Small Glory #25 - A Healthy Diet of Kiwi Songs
If music was food for the soul, then kiwi music is rich chocolate mousse.
I grew up on a healthy diet of kiwi musicians that were in their prime long before I was born. But oldies are goodies, and for me that still rings true. Sunny afternoons were spent with a CD in the player and me dancing around the lounge.
The songs of Split Enz, Dave Dobbyn, and The Mutton Birds now echo a tune of aching but peaceful nostalgia. They take me into my 8 year old body and the freedom I felt to move so joyfully around the sun-drenched space. I rose and fell with every beat — living on the edge of notes, being taken by their whim.
There are the songs that make me feel safe and home, there are some so woven into the fabric of Aotearoa they are part of our culture, and others that have seen peaks, troughs and a renaissance.
There’s one song that’s become part of Christchurch since the devastating 2010/2011 earthquakes. Everything’s Gonna Be Alright by The Babysitters Circus. There is a sign on the side of the art gallery just like the cover image. Music can do that — bring people together.
I still listen to those same songs, even though I’m not limited by CDs anymore. I’ve added more kiwi musicians to my list as more kiwis have entered the realm of mainstream music. I mean Lorde and Six60, wow! But I mingle them in with the classics. This playlist I’ve compiled for you is to be listened to on road trips, while cooking, while dancing, while riding the train, while celebrating. These songs are depth and sunshine, they are emotion and nostalgia, they hold in their lines drops of kiwi culture that can’t be expressed in any other way. These songs are an 8 year old dancing, a 40 year old driving, a 83 year old singing. These songs transcend age and stage, and I hope they now span oceans. Reaching to the far corners of the world. Let this music take you on a journey to Aotearoa New Zealand.
Enjoy!
What music did you grow up on?
Slice of Heaven by Dave Dobbyn
Message to My Girl by Split Enz
How Bizarre by OMC
Anchor Me by The Mutton Birds
Whaling by DD Smash
For Today by Netherworld Dancing Toys
Cleopatra by The Mockers
Poi E by Patea Māori Club
The Otherside by Breaks Co-Op
Six Months in a Leaky Boat by Split Enz
Sophie by Goodshirt
Wandering Eye by Fat Freddie’s Drop
Celeste by Ezra Vine
April Sun in Cuba by Dragon
Welcome Home by Dave Dobbyn
Sway by Bic Runga
Maybe by Opshop
Why Does Love Do This To Me by The Exponents
Dominion Road by The Mutton Birds
Running by Evermore
All On Our Own by Midnight Youth
The Greatest by Six60
Venus by The Feelers
Perfect Places by Lorde
Everything’s Gonna Be Alright by The Babysitters Circus
Maybe Tomorrow by Goldenhorse
Pepeha by Six60
I Got You by Split Enz
Thanks Kate - a playlist for our upcoming trip!
April Sun in Cuba 👍