Toy Love - Squeeze

Seminal kiwi punk band Toy Love - fronted by Chris Knox - pioneers of the Dunedin Sound. 'Squeeze' was their first single with all 400 copies sold out on the first day of release. Not much of a surprise that.

Able Tasmans - Sour Queen

A melodic and harmonic pop style was the hallmark of the Able Tasmans, a now defunct Auckland band from the 1980s and 90s. Sour Queen featured from their first album which was released in 1987. They were pretty accessible with a softer guitar/synth led sound. 

The Puddle - Thursday

It's more from the Flying Nun stable - this time the tuneful 'Thursday' from Dunedinites The Puddle. Paying homage to dole day, the track was solely released as a 7 inch in 1993 and never received much in the way of profile or attention - much like the band itself, although they have released several follow up albums in more recent times. 

Cameras - Defeatist

Atmospheric, intricately layered indie pop from Sydney band 'Cameras'. Lush in sound with a wistful appeal, it's probably best played loud with a dose of anti-depressants close to hand.
  

Geoffrey O'Connor - Whatever leads me to you

It's minimal indie pop with shades of 80's synth lounge in this 2011 release by Geoffrey O'Connor. A marvelous song evoking a jaded nostalgia with just a little bit of edge. 

Pheonix - Lisztomania

Dancey and upbeat, 'Lisztomania' was released by French indie rockers Pheonix in 2009. A real favourite for remixers but it's the original which seems to work best. 

My Bloody Valentine - Only Shallow

Not your typical indie, My Bloody Valentine created a real wall of sound with their tracks and were early pioneers of the genre known as 'shoegaze'. Only Shallow was released in 1991, from their second album, and provides a hazy, fully filtered, reverb sound that can lose you completely(in a good way I might add).

 

Radiohead - Creep

Thom Yorke hates this track - I love it. This was Radiohead's debut single from 1992. What a massive slacker hit.

Teenagersintokyo - Isabella

You could call it a slightly darker shade of Aussie pop. Angelic vocals with a melancholic edge align with a brooding bass line in this 2009 release. A nice contrast to the band's generally lighter soundscape.

Babylon Zoo - Spaceman

You might have heard the remix version of this one - it featured on a jeans ad in the mid 1990s. This is the original version of the track. It's distinctive - mixing elements of rock, glam, grunge and electronica into something that feels a bit uneasy and uncohesive. Oddly likable.


Baylon Zoo SpaceMan from Sebastian on Vimeo.

Ed's Redeeming Qualities - Drivin' on 9

'Drivin' on 9' was first written by American folksters ERQ in 1988 before being picked up and covered by the Breeders in 1993 (it featured on 'Last Splash'). To be honest I prefer the Breeders effort - but you can hear both tracks below and make your own call on it.

Soft Tigers - Mr Icecream

A top track from 2007 with Canberra band Soft Tigers mixing it up in the hot Aussie sun. Shades of rap, rock and beats feature, and the DIY video effort is sort of beguiling. The lyrics may not be deep but hey, it's summer time!

Space Waltz - Out on the Street

If you like your Kiwi glam rock, then it doesn't get much better than this. A massive debut tune for 'Space Waltz', way back in 1974. First played to the pubic on a TV talent show, the band and track was quickly signed up by record label EMI.

The Herd - The King is Dead

A song celebrating the downfall of long established Australian Prime Minister, John Howard. Released in 2008 by Aussie hip hop group 'The Herd',the track is lyrically strong, full of social commentary and has a real head nodding quality. 

 

Kurt Vile - A Girl Called Alex

An Americana type groove number from solo artist Kurt Vile. Combining an unhurried and stripped back feel, this track is from his album 'Wakin on a Pretty Daze'. Released in 2013, it includes a fine bit of feedback during the fade out but the whole thing (well over 7 minutes) takes you on a pretty pleasant journey.

Buzzcocks - Ever Fallen in Love

The most famous of all Buzzcocks tracks, 'Ever Fallen in Love' came out in 1978 and typifies the post punk pop sensibilities that the band were to become famous for. A real melodic stomper of a track, the Buzzcocks were cited as a key influence by bands such as REM, Green Day and Nirvana.

Sarah Blasko - Don't U Eva

The star of the show at the recent 'FBI Turns Ten' party at Carriageworks in Sydney, the crowd were absolutely mesmerized by Sarah Blasko's haunting vocals. This is one of Sarah Blasko's earliest works (in fact her first single) dating back to 2004.

Tokyo Denmark Sweden - When it Breaks

It's infectious indie dance by Sydney group TDS. Released in 2012, 'When it Breaks' is a tightly produced synth number with a real 'nod your head' groove.   

Echo Beach - Martha and the Muffins

A top post-punk track released by one hit wonders Martha and the Muffins in 1980 (what a terrible band name though). Lots of keyboards and even a sax. Precursor new wave.

Stiff Little Fingers - Alternative Ulster

It was a call for revolution from these Belfast based punk rockers, with 'Alternative Ulster' released in 1979. An absolute classic.

Sonic Youth - Superstar

OK, it's a cover of a Karen Carpenter song....but redone by Sonic Youth in a dark, distorted and absolutely brooding magnificence. From the tribute album 'If I were a Carpenter' released in 1994.

The Mockers - One Black Friday

More 80s synth-pop than indie, the Mockers always had an ear for a good tune. Released in 1985, 'One Black Friday' combines a sense of fun with danceability and just a tinge of eccentricity.

Good Heavens - It's Not Easy Being Mean

Fast paced guitar rock with a female lead? Yes, it's here in spades. Released in 2012, this track features on the excellent 'Strange Dreams' album.

New Young Pony Club - Lost a Girl

It's more indie electro synth pop from NYPC. Melody and hooks abound in this 2010 release. Catchy and good fun.

The Drones - How To See Through Fog

It's moody and a bit introspective from 'The Drones' but a great track all the same with the drawling vocals really adding depth. From their sixth studio LP, I See Seaweed released in early 2013. 

Cloud Control - Buffalo Country

Quirky,catchy and well crafted alt-country features here - 'Buffalo Country' was Cloud Control's debut single, released in 2007. 

Screaming Meemees - See Me Go

Post punk new wave popsters, the Screaming Meemees burnt brightly in NZ's early 1980s. 'See Me Go' was to be their high tide mark with the track becoming a surprise number one (it received no commercial air play). Quite simply a Kiwi classic.  

Gerling - In the City

Call it dance-punk or something else entirely, Gerling produced marvelously messed up tracks taking the best from both indie and house.'In the City' is almost 'Strokes' like in its delivery and was released on their Bad Blood album of 2003.

Courtney Barnett - History Eraser

A tight single from Melbourne singer/songwriter Courtney Barnett that feels lazy and complex and tuneful, all at the same time. Released in 2012, I'm thinking hipster irony here...

Yeah Yeah Yeahs - Down Boy

A track which showcases the best from front woman Karen O - from the delicate opening to the snarling peaks, it's all very rock and roll. Down Boy featured on the 2007 Ep 'Is Is'.

Husky - History's Door

Something a bit slower - you could almost call it alt folk with a tinge of melancholy from Melbourne's 'Husky'. Released in 2012.

The Muttonbirds - Dominion Road

One of NZ's truly great alt pop groups, The Muttonbirds wrote songs that were both infectious and which also told a great story. 'Dominion Road' was the debut track for the group and came out in 1992. Such a poppy tune - contrasting with the darker topic of mental illness.   

Sugar - A Good Idea

Bob Mould post Husker Du with his follow up band 'Sugar'. Typical guitar led power pop make for a rocking number with 'A Good Idea'.  It featured on the critically acclaimed 'Copper Blue' album, released in 1992. 

Frank Black - Headache

Frank's best moment post Pixies? Maybe. Headache was released on his second solo album 'Teenager of the Year' in 1994. 

Blam Blam Blam - Don't Fight it Marsha, It's Bigger than Both of Us

Blam Blam Blam had two hit singles in NZ in 1981. One was 'There is no Depression in New Zealand' - This is the other one. And it's a beauty! A real post-punk DIY effort.

Dum Dum Girls - Coming Down

Not your typical Dum Dum Girls track with much of the fuzz and lo-fi elements stripped out. Released in 2011, 'Coming Down' is a vocally led ballad that soars (in a love lorn sort of way).

The Chills - Come Home

The Chills - quite simply a Kiwi institution. Here they call for NZ expats to return home. A typically tuneful release from band founder Martin Phillipps, it featured on the 1996 album 'Sunburnt'.  

Winter People - Gallons

From a gentle opening to a thunderous finale, 'Gallons' is a pure journey of layered sound. Released in 2012 by the Sydney band 'Winter People' even the violins get a workout.

Siouxsie and the Banshees - Arabian Knights

What's not to like about Siouxsie? A key part of the Gothic pop/rock movement of the 1980s, many of their tracks were absolute gems. Released in 1981, 'Arabian Knights' still sounds fresh today.

The Amps - She's a Girl

The lesser known of Kim Deal's three bands 'The Amps' were a bit of a mid 90's side project but even so, Kim manages to shine. 1.52 of pure Kim goodness.

David Kilgour - You Forget

First single release from David Kilgour's "Here Come The Cars" (1992) album. Tuneful, tranquil and spacious. A perfect slice of Kiwi indie pop. 

Red Riders - Slide in Next To Me

Upbeat and poppy guitar flavors from the Red Riders, with their track 'Slide in Next to Me'. Released in 2006, it was the band's first and arguably best effort.

The Front Lawn - Tomorrow Night.

'Tomorrow Night', a tuneful pop ballad celebrates the great Kiwi OE. Released in 1989, it features on the album 'Songs from the Front Lawn'. More Don McGlashan excellence.

Pavement - Cut Your Hair

Released in 1994 as a single from their 'Crooked Rain, Crooked Rain' album, 'Cut Your Hair' would turn out to be Pavement's best known track. An indie classic from the American indie rockers. 

Garageland - Fingerpops

More Kiwi goodness from Garageland, with 'Fingerpops' featuring on the band's first album 'Last Exit to Garageland'. Released in 1996 the track is catchy pop at its best with a nice dark tinged finale to finish things off nicely.

The Killers - Mr Brightside

The Killers debut single 'Mr Brightside' can be considered completely anthemic. Released in 2003, the track propelled them to headline success. It was only a kiss...

The 3Ds - Outer Space

Another fantastic Dunedin band and a part of the legendary Flying Nun stable, the 3Ds had a crazy,energized mania all of their own. 'Outer Space' was released on the Hellzapoppin' album in 1992 and typified the melody infused wall of noise sound they liked to produce.

Modest Mouse - Float on

Released in 2004 - 'Float on' was the first Modest Mouse song to gain mainstream popularity. Cheery optimism and a killer riff make for a fun filled and upbeat treat.

The Strokes - Take it or Leave it

To be honest, I'm not a real fan of 'The Strokes' - their garage rock sound just didn't do it for me. The exception is this track, 'Take it or Leave it' which came out in 2001 on the 'Is This It' album. A pretty good live version below.

Howling Bells - Into the Chaos

I saw the Howling Bells several years back at a Peats Ridge Festival near Sydney. They absolutely nailed it with soaring tunes that had everyone toe tapping and nodding in appreciation. Released in 2008, 'Into the Chaos' reminds me of early Garbage tracks - tuneful, female vocal led pop goodness. 

Men Without Hats - Pop Goes the World

It's synthesizer city with Canadian new wave popsters 'Men Without Hats'. Best known for their global hit 'The Safety Dance', their track 'Pop Goes the World' is to my mind much better fun. Incredibly catchy it was released in 1987. 

God - My Pal

'My Pal' was the debut single from Melbourne rock band 'God' and was released in 1987. A classic Aussie rocker, the vocals may be fairly inaudible at times but its rawness is its beauty. A perfect backing track for the skate video below.

The Straitjacket Fits - She Speeds

Pure brilliance from one of Dunedin's best known musical exports,The Straitjacket Fits. A Fits classic, 'She Speeds' was released on their debut ep 'Life in One Chord' in 1987. Edgy, guitar driven, hook laden magnificence with soaring vocals, it gets no better than this.

The Shamen - Ebeneezer Goode

'Ebeneezer Goode' became a number one hit for UK group 'The Shamen', in 1992, lasting four weeks at the top spot before being withdrawn as a single due to tabloid pressure. Its dance / rap style, and its clear reference to acid house and drug culture cemented its subversive popularity. A top tune!

Curve - Coast is Clear

Curve were critically acclaimed in the alternative music space of the early to late 1990s. Their early 'Frozen' ep released in 1991, featured the track 'Coast is Clear'- a hauntingly gothic infused soundscape of goodness. 

Kaiser Chiefs - Oh My God

A toss up really, between this and 'I Predict a Riot' as personal fave Kaiser Chiefs track. Released in 2004, the band is probably more post-Britpop than indie but cest la vie etc etc. Loved by Leeds United football fans everywhere ....singing 'Oh my God I can't believe it, we've never been this good away from home.'

Throw - Honeyblonde

OK - a bit of reminiscing here. I remember seeing Throw perform one of their first live gigs at the Dux de Lux in Christchurch, NZ in 1991. They then released an EP 'All Different Things' in 1992. Honeyblonde is the pick of the tracks - Typical kiwi indie pop, full of melody and your 'jingle jangle' guitar lick.

Smashing Pumpkins - 1979

Billy Corgan thinking back to his youth - the freedom and urgency of his teenage years? Before the transition into the responsibility of adulthood arrives? Could be. 1979 was the second single released from the 'Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness' album. A bit of rock, a bit of pop topped with a tinge of regret.

Belly - Dusted

I've always had a soft spot for Tanya Donnelly. Forming Belly post Breeders she had something to prove and prove it she certainly did with some great songs. 'Dusted' came out on the 'Slow Dust' EP in 1992. The demo mix is a particular favourite.

Suede - Trash

It doesn't get more Britpop than Suede. A glammed up, messed up, chemmed up band, led by lead singer Brett Anderson that delivered a vocal mix of bleak social seedy commentary of life in the 1990s UK. Built on a framework of near anthemic indie-disco, the single 'Trash',released in 1996 explores the band's view of being the outsider looking in...

The Verlaines - Death and the Maiden

The Verlaines - another great Dunedin band from the Flying Nun stable ably led by singer/songwriter Graeme Downes. 'Death and the Maiden' came out in 1983 and typifies the 'Dunedin Sound'. The type of track that gets you moshing at the front of a dingy pub and a video that reminds me of one too many dodgy student flats.

The Wombats - Let's Dance to Joy Division

Released in 2007 and referencing one of the most famous indie tracks of all time (Joy Division's 'Love Will Tear Us Apart'), this effort by the Wombats celebrates all that was good from Ian Curtis and that seminal Manchester band.

The Pixies - Hey

Quite possibly the best indie album ever produced, Doolittle by the Pixies was released in 1989 (the band’s second album). To pick just one track from this utterly fantastic album is almost impossible but edging out such classic tracks as Debaser, Monkey Gone to Heaven, There Goes My Gun and Wave of Mutilation is the simply titled 'Hey'. Almost a romantic ballad by Black Francis if you put the 'whore' references to one side.

Love of Diagrams - Forever

From Melbourne, Love of Diagrams have been around for a while (they formed in 2001). Their single 'Forever' from their third album 'Nowhere Forever' came out in 2009 and typifies their energetic, almost frenetic guitar/drumming 'wall of sound'. Best played quite loud.

Headless Chickens - Gaskrankinstation

A NZ band known for their experimental and electronic infused beats in the early 1990s, the Headless Chickens saw their track 'Gaskrankinstation' gain almost cult like status and success. With its industrial edged narrative and its bleak examination of life, work and domesticity while trying to make ends meet we all knew someone like Ivan. 

The Cure - In Between Days

Everyone has their favourite Cure song and this is mine. In Between Days was released as the first single from the band's 1985 album 'The Head on the Door'. Sure, the track is fairly poppy and upbeat especially when compared to their more gothic and sombre offerings but it's a winner.

The Prodigy - Outer Space

Released in 1992, this was the Prodigy's fifth single, incorporating Old Skool hardcore beats with real danceability. So so good :)

The Double Happys - I Don't Want to see you Again

A short-lived but extremely influential band based in Dunedin NZ, the Double Happys epitomized the 'Dunedin Sound' music genre of the 1980s. Lead singer Shayne Carter went on to form the Straitjacket Fits and his talent here is clear. The track is raw but the melodic punk infused angst makes it a classic.
  

The Breeders - Safari

Released on a 4-track EP in 1992, Safari features Kim Deal (of Pixies fame), Kelley Deal and Tanya Donelly (who later went on to form Belly). What an indie power trio! Quite simply, the best thing the Breeders ever did, and they did a lot of great stuff! Distortion, melody and offbeat lyrics combine to form perfection.