The Sampler

In the 1950s, an eccentric collector called Harry Smith fuelled a folk music revival with a definitive anthology of American folk recordings. Now the reissue label Dust-To-Digital have turned those records over, and found a few controversial items lurking among the B-sides. Nick Bollinger takes a listen.

On the fiftieth anniversary of his first solo album, Paul McCartney releases a new homemade set. Nick Bollinger evaluates it in the context of a half century of post-Beatles albums.

Nick Bollinger revisits some of the outstanding international albums of the past 12 months.

Nick Bollinger revisits some of the local albums that stood out in 2020.

Nick Bollinger discusses the solo debut of The National frontman Matt Berninger and the first fresh release in twenty years from the unclassifiable Sun Ra Arkestra. Tony Stamp investigates the work of experimental artist Oneohtrix Point Never.

Nick Bollinger discusses the lockdown songs of Jeff Tweedy and rebellious synth-pop of Ela Minus while Tony Stamp lends an ear to This Is The Kit.

Nick Bollinger discusses the killer riffs and retrograde lyrics of AC/DC, the musical wanderings of German-born, Melbourne-based Hachiku, and the 31st album from Elvis Costello.

Nick Bollinger discusses the ambiguous sounds of Wellington trio Glass Vaults; Woodstock punk of The Bobby Lees; and takes a deep dive into the archives of Joni Mitchell.

Nick Bollinger reviews a bluegrass move from Sturgill Simpson, futuristic sounds from Autechre, and a lavish retrospective of British psych-folk curiosity Trees.

Nick Bollinger reviews a stock-taking set from Bruce Springsteen; lockdown songs from Adrianne Lenker; and a previously unheard album from the late Ian Morris.

Nick Bollinger reviews a powerfully on-point album from militant dance collective SAULT, the folk-damaged electro-pop of Sylvan Esso and an outgoing solo outing from Sigur Ros singer Jonsi.

Nick Bollinger discusses a new benchmark for veteran Wellington band The Phoenix Foundation; the welcome - if overdue - return of Dead Famous People, and the magnificent miserablism of Richard and Linda Thompson.

Nick Bollinger reviews dark reflections on modern America from Sufjian Stevens; a celebration of an old-time song-and-dance man from Joachim Cooder; and the hip-hop-from-another-planet of Sam Gendel.

Nick Bollinger discusses the power of refusal in the music of Lincolnshire's Billy Nomates; the visceral post-rock of Auckland's Wax Chattels; and a motherlode of previously unreleased Prince.

Nick Bollinger reviews the global hip-hop of Nigerian rap star Burna Boy; a funky tonic for dark times from Fantastic Negrito; and the personal, political blues of Darren Watson.