AA Bondy - "American Hearts"

AA Bondy was originally in a post grunge band 'Verbena' who even attracted the attention of Dave Grohl to produce their 1999 album 'Into The Pink'. However, I personally prefer the singer/guitarist AA Bondy's solo work. To say the truth, I haven't heard a lot of the Verbena material.... but from the little I have heard and the fact that a lot has changed musically since the Verbena albums, AA Bondy's reinvention as a solo alt country/folk artist was a step in the right direction. His debut album 'American Hearts' sounds like it is from an artist well and truly established in this genre. The title track is a great acoustic number with some harmonica that brings Bob Dylan to mind. A great new voice to country/folk from an old voice of grunge/rock.

Liam Finn - "Second Chance"

After starting his musical career in New Zealand with Betchadupa, Liam Finn has progressed on to be the international solo artist he is today. His debut solo album 'I'll Be Lightning' was released in 2007 and was a work of brilliance. He played most of the instruments and engineered the album as well.... so it was a true solo release that he could be proud of. "Second Chance" was one of the early singles. His live performances have become legendary, with the best use of the loop pedal I've seen. With help of the loop effects pedal, he layers guitar loops etc on stage and going by this video, he builds up to a frenetic climax.

Pavement - "Range Life"

Pavement were one of the indie rock giants of the 90's and their second album 'Crooked Rain, Crooked Rain' was one of the albums of the decade. "Range Life" was an obvious standout on an outstanding album, which also featured their near-hit "Cut Your Hair". "Range Life" is a jangly guitar led, country rock song that is as catchy as they ever got. They even manage to diss a couple of their peers in one of the verses, which came as a surprise, considering the song is about craving the simple country lifestyle..... but Pavement were never that straight forward with their song meanings. We love this song so much at Bitter FM, we named our Americana show after it.

First Aid Kit - "Hard Believer"

First Aid Kit are a Swedish duo consisting of sisters Johanna and Klara Soderberg. They came to my attention with this song "Hard Believer" and I was taken with their folk/pop/acoustic sound, particularly the vocal harmonies that they have perfected. It comes from the debut album 'The Black and the Blue' released in May of this year and was recorded while they were both still teenagers... in fact one of them still is at only 17, with the other at 20. Their songs show a maturity beyond their years. They are playing in Auckland next month at The Wine Cellar. Oh no, not another drive up to Auckland.




So you ask for my opinion
Well what is there to say
To be honest and just foolish
Won't make you wanna stay
You've got to go on and get moving
I can't do that for you
Got so many plans and so much you want to do

Love is tough, time is rough
Love is tough, time is rough
Whoaaaa on me

Well I see you've got your bible
Your delusion imagery
Well I don't need your eternity
Or your meaning to feel free
I just live because I love to
And that's enough you see
So don''t come preach about morality
That's just human sense to me

Love is tough, time is rough
Love is tough, time is rough
Whoaaaa on me
On me-eeee .. on me-eee ...

break

And it's one life and it's this life
And it's beautiful
(repeat)
And it's beau .. beau .. beau ... beautiful

Love is tough, time is rough
Whoaaaa on me

Spartacus R - "Go Freddy"

"Go Freddy" is a song from the debut album 'When The Fever Takes Hold' by Wellington Band 'Spartacus R'. The band has a unique sound that is hard to define... my best description would be "Pink Floyd's Dark Side of the Moon with a jazzy lounge flavour and Kiwi dub vocals". The singer is Ryan Prebble and the album was recorded at his brother Lee's The Surgery studio (Fat Freddy's Drop, Phoenix Foundation and Black Seeds are a few other artists produced by Lee Prebble). Benjamin James, who played in Taupo with Ragamuffin Children a year or two ago, is also a member and a very talented multi-instrumentalist. Spartacus R are something special and will reward the listener more and more over time.

Shane Macgowan - "That Woman's Got Me Drinking"

Shane Macgowan released his first solo album 'The Snake', which featured "That Woman's Got Me Drinking" in 1994 and it was great to hear this great artist back in top form. There was no doubt at all that the Pogues were just going through the motions at the later part of their existence and the 'Hell's Ditch' album was a testament of that. He had a new backing band 'The Popes', which actually featured Johnny Depp on guitar on this song. We all know that he doesn't need a reason to drink and here he is not talking about a few gins... but bottles and bottles of gin. A great song that only Shane Macgowan could have written.

Able Tasmans - "What was that thing"

Able Tasmans were a Flying Nun band and formed in 1984 and disbanded in 1996. They had, at times, more complex piano led songs, but otherwise, they fitted along side the other Flying Nun bands well. They have so many memorable songs, which were compiled on their post break-up "Best Of" album 'Songs from the Departure Lounge' in 1998. This is definitely the place to start for the curious. I remember the first time I heard "What Was That Thing" quite clearly and I was taken with their sound straight away. It was on their debut album 'A Cuppa Tea and a Lie Down', which also featured another classic of theirs "Sour Queen" and I'm sure that will feature here at another time. Intelligent pop for the indie crowd.

Lay Low - "Please don't hate me"

What is it about Iceland that helps them produce so many amazing artists? The cold weather?, maybe..... or the Hakarl dish they eat? Here is a country with a population of 320'000, which is about 50'000 less than Christchurch alone. I'm not overstating their contribution at all... look at the list of artists we play at Bitter.... Sugarcubes, Bjork, Sigur Ros, Bang Gang, Emiliana Torrini, FM Belfast, Leaves. Mum, Jonsi and this band 'Lay Low'... that is an impressive list. Lay Low is the stage name for Lovisa Elisabet Sigrunardottir since her discovery in 2006. Her sound is folk/blues/country and this song "Please Don't Hate Me" is a nice little Blues number. It is the title track of her debut album from 2006. She also recorded a few Dolly Parton songs for a play and I've added her version of "Jolene" as well. "ICELAND, YOU ROCK".

Casiokids - "Finn Bikkjen"

Casiokids are yet another band from Bergen in Norway that have made it on here and on the Bitter FM playlists. They've been together for about 5 years. "Finn Bikkien" is from the latest album 'Topp Stemning Pa Lokal Bar' (which is something like 'Top Mood At Local Bar' in English) and was released as a single. They have a similar electro-pop sound to 'Hot Chip' and the vocals bring Jonsi from 'Sigur Ros' to mind, although, it is a lot more upbeat. A catchy synth-pop song that we just can't stop playing here at Bitter. These guys should be huge.

Julia Deans - "A New Dialogue"

Julia Deans of 'Fur Patrol' fame, has released her debut solo album 'Modern Fables' recently and I just realised that I hadn't put this song on the blog.... so I will right my wrongs now. I always knew she had a fantastic singing voice after first hearing Fur Patrol's "Lydia", but this time she has taken her singing to new heights. It has a cast of fellow Wellingtonians, as with the album, and some nice upright bass to add to it's charm. "A New Dialogue" is a stunning slice of Alt Country with as much heartache as the whole of Ryan Adams' "Heartbreaker" album. Don't let this pass you by! Stunning, Superb, Sensational, Remarkable.... Listen to this song and add your own adjective here "__________".

Tokyo Police Club - "Breakneck Speed"

I've been a bit busy changing frequencies and all... so this blog will have to be short. Tokyo Police Club are from Canada and not from Japan. They've been together for about five years. "Breakneck Speed" is from the recently released second album 'Champ'. It's just a good indie rock song... up there with "Your English Is Good" from their debut. I'm not sure if they get much attention elsewhere in NZ. But we love them here at Bitter.

Anais and The Blood Arm - "Do I Have Your Attention?"

The Blood Arm are an Alt Rock band from LA and had previously recorded this song "Do I Have Your Attention?" and released it as a single in 2005. They recorded it again in 2007 with Anais (a favourite and much played artist of Bitter FM) and lifted the song to another level. A highly addictive song for lovers of Boy/Girl and English/French songs.... Shit, there should be a genre called Boy/Girl/English/French or something a bit more imaginative.

John Lennon - "Working Class Hero"

This would have to be John Lennon's greatest solo artist moment.... according to me, anyway. It's from the album 'Plastic Ono Band' released in 1970. He was in an emotional state of mind at the time, it seems. This was his first album since the Beatles had broken up and there was some anger in him, for whatever reason, but it resulted in a work of art. You can just about hear him spitting out the lyrics with so much feeling. This was a man who had lived this song.

Goodshirt - "Sophie"

After the blog yesterday had mentioned this band 'Goodshirt', which featured Gareth Thomas as a core member, it seemed like the natural next blog would have to be their biggest song. "Sophie" even made it to the top of the NZ charts in 2002. They were so impressive with their pop/rock releases in the short time they were around. In fact, they got to number one with a later release..."Fiji Baby", the title track from the second and final album. "Buck It Up", from the same album, was also a big hit. Back to this song "Sophie", which was written by Gareth Thomas and came from their debut album 'Good'. It also featured an award winning video by Joe Lonie.... as you will see below.

The Gareth Thomas Band - "The Google Song"

Gareth Thomas was a member of Auckland band 'Goodshirt' up until they disbanded in 2004. "The Google Song" is his first single with his new band under his name. His name also plays a big part in the song... he enters his name on google and finds all these other people, with various occupations, that share his name. However, he realises the difference that he has over them, is that he has you (or, should I say, his girl). It's an old and over used theme but this time with a modern setting. It would be easy to assume any song with a title like "The Google Song" would be tacky or a piss-take. But no, it has merit. So here it is.... and you don't even need google to find it.

Naked Hearts - "CALL ME"

Naked Hearts are another band that I discovered recently and I don't know too much about them. I'll tell you what I do know about them, though... a, They are a duo featuring Amy Cooper (vocals and guitar) and Noah Wheeler (bass,drums and vocals). b, They are from New York. c, They have an album out called "Mass Hysteria". d, They are fucking great! e, What else is there to know?
"Call Me" is a perfect blend of powerful guitars and gorgeous vocals, all held together with a tight rhythm section.

Nathan Haines -"Pathway feat. Kevin Mark Trail"

Nathan Haines has been a big part of the NZ jazz scene since his days at the Cause Celebre Club in Auckland in the early 90's. He's now an international jazz/fusion/dance artist of high regard and has had many well known guests on his last few releases. "Pathway" is a reggae cross-over song that should have been blasting out of every radio station around the world. A huge hit in a parallel universe, although you can enjoy it just as much in this one. Catch him on tour around the country soon.

Street Chant - "Yr Philosophy"

Yet another fantastic band on the 'Arch Hill' label. This time it's a young Auckland trio 'Street Chant' with the renewed "Flying Nun' sound, but with the guitars turned up to 10. "Yr Philosophy" kicks off with the drums and once the vocals and guitar join in the fun, we're in for a couple of minutes of bliss. It's a powerful sonic blast that drips the sweat of every kiwi rock band member that's gone before them.

Arcade Fire - "We Used to Wait"

Montreal band 'Arcade Fire' have been the darling of critics and indie music fans for three albums now. First was 'Funeral' and that was followed up with the impressive second album 'Neon Bible' and now 'The Suburbs', which this song is from. When you release an album as good as 'Funeral' on debut, the pressure of trying to emulate or even better that, could easily get too much for a lot of bands.... but Arcade Fire have managed to get very close on both occasions. While they are extremely popular, their songs are a little bit complex (and too good) for commercial radio. This song "We Used To Wait" is a good example of their captivating and compelling sound. The video is evidence of how great they are live, as well.... so let's hope they make it down here at some stage.

Jill Sobule - "I Kissed A Girl"

Jill Sobule is a clever and witty singer songwriter and this, probably her most recognised song, "I Kissed A Girl" is a funny tale of a couple of girls comparing notes about their boyfriends and ending up having a slight lesbian encounter. To me, she has a similar irony in her songs to Loudon Wainwright III. With "I Kissed A Girl" she wasn't trying to be controversial and she definitely wasn't using the subject matter to help sell millions.... the same could not be said about the Katy Perry song of the same name. In fact, I found a reply from her, when questioned about that Katy Perry song.... from an interview on therumpus.net website...
(here it is)
*************************
For those that don’t know or are very young, I had a song in 1995 called, “I Kissed a Girl.” When Katy Perry’s version came out I started getting tons of inquiries about what I thought. Some folks (and protective friends) were angry, and wondered why she took my title and made it into this kind of ”girls gone wild” thing. Others, including my mother, were excited because they thought I would somehow make some money out of it. Unfortunately you can’t copyright a title… bummer.

As a musician I have always refrained from criticizing another artist. I was, “well, good for her.” It did bug me a little bit, however, when she said she came up with the idea for the title in a dream. In truth, she wrote it with a team of professional writers and was signed by the very same guy that signed me in 1995. I have not mentioned that in interviews as I don’t want to sound bitter or petty… cause, that’s not me.

Okay, maybe, if I really think about it, there were a few jealous and pissed off moments. So here goes, for the first time in an interview: Fuck you Katy Perry, you fucking stupid, maybe “not good for the gays,” title thieving, haven’t heard much else, so not quite sure if you’re talented, fucking little slut.

God that felt good.
*************************
Thanks therumpus.net (For the complete interview - go to that website and search Jill Sobule)

Actually, what she said there about the professional writers behind the Katy Perry song was exactly what I thought when I first heard it... it just sounded so contrived and manufactured. Where-as the Jill Sobule song never ever sounded that way to me.

Buffalo Tom - "Taillights Fade"

Boston Alt Rock band 'Buffalo Tom' released their third album "Let Me Come Over" in 1992 and it was a powerful statement that brought them a much larger audience. It was more polished than the previous albums but still had that alternative coolness. They even made it to New Zealand not long after and I was lucky enough to see them at the Powerstation. "Taillights Fade" was a single from "Let Me Come Over" and was my pick from an album that was consistently good. It is melodic and intense at the same time and has a great vocal performance from Bill Janovitz. One of the great songs from the 90's. They have just recently reformed... so I'm hoping they make it back to this part of the world.

LCD Soundsystem - "I Can Change"

LCD Soundsystem is basically James Murphy and guests. He has been recording under that name since 2002 and has just released a third album this year. "I Can Change" is from the new album 'This Is Happening' and is also the latest single. It is more on the synth pop/dance side of the LCD Soundsystem sound, which can sometimes have a punk edge to their electronic dance music. He brings all his singing skills out on this song and the pulsating synth soundtrack would make Gary Numan proud. A modern classic that also could have been a hit in 1980.

Liz Phair - "Divorce Song"

Liz Phair's debut was a double album "Exile In Guyville" released in 1993 and it was so impressive, she never really managed to live up to it with her subsequent releases. Her next album "Whip Smart" sold quite well and had a hit in "Supernova" but was not to the standard of her debut... critically, anyway. The album was described by her as a song-by-song reply to the 'Rolling Stones' "Exile On Main street" and I have to say, the couple of times I played them back to back, I couldn't see much of a connection. One reason the album was so critically acclaimed, was her honest and sexually explicit lyrics. She wasn't holding back... it was the 90's after all. "Divorce Song" is a song that a hell of a lot of people could relate to, even if by the title only, with lyrics like this "And the license said you had to stick around until I was dead - But if you're tired of looking at my face, I guess I already am" she tells a common story of pain. If we celebrated divorces (I've heard people say we should)... Liz Phair would be a rich lady. So play this at the next divorce party you get invited to.




Divorce Song Lyrics

And when I asked for a separate room
It was late at night, and we'd been driving since noon
But if I'd known how that would sound to you
I would have stayed in your bed for the rest of my life
Just to prove I was right
That it's harder to be friends than lovers
And you shouldn't try to mix the two
'Cause if you do it and you're still unhappy
Then you know that the problem is you
And it's true that I stole your lighter
And it's also true that I lost the map
But when you said that I wasn't worth talking to
I had to take your word on that
But if you'd known how that would sound to me
You would have taken it back
And boxed it up and buried it in the ground
Boxed it up and buried it in the ground
Boxed it up and buried it in the ground
Burned it up and thrown it away
You put in my hands a loaded gun
And then told me not to fire it
When you did the things you said were up to me
And then accused me of trying to fuck it up
But you've never been a waste of my time
It's never been a drag
So take a deep breath and count back from ten
And maybe you'll be alright
And the license said you had to stick around until I was dead
But if you're tired of looking at my face, I guess I already am
But you've never been a waste of my time
It's never been a drag
So take a deep breath and count back from ten
And maybe you'll be alright

Kristin Hersh - "Your Ghost"

After many years and many albums with 'Throwing Muses' Kristen Hersh released her debut solo album 'Hips and Makers' in 1994. It was an acoustic album with the addition of cello and piano. It was well known that she had some demons and this album was full of insightful and personal songs. The opening track "Your Ghost" also features Michael Stipe on vocals. It is as haunting as it's title and must be one of the finest moments in her long career. She re-recorded it with a side project band '50 Foot Wave' which stays quite true to the original, except for (distorted) electric guitar. Greg Laswell also recorded a great cover version recently and we play that on Bitter FM as well.

Kristin Hersh


50 Foot Wave - "Your Ghost" The new band featuring Kirstin Hersh with a re-recording of her classic song.



Greg Laswell's Cover Version

Cocosuma - "Charlotte's On Fire"

Cocosuma are an electronica/pop band from Paris. They could have easily slipped under the radar and I don't even know how I discovered them.... possibly a friend of a friend on myspace. "Charlotte's On Fire" gets plenty of airplay on Bitter. It is the perfect soundtrack while driving along the Acacia Bay straight on a sunny winters day. From the slow build-up to the final note... it is a great pop song. Simple as that... it won't change the world... it won't cook breakfast in the morning and it won't mop up the oil in the Gulf of Mexico.... but it will put a smile on your face.

Damien Jurado - "Cloudy Shoes"

Damien Jurado is from Seattle and this song "Cloudy Shoes" is from his latest album 'Saint Bartlett' released a couple of months ago. He is hard to pigeon hole as an artist.... maybe, a bit like 'The Flaming Lips' but without the mind altering drugs and Neil Young without the country. But everyone could have a different opinion of who they hear in his songs. "Cloudy Shoes" has a slight soulful sound with the call and response (repeat) vocals over a beautiful backing track that stays true throughout. This is from his ninth album and I am amazed it took me this long to invest some time in his music.... so let's say, for me, this is just the start of something good.

Dean Wareham & Britta Phillips - "Night Nurse"

Dean and Britta are possibly the ultimate rock couple... they always seem to connect well and compliment each other on the records they make together. The video for this song (below) also confirms the special bond they have. Dean Wareham was previously in 'Galaxie 500' and then 'Luna' and Britta Phillips later joined Luna in 2000. "Night Nurse" is the opening track from their first album as a duo. The album is 'L'Avventura' and was released in 2003 and it was produced by Tony Visconti. I've heard them cover Serge Gainsbourg and that is where the inspiration for "Night Nurse" could easily have come from. The lyrics are more about sex than romance and their interplay on vocals is just brilliant. All wrapped up in a beautiful orchestral package. The new (American) Serge Gainsbourg and Jane Birkin? or just a cool rock couple... magnifique!

The La's - "There She Goes"

Liverpool band The La's could have been huge after the release of this single "There She Goes" in 1988. Unfortunately the recording of their debut album suffered so many delays and set backs... with producer after producer discarded, line-up changes and continuous re-recordings. The singer, songwriter and guitarist Lee Mavers and bass player John Power were the core members when the album was finally released in 1990. Mavers hated the finished result and didn't want it released because the final producer Steve Lillywhite basically finished the album with the material they had already recorded, after the record company had lost patience. I can see their frustration with that. However, I can also see how the record company must've felt as well, after quite an investment and no end in sight. As it turned out, the critics loved the album and it sold quite well in the UK. They have been on a hiatus since 1992 except for a few reunion concerts. Lee Mavers could easily be described as a tortured genius... with the follow up album still yet to surface 20 years later. I'm sure most musicians would be proud to have written this song alone. Yes, we wanted more, but hell, we'll take this and enjoy it.

The Broken Heartbreakers - "Pretty Thing"

The Broken Heartbreakers are an Auckland based indie folk band with three albums under their belt. They have only just released their third album 'Wintersun'.... however, this blog is about a song from their previous self titled album. "Pretty thing" is a beautiful folk pop song with nice harmonies. As with the whole album, it has minimal arrangements but with plenty of melody. They record completely using analogue equipment and usually in single takes.... and that comes through in their country tinged folk-pop songs that will stand the test of time. Download the albums in full... you will not be disappointed.



"Pretty Thing" The Broken Heartbreakers

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