NZ Herald Review – Russel Baillie FIVE STARS – “It’s a terrific end to a set that’s not only Hellriegel’s best album yet but one of the year’s best local releases”.

Jan Hellriegel’s online mini CD sampler of her new record. HIGHLY recommended – we gave Jan’s new album five stars – and so have the critics. This sampler reveals a rare artist – one who has thought carefully about every aspect of production whilst maintaining artistic integrity. The album ‘All Grown Up’ is excellent, and entered the top 40 albums at #38 this week. The Collectors Item may still be available (and is worth every penny!) (click the link above)

Check out http://karenhunter.com for a wonderful recording of Long Hot Summer – the musicians include Ron Samsom and Aaron Coddel. Just press PLAY and let it stream, (much more clarity than the free download MP3 version).

Not official. But from a personal perspective, what I am listening to ….

Jan Hellriegel performed her new album All Grown Up on October 22.

More …

Ed Cake’s NEW RELEASE CD review

The new album from Pie Warmer a 4 piece band produced by New Zealand’s resident musical genius, Ed Cake.

Pie Warmer
The Fearsome Feeling
Release date 29th July 2009
Released by Lil’ Chief Records

Reviewed by AucklandMusic here

7 Worlds Collide release -preview

Neil Finn of Crowded House is back again with another 7 Worlds Collide project.

The name 7 Worlds Collide comes from Crowded House’s 1993 single “Distant Sun” (”seven worlds will collide/whenever I am by your side”). The original 7 Worlds Collide group formed in 2001, with Finn teaming up with Eddie Vedder, Johnny Marr (of the Smiths), Ed O’Brien and Phis Selway (of Radiohead), Tim Finn (Neil’s older brother), Sebastian Steinberg, Lisa Germano and Betchadupa (which features Neil’s son Liam) for a musical collaboration truly deserving of the word “supergroup. The group played five shows that later became the album 7 Worlds Collide: Neil Finn & Friends Live at the St. James.

Now Finn and friends (which include the returing Marr, Selway and O’Brien) are giving us the sequel, the double-disc album The Sun Came Out. Joining the group this time around are KT Tunstall and members of Wilco: bandleader Jeff Tweedy, bassist John Stirratt, drummer Glenn Kotche, and multi-instrumentalist Pat Sansone. Tweedy’s teenage son Spencer also pitches in.

The album, due September 29 via Sony Music, is truly a collaborative effort, with band members trading off songwriting duties on each track. Selway even sings lead vocals and plays guitar on “The Ties That Bind Us,” a rare vocal turn from the drummer.