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…
“The minute you’re in a car and you turn to five different radio stations and they’re all playing “Thrift Shop,” you’re like, “This s*** is played out.” We didn’t make pop music; pop music came to us.” Macklemore and 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…
Before he formed Tax Free and ran into tax problems, Wally Tax was the lead vocalist for The Outsiders. Credits 4 TOUCH – The Outsiders (NL)(Wally Tax/Ronald Splinter) PERSONNEL/WALLY TAX: vocals, harmonica * RONALD SPLINTER: lead guitar * TOM KRABBENDAM:…
Can you complete the 2000s song title with a picture? Most people smashed the 1950s quiz, but I imagine this one will be trickier. I scored 20/20 with 2:41 remaining – can you beat my time? Congratulations to NostalgicItalian,…
Detroit’s Marshall Crenshaw started playing the guitar at age ten. At high school he started the band Astigfa – an acronym for “a splendid time is guaranteed for all”, a lyric from The Beatles’ /Being For The Benefit of Mr…
This might be the worst collection of album art I’ve ever featured in this column. Addison Rae’s debut has passable art, but Bruce Springsteen and Tyler’s art directors both mailed it in this week. Bruce Springsteen Inyo 2025, 6.5/10Disc five…
Every New Zealand #1 single… Kenny Loggins Loggins was born in Everett, Washington, 40 km north of Seattle. He started his career as a folkie, playing in the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band and Loggins and Messina. During the 1980s, he became…
