SPC ECO - "Creep In The Shadows"

SPC ECO are a British band that features the former Curve guitarist Dean Garcia and his daughter Rose Berlin on vocals. They still have the shoegaze sound of Curve but with an electronica slant. In fact, they are now probably more electronica than indie-rock. Rose Berlin's vocals and lyrics are as dark as the new album title 'Dark Matter' but there is certainly an air of sophistication and some pop elements - but they never dominate. "Creep In The Shadows" is possibly the only song featuring auto-tuned vocals where the mood is enhanced. This is how auto-tune should sound.... like it's recorded in space - surrounded by dark matter and mind altering darkness.

David Bowie - "Young Americans"

It is so hard to pick just one David Bowie song as a tribute. It's not just the songs to consider, it's also the era, persona, alter ego or even the impact we felt at the time, which was often and often. I've chosen "Young Americans" because what he did with soul music was quite special. His band and backing singers at the time were incredibly good as well. His very first instrument was the Sax, so it is fitting that "Young Americans" starts with that very instrument.

There's a starman waiting in the sky - while we all say goodbye......

Gin Wigmore - "Written In The Water"

Gin Wigmore burst onto the scene here in New Zealand quite a few years ago now, and she managed to please the critics, student radio and even commercial radio all at the same time. However, over time and a few more albums, I grew a little less interested. I didn't really take much notice when she released her latest album 'Blood to Bone'.... but then I heard "Written In The Water". I'm even tempted to use one of my most hated words to describe this song - but fuck it, it is Epic!