website.net.nz

Spotted this on Campbell Live tonight. The Wire is a new site that collects blogs from a bunch of interesting New Zealanders.

The Wire is a place for people to visit and read about the lives of interesting New Zealanders. The Wire represents a wide array of New Zealanders, from different industries and cultures, who share a vision for success within their fields. Click on their images to read about their daily lives, their interests and passions. Visit The Wire and stay in tune with New Zealand’s creative future.

Looks good. My picks are Steve Abel, Jonny Brugh and Nick Abbot.

Good to see some new blogs on the scene!

Speaking of Steve Abel, he’s released a new video in the last few days heralding the pending release of a new album too. Definitely worth a look.

This week I’ve been listening to Auckland singer songwriter Steve Abel’s CD ‘Little Death’. I’m no music reviewer and I find it difficult to put into words what a bloody little masterpiece it is but I reckon that as a song writer Steve Abel is probably one of the best around but strangely remains relatively unknown.

Rather than trying to wax lyrical myself I’ll borrow words from a few other reviewers who can say it oh so much better….

The NZ Herald also named Little Death in its Best Sounds of 2006: “a dreamy set of parlour-sized country rock and nu-folk balladry, its songcraft reminiscent of Will Oldham and Nick Cave but with a sweet, dark charm of its own.”

Pavement Mag: This superbly packaged little gem has been hovering below the radar for some time now, and thanks to distributor Rhythmethod it can finally sprout and get the full appreciation it deserves. Steve Abel is one of the most unique and beautiful voices in our fair land.

Southland express: This beautifully crafted album snuck in to the record stores last year but now, only through word-of-mouth, is it finally gaining the recognition it deserves.

Singer/songwriter Steve Abel sounds like a New Zealand-accented Lou Reed, as he mournfully sings some of the most beautiful but depressing lyrics I have heard in years.

I got these from Abel’s own website .. abelsong.com and there’s more where they came from.

The Little Death CD is available on amplifier.