Honey. - "Can't Be On The Record"

This new single "Can't Be On The Record" by Honey. has been getting a lot of play on Bitter FM already. The Wellington four piece band have only existed for a matter of months and this is their first single.... and on the strength of this song, that's an amazing achievement.

The 80s sound is obvious but at the same time it isn't overbearing - I liken it to 'She's So Rad' when they go with the 80s vibe.

The song focuses on the period just after a relationship breakup and the desperation they both have - but in differing ways or motives. She's desperate to move on and forget all about him and the bad relationship. For him though, the desperation is the opposite - but for a more sinister reason. He thinks the best way to hide his shameful behaviour is to keep the relationship going. So this "Can't Be On The Record".

The Liminanas - "Longanisse"

With my love of French music, particularly from the 60's and 70's, with Serge Gainsbourg as the protagonist, it is no surprise that The Liminanas have been a staple Bitter FM band - with songs scattered throughout playlists. Their sound is retro French with a bit of Stereolab and a dark gothic feel. For Serge Gainsbourg fans, the track "Longabisse" from their 'Crystal Anis' album, is just perfect.

My Teenage Stride - "To Live and Die in the Airport Lounge"

My Teenage Stride are a New York band that have obvious 'Smiths' influences. In fact the leader, and sometimes sole member, Jedediah Smith, throws many influential indie rock bands from the 80's into the mix. Sometimes it can be like a game of pick the band as the songs progress. I wasn't really aware of them until their third album 'Ears Like Golden Bats' and particularly the song "To Live and Die in the Airport Lounge". The song starts off with a New Order rhythm section and then the Smiths guitar comes in and what should be sacrilege, turns out to be something Johnny Marr would be proud of.

Hurray For The Riff Raff Trilogy

Part 1 "Living in the City"

Hurray For The Riff Raff is a New Orleans band lead by Alynda Segarra, raised in New York and of Puerto Rican descent. The recently released 'The Navigator' album is their sixth album. It is a concept album, of sorts - based on an alter-ego named Navita, a Puerto Rican teenage runaway folk artist. There are probably a lot of autobiographic references, one is that Alynda ran away from the Bronx as a teenager and ended up settling in New Orleans. Her previous albums have been more Americana in general - but The Navigator crosses into newer territory, in more ways than one. "Living in the City" is a pop-rock classic.... a great way to start an exceptional album.



Part 2 "Be My Baby"

This is fucking brilliant. An unexpected gem from Hurray For The Riff Raff. Alynda's take on Ronnie Spector is so good on so many levels. There is even a 'Wall of Sound' production feel to it. It's from an Amazon exclusive playlist 'Love Me'.



Part 3 "Slow Walk"

"Slow Walk" was my introduction to Hurray For The Riff Raff. And I'm sure Bitter FM listeners know it well now.

Aldous Harding - "Horizon"

When Aldous Harding released her debut album in 2014 it was a surprise obsession. It is a very spare folk record with a darkness hanging over it. There are many captivating aspects to the album - from her lyrics and the haunted harmonies - to the delivery and phrasing. But the voice itself is what really struck a chord. And soon we will be treated to her follow up album, which may be approached with some trepidation, like the curse of the sophomore album. Well the first single "Horizon" put an end to those fears. Fucking stunning!
Her sound is now more expansive and she even toured the country with a full band recently.
I can't wait for this one.

I remember seeing her mother Lorina Harding performing at the Gluepot (Corner Bar, I think) in Auckland in the 90's, which was possibly not long after she moved here from Canada. I hadn't really heard much about her since. So it's also great to see her in the video of "Horizon" with her daughter Aldous.



Here is a great video of Lorina and Aldous (Hannah) performing together....

Steve Abel - "Best Thing"

Steve Abel has the perfect baritone voice for sad songs and it is usually sad songs that you get on a Steve Abel album. His album 'Luck Hope' from 2016 had an opening track that became a Bitter FM favourite. A voice similar to Bill Callahan (of Smog) and the music that could be from a Bonnie "Prince" Billy album are a couple of reasons "Best Thing" is such a standout. But add backing vocals and violin from Jolie Holland and the deal's done.



A live version recorded at the RNZ studio

Young Fathers - "Only God Knows"

Trainspotting was one of those movies that stuck in your mind for days after. There were so many memorable scenes from the hilarious to the cringe-worthy. The soundtrack was another work of genius - with Iggy Pop's "Lust For Life" and the pulsating "Born Slippy" from Underworld, the jewel in the crown. I'm not sure how the sequel T2 Trainspotting will compare to the original - but one thing that does compare is the jewel in the crown of the soundtrack. This time it is "Only God Knows" from Edinburgh band Young Fathers. It features the Leith Congregational Choir - but don't be fooled. What starts off as a sweet gospel piece, quickly turns into an emotionally charged rant.... but without completely going off the rails. In fact, the choir smooths the rough edges nicely. This should be as important to the sequel as "Born Slippy" was to the original. Stunning!