The Ruby Suns, Jesse Sheehan, Ray Columbus and The Invaders

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Album of the Week

The Ruby Suns - Christopher

Christopher is an album about starting over, but not necessarily moving forward. It's a breakup album, but as one listen will tell you, not necessarily a sad one.

It's McPhun's fourth record for Lil' Chief and Memphis Industries, third for Sub Pop and first mixed by an A-list engineer: Chris Coady of Beach House, Grizzly Bear, Gang Gang Dance and a zillion more.

It's out on LP as well.

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Single of the Week

Jesse Sheehan - Illuminated

This is the follow up single to Jesse Sheehan's last single from the A Crack In Everything EP.

Illuminated signifies the first in a new recording cycle from the rising star. The song explores unbridled ecstasy of a single moment, the intent to convince someone of this feeling, and the desperate frustration from this intent not being realised.

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Album

Ray Columbus and The Invaders - Every Nite

Every Nite is the debut album from Ray Columbus and The Invaders. The line up on this release was Puni Soloman (bass), Jimmy Hill (drums/vocals), Dave Russell and Wally Scott (guitar) and of course Ray Columbus (vocals).

The record was produced by John Dawkins and originally released in 1963, but is now available digitally thanks to Zodiac and DRMNZ.

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Single

Dulciana - Above The Clouds

Above the Clouds by Dulciana showcases the dulcet tones of singer, Little Lapin (AKA Lucy Cioffi) and is guaranteed to get your toe tapping.

It's the catchy theme song for the new TVNZ comedy/drama series, Agent Anna. Featuring Robyn Malcolm in the lead, this series follows a recent divorcee as she tackles earning a living as a newly qualified real estate agent.

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Album

Paul Lestre Group - A Nite At the Hi Diddle Griddle

The Paul Lestre Group had a residency at the Hi Diddle Griddle nightclub on Auckland's K-Rd, one of the country's first licensed "dine and dance" venues.

On piano for this recording is Lyall Laurent, Bob Ofsoski is on bass and the guitarist was one of the city's leading jazz players of the day, Ray Gunter. Paul Lestre himself plays a variety of instruments, from saxophone to violin.

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Photo Gallery

Music in Parks - Cockle Bay Reserve, Howick, Auckland

Gango Rey and Kantuta shared some infectious tunes as part of Music in Parks at Cockle Bay Reserve, Howick on Sunday 13 January.

To view the full gallery - click >HERE<

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EP

Late 80's Mercedes - Diamonds

Diamonds hails the arrival of Late 80's Mercedes to the world of original music with 6 of the 7 songs penned and arranged by the band members themselves.

As the process of choosing, honing and eventually recording the songs took shape, a theme began to emerge reflecting cinematic influences such as Oceans 11, James Bond and maybe even a little Get Smart!

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Single

Zkabby Jams - Hey

Zkābby Jams (pronounced Skar-bee) is a phenomenally talented band born out of Edgewater College in Pakuranga, Auckland.

In the latter part of 2012 they became the national champions of the Smokefree Pacifica Beats 2012. Hey is their debut single, celebrating the joyful spirit of summertime.

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Album

June Hayes - Journey For The Return Home

Listen to the upbeat, occasionally bittersweet songs on June Hayes' Journey For The Return Home, one of 2013's first new Kiwi artist releases, and you wouldn't guess that the amazing musical creativity of the 13 all-original tracks is born of a series of unimaginable events.

June, of Ngapuhi, Ngati Pukenga and Ngati Maniapoto ancestry, was well-known on Auckland's live music entertainment scene as a jazz singer with a 'voice like velvet', having played concerts, festivals, corporate events, weddings, parties and everything in between with various musicians and big bands, including an appearance at the Brecon International Jazz Festival in Wales some years back.

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Album

Strahan - Posters

Posters is the new album from Strahan.

The Psalmist's vocation is a strange thing. He's charged with defining that invisible line between earth and sky. His eyes to the horizon and a pen that traces the lines of the road beyond it, giving voice to that which is and which is not yet.

He lives in a strange state of disrepose. His songs are hallelujahs born from wartime, they're lamentations of violence and beauty. And all the time, they're these temporal views through a shaded glass, an ersatz alter.

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Free Download

Luke Casey & Tinpot Guru

Holiday Hair is the new single from Luke Casey & Tinpot Guru and it's available as a free download between now and the end of the weekend.

Luke Casey has an impressive musical pedigree. Born in London in 1972, he was exposed to music at a very early age. His uncle, Andy Parker, was drummer for legendary English rock group U.F.O.

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Photo Gallery

Music in Parks - Three Kings Reserve, Auckland

On Saturday 19 January, I Am Giant played at Three Kings Reserve, Auckland, as part of the city's Music in Parks series.

The headliners were supported by 71 Sunset, Ekko Park and Fire At Will.

To view the full gallery - click >HERE<

Video of the Week

Anika, Boh & Hollie - Be Mine

Anika, Boh & Hollie's first single from their album Peace of Mind.

The Ruby Suns, Jesse Sheehan, Ray Columbus and The Invaders

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