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The Sampler: What to listen to this week
Irish singer Julie Dawson goes synth-pop and local slowcore band Soda Boyz take the scenic route.
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The Sampler's favourite singles of 2024
21 Dec 2024Tony Stamp looks back at some of his favourite singles of 2024, including te reo Māori hip-hop, Aussie punk rock, and quite a lot of Americana.
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The Sampler's favourite reissues and compilations of 2024
24 Dec 2024Tony Stamp looks back at some of his favourite reissued albums and compilations of 2024, including Japanese techno, Māori hip-hop, and Zambian pop. Video
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Indie icon Kim Deal's singing voice is as cool and comforting as ever on her solo debut
1 Dec 2024Tony Stamp reviews Breeders singer Kim Deal's solo debut, and a piano-based album from Wellington musician Tess de Lyon.
The Sampler headlines with summaries.
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Corrella: 'We got into this for fun, love of music and performing'
1 Dec 2024Corrella have come a long way since trying to fit "an eight-person band into the Portland Public House." Audio
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The Sampler: What to listen to this week
17 Nov 2024Tony Stamp looks at an exhaustive new collection from UK rave legends Underworld, folk musician Laura Marling motherhood-infused latest and Soft Power by Fazerdaze.
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The Cure finally return after 16 years
10 Nov 2024Review - Few bands, if any, can make sadness sound this majestic. Audio
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Three of 1994's weirder indie rock albums are still classics
6 Oct 2024On their 30th anniversary, Tony Stamp looks back at three important entries in the alternative canon. Video
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How 1994 birthed a brand new genre of music
Tony Stamp looks back at two landmark trip hop albums released 30 years ago. Video
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Laurie Anderson pays tribute to an aviation pioneer on Amelia
24 Sep 2024The legendary avant-garde artist's latest release is a musical retelling of Amelia Earhart's final flight.
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Review: Passage du Desir by Johnny Blue Skies
22 Sep 2024Elliott Childs finds Sturgill Simpson's first release under a pseudonym to be more of a progression than a reinvention.
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What's the verdict on Fred again..'s latest?
15 Sep 2024Review: While Ten Days does uplift the spirit, it may not be the game-changer some anticipated. Video
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Okay Kaya explores Norwegian roots with quirky new record
15 Sep 2024Review: Okay Kaya continues to captivate with her eclectic and introspective new album, Oh My God - That's So Me. Video
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Review: Nick Cave & the Bad Seeds soar with new album
8 Sep 2024Wild God arrives as a pleasantly uplifting surprise, in contrast with the sombre and sobering tone of its predecessor, Ghosteen. Video
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Review: Ravyn Lenae delves deep in soulful new album
8 Sep 2024Ravyn Lenae's distinct falsetto and eclectic mix of R&B and pop styles blossom on her new record Bird's Eye. Video
Top News stories
- Blues get first win of the season in wild match in Wellington
- Kurdish PKK militia declares ceasefire, heeding jailed leader's call
- World reacts to Zelensky-Trump Oval Office clash
- Te Kapa Haka o Ngāti Whakaue have won the title of Toa Whakaihuwaka - the champions of Te Matatini
- Prime Minister Christopher Luxon's increasing strength in foreign policy, deficiency in domestic
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