Grant Smithies

London band The Tubs find a sweet spot between wistful sad-boy lyrics and glorious guitar jangle on their second album Cotton Crown.  Audio

Grant Smithies brings this week's collection of music Audio

Newcastle synth-pop duo Marina Zispin (Bianca Scout and Martyn Reid) release their debut album Now You See Me (Now You Don't) today.  Audio

Grant plays two key songs today from Chicago trio Horsegirl, from their second album, Phonetics On and On. Audio

The latest "double single" by New Brighton musician Blair Parkes was 23 years in the making, with songs started in 2002 finally finished and released just two weeks ago. We'll hear both those songs… Audio

After a period of inactivity, Wellington's The Phoenix Foundation release a new two-track single today, and they're also touring, playing Auckland tonight and Wellington tomorrow. We'll hear both new… Audio

Music man Grant Smithies plays the tunes. Audio

Grant says it's time for uplifting music, so plays dancefloor friendly gems from Detroit's Aged In Harmony, South London indie trio St Etienne and Los Angeles gospel diva, Betty Griffin. Audio

Two mighty compilations of funk productions by self-appointed the Godfather of Soul, James Brown, have just been reissued. Audio

The Hard Quartet is something of an indie supergroup, comprising members of Pavement, Dirty Three, The Cairo Gang and Superwolf.  Audio

Mighty new soul/ funk compilation Miami Sounds 2 is released this week, showcasing 1970s classics recorded in and around Florida.  Audio

Nathan Haines' eleventh album Notes was many years in the making, its progress derailed by a cancer diagnosis, throat surgery and the death of key collaborator, Phil Asher. Now the record's here, and… Audio

Prolific Ohio band Guided By Voices has just released its 41st album Strut Of Kings.  Audio

Grant Smithies, music reviewer chats the debut album from Auckland psychedelic R'n'B/ folk band Skilaa. And plays some tracks from Christchurch band Loves Ugly Children and bracing Afro-funk from… Audio

Wellington band Terror Of The Deep have just reissued a long-lost album from 2010. Grant Smithies has two key tracks from that today, followed by a new single from Christchurch-based singer Holly… Audio

Big basslines, creamy strings, blazing horns and glorious singers- it's time to warm up the winter with some classic Philadelphia soul from Teddy Pendergrass and The Jones Girls. After that, Grant has… Audio

Hefty new dubs From The Neighbourhood album by Auckland producer Christophe El Truento is released next week. Audio