Wellington in the ’80s through the lens of an outsider music group
GARY STEEL reviews a new book that’s not only the story of an extraordinary band, label and scene, but an alternative history of Wellington
Dance around the world with Corben Simpson
He won a Silver Scroll award in 1971. He sang for Blerta. He recorded an album in bed. After more than 50 years Corben
10 great documentaries on Neon right now
Sky TV’s Neon streaming service has got a cracker of a selection of documentaries at the moment. GARY STEEL reviews a sampling.
Win! A WiiM Ultra Network Music Streamer!
The WiiM brand is exploding the price barrier and amazing audiophiles with its brilliant-sounding and extraordinarily intuitive streamers. And now this, the WiiM Ultra,
Synergy Audio Visual to launch New Zealand distribution with acquisition of key brands from PQ Imports
Synergy Audio Visual launches in New Zealand Distribution with key PQ Imports brands like Advance Paris, MoFi Electronics and REL Subwoofers.
The format wars suck
GARY STEEL has been thinking about vinyl vs. streaming vs. compact discs (etc) and just wants it all to stop.
Who you jiving with that cosmic debris? Zappa’s Apostrophe (’) at 50
Frank Zappa’s most popular album gets a chunky six-disc elaboration. GARY STEEL wonders whether it warrants the attention.
Technics launches elegant wireless speaker system
Next month Technics will release its first-ever active wireless speaker system, the all-purpose plug-and-play stylish SC-CX700.
Moon Unit Zappa’s memoir: a ripping rock and roll read
The original valley girl’s memoir is an acutely observed and at times shocking tell-all about growing up in the dysfunctional family of a 1970s
Shriekback: Making the brain dance
Way back in 1986 GARY STEEL chatted with Shriekback main man Barry Andrews prior to the group’s NZ tour. Here's that interview.
Audiophile-grade Technics SL-1300G turntable ups the ante
Technics has announced its stunning audiophile-grade SL-1300G turntable boasting innovative Delta Sigma Drive motor control.
Stuck between rock and a hi-fi space
GARY STEEL loves the world of music he’s discovered in hi-fi appreciation but hates what its sonic refinement does to many of his favourite
WIN this latest greatest Bluesound NODE wireless music streamer!
WIN this latest greatest Bluesound NODE wireless music streamer! Enter your details in the box below to go in the draw to win the
The best (and worst) streaming TV shows & films right now
A regular column in which GARY STEEL sifts through the mountain of available streaming TV and brings your attention to great new and old
Bluesound releases a trio of new NODE music streamers
Bluesound’s NODE is one of the most successful and affordable music streamers on the market. We detail the company’s three dashing new models.
Teremoana Rapley: Back in time to ‘97 for the Lifetime Achievement award-winner
To celebrate her Lifetime Achievement honour at the forthcoming Pacific Music Awards here’s GARY STEEL’s previously unpublished 1997 interview with Teremoana Rapley.
Guilty Pleasures: Electric Light Orchestra’s Eldorado
ELO’s grandiose 1974 monstrosity is an over-the-top masterpiece, according to long-time appreciator GARY STEEL.
Tubular Bells – Played just like the record, but different
Mike Oldfield’s former keyboardist/orchestrator makes a work of genius come alive one more time. Reviewed by GARY STEEL.
Live Shows From Way Back – Wellington 1983
Gary Steel sniffs out another mouldering review from another not-so-present era. Wellington Performers Collective Fundraiser, Rock Theatre, Friday/Saturday 27/28 May 1983
Steve Vai talks Zappa, guitar wizardry and life on the road
GARY STEEL enters the mouldering vault of past interviews and digs out his never-before-published 1997 chat with guitarist extraordinaire, Steve Vai.
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