We welcome Ōhinehou Lyttelton based artist Jonny Waters as our latest contributor to TUNE! Jonny is one of the founding figures behind Ōtepoti Hip Hop Hustle – a celebration of the culture’s various realms, and can sometimes (maybe) be found spinning tracks at a certain port village spot, so it is no surprise music is a vital ingredient in his creative profile. But it isn’t just hip hop – like his visual art practice, Jonny’s musical influences extend beyond beats, into the energy of punk, the atmosphere of indie, and a selection of classics. Read on to discover his album selections as our artist-created playlist continues to grow…
Transplants – Transplants (2002)
I had huge anticipation for this album as I was already a big fan of Rancid and Blink 182. The famous Garnier ad probably helped popularise ‘Diamonds & Guns’ globally, however, the whole album is incredible from start to finish. Deep, driving, catchy riffs and popping drums help you imagine L.A. culture at the time.
Fave tracks: DJ DJ, California Bablyon, We Trusted You
Punk ‘O’ Rama Vol. 3 (1998)
My brother and I had a healthy diet of Mat Hoffman BMX and Tony Hawk Pro Skater and that influenced a lot of the music we grew to love. All of the Punk ‘O’ Rama compilations are epic, but this one is probably my favourite. Being able to taste test lots of different bands back then was difficult pre-Youtube and digital music platforms (and living in Ashburton), so the good sorts at our local record store would order in CD’s like this from the US for us.
Fave tracks: Voodoo Glow Skulls – Delinquent Song, Agnostic Front – Gotta Go, Millencolin – Lozin’ Must
The Clash – London Calling (1979)
Anyone who knows this album, knows it is is epic. All I will say is if you have never listened through the whole thing, do it a few times and you’ll be hooked. RIP Joe Strummer.
Fave tracks: Hateful, I’m Not Down, Train in Vain
Kanye West – Yeezus (2013)
The king of controversy. Love him or loathe him, this album is undeniably good if you are in to the more intense side of ‘Industrial Rap’. Collaborating with Rick Reuben on this sent it to another level. Wikipedia says “The album has been characterized as West’s most experimental and sonically abrasive work. It draws from an array of genres, including industrial, acid house, electro, punk, and Chicago drill.” – which pretty much sums it up.
Fave tracks: Black Skinhead, Hold My Liquor, Guilt Trip
Bon Iver – Bon Iver (2011)
There’s something so bright and magical about this record, but also an undercurrent of sorrow and introspection. I found it easy to create vivid landscape scenes in my mind for every song. I love it’s versatility too, playing it alone or in the background while catching up with friends.
Fave tracks: Perth, Towers, Calgary
The Beatles – Sgt. Peppers Lonely Hearts Club Band (1967)
The first tape I ever brought in 1996 as we didn’t have a CD player in the house yet. Dad had it on record (I think?) but my brother and I would have scratched it up by playing with it too much. We loved all The Beatles records but this was special because of the strange production and overall experimentation.
Fave tracks: With A Little Help From My Friends, Being For The Benefit Of Mr. Kite, A Day In The Life
Mac Miller – Watching Movies With The Sound Off (2013)
What I like most about my favourite Mac record is that he flip-flops between being sentimental and introspective to goofy and childish, without the end result ever seeming tacky or cringe. Some songs are really heartfelt and probably don’t get the airtime they deserve. The artist features list is fire too. RIP MAC!
Fave tracks: I’m Not Real, Bird Call, Aquarium
The Doors – The Doors (1967)
There is something about certain debut albums. The Doors is still (I think) #86 on The Rolling Stone Magazine ‘Top 500 Albums Of All Time’ list. Yeah, Jim Morrison’s poetic rambles can be a bit painful and pretentious if you listen too much – But this blues/jazz/rock psychedelic fusion just kicks ass on most tracks.
Fave tracks: Soul Kitchen, Back Door Man, The End
Jr Walker & The All Stars – Rainbow Funk (1971)
I came across this record online on the Real Groovy site and just thought it looked cool. I think it was $20. A lot of people know his Road Runner album, which is great, but I would put a serious argument for Rainbow Funk being better. Some songs build up in complete glory. It’s fun and it almost sounds like its just celebrating music itself. There’s a cover of Something by The Beatles there too.
Fave tracks: Way Back Home, Feeling Alright, Psychedelic Shack
Girl Talk – All Day (2010)
71 minutes of crazy mash-up brilliance, where 372 songs are sampled from all different genres – however hip-hop and rock are most prevalent. They are insane. If you haven’t listened to Girl Talk before, give it a go. Perfect for putting on at a party and then not having to worry about playing tunes for an hour! Side note, Full Court Press produced by Girl Talk is also very very good.
Fave tracks: Let It Out, This Is The Remix, Triple Double, ALL OF THEM
Now go and listen to all the music! We will be back with a new TUNE! entry soon! Enjoy!
