Bap Kennedy - "The Ghosts of Belfast"

It was sad news when I belatedly heard about this great singer-songwriter's death in 2016. Bap Kennedy's 1998 album 'Domestic Blues' was unavoidable during any visit to Real Groovy Records, in Auckland, at the time. I usually trusted them with their recommendations and they were on the money with this one. The album was produced by Steve Earle and Ray Kennedy in Nashville and released on Steve Earle's E-Squared label.

The album is a perfect blend of Bap's Northern Irish/Celtic roots and the Americana of the Earle/Nashville camp. Steve Earle's presence is strong throughout and for me that's a real plus. In saying that though, this is still considered an actual Bap Kennedy album over a collaboration album.

The album is full of gems and the one that got most of my attention would have to be "The Ghosts of Belfast". The ultimate Roots/Americana song.... with one of my favourite lines "My glass is half full - but it's cracked on the side".

Reb Fountain - "Gold"

Reb Fountain finally released some new music, by way of the fantastic EP 'Hopeful and Hopeless'. Recorded at The Wine Cellar, a venue she performed at many times.

The songs were recorded a few years ago with a backing band that included her friend, Sam Prebble, from 'Bond Street Bridge' and were put aside after the loss of her friend. For obvious reasons, it was a long time after the tragic loss of Sam for her to return to the songs and to finally finish and release them. The resulting EP is one of the best collections of songs, by any artist, for a long time.

A great tribute to her mate.

It is so hard to choose one song from such a strong EP - but "Gold" is as solid as gold itself. Some uplifting beauty and the centre-piece of the EP. The Patti Smith style poetry, two thirds in, sealed it for me when I first heard the song.

Reb Fountain has just released a new full album 'Little Arrows' - the second part of her revisiting the music recorded during that same period. While I'm looking forward to it, I think this EP needs more of my full attention before that.

Walter Martin - "Hey Matt" (w/ Matt Berninger)

Walter Martin, from the band The Walkmen, released his third solo album 'My Kinda Music' a few months ago. It's as quirky and charming as any fan would expect.
For the unconverted, the song "Hey Matt" might be the one to get you on board. It's basically a call to Matt Berninger, from The National, for some singing lessons and it has some great moments - funny and clever. All to an upbeat track featuring handclaps and all. There is even a revelation to Matt about him being the second choice after Randy Newman hadn't responded.
A quirky classic in the making!

French for Rabbits - 'The Weight of Melted Snow'

French for Rabbits started off as a duo, featuring Brooke Singer and John Fitzgerald, who were also in a relationship. The band has now expanded to a 5-piece and before the release of the album 'The Weight of Melted Snow' the relationship between Brooke and John had ended. They have decided to continue playing together in the band and had no problem finishing the album after the breakup.
Brooke has stated that a couple of the songs were written after the breakup and "The Weight of Melted Snow" was one of them.
The song itself is so beautiful and full of sadness. A candidate for the Bitter FM song of the year.
This live in the RNZ studio recording encapsulates all the emotion and sadness from Brooke and with John on guitar looking unmoved and not showing any emotion..... while possibly feeling some.
It makes the song even more powerful in so many ways.

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.