Andrew Earles

The Clean is a fine band; better than mediocre but certainly not great re: New Zealand pop/rock/other of the 80′s/90′s/00′s. I’ve only been able to tolerate one Chris Knox/Tall Dwarfs song (“Not Given Lightly”…predictably). I wish him a speedy recovery from the stroke, but his post-Toy Love output often scrapes a layer from the inside of my skull. Yes, it’s that irritating.

Personally, I find the following artists to be on a different, far superior level. Meaning, it may be my opinion, but it’s also 100% correct. Judge for yourself.

The Bats – “North by North”

While The Clean has about four or five songs that I’d ever classify as “special”, and none approach the greatness of The Bats’ “North by North”. Furthermore, The Bats made entire albums of this stuff. Feel like getting your hands on one? Need all of your plasma?

The Chills and The Verlaines are on the cusp of namedrop-flurry, but who gives a shit? You’re not going to listen to me, anyway. YOU WILL listen to these songs, however, and YOU WILL participate in the campaign to fill discount bins with Blank Dogs and Psychedelic Horseshit records!

The Verlaines – “Death and the Maiden” (1984)

The Verlaines – “Doomsday” (1983/84)

The Chills – “Rolling Moon” (mid-80′s…don’t feel like looking it up)

The Chills – “Pink Frost” (ditto)

I realize that this stuff is old news to most readers, but I have to run down my “post ideas” list in order, and this was next.

Oh, Bailter Space get a half-nod, but that’s not enough. Check it:

Bailter Space – “Splat”

[Artists: Unless preceded by a sentiment stating otherwise, if I post your song on my blog, your music is very close to my heart. In no way do I want to contribute to your problems. If you want me to pull the link,  simply drop an e-mail and it's gone.]