On the final day of New Zealand Music Month, MPs from across the political spectrum tell The Spinoff about their most beloved homegrown records.
Green Party co-leader Chlöe Swarbrick: Successor by Anthonie Tonnon
“It’s hard not to choose something rap or hip hop, and it’s hard not to choose something from Tāmaki Makaurau (or Dick Move’s Dream, Believe, Achieve… Up the bus, up the nurses), but if I have to choose one local album of all time, I always find myself coming back to the lyricism of Tonno.
Like, show me anything else that manages to package investigative journalism in poetic lyricism about the interconnected crises of democracy (overridden by National minister Nick Smith), water quality, housing and regional rail. The opening lines of the album (and my favourite song on it, ‘Railway Lines’) are, ‘They’re electrifying the train lines / Putting public art on the bridges…'”
National arts, culture and heritage minister Paul Goldsmith: I’m Home by Te Wehi
“Where does one start? Currently I’m listening to Te Wehi, I’m quite enjoying that. I just like it, I like the East Coast sort of sound, as it were. So that’s one I’m listening to. I like Diggy Dupé, that’s another one, a central Auckland rapster. He’s pretty good too. I go along to these things.”
Green MP Steve Abel: Love Songs by the Jean-Paul Sartre Experience
“This is a cruel question. I could choose many [favourite albums] but will pay tribute to one of which I’m especially fond: the Jean-Paul Sartre Experience’s Long Songs. It’s an unforgivable cliche to pick a Flying Nun album from the 80s. It’s from when I played vinyl back-to-back of an evening. This is an uncontrived vibe of its time that I first encountered – like most things – through 95bFM. ‘I Like Rain’ quintessentially captures the Aotearoa weatherboard existence: hunkering indoors while it drizzles or pours.”
National attorney-general Chris Bishop: Killjoy by Shihad
“Killjoy is my favourite record. Not just by a Kiwi artist, but by any artist. It’s the record that unites genuine, hardcore Shihad fans. I’ve been in Shihad mosh pits since 1998, and there’s always a couple of people wearing a Killjoy T-shirt. They know its power, and when your sweaty eyes lock together in a mosh pit, there’s always a moment of recognition. Sometimes people realise I’m a politician and there’s often a look of surprise; sometimes they don’t. It really doesn’t matter. The music is what matters.
Killjoy is Shihad at their best. It’s intensely heavy. Wall of sound guitars, drenched in feedback. They just keep coming and coming, and when you think they’re over and you get a respite, they hit you again. But it’s almost hypnotically melodic as well. In their own unique Shihad way the songs are laden with hooks that stick in your head, that you hum for hours.” (Read Bishop’s full Killjoy review here.)
Te Pāti Māori MP Oriini Kaipara: Aotearoa Songbook by Te Tira Waiata o Te Pukawai
“This album is a classic! From the array of Māori hits with correct lyrics to the incredible ensemble, this album never fails to lift my wairua and take me to my happy place.”
Labour MP Reuben Davidson: Baby Heavyweight by Delaney Davidson (to be released on June 26)
“Not just because he’s my much older brother, but actually because I’m constantly in awe of where he takes our ears, and how calming it is to listen to on those bumpy ATR flights into Wellington.”
National commerce minister Cameron Brewer: Traction by Supergroove
“Traction by Supergroove is a favourite because it’s one of those albums that just feels uniquely Kiwi. It was the soundtrack to my university years, and every time I hear it I’m straight back there with mates, and all the chaos that came with it. And I’d like to congratulate Che Fu on being inducted into the New Zealand Music Hall of Fame at the music awards.”
Green MP Tamatha Paul: The Rose Tint by David Dallas
“It is the soundtrack of Aotearoa in the 2010s. Every song still slaps to this day, no skips. In my opinion, David Dallas is the best emcee in New Zealand, ever. Also the Freddie Gibbs feature 👏 and immaculate production.”
National conservation minister Tama Potaka: Lights of the Pacific (The Very Best of Herbs) by Herbs
“There are so many [great NZ albums], but I think when you look at the classics, the best of Herbs is one of my favourites. And [Tiki Taane’s] ‘Always On My Mind’ is one of my favourite songs.”
Labour MP Duncan Webb: Drive by Bic Runga
“A personal favourite is Bic Runga’s Drive. I am a total fan of hers, especially that haunting and effortless voice. She also has such evocative lyrics. I love how she uses imagery to evoke emotion. I am no muso, but there is something really enticing about her melodies that make you want to think about the song long after it’s over. ‘Sway’ is a personal favourite. Showing my vintage, I know. Oh, and she’s a [Christchurch] local.”
Act MP Simon Court: Blood on the Honky Tonk Floor by Head Like a Hole
“I’ve always been a massive fan of hard rock, metal and punk. Saw the Ramones in London in the 90s, then Nine Inch Nails and Soundgarden at Big Day Outs in Australia and NZ. Loud music should leave a mark. If your ears aren’t ringing afterwards, what’s the point?
But Head Like a Hole always hit different. Heavy as hell with filthy punk swagger and a weird little country streak running through it. The songs sounded like stories about real people Booga and the boys had met somewhere between last drinks and sunrise. I remember seeing them at the Powerstation in Auckland with a massive PA behind them. Walking out soaked in sweat, ears completely cooked, thinking how the hell does Booga keep that voice going night after night?
Still give Blood on the Honky Tonk Floor a thrash now and then too. Great album. Especially the covers. Somehow they turned ‘Summer Nights’ into a booze-soaked rock anthem and made it work. That whole era felt better. Sticky floors, warm beer, massive amps, no phones in the air. Just bands getting up there and absolutely hammering it.”
Labour MP Arena Williams: The Ghost of Freddie Cesar by Troy Kingi
“The Ghost of Freddie Cesar is the greatest New Zealand rock album ever made. Psychedelic soul desert rock filtered through Te Arawa, Ngāpuhi, Te Whānau-ā-Apanui. That period of his music, especially alongside Delaney Davidson, is some of the best music this country has ever produced. Listening to Troy Kingi live makes me proud to be from this little nation at the bottom of the Pacific.”
National Southland MP Joseph Mooney: Drivin’ Wheel by The Warratah’s
“You can’t go past a bit of country. I had the opportunity to the Tussock Country Music Festival last week down in Gore and get the toes tapping.
I was lucky enough to hear The Warratah’s live down there and they rocked out some absolute classics from ‘Drivin’ Wheel’, an all time classic Kiwi album in my opinion. The Republic of Southland has produced some of the best quintessential Kiwi sounds over the last hundred years, and these guys are incredible live. They left the whole town humming and should be core listening for New Zealand Music Month.”
