For NZ Music Month, we're asking local musicians to tell us about the New Zealand songs they love the most. Today, The Naenae Express' Scott Kendall details his favourites from Cool Cult, Heroes For Sale, CHEATS, Connan Mockasin and Bic Runga.
Photo: Supplied
***
Cool Cult - Ayurveda
The sound of growing up in Auckland. What a good sound. All the parts in this are great and the tones are great and its got those trademark Cool Cult vocal melodies. I saw these guys quite a bit and liked it, but they were way ahead of me. I’m still catching up. I’d really like to see another Cool Cult show, or Trust Punks, or Gordons haha…
***
Heroes For Sale - Eviction
Every time I listen to this I go back and listen to it again, and again. It’s just like, y’know, got a great vibe. Apparently it’s one of those alternate versions, like The Beatles’ Revolution. I’m very glad they put it out and didn’t shelve it for later.
***
CHEATS - Soaking Up The Rays
I learnt a lot from going to CHEATS shows. They run it straight, Lawree puts it all out there and all the songs are great. This one is pretty special. Should probably be the national anthem.
***
Connan Mockasin - It’s Choade My Dear
The first time I saw Connan was at Laneway. I had heard a few songs before and hadn’t really gotten into it, but that performance knocked me out. It was so, so relaxed but the groove was huge. Simple parts that work well together, delivered nonchalantly but with total command of the crowd. It just looks like the best time.
This was the song that I looked up when I got home. Not many NZ guitar bands get sexy like this.
***
Bic Runga - Get Some Sleep [Live with Tiny Ruins]
Bic Runga playing with Tiny Ruins is always going to be a good time. Everyone involved consistently puts out good stuff. The Tiny Ruins album is immaculate. I never really heard Opossom but Inhaler Song is another of my favourites. Anyway when they played this with a big ol’ NZ acoustic strum and live double tracking I was having a really good time. The song is a total classic!
PS: I would also like to mention any song written by Richard Keith or Joe Sampson. Total winners.
