From The Archives: Sly Dunbar talks
That time GARY STEEL chatted with drummer Sly Dunbar of the famed Jamaican rhythm section, Sly & Robbie. First, the story. After, the unexpurgated
World’s Worst Records: Cattle Decapitation’s To Serve Man
MATT KELLY actually likes Cattle Decapitation but this early blunder is especially bad in a multitude of ways and is endlessly deserving of derision.
Let there be drums!
Six diverse percussion compositions performed by virtuosic musician Justin DeHart challenge common notions about the most primal of instruments.
World’s Worst Records: Alison Gold’s Shush Up
Gold's follow-up to 'Chinese Food' was so regrettable and tasteless that she had to change her name, writes our dean of tack, MATT KELLY.
World’s Worst Records: David Hasselhoff’s Lovin’ Feelings
In part 2 of a survey of the complete musical works of Sir David Michael Hasselhoff, MATT KELLY describes a truly horrible record.
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
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.
World’s Worst Records – Dizzee Rascal’s The Fifth
Dizzee Rascal has made some acclaimed albums but The Fifth isn't one of them, writes MATT KELLY, who rues just how low the rapper
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.
World’s Worst Records – Fallout Boy
MATT KELLY is so fed up with Fallout Boy that he writes his own review of this utter dreck in verse.
World’s Worst Records – Bruno Mars
MATT KELLY digs up a record that Bruno Mars might just want to forget in which the pop phenomenon is caught literally taking his
The long-delayed release of a legendary 1968 performance by Zappa/The Mothers
Frank Zappa and his Mothers would never be hotter than they were the week in 1968 when this gig was recorded. GARY STEEL takes
World’s Worst Records – David Hasselhoff
MATT KELLY presents Part One of a survey of the complete musical works of Sir David Michael Hasselhoff. Eek.
Arooj Aftab’s heart-stoppingly gorgeous Night Reign
GARY STEEL finally finds something to melt into in Arooj Aftab's bewitching and sensuous new album, Night Reign.
Perfect Pitch
Twenty-five years ago GARY STEEL met up with wayward Kiwi electronic duo Pitch Black for a nice chat. A NZ Music Month special.
World’s Worst Records: Janelle Monae
MATT KELLY absolutely loved her previous album but Janelle Monae's latest sucks so bad that he can't help feel let down.
Jayrem – The ‘not Flying Nun’ 1980s Kiwi record label
To celebrate NZ Music Month GARY STEEL digs up a rare 1986 interview with Wellington record label owner Jim Moss.
World’s Worst Records – The Portsmouth Sinfonia
MATT KELLY writes about a record that is both diabolically awful and amazingly great and which everyone should get out there and hear.
Mike Oldfield with bells on
Mike Oldfield’s Tubular Bells is over 50 years old but still sounds fresh. GARY STEEL chats with the man behind the upcoming Auckland performance
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