Waxahatchee - "Right Back to It" (feat. MJ Lenderman)

This was an easy pick for my 2024 song of the year. From my album of the year as well, Tigers Blood, but that was a lot harder to pick. "Right Back to It" can be said to be indie rock and country in equal measure. Katie Crutchfield, who performs under the Waxahatchee name, had the traditional country duet in mind while writing the song and MJ Lenderman was the perfect pick for the male part. In fact, he plays a big part on the whole album, particularly on guitar. Now, don't expext Loretta Lynn and Conway Twitty, this is way too unconventional - but I suppose it was her take on that genre in her unique way, and at the same time, it does have that country feel about it. She explained more in a press release here.... "I'm really interested in writing love songs that are gritty and unromantic. I wanted to make a song about the ebb and flow of a longtime love story. I thought it might feel untraditional but a little more in alignment with my experience to write about feeling insecure or foiled in some way internally, but always finding your way back to a newness or an intimacy with the same person. " All said and done - it really is a modern classic.

beabadoobee covers Bic Runga’s ‘Sway’ for Like A Version

Beabadoobee is a Filipino/British singer songwriter. She released her brilliant third album 'This is how tomorrow moves' in 2024, which was produced by Rick Rubin. While in Australia, she stopped in at Triple J to record a song or two for their 'Like a version' series, as with many touring artists. She chose to cover Bic Runga's 'Sway' - a big hit here in New Zealand from Bic's debut album 'Drive' in 1997. Baebadoobee said she grew up with the Bic Runga album due to her mother's love of the album. Baebadoobee's version is an indie rock makeover.

Bobby Ramone - ‘Is This Love Kills’

The album 'Rocket To Kingston' by Bobby Ramone appeared at my local record shop, My Music Taupo. Jace always finds these gems and gets them in by the carton, it seems. The album was originally released in 2021. It's a mashup album of the Ramones and Bob Marley - Yes, but not so much like the mashup genre of a decade or more ago. This is more of a blend of both artists. Anyway, it sounds as tacky as hell and it probably should be, but it actually works well. The novelty doesn't even wear off, although, in typical Ramones style, only one track passes the 3 minute mark (most are closer to the 2 minute mark). So, before you can say 1234, the next track starts. The mashup doesn't end with the music - the obvious one is the Bobby name - but the less obvious one is the cover photo... if you look a bit closer. The album was created by members of a French punk band 'Guerilla Asso'. It's like the Ramone's and Bob Marley are jammin' somewhere in the afterlife.

The Specials - "Gangsters"

I went to a concert at a local venue a few weeks ago. The final act was a Ska band. The Ska band wasn't a touring band or a band promoting an album - it was a local band with an opportunity to play live. In the tradition of the Ska revival of the 70's they jumped around all night. It made me think... if you are a parent of a teenager with way too much energy. Convince them to start a Ska band - that will sort them out. The Specials Ska classic "Gangsters" could easily be the inspiration to all Ska bands that followed.

Steve Earle & The Dukes - "You're The Best Lover That I Ever Had"

In 2015 Steve Earle released a blues album 'Terraplane'. A Texas blues album, so I've been told. I know, yes, he's a Texan but so was Lightnin' Hopkins and that is where you can hear a big part of the inspiration on this project. Particularly on "You're The Best Lover That I Ever Had". Another thing I found out was that at the time of writing and recording this album he was going through his seventh divorce.... so why not record a blues album. Good on you Steve.... you did well to wait this long. Anyway, the reviews were all over the place - but I loved it and still do. "You're The Best Lover That I Ever Had" is a standout and gets a lot of play on Bitter FM.

The Last Dinner Party - "Nothing Matters"

Formed in 2021 in London, 'The Last Dinner Party' released their debut album 'Prelude to Ecstasy' earlier this year after a couple of years touring and perfecting their live performance. The band, led by Abigail Morris, had a UK top 20 hit with their debut single "Nothing Matters" in 2023. For some, including me, the album came out of nowhere and suddenly a musical goldmine was unleashed. They have stated David Bowie as an influence but you can hear so many influences on display throughout the album, Kate Bush being an obvious one to me. The album is cinematic baroque, orchestral, glam, indie pop.... you name it! and with tempo shifts in unexpected directions. "Nothing Matters" is the ultimate single and is no doubt a crowd favourite live.

mr Gnome - Monster's Heart

mr. Gnome are a duo from Cleveland consisting of Nicole Barille on guitar and vocals and Sam Meister on drums and keyboards. They have been making music as mr. Gnome since 2005. 'Monster's Heart' was released as a single with the song 'Sleepwalker' in 2015 - a year after their critically aclaimed album 'The Heart of a Dark Star'. Monster's Heart is beautiful in so many ways. The vocals are spectacular with a ghostly or haunting feel throughout - even when only accompanied by acoustic guitar. The vocals are, without doubt, the key element and they stay true thoughout the song - while the music deviates in all the right places to enhance them. Finishing with a full-on climax.