New Music – Page 12 – New Zealand Net Radio

Album of the Week: Bleachers – Take The Sadness Out of Saturday Night

New Zealand Net Radio plays a song from our irregularly updated #albumoftheweek every hour from 9am to 12pm Monday to Friday. Listen in @tunein at https://tunein.com/radio/New-Zealand-Net-Radio-s305138/

We’ve found ourselves agreeing with Pitchfork several times recently, so we were relieved to find that they described Jack Antonoff’s (lead singer/songwriter/persona of Bleachers) efforts on this album as “splitting his time between careful rock songwriting and carefree pop singing, leaving a minor impression of both”. It is in fact a brilliant collection of pop/rock reminiscent of the 80’s Jersey sound of Springsteen with some memorable melodies and great moments. The guitar – saxophone dual towards the end of “How Dare You Want More” (as seen on the Music Video) is something else!

Album of the Week: Laura Mvula – Pink Noise

This album came out a few weeks ago but we couldn’t let it go by without recognising its wonderful songwriting, get-up-and-dance vibe and great 80s electronic feel. Her third album, Mvula has really reinvented herself here – she was classically trained and although her first two albums were critically acclaimed they weren’t huge hits. This album certainly hits the spot!

Album of the Week: John Mayer – Sob Rock

Daring? Original? Subversive? This album is none of these. It is just what fans of well produced melodic music enjoy, and John Mayer pretty consistently delivers. This time there is more of an 80s feel to it, a common sound in the last year or two and to our taste there isn’t anything wrong with that. A well deserved album of the week.

New releases – 16 July 2021

So many great new releases this week – these ones caught our eye, as well as the special edition of Tina Turner’s 1989 album Foreign Affair.

Album of the Week: Kings of Convenience – Peace Or Love

Pitchfork described this album as having a facade a little too smooth. The first album in 12 years from the Norwegian duo these are sophisticated and, yes smooth acoustic tracks and beautiful sounding too. A gorgeous album.

Album of the Week: Joy Oladokun – in defense of my own happiness

Joy Oladokun’s major label debut follows on from “Volume One” of the album released independently last year. Part of a slew of great music being released at the moment, this is a collection of heartfelt and well recorded songs including breakthrough singles “Breathe Again” and “Sunday”. The lyrics are astounding although melody isn’t forsaken. “let it be me” is particularly haunting and thought provoking. An amazing talent.

Album of the Week: Crowded House – Dreamers Are Waiting

What’s ten years or so between friends? Crowded House are back with a new record. The Evening Standard said “The greatest hits can wait – this band have plenty left to offer”. The new album is familiar enough to have continuity with the past, although the band’s makeup has changed dramatically with Neil Finn’s sons Liam and Elroy joining alongside longtime producer Mitchell Froom and old timer Nick Seymour. We’re excited about spinning new music from these legends!

Album of the Week: Moby – Reprise

Our first album of the week from esteemed classical music label Deutsch Grammophon, this retrospective of Moby’s many and varied compositions was recorded with the Budapest Art Orchestra. It accompanies a documentary (“Moby Doc”) due out this month. This is a reminder of the quality of his work, and the orchestral arrangements cast a wonderful new light on his normal electronic productions.

Album of the Week: Delta Goodrem – Bridge Over Troubled Dreams

Delta Goodrem’s fifth Australian number one is a beautiful collection of pop numbers, bolstered by variety in the form of gospel, ballads and country influences. A very slick album – the song “Dear Elton” in particular is a clever lyrical and musical tribute, as well as a personal reflection.

Album of the Week: Rag’n’Bone Man – Life By Misadventure

The initial reviews for the British blues man’s second album seem muted which is surprising. Rag’n’Bone man broadens his sound, while also possessing an honesty from its ‘live in the studio recording’. After an enforced confinement with collaborators Ben Jackson-Cook and Bill Banwell the 13 tracks were recorded in six days in Nashville. We think you’ll agree this is a collection of beautiful authentic tracks.