John Cale - "Heartbreak Hotel"

Years before covering Leonard Cohen's "Hallelujah" and introducing it to a wider audience, John Cale covered "Heartbreak Hotel" and turned it into the sad song it should've been. I'm not really comparing this to the Elvis hit that everyone knows, because they are too different for that. I'm just saying this version has sadness and heartbreak in bucket loads. John Cale stripped this down to a piano and slowed it right down to half the revolutions.
I think I found another of Nick Cave's influences, right here.

Sylvan Esso - "Coffee"

When I stumbled upon this song I added it to Bitter FM playlists and fell in love with it more and more over time. A bit of an obsession happening, once again. It's the kind of electronica where less is more. The sparseness perfectly highlights the beauty of the vocals. I thought "Coffee" was going to be another stunning song that would go by, practically un-noticed. But to my amazement, I've already seen it on the top (or close to the top) of a few top songs of the year lists. So, it's not quite the surprise crossover (mega selling) hit like "Dirty Paws" by 'Of Monsters and Men' was, a couple of years ago - but it has been getting noticed and, more importantly, heard. My song of the year.

TRWBADOR - Sun In The Winter (featuring Cornershop)

This, previously unknown to me, Welsh band 'TRWBADOR' are getting plenty of attention since I discovered them and got their self-titled debut album. It is folk/electronica/pop/experimental rock...... or whatever you wish to call it. Avantpop is another genre that could fit. But genre's aside, it is the most compelling and delightful album I have heard in a while. "Sun In The Winter" features a couple of members of Cornershop on Sitar and Tampura.
Quirky? Yes! - Unsettling? Definitely NOT!

The Flaming Lips ft. Miley Cyrus & Moby - "Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds"

The Flaming Lips have always been more than interesting and this is no different. Their cover of the Beatles' 'Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band' album, 'With a Little Help from My Fwends' may upset some Beatles fans - but it's not a piss-take, it's just them being themselves. It's not completely new territory either, they did much the same thing with Pink Floyd's 'Dark Side of the Moon.'

The song that stood out for me was "Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds" and it was added to Bitter FM playlists straight away.

It is obvious that Miley Cyrus is trying to rid herself of her wholesome, good girl image, so it's a pity she didn't team up with the Flaming Lips earlier, all that effort, when this is all that was needed.

This is exactly why I love the Flaming Lips.... and their fwends. Fucking brilliant!

Tennis - I'm Callin'

Tennis is the band name for Denver couple Alaina Moore and Patrick Riley. I was taken with their debut album 'Cape Dory' which was based on their experiences while on a seven month sailing expedition along the Eastern atlantic seaboard. Here on "I'm Callin'" from their third album 'Ritual in Repeat,' they get a bit more upbeat. Alaina Moore sounds more like Madonna than the usual retro-indie pop we expect from them. But I don't want you to get the wrong idea. What we have here is an unexpected gem - just in time for our summer.

YELLE - "Un jour viendra"

The day I find out there is a new Yelle album is always going to be a good day. I had to take action straight away. So here I am working at a computer, why not have some inspiration from Spotify, I'm sure everyone does the same. My first listen to Yelle's new album was an inspiration, to say the least - and the song that initially stood out was "Un jour viendra." Here is a rhetorical question "how much do I love that chorus?" The song of the summer... so far. Just don't ask me what it is about.

JJ - "All White Everything" (Official Video, Extended Version)

JJ are a Swedish band featuring Joakim Benon and Elin Kastlander. Their third album 'V' was released a couple of months ago. The first single from the album was "All White Everything", with an outstanding video to match. With so much great music available now at our fingertips, I'm so glad this one didn't slip under the radar.... Ja Ja!

Tweedy - "Low Key"

Jeff Tweedy, the main man from Wilco, has a new album out. It's not quite a solo album because he has teamed up with his son Spencer Tweedy, under the appropriate name 'Tweedy'. The album title 'Sukierae' comes from the nickname of Jeff's wife/Spencer's mother Sue Miller Tweedy. After about 20 years with Wilco, Jeff Tweedy has become a legend to some (like me) and unheard of to others, and this album won't make him a household name, because if it did, it wouldn't sound anything like it does. I'm probably not making sense at the moment so it must be time to check out the video for "Low Key" - it's dry humour at its best.

Peter Gutteridge Tribute

We recently lost one of the pioneers of the 'Dunedin sound' and Flying Nun label stalwart, Peter Gutteridge. A member of The Clean, The Chills, The Great Unwashed and Snapper. I'd posted Snapper's song "Buddy" on here a while back, so you can find it in the archives, if you want to check it out - one of my favourite Flying Nun songs, for sure. This Peter Gutteridge tribute, which appeared on Youtube recently, is a fitting reminder of his part in what was a significant movement.

Hiss Golden Messenger - "Saturday's Song"

Hiss Golden Messenger's just released their fifth album 'Lateness of Dancers', which features an ode to Saturday night, as celebrated by people all over the world. "Saturday's Song" is not complicated, it's not new, it's as simple as "when Saturday comes, I might lose control" and "I'm gonna get a little crazy, I might drink some whiskey"... oh, yes - Sunday is waiting for all of us.

Ray & Remora - "Say It Ain't So"

The debut release from Ray & Remora is an EP '1994' of cover songs. All songs covered are from the year 1994, which is a great concept, and not a bad year in indie music. They cover some of the most highly respected artists of that year, including Superchunk, Dinosaur Jr, Pavement, Sebadoh and Weezer's "Say It Ain't So". This synth-pop version of "Say It Ain't So" is as catchy as the original but with a style of its own. On a scale of 1 to 2014, I give it a score of 1994.

Pernice Brothers - "Crestfallen"

After the demise of the Scud Mountain Boys, Joe Pernice recorded the debut album under the Pernice Brothers name (featuring his brother Bob) in 1998. The album 'Overcome by Happiness' was a highlight of that year. Despite the title, it was quite a gloomy album.... but the delivery is absolutely beautiful. As with "Crestfallen" the melancholic lyrics are countered by the quiet vocals and sweeping melodies. 'Overcome by Happiness' hasn't lost any of the charm that the critics noticed at the time of its release. If you love the melodic side of Paul Westerberg or Teenage Fanclub together with 60's and 70's pop, then look no further.

Got a Girl - "Did We Live Too Fast"

Got a Girl are a duo featuring actress Mary Elizabeth Winstead and producer Dan the Automator. I have to admit that I was only aware of one of them prior to this discovery. Their recently released debut album 'I Love You But I Must Drive Off This Cliff Now' has attracted my attention purely by the fact that it is influenced by French pop - a style of music that I fell in love with many years ago. "Did We Live Too Fast" is not exactly Serge Gainsbourg and Jane Birkin but the influences are definitely there along with a bit of modern coolness. The musical equivalent of sitting on the couch with your iPad while a black and white TV is flickering in the background.

Tycho - "Montana"

Tycho's new album 'Awake' is best described as electronica with guitars. "Montana" is a chill-out instrumental that basically becomes an anthem. Tycho (Musician/producer Scott Hansen) have released four albums since 2004, however, 'Awake' is my first full album indulgence and the back catalogue will now be worth investigating.

Jenny Lewis - "Just One Of The Guys"

The music of Jenny Lewis has resonated with me since first discovering her band Rilo Kiley. Her third solo album 'The Voyager' has just been released. Although Rilo Kiley are no longer together, her first two solo albums were released while she was still recording with Rilo Kiley. The Voyager album was produced by Ryan Adams and you can pick up on that when you hear it from start to finish. However, "Just One Of The Guys" was produced by Beck. The album is full of self reflection and "Just One Of The Guys" is about her childlessness.

Electric Guest - "Troubleman"

Los Angeles band Electric Guest released their debut album 'Mondo' in 2012. There are moments of 70's soul throughout, although, in an indie band kind of way. But the surprise radio favourite (Bitter FM included) is the nine minute "Trouble Man" which is not a cover of Marvin Gaye's "Troubleman" - in fact, not even an inspiration, as they have said. It would be believable that some of their other songs have a Marvin Gaye influence, though. "Trouble Man" is a two part epic, which you may hear as two songs in one. If that's how you hear it, then you are kind of right. Their friend and producer, Danger Mouse, realised the similarities between two of the songs and suggested they combine them into one. Fantastic result.

Coco Solid - "Oh My Zeus (feat. Boston Rodriguez & Jizmatron)"

"Oh My Zeus" is the new single from Coco Solid and it's quite unique. Here's a quick rundown.... it's a rap/soul song. All good so far. The setting is a telephone conversation between two girlfriends, one has met the perfect man, while the other says "there is no such thing".... all in an African-American style of language. Not completely new. But here's the real surprise. It is set in ancient Greece. Sounds fucking ludicrous, I know. But that may just be the reason it is so enjoyable.

Underworld - "Always Loved a Film"

Underworld's Karl Hyde has been in the limelight lately because of his collaboration album with Brian Eno. But it is time I revisited the 2010 album 'Barking' by Underworld. It didn't have the same impact as some of their earlier albums but it really is a memorable album. And what was lost in its obscurity was one of the best dance/rock songs made for radio. "Always Loved a Film" is for everyone who was Born Slippy.

Mary Gauthier - "When A Woman Goes Cold"

Mary Gauthier is an impressive singer-songwriter, whether she is pouring her heart out in a personal vignette, or telling a fascinating story, she will more than likely move you. Her new album 'Trouble and Love' doesn't fail in both of those departments. "When A Woman Goes Cold" is from the perspective of the partner of a women when a relationship deteriorates. You get right in the head of the protagonist and for those of us who have been in this situation before, it's a very candid reminder.

Federico Aubele - "Somewhere Else" (featuring Melody Gardot)

Buenos Aires born singer/songwriter Federico Aubele called his fifth album 5. Yeah, nothing original there, but the album itself is more than an original musical statement. A combination of downbeat electronica and acoustic singer-songwriter mellowness... with a Franco/Latin vibe. There are contrasts all over the place here - chanteuse/baritone duets and a modern/retro sound throughout. The Bitter FM favourite "Somewhere Else" featuring Melody Gardot has all of that.

Talk Talk - "Have You Heard the News?"

"Have You Heard the News?" is from Talk Talk's debut album 'The Party's Over' and while they may have been written off as romantic/synth pop wannabes at that stage, they deserve much more credit. We know they became one of the greatest bands of their time, but even when they started they were probably the best band of that genre, although popular culture tells a different story.... but when was popular culture ever right? The fact that I can easily play 'The Party's Over' from start to finish - without cringing, is proof enough. Anyway, the strings and piano in the chorus of "Have You Heard the News?" get me every time.... and there have been many times. Maybe it's just me but this song just moves me - it's hard to explain but I think you all have your own example. This was my soundtrack of the early 80's with the (over the head) walkman headphones on. I remember buying this album and INXS' 'Shabooh Shoobah' on cassette in Sydney and there is only one of the two I still play today.

Movement 98 featuring Carroll Thompson - "Sunrise"

"Sunrise" by Movement 98 would have to be classed as a Lost Classic. I converted the 12" single to digital - so this much loved soul/reggae song from 1990 is back on the airwaves, on Bitter FM at least. Movement 98 was an early project of Paul Oakenfold's along with vocalist Carroll Thompson. They had moderate success, more so with their "Joy and Heartbreak" single. But it was really only "Sunrise" that caught my attention.

First Aid Kit - "My Silver Lining"

First Aid Kit have just released their new album 'Stay Gold' and it sounds much more symphonic than their previous albums. 'The Lion's Roar' from a couple of years ago was a real coming of age album from these young Swedish sisters. It's an album I still play from start to finish regularly.... 'Stay Gold' has everything that album had, plus some. The harmonies are as good as ever and the folk is still more countryfied and there is still some sadness in the songs - even in the more uplifting ones. But this time the producer, Mike Mogis, has recruited a few more musicians - the single "My Silver Lining" will reveal the beauty of that accompaniment. Gold!

Sharon Van Etten - "Every Time the Sun Comes Up"

Sharon Van Etten has a new album out. The album 'Are We There' is a breakup album but it won't bring you down at all. Her 2012 album 'Tramp' took her to a wider audience and that could've been her magnum opus. Well, not anymore - this album has surpassed that. Here is "Every Time the Sun Comes Up" for your pleasure.

Popstrangers - "Country Kills"

Popstrangers have a new album 'Fortuna' out now. However, we have had the pleasure of playing a couple of singles on Bitter FM for a little while now. The first single was "Country Kills" and I just fell for that chorus straight away. They say it's not an anti-government song but more an anti-power song. Some songs are great because of the message they portray - but this is a great song for what it is... just a fucking great song. Let's not complicate things.

Forgotten Birds - "Fools Rush In"

Call this what you like - Country Folk, Americana, Gothic Country or Gothic Folk. But one thing is clear - it has a dark beauty about it... and the darkness is highlighted in the video. "Fools Rush In" is from their 'Sahara' album. I better do my job and, at least, tell you what state in America they are from.... oh, it's Hamburg, Germany. Makes sense? ja ja.

Mutts - "Prizefighter"

Mutts are a band from Chicago and they are the type of band that you think you know, but just can't place. But sadly, most people won't know of them. "Prizefighter" is a piano-led ballad with some obvious comparisons to Tom Waits. It comes from their recent album 'Object Permanence'.

Tami Neilson - "Walk (Back to Your Arms)"

Tami Neilson's new album is 'Dynamite' and it lives up to its title. The first single is "Walk (Back to Your Arms)" and it is a slice of Northern Soul from the deep South. A Canadian country singer (with some soul/blues credentials) combined with the Lyttelton posse of musicians = Dynamite!

"Isis" - Bob Dylan

The other day, during my day job, which I won't get into right now, a customer came in and I requested an order number or a name as a reference, she replied with her name, which was Isis. "Really? Bob Dylan has a song called Isis" I replied.... I can't control my music nerd-ness sometimes. Anyway, she said "I was named after that song". Fucking brilliant! It made my day. I don't even know her parents but I know they are the coolest parents on this planet. And maybe they love Bob Dylan's 'Desire' album more than I do. She may even have a sister called Sara.

Bob Dylan - Isis (1976) from Freddy Batman on Vimeo.

DOPRAH - "San Pedro"

I've just added this to Bitter FM playlists and I can't get enough of it. They signed to Arch Hill Records recently and that was enough for me to finally take notice. Although their support slot for Lorde's rescheduled Laneway concert should have convinced me earlier.

The Last Post - NZ Artillery Band

Lest we forget..... Anzac Day 2014

Holograms - "Meditations"

After first hearing "Meditations" it would be easy to believe Holograms are a post punk band from that era. But they are a quartet of twenty-somethings from Sweden. Even though they are singing in English, it can still be incomprehensible at times, but that isn't a problem. For a station that plays a lot of post-punk together with current and upcoming indie artists - Holograms could be the missing link.

She's So Rad - "Levels"

"Levels" is the new single from 'She's So Rad' and I can hear some 80's pop (not so much 80's synth pop) and then by the time the chorus comes in it sounds very current and then.... oh fuck it, I've got no idea really. It's a great song and let's just agree on that.

Kita Klane - "Running Circles"

Kita Klane may be the new queen of indie soul that you haven't heard of......

The Pains Of Being Pure At Heart - "Simple and Sure"

The new single from The Pains Of Being Pure At Heart's forthcoming album 'Days of Abandon' is "Simple and Sure" - it's a beautiful pop song with a video that is so good - you may want to loop it (or GIF it).

The Clean - "Draw(in)g To A (W)hole"

When The Clean released their album 'Vehicle' in 1990, the world didn't change one bit. But for those of us with a copy of the album, going by my experience, it kept us indoors a bit. It was one of the great Flying Nun albums and it was re-issued a year or so ago as a double LP. So you don't have to find an old 2nd hand copy to enjoy it in all its vinyl glory. "Draw(in)g To A (W)hole" was where the fun started.

IVY - "Fascinated"

Ivy are a New York band featuring French vocalist Dominique Durand. They released their debut album 'Realistic' in 1995 and followed that up with their moderately successful second album 'Apartment Life' in 1997. A few releases and a long break later, this indie pop band emerged with a new album and a change of musical style. 'All Hours' was released in 2011 and keyboards had now become L'instrument du jour. "Fascinated" is 80's synth-pop and Kraftwerk for today's hipsters.

Morrissey - "I've Changed My Plea To Guilty"

Come on Oscar - it's not too late for you to do the same.

Sucking Chest Wound - "Mary Dear"

Sucking Chest Wound were a Canadian collective who were active during the late 80's and early 90's. The album 'God Country Family' was created as a multi-media piece and originally released in 1990 on cassette only - with the CD version released in 1992. They were not signed to any label and self released this album, which they limited to only 1000 copies on CD. I had one of those copies up until a burglary in Auckland years ago - and I've never managed to find another copy. I would love to hear the album in its entirety again. Although, I did manage to find a digital version of the song that I most wanted to play on Bitter FM, which is "Mary Dear". Combine some borrowed dialogue from an unknown radio play with a Slayer guitar sample - and the result is spine-chilling.

Lydia Cole - "Feels Like"

Lydia Cole's "Feels Like" single is a perfect (radio friendly) pop song that has generally been overlooked. Even when I playlisted it on Bitter, I quickly forgot about it. So I'm righting the wrong right here right now.

Scritti Politti - "The Word Girl"

Scritti Politti had a hit in 1984 with "Wood Beez (Pray Like Aretha Franklin)" and we realised then that Green Gartside, the leading member, was not your typical lyricist. His 80's blue eyed soul was blended with some reggae on "The Word Girl", the fourth single from the album 'Cupid & Psyche 85'. "The Word Girl" is not actually about a girl - but about the word 'Girl' often used in songwriting, in a casual or lazy way. Maybe to emphasise his point, he does exactly that in the chorus.

Eagulls - "Possessed"

Eagulls are an indie rock/punk band from Leeds. They are starting to get some attention as they finally release their debut album. "Possessed" was available back in 2011 on the Mazes/Eagulls split single - but it is now leading them into a new phase of popularity. "Possessed" reminds me of the Flying Nun band 3d's with the soaring guitars. Although that may be coincidental, there are certainly some influences from 80's post-punk bands. This song possesses everyone who comes within earshot of it.

Mary Gauthier - "I Drink"

If you have a feeling you drink too much, you can either conceal your habit or just casually admit it like Mary Gauthier does here on "I Drink".... no big deal. Actually, the song has an autobiographic aspect to it. She was an alcoholic from her mid teens and this song was written after she quit drinking at the age of 29. She later said that she could not have written "I Drink" if she hadn't been addicted. One of the greatest drinking songs ever written.



Lyrics - "I Drink"

He’d get home at 5:30, fix his drink
And sit down in his chair
Pick a fight with mama
Complain about us kids getting in his hair
At night he’d sit alone and smoke
I’d see his frown behind his lighter’s flame
Now that same frown’s in my mirror
I got my daddy’s blood inside my veins

Fish swim birds fly
Daddies yell mamas cry
Old men sit and think
I drink

Chicken TV dinner
6 minutes on defrost, 3 on high
A beer to wash it down with
Then another, a little whiskey on the side
It’s not so bad alone here
It don’t bother me that every night’s the same
I don’t need another lover
Hanging round, trying to make me change

Fish swim birds fly
Lovers leave by and by
Old men sit and think
I drink

I know what I am
But I don’t give a damn
Fish swim birds fly
Daddies yell mamas cry
Old men sit and think
I drink

The Jerky Boys - "Drinking Problem"

Frank Rizzo has been told he has a drinking problem and he decides to get some help......

Angel Olsen - "White Fire"

Angel Olsen's second album 'Burn Your Fire For No Witness' has just been released and it is another example of heartbreak and sadness resulting in a creative high. I don't need to name any, but there are so many singer songwriters who have peaked while in a state of despair. It is not so much a breakup album but some pain is expressed in the lyrics and delivery. Angel Olsen was originally part of Bonnie "Prince" Billy's backing band, so we can all agree that uplifting love songs were never the order of the day. However, in saying that, there are a few louder tracks to counter the quiet tones on 'Burn Your Fire For No Witness.' The track "White Fire" reminded me of someone so much that it made that artist seem even less bleak. You will know who I'm talking about as soon as you hear the opening notes. Spoiler Alert! If Leonard Cohen was from America, was actually female and born a couple of generations later, this is exactly what you would expect to hear.

Erlend Øye - "La Prima Estate"

Erlend Øye is a musician from Norway. A founding member of Kings of Convenience and also a member of The Whitest Boy Alive - on top of solo recordings. "La Prima Estate" is a single from 2012, which was recorded while he was living in Italy. He has embraced Italian life with a song that takes plenty of inspiration from the Italian pop of the 70s. Perfect for our summer here on the other side of the world.

Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds - "Into My Arms"

Goodbye Katy

Shihad - "Bitter"

"Bitter" is classic Shihad from their second album 'Killjoy' released in 1995. They were the best live band in New Zealand during the 90's and also the local 'Big Day Out' favourites for many years. Did I name Bitter FM after this song? The answer is actually no, but it would've made a lot of sense.

Arcade Fire - Porno

It's obvious that Arcade Fire's latest album 'Reflektor' hasn't had the same impact as the previous album 'The Suburbs' did. Although, it is completely subjective, so it doesn't mean it is inferior or even necessarily better.... given that it is a move into new territory. A double album, 'Reflektor' does need a bit of time to absorb and your perseverance is definitely rewarded. "Porno" is the current favourite and it has been added to playlists on Bitter FM. If you love the song as much as I do, here is your chance to tell everyone that you are really into "Porno"......

The Proclaimers - "I'm Gonna Be (500 Miles)"

I can't believe it myself, but this Hits and Myths blog post is number 1000. Yes, even though I'm currently not fulfilling my obligation on this daily song blog, I have still managed to clock up 1000 posts, or more appropriately, 1000 songs. Hopefully there were a few new discoveries for some of you. "I'm Gonna Be (500 Miles)" is my pick to celebrate for obvious reasons. One of the Reid brothers proposed to walk 1000 miles and to be the one to fall down at her door. Although, if it was ever going to be a reality, he probably would have had is brother walk 500 miles - who would've known? As Jimmy Carr said when a friend proclaimed (yes, pun intended) her new boyfriend looked like one of the Proclaimers "He can't, he either looks like both of them or neither of them." Anyway, here's to a thousand more great songs.

Eleanor Friedberger - "Singing Time"

Eleanor Friedberger's 'Personal Record' album from 2013 was one of my top albums of the year. The album already has a handful of Bitter FM playlisted songs, such as "When I Knew", "Stare at the Sun", "She's a Mirror" and "My Own World", and I've just recently added "Singing Time". The first half of "Singing Time" is quietly sparse but when the band kicks in it hits you like a drug. Pure listening pleasure.

Jennifer Nettles - "That Girl"

We have Dolly Parton visiting these shores soon and she seems to be as popular as ever... suddenly everyone, young and old, are proclaiming their love. For a lot of people (I confess that I am one of them) it starts and ends with "Jolene", but hey, it is a true classic. So why am I talking about Dolly Parton on a blog post under Jennifer Nettles' name? Well there is a good reason, if you don't already know. "That Girl" by Jennifer Nettles, which is the title track of her new album, is an answer song to (or a rewriting of) Dolly Parton's "Jolene" from the perspective of Jolene. After 40 or so years, maybe we can finally give this bank teller named Jolene a break.

Kitten - "Kill The Light"

Los Angeles band Kitten play a blend of Dream Pop and Indie Rock with some 80's post-punk influences. Led by Chloe Chaidez, Kitten are slowly making a name for themselves through a growing number of opening slots for some big name artists. "Kill the Light" is from their debut EP 'Sunday School' released in 2010. We've been playing this on Bitter FM since its release and I think it is time we added some more Kitten to playlists.

The Horse Flies - "14 Reasons"

The book I was reading during the change from 2013 to 2014 was a novel by Peter Clines called '14' which was a nice coincidence. So on that note, here is my favourite song (an un-researched probability) with 14 in the title. "14 Reasons" by The Horse Flies was released in 2008 from their 'Until the Ocean' album. Happy New Year.

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