Music Quiz: Pick a 1990s Music Artist By Hit
Can you link an image of a 1990s band to an iconic hit? I scored 21 Can you beat me? I thought it was the trickiest one so far. Not a lot of artists who I really care about…
Year 2026
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New Music Reviews: Angine de Poitrine and Joyce Manor
It’s an unusually rocking week – the microtonal art rock of Angine de Poitrine and the punk of Joyce Manor Angine de Poitrine Vol.II 2026, 8/10If Geese were the breakout indie act of 2025, Quebecois math-rock duo are 2026’s newly…
Nuggets II: Path Through The Forest by The Factory
The success of Rhino’s 1998 Nuggets boxset justified a follow-up. The sequel covers the rest of the world since the first volume only chronicled the USA. Nuggets II: Original Artyfacts from the British Empire and Beyond, 1964–1969 emerged in 2001.…
Music Quiz: Pick a 1980s Music Band By Hit
Can you link an image of a 1980s band to an iconic hit? I scored 19 Can you beat me and score the perfect 20? Congratulations to EclecticMusicLover, who has dominated this series. He beat Rich Kamerman by 3…
Ten Favourite Keyboard Players
“These fingers of mine, they got brains in ’em. You don’t tell them what to do – they do it.” Jerry Lee Lewis Not every band features a keyboard player, so the talent pool is smaller than for other band…
The New Pornographers' Albums: Ranked from Worst to Best
The New Pornographers emerged in 2000, pooling talent from nationally successful Canadian bands like Zumpano, Destroyer, and Limblifter. While A.C. Newman is the group’s main creative force, the band spotlighted Neko Case’s warm, sumptuous voice and Dan Bejar’s offbeat songs…
New Music Reviews: The New Pornographers and Courtney Marie Andrews
Two albums inspired by darkness and turmoil this week. Courtney Marie Andrews reports that she wrote Valentine during “a dark period of the world”, while The New Pornographers’ music is also inspired by global chaos. The New Pornographers The Former…
Whenever, Wherever by Shakira
Every New Zealand #1 single… 8 Whenever, Wherever by Shakira Topped the NZ chart for 8 weeks from 10 February 2002. Shakira Shakira Ripoll was born in Barranquilla, Colombia, the daughter of a jeweller. She wrote her first poem, ‘La Rosa…
Music Quiz: Pick a 1980s Music Artist By Hit
Can you link an image of a 1980s artist to an iconic hit? I scored 21 I found it tougher than the previous editions, as I don’t know what Irene Cara and Richard Marx look like. Congratulations to EclecticMusicLover,…
Lindsey Buckingham Albums: Ranked from Worst to Best
It’s difficult to blame Lindsey Buckingham for having a chip on his shoulder. He’s the studio mastermind, the live spark, and the restless creator behind the imperious pop era of Fleetwood Mac. But Buckingham is little known by the general…
New Music Reviews: Avalon Emerson and Snail Mail
If you look at my favourite album per year list, both of these artists have already had a year’s best album this decade. The two albums this week are the sequels, and they’re both excellent. Avalon Emerson Written Into Changes…
Nuggets II: Love Hate Revenge by Episode Six
The success of Rhino’s 1998 Nuggets boxset justified a follow-up. The sequel covers the rest of the world since the first volume only chronicled the USA. Nuggets II: Original Artyfacts from the British Empire and Beyond, 1964–1969 emerged in 2001.…
Music Quiz: Pick a 1970s Music Band By Hit
Can you link an image of a 1970s band to an iconic hit? I scored 18 I think 20 is attainable; I just made a couple of silly mistakes. Congratulations to EclecticMusicLover, who scored the fastest 25/25 for the…
10 Favourite Drummers
Along with the lead singer and the flashy lead guitarist, the drummer’s often a focal point in a band. I’ve picked ten of my favourite drummers. My list is a little different than the standard, for a couple of reasons.…
New Music Reviews: Mod Lang and Sun-El Musician
Two very different albums this week – the succinct, retro power-pop of Mod Lang, and the sprawling, forward-looking house of Sun-El Musician. I like both artists, but both albums are a little flawed. Read on for details! Mod Lang Borrowed…
The Newcastle Song by Bob Hudson
Every New Zealand #1 single… 2 The Newcastle Song by Bob Hudson Topped the NZ chart for 4 (non-consecutive) weeks from 6 June 1975. Bob Hudson Sydney’s Bob Hudson trained as a geography teacher, then became a psychiatric nurse. He…
Music Quiz: Pick a 1970s Music Artist By Hit
Can you link an image of a 1970s artist to an iconic hit? I scored 24/25, struggling with differentiating between women with afros. Congratulations to EclecticMusicLover, who scored the fastest 25/25 in last week’s 1960s hit quiz. You may…
Music Is My Life: Book Review
by Myles Tanzer, Illustrated by Ali Mac My two daughters are voracious learners, so when we found this book about 80 notable musicians on the library shelves we borrowed it. My older daughter is 9, and she’s probably at the…
10 Best Tears For Fears Songs
Curt Smith and Roland Orzabal began their recording careers in a terrible band named Graduate, known for the track ‘Elvis Should Play Ska’. Resenting the control of the other, non-songwriting members, Orzabal and Smith formed the duo Tears for Fears.…
Nuggets II: Pictures of Matchstick Men by The Status Quo
The success of Rhino’s 1998 Nuggets boxset justified a follow-up. The sequel covers the rest of the world since the first volume only chronicled the USA. Nuggets II: Original Artyfacts from the British Empire and Beyond, 1964–1969 emerged in 2001.…
Music Quiz: Pick a 1960s Music Artist By Hit
Can you link an image of a 1960s artist to an iconic hit? I scored 25/25, but it took a fair bit of puzzling. I only had 1:41 remaining. Congratulations to UK #1s Blog, who scored a perfect 10/10…
The Woodstock Movie
An analysis of the 1969 Woodstock movie.
New Music Reviews: Dina Ögon, Jill Scott
Always welcome, Dina Ögon deliver another album of smooth Scandinavian pop. American neo-soul singer Jill Scott is back for her first album in more than a decade. Dina Ögon Människobarn 2026, 8/10Swedish band Dina Ögon comprise lead vocalist Anna Ahnlund,…
Dance Monkey by Tones and I
Every New Zealand #1 single… 1 Dance Monkey by Tones and I Topped the NZ chart for 11 (non-consecutive) weeks from 9 September 2019. Tones and I Toni Watson grew up in Melbourne. She busked after learning to play keyboards…
Music Quiz: An Anatomy of Songs Graph
Can you fill in the blank of these 1990s songs? I had to do a fair bit of thinking, but scored 10/10 with 1:23 remaining. Congratulations to Tony, who scored 20/20 in last week’s 1990s quiz. I liked this…
In Praise of Lindsey Buckingham
The entire 50 year history of Fleetwood Mac has essentially been one long soap opera, but the group’s storied history took a surprising turn last week. Long time guitarist Lindsey Buckingham left the group, supposedly for a dispute over set…
10 Best Midnight Oil Songs
Drummer Rob Hirst, bassist Andrew James, and guitarist Jim Moginie started performing together in Sydney in 1971, covering Cream, Creedence Clearwater Revival, and Led Zeppelin. They eventually added towering vocalist Peter Garrett and guitarist Martin Rotsey. The name Midnight Oil…
Nuggets II: The Train to Disaster by The Voice
The success of Rhino’s 1998 Nuggets boxset justified a follow-up. The sequel covers the rest of the world since the first volume only chronicled the USA. Nuggets II: Original Artyfacts from the British Empire and Beyond, 1964–1969 emerged in 2001.…
Music Quiz: Can You Fill Me In? 1990s Songs III
Can you fill in the blank of these 1990s songs? I had to do a fair bit of guessing, but made it to 20/20 with 2:42 remaining. Congratulations to Tony, who just beat out two tied contestants for the…
10 Best Wilco Songs
Jeff Tweedy was the junior partner in alt-country outfit Uncle Tupelo, playing bass and fronting the occasional song. When the group split, Tweedy formed Wilco with other Uncle Tupelo musicians – notably bassist John Stirratt, Wilco’s only other constant member.…
New Music Reviews: Mitski, Hemlocke Springs, L.A. Mitchell
Three female solo artists this week. Mitski and Hemlocke Springs deliver conceptual albums, while L.A. Mitchell is back with her first solo album in decades. Mitski Nothing’s About To Happen To Me 2026, 7.5/10On 27 August 2018, Mitski released the…
Penny Lane by The Beatles
Every New Zealand #1 single… 10 Penny Lane by The Beatles Topped the NZ chart for 2 weeks from 31 March 1967 The Beatles enjoyed 14 #1 singles in New Zealand between 1963 and 1970 – it almost certainly would…
Music Quiz: #1 Song to Artist Match-Up (1982)
Who knows what tomorrow brings? But today brings a quiz about #1 songs of 1982. There are mountains in our way. But we climb a step every day. I scored full marks with 2:16 remaining. Last week, love lifted…
The French Horn in Popular Music: A Playlist
As its name suggests, the French horn evolved from humans blowing into actual animal horns, like the Jewish shofar. The modern French horn is a convoluted-looking instrument, that produces a haunting and gentle sound. The horn is mostly used in…
The Shuffle the Music Tag #2
Way back in October 2017, I was invited to participate in the Shuffle the Music Tag challenge. Here are the rules: THE RULES• Mention the creator of the tag and link to their blog (created by )• Thank the person that…
Nuggets II: Sad by The (Australian) Playboys
The success of Rhino’s 1998 Nuggets boxset justified a follow-up. The sequel covers the rest of the world since the first volume only chronicled the USA. Nuggets II: Original Artyfacts from the British Empire and Beyond, 1964–1969 emerged in 2001.…
Music Quiz: Women of Pop Music
Can you link the first and last names of famous female singers? It’s not all young starlets – it reaches back into the 1960s. I suspect it might be a speedrace this week. I scored 20/20 with 2:22 remaining.…
The Shuffle the Music Tag
I was invited to participate in the Shuffle the Music Tag challenge in October 2017. THE RULES• Mention the creator of the tag and link to their blog (created by )• Thank the person that nominated you for this tag and…
New Music Reviews: Ratboys and Mandy, Indiana
It’s an uncharacteristically rocking week. Ratboys play rootsy rock and roll, while Mandy, Indiana find the previously uncharted sweet spot between industrial rock and synth-pop. Ratboys Singin’ To An Empty Chair 2026, 8/10Chicago band Ratboys play rootsy, emotional rock and…
Low by Flo Rida (featuring T-Pain)
Every New Zealand #1 single… 4 Low by Flo Rida (featuring T-Pain) Topped the NZ chart for 3 weeks from 28 January 2008. Flo Rida Tramar Lacel Dillard was born in Miami Gardens, Florida, and grew up with seven sisters.…
Music Quiz: Robots on Album Covers
Can you identify album covers featuring robots? We’re here for a good time, not a long time this week, as there are only 8 questions. I messed up one with an iconic band mascot, so I only scored 7.…
10 Best Hit Songs of the 1980s
My list of the ten worst songs of the 1980s has received thousands of visitors over the last couple of weeks. I’ve received comments accusing me of hating the 1980s, so I thought that I’d set the record straight with…
New Music Reviews: Dry Cleaning and Charli XCX
We’re stuck in the UK this week – the deadpan post-punk of Dry Cleaning, and Charli XCX’s Gothic literature soundtrack. Dry Cleaning Secret Love 2026, 8/10South London post-punk band Dry Cleaning expand their horizons on their third album. On their previous records,…
Nuggets II: Slaves Time by The Slaves
The success of Rhino’s 1998 Nuggets boxset justified a follow-up. The sequel covers the rest of the world since the first volume only chronicled the USA. Nuggets II: Original Artyfacts from the British Empire and Beyond, 1964–1969 emerged in 2001.…
Music Quiz: D Singers by Decade
Can you match a bunch of singers to the decade they were born in? I started well, but then missed the last three to finish with 5 Congratulations to Max, who finished with 18/20 in last week’s 1971 in…
Van Morrison in the 1980s: Five Best Albums
I’ve already posted about my favourite five Van Morrison albums, but all five were released in the 1960s and 1970s. While he didn’t reach the level of his earlier peaks, Van Morrison continued to release fine albums in the 1980s.…
Five Best Michael Omartian Songs
Illinois-born Michael Omartian is best known as a producer. He was the first person to produce number one hits in three different decades. His number ones include: He’s also notable as a session musican, playing on records by Steely Dan,…
Homeward Bound by Simon and Garfunkel
Every New Zealand #1 single… 9 Homeward Bound by Simon and Garfunkel Topped the NZ chart for 4 (non-consecutive) weeks from 29 April 1966. Simon and Garfunkel Paul Simon and Art Garfunkel started their recording career as Tom & Jerry in 1957,…
Music Quiz: 1971 in British Music
Can you correctly answer multi-choice questions about British music in 1971? Find out here: I scored a just-above-average 13/20 – can you beat me? Congratulations to NameEclectic Music Lover, who was the fastest in last week’s 3 Songs, 1…
10 Best Fairport Convention Songs
Bassist Ashley Hutchings and rhythm guitarist Simon Nicol formed Fairport Convention in 1967. They named the band after Nicol’s father’s medical practice, above which they rehearsed, on the same Muswell street as the Davies brothers of The Kinks grew up. They recruited…
New Music Reviews: Titanic, Sault, and Julianna Barwick and Mary Lattimore
It’s an especially eclectic bunch this week – the ambient collaboration of Julianna Barwick and Mary Lattimore, the funk of Sault, and Titanic’s concise progressive rock. Julianna Barwick and Mary Lattimore Tragic Magic 2026, 8.5/10Harpist Mary Lattimore and vocalist/producer Julianna…
Nuggets II: You Can Be My Baby by The Red Squares
The success of Rhino’s 1998 Nuggets boxset justified a follow-up. The sequel covers the rest of the world since the first volume only chronicled the USA. Nuggets II: Original Artyfacts from the British Empire and Beyond, 1964–1969 emerged in 2001.…
Music Quiz: 3 Songs, 1 Common Name
I found this week’s quiz confusing at first. You need to link three songs to one first name – a name shared by people who sang the three songs. So the answer for ‘Suspicious Minds’ and ‘Alison’ would be Elvia.…
10 Best LCD Soundsystem Songs
New Jersey’s James Murphy obviously has a terrific record collection – his favourite artists include The Fall, Yes, The B-52’s, David Bowie, and Can. LCD Soundsystem’s music echoes these influences, along with electronic pioneers like New Order and Kraftwerk. Murphy…
Cotton Eye Joe by Rednex
Every New Zealand #1 single… 4 Cotton Eye Joe by Rednex Topped the NZ chart for 6 weeks from 5 March 1995. Rednex Inspired by Ricky Skaggs, Swedish producers Janne Ericsson, Örjan “Öban” Öberg, and Ranis Edenberg formed Rednex. They…
The Beach Boys—1978-1981 outtakes
Over the last couple of days, a treasure trove of Beach Boys outtakes has slipped out into the wild. It’s on Google Drive, archive.org, and other places. The leaked songs span the band’s career, but I’m most interested in the…
Music Quiz: Three Dog Night songs
I often try to steer away from single-artist quizzes. But I figure Three Dog Night are a level playing field – most people know some songs, but probably not many mega-fans out there. Can you complete the titles of these…
Simon & Garfunkel Albums: Ranked from Worst to Best
Paul Simon and Art Garfunkel started their recording career as Tom & Jerry in 1957, making teen-oriented Everly Brothers style pop. After a temporary split, they re-branded as Simon & Garfunkel, an earnest folk duo. Their debut album, 1964’s Wednesday Morning,…
Nuggets II: I Wish I Was Five by Scrugg
The success of Rhino’s 1998 Nuggets boxset justified a follow-up. The sequel covers the rest of the world since the first volume only chronicled the USA. Nuggets II: Original Artyfacts from the British Empire and Beyond, 1964–1969 emerged in 2001.…
Teddy Lester’s Quotes
I have an irrational love for John Finnemore’s Teddy Lester books. First published in the early 20th century, they were republished in the 1950s. My dad won some as school prizes, and I completed the collection on TradeMe (New Zealand’s…
Music Quiz: Third in Line
Can you identify 20 artists by their third album? I identified them all in 1:03, although I had to resort to genre-based guessing for the last few. Congratulations to Rich Kamerman, who just pipped Max and jprobichaud for last…
10 Best Fleetwood Mac Songs from the Buckingham-Nicks Era
On New Year’s Eve 1974, Mick Fleetwood invited guitarist Lindsey Buckingham to join Fleetwood Mac. Buckingham insisted that his girlfriend Stevie Nicks was part of the package, and Fleetwood Mac’s tenth and most successful line-up was formed. The line-up of…
Warren Zevon Albums Ranked from Worst to Best
Warren Zevon emerged later than most of his LA singer-songwriter contemporaries. His work was often dark and nasty, like film noir in song. Zevon was born in Chicago – his father worked as a bookie for the notorious Los Angeles…
Golden by Huntrix
Every New Zealand #1 single… 2 Golden by Huntrix Topped the NZ chart for 8 (non-consecutive) weeks from 18 July 2025. KPop Demon Hunters The three pop stars/demon slayers of fictional KPop band Huntrix were the biggest pop-culture phenomenon of…
Music Quiz: Album by Final Track
Can you identify 12 albums by their final track? I identified them all in 31 seconds – can you beat my time? Congratulations to EclecticMusicLover, who finished the 1970 end-of-year chart quiz faster than Max. RIP to Midnight Oil’s…
The Replacements Albums: Ranked from Worst to Best
During ten anarchic years, The Replacements recorded a ton of wonderful songs, self-sabotaged their career, and never achieved the mass success they promised. The Replacements started as part of the hardcore punk scene of the early 1980s, but they were…
New Music Reviews: Eddie Chacon, CMAT, Oklou, etc
It’s 2026 now, but I’m still working through some 2025 releases. New music reviews might be an overstatement here – Eddie Chacon released Lay Low last January, while Oklou’s had a baby since releasing Choke Enough. Eddie Chacon Lay Low…
Nuggets II: Glendora by Downliners Sect
The success of Rhino’s 1998 Nuggets boxset justified a follow-up. The sequel covers the rest of the world since the first volume only chronicled the USA. Nuggets II: Original Artyfacts from the British Empire and Beyond, 1964–1969 emerged in 2001.…
Music Quiz: Artists on Billboard Year-End Hot 25 singles of 1970
Last week we looked at 1990. This week, can you name all the year-end hot 25 singles of 1970? I certainly couldn’t – just like the last two weeks, I scored precisely 17 Congratulations to NostalgicItalian, who scored a…
The Ten Best Songs Ever (According To Me)
Lists are always subjective, but songs are particularly so – there are way more to choose from. It’s also way easier to burn out on songs – twenty years ago I would have likely chosen popular tracks like ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’…
Saint Paul by Shane
Every New Zealand #1 single… 3 Saint Paul by Shane Topped the NZ chart for 6 weeks from 26 September 1969. Shane Shane landed a gig hosting the NZ pop show C’mon. This led to a record contract with HMV.…
A True Star—the 10 Best Albums of 1973
1973 featured the OPEC oil crisis, the Yom Kippur War, and the death of Salvador Allende. But it was also a great year for albums – I had no room for personal favourites like Tom Waits’ Closing Time, Paul Simon’s…
Music Quiz: Artists on Billboard Year-End Hot 25 singles of 1990
Last week we looked at 1980. This week, can you name all the year-end hot 25 singles of 1990? I certainly couldn’t – just like last week, I scored 17 Congratulations to EclecticMusicLover, who’s continuing to rack up consecutive…
Wilco: Five Best Albums
When Uncle Tupelo split up after 1993’s Anodyne, guitarist and primary song-writer Jay Farrar seemed the best bet for a successful career with his new act Son Volt. But Jeff Tweedy formed Wilco with the remnants of Uncle Tupelo – bassist…
Nuggets II: Rosalyn by The Pretty Things
The success of Rhino’s 1998 Nuggets boxset justified a follow-up. The sequel covers the rest of the world since the first volume only chronicled the USA. Nuggets II: Original Artyfacts from the British Empire and Beyond, 1964–1969 emerged in 2001.…
No matter how jangled—10 Best Albums of 2025
As a one-person music website, I’m unable to cover everything. I’ve reviewed about 75 albums from 2025, slightly inflated by covering the seven albums of Springsteen’s Tracks II box set. Here are my favourites from the year. It seemed like…
Music Quiz: Artists on Billboard Year-End Hot 25 singles of 1980
Can you name all the year-end hot 25 singles of 1980? I certainly couldn’t – I struggled with the bottom third of the list, and ended up with 17 In my defense, I was only 1 at the time.…