Help me put together a soundtrack for our two-week New Zealand road trip!
February 11, 2008 11:12 AM Subscribe
Help me put together a soundtrack for our two-week New Zealand road trip!
Mrs. Intermod and I will soon be going on a long planned trip around New Zealand in a campervan. We're looking for NZ music to accompany our travels.
We are both music junkies. I come from a noise-rock / punk / jazz background, she's more of a classic pop / soul / electronic type. We'll entertain listening to just about anything as long as it's not mainstream commercial rock.
I vaguely remember lots of NZ music from the late 80's and early 90's. I have a couple CDs from the Dead C / Siltbreeze crowd over on the noisy side, although I don't think the missus will tolerate that much. I think I even saw the Chills on an early 90's tour through the US, or was that the Clean? I recognize a lot of the names on the Flying Nun roster but will freely admit my inability to pick them apart in a crowd.
Of course I'm familiar with the hugely successful Crowded House and to a lesser extent Split Enz. Similarly, we've seen quite a few movies from New Zealand (Heavenly Creatures, Whale Rider, The Piano, etc.) and don't need any tips there -- this AskMefi is just for purposes of getting a music inventory going.
In searching the past year or so of AskMefi, I did find this thread which provides several great tips:
Alas, having squandered a massive amount of money on the trip travel already (thank you W for the collapsing US dollar and high fuel prices globally), I'm not going to be able to buy more than a handful of CDs. So probably the best I can hope for is a whole lot of podcasts that cover NZ music, both old and new.
Finally, we will of course check out NZ radio as we drive around, and could use pointers on good radio stations to tune into.
Thanks!
Mrs. Intermod and I will soon be going on a long planned trip around New Zealand in a campervan. We're looking for NZ music to accompany our travels.
We are both music junkies. I come from a noise-rock / punk / jazz background, she's more of a classic pop / soul / electronic type. We'll entertain listening to just about anything as long as it's not mainstream commercial rock.
I vaguely remember lots of NZ music from the late 80's and early 90's. I have a couple CDs from the Dead C / Siltbreeze crowd over on the noisy side, although I don't think the missus will tolerate that much. I think I even saw the Chills on an early 90's tour through the US, or was that the Clean? I recognize a lot of the names on the Flying Nun roster but will freely admit my inability to pick them apart in a crowd.
Of course I'm familiar with the hugely successful Crowded House and to a lesser extent Split Enz. Similarly, we've seen quite a few movies from New Zealand (Heavenly Creatures, Whale Rider, The Piano, etc.) and don't need any tips there -- this AskMefi is just for purposes of getting a music inventory going.
In searching the past year or so of AskMefi, I did find this thread which provides several great tips:
- I'll download lots of Radio NZ podcasts, but I could use some guidance on which of their shows to check out, considering the above vague guidance on our tastes.
- I'll check out the Nature's Best comps at Real Groovy, although possibly not until our flight arrives in Auckland. Ooof, they're expensive! Maybe not.
- The Amplifier site bewilders me -- do they have a podcast?
Alas, having squandered a massive amount of money on the trip travel already (thank you W for the collapsing US dollar and high fuel prices globally), I'm not going to be able to buy more than a handful of CDs. So probably the best I can hope for is a whole lot of podcasts that cover NZ music, both old and new.
Finally, we will of course check out NZ radio as we drive around, and could use pointers on good radio stations to tune into.
Thanks!
second flight of the concords!!
...i cant believe nitsuj beat me...
posted by Black_Umbrella at 11:25 AM on February 11, 2008
...i cant believe nitsuj beat me...
posted by Black_Umbrella at 11:25 AM on February 11, 2008
The Mutton Birds. I'd recommend their greatest hits, Flock.
Bic Runga.
The Black Seeds (formerly featuring Bret of the Flight of the Conchords).
Also check out the wikipedia pages on NZ bands and NZ musicians.
posted by Admiral Haddock at 11:34 AM on February 11, 2008
Bic Runga.
The Black Seeds (formerly featuring Bret of the Flight of the Conchords).
Also check out the wikipedia pages on NZ bands and NZ musicians.
posted by Admiral Haddock at 11:34 AM on February 11, 2008
Since Lord of the Flies was filmed in NZ I imagine the soundtrack would be pretty cool to listen to on the road.
posted by ceri richard at 11:38 AM on February 11, 2008
posted by ceri richard at 11:38 AM on February 11, 2008
Oh crap, Lord of the Rings, dammit!
posted by ceri richard at 11:39 AM on February 11, 2008 [1 favorite]
posted by ceri richard at 11:39 AM on February 11, 2008 [1 favorite]
You're talking my language here.
There's so much Flying Nun stuff worth listening to. Firstly, I recommend the Flying Nun anniversary box set, if you can get ahold of it. It's got a lot of amazing songs by bands I would have otherwise not heard of as an American, like Dead Famous People, Naked Spots Dance, Mainly Spaniards, Tall Dwarfs, Straitjacket Fits etc.
The Clean and The Chills are both amazing bands. There's a two disc "The Clean - Anthology" which I've listened to repeatedly for a couple years. I have two Chills records: Kaleidoscope World (which may be a compilation of earlier work, I don't remember) which is essential, particularly for "Pink Frost," which is, of course, one of the best songs ever made; and Submarine Bells, which is a proper album which features "Heavenly Pop Hit" which is another excellent tune.
The Verlaines are also excellent and worth checking out, as are Chris Knox's various projects, Toy Love, Tall Dwarfs and solo work. Definitely have yourself a copy of "Not Given Lightly" on the road trip, it's a great singalong.
Some other left field choices include some of the Chills spinoff groups like The Great Unwashed and some David Kilgour solo albums. There's a fairly obscure noise band called Whirlywirld that you would probably like more than your lady would. Look Blue Go Purple is another of my favorites.
Some of this stuff is not that easy to find here in the US, and I've had to scape for years to get the fairly minor collection I've got. I'm extremely jealous of your road trip. If you shoot me an mefi-mail, I might be able to throw together a mix CD for you.
posted by seldomfun at 11:49 AM on February 11, 2008
There's so much Flying Nun stuff worth listening to. Firstly, I recommend the Flying Nun anniversary box set, if you can get ahold of it. It's got a lot of amazing songs by bands I would have otherwise not heard of as an American, like Dead Famous People, Naked Spots Dance, Mainly Spaniards, Tall Dwarfs, Straitjacket Fits etc.
The Clean and The Chills are both amazing bands. There's a two disc "The Clean - Anthology" which I've listened to repeatedly for a couple years. I have two Chills records: Kaleidoscope World (which may be a compilation of earlier work, I don't remember) which is essential, particularly for "Pink Frost," which is, of course, one of the best songs ever made; and Submarine Bells, which is a proper album which features "Heavenly Pop Hit" which is another excellent tune.
The Verlaines are also excellent and worth checking out, as are Chris Knox's various projects, Toy Love, Tall Dwarfs and solo work. Definitely have yourself a copy of "Not Given Lightly" on the road trip, it's a great singalong.
Some other left field choices include some of the Chills spinoff groups like The Great Unwashed and some David Kilgour solo albums. There's a fairly obscure noise band called Whirlywirld that you would probably like more than your lady would. Look Blue Go Purple is another of my favorites.
Some of this stuff is not that easy to find here in the US, and I've had to scape for years to get the fairly minor collection I've got. I'm extremely jealous of your road trip. If you shoot me an mefi-mail, I might be able to throw together a mix CD for you.
posted by seldomfun at 11:49 AM on February 11, 2008
Sorry, The Great Unwashed and David Kilgour are spinoffs of The Clean. Darn C-lettered New Zealand groups, I'm always mixing you up!
posted by seldomfun at 11:50 AM on February 11, 2008
posted by seldomfun at 11:50 AM on February 11, 2008
Seconding the Verlaines and the Chills, esp. Submarine Bells. Great, great record.
After Phil Judd left Split Enz, he started the Swingers -- "Counting the Beat" is one of the great early '80s pop gems!
Since you like CH/Split Enz, if you haven't done so already, definitely check out Tim and Neil Finn's own outputs -- they've both recorded as solo artists as well as a duo. I especially love the first Finn Brothers record (very lo-fi and earthy), Tim's Imaginary Kingdom, and pretty much anything by Neil.
And just for fun, here are some Crowded House songs with NZ geographic references in them: "Mean to Me" name-checks the Finn brothers' home town of Te Awamutu; "Kare Kare" is about Kare Kare beach (where parts of The Piano were filmed, incidentally); and "Six Months in a Leaky Boat" of course refers to Aotearoa (the Maori word for New Zealand) and the European settlement of the country.
posted by scody at 12:11 PM on February 11, 2008
After Phil Judd left Split Enz, he started the Swingers -- "Counting the Beat" is one of the great early '80s pop gems!
Since you like CH/Split Enz, if you haven't done so already, definitely check out Tim and Neil Finn's own outputs -- they've both recorded as solo artists as well as a duo. I especially love the first Finn Brothers record (very lo-fi and earthy), Tim's Imaginary Kingdom, and pretty much anything by Neil.
And just for fun, here are some Crowded House songs with NZ geographic references in them: "Mean to Me" name-checks the Finn brothers' home town of Te Awamutu; "Kare Kare" is about Kare Kare beach (where parts of The Piano were filmed, incidentally); and "Six Months in a Leaky Boat" of course refers to Aotearoa (the Maori word for New Zealand) and the European settlement of the country.
posted by scody at 12:11 PM on February 11, 2008
Kiwi overseas. Last time I went back home I picked up a mix called World Famous in New Zealand & loved it. If you're looking for quirky & vaguely melancholic guitar songs, try the Muttonbirds and The Front Lawn.
If you like electronica/dub/chill, Rhombus' Bass Player is spectacular; also try the Capital Recordings "Earworks" series.
Also, I have to admit loving that completely loopy album Glamour Puss by When the Cat's Been Spayed. YMMV.
posted by media_itoku at 12:16 PM on February 11, 2008
If you like electronica/dub/chill, Rhombus' Bass Player is spectacular; also try the Capital Recordings "Earworks" series.
Also, I have to admit loving that completely loopy album Glamour Puss by When the Cat's Been Spayed. YMMV.
posted by media_itoku at 12:16 PM on February 11, 2008
Seconding The Bats! Can't believe I forgot them.
posted by seldomfun at 12:53 PM on February 11, 2008
posted by seldomfun at 12:53 PM on February 11, 2008
Another Kiwi here. I'd suggest using YouTube to try-before-you-buy; I've provided some starting links below.
Dub electronica is pretty popular, but in particular I'd try The Black Seeds (mentioned above) and Salmonella Dub. Fat Freddy's Drop, described by Wikipedia as a roots/dub/reggae/jazz/soul band, is damn good. Their album Based on a True Story went seven times platinum here, and I especially like the single Wandering Eye. While I'm not as big a fan, Hollie Smith does some decent soul music. Bic Runga does good straight pop.
Anything from the Finns is excellent, and if you're looking for something really off-beat you might like to try Enzso and Enzso II, a couple of albums of Split Enz songs rearranged and performed with the NZ Symphony Orchestra (e.g.). There is a spoons-solo. You have been warned.
I have a soft spot for King Kapisi, an NZer of Samoan origin, who does some very interesting hip-hop. Screems from the Old Plantation is very good.
Aside from those newer recommendations, you could try songs from the NZ Music Awards, or the Nature's Best albums you mentioned. CDs are generally more expensive here, which sucks. I'm not aware of any NZ podcasts, and Amplifier doesn't have one, so the radio may be your best (only) option.
Finally, as mentioned above, artists on Flying Nun Records are absolutely worth your time. Brilliant.
posted by Paragon at 1:02 PM on February 11, 2008
Dub electronica is pretty popular, but in particular I'd try The Black Seeds (mentioned above) and Salmonella Dub. Fat Freddy's Drop, described by Wikipedia as a roots/dub/reggae/jazz/soul band, is damn good. Their album Based on a True Story went seven times platinum here, and I especially like the single Wandering Eye. While I'm not as big a fan, Hollie Smith does some decent soul music. Bic Runga does good straight pop.
Anything from the Finns is excellent, and if you're looking for something really off-beat you might like to try Enzso and Enzso II, a couple of albums of Split Enz songs rearranged and performed with the NZ Symphony Orchestra (e.g.). There is a spoons-solo. You have been warned.
I have a soft spot for King Kapisi, an NZer of Samoan origin, who does some very interesting hip-hop. Screems from the Old Plantation is very good.
Aside from those newer recommendations, you could try songs from the NZ Music Awards, or the Nature's Best albums you mentioned. CDs are generally more expensive here, which sucks. I'm not aware of any NZ podcasts, and Amplifier doesn't have one, so the radio may be your best (only) option.
Finally, as mentioned above, artists on Flying Nun Records are absolutely worth your time. Brilliant.
posted by Paragon at 1:02 PM on February 11, 2008
There are lots of radio stations in New Zealand mostly commercial. In the main cities student radio is your best bet for hearing good New Zealand music. In the three big cities you can pick up kiwi.fm which only plays New Zealand music. I've never really listened to it, because NZ also makes some horrilbe music.
For older stuff Flying Nun compilations are the best starting point, I liked Pink Flying Saucers over the Southern Alps. My favourite band was the 3ds, but they sound a little dated now. There are a few albums called Nature's Best, which are mainstream compilations of our 'Biggest' songs, but might be of interest.
Be warned of the dub/roots scene here, it is everywhere....and if you like wallpaper music then it is fantastic. Otherwise there are new slightly Alt. bands to look out for Die Die Die, The Shocking Pinks (just signed with DFA), The Brunettes (just signed with Sub-Pop, new album is good old ones not so much), The Phoenix Foundation, Liam Finn (son of Neil, his solo album is pretty good), Voom and Surf City. But yeah the New Zealand Music scene is going through a bit of a lull at the moment.
posted by DOUBLE A SIDE at 1:29 PM on February 11, 2008
For older stuff Flying Nun compilations are the best starting point, I liked Pink Flying Saucers over the Southern Alps. My favourite band was the 3ds, but they sound a little dated now. There are a few albums called Nature's Best, which are mainstream compilations of our 'Biggest' songs, but might be of interest.
Be warned of the dub/roots scene here, it is everywhere....and if you like wallpaper music then it is fantastic. Otherwise there are new slightly Alt. bands to look out for Die Die Die, The Shocking Pinks (just signed with DFA), The Brunettes (just signed with Sub-Pop, new album is good old ones not so much), The Phoenix Foundation, Liam Finn (son of Neil, his solo album is pretty good), Voom and Surf City. But yeah the New Zealand Music scene is going through a bit of a lull at the moment.
posted by DOUBLE A SIDE at 1:29 PM on February 11, 2008
Response by poster: Thanks everyone for the responses so far!
If anyone is familiar with Radio NZ shows, I really need some guidance on them so I can download the podcasts for later listening. And pointers to other podcasts, although I understand that they may not exist. I'm going to place a CD order soon, but the lion's share is going to have to come from free sources. seldomfun, I'll mefimail you, and media_itoku I got your message. Lots to digest already!
posted by intermod at 1:40 PM on February 11, 2008
If anyone is familiar with Radio NZ shows, I really need some guidance on them so I can download the podcasts for later listening. And pointers to other podcasts, although I understand that they may not exist. I'm going to place a CD order soon, but the lion's share is going to have to come from free sources. seldomfun, I'll mefimail you, and media_itoku I got your message. Lots to digest already!
posted by intermod at 1:40 PM on February 11, 2008
Also Flying Nun Documentary in full on You-Tube. Might help you identify those bands a little more.
posted by DOUBLE A SIDE at 1:44 PM on February 11, 2008
posted by DOUBLE A SIDE at 1:44 PM on February 11, 2008
Would you Kiwis know if there's any good Maori music? Might be interesting to see the land with the music of its original inhabitants.
posted by Doctor Suarez at 3:08 PM on February 11, 2008
posted by Doctor Suarez at 3:08 PM on February 11, 2008
Response by poster: I dug into my CD collection, and I have a copy of The Clean's Anthology! Ha!
I also have the Chug "Kisser" EP, which has the killer "Iron Maiden" track on it. Nearly 20 years later and that chorus still chugs (hmmm) in my head like a Stereolab riff. I assume Chug came and went and nobody remembers them.
Aaaargh! Peter Jefferies! That was the name I've been trying to remember for days. Robbie Muir. David Kilgour. Richard somebody, Robert somebody, uuugh. OG lo-fi wankers.
The World Famous in New Zealand, Pink Flying Saucers over the Southern Alps, and Nature's Best comps appear to be unavailable in the US (or import only), but maybe I can pick them up when we arrive in Auckland.
Thanks everyone! I'll keep checking here in case there are more comments.
posted by intermod at 8:21 PM on February 11, 2008
I also have the Chug "Kisser" EP, which has the killer "Iron Maiden" track on it. Nearly 20 years later and that chorus still chugs (hmmm) in my head like a Stereolab riff. I assume Chug came and went and nobody remembers them.
Aaaargh! Peter Jefferies! That was the name I've been trying to remember for days. Robbie Muir. David Kilgour. Richard somebody, Robert somebody, uuugh. OG lo-fi wankers.
The World Famous in New Zealand, Pink Flying Saucers over the Southern Alps, and Nature's Best comps appear to be unavailable in the US (or import only), but maybe I can pick them up when we arrive in Auckland.
Thanks everyone! I'll keep checking here in case there are more comments.
posted by intermod at 8:21 PM on February 11, 2008
I drive around the countryside way too much and always have NZ music cranked. Favourites on my playlist:
Minuit. There is always one Minuit CD or other in my CD changer when I'm travelling and their new website is cool (warning: plays music at you). Play loud.
Strawpeople. Particularly their most recent album, Count Backwards From Ten, which has a song called Driving Around which is awesome to, well, drive around too.
Muttonbirds. Something about these guys just catches the feel of NZ countryside to me, in a kind of moody way. Plus I live right by Dominion Road, half way down.
The Veils. Really cool, croaky voice and weird, oddly smooth music and goes down well on the road. Google says some of their stuff is on youtube, listen a few times cos it grows on you.
There are many others, those are my favourites specifically for driving.
For Radio NZ podcasts I'm currently working my way through the Enzology podcast and loving it. Highly recommend. Also bfm has some of their shows as podcasts (alternative radio station in Auckland, you'll find them on iTunes) although they're talking rather than music I think. Otherwise a lot of Radio NZ stuff is aimed at an older audience, not really where I'd go for my hit of local music.
The Amplifier doesn't have a podcast. It's more of a listing site, you can look up artists, listen to clips, look at videos and buy tracks or albums for download. They do a weekly email newsletter. Similar sites include muzic.net.nz and nzmusic.com.
Parts of NZ have a good electronic music scene, which can be sampled at the psurkit.net podcast.
Personally I don't like the Natures best albums, too much blah rock. But then I'm not a huge Flying Nun fan either (except Headless Chickens, who should also be on your playlist actually!) so YMMV.
And consider an Auckland meetup when you get here. Local music has been booming the past five-ten years, there's lots more great music we can bombard you with.
posted by shelleycat at 9:16 PM on February 11, 2008
Minuit. There is always one Minuit CD or other in my CD changer when I'm travelling and their new website is cool (warning: plays music at you). Play loud.
Strawpeople. Particularly their most recent album, Count Backwards From Ten, which has a song called Driving Around which is awesome to, well, drive around too.
Muttonbirds. Something about these guys just catches the feel of NZ countryside to me, in a kind of moody way. Plus I live right by Dominion Road, half way down.
The Veils. Really cool, croaky voice and weird, oddly smooth music and goes down well on the road. Google says some of their stuff is on youtube, listen a few times cos it grows on you.
There are many others, those are my favourites specifically for driving.
For Radio NZ podcasts I'm currently working my way through the Enzology podcast and loving it. Highly recommend. Also bfm has some of their shows as podcasts (alternative radio station in Auckland, you'll find them on iTunes) although they're talking rather than music I think. Otherwise a lot of Radio NZ stuff is aimed at an older audience, not really where I'd go for my hit of local music.
The Amplifier doesn't have a podcast. It's more of a listing site, you can look up artists, listen to clips, look at videos and buy tracks or albums for download. They do a weekly email newsletter. Similar sites include muzic.net.nz and nzmusic.com.
Parts of NZ have a good electronic music scene, which can be sampled at the psurkit.net podcast.
Personally I don't like the Natures best albums, too much blah rock. But then I'm not a huge Flying Nun fan either (except Headless Chickens, who should also be on your playlist actually!) so YMMV.
And consider an Auckland meetup when you get here. Local music has been booming the past five-ten years, there's lots more great music we can bombard you with.
posted by shelleycat at 9:16 PM on February 11, 2008
FatFreddy's Drop, Shapeshifter, Pitch Black (Futureproof - old but good).
On National radio podcasts, I enjoy the Nine to Noon show with Kathryn Ryan, Saturday Morning with Kim Hill, and I particularly like 'This Way Up', which is a consumer product information show.
posted by girlgeeknz at 12:16 AM on February 12, 2008
On National radio podcasts, I enjoy the Nine to Noon show with Kathryn Ryan, Saturday Morning with Kim Hill, and I particularly like 'This Way Up', which is a consumer product information show.
posted by girlgeeknz at 12:16 AM on February 12, 2008
I was just googling for something else and ran across this website with streaming radio stations from NZ. Might be useful to give you something to listen to over the web before you get here. In particular Static FM and Fleet FM may be of interest, both low power independent radio stations in central Auckland. I've never listened to either but a quick stream of Fleet sounds interesting and their myspace profile (I can't get their website to load) says they play local music. KFM is another local station with a website stream.
If you're fiddling with the stereo and wondering what you're listening to while you're here, The Listener publishes radio station listings on their website each week. Here is this weeks list.
posted by shelleycat at 8:28 PM on February 15, 2008
If you're fiddling with the stereo and wondering what you're listening to while you're here, The Listener publishes radio station listings on their website each week. Here is this weeks list.
posted by shelleycat at 8:28 PM on February 15, 2008
This does not apply to New Zealand music per se, but we recently put together a Best Roadtrip Music suggestions thread...
http://www.beatking.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=28615&hl=
posted by DudeAsInCool at 8:27 AM on February 18, 2008
http://www.beatking.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=28615&hl=
posted by DudeAsInCool at 8:27 AM on February 18, 2008
This thread is closed to new comments.
posted by nitsuj at 11:13 AM on February 11, 2008