• David
• 30 Dec, 2017

VA - Califia: The Songs of Lee Hazlewood (2010)

Today we journey back to the introspective (read melodramatic!), syrupy, hit-oriented 60’s where production was far more important than the song.

• • #va

• David
• 29 Dec, 2017

Opeth - Damnation (2003)

Another stunning hi-res recording. This time from the world’s best exponent of Swedish psychedelic progressive extreme folk metal. This is an album that would not offend anyone except maybe the hardcore Swedish death metal die-hard who considers this record the moment Opeth sold their souls in favour of enlightenment and creativity.

• • #opeth

• David
• 28 Dec, 2017

Talking Heads - Remain In Light (1980)

Two tracks in and I’m fucking putty!!!! “Crosseyed and Painless” is such a stunning track it leaves me catatonic and with goose bumps the size of blisters.

• • #talkingheads

• David
• 26 Dec, 2017

Phil Collins - Face Value (1981)

It’s funny how things can become more acceptable over time. OK, I’ll concede that corduroy pants and feral cardigans will never be acceptable.

• • #philcollins

• David
• 24 Dec, 2017

Pink Floyd - Animals (1977)

2017. What a fucking pig’s breakfast of a year. It’s been great in so many ways personally, a new Grandchild, a Wedding in Australia and we’re not bankrupt.

• • #pinkfloyd

• David
• 22 Dec, 2017

Protomartyr - The Agent Intellect (2015)

(punctuated with Tool’s “Stinkfist”) Fucking Kettley’s at it again!! Been out, come home. The prick’s got some awful, bassy house music blarring out his back patio (sounds like it’s coming out of his arse!

• • #protomartyr

• David
• 20 Dec, 2017

Television - Marquee Moon (1977)

I had coffee with a couple of work colleagues today and we got talking about music. (as you do) Among the conversation was mention of the band The Verlaines.

• • #television

• David
• 19 Dec, 2017

Martin's Session - Dec 17

Theme: Theme: Other Forms - three tracks or clips that celebrate, feature or reference forms of art/creativity other than music. Bonus Meta-theme: nominate one track as a Secret Santa-type homage to another SU&L member.

• • #martinssession
  • #davidbowie
  • #thebeatles
  • #paulkelly

• David
• 18 Dec, 2017

Bobb Trimble - Harvest Of Dreams (1982)

Trying to write some kind of coherent approbation of this record is nigh on impossible. I’ve tried to make sense of it, I really have.

• • #bobbtrimble

• David
• 17 Dec, 2017

Yeasayer - All Hour Cymbals (2007)

This wonderfully cheerful, possibly life affirming, record comes courtesy of a random glance at my CD’s this afternoon. It’s Summer, it’s hot and this bigger than life recording does the trick nicely.

• • #yeasayer

• David
• 15 Dec, 2017

Mi-Sex - Graffiti Crimes (1979)

Reviewed previously on 2nd March 2014 A band that certainly jumped on the punk/new wave band wagon back in the late 70’s.

• • #misex

• David
• 14 Dec, 2017

The Belligerents - Science Fiction (2017)

We stayed with our very good friends Maurice and Viv (affectionately known as “Mo & Vi”) in Melbourne recently and immersed ourselves in Aussie culture.

• • #thebelligerents

• David
• 13 Dec, 2017

Beaches - Second Of Spring (2017)

Just jumped off the plane from Melbourne (via a Wellington stop over) and brought this double slab of Aussie vinyl back with me.

• • #beaches

• David
• 01 Dec, 2017

Tame Impala - Currents (2015)

It’s December already! Off to Melbourne on Sunday for my daughter’s wedding. I thought it more than apt to honour the Aussies with one of their more competent and revered musical eccentrics.

• • #tameimpala

• David
• 29 Nov, 2017

Eminem - The Eminem Show (2002)

I randomised my selection this evening. After causing a recent furore over his rather public disdain for Trump, it’s possibly a good time to revisit.

• • #eminem
  • #youtube

• David
• 28 Nov, 2017

Robert Plant - Carry Fire (2017)

It was 10 years ago when Robert Plant and Alison Krauss treated the world to a brilliant collection of songs where their rock and bluegrass worlds intertwined.

• • #robertplant

• David
• 26 Nov, 2017

Nadia Reid - Preservation (2017)

I was completely wowed by Nadia Reid’s first record, “Listen to Formation Look for the Signs”. It was right up there with my favourite records of 2015.

• • #nadiareid

• David
• 25 Nov, 2017

Elton John - Madman Accross The Water (1971)

One of my watershed albums. As a new college entrant I was now getting exposed to proper, grown up music. Despite this, I still slept and ate everything Reg and Bernie produced.

• • #eltonjohn

• David
• 22 Nov, 2017

10CC - Sheet Music (1974)

Another fantastic sounding remaster from 10cc’s early catalogue. An incredibly diverse range of genres and oh so clever-Trevor-ness. Self-referential and up it’s own arse but extremely engrossing all the same.

• • #10cc

• David
• 19 Nov, 2017

Gary Clark Jr. - The Story Of Sonny Boy Slim (2015)

I haven’t spent a lot of time with this one, (I picked it up for $1.67 a few weeks back), but what I do hear is not what I expected.

• • #garyclarkjr

• David
• 18 Nov, 2017

LCD Soundsystem - American Dream (2017)

This record was very recently voted “Record of the Year” 2017 by Uncut Magazine. Up until today, I did not own this record.

• • #lcdsoundsystem

• David
• 16 Nov, 2017

10CC - 10CC (1973)

I dropped the needle on this big slap of recently remastered ruby red vinyl and gasped in stunned disbeleif. If there’s ever an argument in favour of vinyl over digital - this just has to be it.

• • #10cc

• David
• 15 Nov, 2017

John Cooper Clarke - The Very Best Of (2002)

Cracking retrospective of the legendary punk poet John Cooper Clarke. His is a name that’s cropped up many times over the years but he was not really appreciated until well into his 60’s.

• • #johncooperclarke

• David
• 13 Nov, 2017

Yes - Close To The Edge (1972)

I’m not sure if I was exposed to this record first or the earlier “The Yes Album”. Whatever the case was, the impact was astounding but just not a positive one at the time.

• • #yes

• David
• 12 Nov, 2017

Passenger - Whispers (2014)

Another $5 bargain bin escapee. I’ve always been curious about this one but never bothered pursuing. Beautifully packaged, I couldn’t lose!

• • #passenger

• David
• 09 Nov, 2017

Led Zeppelin - Physical Grafitti (1975)

OMG I need this this evening! The bastards at work are getting me down big time. It’s time to purge. In May 2015 I wrote:

• • #ledzeppelin

• David
• 08 Nov, 2017

Nick's Session - Nov 17

The themes were: Name Check, Chess Board, Impress Me

• • #nickssession
  • #thecure
  • #paulkelly
  • #jimihendrix

• David
• 06 Nov, 2017

The Cure - Faith (1981)

There’s nothing much I can say about this record that wouldn’t demean it’s importance in my musical world. While every track, aside from the rollicking “Doubt” is the epitome of understatement and restraint, it’s the final track “Faith” that will take pride of place in my funeral march or on my death bed (I’m not really one for ceremony).

• • #thecure

• David
• 05 Nov, 2017

Blancmange - The Very Best Of Blancmange (2012)

Another great bargain bin find that helps greatly with my retro-manic obsession. I was listening to these dudes along with Human League, Heaven 17, OMD and god help us all, China Crisis back in the post punk, new wave, serious band transition period!

• • #blancmange

• David
• 04 Nov, 2017

Liam Finn - The Nihilist (2014)

Had a big trawl of the bargain bins yesterday (unusual I know!) and picked up quite a few goodies for bugger all.

• • #liamfinn

• David
• 02 Nov, 2017

Run The Jewels - Run The Jewels III (2017)

This record renders me catatonic. It demands my attention. I close my eyes and can’t concentrate on anything else. It’s impossible to focus on anything when this beast is playing.

• • #runthejewels

• David
• 31 Oct, 2017

Massive Attack - Mezzanine (1998)

Just bought this big, 4-sided monster on vinyl. One of my “Desert Island Discs” without doubt, it is certainly way up there as one of the greatest and most pioneering works ever created.

• • #massiveattack

• David
• 28 Oct, 2017

Ian Hunter - You're Never Alone With A Schizophrenic (1979)

Mick Ronson’s best mate’s classic late 70’s masterpiece. (Ian Hunter was band leader of Mott The Hoople) I bought this amidst all of the punk and new wave I was being bombarded with at the time on the strength of the Ronson/Hunter partnership.

• • #ianhunter

• David
• 26 Oct, 2017

The War On Drugs - A Deeper Understanding (2017)

A big, sprawling epic. 4 slabs of exquisite meandering, guitar tinged country blues rock. WTF! It’s also electronica, squelchy pop with a hint of Dylanesque.

• • #thewarondrugs

• David
• 24 Oct, 2017

Barry Adamson - The Murky World Of (1999)

Prior to his solo career which kicked off in the late 80’s, he was bass player extraordinaire for Magazine (A definite desert Island band) and Nick Cave’s Bad Seeds (no slouches either!

• • #barryadamson

• David
• 23 Oct, 2017

Fat Freddys Drop - Based On A True Story (2005)

I first heard the track “Ernie” at our last “Shut Up And Listen” session back in September and was suitably impressed enough to buy the vinyl.

• • #fatfreddysdrop

• David
• 21 Oct, 2017

The Black Crowes - The Southern Harmony & Musical Companion (1992)

This is a real flash back to the early 70’s. Rod and Ron and the boys crossed with the sloppy tightness of Mick and Keith’s lot.

• • #theblackcrowes

• David
• 18 Oct, 2017

Alice Cooper - Billion Dollar Babies (1973)

An astounding relic from my precocious multi-genre hopping pop/rock musical ingestion period of the 70’s. I’ve just finished listening to the WTF popcast with a wonderful and frank interview with Alice Cooper.

• • #alicecooper

• David
• 15 Oct, 2017

David Bowie - Pinups (1973)

It’s a strange one this one. While rubbished by many, Bowie purists and otherwise, this is quite possibly my second favourite Bowie record (my actual favourite Bowie record seems to be one of many!

• • #davidbowie

• David
• 12 Oct, 2017

Porcupine Tree - The Incident (2009)

I had a browse through the latest “Prog” magazine today and felt mildly embarrassed with the imagery and pseudo-seriousness that pervaded through each page turn.

• • #porcupinetree

• David
• 11 Oct, 2017

Tom Petty And The Heartbreakers (1979)

1976, I was 16 and entrall of punk and gritty rock’n’roll. My mate, Robert Hiscox and I discovered Tom Petty one idle afternoon.

• David
• 09 Oct, 2017

Gregg Allman - Southern Blood (2017)

As previously proclaimed , Gregg Allman’s “Laidback” is one of my most treasured records. This beautiful posthumous vinyl recording is another wonderful gift that will be equally cherished.

• • #greggallman

• David
• 08 Oct, 2017

Peter Green - Anthology (CD2) (2009)

You know what? Lorde gets cooler by the day. There’s a wonderful recent interview with her on the “WTF” podcast series with Marc Maron, where she raves about her favourite artist of all time, Peter Green.

• • #petergreen

• David
• 07 Oct, 2017

Traffic - Traffic (1968)

Picked up this beautiful gate-fold vinyl record for bugger all from the big red shed. (BTW The Warehouse remains my greatest source of musical treasures - now isn’t that just a bit sad?

• • #traffic

• David
• 05 Oct, 2017

Bark Psychosis - Hex (1994)

Still enigmatic after all of these years, 23 of them at last count, I will never do it any justice by talking about it.

• • #barkpsychosis

• David
• 03 Oct, 2017

Iggy Pop - The Idiot (1977)

Bowie’s all over this. While “Low” was the high mark of his career, he lent an almighty hand to the Iguana’s rehabilitation at the same time.

• • #iggypop

• David
• 01 Oct, 2017

Gary Numan - Savage (2017)

I was a huge Gazza fan back in 1979 when Tubeway Army gave us “Are Friends Electric” on the “Replicas” album.

• • #garynuman

• David
• 30 Sep, 2017

Steven Wilson - To The Bone (2017)

What a load of bollocks to suggest Steven Wilson has sold out. Giving up his more “progressive” attributes to go all “pop” on this, his latest offering.

• • #stevenwilson

• David
• 29 Sep, 2017

Mount Kimbie - Love What Survives (2017)

A package arrived at work on Thursday. This was sent via courier from Wellington after journeying as hand luggage all the way from London courtesy of my Son in Law Matt.

• • #mountkimbie

• David
• 27 Sep, 2017

XTC - Drums And Wires (1979)

My first encounter with XTC was this record. Aside from the truly iconic cover that grabbed my attention, it was this record that helped me to move from listening to the marginally talented punk/post-punk bands to proper musicians that took risks.

• • #xtc

• David
• 26 Sep, 2017

Johnny Winter - Still Alive And Well (1973)

The best god damned Albino Blues Guitarist ever born in Beaumont, Texas. Full stop! Another one of those revelatory experiences as a 13 year old when big Sis brings this bitch of a record home.

• • #johnnywinter

• David
• 24 Sep, 2017

Manic Street Preachers - Send Away The Tigers (2007)

Another fucking 3 years!!! Just when you thought “hey this might really happen?”, National hit their slow but steady stride with dirty, stinking politics (and probably just too many selfish voters!

• • #manicstreetpreachers

• David
• 20 Sep, 2017

Van Morrison - It's Too Late To Stop Now (1974)

For such a grumpy bastard, it’s surprising that Van Morrison oozes so much soul and humanity. Reality, apparently, is very different.

• • #vanmorrison

• David
• 17 Sep, 2017

Cream - Disraeli Gears (1967)

I remember seeing Cream’s farewell concert on the goggle box back in the early to mid 70’s. It was fairly brutal stuff that really didn’t hold that much interest for me.

• • #cream

• David
• 15 Sep, 2017

Guns 'N Roses - Appetite For Destruction (1987)

I’ve never owned this record. I bought this classic record on vinyl as a 2 for $40 deal. It kicks arse.

• • #gunsnroses

• David
• 14 Sep, 2017

Wolf People - Steeple (2010)

Any band that recycles the mighty Tull, flutes and all, better get away with it. While more an amalgam of everything 70’s, guitar riffs, long hair and flairs - it’s no gimmick.

• • #wolfpeople

• David
• 13 Sep, 2017

Mike Oldfield - Tubular Bells (1973)

The film “The Exorcist” scared the fuck out of me as a 14 or 15 year old. The bits I managed to watch anyway.

• • #mikeoldfield

• David
• 10 Sep, 2017

Henry Mancini - The Music From Peter Gunn (1958)

As cool as fuck and on icy blue vinyl to match. The first time I heard the Peter Gunn Theme was on “Peter Gunn” The Art Of Noise 12 inch single featuring Duane Eddy.

• • #henrymancini

• David
• 09 Sep, 2017

Pretenders - Pretenders (1980)

I wasn’t much of a Pretenders fan really, but their first record is an absolute stunner and totally vinyl worthly. (when it’s $25 on newly minted vinyl at TWH it’s a no brainer!

• • #pretenders

• David
• 07 Sep, 2017

Wolfmother - Wolfmother (2005)

I was going to reach for my freshly minted copy of The Jimi Hendrix Experience’s “Electric Ladyland” but my tired demeanour and waning concentration could never do it the justice it clearly deserves.

• • #wolfmother

• David
• 06 Sep, 2017

The Cure - The Head On The Door (1985)

A mid-eighties gem of a record. This record single singlehandedly moved The Cure away from the dirgy, gloomy (but brilliant) haze of Smith’s earlier vociferation.

• • #thecure

• David
• 05 Sep, 2017

Bruce's Session - Sep 17

The themes were: Acoustic, Instrumental, Electric

• • #brucessession
  • #thecure
  • #richardthompson
  • #joehenry

• David
• 30 Aug, 2017

Rory Gallagher - Irish Tour '74 (1974)

Rory was a guitar god when I was 15. This amazing record was always on high rotation and in it’s original 2 LP format, was one of my first ever purchases as an after-school, money-earning, bare-arsed and awkward 15 year old.

• • #rorygallagher

• David
• 29 Aug, 2017

Lindsey Buckingham - Seeds We Sow (2011)

While there’s more than one Fleetwood Mac, which originated as a hard rocking blues collective and totally trans-morphed into AOR stadium fillers, there’s definitely only one Lindsey Buckingham.

• • #lindseybuckingham

• David
• 26 Aug, 2017

Kendrick Lamar - Damn (2017)

This guy can do no wrong. This record is highly likely to be voted by all music critics as the best album of 2017.

• • #kendricklamar

• David
• 25 Aug, 2017

Black Sabbath - 13 (2013)

I picked up this 2x vinyl/2 CD package for an absolute pittance a few months ago at TWH. I had been stalking it for a while and took my opportunity when they had one of their ridiculous sales.

• • #blacksabbath

• David
• 22 Aug, 2017

Death In Vegas - The Contino Sessions (1999)

A strange old beast this one!? Smack in the middle of being a rock-noise-electronic record it borrows heavily from a myriad of in-congruent sources.

• • #deathinvegas-thecontinosessions(1999)

• David
• 20 Aug, 2017

Morning Of The Earth - OST (1972)

OK, I raved about this stunning box set that I practically stole from TWH back in July last year. (incidentally I’ve seen it retailing for $299 US on some websites!

• • #morningoftheearth

• David
• 19 Aug, 2017

Zen Mantra - Zen Mantra (2015)

Thanks Nick, you bought this great slab of vinyl along to Tuesday’s Shut Up And Listen session and the ear worm hasn’t left since!

• • #zenmantra

• David
• 17 Aug, 2017

Marillion - Marbles (2004)

They’re a snobby bunch! Prog has always suffered badly when judged by the “mainstream” music press. You won’t see a review of any Marillion record in Uncut, Q Magazine or Mojo.

• • #marillion

• David
• 15 Aug, 2017

David's Session - Aug 17

The themes were: African American (any musical genre welcome), Lady Singers Only (transgender inclusive), Make up your own theme (no theme IS a theme!)

• • #davidssession
  • #themagneticfields
  • #pretenders
  • #mazzystar

• David
• 13 Aug, 2017

Fleet Foxes - Crack-Up (2017)

A far cry from Friday’s everything-bar-the-kitchen-sink early 70’s psycho-soup, this is sparse and demanding of concentration. These are the records I really treasure the most.

• • #fleetfoxes

• David
• 11 Aug, 2017

Funkadelic - Maggot Brain (1971)

Bought this chunk of vinyl from Grant Smithies new “Family Jewels” record shop this very day. Hopefully, this record shop will fill the big void for us Nelsonians wanting a decent vinyl supply.

• • #funkadelic

• David
• 10 Aug, 2017

Kendrick Lamar - Good Kid, M.A.A.D. City (2012)

Kendrick Lamar is such a great story teller that you sometimes forget what an absolute brilliant producer, musician and collaborator he is.

• • #kendricklamar

• David
• 09 Aug, 2017

Underworld - Dubnobasswithmyheadman (1993)

A major major discovery for me in the early 90’s, Underworld was a serious electronic rock band. Dubnobasswithmyheadman remains an absolute classic record.

• • #underworld

• David
• 06 Aug, 2017

The XX - I See You (2017)

I hummed and ha’d about getting this on vinyl and relented today when it finally made an appearance at TWH. I’m glad I did - it’s a fucking monster of a record that deserves the uncompressed, unrestrained bandwidth of analogue.

• • #thexx

• David
• 05 Aug, 2017

XTC - English Settlement (1982)

This record is just an embarrassment of riches. I really had forgotten just how brilliant this album is. Not a wasted note from start to finish and at over 70 minutes in length, that’s a big ask.

• • #xtc

• David
• 02 Aug, 2017

The Vaccines - English Graffiti (2015)

Never heard of The Vaccines until I picked this chunk of vinyl up from The Warehouse many moons ago for 10 bucks.

• • #thevaccines

• David
• 30 Jul, 2017

Bauhaus - In The Flat Field (1980)

Stunning debut from the kings of goth! Opening with the incomparible “Double Dare”, which I first experienced as a 20 year old, it absolutely jolted me to the core!

• • #bauhaus

• David
• 29 Jul, 2017

Red House Painters - Ocean Beach (1995)

One of the more uplifting RHP records. While it’s really just another Mark Kozelek solo project, it sounds like a proper band.

• • #redhousepainters

• David
• 26 Jul, 2017

Michael Brook - Cobalt Blue (1992)

When you add the calibre of Brian Eno and Daniel Lanois to proceedings you just know it’s special. This instrumental album, showcasing some very impressive processed guitar playing and harmonics, borrows from a myriad of influences.

• • #michaelbrook

• David
• 24 Jul, 2017

Pale Saints - The Comforts Of Madness (1990)

The wonderful sound of new wave/no wave imploding! Bands like Ride, My Bloody Valentine, Spiritualized and Bang Bang Machine (maybe not!

• • #palesaints

• David
• 22 Jul, 2017

Xymox - Clan Of Xymox (1985)

One of my most favourite recordings from the mid-80s, this Dutch group made all the right noises. It was electronic, it was goth, it was moody.

• • #xymox
  • #youtube

• David
• 21 Jul, 2017

Blonde Redhead - 23 (2007)

I’m not sure why these dudes get compared to Sonic Youth? I’m a big fan of Thurston, Kim and the boys and really struggle with that concept.

• • #blonderedhead

• David
• 20 Jul, 2017

Pixies - Wave Of Mutilation (Best Of) (2004)

Illness does funny things to your ears! Tonight is the first time I have felt like listening to any form of music in nearly 10 days.

• • #pixies

• David
• 11 Jul, 2017

Richard's Session - Jul 17

The themes were: Three Piece, Four Piece, Five Piece

• • #richardssession
  • #neilyoung
  • #thewho
  • #pinkfloyd

• David
• 10 Jul, 2017

The Amps - Pacer (1995)

A very short lived but brilliant interim project from The Pixies’ and Breeders’ Kim Deal. I always thought that the Pixies and Breeders were misplaced on the 4AD label.

• • #theamps

• David
• 07 Jul, 2017

Heidi Berry - Miracle (1996)

About as close to Celtic folky stuff that I would chose to get. I’m not a great fan at all but this record combines Heidi Berry’s wonderful vocal delivery with Violinist Anne Wood’s unconventional but stunning string work.

• • #heidiberry

• David
• 06 Jul, 2017

The Breeders - Pod (1990)

Insane cover, insanely good record! And all over in less than 30 minutes. I had the pleasure of seeing them support The Smashing Pumpkins in Wellington in 1994.

• • #thebreeders

• David
• 03 Jul, 2017

The Big Pink - A Brief History Of Love (2009)

“The Big Dirge” more like it! But amidst all of the suffocation are some really good songs that hark back to the sound I was engrossed with during the late 80’s and 90’s.

• • #thebigpink

• David
• 02 Jul, 2017

This Mortal Coil - It'll End In Tears (1984)

I’m reading “Facing The Other Way: The Story of 4AD” at the moment and reliving memories of the truly eclectic music I was exposed to during the post-punk 80s.

• • #thismortalcoil

• David
• 29 Jun, 2017

Death Cab For Cutie - Plans (2005)

I Randomised things and threw a big “D” this evening. I immediately reached for the Cabs. One of the best bands starting with the letter D.

• • #deathcabforcutie

• David
• 28 Jun, 2017

Royal Blood - How Did We Get So Dark? (2017)

I just so impressed with the $2.95c treasure that was Royal Blood’s first record, I stumbled across in the old Warehouse bargain bins.

• • #royalblood

• David
• 25 Jun, 2017

Stomu Yamashta - Go Too (1977)

God knows how I got into this in the late 70’s? I know I was listening to Return To Forever and especially 1975’s brilliant “Romantic Warrior” at the time.

• • #stomuyamashta

• David
• 24 Jun, 2017

Katatonia - Dethroned And Uncrowned (2013)

The last few records I’ve listened to have been a bit introspective and at times demanding. This afternoon I’ve gone all Swedish Metal gone Prog, and uncut!

• • #katatonia

• David
• 20 Jun, 2017

Chris's Session - Jun 17

The themes were: The very first lyrics of the tune must be exactly the same as the title of the tune., The tune must come from an album whose front cover contains no words, no letters, no numerals, no readin’ matter, Fresh

• • #chrisssession
  • #ledzeppelin
  • #steelydan
  • #bobdylan

• David
• 18 Jun, 2017

Depeche Mode - Spirit (2017)

I’ve been listening this for a few months now via Tidal and on the strength of repeated listens I needed to own the plastic, Their best record since Violator it’s also their bit “Fuck America!

• • #depechemode

• David
• 16 Jun, 2017

Lorde - Melodrama (2017)

It’s no surprise to me at all that I queued up like many others to get my copy of Lorde’s new record.

• • #lorde

• David
• 14 Jun, 2017

Various Artists - Bob Stanley & Pete Wiggs Present English Weather (2017)

An awesome compilation of music from “the post-psychedelic, pre-progressive moment” - hello 70’s, goodbye 60’s. I heard this playing at “Slow Boat” in Wellington a few months back - specifically Australian Daevid Allen of Gong fame performing a trance-like " Wise Man In Your Heart".

• • #variousartists

• David
• 13 Jun, 2017

Aldous Harding - Party (2017)

I accidentally discovered Aldous Harding via a co-appearance with Lorde on Jools Holland. The two kiwis both sang on the same night.

• • #aldousharding

• David
• 11 Jun, 2017

Jonathan Richman - Radio On: Stop And Shop With The Modern Lovers (1997)

Three years on from Goodbye Yellow Brick Road, the world of rock’n’roll was a very different place for me - I’d discovered Patti Smith, Iggy Pop and Lou Reed.

• • #jonathanrichman

• David
• 08 Jun, 2017

Elton John - Goodbye Yellow Brick Road (SACD) (1973)

I don’t give a rat’s arsehole what other people think of this record - it’s an amazing record that epitomised the brilliance of growing up in the musical potpourri of the early to mid 70’s.

• • #eltonjohn

• David
• 07 Jun, 2017

Endless Boogie - Focus Level (2008)

Endless in name, endless in execution. With most songs lasting around the 8 to 10 minute mark it’s an epic non-stop jam session and an exercise in endurance.

• • #endlessboogie

• David
• 05 Jun, 2017

John Mellencamp - Plain Spoken + Royal Blood's Debut (2014)

John Mellencamp - Plain Spoken (2014) I took a bit of a punt on this record. While not my usual cup of tea, I do recognise that I need to “grow up” a bit and find a softer, more lyrical side to my musical universe.

• • #johnmellencamp

• David
• 04 Jun, 2017

Black Sabbath - The Ultimate Collection (vinyl) (2016)

Had an absolute field day today at the Big Red Shed. (coincidentally, on the Sabbath day!!) Bought the big 8-sides-of-vinyl box set AND the new CD/DVD/Vinyl deluxe box set of their latest album “13” for sod all.

• • #blacksabbath

• David
• 03 Jun, 2017

My Morning Jacket - Z (2005)

Aside from John Grant, try and find a more pure voice in rock than Jim James. As with John Grant’s band, the Czars, it’s really all about the front guy.

• • #mymorningjacket

• David
• 01 Jun, 2017

Arab Strap - The Week Never Starts Around Here (1996)

Brilliantly murky and minimal, this is the wonderfully named Scottish duo’s first record. The largely spoken vocals (with the broadest Scottish accent you’ve ever heard) and slightly out of sync and meandering instrumentation reminds me of Slint or The For Carnation.

• • #arabstrap

• David
• 30 May, 2017

Beulah - When Your Heartstrings Break (1999)

Wonderful, but short lived, indie alt-country rockers from San Francisco. This record, their second, is just full of magical hooks and glorious melodies.

• • #beulah

• David
• 29 May, 2017

Greg Allman - Laidback (1973)

This gem is definitely one of my desert island discs. Without a doubt this masterpiece holds so much significance in my musical journey.

• • #greggallman

• David
• 25 May, 2017

The Who - Tommy (1969)

Bought the magnificent Tommy Deluxe box while in Wellington recently. I’d skipped it on several occasions as it was just too expensive.

• • #thewho

• David
• 23 May, 2017

Martin's Session - May 17

The themes were: Year of Birth, NZ Hits, Anagram Of Dan

• • #martinssession
  • #bobdylan
  • #pattismith
  • #thesundays

• David
• 22 May, 2017

Mew - Visuals (2017)

Mew don’t tend to stream stuff, so this demanded the purchase of their shiny new CD expertly tracked down on my recent trip to Wellington.

• • #mew

• David
• 21 May, 2017

Joe Cocker - Mad Dogs And Englishmen (1970)

I’ve just arrived back from Wellington where we spent a few days and whilst there, I came across this double vinyl remnant from my early years.

• • #joecocker

• David
• 16 May, 2017

The Magic Numbers - Alias (2014)

I’m off to Wellington for a few days so I immediately reached for The Phoenix Foundation. However, at the risk of being just too obvious, I decided to go for something Wellingtonesque instead.

• • #themagicnumbers

• David
• 14 May, 2017

Labradford - Prazision (1994)

This was another reference in a recent podcast - in this case the focus was on “Post Rock” music. I’ve always loved ambient-infused rock music that strips any “n’roll” out of the mix.

• • #labradford

• David
• 12 May, 2017

Bivouac - Tuber (1994)

Just finished watching (not intentionally I’ll have you!) a bit of the appalling Graham Norton show. On that show was some god awful female Euro-vision contestant who was about to represent Great Britain in that wonderfully relevant competition for the European community (whoops!

• • #bivouac

• David
• 11 May, 2017

Nick Cave And The Bad Seeds - Lovely Creatures (2017)

Grinderman at the Coronet, Elephant And Castle, London on October 2nd 2010 was undoubtedly the loudest and most organ eviscerating gig I’ve ever experienced.

• • #nickcave
  • #youtube

• David
• 09 May, 2017

Storm Corrosion - Storm Corrosion (2012)

An interesting collaboration between Steven Wilson and lead Opeth(ian) Mikael Åkerfeldt. Far removed from Swedish Death Metal and more like a pastoral electronic folk session with occasional riffage.

• • #stormcorrosion

• David
• 07 May, 2017

Ryan Adams - Ryan Adams (2014)

I’ve just finished listening to a great interview between Ryan Adams and Marc Maron courtesy of WTF podcast . (I can’t recommend this wonderful podcast highly enough - well worth exploring.

• • #ryanadams

• David
• 05 May, 2017

Grandaddy - The Sophtware Slump (2000)

What do you play on the day of the birth of your first grand child? (Hello Emma). It’s simply a no-brainer!

• • #grandaddy

• David
• 04 May, 2017

Marillion - Clutching At Straws (1987)

Not so long ago, I wouldn’t have touched this sort of stuff with a barge pole. It’s only recently that I’ve delved into English rock pomposity in the interests of expanding my musical horizons.

• • #marillion

• David
• 02 May, 2017

Joni Mitchell - Blue (1971)

It’s my first listen to one of those records, deemed by many, to be absolutely essential to own on vinyl. (Or in any media format for that matter!

• • #jonimitchell

• David
• 29 Apr, 2017

Edwyn Collins - Home Again (2007)

Live: Edwyn Collins - Thursday 23/09/2010 - Queen Elizabeth Hall, London This was one of the most emotional and poignant gigs I’ve ever been to.

• • #edwyncollins

• David
• 27 Apr, 2017

Porcupine Tree - Deadwing (2005)

Live: Steven Wilson - Wednesday 26/10/2016 - The Powerstation, Auckland Holy Shit! What a dream! VIP passes to Steven Wilson’s astounding 3 hour show for me and my boy.

• • #porcupinetree

• David
• 26 Apr, 2017

Blonde Redhead - Barragan (2014)

Live: Blonde Redhead - Monday 29/09/2014 - Islington Assembly Hall, London I’ve been a huge fan of this New York-based threesome for many years and was thrilled to see them play live at the awesome Islington Assembly Hall.

• • #blonderedhead

• David
• 23 Apr, 2017

Jeff Beck - Live B.B.King Blues Club And Grill (2003)

Live: Jeff Beck - Tuesday 3/02/2009 - ASB Theatre, Auckland Without a doubt the greatest musician (and quite possibly the most talented bunch of supporting musicians) I’ve ever witnessed and at one of NZ’s premier music venues.

• • #jeffbeck

• David
• 21 Apr, 2017

David Bowie - Station To Station (Harry Maslin Mix) (1976)

Live: David Bowie - 24/11/1983 - Athletic Park, Wellington What a fucking tragedy! I was just a year or two too young to go to Bowie’s 1978 concerts in Auckland and Christchurch.

• • #davidbowie

• David
• 19 Apr, 2017

The Black Angels - Passover (2006)

Live: The Black Angels/Black Mountain - 07/10/2010 - Shepherd’s Bush Empire, London A wonderful “two-fer-one” at one of the planets best rock venues, these two great stoner groups really stirred up the big Psych pot.

• • #theblackangels

• David
• 18 Apr, 2017

Nick's Session - Apr 17

The themes were: Pioneers, Traditionalists, Pop History

• • #nickssession
  • #thebeatles
  • #frankzappa
  • #themagneticfields

• David
• 16 Apr, 2017

Smashing Pumpkins - Siamese Dream (1993)

Live: Wednesday 4/02/1994 - Town Hall, Wellington (with The Breeders!)Live: Monday 27/05/1996 - Town Hall, Christchurch I won the album “Siamese Dream” and a T-Shirt at Everyman Records back when it was released in the early 90’s.

• • #smashingpumpkins

• David
• 14 Apr, 2017

The Cure - Wish (1992)

Live: Wednesday 13/08/1992 - Town Hall, Wellington I absolutely loved this gig and it goes down as one of the longest I’ve ever been to at nearly 3 hours.

• • #thecure

• David
• 13 Apr, 2017

Throwing Muses - Red Heaven (1992)

Live: Thursday 25/09/2014 - Islington Assembly Hall, London (with Tanya Donnelly) Without a second thought Dave Narcizo is my favourite drummer!

• • #throwingmuses

• David
• 11 Apr, 2017

Tool - Lateralus (2001)

Live: Friday 19th April 2002 - Queen’s Wharf Event Centre, Wellington (support Melvins)Live: Friday 21st January 2011 - The Big Day Out, Auckland Two unforgettable gigs nearly 10 years apart.

• • #tool

• David
• 09 Apr, 2017

Sonic Youth - Washing Machine (1995)

Live: Wednesday 10th January 1996 - Town Hall, Wellington Live: Saturday 26th June 2004 - St.James Theatre, Auckland “The Diamond Sea” played at Wellington Town Hall in 1996 could possibly be my single best live musical “moment”.

• • #sonicyouth

• David
• 05 Apr, 2017

Placebo - Without You I'm Nothing (1998)

Live: Saturday 19th July, 2003 - Town Hall, Auckland Tagged onto the end of a work-related stay in Auckland, this gig was a great way to see out the week.

• • #placebo

• David
• 04 Apr, 2017

Super Furry Animals - Love Kraft (2005)

Live: Tuesday 27th September 2005 - The Olympia, Dublin Not a moment or note was wasted during the Furry’s majestic, life affirming set.

• • #superfurryanimals

• David
• 01 Apr, 2017

Fleetwood Mac - Tusk (1979)

Live: Thursday 20th March 1980, Athletic Park, Wellington. Six months after the release of “Tusk”, The Mac had an infamous melt down on stage at Athletic Park.

• • #fleetwoodmac

• David
• 30 Mar, 2017

Vampire Weekend - Contra (2010)

Same year and era as Tuesday’s record, but an entirley different beast altogether. An Afro-infused ryhtmic treat. Think Paul Simon’s Graceland but with autotune and a greater pop sensibility (and more hooks).

• • #vampireweekend

• David
• 28 Mar, 2017

Tweak Bird - Tweak Bird (2010)

Dirty old psychedelic blues played by Illinoisan brothers Caleb and Ashton Bird. (They call it sludge metal in those parts!) Riff after infectious riff - it’s relentlessness is wall to wall.

• • #tweakbird

• David
• 26 Mar, 2017

Daft Punk - Random Access Memories (2013)

To be perfectly honest, I’ve never been a fan of Daft Punk. This changed this morning while reading my book “Vinyl Me, Please: 100 Albums You Need on Vinyl and Why”.

• • #daftpunk

• David
• 25 Mar, 2017

Slayer - Reign In Blood (1986)

I’ve got 30 minutes to spare this afternoon. I’ve therefore taken a speed over substance approach. This classic (highly regarded by speed metal purests anyway) is literally all over in a flash - but what a flash!

• • #slayer

• David
• 23 Mar, 2017

Blonde Redhead - La Mia Vita Violenta (1995)

Next month I’m only playing stuff from bands or artists that I have experienced live. This is a bit of a head start, a band I hold in the highest regard and witnessed live in London in 2014.

• • #blonderedhead

• David
• 22 Mar, 2017

Bill Fay - Life Is People (2012)

Working at home on a Wednesday demands a certain level of restraint - it’s a work environment afterall. This is a beautiful record to create a relaxed and undisturbed afternoon while pondering the complete fabric of life.

• • #billfay

• David
• 19 Mar, 2017

Ruby - Salt Peter (1995)

Stunning debut from Ruby aka Leslie Rankine. Released more that 20 years ago, this is Nine Inch Nails meets Portishead. Not always easy listening Not always easy listening but invigorating to say the least.

• • #ruby

• David
• 18 Mar, 2017

Joy Division - Substance (1988)

An amazing compilation of singles and non-album tracks. Incidently, New Order released a compilation a year earlier also called “Substance” .

• • #joydivision

• David
• 15 Mar, 2017

Various Artists - Vinyl Adventures from Istanbul To San Francisco (2016)

I recently read the excellent chronicles of Tim Burgess’s bin trawling around the globe, “Tim Book Two: Vinyl Adventures…”) and picked up this lovely 2 LP to accompany it.

• • #variousartists

• David
• 14 Mar, 2017

Bruce's Session - Mar 17

Return of the Giant Progweed.

• • #brucessession
  • #porcupinetree
  • #bobdylan
  • #blackfield

• David
• 13 Mar, 2017

Blackfield - V (2017)

I hated this when it first came out on Tidal. Very average to my ears and I just about gave up on it.

• • #blackfield

• David
• 12 Mar, 2017

The Mars Volta - Deloused in the Comatorium (2003)

OK, I’ve let the cat out of the bag. The Mars Volta live at The Big Day Out on Friday 16h January 2004 was the single most incredible live act I have ever witnessed.

• • #themarsvolta

• David
• 11 Mar, 2017

Ryan Adams - 1989 (2015)

I’ve never heard Taylor Swift’s 1989 album . Ryan Adams covers it in it’s entirety on this record - track-by-track. I’m not interested in comparisons however, as this stands alone.

• • #ryanadams

• David
• 09 Mar, 2017

King Crimson - Discipline (1981)

In the early 80’s, when I first encountered this recording, it was one of the supposed “Dinosaur” bands that just slipped this record in and made themselves right at home with new wave.

• • #kingcrimson

• David
• 07 Mar, 2017

Ryan Adams - Heartbreaker (2000)

This just sounds majestic on my turntable. This is another example of a record best experienced on vinyl - spread over 4 sides, there’s plenty of breathing space in those grooves.

• • #ryanadams

• David
• 04 Mar, 2017

Blonde Redhead - Misery Is A Butterfly (2004)

This band never ceases to amaze me. I’m trawling through their entire back catalogue (going back to the mid-90s) where they were first discovered and nurtured by Sonic Youth’s Steve Shelley.

• • #blonderedhead

• David
• 03 Mar, 2017

Led Zeppelin - The Complete BBC Sessions (LP1) (2016)

Ain’t nothing but the blues. Great early recordings from a bunch of hairy English blues obsessives. With the exception of The Who, has there ever been a more devastating outfit than this bunch of ruffians?

• • #ledzeppelin-thecompletebbcsessions(lp1)(2016)

• David
• 02 Mar, 2017

No Man - Schoolyard Ghosts (2008)

It’s after 9pm on a Thursday evening. Kettley arrived home next door late afternoon and cranked up his Pearl Jam. (I’m so pleased I declared this on my 10 bands I fucking hate list!

• • #noman

• David
• 28 Feb, 2017

New Order - Brotherhood (1986)

I flipped an “N” on my randomiser. With less than a dozen artists to choose from I went for the midling and picked New Order’s forth record.

• • #neworder

• David
• 26 Feb, 2017

Depeche Mode - Delta Machine (2013)

The first thing that hits you is the BIG production. Being on vinyl it feels impossibly expansive. It’s a go slow from the first track and I’m checking the deck speed.

• • #depechemode

• David
• 24 Feb, 2017

Jethro Tull - Aqualung [40th Aniversary Deluxe Edition] (1971)

For god’s sake how many copies of Aqualung does one need! When you come across a brand spanking 40th Edition Super Deluxe version (LP,2CD,DVD,Blu-Ray) for lest than $50 you grab it as quick as you can.

• • #jethrotull

• David
• 22 Feb, 2017

Frank Zappa - Overnite Sensation (1973)

This record, along with Zoot Allures, is my favourite Zappa album. While I’m not overly familiar with much Zappa, (I’m not a clinically obsessive fanatic), I just know what I like.

• • #frankzappa

• David
• 18 Feb, 2017

AOR Breaks: Original Classics Sampled By Hip Hop's Finest (2014)

$9.98 at TWH buys you a double recording on beautiful blue vinyl featuring 16 reasonably blissful and VERY adult oriented rock tracks from 16 different artists.

• David
• 16 Feb, 2017

Echo And The Bunnymen - Heaven Up Here (1981)

Very recently pressed on beautiful blue vinyl. I got another one of my desert island discs delivered on vinyl today. While not as loud as I really wanted, (I remember reaching astounding volume when I used to play this on vinyl), it certainly sounds rich and spacious.

• • #echoandthebunnymen

• David
• 15 Feb, 2017

Lamb - Lamb (1996)

A remarkable debut from Manchester duo. While seemingly labelled within the “drum’n’bass” genre, it is far too good to be tarnished with that brush.

• • #lamb

• David
• 14 Feb, 2017

Richard's Session - Feb 17

The themes were: Must be Track No 1. , Must feature electric slide guitar, Must have a playing time of between 2 minutes 57 seconds and 3 minutes 3 seconds, Bonus Track

• • #richardssession
  • #therollingstones
  • #jeffbeck
  • #jonimitchell

• David
• 09 Feb, 2017

Herb Albert (with the Jeff Lorber Band) - Live at Montreux (DVD)(1996)

My mother used to play Herb Albert and The Tijuana Brass. He was the king of easy listening jazz and I remember some great tunes.

• • #herbalpert
  • #jefflorberband

• David
• 08 Feb, 2017

Marillion - Marillion.com (1999)

I quite like prog (which stands for progressive rock). It’s a bit pretentious, like jazz, meandering, like classical. and definitely not mainstream, (un)like pop.

• • #marillion

• David
• 06 Feb, 2017

Tool - Opiate [EP] (2006)

I needed a short, sharp burst of proper metal-infused, hard-edged rock this evening. Hopefully to fuck up the neighbours (who have a tendency to party into the wee hours) but unfortunately you need a really crap sound system like theirs to do the damage.

• • #tool

• David
• 04 Feb, 2017

The Beatles - Live At The BBC (Vol 1) (1993)

I picked up a fantastic boxed, hard back book at TWH a year or so ago “The Beatles - The BBC Archives”.

• • #thebeatles

• David
• 02 Feb, 2017

Marillion - Fugazi (1984)

I was never a Marillion fan but when you are confronted with a brand new, mint copy of their highly regarded 2nd album for $9.

• • #marillion

• David
• 31 Jan, 2017

PiL - Album (1986)

Today is John Lydon’s birthday. Being empowered with this knowledge, I immediately reached for my collection of PiL (Public Image Limited) records, Lydon’s post Pistols collective.

• • #pil

• David
• 30 Jan, 2017

Gerry Rafferty - City To City (1978)

I just couldn’t resist getting this widely acclaimed, newly remastered record on vinyl for the measly price of $15. The only downside, Paul Henry’s favourite song, the second song on this record, is “Baker Street”.

• • #gerryrafferty

• David
• 29 Jan, 2017

Paul Simon - Stranger To Stranger (2016)

Picked this up for a bargain at the great TWH sale. (Incidently, where else in Nelson can you actually buy vinyl?

• • #paulsimon

• David
• 28 Jan, 2017

The Rolling Stones - Aftermath (1966)

When TWH has one of it’s big vinyl sales, you betcha there’s some goodies to be found. Ranging in price from $9.

• • #therollingstones

• David
• 24 Jan, 2017

XTC - Mummer (1983)

Possibly XTC’s most reviled album but for me it’s just full of wonderful moments. This is post Andy Partridge’s melt down and led to his refusal to ever tour again.

• • #xtc

• David
• 19 Jan, 2017

Teenage Fanclub - Here (2016)

“Harmless enough!” you might think but by the third song you are fully infected/affected by their luxurious folky pop mantra. Possibly the most laid back bunch of Scots on the planet, they just continue to make wonderful records.

• • #teenagefanclub

• David
• 18 Jan, 2017

Brian Eno - Before And After Science (1977)

As a young person in their 18th year, I can still remember walking into my local record shop and hearing Bowie’s astonishing “Low”.

• • #brianeno

• David
• 15 Jan, 2017

Steve Hillage - Motivation Radio (1977)

Fucking hell, what a mixed up old time this was! In the midst of a punk maelstorm, this proggy, hippy, trippy masterpeice comes out of nowhere and completely changes everything.

• • #stevehillage

• David
• 13 Jan, 2017

Doves - Lost Souls (2000)

You find a better debut and I’ll eat Kettley’s pajamas. I’m with Richard on this one! A proper, bona fide rock classic.

• • #doves

• David
• 10 Jan, 2017

Roddy Frame - Surf (2002)

While a bit samey - it’s a great samey. Just Mr. Frame and an acoustic guitar. It’s all very mellow and full of wonderfully simple tunes and sentiments.

• • #roddyframe

• David
• 08 Jan, 2017

Stereolab - Fab Four Suture (2006)

A tasteful compilation of 4 Stereolab EPs released between 2005 and 2006. The way this was recorded and compiled from separate recording sessions makes this a very palatable and fresh record indeed.

• • #stereolab

• David
• 07 Jan, 2017

The XX - The XX (2009)

The song “Heart Skipped A Beat” completely does my head in! This is the entire The Cure’s “Seventeen Seconds” wrapped up in one song.

• • #thexx

• David
• 06 Jan, 2017

Portishead - Dummy (1994)

A great way to start the year. This gem, recently purchased on vinyl, sounds as much the outsider as it did 23 years ago.

• • #portishead