Jen Cloher – I Am The River, The River Is Me (Album Review)
Jen Cloher -Part way through Mana Takatapui, the opening track of Jen Cloher’s I Am the River, The River is Me, there’s a melodic flourish that feels vaguely reminiscent of the bouncy guitar riff in George Harrison’s My Sweet Lord. Half a century later, Cloher’s record is also deeply spiritual but one that addresses not […]
Scott Cook – The Bunker: Feb. 27, 2023: Concert Review
Scott Cook entertained the Folkies and the Folkie-Hags who packed out the Devonport Bunker on a rare Auckland summer evening free of rain, flash floods and cyclones.
The Shootouts – Stampede (Soundly) Album Review
Stampede is The Shootouts’ third album and is released on the eve of their Grand Ole Opry debut in Nashville, the Mecca for country music artists which parallels in stature and importance the Apollo Theatre for African American artists.
The Brian Jonestown Massacre – The Future Is Your Past
The Brian Jonestown Massacre (these days basically Anton Newcombe) have just released their 20th studio album and The 13th Floor’s Floyd Lee has had a listen (or two).
Sunny War – Anarchist Gospel (New West) (Album Review)
I’d like to tell you that Sunny War is a new artist that you should take notice of, but the truth is, Anarchist Gospel is Sunny’s fourth album, so shame on me for not being onto Sunny sooner.
Auckland Folk Festival: 13th Floor Was There!
Auckland Folk Festival did its best to happen despite the rain. New 13th Floor photographer Den was there. Here’s what he saw.
Joe Henry – All The Eyes Can See (earMusic)
Joe Henry ends the credits to his new release All the Eyes Can See in gratitude for John Prine. The influence of this friendship is discernible: songs with a keen eye for the human condition and in which the lyrics were clearly born well before the melodies.
John Cale – Mercy (Domino) (Album Review)
John Cale at age 80, is the last man standing from the original Velvet Underground. On this, his 17th solo album, Cale proves to be as musically adventurous as ever.
Surf Trash – Under the Radar: 13th Floor EP Review
Surf Trash lay down a brace of sparkling power pop songs on second EP Under the Radar.
Belle and Sebastian – Late Developers (Matador)
Belle and Sebastian are on a roll. Eight months after their previous album, along comes Late Developers, an album that lives up to its name.
Margo Price – Strays (LomaVista) Album Review
Margo Price has just released her new album, titled Strays. The 13th Floor’s Robin Kearns has spent some time with it and now, here is his review.
Louisa Nicklin & Ringlets – Wine Cellar: January 13, 2023
Louisa Nicklin returned to the Wine Cellar last night for a sold out show. Auckland fans got lucky on this Friday 13th as Ringlets made it feel like two headliners for the price of one.
Amy Martin – Travelin’ On (Self Released)
Amy Martin grew up on Virginia, a queer Christian singing in a bluegrass band.
L.A. Edwards – Out Of The Heart Of Darkness (Bitchin’ Music)
L.A. Edwards is a band of brothers based in California. Big brother Luke is the chief voice and songwriter while Jerry and Jeff support.
Iggy Pop – Every Loser (Gold Tooth/Atlantic)
Iggy Pop gets things underway with his 19th solo album, Every Loser. It’s a collaboration with Grammy winning producer Andrew Watt along with some special friends.
13th Floor Top 10 Albums of 2022: As selected by Marty Duda
13th Floor’s Marty Duda has been busy going through this year’s new albums and he’s finally come up with a top 10…just in time for New Year!
Anthea De Milo The Vicar’s Daughter (Self-Released)
Anthea De Milo is The Vicar’s Daughter. She is also a resident of Christchurch and, I don’t know what they are spiking the water with down there, but I’ll have some!
Neil Young – Noise & Flowers & Toast: A 2022 Overview
Is it possible to have too much Neil Young? Neil seems to be testing the patience (and bank accounts) of his fiercest fans with a barrage of releases including a 50th anniversary edition of Harvest and brand new music with Crazy Horse.
Dry Cleaning – Stumpwork (4AD) (Album Review)
Dry Cleaning have released their second album, Stumpwork, an album that asks more questions than it answers.
Micah P. Hinson – I Lie To You (Ponderosa)
Micah P. Hinson returns from lockdown with a beautifully nuanced album recorded in just five days in the south of Italy.