Hard News by Russell Brown

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Hard News: Kids: Still alright

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  • recordari,

    Tears For Fears as "one of the best bands of the 1980s".

    He's probably not alone* in that view you know, and I'm quite fond of some of the early stuff, and like Craig, don't always switch off Phil Collins (I'm wondering which ones it's Ok to like though, cause, ya know, don't want to look like a shine-head in a Gorilla suit).

    Having lived through many a 'they were cool once' scenario while working at student radio, where they did once play Tears for Fears, Coldplay, Kings of Leon, Muse, to name but a few, before they tipped over some arbitrary 'too popular' line, it all gets a bit precious. While the Smiths vein is finally healing, my 80s mix also has Depeche Mode, Bronski Beat and assorted other groups which Sweetman et al would doubtless run screaming from.

    * ETA: That's not my view though, because that would be The Smiths, or maybe The Cure, or even New Order. Can I have more than one 'best?'

    AUCKLAND • Since Dec 2009 • 2607 posts Report

  • Jackie Clark,

    my 80s mix also has Depeche Mode, Bronski Beat and assorted other groups which Sweetman et al would doubtless run screaming from.

    LOVE electronic 80's stuff, Jack. But then I am inordinately fond of all sorts of what may be termed "middle of the road" stuff from the 80's. No apologies.

    Mt Eden, Auckland • Since Nov 2006 • 3136 posts Report

  • Ben Austin,

    Was that the tea rooms with a teapot outside? If so, I've spent many hours there over the years

    London • Since Nov 2006 • 1027 posts Report

  • recordari,

    It's our simple minds you see. Oh, and them too.

    AUCKLAND • Since Dec 2009 • 2607 posts Report

  • Craig Young,

    ACT:
    Who leaked...?

    Craig Y

    Wellington • Since Nov 2006 • 573 posts Report

  • Islander,

    Temuka. Teapot Inn. From my earliest childhood (because my Mum is from Oamaru & my dad was from New Brighton) we travelled that route nearly every weekend. I still do that traverse, 1/3 times a months-

    Big O, Mahitahi, Te Wahi … • Since Feb 2007 • 5643 posts Report

  • Islander,

    Temuka. Teapot Inn. From my earliest childhood (because my Mum is from Oamaru & my dad was from New Brighton) we travelled that route nearly every weekend. I still do that traverse, 1/3 times a months-

    Big O, Mahitahi, Te Wahi … • Since Feb 2007 • 5643 posts Report

  • Jackie Clark,

    Oh I remember the Teapot Inn. Every year for about 10 years, a small version of my family (ie only 3 siblings rather than the nornal 6) went around the South Island with Mum and Dad, in the May holidays. Basically so Dad could travel around Ceramco's business concerns at the time, which included Temuka Potteries. I used to love all those tearooms....

    Mt Eden, Auckland • Since Nov 2006 • 3136 posts Report

  • Samuel Scott,

    Yay Sweetman has made it to PAS. Hating on Big Sweets only makes him stronger!

    But yeah, despite the fact that in-person I really like the guy and that I oft agree with his dislikes, I do find his harshest articles are utterly unjustified. He really missed the boat on the (FANTASTIC) last Ruby Suns record - saying it was an Animal Collective rip off. I love AC, as does Ryan I'm sure, but that Ruby Suns record reminds me of all sorts of wonderful things (kinda sounds like The Orb meets 60s California pop) - most essentially it reminds of The Ruby Suns!

    I think Simon writes too much, and sometimes doesn't properly explain himself. If he could refine his style, maybe not blog every day, then he could be a much more important critical voice and not just piss everyone off. But hey, he's making a living so why should he change?

    And what architecture dancer in this country would I fully stand behind? The writers whose craft I admire are often just too democratic about anything from New Zealand, the harsh ones make me cringe (because they are usually being harsh about me or someone I know - Mr Kaye I will never forget 'the beardy Coldplay' comment NEVER!!).

    ...I also love Tears For Fears. Good songs.

    ....also I need to listen to the Naked And Famous album properly. I thought the first song had the EXACT drum sound from Take On Me, no mean feet. I thought Young Blood was like, pretty good. 'Say Goodbye' however, is such a near perfect song/record that I thought The Minties really deserved the vegemite scroll this year.

    ......AND, I think Street Chant have a superb pop sensibility with a slightly dangerous spirit. Surely a winning combination, I hope they get to CMJ this year....or SXSW in March. I can't imagine them not causing a positive stir.


    South Wellington • Since Feb 2008 • 315 posts Report

  • Samuel Scott,

    That comment was too long, sorry. To compensate here is the best music video of all time;

    South Wellington • Since Feb 2008 • 315 posts Report

  • Mellopuffy,

    I think it is truly soul-destroying that custard squares are on the seemingly endless list of things not supposed to be consumed by pregnant women. (I seriously considered having a first post-natal meal of Bluff oysters and a custard square.)

    If you mind taking the trouble to make yourself a fresh one, a custard square is attainable, if you're desperate enough...;)

    Dunedin, NZ • Since Feb 2007 • 63 posts Report

  • Sacha,

    architecture dancer

    respect

    Ak • Since May 2008 • 19745 posts Report

  • recordari,

    Oh, super! Man I miss my Laurie Anderson records. I wanted them, but I couldn't find them.

    AUCKLAND • Since Dec 2009 • 2607 posts Report

  • Russell Brown,

    But yeah, despite the fact that in-person I really like the guy and that I oft agree with his dislikes, I do find his harshest articles are utterly unjustified. He really missed the boat on the (FANTASTIC) last Ruby Suns record - saying it was an Animal Collective rip off.

    Arrggh. That's the sort of cheap, lazy criticism that unduly outrages me about Sweetman. It's unfair to the artist and useless to the reader. As a retired architecture-dancer I'm insulted by it.

    And what architecture dancer in this country would I fully stand behind? The writers whose craft I admire are often just too democratic about anything from New Zealand ...

    Well Graham Reid expressed some misgivings about your last record ;-)

    (And then your fans sent him hate mail! Lol.)

    'Say Goodbye' however, is such a near perfect song/record that I thought The Minties really deserved the vegemite scroll this year.

    I'd have given it to the Julia Deans song. But I'm not saying the whole thing's now meaningless because my pick didn't win.

    Auckland • Since Nov 2006 • 22850 posts Report

  • Heather Gaye,

    Mr Kaye I will never forget 'the beardy Coldplay' comment NEVER!!).

    Sorry Sam, but that made me laugh out loud. My bf was reading over my shoulder, read that comment and said "oh, is that the guy from Phoenix Foundation?"

    Morningside • Since Nov 2006 • 533 posts Report

  • recordari,

    I'd have given it to the Julia Deans song. But I'm not saying the whole thing's now meaningless because my pick didn't win.

    Now you mention it, me too. Seeing her singing it live even more so, as while the album version is good, her belting it out in person was superlative deficit inducing.

    AUCKLAND • Since Dec 2009 • 2607 posts Report

  • Tony Parker,

    Okay crusty old bugger post. Saw Dave Dobbyn last night on his acoustic church tour with the Dukes and LA Mitchell. He did a great job I thought playing some deep cuts (Bell Tower) and new songs, slowed down Be Mine Tonight and dispensed with Loyal early in the piece. Dukes and Mitchell along with Ross Burge backed him up nicely. Respectful audience made it almost recvital like. He was in good humour too.

    And another old man has some new music out shortly

    http://pitchfork.com/tv/%23/musicvideo/8384-neil-young-hitchhiker-reprise

    Napier • Since Nov 2008 • 232 posts Report

  • Paul Williams,

    Samuel Scott, thank you for the Patti Smith cover of Tears for Fears, it's bloody superb (as a non-too-closeted fan).

    Sydney • Since Nov 2006 • 2273 posts Report

  • Jackie Clark,

    I would have loved to go to one of those, Tony. I absolutely love DD. Always have. He and Elton John are my perpetual loves. And disco, let's not forget disco.

    Mt Eden, Auckland • Since Nov 2006 • 3136 posts Report

  • Leopold,

    ACT:
    Who leaked...?

    Craig Y

    To misquote 'Pulp Fiction':

    The only one who f-s with Mrs Roy is Dr Roy

    Since Jan 2007 • 153 posts Report

  • recordari,

    http://pitchfork.com/tv/%23/musicvideo/8384-neil-young-hitchhiker-reprise

    Don't care that he has done similar things for 40 years, cause that still made my hair tingle.

    And thanks, found Deerhunter Helicopter. Haven't given them enough time, by all accounts.

    AUCKLAND • Since Dec 2009 • 2607 posts Report

  • Russell Brown,

    Sam, if you're still there, are you familiar with The Love Language?

    They sometimes sound to me like The Phoenix Foundation's Tribute band. In a good way.

    Auckland • Since Nov 2006 • 22850 posts Report

  • Paul Williams,

    Incidentally, Ms Jenny Morris can still belt out a tune. Saw her last night in Sydney. I'd hoped she'd sing Tears, no luck, but she did a bloody great version of Under the Milky Way.

    Sydney • Since Nov 2006 • 2273 posts Report

  • recordari,

    This just in, Hamish Kilgour, among others, on new Cinema Red and Blue album. More here.

    Of course anyone following Arch Hill recordings already knew that.

    AUCKLAND • Since Dec 2009 • 2607 posts Report

  • Samuel Scott,

    They sometimes sound to me like The Phoenix Foundation's Tribute band. In a good way.

    Heh, I think they quite good. :-)

    South Wellington • Since Feb 2008 • 315 posts Report

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