Hard News by Russell Brown

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Hard News: Friday Music: A Year of It

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  • Peter Darlington,

    What about that Tony Johns Edit of King Yellowman? Thing bangs!

    https://soundcloud.com/johnsy72/king-yellowman-tony-johns-edit

    Nelson • Since Nov 2006 • 949 posts Report Reply

  • Russell Brown,

    Amplifier's 2012 Top 20 is a great shopping list of NZ albums.

    Auckland • Since Nov 2006 • 22850 posts Report Reply

  • BlairMacca,

    Lana Del Ray, Born to Die

    Suck on it, haterz. It’s flawed, inconsistent and a little too long, but it’s also a unique pop record, with its hip hop beats, string sections and crazy, stacked-up production. I may have been spied in my car, singing along to ‘National Anthem’. More than once.

    Sorry to quibble, but (IMHO) it shows what a a horrible state music is at if this makes the list.

    having said that NZ wise I really like the singles Street Chant have released this year

    Wellington • Since Apr 2007 • 208 posts Report Reply

  • Russell Brown, in reply to BlairMacca,

    Sorry to quibble, but (IMHO) it shows what a a horrible state music is at if this makes the list.

    I knew it would annoy people, but I actually played that album quite a lot.

    having said that NZ wise I really like the singles Street Chant have released this year

    Album soon!

    Auckland • Since Nov 2006 • 22850 posts Report Reply

  • Geoff Lealand, in reply to BlairMacca,

    Video Games still resonates a year or so on, and will for longer than a great of current stuff

    Screen & Media Studies, U… • Since Oct 2007 • 2562 posts Report Reply

  • Geoff Lealand,

    .... but Fiona Apple should be there too...and The Punch Brothers

    Screen & Media Studies, U… • Since Oct 2007 • 2562 posts Report Reply

  • Mike O'Connell,

    Worth it for the inclusion of the Playthings’ thumping ‘Sit Down’ alone.

    Indeed, but right up there is Bill Direen's (The Builders) 'Russian Rug' and the Victor Dimisich Band's 'It's Cold Outside' :)

    Christchurch • Since Dec 2006 • 385 posts Report Reply

  • Paul Williams,

    Russell, thanks you've dramatically improved my afternnoon with this selection.

    I'll offer one addition to the album of the year, First Aid Kit's Lion's Roar and particularly the track King of the World

    Sydney • Since Nov 2006 • 2273 posts Report Reply

  • Russell Brown, in reply to Mike O'Connell,

    I’ll offer one addition to the album of the year, First Aid Kit’s Lion’s Roar and particularly the track King of the World

    I was counting that as a 2011 release. Am I wrong there? Because I'd have that in too.

    Auckland • Since Nov 2006 • 22850 posts Report Reply

  • Russell Brown, in reply to Mike O'Connell,

    Indeed, but right up there is Bill Direen’s (The Builders) ‘Russian Rug’ and the Victor Dimisich Band’s ‘It’s Cold Outside’ :)

    You will find no argument from me, sir. None whatsoever.

    Auckland • Since Nov 2006 • 22850 posts Report Reply

  • Peter Darlington, in reply to Russell Brown,

    Amplifier's 2012 Top 20 is a great shopping list of NZ albums.

    Just gives me a sadface that I still haven't managed to catch up with the SJD, Kora or Sola Rosa albums. Thinking I spend too much time at work...

    Nelson • Since Nov 2006 • 949 posts Report Reply

  • Barnard, in reply to Russell Brown,

    Amplifier's 2012 Top 20 is a great shopping list of NZ albums.

    Yep, pleased to see Cool Rainbows get a mention there. It's going to get thrashed in the coming motnhs, perfect laid back sumer record.

    Aside from stuff already mentioned, I really like The Luckless album & better late than never finally discovered the incredible Sharpie Crows.

    Oh, and 2013 is going to be the year of Street Chant!

    Wellington • Since Nov 2012 • 72 posts Report Reply

  • Peter Darlington,

    Don't forget the Listener 2012 album wrap ups from Nick Bollinger and Stinky Jim as well.

    http://www.listener.co.nz/culture/music/albums-of-the-year-fish-fry/

    Nelson • Since Nov 2006 • 949 posts Report Reply

  • Paul Williams, in reply to Russell Brown,

    I was counting that as a 2011 release. Am I wrong there? Because I'd have that in too.

    I hadn't checked actually, but according to wikipedia, it sneaks in as 18 January 2012.

    Sydney • Since Nov 2006 • 2273 posts Report Reply

  • Greg Wood, in reply to Paul Williams,

    Oh yeah, my working afternoon has been "dramatically improved" by the quality of Russell's music posts quite a few times. This particular one is now in an advanced state of renovation.

    Now back in Aucktown • Since Dec 2006 • 86 posts Report Reply

  • Alan Perrott,

    new stuff wise this has been my guilty pleasure this year - Maccabees' Ayla, all soarey, droney and heroicky with splendid skittering drums...

    otherwise, for mine, this has been a year of great re-releases. Jazzman's Jukebox Mambo is fantastic, as have been almost all of Gerald's 50s RnB singles this year, and I've nabbed a fresh from the factory Numero Group 10th anniversary Eccentric Soul boxset of 45 45s for Chrissey - that one's a collection killer and a beautiful piece of kit to boot.

    oh, and plus one on Opossum. Looking forward to the impending UMO album as well. Whatever those boys have needs to be distilled down to handy pill-size and feed to the people at large.

    Auckland • Since Nov 2006 • 438 posts Report Reply

  • Kyle Matthews,

    I just recently found a US folk band called The Last Bison.

    Kishi Bashi has been my find of 2012 - astounding musician, and I've been throwing him at anyone who walks nearby. Recently or soon to be reviewed in the NZ Herald by Graham Reid.

    For live music - Beyondsemble. Drags you up to your feet and makes you dance, but can also make you sit down and just appreciate their talent.

    I was also rather impressed with Bobby Womack's album - quite different.

    Someone in the PAS community put me onto Lorde.

    And I got hooked up with Lucy Spraggan, who gets way too drunk competing on the UK version of X-factor. Away from the stupidity of that show she sings touching songs.

    And after having one song in itunes for a couple of years now thanks to a PA Radio download, I found Avalanche City's album + EP which is great.

    Since Nov 2006 • 6243 posts Report Reply

  • Russell Brown, in reply to Kyle Matthews,

    Kishi Bashi has been my find of 2012 - astounding musician, and I've been throwing him at anyone who walks nearby. Recently or soon to be reviewed in the NZ Herald by Graham Reid.

    Wow. I can't quite work out of it's my thing or not, but that's strikingly characterful music. Fascinating.

    Auckland • Since Nov 2006 • 22850 posts Report Reply

  • Greg Wood,

    Waugh! The Orbserver is "Not Available In The New Zealand iTunes Store (you thieving, copyright-nose-thumbing, Kim-Dotcom-loving commie pinko bastards)".

    Any ideas?

    Now back in Aucktown • Since Dec 2006 • 86 posts Report Reply

  • JacksonP, in reply to Kyle Matthews,

    Lorde.

    I was alerted to that link too when it was published (by her mum), and have since heard both Royals and Million Dollar Bills on Kiwi FM. I think she has a bright future, and deservedly so. Slight LDR vibe, IMhO, but with some cool harmonies and vocal strength. I like.

    Auckland • Since Mar 2011 • 2450 posts Report Reply

  • Russell Brown, in reply to Greg Wood,

    Waugh! The Orbserver is “Not Available In The New Zealand iTunes Store (you thieving, copyright-nose-thumbing, Kim-Dotcom-loving commie pinko bastards)”.

    Any ideas?

    Yet again, iTunes’ handover to the local iTunes store is broke. That’s supposed to be a global link from the website for the album.

    It’s here.

    I actually bought my copy as WAV files from Juno Download in the UK. They have some UI issues, but it’s quite a shop.

    I’ll fix the post too. Thanks for letting me know.

    Auckland • Since Nov 2006 • 22850 posts Report Reply

  • JacksonP,

    This video was released about an hour ago, I believe.

    It's pretty damn beautiful, and the album is worthy also.

    Dear Time's Waste - 'Heavy High'

    Auckland • Since Mar 2011 • 2450 posts Report Reply

  • George Darroch,

    So much good music here.

    I too like LDR. I've always liked pop. Video Games (Copycat's Night Drive remix

    Also, Grimes:

    WLG • Since Nov 2006 • 2264 posts Report Reply

  • George Darroch,

    Actually, that video is highly indulgent. Don't watch it unless you already like Grimes.

    WLG • Since Nov 2006 • 2264 posts Report Reply

  • BenWilson,

    Cheers Russ, what a mellow selection. Did me a power of good just now, still got another hour before the final painkiller dose before bed. That Lennon one was wicked.

    Auckland • Since Nov 2006 • 10657 posts Report Reply

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