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.