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.