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Album of the Week: The Wallflowers – Exit Wounds

New Zealand Net Radio plays a song from our irregularly updated #albumoftheweek every hour from 9am to 12pm Monday to Friday. Listen in @tunein at https://tunein.com/radio/New-Zealand-Net-Radio-s305138/

We don’t pay too much heed to Pitchfork magazine’s penchant for the trendy and unusual, but kudos to them for giving this fairly mainstream and predictable album 7/10. Predictable is a complement when it comes to the competently performed, melodic and well lyricised music of The Wallflowers in this first album after a break of nine years. Jakob Dylan (lead singer and songwriter) is the only remnant of the band from the heady mid 90s days of “One Headlight” but there is a surprising amount of continuity. Looking forward to checking this out. We particularly enjoyed the backing vocals from Shelby Lynne.

Album of the Week: Kings of Convenience – Peace Or Love

Pitchfork described this album as having a facade a little too smooth. The first album in 12 years from the Norwegian duo these are sophisticated and, yes smooth acoustic tracks and beautiful sounding too. A gorgeous album.

Album of the Week: Joy Oladokun – in defense of my own happiness

Joy Oladokun’s major label debut follows on from “Volume One” of the album released independently last year. Part of a slew of great music being released at the moment, this is a collection of heartfelt and well recorded songs including breakthrough singles “Breathe Again” and “Sunday”. The lyrics are astounding although melody isn’t forsaken. “let it be me” is particularly haunting and thought provoking. An amazing talent.

Album of the Week: Crowded House – Dreamers Are Waiting

What’s ten years or so between friends? Crowded House are back with a new record. The Evening Standard said “The greatest hits can wait – this band have plenty left to offer”. The new album is familiar enough to have continuity with the past, although the band’s makeup has changed dramatically with Neil Finn’s sons Liam and Elroy joining alongside longtime producer Mitchell Froom and old timer Nick Seymour. We’re excited about spinning new music from these legends!

Album of the Week: Moby – Reprise

Our first album of the week from esteemed classical music label Deutsch Grammophon, this retrospective of Moby’s many and varied compositions was recorded with the Budapest Art Orchestra. It accompanies a documentary (“Moby Doc”) due out this month. This is a reminder of the quality of his work, and the orchestral arrangements cast a wonderful new light on his normal electronic productions.

Album of the Week: Delta Goodrem – Bridge Over Troubled Dreams

Delta Goodrem’s fifth Australian number one is a beautiful collection of pop numbers, bolstered by variety in the form of gospel, ballads and country influences. A very slick album – the song “Dear Elton” in particular is a clever lyrical and musical tribute, as well as a personal reflection.

Album of the Week: Rag’n’Bone Man – Life By Misadventure

The initial reviews for the British blues man’s second album seem muted which is surprising. Rag’n’Bone man broadens his sound, while also possessing an honesty from its ‘live in the studio recording’. After an enforced confinement with collaborators Ben Jackson-Cook and Bill Banwell the 13 tracks were recorded in six days in Nashville. We think you’ll agree this is a collection of beautiful authentic tracks.

Album of the Week: Amy Shark – Cry Forever

Amy Shark broke out in 2016 after years of work to make it, and has put out a consistent body of work since then. Her third album has been well publicised with a total of six singles making it pretty familiar, starting with Everybody Rise in June last year. It is a strong selection, with some great fresh tracks added to those already familiar ones including Worst Day of My Life, ALl the Lies About Me and Baby Steps.

Album of the Week: London Grammar – Californian Soil

British trio London Grammar return with a fantastic set of tracks led both artistically and vocally by the superlative Hannah Reid. Not a dud here!

Album of the Week: Lana Del Rey – Chemtrails Over The Country Club

Another splendid album from Lana Del Rey, assisted by the always able Jack Antonoff. The Los Angeles Times described her as one of the finest songwriters of our times, certainly this album shows a creativity tempered by experience.