellow clevor Trevor’s Bob Stanley and Pete Wiggs.

• • #variousartists

• David
• 31 Aug, 2022

The LA's -The LA's (1990)

While it’s all over in just over 35 minutes, there is not one wasted second. What’s remarkable is that this was their only record.

• David
• 28 Aug, 2022

Depeche Mode - Music For The Masses (1987)

I’m just loving rediscovering my big wall of sound. This big multi-level shelf of plastic and card-board cases hold the majority of my CDs, SACDs and DVD-Audio/Blu-ray discs.

• • #depechemode

• David
• 26 Aug, 2022

Nancy Sinatra And Lee Hazlewood - Nancy & Lee (1968)

I really hummed and ha’d about “needing” to have this on vinyl. After all, I’ve already invested in the magnificent Nancy Sinatra 2 LP compilation “Start Walking” which spans the years 1965 to 1976.

• • #nancysinatra
  • #leehazlewood

• David
• 25 Aug, 2022

John Foxx - Metadelic (2013)

While there were a few fleeting moments sans John Foxx, with Ultravox version 2.0, which followed on after his departure, the original Ultravox was more of a real deal.

• • #johnfoxx

• David
• 24 Aug, 2022

Yo La Tengo - I Can Hear The Heart Beating As One (1997)

This record encompasses everything I like but is also unlike anything else I like. Does that make any sense? I really doesn’t need to.

• • #yolatengo

• David
• 23 Aug, 2022

Cornelius - Point (2002)

If you can find a better sounding CD than this, I’ll eat my entire vinyl collection. I can’t even contemplate why you would ever listen to this on anything other than a CD or via decent streaming media.

• • #cornelius

• David
• 22 Aug, 2022

Israel Nash - Israel Nash's Rain Pains (2014)

The New Zealand-based “A Sonic Youth” podcast just keeps on dishing up truly splendid, under-the-radar, what-the-fuck-is-alternative-music-anyway, musical richness. That’s four absolutely killer references in four episodes.

• • #israelnash

• David
• 21 Aug, 2022

Dinosaur Jr. - I Bet On Sky (2012)

This is guitar heaven for alt-rock/dirgey guitar slinger freaks. J. Mascis, as on this album, remains a true shred maestro with his trusty ‘63 Fender Jazzmaster amped up to the hilt.

• • #dinosaurjr

• David
• 20 Aug, 2022

Men I Trust - Untourable (2021)

Who wants to listen to music when the sky is literally falling and the murky, dank flood waters are lapping at your doorstep?

• • #menitrust

• David
• 16 Aug, 2022

Nadar Surf - High/Low (1996)

I heard a great song, “Popular” by this New York-based band on a recent podcast. I really needed to check them out a bit more.

• • #nadarsurf

• David
• 15 Aug, 2022

Low - The Great Destroyer (2005)

Another faultless record from these Duluth-based, slow-core pioneering Mormons. (Incidentally, Duluth was also the birth place of one Robert Zimmerman). Recently picked up by Sub Pop records this is a major leap forward in instrumental layering and accessibility.

• • #low

• David
• 14 Aug, 2022

Kacy & Clayton & Marlon Williams - Plastic Bouquet (2020)

Recorded in Saskatoon (Saskatchewan?) Nashville and Lyttelton, this country and western tinged folk record is a brilliantly realised collaberation between Cananadian duo Kacy Lee Anderson and Clayton Linthcium, of Kacy & Clayton, and New Zealand wunderkid, Marlon Williams.

• • #marlonwilliams
  • #kacyandclayton

• David
• 11 Aug, 2022

Various Artists - Spunk: Days Of Future Past (2004)

The best of Spunk 1994-2004. 2xCD $24.95. As the blurbs says “Including rare & live tracks”. I love a good compilation.

• • #variousartists

• David
• 10 Aug, 2022

L'Impératrice - Tako Tsubu (2021)

Oh yeah! Parisian disco collective completely stuck in a 70s time warp. Banging out on my big B&Ws. Awesome! This evening I have been listening on:

• • #limpératrice

• David
• 09 Aug, 2022

Bang Gang - Something Wrong (2003)

The wonderful film “Screaming Masterpiece” introduced me to many great Icelandic musicians. There were many “wow” moments throughout this music documentary and it ultimately led me to this “band” and this astounding record.

• • #banggang

• David
• 06 Aug, 2022

Guru's Jazzmatazz - Vol.2 (1995)

Great 2nd release that merges mainstream Jazz with street cred Hip-Hop and successfully ticks the “really cool” box. While Vol.1 was the bee’s knees, this is still brilliant.

• • #guru

• David
• 05 Aug, 2022

Beck - Guero (2005)

While it couldn’t possibly top “Odelay”, it is a wonderful potpourri of brilliance. A decade later, his songwriting has matured like a fine wine.

• • #beck

• David
• 01 Aug, 2022

Yo La Tengo - Fade (2013)

Had a bit of a false start with this one. Cable connection issues this evening from my turntable to my amplifier.

• • #yolatengo

• David
• 31 Jul, 2022

Wilco - Yankee Hotel Foxtrot (2002)

When Alt-Country does Radiohead. This was absolutely panned by Wilco’s record company and seen as commercial suicide. Wilco refused to budge and left the label.

• • #wilco

• David
• 29 Jul, 2022

Yucatan - Uwch Gopa'r Mynydd (2015)

This absolutely beautiful album was lent to me several year ago and I have never been able to track it down since.

• • #yucatan

• David
• 28 Jul, 2022

Yard Act - The Overload (2022)

Wonderful debut from another Smith-led collective from Leeds. James Smith certainly sounds like a young, slightly less vitriolic Mark E Smith.

• • #yardact

• David
• 24 Jul, 2022

Stereo MC's - Connected (1992)

Despite an erroneous apostrophe, the Stereo MC’s produced this stunner absolutely full to the brim with funky rap-infused belters. While the track “Connected” is the best known song, there are 12 other tracks equally as addictive.

• • #stereomcs

• David
• 23 Jul, 2022

The Spinanes - Manos (1993)

Chicago two piece, Rebecca Gates, guitar and vocals, and Scott Plouf, on drums, make such a wonderful racket together. While it’s inherently a narrow soundstage, the chemistry and synchronicity between the duo is palpable.

• • #thespinanes

• David
• 22 Jul, 2022

Cabaret Voltaire - The Crackdown (1983)

This really was the “band” that shocked me out of any lethargy following the mid-70s/early-80s punk/post-punk correction. This is the epitome of no-wave.

• • #cabaretvoltaire

• David
• 20 Jul, 2022

Enigma - MCMXC A.D. (1990)

The CD strikes back saga continues. I’m truly blown away by a few recent revelations that have now been fully implemented with spectacular results.

• • #enigma

• David
• 19 Jul, 2022

Venessa Fernandez - When The Levee Breaks (2016)

Boo hoo hoo! The Zeppelin purists might just spit out their dummies when they hear this. This fabulous SACD has Venessa Fernandez and her amazing band, reinterpreting some juicy Led Zep tunes.

• • #venessafernandez

• David
• 18 Jul, 2022

Massive Attack - Heligoland (2010)

I’m not sure why this album gets such a bad rap. Ok, it’s probably not The Massive at their peak of popularity but it certainly contains all of the elements that make it a sonically rich, refreshingly experimental and ultimately rewarding listen.

• • #massiveattack

• David
• 17 Jul, 2022

Venessa Fernandez - Use Me [SACD](2014)

OK there’s a bit of a back story to this. On my recent trip to Melbourne, I was adamant I was not going to contravene every carry-on cabin restriction, reinvent creative and discrete storage practices, or put my back out, smuggling hefty vinyl back to New Zealand.

• • #venessafernandez

• David
• 29 Jun, 2022

Blackfield - NYC (2007)

Blackfield - Recorded live at the Bowery Ballroom, NYC on 16th March 2007 OK, I’ve decamped all of my boxed up digital media and it’s living and breathing once more.

• • #blackfield

• David
• 27 Jun, 2022

Dread Zeppelin - Un-Led-Ed (1990)

I recently re-discovered this wonderful, satire heavy, musically rich, dignity intact record from a few decades back. Despite it’s parody of the almighty and sacred Led Zeppelin, it works so very, very well.

• • #dreadzeppelin

• David
• 26 Jun, 2022

The Smile - A Light For Attracting Attention (2022)

Holy moly! This really came out the blue. While its clearly a side project of Thom Yorke and Jonny Greenwood, (and Sons Of Kemet’s Tom Skinner), it could really pass as an extraordinary new Radiohead record.

• • #thesmile

• David
• 24 Jun, 2022

Porcupine Tree - Closure/Continuation (2022)

OK, it’s been a good decade since Porcupine Tree shed their seemingly evergreen leaves and ceased to be. Steve Wilson, of course went from strong to stronger and his prolific output continued as a solo artist and wunderkid producer/remaster specialist.

• • #porcupinetree

• David
• 19 Jun, 2022

Led Er Est - The Diver (2012)

As it says on the cover “an LP recorded in 2011” There’s definitely a tip of the hat to 1980’s goth a La The Cure, Clan Of Xymox, Sisters Of Mercy etc.

• • #lederest

• David
• 17 Jun, 2022

Implosion - Implosion (1988)

Back in late May I discovered a fabulous, genre-less, probably more-prog-than-not, largely instrumental rock outfit from Italy. That record was a compilation of great, unreleased music from the mid to late 80’s and an addendum to this, their first and at one point, very rare, under-the-radar release.

• • #implosion

• David
• 16 Jun, 2022

The Mars Volta - Octahedron (2008)

This, the Volta’s fifth record, is their ambient acoustic country folk rock album. It’s as accessible as they ever get but if you think for a moment it’s not a proper The Mars Volta recording you will be completely deluded.

• • #themarsvolta

• David
• 15 Jun, 2022

Morphine - Good (1992)

Some might say that Morphine, a rowdy trio from Boston, are a bit of a one trick pony. Comprising of singer/slide bass player Mark Sandman, Dana Colley on tenor and baritone sax and drummer, Jerome Dupree, it certainly feels “samey” through out.

• • #morphine

• David
• 12 Jun, 2022

Depeche Mode - Exciter (2001)

The argument about vinyl vs digital media is thrown right out the window when you stick a remuxed, DVD-Audio disc such as this into a half-decent media player.

• • #depechemode

• David
• 11 Jun, 2022

Dope Lemon - Rose Pink Cadillac (2022)

Another trippy, dippy stoner psych release from the Y gene carrying, younger sibling of Angus and Julia Stone fame. Like his previous records, it’s all refreshingly lethargic and wishy washy.

• • #dopelemon

• David
• 07 Jun, 2022

Eve Adams - Metal Bird (2021)

This reminds me of the minimalist approach that Melbourne’s Jonnine Standish takes with her duo HTRK . While there’s more experimentation on that wonderful record, the less-is-more ethic taken on this record is similar.

• • #eveadams

• David
• 06 Jun, 2022

Trees Speak - Vertigo Of Flaws (2021)

Emancipation of the dissonance and temperaments in irrational wavelengths. I really couldn’t have put it better myself. Electronic music, especially post-punk retro became my staple in the early 80’s as I explored the left of mainstream with Cabaret Voltaire, early Ultravox and especially Tangerine Dream the most rewarding.

• • #treesspeak

• David
• 05 Jun, 2022

Woodenhead - Original And Reimagined (2022)

This beyond extraordinary New Zealand film from 2003 definitely wouldn’t be everyone’s cup of tea (or cup o’ sick!). I’m not even going to attempt to explain it or even recommend it - if you want to know more, check it out here .

• • #woodenhead

• David
• 04 Jun, 2022

Grouper - Dragging A Dead Deer Up A Hill (2008)

Quite a rare find yesterday. This record is pretty impossible to find and definitely one to grab if you can find it.

• • #grouper

• David
• 31 May, 2022

Easy Star All-Stars - Dub Side Of The Moon (2003)

Some times old rock dinosaurs just need to lighten up a bit. Roger Waters especially continues to be an old misery guts and wallows in self-pity.

• • #easystarallstars

• David
• 29 May, 2022

Black Box Recorder - The Facts Of Life (2000)

Wonderful turn-of-the-millennium expose on British life by auteur Luke Haines and co. How can you not like a song about the English motorway system?

• • #blackboxrecorder

• David
• 28 May, 2022

Implosion - Implosion 2020 (2020)

Obscure yet outstanding 80’s Italian outfit that only ever released one solitary, self-titled album back in 1988. This FANTASTIC 2020 Record Store Day record contains 16 previously unreleased tracks from other recordings done between 1983 and 1989.

• • #implosion

• David
• 26 May, 2022

Pylon - Razz Tape (1979)

This cracker of a live session was captured on primitive recording equipment solely for the purposes of garnering interest for potential employment around the local clubs of Athens, Georgia.

• • #pylon

• David
• 24 May, 2022

Beak> - >>> (2018)

Strangeness personified. Intentionally radio unfriendly, Krautrock(y), squelchy, stoner prog. Perfect as a formulaic, poser-pop fly spray, this little gem completely tears up the rule book.

• • #beak>

• David
• 22 May, 2022

The 40 Watt Banana - Peeled (2019)

The best ever Indo-Afro Psychedelic Jazz band in New Zealand, these recordings date from the late 60s, early 70s, with most of the tracks unreleased demos.

• • #the40wattbanana

• David
• 21 May, 2022

Kae Tempest - The Line Is A Curve (2022)

Usually I’m not overly bothered with a poet or spoken word artist and wouldn’t necessarily cross the street to involve myself.

• • #kaetempest

• David
• 19 May, 2022

Harmonia - Deluxe (1975)

Astounding, just astounding!!! Allmusic.com - Review

• • #harmonia

• David
• 18 May, 2022

Houeida Hedfi - Fleuves De L'âme (2021)

This is beyond categorisation, it just “is”. Without deconstructing things too much, this wonderful recording by Tunisian multi-instrumentalist Houeida Hedfi, combines traditional folk music with an extraordinary array of contemporary genres.

• • #houeidahedfi

• David
• 17 May, 2022

Ghost Power (2022)

This all instrumental, trance-inducing long player from Stereolab’s Tim Gane, while not far removed from the Labs mesmeric soundscapes, is sans his dirty old, reverb-rich, overdriven Jaguar and replaced with an all analogue, knob-twiddling, (over)indulgence.

• David
• 12 May, 2022

Fontaines DC - Skinty Fia (2022)

Big, brooding third record from collusive, fellow Dublin City Music College graduates now full time residents of London. They’ve done alright - three shit hot albums in as many years and a bunch of hooky foot stompers.

• • #fontainesdc

• David
• 11 May, 2022

Gang Of Youths - The Positions (2015)

Half of the music I’ve been listening to has been from Australian artists. It’s ranged from hoary old troopers to minimalist noodling and stoner folk.

• • #gangofyouths

• David
• 10 May, 2022

Vincent H.L - Weird Days (2018)

Do yourself a favour and have a listen to this sure-to-be-an-absolute-classic New Zealand long player. This is without doubt the best Westie record I’ve ever heard.

• • #vincenthl

• David
• 09 May, 2022

Dope Lemon - Honey Bones (2016)

I picked up Dope Lemon’s second record, “Smooth Big Cat” a couple of trips back when I ventured across the big ditch to Melbourne.

• • #dopelemon

• David
• 05 May, 2022

The Monkees - Pisces, Aquarius, Capricorn & Jones LTD. (1967)

The evening started out with a Monkees sampler. I’d just play side 1 of each of the 3 long players I’ve got of theirs.

• • #themonkees

• David
• 04 May, 2022

Jon Hopkins - Immunity (2013)

Just sit down, shut up and listen to this. This is not a record to have in the background. This is not a record to be doing anything else while you listen to it.

• • #jonhopkins

• David
• 03 May, 2022

Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds - Live Seeds (RSD) (2022)

Originally recorded during his “Henry’s Dream” tour of 1993, this includes some truly incendiary versions of some stonking tunes across several albums.

• • #nickcave

• David
• 02 May, 2022

Wet Leg - Wet Leg (2022)

This record has been well (over)hyped for the last 6 months or so. But you know what, in my book it lives up to every accolade that’s been thrown at it.

• • #wetleg

• David
• 30 Apr, 2022

Calexico - El Mirador (2022)

Great to have some new Calexico back on the turntable. Actually to be truthful, this is my first Calexico album on vinyl.

• • #calexico

• David
• 28 Apr, 2022

Nick Cave & Warren Ellis - Carnage (2021)

I’ve kept this one up my sleeve. With lots of time to kill during the last couple of years of unpleasantness, Mr Cave and Mr Ellis have fabricated one of the most extraordinary and records I’ve had the recent pleasure of listening to.

• • #nickcave
  • #warrenellis

• David
• 27 Apr, 2022

Little Simz - Sometimes I Might Be Introvert (2021)

This wonderful Hip Hop/R&B/Rap (whatever-you-call-it?) record from Islington born, British Ghanian, London lady, Simbiatu Ajikawo, was way up there on all of the “best of” 2021 lists.

• • #littlesimz

• David
• 25 Apr, 2022

The Nightingales - Pigs On Purpose (1982)

I knew absolutely nothing about this band other than they were completely underappreciated and are now worthy of re-evaluation. Well that’s what the hype sticker on the cover says.

• • #thenightingales

• David
• 24 Apr, 2022

The Body Electric - Presentation And Reality (RSD) (1983)

I managed to pick up one of only 200 copies of this, the Record Store Day release version, on beautiful yellow and blue vinyl.

• • #thebodyelectric

• David
• 23 Apr, 2022

Boards Of Canada - Twoism (1995)

BOCs first ever recording (limited to just 100 copies), was this generous 38 minute mini-album. Always extremely difficult to find, it was finally repressed by Warp records in 2013 to appease the masses.

• • #boardsofcanada

• David
• 21 Apr, 2022

The Mars Volta - Frances The Mute (2005)

This second long recording from The Mars Volta takes things even further, if that’s at all possible, into more unchartered territory.

• • #themarsvolta

• David
• 20 Apr, 2022

The Dream Syndicate - Days Of Wine And Roses (1982)

How on earth did this astounding record slip past me. In all honesty this early 80’s classic is one of the biggest sonic surprises I’ve ever experienced.

• • #thedreamsyndicate

• David
• 19 Apr, 2022

Band Of Horses - Things Are Great (2022)

This is a fantastic return to top form. This is a band that just keeps being themselves. Considering that it’s been 6 years since their last album, 2016’s “Why Are You OK?

• • #bandofhorses

• David
• 16 Apr, 2022

Broadcast - Mother In The Milky Way (2022)

This 2009 EP was only ever available during the tour of that year. To say it’s unconventional would be under selling it to say the least.

• • #broadcast

• David
• 15 Apr, 2022

Charlie Megira - Rock'n'Roll Fragments (2003)

Holy Moly, Charlie Megira’s whole world has now opened up to me after a visit to my local recently. (The fact that my local is a combined craft beer pub and record store, means it’s the ultimate one stop shop!

• • #charliemegira

• David
• 13 Apr, 2022

Jonathan Richmond - Back In Your Life (1979)

I heard a great podcast this morning when out for my morning walk. “Word Podcast” (aka “Word In Your Ear) a HIGHLY RECOMMENDED music nerd-fest, mentioned the fact that Jonathan Richmond sounds like no one else on the planet.

• • #jonathanrichman

• David
• 12 Apr, 2022

Love - Revisited (1970)

Some of my very best purchases I’ve ever made are sometimes found in the new vinyl, bargain bins of the big mega music shops like JB-Hifi and Real Groovy.

• • #love

• David
• 10 Apr, 2022

Arthur Russell - Another Thought (1994)

This remarkable album of demos, half finished pieces and other in-studio recordings by cellist and studio magician Arthur Russell was released posthumously soon after his death in 1992.

• • #arthurrussell

• David
• 08 Apr, 2022

Ty Segall - Freedom's Goblin (2018)

This is a record that is bulging at the seams with wonderful invention and brilliant performance. If you have the patience, it’s a proper roller coaster experience.

• • #tysegall

• David
• 06 Apr, 2022

Betty Davis - Betty Davis (1973)

This is one of the funkiest things you’ll ever hear. Miles’s short lived spouse and better half should have set the world alight with this, her stunning debut record.

• • #bettydavis

• David
• 04 Apr, 2022

Khruangbin & Leon Bridges - Texas Moon (2022)

My usual bag of coffee beans has gone up by $2.50 over the last couple of months. WTF! Now that’s serious and potentially troublesome for my boy and his two-cups-of-my-coffee-a-day habit.

• • #khruangbin
  • #leonbridges

• David
• 01 Apr, 2022

Caribou - Up In Flames (2003)

I just loved Dan Snaith’s (Caribou’s sole band member) 2014 record “Our Love” so I couldn’t resist picking up this 2021 repress from a decade earlier.

• • #caribou

• David
• 28 Mar, 2022

King Hannah - Tell Me Your Mind And I'll Tell You Mine (2020)

I’ve been listening to this wonderful EP on repeat via streaming services over the last couple of weeks. I just can’t get enough of it.

• • #kinghannah

• David
• 26 Mar, 2022

Aldous Harding - Warm Chris (2022)

First listen to this brand new release hot off the record press. What is truly remarkable is just how unique this long player sounds.

• • #aldousharding

• David
• 22 Mar, 2022

Serge Gainsbourg - Histoire De Melody Nelson (1971)

I recently found a copy of this absolute masterpiece on vinyl during my recent travels. It’s a 2009 USA pressing produced by USA label “Light In The Attic Records”.

• • #sergegainsbourg

• David
• 21 Mar, 2022

Scritti Politti - Cupid & Psyche 85 (1985)

Lush is the word that sums up this wonderful mid-80s record. It’s also up and over the brim with charm. A bit dated could also apply but the song-writing and impeccable production make up for any deep dive into that discussion.

• • #scrittipolitti

• David
• 20 Mar, 2022

Snooch Dodd And The Pro-Teens - I Flip My Life Every Time I Fly (2021)

This Melbourne outfit is another great discovery of late. Really hard to pigeon hole into any genre. As it says on the hype sticker “…this is inspired by funk, library music, cinematic scores, soul, psych-folk-rock and wonky synths.

• • #snoochdoddandthepro-teens

• David
• 18 Mar, 2022

Ragnarok - Ragnarok (1975)

I may or may not have seen Ragnarok at the Racecourse Hotel, Hastings as a highschool lad back in the day.

• • #ragnarok

• David
• 16 Mar, 2022

Garageland - Last Exit To Garageland (1997)

To these ears this is one of the best records that Pavement didn’t make. While you could say that the Flying Nun label mates of this Auckland-based outfit taught the Paves a thing or two, this group are just as effective at playing sloppy, effortless and slightly off kilter pop music like the big boys of the era.

• • #garageland

• David
• 12 Mar, 2022

The Gluts - Dengue Fever Hypnotic Trip (2019)

I took a bit of a gamble with my record buying this evening. It’s becoming a bit of a habit lately, buying stuff I know nothing about.

• • #thegluts

• David
• 11 Mar, 2022

Black Mountain - Destroyer (2019)

When these Canadian Space Rock Psych Warriors put any record out, you know it’s always a wall to wall riff fest.

• • #blackmountain

• David
• 10 Mar, 2022

Bonzo Dog Band - Tadpoles (1969)

A nice little, albeit dated, excursion tonight listening to some late 60’s English Loonies. I spotted this 1986, nearly mint pressing, at a second hand record shop in Napier.

• • #bonzodogband

• David
• 09 Mar, 2022

Nancy Sinatra - Start Walkin' 1965-1976 (2021)

This recent compilation kicks off with a shimmering guitar, hefty with reverb, bereft of much else in the way of accompaniment and Ms.

• • #nancysinatra

• David
• 07 Mar, 2022

Motels - Motels (1979)

This record was on high rotation during the late 70’s, early 80’s as punk gave way to the much richer and diverse palate of post-punk/new wave.

• • #motels

• David
• 03 Mar, 2022

Talk Talk - The Party's Over (1982)

I first encountered the great Mark Hollis and Talk Talk via their third release 1986’s “The Colour Of Spring”. I kind of ignored the previous two records including this one, their 1982 debut.

• • #talktalk

• David
• 01 Mar, 2022

Black Country, New Road - Ants From Up There (2022)

I’m a bit disappointed with this new “special edition” release. The music is brilliant, the packaging and blue splatter vinyl exceptional.

• • #newroad
  • #blackcountry

• David
• 28 Feb, 2022

Cibo Matto - Viva La Woman (1996)

I didn’t hesitate one second in picking up this fabulous food-fixated first-in-class classic record at Palmerston North’s JB-Hifi during my recent travels.

• • #cibomatto

• David
• 27 Feb, 2022

Various Artists - Pillows And Prayers (1982)

I’ve just spent the last week or so travelling up North between Wellington and Hawkes Bay. After giving up hope of finding any decent stand-alone records shops I found an amazing little treasure trove in Waipawa, Central Hawkes Bay.

• • #variousartists

• David
• 13 Feb, 2022

Betty Davis - They Say I'm Different (1973)

This is one of those records that would have really frightened the normals. Especially considering it was the early 70’s. It’s sleazy and confronting.

• • #bettydavis

• David
• 11 Feb, 2022

Radiohead - Kid A Mnesia (2022)

Holy Moley where do you start with this?! While hailed as one of the most important rock recordings of all time when they delivered their revered “OK Computer”, Radiohead went even more left field with these evil twins.

• • #radiohead

• David
• 10 Feb, 2022

Khruangbin - Mordechai Remixes (2021)

I don’t always go for remixes, but this band just screams out for the treatment. While the Khruangbin sound takes a very slight step backwards in the mix it’s a den full of very tasty disco bangers this evening.

• • #khruangbin

• David
• 09 Feb, 2022

Alberfeldy - Young Forever (2004)

This CD sits right at the very top of my collection. OK, alphabetically it’s a given, but musically it’s simply an embarrassment of riches.

• • #alberfeldy

• David
• 08 Feb, 2022

Gary Numan - Warriors (1983)

Shit, I’ve heard many worse records than this one. Apart from a little bit too much sax and a funky dance vibe it’s a salvable remnant from the Mr.

• • #garynuman

• David
• 07 Feb, 2022

Lindsey Buckingham - Lindsey Buckingham (2021)

This is a remarkable comeback record for the 72 year old, ex Fleetwood Mac guitar and song writing maestro. Ousted from the band in 2018, probably mostly by his own doing, and battling major health issues, he’s made a record that could sit alongside those BIG Mac records of the mid-70s.

• • #lindseybuckingham

• David
• 05 Feb, 2022

Broadcast - Haha Sound (2003)

Aside from the impeccable music on this record, the first thing that really strikes you is the quality of the packaging.

• • #broadcast

• David
• 04 Feb, 2022

The Monkees - The Monkees (1966)

Track 1, “(Theme from) The Monkees” is one of my all time favourite childhood memories and still fills me with delight to this day.

• • #themonkees

• David
• 03 Feb, 2022

The Coral - Coral Island (2021)

Merseyside’s, The Coral have never made a duff record in all of their 20 plus years of existent. This new record is another album filled to the brim with greatness.

• • #thecoral

• David
• 02 Feb, 2022

Anne Clark - The Very Best Of (2010)

I happened upon Anne Clark via the great 2018 documentary “I Will Walk Out In To Tomorrow”. Prior to that I was aware of but not at all familiar with her music or her brilliance.

• • #anneclark

• David
• 31 Jan, 2022

Arthur Russell - World Of Echo (1986)

Nothing prepares the listener for this. It’s Arthur Russell’s only non-collaborative record consisting of cello, voice (somewhere between Boz Scaggs and Nick Drake) and in-studio or live, sounds and textures.

• • #arthurrussell

• David
• 30 Jan, 2022

Various Artists - Chee Shimizu "More Better Days" (2016)

This is an absolutely fabulous compilation of Japanese rock, electronic and fringe dwelling music from the 1980s. Impossible to find the conventional way, (but I’ll keep looking), this is courtesy of a subscribed lossless website.

• • #variousartists

• David
• 29 Jan, 2022

Robert Plant & Alison Kraus - Raising The Roof (2021)

Another record I’ve been holding off listening to. The moment needed to be just right. Saturday afternoon and I’m not feeling so sharp, so on the turntable this wee gem goes.

• • #alisonkrauss
  • #robertplant

• David
• 26 Jan, 2022

Lime Cordiale - 14 Steps To A Better You (2020)

My Aussie mate Maurice bought this CD for me during our 2021 by-the-seat-of-our-pants visit to Melbourne. It’s my first listen to this Sydney-based band and I must say its a rather pleasurable experience.

• • #limecordiale

• David
• 25 Jan, 2022

Yeah Yeah Yeahs - Fever To Tell (2003)

This is was one of my holy grail records to find on vinyl. Jason from “My Music Taupo”, who by the way has one of the best record shops in all of Aotearoa, found it for me.

• • #yeahyeahyeahs

• David
• 23 Jan, 2022

Grizzly Bear - Veckatimest (2009)

This is a brilliantly mixed up, but carefully contrived mess, that just sounds sensational in all of it’s vinyl glory. It’s the sort of record that also holds you to account.

• • #grizzlybear

• David
• 20 Jan, 2022

Alan Vega - After Dark (2021)

A beautiful, unconventional rockabilly blues record from now departed Suicide co-founder/co-member, Alan Vega. This could quite easily be an old time blues record backed by any number of 70’s era Krautrock bands.

• • #alanvega

• David
• 19 Jan, 2022

Ziggy is 50 (1972)

I heard “Starman” and “Suffragette City” on the car radio this morning. The realisation soon hit me - Ziggy is 50 years old!

• David
• 16 Jan, 2022

Trees Speak - OHMS (2020)

I’ve been waiting a long time to find this record. This is the first (proper) record by Tuscon, Arizona duo Trees Speak.

• • #treesspeak

• David
• 15 Jan, 2022

Pale Saints - Mrs. Dolphin (1991)

A recent Record Store Day vinyl compilation of a long lost, Japanese only CD from the long defunct Pale Saints (from Leeds) Pale Saints were often on my playlist back in the 90’s and one of my 4AD staples.

• • #palesaints

• David
• 14 Jan, 2022

Fela Kuti - Fela's London Scene (1971)

Another absolute stunner from one of Afrobeat’s finest. This 50th Anniversary Reissue is “coolness” personified. Fela was best mates with Ginger Baker, who apparently, (this is uncredited on the album), helps out on the sublime “Egbe Mio”.

• • #felakuti

• David
• 13 Jan, 2022

The Beatles - Help! (1965)

This is probably where it all began for me. Still my most important Beatles record. Some gasp that the Beatles records have been remastered from digitals sources.

• • #thebeatles

• David
• 12 Jan, 2022

Matt Berry - Gather Up (2021)

At this moment in time, I can’t think of any English actor more watchable than Matt Berry. He’s great to listen to as well.

• • #mattberry

• David
• 10 Jan, 2022

Emma-Jean Thackray - Yellow (2021)

Starting of with a discordant mess worthy of “Jazz Club” *, this record quickly asserts itself as a mix of 70’s jazz fusion, funk and cosmic greatness.

• • #emma-jeanthackray

• David
• 08 Jan, 2022

David Bowie - Toy (2021)

I’m not really sure how I feel about this record - I’m listening to it as I type. This is the first time I’ve heard this since acquiring it as part of the massive “Brilliant Adventure” box.

• • #davidbowie

• David
• 06 Jan, 2022

Idles - Crawler (2021)

One of the best opening songs I’ve heard in a long time, “MTT 420 RR”, (literally the vocalist’s own historic car crash), sets the stage for a remarkable journey.

• • #idles

• David
• 04 Jan, 2022

Poets Of Rhythm - Discern/Define (2001)

The more I dig into German music of the last 50 or so years, the more I am blown away. This outrageously great funk record sounds like it belongs back in the 70’s but with today’s state-of-the-art production it’s unmistakably contemporary.

• • #poetsofrhythm

• David
• 31 Dec, 2021

Princess Chelsea - Lil's Golden Book (2011)

At this time of year who wants to overthink the previous 12 months? For most of us it’s been a proper, global annus horribilis.

• • #princesschelsea
  • #youtube

• David
• 29 Dec, 2021

David Crosby - If I Could Only Remember My Name (1971)

Splendid, hippy dippy masterpiece that sounds both completely messed up and singularly focused all at the same time. It’s a mishmash of styles of the time but totally expected when you consider the roll call of participants.

• • #davidcrosby

• David
• 22 Dec, 2021

Beach House - Depression Cherry (2015)

A very ethereal record from Beach House. Sounding like its big fluffy red cover (I kid you not) this recording is enclosed in a murky haze that keeps the poppy sugar coating that’s trying its hardest to bust out under wraps.

• • #beachhouse

• David
• 20 Dec, 2021

Grooms - Exit Index (2017)

I’m really not sure what attracted me to this, aside from the beautiful cover, but what a fantastic find. Like a few days lately, I’ve been finding a few unfamiliar tracks and albums via streaming services.

• • #grooms

• David
• 16 Dec, 2021

Neon Neon - Praxis Makes Perfect (2013)

One of my pet peeves when buying records is the absence of plastic inner sleeves. Most of the paper inserts, glossy or otherwise, that come with the majority of new records these days, are as good as useless.

• • #neonneon

• David
• 14 Dec, 2021

Thee Oh Sees - Smote Reverser (2018)

One of the greatest finds of this year is this killer record from San Fran’s totally unhinged Thee Oh Sees. Impossible to categorise, to me they fit somewhere between King Gizard and the Wizard Lizard and The Bevis Frond.

• • #theeohsees

• David
• 12 Dec, 2021

The Waterboys - This Is The Sea (1985)

Another great bit of vinyl that’s found it’s way back home. This 1985 Aussie pressing, which I’d given away in the early 00’s and kindly returned, still sounds remarkably pristine.

• • #thewaterboys

• David
• 11 Dec, 2021

David Bowie - Hours (1999)

Co-written with Reeves Gabrels, this is Bowie’s most mellow record since “Hunky Dory”. It still rocks out in places though, especially with Mr.

• • #davidbowie

• David
• 08 Dec, 2021

David Bowie - Earthling (1997)

The stunning sonics of this newly pressed vinyl box continues. It’s certainly a box of goodies that just keeps giving. This is another record which I’ve only listened to in parts (“Little Wonder” & “I’m afraid Of Americans”) and most probably not in its entirety in one sitting.

• • #davidbowie

• David
• 06 Dec, 2021

David Bowie - 1. Outside (1995)

For many, this could be their introduction to David Bowie. For me, I had already kicked him into touch a decade and a half earlier following “Let’s Dance”.

• • #davidbowie

• David
• 04 Dec, 2021

David Bowie - Buddha Of Suburbia (1995)

To be honest, this is an album I never really knew existed. Made after “Black Tie White Noise” and around the time of “Outside” to soundtrack a British TV series, it never appeared on my radar at all.

• • #davidbowie

• David
• 02 Dec, 2021

David Bowie - Black Tie White Noise (1992)

My life is complete (again!). Having loudly proclaimed this fact already this week when I recieved Volume 2 of the fabulous “Deutsche Elektronische Musik”, things got even better today.

• • #davidbowie

• David
• 29 Nov, 2021

Various Artists - Deutsche Elektronische Musik Vol.2 (2013)

My life is now complete (well nearly, I just need to take delivery of the latest MASSIVE Bowie box which I also picked up for a steal - but I’ll save that particular story for later).

• • #variousartists

• David
• 27 Nov, 2021

Jackie Mittoo - The Keyboard King Of Studio One (2000)

Jackie Mittoo is the coolest man that ever lived. That’s according to The Guardian. I’m not arguing one iota, this Kingston born keyboard wiz is the cats pyjamas.

• • #jackiemittoo

• David
• 25 Nov, 2021

Stereolab - Refined Ectoplasm (1995)

Switched On Volume 2 Unbelievable 2nd volume of early singles and rarities from The Labs. Remastered on 4 sides of clear vinyl.

• • #stereolab

• David
• 24 Nov, 2021

Janne Schaffer - Katharsis (1976

This mid-70’s gem from Sweden’s own/only guitar-swinger Janne Schaffer, has finally come back home to me. I thank you Martin. Having given 100’s of records away at the turn of the century, I do have ongoing regrets about it.

• • #janneschaffer

• David
• 21 Nov, 2021

Low - Double Negative [Tidal](2018)

I’m really not sure about this. Low going all electronic noize with hyper-processed/distorted vocals just hasn’t got me feeling the love.

• • #low

• David
• 20 Nov, 2021

Mantronix - In Full Effect (1988)

After gifting my old turntable to my daughter Imogen and partner Tim in Wellington, they have now been plunged into the world of pain that is collecting and listening to vinyl.

• • #mantronix

• David
• 18 Nov, 2021

Swans - The Seer (2012)

This is a CD I have always been very reluctant (aka being really frightened) to play. I mean Ray Haliburton’s Allmusic User Review from 2015 proclaims “…if you’re looking for music that is truly horrifying, visceral, epic and absorbing, step right up.

• • #swans

• David
• 17 Nov, 2021

The liminanas - I’ve Got Trouble In Mind [Vol.2](2018)

Another fabulous compilation from French couple, Marie and Lionel Liminana (with a bit of help from a myriad of others).This is their second collection in two years.

• • #thelimiñanas

• David
• 16 Nov, 2021

El Michels Affair Meets Liam Bailey - Ekundayo Inversions (2021)

Brilliant remix/dubbed up version of Liam Bailey’s “Ekundayo” album - which I listened to just the other day. Every day I ask the question, “where has all of this wonderful music been all of my life”.

• • #elmichelsaffairmeetsliambailey

• David
• 14 Nov, 2021

Kimbra - Vows (2011)

Hamilton-born, Kimbra Johnson is really hard to categorise. There’s simply no doubt about it though, she’s one hell of a talent.

• • #kimbra

• David
• 12 Nov, 2021

Liam Bailey - Ekundayo (2020)

Another deep dive into a rabbit hole for me of late as I take several forays into the world of Jamaican-influenced music.

• • #liambailey

• David
• 11 Nov, 2021

Mew - Plus Minus (2017)

This Danish band is just extraordinary. Their record, 2005’s “And the Glass Handed Kites” is an epic masterpiece that demands at least a yearly, uninterrupted aural immersion.

• • #mew

• David
• 09 Nov, 2021

Various Artists - Soul Of A Nation (Vol.1) (2017)

Soul Records Presents: Afro-Centric Visions In The Age Of Black Power. Underground Jazz, Street Funk & The Roots Of Rap (1968-79) I bought a book.

• • #variousartists

• David
• 06 Nov, 2021

The Black Angels - Clear Lake Forest (2014)

This slightly warped EP (literally and figuratively - physically, its a bit on the bendy side) from Texans “The Black Angels” sounds like it really shouldn’t work at all and at times it’s just way off being pleasant.

• • #theblackangels

• David
• 04 Nov, 2021

The Whit Boyd Combo - Party Girls Original Soundtrack (2020)

An Organ Grindin’ Funky Good Time soundtrack from 1969’s “Party Girls” a long lost (probably for the best) low budget sleaze fest.

• • #thewhitboydcombo

• David
• 03 Nov, 2021

La Luz - La Luz (2021)

I LOVED La Luz’s last record, 2018’s “Floating Features”, but while pleasant enough, this new album has upped the production levels and sanded off those rough edges I loved on the previous one.

• • #laluz

• David
• 02 Nov, 2021

Grizzly Bear - Yellow House (2006)

Progressive folk at its finest. Don’t expect any real song structure, just one long, meandering, multilayered, highly complex, electro-acoustic folk jam.

• • #grizzlybear

• David
• 01 Nov, 2021

Dry Cleaning - New Long Leg (2020)

Fabulous debut record from South London’s Dry Cleaning. It’s the first time heard tonight, on recommendation from Mr. Smithies. It’s an immediate slam dunk.

• • #drycleaning

• David
• 30 Oct, 2021

Sault - Nine (2021)

Another remarkable, genre non-specific, masterwork from the mysterious UK collective that is Sault. After 99 days following it’s release (June 2021) this record has already been pulled from streaming services completely and will never see a re-pressing.

• • #sault

• David
• 29 Oct, 2021

La Luz - Floating Features (2018)

Take a bit of Dick Dale, a good chunk of Stereolab and a smidgeon of Nana Mouskouri, shake it all up, remove the men folk, and you have the sensational lady group La Luz.

• • #laluz

• David
• 27 Oct, 2021

Scribe - The Crusader (2004)

This record (especially the track “Not Many”) was a bit of a soundtrack for my teenagers. It also resonated strongly with me at the time.

• • #scribe

• David
• 21 Oct, 2021

Super Furry Animals - Rings Around The World (2001)

My full and ongoing membership of “Shut Up And Listen” depended on the success of my audition and my overly strategic song management.

• • #superfurryanimals

• David
• 19 Oct, 2021

Santana - Caravanserai [Hi-Res Audio] (1972)

I remember hearing this for the first time, as a young nursing student, at a friend’s place in Levin. He was a practitioner of Bahai Faith.

• • #santana

• David
• 17 Oct, 2021

Slowdive - Pygmalion (1995)

This beautiful album follows the magnificent “Souvlaki”, a record that Brian Eno provided keyboards and treatments. While the Eno ambience wasn’t obvious on that, it’s right to the fore on this.

• • #slowdive

• David
• 16 Oct, 2021

Robert Plant & Alison Krauss - Raising Sand (2007)

It’s really hard to believe that this wonderful record was made the year I started working in my current (and hopefully last) job.

• • #alisonkrauss
  • #robertplant

• David
• 13 Oct, 2021

Various Artists - Hot Rock (1972)

It’s time to get my boys out again. This compilation from the early 70’s is probably one of my holy grails as far as musical discovery goes.

• • #variousartists

• David
• 11 Oct, 2021

HTRK - Rhinestones (2021)

WOW! I just love this Melbourne duo. This is just beautiful and comes close to trumping my previous experience when first discovering this Aussie treasure.

• • #htrk

• David
• 10 Oct, 2021

The Limiñanas - I've Got Trouble In Mind [Vol.1](2014)

[7’ and rare stuff 2009/2014] I’ve been putting off listening to this virgin vinyl. I was really worried about being disappointed.

• • #thelimiñanas

• David
• 07 Oct, 2021

Various Artists - 10 Years Of Mom+Pop (2018)

This is the headline: “THREE YEARS OF BIN WATCHING AT JB-HIFI IN LOWER HUTT FINALLY PAYS OFF” I had an absolutely brilliant haul of less-costly-than-second-hand, new records from the bins at the yellow and black shed.

• • #variousartists

• David
• 06 Oct, 2021

Lord Huron - Long Lost (2021)

More magnificence from the LA-based band, Lord Huron. With a country-infused soundstage as big the lake they were named after, one of the big five by the way, it’s all very lush and cinematic.

• • #lordhuron

• David
• 03 Oct, 2021

The Boo Radleys - Giant Steps (1993)

Holy shit! What a FANTASTIC record! I didn’t realise what an absolute stonker this is. I listened to a great podcast this morning while hiking back from Tahunanui Beach, wife and dog in tow.

• • #thebooradleys

• David
• 01 Oct, 2021

Life Without Buildings - Any Other City (2001)

A fabulous, lady-led band from the century’s turn who sound like they shared a dressing room with the Slits and The Fall.

• • #lifewithoutbuildings

• David
• 30 Sep, 2021

Stomu Yomashta - Go Too (1977)

An absolute gem of a record found on my recent excursion up North. Discovered second hand at “Low Cost Records” in Petone, this record was always one of my favourites.

• • #stomuyamashta

• David
• 29 Sep, 2021

Darkside - Spiral (2021)

I’ve had a bit of a revelation today after a great Shut Up And Listen Session the evening before. Streaming stuff instead of relying on physical media is perfectly OK.

• • #darkside

• David
• 27 Sep, 2021

Nicolas Jaar - Space Is Only Noise (2011)

This is an exquisite, sumptuous recent discovery courtesy of the wonderful Youtube hosted by Michael the German. Michael, who is a truly engaging German man with the most incredible vinyl collection, regularly shares his insights into the best, and often but not always, audiophile vinyl pressings.

• • #nicolasjaar
  • #youtube

• David
• 15 Sep, 2021

Trees Speak - PostHuman (2021)

Is this album one of those genre-less wonders or an amalgam of everything put through a musical mincer? I really can’t make up my mind.

• • #treesspeak

• David
• 13 Sep, 2021

Kin Ping Meh - Kin Ping Meh 2 (1972)

Second album from German band “Kin Ping Meh” (Chinese for “The Golden Lotus”) There’s a definite “The Yes Album” feel to early proceedings with more than a few weird meanderings along the way.

• • #kinpingmeh

• David
• 12 Sep, 2021

Sleaford Mods - Divide And Exit (2014)

Bought this Friday. Played it Friday night. Didn’t love it. Played safto. Am goowin wi mi-sen and fookin’ lovin’ it! (Ok they’re from Nottingham)

• • #sleafordmods

• David
• 10 Sep, 2021

The Limiñanas - The Limiñanas (2010)

Another absolute STUNNER which flew completely under the radar. This debut record from French duo The Limiñanas, is one of the biggest musical surprises I have EVER encountered!

• • #thelimiñanas

• David
• 07 Sep, 2021

Fogg - High Testament (2014)

A big riffy, completely off-kilter, stoner rock record that sounds as big as Texas. That’s funny, coz these dudes hail from Fort Worth, Texas.

• • #fogg

• David
• 05 Sep, 2021

Belly - Bees (2021)

Awesome B-Sides collection on spectacular “honey” coloured vinyl. Just fantastic to have this. One of my favourite songs of all time on one of my favourite albums of all time, is the wonderful “Not Too Soon”, sung by Tanya Donelly on “The Real Ramona”.

• • #belly

• David
• 04 Sep, 2021

Solange - A Seat At The Table (2016)

I really needed a vinyl fix today. It’s been a few weeks since I’ve done any digging. I rang the Smithies hotline (Facebook Messenger actually) and arranged to meet.

• • #solange

• David
• 29 Aug, 2021

ESG - Come Away With (1983)

Stonkingly brilliant, early-80s, post-punk funk (without the horns) courtesy of the Scroggin Sisters from the Bronx, NY, NY. This is just crazy good.

• • #esg

• David
• 26 Aug, 2021

HTRK - Venus In Leo (2019)

One of my finds of the year, I knew absolutely nothing about HTRK (Hate Rock) or this record, prior to my recent travels to Melbourne.

• • #htrk

• David
• 25 Aug, 2021

The Rolling Stones - Exile On Main Street (1972)

RIP Charles Robert Watts An easy choice today. I bought this quite a few years ago when I started collecting “essential” vinyl once again.

• • #therollingstones

• David
• 23 Aug, 2021

Protomartyr - The Agent Intellect (2015)

This band is from Detroit. These men are not happy. Front man Joe Casey, led by an incendiary band, sings/talks his way through 12 astounding tracks.

• • #protomartyr

• David
• 22 Aug, 2021

Black Mountain - IV (2016)

Another terrific record, their forth, in a faultless catalogue of neo-70’s rock/prog. While they certainly know how to jam, they never overstay their welcome.

• • #blackmountain

• David
• 17 Aug, 2021

The Phoenix Foundation - Give Up Your Dreams (2015)

In recognition of brilliant Kiwi musicians I’m celebrating with some Wellington heavy weights today. Let’s face it - we need to go to all of those touring NZ artists touring at the moment - for their and for our own sakes.

• • #thephoenixfoundation

• David
• 13 Aug, 2021

Radio Moscow - Brain Cycles (2009)

These hairy MFs from Ames, Iowa really know how to kick the barn doors down! While it hints at stoner rock at times, it’s more in the flavour of the heavy side of 70’s electric blues.

• • #radiomoscow

• David
• 12 Aug, 2021

Spiritualized - Lazer Guided Melodies (1992)

Amazing, other/outer worldly and essential. Now this really IS a wall of sound. While it can be smothering - it’s a hazy, cuddly experience that wraps you up in a big, psyschedlic blanket.

• • #spiritualized

• David
• 10 Aug, 2021

Fela Kuti - Sorrow Tears & Blood (1977)

A bit of a “High Fidelity” moment last Friday evening as I strolled into The Family Jewels. Side two of this was playing on the shop and outside tannoys.

• • #felakuti

• David
• 09 Aug, 2021

Troy Kingi - Black Sea Golden Ladder (2021)

Tickets booked, I’d better have a listen. This is Troy Kingi’s “folk” record with Delaney Davidson, the proper folkie, lending a steady hand.

• • #troykingi

• David
• 07 Aug, 2021

New Vinyl Cleaning Gadget - Help from Talk Talk

More of a DIY brag this evening. To breath new life into your record collection give them a bath! This version of “It’s My Life” got the treatment today and boy does it make a difference.

• • #newvinylcleaninggadget

• David
• 04 Aug, 2021

Gruff Rhys - Seeking New Gods (2021)

FANTASTIC new record by Chief Superior Furry Animal. The SFAs know how to create bona fide pop music alright, but this just takes it up a notch or two.

• • #gruffrhys

• David
• 31 Jul, 2021

Jimi Hendrix - Jimi Hendrix In Maui (2021)

Fantastic documentary about the making of “Rainbow Bridge”, a complete Blu-Ray concert recording and 6 sides of Vinyl capturing Jimi Hendrix’s concert at Maui, Hawaii in 1970.

• • #jimihendrix

• David
• 29 Jul, 2021

ShelleyDevoto - Buzzhunst (2002)

There was only going to be one album to listen to this evening. After yesterday’s fabulous Alan Vega and Stephen Lironi show, it’s time for some Pete Shelley and Howard Devoto.

• • #shelleydevoto

• David
• 28 Jul, 2021

Revolutionary Corps Of Teenage Jesus - Righteous Lite (1999)

Holy Moly, I didn’t expect this! It’s the same old Alan Vega and his same old completely left of everything approach to making music - but god it sounds so frighteningly refreshing listening to this today.

• • #revolutionarycorpsofteenagejesus

• David
• 26 Jul, 2021

Spiritualized - Amazing Grace (2003)

The wall of sound on a Spiritualized record is always a bit disconcerting at first but it’s the silence within all of that murk that captures your ears.

• • #spiritualized

• David
• 25 Jul, 2021

Darkside - Psychic Live (2015)

Insanely good live performance of Darkside’s brilliant 2013 album “Psychic”, a mind warping, non-genre specific monster of a record. Watching this reminds me of the time that I walked into one my all time, smily face moments of pure musical bliss - Unkle playing live in the “Boiler Room” at The Big Day Out.

• • #darkside

• David
• 23 Jul, 2021

David Axelrod - Songs Of Innocence (1968)

Another taste of the Axelrod. Where has this been all of my life??

• • #davidaxelrod

• David
• 22 Jul, 2021

King Gizzard And The Lizard Wizard - Butterfly 3000 (2021)

Prolific as ever, this is the Gizzard’s 18th record. This is just the sweetest, most blissed out sound I’ve heard all year.

• • #kinggizzardandthelizardwizard

• David
• 21 Jul, 2021

The Cocteau Twins - Stars And Topsoil (2000)

Picked this fine compilaton up from my second favourite Melbourne record shop, Rocksteady Records in Lonsdale St, CBD. Just $33 Aussie dollars for a 2 LP white vinyl record is exceptional value.

• • #cocteautwins

• David
• 19 Jul, 2021

David Axelrod - Songs Of Experience (1969)

A wonderful new discovery for me, often mentioned fleetingly in the distant past by mega-fan Nathan Ford, I’d never delved into this rabbit hole until now.

• • #davidaxelrod

• David
• 17 Jul, 2021

The Strokes - The New Abnormal (2020)

My Melbournian pal, Maurice, who I caught up with in person recently, has been raving about this record ad nauseam. To tone down his incessant admiration somewhat, I thought I’d better buy it on CD.

• • #thestrokes

• David
• 15 Jul, 2021

Peter Perrett - How The West Was Won (2017)

This is the ultimate fairy tale album. Peter Perret is probably lucky to be still on the planet yet alone in absolutely top form on this recording.

• • #peterperrett

• David
• 13 Jul, 2021

Lou Reed - Live In Italy (1984)

Another fantastic find in Melbourne was arguably Lou Reed’s best ever (official) live record “Live In Italy” which was recorded in 1983.

• • #loureed

• David
• 11 Jul, 2021

Suicide - Cheree (Record Store Day) (2021)

I was thrilled to get a copy of this very limited Record Store Day release on 10" clear vinyl. It took Alan Vega and Martin Rev, the core of Suicide, more than 30 years to get the recognition they deserved.

• • #suicide

• David
• 10 Jul, 2021

Holger Czukay - Der Osten Ist Rot (1984)

Completely wacko but totally enjoyable forth solo record from co-founder of krautrock band Can. Aside from the first song, “The Photo Song”, (definitely a false start as the “poppiest” song on the album), it’s an unconventional and wild ride across the remaining 10 tracks.

• • #holgerczukay

• David
• 09 Jul, 2021

Rupert Hine - Immunity (1981)

One real blessing of spending an extra week in Melbourne, following a 7 day Covid-19 Aussie/NZ travel bubble pause, was spending some quality time trawling the records shops in Melbourne City and Brunswick/Smiths Street in Collingwood.

• • #ruperthine

• David
• 22 Jun, 2021

King Gizzard And The Lizard Wizard - L.W. (2021)

What a mish mash of a record! And that’s high praise indeed. The width and depth of this covid lockdown production by these obviously bored and highly prolific Australians is quite remarkable.

• • #kinggizzardandthelizardwizard

• David
• 20 Jun, 2021

Jane Weaver - Loops In The Secret Society (2019)

Fantastic double (black) vinyl re-working of Jane Weaver’s 2014 record “The Silver Globe” and 2017’s “Modern Kosmology”. All I can say is my recently purchased Rega MM Fono stage now connected to my upstairs Project Debut and NAD amp is absolutely kicking some serious sonic arse.

• • #janeweaver