Even in 2022, the COVID-19 pandemic still looms large over popular music. Many of these albums were affected by events – forcing delays or changes in personnel. As always, there was a wealth of excellent music recorded in 2022 –…
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.…
Every New Zealand #1 single… 10 Chapel of Love by The Dixie Cups Topped the NZ chart for 2 weeks from 6 August 1964. The Dixie Cups The Dixie Cups are a trio from New Orleans. The classic lineup consisted…
Welcome back for quiz time. This week, your challenge I scored 19/20, which was pretty good as there are a few obscure ones in there – perhaps chosen as they make good LEGO artwork. I loved the photography. Congratulations…
Steely Dan released a string of quality records in the 1970s that blurred the lines between rock and jazz. They started the decade as a self-contained rock band and ended as the duo of Donald Fagen and Walter Becker, supported…
Three different continents this week. We conclude our Springsteen marathon with Perfect World, the rock album of the set. Ghana’s Florence Adooni makes her international debut with A.O.E.I.U.. And London post-punk band Caroline released an excellent second album. Florence Adooni…
Every New Zealand #1 single… 7 Thrift Shop by Macklemore and Ryan Lewis Topped the NZ chart for 6 weeks from 12 November 2012. Macklemore and Ryan Lewis Like the last artist to appear in this column (Kenny Loggins!), Ryan…
Can you identify these Lego album covers? It’s pretty tough – the average is 43%. One album cover is hard to recognise, and another is a pretty obscure choice IMO. I was pleased with my 75% – can you…
Prefab Sprout‘s terrific 1990 album, Jordan: The Comeback, features a song named ‘Wild Horses’. It’s about an older gentleman’s unsavoury attempt to woo a young lady. Paddy McAloon is a brilliant lyricist, and he’s in full flight here, throwing in…
It’s a strong week, with the best record from Springsteen’s Tracks II and Justin Bieber’s most palatable record (I assume!). But my favourite release from the week is from maverick R&B producer Dijon. Bruce Springsteen Twilight Hours 2025, 8.5/10The best…
