From last century and the current, The Great New Zealand Songbook is nostalgic, patriotic, quirky, creative and iconic.
Let’s face it, no matter what your musical taste or age, every New Zealander feels a connection to local music. Whether it’s re-living b.c. days (before children), seeing The Chills at a crammed sweat filled pub or thinking about a current session with today’s regular gig group Opshop, there is a bit of magic here for every music generation.
Mums, dads, big kids, young ones and music lovers of all ages will relish in this intimately kiwi collection. The book mimics a stylised journal including postcard images, photos and snap shots of the contributing artists.
Some featured musos included lyrics, others - moments in time when their single was at its peak, their lyrical process and who inspired their song.
Dick Frizzell’s artistic genius graces many pages with Mr Four Square image adapted into rock-star status, so classically kiwi – I love it.
Flicking through the pages, I took a long pause at Supergroove’s Sitting Inside My Head page. In wafts memories return of smelly teenage years, bouncing around a friend’s lounge (parents naturally absent) yelling in a semi melodic fashion.
Complete with two CD’s ‘Last Century’ and ‘This Century’ The Great New Zealand Songbook is the next ‘must’ for every music and book collection. Slip on the supplied sounds and transport yourself into this kiwiana musical experience.
