Team Top 10 Tunes

Originally we asked our staff to pick their top 10 tunes from the sort of music they like listening to when dealing with pruning and other frankly repetitive jobs around the vineyard. But, due to popular demand, we have expanded the Two Paddocks Dayglo Disco to include friends of Two Paddocks as guest DJs with their own personal Top 10s.

Check out our ongoing and ever evolving Two Paddocks DJ list with all kinds of surprising people and even more surprising choices.

Groovy Paddocks!

Glenn A. Baker

Glenn A. Baker, music writer, broadcaster

Ladies and Gentlemen! A little hush if you please in the Dayglo...we know the Kahluas and milk are kicking in about now (for those of you who unwisely choose not to be drinking Two Paddocks on this your big night out) and you’re all a tad over-excited, but look, tonight you’ll not just be dancing, but you might just learn something. Because tonight’s special guest DJ knows more about rock, and pop, than pretty much anyone else alive. So much so he won "Rock Brain of the Universe" no less than three times on the BBC. It has been his life’s work. At last, someone who knows what they are talking about.
Not just that, but he’s managed bands (notably Ol’ 55, with the brilliant Frankie J. Holden), writes music, has done his time – decades – on radio and television, run record labels (you remember actual records...Raven Records he runs to this day), written countless books and articles on music, and heaps of other stuff. We love him at HQ as he helps while away the hours on our favourite airline QANTAS with his regular audio programme "Reelin' in the Years."

He is a scholar of music, a booster of Australian music in particular, and above all a fan. He knows everyone living or dead in popular music, and has stories about them all. He is also a generous and good bloke,  he’s great company, and we are delighted to have him here in the Dayglo (this weeks colour – chunder-chartreuse), a big  Dayglo Dazzle of a hand for the distinguished and learned...Mr GLENN A. BAKER!

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1. Like a Rolling Stone - Bob Dylan

We are all captives of our adolescence and, musically, mine began not so much with the Beatles as with a burst of confrontation, allegory, opaque poetry and stream-of-consciousness that washed away yeah yeah yeah and moon-June-spoon. The radio would never sound the same after I’d been exposed to Bob Dylan’s Like A Rolling Stone, with Al Kooper’s incomparable and eternally evocative organ intro (rather amazing for a guitarist). I knew I would be a writer after I’d lived with this for a few months. The Blood On The Tracks album, from a decade later, remains my favourite long player. 

2. My Generation - The Who

My GNow whether it was 1965 or me being 13 in 1965, I skittered around like the steel ball on a pinball table. When The Who’s amphetamine-fuelled vocalist Roger Daltrey stammered “Why don’t you all ffffade away....... I hope I die before I get old” in My Generation, I almost went out and bought a razor blade (which would have been no use at all to me for shaving). Chairman Pete Townshend, with his windmilling guitar, his absolute understanding of his generation’s confused stance, was a worthy hero. The pure anarchy of the Who was the punk era’s blueprint. That Clash probably owed them royalties.

3. That's Alright Mama - Elvis Presley

I was the only kid I knew who went backwards as well as forward when rock’n’roll enveloped me. Elvis Presley may not have mattered much when the Who/Stones/Beatles/Yardbirds/Animals/ Kinks were reigning but I understood implicitly just what he had done a decade before at 706 Union Avenue in Memphis. When I got hold of the Sun Sessions I could hear white country and black rhythm being fused into rock’n’roll before my very ears. Which song? Buggered if I can choose between That’s Alright Mama, Mystery Train, Trying to Get To You and Good Rockin’ Tonight.

4. Be My Baby - Ronettes

He must have been insufferable to be in a studio or even a room with but the Napoleonic Phil Spector arrogantly thrust upon us a Wall of Sound that increased your heart rate and pulse. His name is on the writer credits for some of the most loved songs of their time (You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feelin’ Spanish Harlem) but what really matters is that when he heard Veronica Bennett’s Hispanic lisp and saw he beehive and slit skirt he cast the Ronettes into immortality with Be My Baby. He also married her and left Ronnie Spector a sad and imprisoned lady but that’s another story. River Deep Mountain High could represent him just as well but he didn’t fall in love with Tina.

5. Friday on My Mind - Easybeats

I have to go back to ’65 again. Sitting in my jim jams cross legged before the telly watching The Easybeats on Saturday Date, absorbing instantly that they were both the Beatles and the Stones and that they were ours, even if they were actually a bunch of ragged rock urchins from England, Scotland and Holland who’d only been down under for five minutes. Eight smash hits in eighteen months and then off to England to create a working class anthem that would capture David Bowie’s imagination so much that he’d later cover it – Friday On My Mind. Vanda & Young would do it again with Good Times and a brace of ambitious London studio masterpieces such as Falling Off The Edge Of The World. Heaven & Hell and Come In you’ll Get Pneumonia.

6. Surf's Up - The Beach Boys

Like Spector, Beach Boys leader Brian Wilson was crafting pocket symphonies for the kids and the word genius was not misplaced when it came to the epic Good Vibrations. But the step toward his unparalleled masterpiece was found in its follow-up, Heroes and Villains, with compelling words by Van Dyke Parks. The association crumbled in a narcotic haze but not before they put together Surf’s Up for the ill-fated Smile album. Rescued to be a 1971 album title track, its shimmering majesty, its poetic complexity, it’s sheer bloody beauty makes it rock’s Mona Lisa. I have no idea what it means yet it moves me so powerfully every time I hear it.

7. I Think It’s Going To Rain Today - Randy Newman

   You can throw in a few dittos for I Think It’s Going To Rain Today. Wry, dry Randy Newman, a lifetime before he was winning Oscars for Toy Story songs, was defining the genre of the singer-songwriter for all time, with little tossed-off gems that took the piss and also put an icepick through your heart. Like Jimmy Webb’s The Moon’s A Harsh Mistress, this perfect observation of the human condition is moving in almost any treatment, though I’m particularly partial to Joe Cocker’s and Judy Collins’. Those opening words should be engraved on marble somewhere: “Broken windows and empty hallways, a pale dead moon in a sky streaked with gray. Human kindness is overflowing  and I think it’s going to rain today.” A considerably younger Jackson Browne almost got there with These Days but Randy gets the cigar.

8. What's Going On - Marvin Gaye

I feel almost guilty passing over I Heard It Through The Grapevine, with its eerily atmospheric opening lines and Motown pre-eminence, but Marvin Gaye – who was pretty much unknown to anyone listening to Australian radio in the 60s and 70s - climbed into another stratosphere again with his What’s Going On album and song in 1971. So on the money about the forces shaping his environment was he that he frightened even his label boss Berry Gordy, who’d have preferred to have incinerated the tapes than release them. Like Van Morrison’s Astral Weeks, it came from another place and each year gains another captivated following.

9. Born to Run - Bruce Springsteen

To be dubbed a love child of Phil Spector is too odious a tag to place on anyone but Bruce ‘ The Boss’ Springsteen existed because he and a brace of other determined creators lit up their firmaments with honking, howling, pumping, sweating rock’n’roll. The New Jersey folkie of two Dylanish albums arrived commercially on the simultaneous covers of Time and Newsweek and then showed what all the fuss was about with his own Like A Rolling Stone moment – the instinctive illumination of Born To Run, left him places to go though none would ever be as scintillating. Rendered live with his E. Street Band it was truly cataclysmic. “Oh Baby this town rips the bones from your back, it’s a death trap, it’s a suicide rap, We’re gotta get out while we’re young ‘cause tramps like us baby we were born to run.”  Apocalyptic visions indeed. RIP Clarence. 

10. Don't Look Back in Anger - Oasis

Ornery and irritating little bastards they might have been but the Gallagher brothers understood the essential elements of rock like few others. Oasis wanted so very badly to be their generation’s Beatles and must have been watching a video of the Fab Four playing Hey Jude on the David Frost Show when they cooked up the rather grand and eloquent Don’t Look Back In Anger. It think I was permanently positioned in my consciousness when I saw the video clip, with Patrick MacNee driving a black cab in a county estate as if he belonged there. A perfect hook and refrain: “And so Sally can wait, she knows it’s too late as we’re walking on by. Her soul slides away but don’t look back in anger I hear you say.”  I guess I’m a sucker for a chorus.

Is that ten? Oh dear, what about Waterloo Sunset, A Day In The Life, Pretty Vacant, You Can’t Always Get What You Want, Goin’ Back, Fortunate Son, Return Of The Grevious Angel, Mr. Tambourine Man, Golden Miles, Rain, Before Too Long, Immigrant Song, Walking On The Moon, Suite Judy Blue Eyes, I’m Not In Love, Both Sides Now, Alfie, What Is Life, Life On Mars, A Change Is Gonna Come, Strange Fruit, Try A Little Tenderness, In Dreams, Reason To Believe, Orchard Road, The Logical Song, Tutti Frutti, That’ll Be The Day, Blue Suede Shoes, almost anything by Hank Williams and Woody Guthrie, more Leiber & Stollers than I can count, the perfect pop of Dancing Queen, Heart of Glass, Venus, West End Girls and I Got You,  and a few thousand others. Oh well, you all know who you are.

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Well, what intolerable torture to ask a man who loves music more than life itself, so much music, to whittle it down to only 10 songs! Too bad Glenn old boy, that’s the way we do it here.

But what a list! Can’t possibly take issue with any of these (with the exception of those pallid 60’s-wannabes Oasis), and look there it is – the song that the Prop considers the greatest 3 minutes in rock history  The Beach Boys’ Surf’s Up, a pocket symphony...
Glenn A. Baker – a man of erudition and enlightenment, and a Top 10 to write home about. Beautiful work.

Thanks Glenn mate. Ladies and Gents, another roar if you please as he modestly leaves the stage... Mr Glenn A. Baker!

Fred Schepisi AO

Fred Schepisi AO, Film Director

Ladies and Gentlemen! And Rob Sitch! Tonight, a very special DJ appearance in The Dayglo Delite, a formidably distinguished Lion of the Cinema, and a Great Australian, and not least an old Two Paddocks friend, ally and supporter, one of the key figures in the cultural renaissance that Australia enjoyed in the 1970s and 80s, and a leading light in Antipodean movies to this day, as well as a director of great import internationally. You perhaps know him best for The Devil’s Playground, The Chant of Jimmy Blacksmith (btw, how interesting to see Tommy back in Red Hill wreaking revenge once more!) The Russia House, Six Degrees of Separation, Last Orders, Empire Falls and the recent Eye of the Storm with Geoffrey Rush and Charlotte Rampling. But here at HQ we know him best for Plenty and A Cry in the Dark ... because the Prop appeared in both along with La Streep ... an inspired DJ choice by Dayglo management not least because of Fred’s profound interest and knowledge of music (see his movies as an insight into that) and because of course we love him to bits. A gentleman, a lout, smart cookie and clown ... here he is ... lurching up to the stage, half tanked and half ahead of all of us ... roaring and right! Put your hands together for our great friend and delightful colleague ... a big Dayglo Disco welcome please for ... Mr FRED SCHEPISI!!

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1. Blues in Orbit - Gil Evans, from the album Svengali

The title is an anagram of his name worked out by another famous musician. The culmination of his writing and orchestration that he perfected on the famous Miles Davis albums. The music is orchestrated laterally and vertically. It also uses many counter and competing melodies, plus remarkably tuneful discordancies that reflect our modern city life. It fills every corner of my brain. It also reflects my view on life - knowing when to be an integral part of a group in perfect controlled synchronicity and when to be a freewheeling improvising individual. I first heard it when it was suggested by Bruce Clarke, a famous Melbourne Guitar player/band leader and composer who ran the Bruce Clarke Jingle Workshop. We worked on many sound tracks for commercials together when I was in Advertising. He had a great influence on my musical appreciation over many years having very eclectic tastes and always searching the world for the truly original.

2. Trois Gymnopédies - Erik Satie

The music of a mad mind seeking to calm itself. I was 25 married with 4 children when I first heard it and was soothed by it. The actor Arthur Dignam, who played Brother Francine, the 'tortured' monk in my first Feature film The Devil's Playground suggested it would be perfect for his character to play on piano when the Monks were 'off duty' in their common room. (or the composer Bruce Smeaton suggested it, time is taxing the memory) It was perfect. It has since become a cliche as it's been used as score in so many indie films.

3. Blackbird - The Beatles, White Album

   A whole group of us, who'd been waiting for it's release, gathered at a still photographer friend's house the day it came out and had a party to listen to it together.  We played the double album at least twice. I had a new Chrysler Valiant at the time that had every major component fail within the first thousand miles. After much yelling and screaming the dealer sent it back to the factory in Adelaide to rebuild it. They gave me a loaner which I was driving the night of the Beatles party. When the party was over I went to go home and the loaner wouldn't start. You can possibly imagine what I said as I kicked the grill in and flung the dealer's keys into the night.

4. Rock Around The Clock - Bill Haley and The Comets

I was 15 and playing for the Richmond 4ths at the time. We were undefeated premiers. And I was Best on Ground in the Grand Final. We went on a country train trip to celebrate and played that song ad nauseum. Including the flip side which was also a big hit.

5. In The Wee Small Hours Of The Morning - Frank Sinatra

I drove my mum mad playing that song in my teens. She used to call him Frank Stinkatra. I fancied myself as being able to sing like him. I even wore the kind of hats he used to wear in the movies, with wide pink hat bands. Gun metal suits and shirts with pink ties. I used the song to lull the young women I fancied into a kind of swoon. One in particular, who introduced me to the wonderful world of sex.

6. Sing, Sing, Sing -  Benny Goodman, 1938 Carnegie Hall Jazz Concert

So many greats were in that band. It was the record that introduced me to Jazz.
I used to listen to it endlessly when I was 15. It inspired me to take clarinet lessons, which I did for a year or so. And it made it essential for me to go to New York for jazz in general and for Carnegie Hall in particular.

7. This Guy's In Love With You - Herb Alpert

Very popular and infectiously romantic song that always reminds me of the first few years I ran my production company The Film House. A Commercials and Documentary Company. We were all so happy and free and creative. Working very hard trying to be original in everything we made. Partying very hard to celebrate what we achieved and to encourage ourselves to do even better, against much resistance I might add.

8. Symphony No. 8 in E-flat major - Gustav Mahler (also know as the Symphony of a Thousand, because it requires huge instrumental and vocal forces)

Which I saw in Carnegie Hall with choirs from all over America standing all around the auditorium and the whole back of the stage. 1000 singers. Every person including the singers and players were taken to a joyous place, which was evident all over the streets of uptown New York as people poured from the theatre all smiles and practically danced their way to restaurants and bars and homes. I went with my wife Mary and Sam Cohn the Uber Theatre and Film Agent of the time who had a habit of taking us to great theatre, ballet and concerts almost twice a week. For which I will be ever grateful and enriched.

9. Tenterfield Saddler - Peter Allen (or Quiet Please There's a lady On Stage, or You And Me (We Wanted It All).

I got the album these songs were on when I first moved to Hollywood with my 2nd wife. I played it over and over as each song spoke to me and my new situation in so many ways. About a life left behind, A life desired and a life disappointed. Both my 2nd and my 3rd wife were well acquainted with Peter Allen. One a friend of his in Australia and the other a friend of his in America. Through them I got to know Peter as a mate and was lucky enough to be around for many of his seminal moments.
A great thrill and pleasure as he sometimes drunkenly, in lobby of The Sebel Town House in Sydney, tried out his new material on Mary and myself.

10. You Bring The Sun Out - Randy Crawford

Because it's my love song to my third and most wonderful wife. (A close second to that is Am I Losing My Mind from Stephen Sondheim's Follies.)

I know I'm not allowed 11 but,  if you have any idea of the many, many, many more musical compositions I've had to ignore, you'll allow me this one

11. Move On - Stephen Sondheim, Sunday In The Park With George

It's a truly motivating song that propels me forward with hope and energy leaving behind regrets, failures and successes.

Oh man, I'm so distraught about the ones by so many creative, talented, motivating artists that deserve to be on this list as much as these, but I have to stop before I'm the first person to get tear stains on an email.

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We  really love it at HQ when people we love, and find fascinating in themselves, go to all this trouble to choose their music with care, and then give us insight into both that music and also themselves ... thanks Fred, matey. Loved it.

I was going to tell a couple of stories about Fred at this point, but caution prvails. They are generally unprintable. Fred has his own vineyard now – Pinot mostly – but we think it goes into someone else’s wine ... perhaps. One doubts if much of it gets past the front gate.

Fred is married to a saintly sort of woman, also a red hot artist – Mary. No one has been able to count exactly how many children he has. Most of them work in the film industry one way or another – in fact it has been estimated that about 28% of Australian casts and crew are Schepisi progeny.

Not really.

We love you Fred.

Jimmy Barnes

Jimmy Barnes, musician

Ladies and Gentlemen! And John Hay! It’s Living Legend Time! Tonight, the house is rockin’ larger than life and considerably more dangerous, a Great Australian, the veritable embodiment of all things rock n’ roll, an artist with more hit albums than any other Australian,  a survivor, reviver, a testifier, family man, Working Class Man, all class hero ... and a good friend. We are lucky to have him here in The Dayglo, and lucky to know him, generous, funny and a consummate entertainer. Here he is, courtesy of Two Paddocks Virtual Airways (So cheap, we did away with the planes). First Class only for a first class bloke ...  A big Dayglo hand if you please for the wonderful ... Mr ... Jimmy Barnes!

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1. Milk Cow Blues - Johnny Kid and the Pirates

Because it rocks

2. Tobacco Road - Edger Winter's White Trash

Because the singers scream more than Jeffrey Dahmar's house guests.

3. Mannish Boy (I'm a Man) - Muddy Waters

From the hard again album because it's so butch.

4. All the Young Dudes - Mott the Hoople

Don't want to be alive, when I'm 25.

5. I Found a Love - Wilson Picket

The best singing ever.

6. I Was Made to Love Her - Jackie Wilson

The man was an angel.

7. Maybelline - Chuck Berry

I love a song about cars when the windshield wipers beat out time.

8. Helter Skelter - Paul Mc Cartney

Didn't Manson know John was the dark one. He lost all his credibility.

9. Texas Girl at the Funeral of Her Father - Randy Nueman

A 1000 miles from the sea.

10. Ladate Dominum - Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart

Katherine Jenkins sings like an angel.

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Footnote from the Dayglo Proprietor – Jimmy’s career, his astounding output, his seemingly inexhaustible energy and commitment, his indestructible capacity for touring, his massive voice, his utter dedication to his craft, the loyalty of his legions of fans, his fabulous wife Jane, the amazing musicianship of his children ... and so much more ... we can do no justice to any of it, and anyway you probably know it anyway ... but if you don’t by some remote chance , google Jimmy.

And in short, should you need it,  here’s  the Prop’s guide to his favourite Jimmy Barnes ... in no order particularly

1. Yakuza Girls - Cold Chisel
2. Stone Cold - Jimmy Barnes
3. When Something is Wrong - Jimmy Barnes
4.  Red Hot - Jimmy Barnes
5. Rising Sun - Cold Chisel
6. Everything’s Changing - Jimmy Barnes
7.  You Got Nothing I Want - Cold Chisel   
8.  Pretty Little Thing - Cold Chisel
9.  Baby’s On Fire - Cold Chisel
10.  God or Money - Jimmy Barnes

Woah! That was funnnnn. That voice! It can strip paint at a hundred yards, or get your girl weak at the knees in under a minute. Our heartfelt thanks to Jimmy for all the laughs, all the rock n’ roll, and not least, singing at a couple of old blokes’ birthday. Hands in the Air, Dayglowers! For the Great ... Mr ... Jimmy Barnes!

Ricky Fataar

Ricky Fataar, musician  

Ladies and Gentlemen! And Mark Joffe! Drum roll if you please! Tonight, by special request of the Prop, and flown First Class on Two Paddocks Virtual Airways (your pilot today ... Al Gore!), an old friend and a remarkable musician. Cutting to the chase, if it wasn’t cool enough to have been the sublime Bonnie Raitt’s drummer for the last thirty years, and having been a Rutle, he was (and here The Prop almost faints at the very idea) an actual, real life Beach Boy – not just a member of that extraordinary band, but a member at the very height of their powers 1970- 1973, which necessarily covers those sublime albums Carl & The Passions: So Tough, Holland, and The Beach Boys Live: God in Heaven, how unbelievably cool. All of that, AND he has worked with (often as a producer) Boz Scaggs, Tim Finn, Crowded House, Renee Geyer, Delbert McClinton ... on and on, so many cool dudes. And not only is he a drummer, and one of the world’s great drummers, he is also extremely handy on guitar, pedal steel and of course ukulele. Ladies and Gentlemen, our cup runneth over ... bring him up on stage if you will, a sweet man, and a powerfully sweet musician ... all the way from Durban via San Francisco and, oh, a bunch of locales ... the one and only ... Mr RICKY FATAAR!

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1. Jailhouse House Rock - Elvis Presley

I remember being taken taken to the movies to see Jailhouse Rock....a Saturday Matinee I must have been about seven years ....When that song came on I just remember being knocked out by the drums especially the snare drum sound. I mean there up on the screen was Elvis in the hoosegow shaking a tail feather and wiggling his hips with a bunch of jailbirds but all I was interested in was this rocking band.

2. Pretty Woman - Roy Orbison

This is such a fun song to play drums on, but the Guitar riff kinda surfy ... pretty damn good ... how about that Ggggrrrowll by Roy in the middle .. Killer!

3. Rip It Up - Little Richard

Earl Palmer on the drums I mean that's grease in the pan right there! And it’s hot and spitting...

4. Let’s Get It On - Marvin Gaye

James Gadson on the drums when this record came out I played it over and over again. What a slinky groove with all the fills in the right places.

5. Let's Stay Together - Al Green

I think there are two drummers on this cut Howard Grimes and the great Al Jackson Jr. who co-wrote the song with Willie Mitchell and Al Green. Monster cool groove influenced me for sure listen to Nick of Time by Bonnie Raitt.

6. Say I Love You - Eddie Grant

I fell in love with this song when I spent some time in the Caribbean with Eddie Grant. Love that Caribbean groove. Got it to Renee Geyer and co-produced the song with Rob Fraboni. Gave Renee a smash hit down-under and landed me more gigs as a record producer. Tim Finn heard it on the radio and said I want to work with that drummer!

7. I Want to Hold Your Hand - The Beatles

Of course I have to include The Beatles. Teenage excitement. I get high I get high

8. You Can't Always Get What You Want - The Rolling Stones

Even though it’s not Charlie Watts on drums. If I could say Epic with a Kiwi accent that would describe this cut.

9. Sail on Sailor - The Beach Boys

I have no idea what the song is about but it’s such a weird combination of elements. the Beach Boys vocalising on a 6/8 Shuffle Groove, Blondie Chaplin’s soulful voice ... synthesiser sounds, pedal steel guitar. We couldn’t get Brian to come down when we cut the track but I remember Carl on the phone with Brian... Brian asked Carl to play a guitar riff that sounded like a S.O.S. signal. Wacky stuff but nice. Having Brian in the studio dishing out the background parts totally cool totally together.

10. Trenchtown Rock - Bob Marley and the Wailers  

That groove can make anybody dig a trench....no Problem Mon!

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Fantastic, thanks Ricky. That anecdote about Sail on Sailor,  that is more than The Prop has got out of Ricky in 25 years about The Beach Boys, mucho frustration. Either the man is completely discreet (very plausible) or he was still enjoying the 60s and wiped the tapes (equally plausible).

One little anecdote about Fataar... after hanging out at his place in San Fran, it suddenly occurred to me that, oddly, the one thing missing in the house was a set of drums. I asked him about this, I said ... um, don’t you need to ... er ... practice or something? Ricky just looked at me as if I was mad. And on reflection, I see his point – it’d be rather like an actor having a stage out the back, or something. And besides, for Ricky, drumming is just like ... breathing. I suppose.

Once Tim Finn told me that the mark of a great drummer (in reference to Ricky) is that he is always slightly behind the beat. I think I get it. But try listening to Ricky cruising behind Bonnie in pretty much anything post 1979 , for instance this vid of A Thing Called Love.

And here is a little footnote. Bonnie actually asked the Prop to be in the above video, but alas was unable. Dennis Quaid did it instead, and of course was better anyway.

Thanks Ricky – the phrase "You Rock" was invented in your honour. But please come back and give us Ricky’s Top Beach Boys...Anytime! Ladies and Gents – a roar, a cacophany,  please for....MR...RICKY FATAAR!

Tony Backhouse

Tony Backhouse, musician and choirmaster   

Ladies and Gentlemen! And Simon Morris! Tonight, live in the Dayglo Disco one of New Zealand’s (and indeed the World's) finest and most accomplished musicians and singers, a very old chum of The Prop's, and a very fine fellow indeed. A veteran of some of our country's best bands – the legendary Mammal, the extraordinary if short lived Crocodiles, as well as the unforgettable and beautifully named The Vulgar Beatmen ... and then, in a kind of self-reinvention, became a progenitor of gospel choirs and a giver of harmonizing workshops that are truly inspirational (having been to one for a weekend we know of what we speak – even Grahame Sydney found he had a voice, a miracle in itself). Among his many achievements perhaps his greatest is the founding, and running for 20 or so years, of the amazing  Sydney a cappella choir, Café at the Gates Of Salvation, as well as The Heavenly Light Quartet, and has sowed the seeds for a number of different choirs that have sprung up in his wake. He's a man who brings song and harmony and light and pure joy wherever he goes, all around the world. On your feet if you please! Put your hands together, in the Amen Corner! Give Praise Brothers and Sisters! Shout it out now! Oh Happy Dayglo Day...bring him up to the stage Ladies and Gentlemen, and give it up for...Mr...Tony Backhouse!!

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1. Sister from Texas - Aretha Franklin

Some of Aretha's most soaring and rhythmic vocal lines over the unstoppable rhythm section of Chuck Rainey and Bernard Purdie. Love the chirping and mumbling wah wah clavinet. Up there with 'Rock Steady' as Aretha's funkiest.

2. Golden Years - David Bowie

Great groove with a wicked riff, and charmingly cynical backing vocals.

3. Prisoner of Love - James Brown

An alarming collision of the kitsch (neurotic and syrupy strings and a schmaltzy tune that had been a hit for Perry Como) and the funky - James' phrasing, dynamics and changes of register are fearless and scary. As a classically-oriented radio host asked me once, 'What sort of voice IS that?' It doesn't fit any known category, for sure. The radio host declined to play this on air as he opined it was 'too wide' for his audience.

4. Lonely Women - Laura Nyro

I saw her once in New York. Gorgeous, dramatic, moving, fearless.

5. The Way - Meshell Ndeogocello

Funky as, critical as, beautiful as... A spiritual anti-religion song.

6. Le Mystére des Voix Bulgares - Pilentze Pee

Jonathan Zwartz gave me a cassette of random recordings in the '80s, no indication of who the artists were. In between the funk and the jazz, WOH! in come these incandescent female voices in ever widening harmonies from outer space. I'd never heard anything like it. I tracked down every recording I could find of what turned out to be the Bulgarian State Television Female Vocal Choir singing contemporary arrangements of folk songs. Awe-inspiring.

7. Jesus on My Mind - Gospel Harmonettes of Demopolis, Alabama.

I first heard this group in a small church in Bessemer, Alabama, four women singing with sureness, sweetness and humility. Found myself in tears as young Linda Wilks sang the first line. Later, I was glad to be able to help fund their one and only recording - now on iTunes. (I don't get any royalties, so don't go there for my sake.)

8. Gloria from Missa Prolationum - Johannes Ockeghem

Surging oceanic angelic bewildering ecstatic - a mathematical feat (two simultaneous canons: ie soprano and tenor singing the same thing in different times and in different keys, while alto and bass sing another line in different times and keys) which is impressive enough, but the music soars, unfurls, dips and swoops like a flock of seraphim. Ockeghem, what a god.

9. My Soul Doth Magnify the Lord - O'Landa Draper and Associates Choir

Contemporary gospel choirs always have a unbearably funky rhythm sections, banks of keyboards and guitars, but occasionally do an a cappella number because they can.

10. We're All Light  - XTC

This pretty much speaks for itself.

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If you have never experienced the joyous delight of singing four-part harmony in a big Gospel choir, do yourself a favour and give it a go. Belief is not necessarily a requisite. And better still, look out for Tony’s movements (which can be tracked on his website). If he’s coming to  town, do not miss the chance of a weekend's singing workshop with the man himself.

Tony is the only person we know who has actually sung in the Rev. Al Green's church. But the Prop first got to know Tony when he was studying at Victoria university, and the Prop was ... doing anything but. One of those people that’s always popping up in your life, and we are always delighted  to see him. He nailed Heard it Through the Grapevine at the Prop and B. Brown's last big birthday bash.

We’d like to see a big medal on that man’s chest – he has brought music into more people’s lives, good music, music you make, than anyone we can think of in the Antipodes. Respect and thanks. And what a cool and different Top 10.

A major Dayglo roar for the one and only ... Mr ... Tony Backhouse!!

Ian McKellen

Ian McKellen, actor

Ladies and Gentlemen! Pray silence in the Dayglo! Be upstanding, if you will, for a Knight of the Realm! Have we ever been grander? I don’t think so! Have we ever been smarter? No! Have we ever been more plush? Well, perhaps back when we still sported the velveteen couchettes. Today, a rare and extreme honour ... the nobbiest of nobby nobs, one of the Very Greats of Stage and Screen, a marvelous actor and a lovely man. Here gracing the newly reno’ed Dayglo (how do you like the Orange we found in the Army Surplus Store  in Haight-Ashbury then?) ... someone with so many theatre credits you need another couple of pages when you print the programme, a stalwart of the RSC and the National as well as the West End in general, a great Shakespearian thesp, and, as it happens, a big old Movie Star, to boot. Of course you loved him in The Lord of the Rings Trilogy and X Men, and who wouldn’t? But we thought he was the bloody bees knees in Gods and Monsters, Scandal, Apt Pupil, Richard 111 and...oh, bollocks, the list is too damn long, and at the end of the day, you’re here to boogaloo in the  Dazzling Dayglo Disco ("Vile" -- International Herald Tribune). So put those dancing pumps back on, and put those hands in the air, and make way for the great, the one and only
... SIR ... IAN ... McKELLEN!

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Music is not a daily part of my life, with no Ipod, no CD player and the radio stuck on BBC’s Radio 4, which is mostly talk.

Any live music is what I like most, whether classical, jazz or pop or opera or musicals or singing in the shower.  Here are my faves through the years.

1. When I’m Cleaning Windows - George Formby

The first song I remember hearing, apart from hymns and carols at church and school. This was in industrial Wigan, where Formby was born up north.

2. All in the April Evening - sung by the unaccompanied Glasgow Orpheus Choir

My parents took me to hear them and after the concert I queued up for the conductor’s autograph. Hugh Roberton kindly asked me did I want to be a conductor when I grew up (I was 9). “Yes” I lied. I’d already decided to act, if I could.

3. She Loves You - The Beatles

At the brand-new Nottingham Playhouse in December 1963, I was sharing a dressing-room with young Michael Crawford. Leo McKern sang “She Loves You” in the corridor on the way to the stage as Menenius in Tyrone Guthrie’s opening production of Coriolanus. The same night  The Beatles were playing the Nottingham Odeon Cinema.

4. Come to the Cabaret - Judi Dench

   The most convincing of all the other remarkable Sally Bowles. I saw Jill Howarth on my first time in New York, upstaged by Lotte Lenya and Joel Grey. In the movie, Liza sang too well. Judi breaks your heart because her Sally ain’t that good singing at the Kit Kat Club. She did it again in Sean Mathias National Theatre version of Little Night Music. Her “Send in the Clowns”, another song about performing, is her “Cabaret” 30 years on.

5. We Are the Champions – Queen

Why not?

6. Judy Garland live at the Carnegie Hall, 1961 (If Love Were All)

My most treasured tape, every song a classic.  How I wish I’d been there on Shakespeare’s birthday 1961, instead of studying for final exams at Cambridge.

7. Dancing Queen - ABBA

When I came out aged 49, I discovered in London a gay world I’d previously ignored, including my local gay pub in east London.  Evenings at the White Swan always ended with this song as the boys swayed on the dance floor.

8. The Lady and Her Music - Lena Horne

I was doing Amadeus on Broadway just two blocks away from Lena. Her show was chat and songs including Stormy Weather, twice.

9. Being Alive - John Barrowman

Company is Stephen Sondheim’s masterpiece, particularly in this complicated anthem, best sung, as here, by someone who understands that it’s not always easy being gay in a straight world.

10. I’ll be Seeing You - Billie Holiday

My favourite song tho I can’t stand some of the lyric: "the wishing well" for goodness sake! Even the music almost falters at this point and singers can come crashing down. But not Holliday, who slowly wrings every thing out of everything

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Big Ups!  And many  thanks  -- Ian --  you The Man! This is Top 10ery at its best, a little slice of autobiography, and what could be more fascinating than what other people, the people you like, are interested in? A fascinating top 10, and a fascinating fellow. We are grateful.

For any actor, it’s extremely flattering if other actors "do" your voice, and like a previous TP DJ, Alan Rickman, Ian is much imitated. 10 points if your inner McKellen is up to par. Come on, give it a crack. Here’s a hint. Speak more quietly than you might otherwise, choose each word judiciously, be posh but allow a hint of the north, and retain an air of constant inner amusement .. .good, that’s coming on.

The Prop has in fact appeared twice with Sir Ian, in Plenty and Restoration, a privilege indeed, and while Ian was as always brilliant in those, nothing compares to this.>>>

Enough said! Ladies and Gentlemen, a big Dayglo roar for the incomparable...Sir Ian McKellen.

Jimmy Nesbitt

Jimmy Nesbitt, actor

Ladies and Gentlemen!  Brruuppp! Your M.C., in the Place To Be ... Tonight, direct from the set of The Hobbit, a very special guest D.J. ... Boom!  Yes, courtesy of Two Paddocks Virtual Air (The airline of choice to the virtual jet set) here in the Dayglo Disco (this week’s colour - Livid Lime) the fourth actor from Ireland to grace our decks – count them, and award yourselves ten free points if you’ve got them all -- yes, one of the world’s best loved actors ... and one of the very best, period. You knew him first from  Cold Feet, great series, you followed him religiously every week in Murphy’s Law, he made you laugh in Hear My Song and Waking Ned Devine, he rattled your cage in Bloody Sunday, you thought him a knockout in Five Minutes of Heavenand Jekyll and ... look, this is beginning to sound like bloody Spotlight. Let’s just say we wish we had half his talent, his wit, his charm, his charisma ... yes it’d make you crook, the man’s got it all. Without further ado, let’s bring him up here, the likeable larrikin, Ballymena’s Best, here with his very own Top Ten, a big Dayglo hand, if you please for ... Mr ... Jimmy Nesbitt!

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1. The Green Glens Of Antrim - Paddy Reilly

(webmaster's note: we apologize, but couldn't find a recording of Paddy Reilly performing Green Glens of Antrim, but please enjoy what we did find -- Green Glens of Antrim played by two Ballymena schools at Arthur Cottage, Cullybackey.)

My mother is from the beautiful green glens in Northern Ireland and she sang this ballad to me to help me sleep. I, in turn, sang it to my daughters, Peggy and Mary to imbue them with a sense of Irishness. Just before Peggy was two, she asked her mother to draw heaven. When my wife, Sonia asked her what it looked like, Peggy, quoting from the song said, " It's where the sea ripples over the shingle and sand." Priceless. My girls shall forever be connected to their Granny through this song.

2. Stardust - Nat King Cole

My father's favourite song. "And now the purple dusk of twilight time steals across the meadows of my heart". Unbeatable.

3. If I Fell - The Beatles

As the only boy growing up in a family  with three older sisters, I spent most of my time kicking a ball against a wall. Then I heard The Beatles. They were my first musical obession, introduced to me by my adored cousin, Andrew. Not wanting to offend the living Paul nor the deceased John, I've chosen If I Fell. It showcases them at their youthful, innovative, harmonious best. Try hitting the harmony in the chorus. It's a bastard to get.

4. Cum On Feel The Noize - Slade

For a Presbyterian Ulster boy, living in the country, with one pair of crinoline flares and an Aran sweater, Slade represented unimaginable glamour and excitement. Noddy Holder's intro used to scare the pats out of the friesans in the field beside my bedroom.  And their skewed spelling was pure class!

5. Get Over You - The Undertones

When Northern Ireland was reaching its nadir in the 1970's,The Undertones emerged from Derry, which itself  had borne witness to the defining moment of The Troubles. Electrifying, unfettered and joyous, they suggested hope. And this song starts with a whistle!

6. Come Fly With Me - Frank Sinatra with Count Basie, Live at The Sands

(webmaster's note: we apologize, but couldn't find a recording of Frank Sinatra and Count Basie at The Sands, but we've linked to a nice recording of Frank performing the song live in 1965.)

I'd give it all up to be Frank for a day. The opening track on this live album from The Sands in Vegas finds the greatest of them all completely at one with his gift. I could, and have listened to it all day. Fix a martini - or three - kick back, and listen to the man "and the man is ... Frank Sinatra!'

7. Hear My Song - Vernon Midgely, the voice of Ned Beatty

A moment of indulgence. Hear My Song was my first film. It tells the story of Irish tenor, Josef Locke. When Joe sang, women wept. In the film my character magically mends a clock belonging to Joe, with the suggested help of the fairies. When my sister took my parents to a screening in Derry, the journey home was apparently completely silent apart from when my mother turned to my father - bear in mind, they'd never seen me on screen - and said, "I didn't know our James could fix clocks."  Our tenor on the soundtrack was Vernon Midgely. His voice is haunting but this song reminds me of the start of my career and the happiest of times supping pint after pint of guiness with the star and co writer Adrian Dunbar.

8. The Way Young Lovers Do - Van Morrison

No top ten is complete without Van. Musical genius, Belfast icon, grumpy bollocks, he and George Best were my idols. It's almost impossible to choose one Van song but this track from the seminal Astral Weeks has amazing vocals, syncopated rhythms, striking dissonance, an arsenal of brass and wind instruments exploding in a cacophony of ecstasy as it soars to its thrilling climax, the way young lovers do.

9. Nothing Rhymed - Gibert O'Sullivan

In 1983 I had a brief stint at The University Of Ulster, studying for a degree in French. I say brief as I lasted only two terms and was rarely there. I shared digs  in Belfast with my childhood friend, Alistair Carson in an apartment above a pub called The Four In Hand. To exit the building you had to walk through the bar. Notoriously late to rise, we wouldn't leave the flat until around eleven each morning just as the pub was opening and more often than not, the lure of the black stuff would prove too strong  for us to venture outside. Several hours and many pints later we would crawl back upstairs , sit in the living room with our heads in our hands and despair at the futility of our existence whilst listening over and over again to this classic from the curly haired Dubliner. It wasn't quite appreciating the existentialists but it came close. And the supreme irony? I received an honorary degree from the university a few years back and am now its Chancellor!

10. Failure - Laura Marling

And finally, one for my daughters. Marling is one of the new wave of  young musicians reinterpreting English folk. Her voice is pure, her songwriting incredibly mature and the girls and I adore this song. They are, of course, my greatest success.

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Words fail the MC – a dream of a Top 10. Hats off to you Jimmy, excellence as in all things. And a beautiful piece of writing , the sort of prose that makes you nostalgic for things you remember and things you never knew, just as a great song will. You make us all proud to be from Ulster! Ladies and Gentlemen, grateful applause please for The Man himself – the absolutely unique, the brilliant ... Mr Jimmy Nesbitt!!

Neil Finn

Neil Finn, Musician

Ladies and Gentlemen!  At last, in person, a man who has long been a staple in the remodeled Dayglo Two Paddocks Virtual Disco ("Interior design for the visually impaired" --The Guardian), yes, a staple and favourite here since the beginning of rock. The great Neil Finn, a man who has transcended the unfortunate misspelling of his first name,  and risen from the shibeens of Te Awamutu to grace the stages of the world’s biggest stadiums; an ambassador for his country, an inspiration to millions, a luminous creative force driving in the heart of New Zealand,  collaborator and spur to his brother Tim as well as hundreds of other musicians, a father to two rising stars Liam and Elroy, a husband to Sharon (she of the chandeliers and The Pajama Club), as prone to gaffes as he is to mysterious inspired creativity ... here he is, he lives just up the road, but we decided as a courtesy in deference to his mana, to fly him First Class by Two Paddocks Virtual Air (Is that Paris out the window, or is it just me?)  here he is finally after a journey of five months, (It should have been three hours, but sometimes if you’re lucky, we don’t just lose your bags, we lose you, too.) Up you come Neil ... the eternally youthful, the great guy, our Two Paddocks friend ... the wonderful ... Neil Finn!

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1. Your Song - Elton John

The first Elton song I learnt on piano at 14 after the his concert at Western Springs in 1972, my first ever concert; recently played and remembered (except for 3rd verse) in Largo nightclub with John Brion

2. Marquis Moon - Television

I saw Television and Blondie at Hammersmith Odeon in 1977 and this song was amazing, still play the vinyl.

3. Ramble On - Led Zeppelin

The best bassline ever, reminds me of summer holdays at Mt Maunganui. I never listened to the lyrics in those days but I suspect he was singing about Mordor. Oh well.

4. Ashes To Ashes - David Bowie

What a record, what a video, what a song, what does it mean, who cares! The absolute benchmark for me in pop music

5. Summertime - Ella Fitzgerald

With a voice  like a dreamy zephyr on a sultry afternoon Ella Fitzgerald (and Louis Armstrong) do Gershwin that way it should be done.

6. God Only Knows - Beach Boys

I suspect this is on Sam's list as well. I saw Brian Wilson perform this recently and it made me cry, it feels like its alway existed this song as a piece of songwriting perfection but to think, he actually wrote it one day on his piano, the bastard.

7. Once In A Lifetime - Talking Heads

I had the pleasure and privelige of performing this song with David Byrne  in NY recently and I got a cramp in my fingers playing the floaty jangly keyboard bit for 3 minutes before he walked on stage. I thought he'd changed his mind and gone home.

8. Harvest Moon - Neil Young

One of the most romantic songs ever, we all danced to it at our 20th anniversary party and couples were  cavorting and carousing  left right and centre.

9. Message Of Love - Pretenders

Chrissie Hynde has such an extraordinary voice and James Honeyman Scott was a master of blurry chord and and stirring riff.

10. Waiting In Vain - Bob Marley

Bob has the most positive life affirming music of all and this song reminds me of my first time in London and seeing him drive past on the Kings Road in his black BMW.

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Okay, an immaculate songlist, as one might expect, and great notes Neil. Thanks, my man.  And look, I’m going off the page now, but  because we think he’s fantastic, and just because we can, here’s the Prop’s Top 10 guide to The Essential Neil Finn – if you happen to be one of the few who may not know every note, as we do at HQ.

1. I Got You
2. Take a Walk (Split Enz)
3. Left Hand
4. Not the Girl You Think You Are
5. Chocolate Cake (Crowded House)
6. Pineapple Head (Crowded House)
7. She Will Have Her Way
8. Turn and Run
9. Don’t Ask Why (Neil Finn)
10. Part of Me, Part of You (Finn Brothers)

Partial, we know, but that’s Top 10 world isn’t it? But oh my god, what a songwriter. So back to the floor Neil, do that awkward New Zealand bloke dancing thing, we are with you! Ladies and Gentlemen, a big hand ,  ecstatic applause please, for a man who is The Stuff of Legend ... The one and only ... Neil Finn!

Duncan Forsyth

Vigneron

Ladies and Gentlemen! Oh ... none here? Just the riff raff then. Tonight in the newly renovated Two Paddocks Virtual Dayglo Disco ("Visually toxic"--The Times) our first guest DJ who actually looks at home in this pleasingly garish environment – most of us in Central Otago merely put on clothes in the morning ... here's a man who dresses up, each and every day!

Regular Dayglo punters will know, that here at HQ, we take our hats off to many other wineries, we love quite a few; but some we love more than others. Mt. Edward in Gibbston is one of those, and here is its Vigneron, dressed in an appalling flared powder blue suit with lapels as wide as a B-52, unseemly yellow crocodile boots, and a genuine Memphis string tie with Native American motif, worn on a dizzyingly embroidered Taiwanese shirt. Yes, it could only be  the one of a kind  Duncan Forsyth!

Raised in the salubrious Hutt Valley, barely educated in Nelson, trashed at Vic, munted in New Orleans, obliterated in Sun Valley, demolished at Lincoln, Duncan, by great good fortune, found rehabilitation and sweet reason at last at Chard Farm in the early Nineties, and thereafter at Peregrine. Which lead to Mount Edward in 2004, which has become one of the very best Central wineries. The fall and rise of the Prodigal.

Occasionally, however, Duncan will revert to type, as his DJ set proves -- every year Duncan chances his health and sanity (such as he has left) with a pilgrimage to the madness that is Burning Man. Rash and extremely ill advised, yes, but at least when he gets back, bedraggled and rueful, he has good stories to tell. And here’s one...

Denizens of the Dayglo ... avert your eyes if you are easily offended by kitsch on a grown man, but in any case, a huge Two Paddocks welcome to our friend and colleague, an awfully funny man, and awesome winemaker, and our ambassador at large, god help us ... The one and only ... Duncan Forsyth!!

webmaster's note: all photos are copyright their respective owners. Follow the links within the images to see the orginal photos

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My TP top ten list comes on the back of a return visit to one of the great counter culture festivals on the planet, Burning Man, based in Black Rock City, Nevada.  The tracks are drawn from music I managed to inflict on my friends and burners alike during the course of the festival and are paired with photos, moments in time that illustrate its draw for me.

Burning Man is an alternative art based festival where freedom of expression, often radical self expression, and respect for others to do the same is the base tenant – a city of instant proportions – containing art, interaction and entertainment on an epic level. There is no commercial activity at all with the entire festival being created by its participants.

After driving through the night from San Francisco we arrived at Black Rock City, near dawn, in a convoy of tens of thousands, listening to this slightly dubbed out Nina Simone re-edit by DJ Ex-Friendly. A super chilled classic.

1. Baltimore -- Nina Simone

It is in this high alpine desert two hours out of Reno, that a mass of humanity appears out of nowhere. We’re greeted by tutu clad elves, steam punked desert warriors … people of all shapes and sizes dressed in everything from nothing to the bizarre. All this, and you haven’t got past the gate.

Here we listen to a killer re-edit of one Bill Withers best tracks from a long time favorite DJ, Left Side Wobble. A smoking soulful track that gets just a little dirty.

2. Who Is He and What Is He to You - Bill Withers

Our camp - The Crown Collective – is a superb group of new and old friends based out of New Orleans but includes folk from all around the US and the globe. Aside from ourselves, perhaps our most visible contribution to the festival: hosting the Lady Sassafras – a replica New Orleans paddle ship steamer built with salvaged parts of Hurricane Katrina. The Lady is just one of hundreds of “art cars” that cruise the playa (the desert landscape) at the festival.

Another re-edit from Left Side Wobble – this time a track from the great late Gil Scott- Heron – a superb mix that mixes the poetic hip hop and spoken word delivery of GSH with some House samples behind it all.

3. Space Shuttle -- Gil Scott-Heron

The Lady Sassafras provided our camp with a means of entertainment and transport, but moreover was designed to provide other ‘burners’ with our gift to them – an experience in itself. Driving through the infectious madness we witnessed art in all forms and sizes – a creative feast that stays with you long after the event and something that for many pushes your own artistic bent further along.

A New Orleans stalwart – the legendary Dr. John with some pure NOLA sounds

4. Mos Scocious - Dr. John

The festival runs for a week – 24 hrs a day - although many burners work all year on their projects giving the festival a life if its own over the whole year. Our own art car, the Lady, took 2 years to build and involved dozens of people. This sort of commitment is mirrored across hundreds of art pieces, interactive bars and clubs of all description, venues that fitted a couple of people to several thousand in size, performances, art cars and outfits.
Next a change of pace with an excellent piece of almost old school hip hop

5. Sugar (Gimme Some) - Trick Daddy ft Ludacris

At the other end of the spectrum is without question the wild parties that can dominant the pursuits of many. No boundary of possibilities here with the driver being that almost everybody is so goddamm friendly, fun and social – you just have to decide where your limits are! The surprise for many is that you will find a complete cross section in ages, inclinations and ideas, this is no one-size-fits-all festival. In our camp, for example, ages ranged from 19 to 64 with our neighbours coming for the first time on their 70th birthdays!  Whatever the weather though one should always dress to go out – especially when Esther Phillips is rocking the house – once again care of Left Side Wobble

6. All The Way Down - Esther Phillips

Festival tradition dictates that many installations get burned at the end of the week, mirroring the transitory nature of the event as well as re-enforcing the idea that the art is made for those who are there and it is purely non-commercial. This makes it even more surreal. For a moment it is there. Then it is gone.
A yearly highlight is the Temple – a spiritual home for many. This year’s temple was in part coordinated and built by a bunch of Kiwis. Some had dedicated six months to the project – it burnt on the Sunday night to near total silence in front of 30,000 people

A jazzed out Balearic house tune with some killer vocals – pure summer daze – Wax Poetic featuring Norah Jones –

7. Tell Me – Norah Jones, Temple of Soul re-mix

The festival is so much more than a party though and those who come to party the whole time miss much of the essence of the festival for me. It is the culture that drives the festival, a culture of like minded people, artistic and creative minds, full of respect for others who have thrown off many of the conservative and constrictive shackles of society today (even if only for a week). At Burning Man the only person who will make you feel uncomfortable is yourself.

A super classic for me, Papa was a Rolling Stone by the Temptations – here one of the best versions I have heard with a sweet reggae twist – The Pioneers give it up

8. Papa Was a Rolling Stone -- The Pioneers

One of my favourite pieces this year was The Pier. Conceived and built within a 6 month period just outside Reno this was put together over two weeks prior to the festival opening - I mean how funny – all this in the middle of a high alpine desert. Mind you at the end of a week, after seeing most of what was on offer, also surprisingly normal.

One of the great pop disco tunes, sung by the greatest soul/funk maestro.
Sunny (Funk Master J.B VS Funk Master J.S Hardboiled Remix)

9. James Brown - Sunny

Here's superb time lapse – for those of you who don’t have attention deficit – an excellent encapsulation of the festival.

Timelapse-icus Maximus 2 HD Burning Man 2011 by James Cole, Music by Elite Force/DISTRIKT.

With my final selection – another remix – this time from the Boss. This track we played whilst leaving the festival – its images fresh in our mind and parodied in part by the ever constant presence of the feds! No Punch without Judy in the good ole USA

10. State Trooper - Bruce Springsteen

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Duncan! What a saga ... and here you are, in one piece and not just still standing, but actually still doing the Boogaloo like a man possessed. Respect! No-one has ever taken on their DJ responsibilities with such flare, conscientiousness and such flagrant disregard for their own safety and well being. Major kudos from all of us here at H.Q.

Speaking of health, many of you will be aware that Mount Edward produces consistently great Pinots, and a Riesling that is pretty much ambrosia. Seek them both out when you can. Give that dancing, burning man some space, and applause not only for his inimitable flair for fashion, but for moves never before seen in the Dayglo. A massive Two Paddocks hand for our friend... Duncan Forsyth!

Richard E. Grant

Actor

Ladies and Gentlemen! Yes, you asked for him ... well you can have him! Without a doubt one of the very best actors of his generation, and a very amusing interesting bloke -- but that’s by the by since he’s here as tonight’s DJ, in the recently reno’ed Dayglo Disco ("...Rancid..." The New York Times). What? You want more about Richard? Why, for goodness sake, everyone loves him enough, we say! Oh alright then ... we will always love him for Withnail and I (with the possible exception of The Big Lebowski, every actor’s favourite fillum), we loved him in Prêt-à-Porter, Gosford Park, Portrait of a Lady, How to Get Ahead in Advertising, on stage in Importance of being Earnest and My Fair Lady, and we are not alone in our undying gratitude for his lavish extravagance in Hudson Hawk ... the list goes on and on ...  But most of all, we love him for Wah Wah, one of our all time favourite  films -- his heartfelt semi-autobiographical story of growing up in Swaziland, a brilliant post-colonial film about colonialism (and growing up and betrayal and ... lots of things). And we are fizzing at the bung to see him play Michael Heseltine opposite Meryl in Iron Lady. And here he is direct from the set of the Kath and Kim Filum (another not-to-be-missed epic), looking as unruffled and debonair as always, courtesy of Two Paddocks Virtual Airways (First Class: Take to the skies, without leaving home) ... the completely, deliriously splendid ... Mr. RICHARD E. GRANT!!

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1. Try a Little Tenderness - Sam Cooke

Best first pash song I've heard so far

2. Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This) - Annie Lennox

Was a waiter in Covent garden in '82 and this song was a mantra.

3. Respect - Aretha Franklin

'Cos the moment you hear it, your feet start dancing

4. In the Wee Small Hours - Frank Sinatra

Melancholic and perfect

5. When a Man Loves a Woman - Percy Sledge

Words say it all

6. No Woman No Cry - Bob Marley Live

Chorus that is worth repeating all life long

7. A Case of You - Joni Mitchell

Longing and lost love perfectly expressed in three minutes

8. American Tune - Paul Simon

As timely in the 21st as it was at the end of the 20th century.

9. If I Loved You - Barbra Streisand

Once in a lifetime voice that bullseye's the heart

10. When I Fall in Love - Nat King Cole

Lush, lush, lush.

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Alright ... if I have to name one scene, one little part of one scene, that I wish I’d done, but know I’d never pull it off — it’s this: the scene when Withnail (Richard) drinks lighter fluid, is stoned hysterically for about ten seconds, and then passes out. Sublime. We admire Richard E.  immensely. A lovely actor. Witty, scabrous company. Fabulous Top 10 Richard, you’re the BEST! Come on groovers -- on your feet once more for our friend, the immaculately unique...RICHARD E. GRANT!

Grahame Sydney

Grahame Sydney, painter

Ladies and Gentlemen! Tonight in the Two Paddocks Dayglo Disco (not so much psychedelic décor, more bilious, if seen in the light of day), direct from our kitchens where he’s been helping the short-order cook, a man who has made a most distinguished career painting a once little known corner of New Zealand, and made it famous as a result.

The Maniototo, a profoundly empty seeming landscape, eerie and beautiful , is now commonly known as Grahame Sydney country.

In fact, he not only has defined that landscape, he is now part of it -- if you see a stringy, gnarly looking geezer painting en plein air among the tussocks, it’ll be him. Either that, or it’s a telephone pole, they are easily confused.

So here he is, a very old companion of Two Paddocks (and an avid drinker of our best, the bastard) ... the Prop has been kind enough to be his friend since 1968, Otago University, and well remembers Syd’s first of many rash pronouncements at that time (“Impressionism is shit!”) ... he is also a good keen man when it comes to music (the Prop and Syd have gone far too late far too often arguing about songs) and what is more is a pretty fine uke player, having had a Kamaka concert ukulele given to him by yours truly ... the jams, the jams ... Let’s give a big Two Paddocks cheer for our friend, our neighbour, our old mucker ... he’s dry as a biscuit and very funny ... we rate him here in the Dayglo ... give it UP for ...Mr ... Grahame SYDNEY!!

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Reading through your previous contributions I am struck by a) the frequency of selection of B Dylan, and b) the vast chasm which separates me from Josh Kronfeld.  Not only have I never heard of any of the music he selected, I've never even heard of the MUSICIANS, if indeed that's what they are.

I too would have included a B Dylan, but having noted a short-list of about 45 songs vital to my very existence on a daily basis, this below is a random grab from that necessary bunch. In no particular order:

1. Last Chance Texaco - Rickie Lee Jones

A brilliantly extended metaphor, delivered with the delicacy and strangeness which marks all of her work. A gloriously idiosyncratic soul, whose career has roamed across standards and original material in an unmistakable style. True artistry.

2. Across The Borderline - Ry Cooder

From the great Get Rhythm album. Cooder's music is the soundtrack to my life in many ways, there from the early 1970s, a guitarist and session man to  an endless list of  greats (check out his Wikipedia!), selfless promoter of roots and world music, genius slide/mandolin/lead electric ... you name it. Cooder does it better. Is there a more beautiful film score than his Paris, Texas work for Wim Wenders?

3. Swinging on a Star - Oscar Peterson Trio

On the Live at the Stratford Shakespearian Festival album. Correctly identified as God amongst us, Peterson astounds me every time, no end to the surprises and pure genius  by the chunky-fingered big man on keyboards. Fascinating to hear him muttering and murmuring as he performs, quite out of time to the extraordinary games his fingers play.

4. Promised Land - Johnny Allen

I know very little about him, but saw this on Jools Holland's great Walking to New Orleans doco many years ago, and have never forgotten it. Dim, red bar-room, drinking, lurching crowd. If I could be a stage performer, I'd love to be just like Johnny doing this one. Chuck Berry's song, of course.

5. Beside You - Dave Dobbyn

This song lounges permanently in one corner of my heart, and has done for years. Dave has helped we Kiwis know ourselves. Best version is the Together in Concert: Live with Tim Finn and Bic Runga.

6. The 12th Man Boned - Billy Birmingham

I listen to lots of comedy while I work or drive, The Goons, Garrison Keillor, Spike Jones and His City Slickers chief amongst the many. But no one makes me laugh out loud, to the point of tears even, than the utterly brilliant Billy Birmingham in any of his 12th Man releases. One cannot watch or listen to cricket commentaries without hearing  him, and I treasure it.

7. I Can't Make You Love Me - Bonnie Raitt

From the Road Tested DVD. It must be love: I've got everything she's done, and that's plenty. What a woman, what a guitarist, what a voice! I flew to Auckland to see her performing. Roger Hall and I were sitting in the second front row. We felt a little old in that audience, and Roger whispered half way through the concert, "Let's throw our long-johns at her!"

8. Valentine's Day - Steve Earle

From the live album Together at the Bluebird Cafe with Guy Clark and Townes van Zandt. A love song which says it all. While not thrilling as much to Earle's heavy hard-rock material, gentler items like this are small miracles of tenderness.

9. How Mountain Girls Can Love - Ricky Scaggs and Kentucky Thunder

My guilty pleasure, Bluegrass. I've always   loved it - lock-tight harmonies, incredible instrumental skills, "cabin-in-the-holler" nostalgia (not that any of us ever had a cabin in the holler...!). Skaggs and Kentucky Thunder playing live are almost unbelievable, and his mandolin dexterity defies understanding. Oh to be able to play  and sing like that! Fascinates me, that.

10. I Can't Wait to Get Off Work (to See My Baby) - Tom Waits

The Small Change album is crammed with gems, but I select this. It could have been one of dozens, Waits has done so much I love and listen to weekly as I work: his music builds a world so graphically its almost filmic.

All a bit predictable, on viewing it.

Had I space I'd have included Jesse Winchester, Loudon Wainwright III, Joni Mitchell, John Martyn, Little Feat, Marc Cohn, Django Reinhardt, John Williamson, Louis Armstrong, Randy Newman, Kid Creole and the Cocoanuts, Paul Simon, Bruce Hornsby.

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Well, dammit, we can’t argue about any of that, much as we love fighting with Sydney, an impressively tasty songlist, and we love every track there. And one excellent surprise there, my Sydney neighbour, the extraordinary Billy Birmingham [(the12th man) -- caveat for North Americans  --  you kind of need a working knowledge of cricket commentaries in Australia to get a full grasp on what genius Billy possesses. As for Sydney himself, if I called him a genius, that would spoil an unbroken run of forty plus years of being blisteringly rude about each others’ work, so I won’t. But here are a few images that will give you an idea of what the man does  -- you decide. And follow this link for more...

Oh okay, I will grudgingly admit through gritted teeth, he’s a great artist. But don’t tell him I said so. Oh there he is now, back on the floor doing that awful dance thing he does... Let’s give a big Dayglo cheer for the Maniototo Marvel himself...Grahame Sydney!

Peter and Margaret Lehmann

Vignerons (Peter Lehmann Wines)

Ladies and Gentlemen! Settle down at the back, we know you are excited about tonight's DJs, and why wouldn’t you be, and as a lot of you are Australian, it’s going to get noisy ... BUT we have, very unusually for the Dayglo, some cultured people playing their grooves live and ... yes, I said CULTURED ... (blimey, some of the sorts Security are letting through lately) ... so a bit of bloody HUSH would be in order. Yes, that means you too.

Kev ... thank you!

So, tonight, flown in by Two Paddocks Virtual Airways First Class (The kind of service you can only fantasize about when you are on B.A.) two people we love and admire here at TPHQ more than we can say ... yes the familiar avuncular presence on my right is of course the one and only Peter Lehmann, widely known as the Baron Of Barossa ... an awkward sobriquet we admit given Peter and Margaret’s firmly lefty inclinations, but one that indicates just a fraction of the mana and affection with which he is held in that beautiful corner of Australia, in the Australian wine world, and of course here at TPHQ, where he is held in awe and spoken about in hushed tones. We like to gather around the TP fire at night and tell stories of how Peter virtually singlehandedly and heroically risked all to save the wine growers of Barossa in the late 70s, early 80s, and at the same time chancing his arm, and leg too, in setting up the distinguished firm of Peter Lehmann, makers of some of the world’s greatest Shiraz, Riesling and Semillon. Respect!

And on my left, one of The Great Women, and unquestionably a Great Australian ... the irrepressible, the hilarious, the socially committed, the fascinating, the hospitable, the outrageous, the thrillingly subversive,  the other half of a great partnership ... the wonderful Margaret Lehmann.

Here they are, making their way up to the stage, about the best damn couple we know ... a big warm welcome for the amazing Peter and Margaret Lehmann!!

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Well, here goes, And they are not all songs simply a sampling of music we like

1. First has to be Charles Gounod’s St Cecilia Mass because that's the first record Peter bought for us!
2. All of Mozart’s Operas. But if you are going to be a meanie and say they can’t count as one then it has to be The Marriage of Figaro, the Bryn Terfel, Cecilia Bartoli and Renee Fleming version is stunning.
3. Ted Egan’s Ballads The Drover’s Boy, The Last of the Packhorse Bagmen, She’s Australian sung by Ted with his Fosterphone providing musical accompaniment.  The Fosterphone is an empty beer carton! They are deceptively simple and have been known to bring a tear to the eye.
4. Song to the Moon (from the opera Rusalka) - Antonin Dvorak. The mermaid Rusalka's beautiful aria to the moon.
5. Chants d'Auvergne - Joseph Marie Canteloube
6. Another balladeer, Fred Smith’s Dust of Uruzgan. Fred is an Australian diplomat who was posted to Afghanistan and these songs give the best insight into that sad, sad place.
7. Coventry Carol because Christmas is on the way and that is the most beautiful of all.
8. Carl Orff’s Carmina Burana because it is outrageous.
9. Richard Meale’s Cantilena Pacifica. A most beautiful elegiac work.
10. And another friend in music, Peter Sculthorpe’s Small Town. His moving piece about Anzac Day.

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Thanks so much you two. Such unalloyed beauty on this list. If you are a Top 10 follower, you will know that occasionally we ask as guests winemakers from other vineyards for whom we have a particular affection, and the Prop was lucky enough to get to know these two (having already been a longstanding admirer of Peter’s wines) while judging wine in Hong Kong  a few years ago ... an immensely amusing and enlightening week, where, for instance, having cigarettes outside the Mandarin with two of the driest wits we know will be something we will never forget (none of us smoke now, but that’s another story).

Anyway, what luck to have them here in the Dayglo, and cheers and good health you two. Give it up once more for our beautiful friends – Peter and Margaret Lehmann!

Jason O'Mara

Jason O'Mara, actor

Ladies and Gentlemen ... and Australians! Just kidding ... we love Australia here at the Dayglo! Here’s a SURPRISE tonight, someone we hardly know really, but we think is terrific, and we suspected would make a top DJ, and by gads we’ve seen his list, and we were right. Mind you, he comes highly recommended, by our pals Scott, Josh and Andre, the writers of Happy Town (that happiest of jobs) who had written Life on Mars, and loved him. And we really dug that show, and his work on it. A really good leading man – a harder job than it looks by the way. And now he is the solid beating heart of Terra Nova, and he is rightly garnering a huge following from that ... we watch it every week here at HQ. So here’s one or two things Jason and the Prop have in common – Ireland, time travel, and we both run from dinosaurs if needs be, with style and grace. But look, here he is, ready to play his stuff, we are delighted he’s here, flown straight from NYC on Two Paddocks Virtual Airways (First Class  - Close your eyes and you’re there in no time at all), a marvelous actor, and a famously good fellow ... Ladies and Gentlemen ... Jason O’Mara!

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1. Sympathy For The Devil - The Rolling Stones

Not only is this one of the greatest all-time songs, but it seems to follow me around and plays randomly (on the radio or TV, etc.) whenever a major event in my life takes place. What that says about me, I don't know. Maybe it's more the irresistible hypnotic samba beat than the clever diabolical lyrics, but I find this song tremendously positive and life affirming. Speaking of feeling blessed to be alive, I just finished Keith Richards' autobiography. Can't believe that guy is still walking around.

2. Love Rears It's Ugly Head - Living Colour

British guitar legend Vernon Reid fused funky jazz with metal in New York City to create this mind-blowingly cool track that represents some of the best the early 90's had to offer. It reminds me of my student days at Trinity College, Dublin. Not that I remember much of it, I was too busy having a VERY good time.

3. Ride On - Christy Moore

Huge in Ireland for many years, Christy Moore is still relatively unknown internationally. He's a singer-songwriter who usually records and performs his own stuff, but ironically he didn't write this - his biggest hit (it was written by another famous Irish songwriter, Jimmy MacCarthy). It's been covered by others may times but there's something about Christy's soulful, raw delivery that deeply affects me. It's also the only song that I'll sing publicly - when I sang it to my wife early on in our courtship, she said it was the moment she fell in love with me. So thank God for Christy Moore!

4. The Rat - The Walkmen

You like your music loud, intense and smart? This'll do it. It'll also get you through the last minutes of a tough workout. Heavy but not heavy metal. Angry but not dark. Can't listen to this too much. What an iPod is for. Love. It.

5. New Years Day - U2

Although supporting "the lads" is considered compulsory by many in Ireland, I have gone through phases of falling in and out of love with them over the years. Ultimately though, their songwriting talent and musical ability is undeniable (we have a phrase in Ireland; 'the cream always floats to the top'). Their gifts are fully utilized in this well known earlier song about heartbreak, reconciliation and hope. I'll probably be a U2 fan until my dying day. I know it's probably missing the point, but I actually have made it a tradition to play it every January 1st. It's a sound from my childhood that I find comforting.

6. Harder Than You Think - Public Enemy

Public Enemy refuse to just go away. To me, this one is an acknowledgement that life and career can be a struggle but it's the struggle that makes it all worthwhile. Fight the good fight and enjoy the journey. Listened to this a lot while waiting out the writers strike in 2007 to find out if 'Life On Mars' (US) was going to be picked up to series. Invigorating stuff from the grandaddys of hip hop.

7. To Build A Home - The Cinematic Orchestra

Listened to this before every show while performing a play at the Donmar Warehouse in London last year. The song (and the play) explores the destruction of a family that falls apart despite their efforts to 'hold on tightly'. What could be more heartbreaking? Exquisite song though.

8. Don't Go - The Hothouse Flowers

This mighty Irish band enjoyed their time in the sun in Ireland in the late 80's, particularly one summer where they played live gigs to stadium crowds (needless to say, I was at one or two of them!). An Irish stew of gospel, soul and jazz. Only the Irish can truly make happy songs out of sad subjects: 'Don't go! Don't leave me now!' By the way, this one instantaneously makes me feel 17 again.

9. Bang - Blur

Of course, I should have 'I Am The Resurrection' by The Stone Roses in this slot, but there's no accounting for taste, is there? The cool sophistication of a young Graham Coxon on guitar in this early effort from 1991 impressed me so much, I became a lifelong Blur fan. It also made me want to move to London (the sound of The Tube in the intro of the track filled me with excitement - I was 19!) By the time I got there in 96, Blur was poised to become the Next Big Thing. Unlike myself.

10. One Day Like This - Elbow

Waking with the one you love to the anticipation and hope of a new day. I was never a morning person until I met my wife, who taught me how to wake up happy. Ok, maybe not EVERY day...

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Well now, this is what the Top 10 is all about -- if you didn’t know Jason well before, you kind of do a bit now -- a brilliant set of songs, many of which you may not have considered before, but more than that an insight into a life -- growing up in Dublin, moving to the bigger smoke, being in love -- all that good stuff. It seems to me that music is  particularly important to many actors because it marks the chapters in our weird random traveling lives, cheers us up in the dark passages, brings a fanfare to our small triumphs, such as they are. Everybody needs a soundtrack. Thanks Jason, please come back to the Dayglo any time -- and bring the Cinematic Orchestra with you -- what a find! And make sure you get here  early, I’ll tell you my U2 story, but it takes about a bloody half an hour ... Ladies and Gentlemen, a big Dayglo hand for ... Jason O’Mara !

Lillian Haynes

Lillian Haynes, CEO Northeast Wines and Spirits Hong Kong

Ladies and Gentlemen!  Tonight, in the Dayglo, courtesy of Two Paddocks Virtual Air 1st Class (So convenient we just leave you at home.) arguably the world’s most glamorous, and nicest, wine distributor:  Lillian Haynes.

Lillian runs Northeast Wines and Spirits in fabulous Hong Kong, and they sell our wine in that most fantastic of cities. We love Hong Kong, and we know you do too, especially since Lillian ensures you are able to freely access Two Paddocks on both sides of the Fragrant Harbour.  Awesome, and reassuring at the same time. And we know none of you really  like to travel to foreign climes where the grizzly  possibility of a great dinner without a great TP Pinot is a genuine risk.

Lillian runs an extraordinarily successful business in the fiercely combative commercial milieu of Honkers (check out some of the other prestigious labels in their portfolio  - Geoff Merrill, Man O’ War, etc.) but she is also a wife and (rugby) mother, skier, golfer and above all DISCO Queen! Great company and good friend to Two Paddocks, she’s got it, and here she is, as always dressed in something super, swanning her elegant way across the Dayglo floor with her stack o’ wax, we have no idea what she wants to play, holding breath here, but here she is ... a big Dayglo welcome if you please, on your feet and hands in the air for  the remarkable and oh so beautiful ... Lillian Haynes!

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1. Sweet Caroline - Neil Diamond

Hong Kong Stadium, Rugby 7’s, South Stand, the biggest karaoke of all time

2. Oh What a Night - Frankie Valli & the Four Seasons

Jersey Boys, London, 2009, the best musical.

3. Banana Pancakes - Jack Johnson

Chill out in Phuket, lazy Sunday afternoon...

4. Kokomo - The Beach Boys

White sand beach, steel drums, pina colada...

5. Mustang Sally - Tom Jones

my ringtone and great sing-a-long song when driving

6. Hey Baby (If you’ll be my girl) - DJ Ötzi

One of the best rugby songs whether it’s in HK, Guangzhou, Shanghai, Wellington…

7. What's Up - 4 Non Blondes

The first song son Ed learned after ABC and it’s one of his favorites still

8. Something Stupid - Robbie Williams & Nicole Kidman

Mismatch but sweet

9. Sway - The Pussycat Dolls

Great rhythm, Richard Gere on the dance floor…..oh no!

10. I Feel Good - James Brown

All time classic.

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No, No NO NOAAHH, oh god Lillian, you chose the Beach Boys, bless you, but you chose the ONE certifiable stinker they ever sang!* Still, you make up for it with James Brown, and anyway ... we’ve snapped out of it ... and that’s the thing with Top 10s, you can play WHATEVER YOU WANT. It’s your party, and you’ll twist if you want to! Rock on Lillian!

So thanks Lillian, we are your BIGGEST fans here at Two Paddocks HQ, and we’ll play your stuff any time – and goodness knows you have exquisite taste in so many things, not least in wine.We can’t wait to get hack to HK  and Northeast, and to see you back here – you are way overdue!

And all you disco divas, when in Hong Kong, check out Northeast Wines. And in a tight spot, always remember you can get a glass of Two Paddocks at the Four Seasons.

* The Prop is a fervent Beach Boys fan, and his B Boys Essential 10 is coming soon.

Parminder Nagra

Parminder Nagra, actor

Laaadies and Gentlemen! Tonight in the Two Paddocks Dayglo 24/7, shaking her stuff on our pulsing dance floor, exquisitely reflected a thousand times in the TP mirror ball, all the way from Alcatraz, First Class courtesy of Two Paddocks Virtual Airlines (the canapés are literally lighter than air), a surprise and a delight – the lovely and super talented Parminder Nagra. In January you will see her luminescent on Fox in Alcatraz. You know her best from Bend it Like Beckham and as the longest serving cast member in E.R. (seven years – heroic) with any luck you may have seen her in the heaps of other theatre and film she has made ... but we know her best from cocktails and vino after work. A great team member, a funny friend, a devoted mother,  a fabulous actor and dammit ...   a bona fide Star. Here she is, with a bunch of songs she promises will be a surprise ...  All the way from Leicester via Los Angeles directly here in living colour and surround sound ... the all singing, all dancing, all outrageous ... Parminder Nagra!

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1. Good Life - One Republic

This song just reminds me of travel, friends,  and about reminding you too be optimistic and inspiring about your life. Fills me with joy. Also a great running tune.

2. Pumped Up Kicks - Foster the People

A funky fun tune that for some reason reminds me of London ... I was filming 28K at the time. (A new indie I did this past spring.)

3. Rhythm of Love - Plain White Ts

Another great running tune. This song just makes me happy.

4. Neelay Neelay/Only You - Penn Masala

Penn Masala is the world's first and premier Hindi a cappella group, formed in 1996 by students at the University of Pennsylvania. This brings together my two worlds. Fusion of two great tunes.

5. Teri Ore - Rahet Fateh Ali Khan, Shrey Goshal

Together with my brothers and sister we have probably listened to this song a hundred times, it is just truly beautiful.

6. Salaam-E-Ishq (From Salaam-E-Ishq) - Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy, Shreya Ghoshal, Sonu Nigam, Sadhana Sargam, Shankar Mahadevan & Kunal Ganjawala

If you want to keep your hips swinging this Bollywood song will be sure to keep your toes tapping. For some reason if I'm cooking in the kitchen I can't help but start dancing.

7. Quiet Town - Josh Rouse

I am winding down my top ten with Josh Rouse. He makes me feel sentimental ... in a good way. Reminds me of home and travel, and life now.

8. Where Do You Go (To My Lovely) - Peter Sarstedt

Darjeeling Limited is one of my favourite movies. I love the character in this song. Sort of tragic. Romantic. Jason Schwartzman's reaction to this song just makes it feel even more tragically romantic.

9. 1963 - Rachael Yamagata

Just love love love her voice. Deep and sultry. This song is also very romantic.

10. Somewhere Over The Rainbow - Israel Kamakawiwo'ole

This song I remember from ER and is such a wonderful take on this song.

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Wow ... what a top 10, with all kinds of places to go that you never thought of previously. Salaam-E-Ishq – if you don’t know how much crazy, sexy, psychotropic, giddy, sentimental, exhilarating fun Bollywood can be – here is a really good place to start. Parminder Nagra is the only other fan I know of Rachel Yamagata, apart from myself. And the late Israel Kamakawiwo’ole’s  version of Somewhere Over the Rainbow -- that huge man with the sweet high voice and the tiny ukulele -- almost impossible not to be moved to tears by this, especially if you have spent any time in Hawaii.

Anyway, all of us inmates of Alcatraz love working with Parminder, and all us Dayglo lot are thrilled to have her here, in 3D and completely gorgeous, a fantastic Top 10, ... give it up, with thanks and deafening applause ... for the splendid ... Parminder  Nagra!

Marianne Faithfull

Marianne Faithfull, Chanteuse Extraordinaire.

Ladies and Gentlemen! Tonight in the Dayglo Disco, courtesy of Two Paddocks Virtual Airways (First Class: Those Hostesses are just a Dream!), a treat of such rare privilege, one of the coolest people on the planet, so cool I think I may be hyperventilating ... yes ... I am, does anyone have a brown paper bag? Or a Ventolin puffer?  Oh thanks, much better. Yes here she is, one of the great beauties of our age, a completely remarkable artist, the most delightful company imaginable -- someone who has lived at least five lives in the most vivid ways imaginable, a great singer, writer and actor -- she knows everybody, and has done absolutely everything. Good Lord, it’s exhausting just thinking about it all, let alone living it. She’s sashaying her way across the floor, make room if you please!  … Oh stuff it, I’ll get out of her way and ask her to come up here to the stage with her Top 10, someone we feel privileged to know -- a big Dayglo welcome please for one of The Great Women, the always astonishing ... Marianne Faithfull!

Wait...she is saying something, she has the list in her hands, quiet please, she’s handing the list up to us here, what’s she saying?

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I really hope you like it and I hope our Sam will like it too.

1. Lush Life - John Coltrane
2. Across 110th Street - Bobby Womack
3. Drift Away - Dobie Gray
4. Chain of Fools - Aretha Franklin
5. Mustang Sally - Wilson Pickett
6. Get Up, Stand Up - Bob Marley
7. You Go To My Head - Billie Holiday
8. Love Is a Losing Game - Amy Winehouse
9. Blue Suede Shoes - Carl Perkins
10. Champagne & Reefer - Muddy Waters

The only story I really have is Mustang Sally. I went on my 1st road trip -- I mean without work -- in '65 or '66, I think, with my roadie Pat driving, to Positano. Going through Paris and Rome taking cool lovers in every city, having what I think was the best time of my life, honest and free! And I bought a ford Mustang to do it; so I WAS Mustang Sally and when I got back to London I went off with Mick Jagger.

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Well, in fact, Marianne is straight back on the floor dancing and waving, and is saying nothing more about her absolutely CLASSIC list; well, until next time she tours this way perhaps. (A flawless set, as interesting for its omissions as inclusions – but, you know, that's top 10 world!)  And if you do get the chance to see her live, do not miss the chance. In the meantime, if you have nothing else in your own stack o’ wax, do not live without Broken English, one of THE defining records of the 20th century. And speaking of which, for anyone interested in the 20th century and indeed the 21st, music, or pop culture,  Marianne’s autobiographies are required reading. More than that, we always like seeing Marianne as an actor -- she was a knockout for instance in Irina Palme. But hers is a long and fascinating career -- a few words here do it or her no justice -- enough to say she is one of the most interesting people of our time, and a great artist by any measure --everyone, on your feet please, and salute the wonderful ... Marianne Faithfull!

Tim Evans

Tim Evans, Negociants Australia

Ladies and Gentlemen! Attention please on the Dayglo floor. (Speaking of which, we know the flashing lights have been going a little strange this week, triggering migraines and one or two petits mals – apologies, but Boris the electrician has been on some kind of vodka all week sent from whatever Balkan country where we found him. Not pretty). No, say what you like about Australia (and many things have been said ... e.g. God’s own country, a fly cemetery, a den of cricket cheats, the greatest little country on Earth, you beauty and so on), we love it here at HQ, and we love Australians as well.

And part of our mission at TPHQ has always been to bring Two Paddocks to as much of The Lucky Country as we can. They love a top drop, even in Alice Springs – and believe me you need a top drop in Alice Springs!

And we realized very early we wanted to work with the best, to bring the best to The Best.
We have been with Negociants Australia from the beginning; they, like us, are a family-owned company (their family has been at it slightly longer than us – the Smiths founded Yalumba, the parent company, 160 years ago, the Neill’s started purveying wine in Otago 150 years ago) and they are dedicated to premium wines, just as we are.

So Our Man at Negociants, Our Man in Australia, Imported Wines National Sales Manager, Tim Evans, a good friend of us here at Two Paddocks, has been crucial in this critical mission.

An Adeleide man through and through which means he has an accent so refined he could be mistaken for a Kiwi! Tim is a Crows fan (no we can’t explain that, some weird rugby deviate game they play there – AFL). Tim is about the most laid-back bloke we have ever met in a country where Laid-Back is an art form and a national pastime.
He has been at Negociants 15 years, only slightly longer than us...he is married to the splendid Danni who also has a wine background, two kids, loves cars, fine barbequer – in short  top bloke at a top firm.

Here he is now, one of our favourite of all Australians, and a credit to the world of wine merchants ... the one and only, the entirely likeable, the urbane and charming , all-dancing, all-singing, all-imbibing ... Mr Sociable himself ... Mr Tim Evans!

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1. Viva la Vida - Cold Play

Great band and lyrics. I rule the…..

2. Teardrop - Massive Attack

One of the classics from Massive and it takes me back to the old days of working at Odd Bins in the UK.

3. This Boy’s In Love or If I Know You - The Presets

One cannot decide as there is so many great songs from their second album. (Apocalypso)

4. Man With The Red Face - Mark Knight & Funkagenda

Awesome piece of music, saxophone and vibe!

5. Someone Like You - Adele

Beautiful vocals and just a beautiful piece of music…

6. Lift Me Up - Moby

How could you not love this song!

7. Rabbit Heart (Raise it Up) - Florence & The Machine

Love it, but what are they doing in the video.

8. Blue Jeans - Lana Del Rey

A very new find and one that I just keep going back to. Her film clips are also a must view also!

9. Bitter Sweet Symphony - The Verve

One of the great 90’s bands out of the UK, lyrics and the violins what a symphony.

10. God is a DJ - Faithless

You have to turn this one up ... and it takes you back to the younger years.

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Jacqui Murphy , TP Manager gives thanks to Tim...

Bravo and let's all have a massive thigh slapping, feet stamping, heart racing, back clapping, table thumping round of polite applause for the dry witted and delightful Tim Evans.

We're surrounded by gold-mining tailings here in Central Otago from the days when thousands of men, many of them our Aussie cousins, toiled to dredge their fortunes out of the ground. The Proprietor's family were also here then - supplying these thirsty men with liquid refreshments, so it seems fitting that 150 years later The Prop is himself working hard to produce fine liquid refreshments (read Pinot Noir) and thankfully there is just enough to send some back across the Tasman. Anyone in the wine industry will tell you that it is a privilege to be working the team at Negociants Australia and we look forward to seeing them back here at Two Paddocks soon. Ladies and Gentleman, goodbye and good drinking from the most Southern vineyard region in the world at TPHQ. JM

Bryan Brown

A.O., Antopodean Thespian, and Producer

Laaadies and Gentlemen! Tonight, flown directly from NYC and the set of The Good Wife, (by Two Paddocks Virtual Air – first class -- "you only imagine that bed is flat.") a very special Dayglo guest, arguably the Prop’s closest friend, The Nipper from Panania, and latterly the Bodgie of Balmain; one of the greatest  Leading Men of Australian Cinema of all time, a menace to himself and to his peers, an adornment to Australian Society, an advertisement for a good Catholic Education, an example to the fathers of Oz, a disgrace after 6 pm. Why he has been selected as DJ at all is a mystery in itself, the man is tone deaf (what little he can hear at all) and we have proof of his tin ear – a recording of him butchering a version of his mate Billy Thorpe’s great anthem Mashed Potato Yeah at the last big birthday bash. But here he is, he’s dusted off the old 45’s, he’s got the winklepickers on, plus he’s raided the old brylcreem jar, he’s looking good, the crowd loves him .. .give him room please. Security – he’s fine he’s with us – bring him up to the stage, he’s got his records on... A big Dayglo roar if you please for the one and only...MR BRYAN BROWN!!

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Part 1: The Beginning

1. There was always music. A piano being played during childhood. She loved Bing Crosby and White Christmas. But real music started with Elvis Presley and Heartbreak Hotel.
2. I became a rocker. Had the best haircut and the tightest pants. Thirteen inches at the ankle. Stovepipe. Then a summer holiday by the beach and it all changed. No more grease just the Beach Boys and Good Vibrations.
3. And a moment later music exploded and the word was The Beatles. And I sat up until midnight because they were going to play it straight after. Hey Jude, the greatest seven minutes of song I’d ever heard.
4. The Hordern Pavillion. Roy Orbison opened for The Rolling Stones. His set ended and the roof lifted. No way The Stones could do better. They walked on stage and the roof was sent to Mars. "On a blanket with my baby' could a lyric be more sexy. Under the Boardwalk, that’s where I wanted to be.
5. Sex, sex, sex. What else was there? And Diana Ross was the sexiest woman ever with the Supremes and I wanted to be her Baby Love.
6. The '70s and troubled and creative and Carly Simon sang You're So Vain
7. and  James Taylor answered with Fire and Rain.
8. And I brooded and brooded and the poets arrived and Neil Young had a Heart of Gold
9. and Leonard Cohen spoke for me to every women when he breathed I'm Your Man.
   Thanks Leonard.
10. The world that we were born into was no more. A new world had arrived and some of it would be good and some of it bad. As Dylan spoke it -- The Times They are a-Changin.

And so begins Part 2...

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Bryan, mate ... you rock.

Do we get a Part 2 one day, let’s hope...?

One of the Prop’s favourite ever chansons is Dexter and Sinistraby Karma County, which features Bryan on vocals. A heartbreaking story from a marvelous band. There is a surprisingly cheerful clip of it on YouTube, with BB in some vile shirts – do not miss it.

Speaking of Bryan’s greatest hits (yeah we know you’re going to say The Thorn Birds, A Town Like Alice, Breaker Morant, etc.) the Prop’s fave is Two Hands, with a very young Heath Ledger. And who can forget Bryan’s vast hat in Australia? Baz – put the scene where David Wenham treacherously feeds Bryan to the crocs back in the Director’s cut. Please!

Bryan – don’t go yet, we will be dancing til 5:00 am tonight. Oh well, toddle off then, you old fart. See you back at the Dayglo next year!

Jim Eustace

Special guest, Jim Eustace of Hayes, Hanson and Clark, Wine Merchants

Ladies and Gentlemen! At least those who are still standing ... Today, the Quiet Man of Wine ... our Man at HH & C, Gentleman Jim Eustace is here, rocking the house and bustin’ his moves! And what a line-up - Jim's mild and affable, besuited exterior belies a rumoured history of wasted days and trashed nights in the clubs of Soho and Southwark in the notorious 80s, and here, that wax under his right arm, perhaps the proof positive. Mind you, things did turn around later – after leaving Art School and abandoning plans to become the Simon Le Bon of the world of installations and found art, and having put the big permed hair behind him, Jim started at HH & C as a van driver and rapidly worked his way up the slippery pole to partner, buyer and director. Parent, rugby coach, husband, but above all Pinotphile ... here he is, and GOOD GOD, he’s back in the shoulder pad suit and he’s done something horrid to the barnet ... no matter... give a big retro Ministry of Sound-type welcome please, give it up for to the charming and civilized ... MR JIM EUSTACE!

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1. Just Can’t Get Enough -- Depeche Mode

Sorry, but I love a bit of eighties electronica – it’s my era.

2. Too Much Too Young - The Specials

Because I never could…

3. Stiff Little Fingers – Alternative Ulster

Every now and then it’s good to dig out the 10-holers and go a bit mental to the angry boys from Ulster.

4. Jackson - Johnny Cash/June Carter

Because it’s a happy song!

5. Queen Bitch - David Bowie

Today, it’s my favourite Bowie song, tomorrow ...

6. This Is What We Find - Ian Dury and the Blockheads

Any song with ‘half-a-pound of uncut pork’ in the lyrics has to be in there – just listen to the story, always puts me in a good mood.

7. Boiling Pot - J.J. Cale

A voice like melting silk (not dissimilar to the texture of Two Paddocks Pinot!)

8. Song for the Dumped - Ben Folds Five

This was our go-to song driving through France this summer – the kids loved it (but probably just because of the swearing).

9. Candy Says - Lou Reed 

For quiet moments.

10. Arrested Development – Tennessee

It’s funky yet restrained and I like it.

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Melting silk – what an excellent analogy for TP Pinot! And anyone who loves Ian Dury, as I do – respect, dude!

Thanks Jim, and kudos for everything you do for Two Paddocks in Blighty. And Disco Daygloers ... Next time you are in London, pop in and see Jim at Haynes Hanson & Clarke. When you walk in the door, you may find the music turned down, but you might just catch them (I know we have) with Jim’s tracks turned to max, and they are boppin’ in the back ...

Seriously though, the best wine shop in the land. Worth the journey.

E. J. Barnes

Special guest, EJ Barnes, chanteuse.

Ladies and Gentlemen! A special thrill today in the Dayglo Disco (predominantly agent orange with lime green highlights, and a fluorescent strobing see-through dance floor) in the House tonight, an old young  friend, the delightful and beautiful EJ Barnes!

If anyone in these parts could be called Oz Rock Royalty, it’s our darling EJ. Daughter of the legendary Jimmy Barnes (currently roaring through Australia with his great band Cold Chisel), niece to the wonderful Diesel, sister of two terrific singing sisters Mahalia and Elly May, sister to David Campbell (ripper singer) and Jacky Barnes (ripper drummer) niece to the fabled Swanee, etc. etc. Brought up in a noisy musical house full of hundreds of musos, actors, cuzzies and the best of bludgers (you’d need an historian to document it all) and it’s no accident that she not only has talent to burn, but she is out there with a crazily successful career of her own: writing, collaborating, singing, playing an assortment of instruments, recording and more.

She’s here in the Dayglo, taking a brief break from touring with Liam Finn (let’s not get started with his extraordinary musical pedigree) - last month we saw them in Vancouver, the night after Eddie Vedder had sung with them in Seattle, as well as touring between times with Evil Jane & St. Cecilia – do yourselves a favour and go to You Tube and see them and the increasingly hirsute Liam Finn to see the glorious EJ play and sing.
And, look,  we do understand that a lot of our DJs, while hand-picked by the Prop are, well, male, and not as young as they once were, so here’s an antidote – EJ Barnes, the opposite to that, and decidedly alt rock as well!

Here she is, just a lovely person and a lovely singer, we’ve known her since she was a kid, she’s completely gorgeous, and she’s here with her kind o’ tunes!
Give it up for the utterly radiant ... EJ BARNES!

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The Top Ten Songs by Bands I've Discovered on Tour

1. The Mystery Lair - Lawrence Arabia, from Lawrence Arabia

A song by the wonderful James Milne, who I met when I first moved to London. He was first Kiwi to have me in his band. I loved touring with him and getting to sing in harmony with a gorgeous bunch of Kiwi  fellows. He quickly became one of my favourite songwriters ever! I was swollen with pride when his song Apple Pie Bed won the Silver Scroll  last year. This was the first track on his debut album and one we used to open  shows with.

2. Welcome To Nowhere - The Mint Chicks

Crazy? Yes! Dumb? No! I heard this album when I was on tour with Lawrence Arabia & The Erotic Threads. I loved it instantly. Plenty of awesome beats for erratic dancing and beautiful melodies. I was thrilled to do tour of New Zealand with The Mint Chicks a couple of years ago. Not so  thrilled when they broke up last year.

3. It's Chode My Dear -- Connan Mockasin, from Please Turn Me Into The Snat

Connan is another New Zealand fellow I met when I moved to London. He had a trio called Connan and The Mockasins back then. A strange and wonderful artist, he makes incredibly psychedelic music and this album is amazing. This song is a sexy little number about a penis that is as wide as it is long.

4. Tiny Head - The Luyas, from Too Beautiful To Work

This is a really captivating band from Montreal. I met Jessie on my  first tour with Liam Finn in The States. She was playing in a band called Miracle Fortress at the time. We were fast friends and when I heard The Luyas record I was entranced.

5. Stupid Ocean - Adam and The Amethysts, from Amethyst Amulet

Adam is another Montreal based musician, who was a part of Miracle Fortress when Liam and I toured  with them. I love the ramshackle nature of his music. It really  reminds me of Canada- maple sweet and evergreen.

6. Little Bird - Griffith Goat Boy, from The Chimera

Davey, a dear friend made this album whilst studying to become a doctor ­ I was so blown away by his beautiful and pure music. Still my favourite person to see play when I’m back in Sydney ­ When he can pull himself away from being a doctor that is. This song makes me feel  like I’m home.

7. Yours Truly, The Commuter - Jason Lytle

This song takes me back to  the tour bus ... and makes me long for the open road. We toured the west coast with Jason when he’d just released this record. I love his  melodies.

8. Hot Tania - The Drab Doo Riffs, from Fist Full of Doo-Riffs

We just toured NZ with this great band. Rockabilly pop at its best. This was one of my favourite song to watch live.

9. Deep In My Heart - Marques Toliver, from Butterflies Are Not Free

I’m currently touring America with Liam Finn and this lovely young man from Florida now London-based. He’s a violin playing soul singer with a voice from heaven. I’m loving watching him play every night. This song is off his current EP.

10. Meet Me In The Hallway for a Kiss - The Motts

I’m also currently on tour with man responsible for this track. Jol aka “Mulholland” is playing bass in Liam’s band. He released this album a couple of years ago. He’s another of New Zealand’s great songwriters and a killer engineer. He played a few solo sets on Liam’s UK tour ­  This song always moves me.

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What can we say – the most generous of lists, and a great road of discovery for all of us...exquisite taste.

Thanks so much EJ, we love you and come back soon to the Dayglo!

A huge round of applause again, groovers, for the completely fab EJ BARNES!!

Roi Colbert

Special guest Roi Colbert, humourist, writer and critic.

Ladies and Gentlemen, are there any of you here, or is it just the usual line-up of hooligans and louts here in the Dayglo? Yes, I believe I see one at the back, a small but impressive gentleman from Dunedin, making his way to the stage, a familiar figure ... wait while I put on my glasses ... yes, I’m right, it’s the man who gives a good name to Dunedin ... columnist for the Otago Daily Times, satirist, commentator, and documentarian of his own hapless delightful life.

A very old and treasured friend of Two Paddocks, Roi, while not the world’s wildest dancer, knows more about, and cares more about music than anyone else we know – he has been a master of music criticism since the last King died pretty much. He also ran the best second hand record store in NZ for many years, just up from the Octagon.

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1. Astral Weeks – Van Morrison

Unfortunately, or fortunately, it’s a line call, heard this for the first time on acid, and immediately grokked its every word. Then Van told Ritchie York Madame George was about a cheese sandwich and I had to start all over again. I generally fling this out as the best album ever made, it’s just got everything I want in a record.

2. While You Sleep – Mutton Birds

A lovely ringing song but I especially like it for the utterly quintessential Kiwi scenario of pretty girl answering ad for vacancy at all-male flat, and protagonist showing her through the flat so overcome he forgets how to breathe. How many times have us men forgotten how to breathe in the presence of a fine woman? I know I have.

3. Peggy Sue – Buddy Holly

The best, greatest, most whang-your-head-on-a-wooden-toilet-seat guitar break in all of rock. Wasn’t it Oscar Wilde who said, if you’re going to play an electric guitar, make it SOUND like an electric guitar? Or was that Reg Presley of The Troggs?

4. Mr Tambourine Man – The Byrds

Maybe my favourite single of all time. It seemed monumental when it came out, a thousand jangling guitars, ten voices in gorgeous harmony, escapist words to stun a boy in short pants at high school wanting to get out of the classroom NOW. All that in 2min 33sec.

5. No Stranger Am I – Dusty Springfield

There’s an argument for saying the ten best of anything anywhere is by Dusty Springfield, but just look at this one, the B side of I Close My Eyes And Count To TenIt’s a tiny wee song and everything about it is beautiful and perfect. You could base a movie on this, and if you played it at the end, tears would flow down theatre aisles like the waters of the mighty Manuherikea.

6. God Only Knows – Beach Boys

Brian Wilson is really the only true genius in rock music, I mean, the only one would pass every test if the tests were written down. A song of high irony though – how many have thought of having it played at their funeral for their stranded partner only to find the first line is “I may not have always loved you?” Carl Wilson told me Brian wrote this in twenty minutes. Genius.

7. Return of the Grievous Angel – Gram Parsons & Emmylou Harris

The pinnacle of all harmony country that had gone before (Louvin Brothers/Everly Brothers) and all the alt.rock that would come after. A classic example of making a wobbly singer sound magnificent simply by attaching him to a woman who can really sing.

8. America– Simon & Garfunkel

Trivia question to win money in a pub – how many lines rhyme in this song? You’ll be thinking, oh, those words are exquisite, it must be a lot. The answer is none. Breath-taking.

9. Like A Rolling Stone – Bob Dylan

I dunno, this is number one for everyone, but it just blew everything else beside it to pieces when it came out. Unbelievable snarling tobacco and Beaujolais vocal. It was a single and it just went forever. I walked all over Dunedin driven by the sound of this in my head.

10. Mule Skinner Blues – The Fendermen

A folk song turned into black thunder by these two Fender-playing weirdos. A vocal that had never been done before and hasn’t been done since, a lyric of baffling stupidity, and a guitar sound to launch ten million ships. The best one-hit-wonder song of all time.

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Choice choice from the Master. Give the man a huge vote of thanks also for what he’s done for NZ music over the years.

Roi is married to one of The Great Women -- Christine ... and look at her cutting the rug!

Play them again, oh southern seer of impeccable taste, and many more years of all of it my friend!

Curtis Marsh

Guest DJ Wine Writer and Commentator, The Wandering Menace, Curtis Marsh.

One of the Great Men of Wine, Curtis Marsh, has been based in Honkers and now in Singapore for many years now, and when he’s not clubbing here at the Dayglo, he devotes his time to exploring the world of wine. He is a sound critic and a terrific commentator, and we highly recommend his website thewanderingpalate.com for top info on wines and sheer pleasurable reading. Look him up – we will spare you the bio – but suffice it to say he’s been everywhere in the pursuit of excellence and a decent beverage – they know him in Burgundy, in Central Otago, in California ... he’s out there in your vineyard, he’s interrogating your winemaker, he’s keeping you up all night with hilarity and more of the good stuff. In other words, a major liability. The Wandering Menace ...

So, give it up Clubbers, iPhones in the air please, do a little stretch before maxing the boogie, hit the flloor, and DANCE! Here he is, our pal and yours -The Wandering Palate himself ... CURTIS MARSH!

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The Wandering Palate Cure for Writer’s Block Top 10

Like all great talent, there are days when it flows and days when it don’t. Most of the time it’s simply lack of motivation and lethargy of the brain and what one needs is to energise the brain cells and neurons. To which I find a good dose of hard rock and heavy metal turned up loud enough to make our old colonial house windows rattle and the neighbours give me dirty looks whenever I see them.

So here it is; The Wandering Palate’s menacing selection of predictably nauseating head bangers that is guaranteed to cure writer’s block, or at worst lose the whole day chilling out!

1. Even Flow – Pearl Jam
   Always the first track I play to for inspiration, thought provoking and brings back all the disordered thoughts and intoxications when I bummed out of school at 14...and when I went troppo for a while in 2001, “Even flow, thoughts arrive like butterflies.”  And it’s definitely a pinot noir gig; complex, nuanced, great rhythm and flow yet full of vitality and rebellious, just like pinot.
2. Fuckin Up – Neill Young and Pearl Jam
   Sobering song/lyrics highlighting a strong personal trait I have, constantly brought to my attention by the wife. I find consistency is the key to mastering this and something I have not only maintained but seemed to have perfected. Oh, and great guitar riff!
3. Smells like Teen Spirit – Nirvana
   Well, it goes something like if your brain is apathetic feed it something that is completely unintelligible yet powerful (power guitar riff from Coban and incompressible lyrics) and uplifting and has you start jumping around the room air-guitaring, volume at the max blowing out the cobwebs... and I just want to be a teen again... nothwithstanding this is possibly one of the great rock songs of our time.
4. Woman from Tokyo – Deep Purple
   The first album I bought at 12 years-old, when my brother and I purchased a PYE Isotronic Stereo, much to the displeasure of our neighbours for the surrounding 5 kilometres. I find it very useful when I have to write a note on a cabernet sauvignon, as I get so caught up in the music I forget to write up the cabernet, which is the perfect result.
5. Hey, Hey, My My – Neil Young
   If the music score is not inspiring prose by this stage then it’s probably time to take more direct action open up a bottle of Champagne or a good Fino Sherry and see if a glass or two gets the onboard thesaurus going, besides the high notes in the guitar riffs of this little tune remind me of invigorating acidity in Champagne or cut of Fino Sherry... drink more of the Fino if you are really stuck.
6. Rock n Roll – Led Zeppelin
   Time to move things up in beat and decibels and add some jam session spontaneity, as John Bonhom did with his drum fill and Jimmy Page coming in with the guitar riff that took all of 15 minutes to get the song down... and this was the second and moist cherished album I ever bought... Stairway to Heaven.
7. Not Fragile – Bachman-Turner Overdrive
   By this stage you’re probably pissed on Sherry and cursing deadlines and editors. This little tune actually reminds me of editors or how much I hate them and equally deadlines and constraints of word count. It’s the sort of song that puts you in a bad arse "go get fucked" mood and I usually end up writing a piece that's way to long and straying off the brief, and telling the editor to go - well you know what - and the piece invariably ends up on my website and the list of medians gets more exclusive.
8. Thunderstruck – AC/DC
   I would suggest you get off the Sherry by this stage and liberate a good bottle of pinot noir, not so good as to be distracting, but enough to add warmth to the inner olfactory and spark that chip in the onboard computer. Besides, it might be time to take a break from the keyboards and whack on Black in Black.
9. Comfortably Numb – Pink Floyd
   By this stage you are totally back in the saddle and have banged out your best work ever, or the bottle of pinot noir is fast disappearing and you’re horizontal... “Hello? Is there anybody in there? Just nod if you can hear me. Is there anyone at home? ...and most likely becoming “Comfortably Numb”... “There is no pain you are receding.”
10. All Along the Watchtower – Jimi Hendrix
    Well, it all over by now, whether you have cured the writer’s block or not, it’s now all a haze... "There must be some way out of here," said the joker to the thief”, and anyway what do those editors or anyone for that matter know, they don’t appreciate my talent... “Businessmen, they drink my wine, plowmen dig my earth, none of them along the line know what any of it is worth”... as the second bottle of pinot noir opens and you fantasizing about writing like Dylan and playing the guitar like Hendrix; and if only wine writers had this much talent ... “Prepare the table, watch in the watchtower, eat, drink: arise ye princes, and prepare the shield. /For thus hath the Lord said unto me, go set a watchman, let him declare what he seeth.”

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Thanks, Menace, and we only regret we took your drinking instructions there a tad too literally. Speaking of music and a glass of something tip top, Curtis is married to on of The Great Women, Lee Leng, a formidable but utterly glamorous figure in the world of high finance, and together they are generous and delightful hosts in their Black-n-White in Singapore.

Footnote - "Swampy Marsh" served his time in the NZ Army – artillery – in the days before ear plugs, so it’s a wonder he can hear music at all, let alone conjure up a Top 10 as good as this one. A medal on that man!

Oscar Kightley

Special Guest DJ Oscar Kightley, MNZM.

Ladies and Gentlemen! On your feet, if you please, for a great New Zealander, and simultaneously a great Samoan!  Yeah!  I know ... crazy but true! Here he is in the Disco Inferno -- our good friend and confidant, the completely unique and utterly marvellous Oscar Kightley. "As funny as a fight," as they say in Ireland. Who knows what they say in Samoa? Do they even fight in Samoa? We love what Oscar does here at TPHQ. Excellent Actor, Writer, Producer, Comedian, TV Presenter and All Round Good Guy – all of these. Having said that, who knows what Oscar does, since he is almost invariably part of an excellent collective. One of the amazing Naked Samoans (if you haven’t seen Niu Sile, you haven’t lived or laughed enough), and one of the guys of Bro’ Town, New Zealand’s wildly succesful animated series, about a bunch of kids ar a South Auckland school. If they ad a leader &at all, it was Oscar. Just as he cowrote and starred in the brilliant movie Sione's Wedding probably the best comedy ever from New Zealand, and much loved here at HQ. (Look forward to the sequel ... the Prop should have been in it, but failed the Samoan accent test somehow). The Prop was in an episode of Bro' Town – "To Sam With Love" - check it out.

So here he is - one of the funniest men in New Zealand or anywhere else – our friend and dance guru, on your feet please, lighters up in the DaygloDisco, Let’s hear it from Club Two Paddocks – his sounds, his moves his moment – yes it’s Oscar Kightley!

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1. Like A Rolling Stone -- Jimi Hendrix, Live At Monterey
   A great song by a great songwriter performed by a legendary great. It’s like chicken and rice. Individually they are awesome but together they are absolutely magic.
2. You Can’t Always Get What You Want -- The Rolling Stones
   Philosophically it’s very sound. The title is a good thing to remember when you’re planting grapes and other assorted life activities. Surely no one on Earth has had more fun lives than these fullas.
3. Stir It Up - Bob Marley and The Wailers
   Not manym if anym people can take a name like Bob and own it to such a degree that everyone knows him just as Bob.  Perhaps they should retire that name now that he owns it.
4. Hot Stepper - Gregory Isaacs
   This is from Night Nurse, his most dope album. One of the coolest guys and coolest voices who ever lived. No wonder he was known as The Cool Ruler.
5. The Show Goes On - Lupe Fiasco
   I would like this played at my funeral with everyone handed the lyrics so they can rap along to it.
6. Express Yourself - N.W.A.
   From their game-changing first album that heralded in a golden age of hip hop in the 90s.
7. Symphony of Sorrowful Songs - Gorecki
   I must be quite a goth deep down. Out of this world piece of music.
8. Atmosphere - Joy Division
   Yep definitely I am part goth. Must be thanks to all the white kids I went to school with at Rutherford High in Te Atatu.
9. 93 'til Infinity - Souls of Mischief
   Part of the golden period of 90’s hip hop. One of the best beats ever created. Even if you don’t like rap music you’ll love this song.
10. Waiting On A Friend - The Rolling Stones
    "A smile relieves a heart that grieves." One of the best songs about being mates ever written.
11. (10s) Picture Me Rolling - Tupac
    Had to have Tupac on my list so sneaking this in as not 11 but 10s. Once you’ve picked all your grapes and are looking forward to a bumper harvest you can picture yourself rolling. Either rolling drunk or rolling in bucks.

Judy Finn

Special Guest Winemaker and Diva from Neudorf

Ladies and Gentlemen! Tonight in the Dayglo Disco, Club Two Paddocks,  special guest New Zealand Wine Legend Judy Finn!  We love a lot of other wineries here at Club HQ, and some we love more than others. Neudorf, in Nelson, is one we adore.  30 years on, making some of NZ’s greatest wines (try walking past their Chardonnays ... go on, try ... see you couldn’t do it!). And here she is, the glamorous Judy Finn, co-founder of Neudorf with her husband Tim Finn (imagine the sheer inconvenience of that alone -- like a Californian winemaker who happened to be married to an Elvis Presley) ... Judy has immaculate taste in wine and music, and we are honoured to welcome her to Club Two Paddocks, a rousing cheer please for the wonderful ... Judy FINN!

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My musical memories started with my father and Friday night trips to Baden Winchcombe’s (love that name?) to buy 33 RPMs (jazz, musicals) followed by fish and chips at Deans Fish Shop.

1. Green Door - Jim Lowe
   Listening with siblings while parents down Gin with friends – euphemistically called a cocktail party.
2. Spanish Harlem Incident - Bob Dylan
   A revelation after Cliff Richard – music as poetry.
3. Ruby Tuesday - Rolling Stones  
   Memories of halter necks, heavy fringes, exams, boys, kitten heels and garter belts.
4. N.S.U. - Cream
   Student flats – Aubrey Beardsley posters, blackberry nip (as nature’s true emetic). High times good times.
5. White Wedding - Billy Idol  
   Working three jobs, planting vineyards, sooo tired. One job was working shifts at local radio station – still love this.
6. Anything from Madame Butterfly ( Maria Callas and Nicolai Gedda sing the duet Vogliatemi Bene from the First Act of Madama Butterfly by Giacomo Puccin )
   It reduces me to tears.
7. Tower of Song - Martha Wainwright
   I know Mr L Cohen wrote it but Martha nails it.
8. Carmelita - Warren Zevon
   Great man.Will always be a sucker for the ol’CW ballad.
9. This World - Katchafire
   Hard call could be OpShop, Woolshed Sessions or Che Fu’s version of The Beatles Come Together, but New Zealand music reigns
10. 99 Problems - Jay Z
    Daughter teaches me, I am hooked but resist her adulation of Beyonce.

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Fabulous choice Judy. New Plymouth girl through and through. We very much admire Neudorf down here in the Paddocks ... they produce wines with what we believe is a similar sustainable  philosophy to ours, and their wines are elegant, balanced and restrained with marvellous textures and flavours. We recommend them. Good people too.

Thanks Judy, and our best to The Other Tim Finn!

Alan Rickman

Special Guest  DJ Thespian LEGEND, Alan RICKMAN Star of Bottleshock (Just to show this is in some small way connected to wine.)

Ladies aanndd Gentlemen! Tonight only, direct from Broadway, the utterly unique and completely brilliant Alan Rickman, right here in the Dayglo Disco spinning his discs just for you. And you. And you two in the corner. Yes it's Alan Rickman ... NOW I have your attention. Yes, it's the man who brought you Snape in Harry Potter (if you're under 20), Valmont in the RSC's Dangerous Liaisons (if you are grown up), the bad guy in Die Hard, he IS Colonel Brandon, Truly Madly ... oh alright you’ve got the picture ... and masses of other luminous performances on stage and screen. He is, like his namesake Chicken Rickman, sexy, charismatic and very scary. And here he is ... RESPECT ... sashaying up to the turntables with a stack o’ wax under his immaculately cut  armpit -- give it up, if you please, for one of the greatest actors of his and any other generation -- the simply great, the inimitable the fantastic ...Alan RICKMAN!!

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These are songs to have grown up with:  
I Won’t Dance - Fred Astaire                                         
My hero. Completely disciplined, completely free.

I’m Easy - Keith Carradine                                  
From Robert Altman’s great film, Nashville.  The scene has an acting lesson from Lily Tomlin.

Lily, Rosemary, and the Jack of Hearts - Bob Dylan                                              
10am. Monday morning. RADA student. Our brilliant teacher, June Kemp, gets us moving.

The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face - Roberta Flack                                       
Just listen.

Desperado - Langley Schools Music Project
Recorded in a school gym in 1976. The singer is 9 years old.

Dancing in the Street - Martha and The Vandellas             
Just dance.

Real Good For Free - Joni Mitchell                                         
She says it all, really. No comment required.

Coney Island - Van Morrison                                       
Nostalgia about everything. Everywhere.

You’ve Lost That Loving Feeling - The Righteous Brothers                   
Last dance at the party. A red light bulb. The dregs of cheap wine.

Imagination - Little Jimmy Scott                                          
A great jazz singer rediscovered just in time.

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Thanks to Alan from taking a few minutes from learning his lines and rehearsing Seminar for Broadway. Fascinating list, and illuminating too. Go see it if you can.

Oh, and when we said inimitable, we were exaggerating. In the Proprietor’s experience, AR has one of those voices that actors all over the world absolutely love to imitate. Like Michael Caine and Sean Connery. And Christopher Walken. It’s a compliment.

Anyway, we always love any Rickman performance.  What’s your favourite?

He is the Bee’s Knees. Practice your Rickman with that phrase ... mutter through your teeth with eyes half closed and a kind of hypnotic drone “...heeez the beeez neeez." Good.

Diesel

Special guest DJ

Ladies and Gentlemen! Today, and all night too, right here in your favourite limegreen and agent orange Dayglo Disco ... none other than our good Two Paddocks friend, the one and only Mark Lizotte -- aka DIESEL! Not just Australia's greatest guitarist but perhaps its greatest living singer too. A Living National Treasure! At last, some class! So, a big hand if you please – here he is (Mark has sung for us at birthdays, dinners, picnics ...there is no end to his generosity, but today instead  he’s spinning discs) -- a big hand for the fabulous ...DIESEL!!

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What I'm listening to this week -- top 10 (in no particular order):

1. Video Games - Lana Del Rey
   Sometimes you hear a song that stops you literally in your tracks.
2. Champagne & Reefer - Muddy Waters
   Ain't a crime? This song makes everything elicit attractive, the way the verses turn around, an extra bar here, there ... poetry.
3. Psychotic Girl - The Black Keys
   Great textures from the background vocals .. and a (rocking??) banjo.
4. Little Wing - The Jimi Hendrix Experience
   How they managed to make this song evoke an orchestral landscape will always amaze me .. it's all in the song ... and ... they only had 8 tracks!
5. My Alberta - Link Wray and his Ray Men
   Cinematic, this track is like a massage around the shoulders like "albatross."
6. Valerie - Amy Winehouse
   I love this paired back version. Amy working the melody beautifully.
7. Harvest Moon - Neil Young
   I'm in love with the idea of rural life... Linda Ronstadt adds some much on this track.
8. Mystery Train - Little Junior Parker
   Syncopation taken to new levels on this track... sorry Elvis!
9. I'm New Here - Jamie X X and Gil Scott-Heron
   Two generations of the 5 Burroughs meet on this track, brutal and vulnerable at once.
10. When The Devil's Loose - A A Bondy
    Makes me think about Savannah and weather that hangs like a water filled flour bag.

---

Mark, your roots are showing. Cool , so very cool ...

Stephen Fry

Special guest DJ

Ladies and Gentlemen ... and the rest of you can leave ... now!   Go on – out!

Tonight, all the way from sunny Norwich, flown in at gaggingly high cost on Two Paddocks Virtual Airways (First Class --So good, you never sleep). The Most Loved Man in Television and Film, and pretty much any other medium yet devised ... the Ridiculously Funny, The Unnecessarily Handsome, the Alarmingly Intelligent, The Absurdly Tall, The Overly Modest, the Unfairly Talented, The Abundantly Charming, Man of The Fens, here tonight exclusively in the Dayglo Disco: Actor, Producer, Director, Author, Satirist, Comedian, Tweeter, Soccer Tragic, Occasional Political Activist, (Lordy this is exhausting) ... Sometime Theatrical Luvvy, Bloody Blogger, Winner of the Hair Lottery, and so on ... a list as long as your arm. Here he is gliding his way through the adoring crowd ...

You love him in Q.I. (Should be B.F.*), you loved him as Jeeves, you loved him in Blackadder, you loved him with Laurie, you loved him as Wilde, you loved him as the Cheshire Cat, you loved him as Kingdom, you love him with animals, with words, with Wagner, with taxis, with black dogs, with ancestors, with, with .. .oh God there is no end to this ... the man not only defines Polymath, he can bloody well spell it.  And you will love him as the highest Hobbit ever.

We just love him as a good egg.

Give it up, if you please, on your feet, hands in the air, a big Dayglo Disco welcome ... for the Superbly ,  Staggeringly, Stunningly  Splendid ... Mr ... Stephen FRY!!!

---

So here we are. I am deeply aware, as you will be when you've examined my ten, that I'm not one of the world's great popsters, so I hope you'll forgive my mad eclecticism.

1. Spanish Flea - Herb Alpert and his Tijuana Brass.
   Herb is a good old Jewish boy from Fairfax, LA, but that doesn't detract from the genius of this phase of his extraordinary musical life.  If this doesn't cheer you up, you are uncheerupable.
2. Exsultate Jubilate Alleluja - Cecilia Bartoli.
   This singer can do no wrong in my eyes, or should that be ears? Her attack, passion and verve always thrill me. This final section of Mozart's Exsultate Jubilate is an encore and should have you cheering and bouncing.
3. The Intro and the Outro - The Bonzo Dog Band.  
   From their Album Gorilla this mad and wonderful piece exhibits the inimitable voice of Vivian Stanshall one of my great heroes.  I could have chosen any Bonzo number, they influenced me even more than Monty Python, but this seems like an amiable example of their surreal brilliance
4. Young and Foolish - Tony Bennett and Bill Evans
   Absolute brilliance from two geniuses at the peak of their form. Bill Evans was one of the greatest jazz pianists who ever lived and Tony Bennett - well he needs no plaudits from me.  My heart breaks every time I listen to this, especially the way he hits the word "rain" ....
5. Sunday Morning Going Down - Johnny Cash
   This great song was written by Kris Kristofferson and is a matchless evocation of a lifestyle of nostalgia, loneliness and a longing for hearth and home that is secretly felt by all troubadours, artists and restless vagabonds.  I adore Cash and this is him in prime form with prime material.
6. It Should Have Been Me - Yvonne Fair
   Why isn't this great artist better known?  What a song.  What delivery.
7. Der Holle Rache from Mozart's The Magic Flute.
   Lucia Popp as The Queen of The Night. Yes, that's a human voice.  The same organ you and I use to order pizza or ask the way to the honey-wagon.  How does she hit those notes with such purity and fury?  A jealous mother sings her rage.
8. Fernando - Abba.
   Well, why the hell not, Hm? Hm?
9. Without You - Harry Nilsson
   It was either this or Everybody's Talking.  A great songwriter and this song reminds me of early fumbling embarrassed adolescent discos.  It was the smoochy one the DJ played last.
10. Sorry but you're not getting away without Wagner. I know how much of a trial he is to some and I know that this is long, but it's the piece that switched me on to the genius, sonofabitch that he was. The Overture to Tannhäuser. Wait till those strings start sweeping in.

---

Stephen, consider us cheered! A terrific Top 10 we will revisit again and again. The Disco Horde te salutate! The Proprietor pulls a forelock! Many many thanks. A big hand MAXaPPLaUSE PLEaSE as the big man leaves the room! Once again ...Stephen Fry !!!

Q.I.  - easily our favourite thing on the telly here at T.P.H.Q. We  feel ‘Quite Interesting’ should be in fact called ‘Bloody Fascinating’ , but then it wouldn’t have the same exquisite sense of understatement, would it?

Footnote: The Proprietor remembers with complete clarity hearing Stephen for the very first time on Radio 4 circa 1983, while parking the car on Old Marylebone Rd., and being unable to leave, laughing himself silly until they were finished. Hugh Laurie was there, and reasonably sure Emma Thompson as well ... A moment for the Road to Damascus.

Keith Robertson

Two Paddocks All Rounder and Redbank Farmster

Ladies aanndd Gentlemen! Yes, we know you are still reeling from Bob’s radical DJ session, but we haven't finished with you yet! You knew it had to be ... yes, Keith, Keith, Keith ... cometh the hour, cometh the man. And yes, we know you dread Keith's selection, we see you gritting your teeth, bracing for the torture to come. But wait, while we know Keith's been round the block more than once (formerly coached the Highlanders, ran a motel in Invercargill ... a thousand life experiences, none of them remotely musical) what we DO know is that he's had the tremendously civilizing experience of working for Two Paddocks for ... what, five years, ten (feels like fifty), so who knows what he'll choose? Stockhausen? Rimsky-Korsakov? Shostakovich? Let's see! Here he is, we love him, our favourite greens man – look he’s broken into a run on the way to the sound desk – never seen that before – Give it up Ladies, Gents, Chickens, and Goats ... you know him, you love him,  he's here with HIS music, kick back, kick forward here he is ... it’s KEITH!

1. Mr Tambourine Man - The Byrds
   One of the first groups I ever saw live.
2. San Francisco - Scott McKenzie
   Our son has lived in San Francisco for the past 12 years.
3. Bridge Over Troubled Water - Simon & Garfunkel
   I just like S & G
4. Unchained Melody - Righteous Brothers
   One of THE great songs.
5. Turn, Turn, Turn - The Byrds
   Ditto #1
6. Graceland - Paul Simon
   First heard it in South Africa touring as coach of the Highlanders in 1996 – two years after apartheid had finished.
7. Like a Rolling Stone - Bob Dylan
   For what the words stand for.
8. Substitute - The Who
   THE first and possibly the second BEST concert I have everseen. Saw it as the old Sydney Bowl – 1968. Manfred Man and the Small Faces opened. Rod Stewart was singer for the Small Faces…
9. Lucy in the Sky of Diamonds - The Beatles
   THE BEST concert I have ever been to.
10. Paint it Black - The Rolling Stones
    John Lennon reckoned this is the best pop song ever written. My #10.

---

See, that wasn’t too bad was it?  Some of it was actually quite good, go on, admit it! Next week, we take you  to the dentist. No painkillers.

Thanks Keith. Now, back to work! Honestly, some people think it’s all song and dance around here.

Steven Weber

Ladies and Gentlemen! Duck! Here he is, the Wild Man of Twitter, the Indoors Man of Bel Air, the Human Contortionist of Brooklyn, the Veteran of the Catskills, the Family Man, The Star of Wings, Humorist, Poet, Political Commentator, the Suave, the Savage, the Lush, the decidedly wacky, the Fully Trained and Qualified Thespian, as seen on Broadway (The Producers ... how good was that?), as seen in Happy Town, a hell of an actor, an even more hellish guy ... he sings, he dances, he drives, he paints,  he rides a horse, he has six languages, he drinks our wine but shouldn’t, he travels but should be banned; he’s a liability,  he’s a Star and he’s our good pal ... he is, of course ... the magnificent ... STEVEN WEBER!

---

My Top Ten!!! -- or "A Clearly Deficient Sampling of One's Musical Tastes Served in No Particular Order Up for the Scrutiny of Total Strangers at the Behest of Master Sam Neill, Gentleman, Oenophile, Sadist."

1. Strange Fruit - sung by Billie Holiday
   I have a late recording of this almost terminally haunting song, her legendary voice ragged and beautiful. Like Sam Neill's bath towels.
2. Alfie - sung by Burt Bacharach in a live concert in Sydney.
   Delicate, almost whispered, it cuts into your heart. Like Sam Neill's World War 2 era toenail clippers he keeps in the guest bathroom.
3. Quadrophenia - the whole damned album (The Who)
   I listened to it every day for four years while in my late teens. Bittersweet, beautiful, raging. Like the people Sam Neill employs to pick his perfectly ripened grapes.
4. Frank Sinatra sings for Only the Lonely- The entire album
   Each sad, brilliantly crafted song is perfectly arranged by Nelson Riddle and exquisitely sung by Sinatra. But be warned: remove all booze and sharp objects from the room you're listening in.
5. Instant Karma - Beatles
   Hard to pick just one Beatles song but this one isn't heard as often as many others. And it's anthemic, it's passionate, it's angry, it's amused. And it still, as the kids say, rocks.
6. Hurt - Johnny Cash
   This haunting version of the Trent Reznor song, recorded soon before he left this realm. Amazing.
7. Nessun Dorma - Pavoratti
   If we had to send one example of human-created beauty to an alien race in order to dissuade them from destroying Earth, this would be it. Either that or a scene from Reilly: Ace of Spies.
8. Tramp the Dirt Down - Elvis Costello
   Pound for pound, Elvis Costello is my favorite musical artist and impossible to narrow down my preferences to a single song. This, however, bottles al the righteous political anger a person of liberal persuasion could have, plus a classic EC melody that is totally original, evocative and able to rouse a crowd before a battle. Like Sam Neill's pre-dinner toasts.
9. 53rd and 3rd- The Ramones
   Shredded and in many ways sloppy, this tune is also raw and rocking and real (and known to inspire alliteration). I grew up in New York City then and, while I was a complete dork and utterly isolated from the music scene which The Ramones personified, still find this to be dangerous, graphic and cool (which, oddly, are the same names Sam Neill has for his trio of adorable pet prawns. What?)
10. Bridge Over Troubled Water - Simon and Garfunkel
    In many ways, the culmination of their decade's work. The harmonies soar, the words inspire, the arrangement never fails to move. Like many of Sam Neill's house guests after a case or two of Two Paddocks 2008 Pinot Noir. Which I'm about to crack open right now.

---

Let it be noted that when Steven stays with us, we do not permit him to soil our towels (they are never the same after). So he has to run naked around the garden for sometime after showering until we deem him sufficiently dry to let him back into the house. He's a pretty good sport about this and seldom complains.

One thing he is allowed to touch in the house (under supervision) is the stereo, since he has great taste in music – see this immaculate list. And great taste in women too ... Mrs Weber, Juliette Hohnen, is one of The Great Women. No supervision required.

A big hand please for today’s great sounds from DJ WEBER!!

Jane Jackson

National Retail Sales Manager, Negotiants

Ladies and Gentlemen! Direct from Herne Bay, our favourite Auckland Bopster: a menace on the dance floor, a terror on the road (white GTI wheels, natch) Jane "Twister" Jackson -- our good palat Negociants NZ. Wild and very very funny ... keep your heads DOWN, here she is, one hot daaangerous Naki chick heading for the DJ booth ...give it up, listen carefully and hit the floor ... it’s  our very own, the lovely ... Jane JACKSON!

1. The Air that I Breathe - kd Lang 
   It’s a combination of her  vocal range, impeccable timing, inherent and intelligent musicality  that get me.  This song, delivered with  depth and feeling,  sum all of that up. There were so many songs I could have chosen as she is absolutely my  favourite female singer.  
2. Please Read the Letter - Alison Krauss and Robert Plant
   Two more of my favourite musicians on one  blinder of an album –  an inspired pairing with magical results.   An outstanding version of this song in which you can  feel the agony of yearning and love.
3. Oh Very Young - Cat Stevens
   My love of Cat Stevens music was sealed in the mid 70’s at boarding school.  My  lifelong friend Tina played this piece then and almost 40 years later still does so his music speaks of  the very deep pleasure  that  both enduring friendships and music give.
4. Think - Aretha Franklin
   The  woman’s voice is all power, fearless  and sassy.    Love  the bit  when she belts out the word ‘freedom’  and reckon it is  the best 2 and half minute dance workout ever – can’t listen  to this without wanting to do so.
5. Heroes - David Bowie (live in concert, Berlin, September 2002).  
   My  musical hero of the 70’s, so anything  of his from that decade would work. This live performance  of Heroes is a cracker and  in it he reeks of the cool I thought he had then and still has today.
6. So Long, Marianne (Live in London) or Closing Time (studio version) - Leonard Cohen
   Love his insightful, astute  and cynical observations of life and the human condition with a voice to match.  Couldn’t choose between these 2, so I haven’t.  
7. Us and Them - Pink Floyd
   Dark Side of The Moon was the BEST present I got for Christmas in 1974 and the album remains  a favourite  to this day.  It started a long love of things Floyd and this particular track still transports me to another place as it did the very first time I heard it.
8. Have a Little Faith - John Hiatt    
   Poetic,  heartfelt words that can  bring both tears and joy. Everyone needs someone to catch them when they fall.  Frequently turned up full bore.
9. Nimrod, The Enigma Variations  - Elgar, Chicago Symphony Orchestra, at Carnegie Hall, 1997, conducted by Barenboim. Quite simply, beautiful, it feeds my soul and makes me wish I could play the violin.
10. In the Mood  - Glenn Miller
    My father’s signature piano  piece and as children we would  dance as if demented whenever he played it.   It’s not a favourite piece as such, but I couldn’t not include this one for the incredible memories  of a house that was full of music, dancing and laughter.  

---

One word Jane – immaculate! And another big hand everybody, for all Jane’s good work in the righteous mission of taking our wine to the darkest and driest corners of the land.

Willem Dafoe

Actor, wine lover, bon viveur, raconteur and competitive dancer.

Ladies and Gentlemen! In the house! Direct from the clubs of Rome, and originally Studio 54, our old friend DJ DAFOE! One of the world's greatest screen actors (Spider Man, Last Temptation of Christ ...oh, 100 other movies), and no slouch on the stage either, wine lover, bon viveur, raconteur and competitive dancer -- the man oozes DJ charisma. And he's a friend of Lou Reed and Laurie Anderson -- respect! Here he is, flown in First Class on Virtual Airways, our pal and yours - the Great, the One and Only ...WILLEM DAFOE!

1. Cantù - Fratelli Mancuso
   In dialect, so I don't understand a word but love the raw but lush sound of this Sicilian folk song.
2. Sunday Morning - Velvet Underground
   I heard Lou Reed wrote it for Nico's voice but ended up recording it himself. Love the celesta. Makes me think of coming home with the dawn in my youthful New York City days.
3. Ja Sei Namorar - Tribalistas
   A special colaboration of Arnald Antunes, Marisa Monte,Carlinhos Brown 2003 Brazil. Joyous sound, sexy and inspires me to dance around the house naked.
4. Absolute Beginners - David Bowie
   A sing along song for my wife's  guitar practice
5. La Cura- Franco Battiato
   I'm a huge Battiato fan. This is one of his classics. I'm always moved by this song.
6. Little Wing - Jimi Hendrix
   A a fragment of a song- I once read it was one of Hendrix's favorites, but then again don't believe such things. My sister played Axis: Power of Love for me when I was 13.
7. Love Minus Zero/No Limit - Bob Dylan
   My favorite poet
8. Rain and Tears - Aphrodite's Child
   Rediscovered this when heard it in Hou Hsaio-Hsien's great film THREE TIMES (2005). Also check out Aphrodite's Child's It's Five O'Clock.
9. Rapture - Antony and The Johnsons
   Antony Hegarty has the voice of an angel. Both ethereal and earthy, male and female. The is the first song I heard of his. He performs it in the film Animal Factory (2000).
10. Este Seu Olhar - João Gilberto
    A beautiful Bossa Nova classic by Tom Jobim-in my favorite interpretation by Joao Gilberto (second only to my wife's). Chill, cool, simple, complex. To accompany any activity.

---

We love Willem here at HQ, and we dig his music too. We loved seeing him in Toronto, and check him out in The Hunter.

Dean Shaw

Vinous genius...

Ladies aanndd Gentlemen! Our DJ today – a man who needs no introduction here in the TP Inferno! So we won’t give him one! Oh , alright you lot, we will. Our winemaker since 1999, our partner in the Central Otago Wine Company, and friend for all of that time, Dean is the original rock’n’roll winemaker -- the speakers at work are bigger than some of the vats! Knows more about music than most, and much more about how to craft great wine than just about anyone! Just do not ask him to dance though -- not a pretty sight! Anyway, here he is larger than life, and lurching towards the turntables. He’s in the House, he’s ready to Rock! Are You? Let’s hear it for ... DEAN!!

1. How You Doing - The Front Lawn
2. Don't Eat That Yellow Snow - Frank Zappa
   Songs 1 and 2 always remind me of going skiing up Mt Ruapehu where the mantra was always: don’t eat the yellow snow and How You Doing always reminds me of the inane conversations you would have with long lost half friends on the chairlifts.
3. Give Up the Funk (Tear the Roof Off Sucker) - Parliament
   Just a ripper of a tune especially at 3.00am just before noise control arrive for the last time.
4. Earth Is the Place - Nathan Haines
   So many songs to choose from here. The man is a genius, an absolute gem. Like many he is totallyunappreciated but just gets on with it.
5. Down in Splendour - Straitjacket Fits
   Wailing guitars, gnashing teeth in a Dunedin haze stuck at the Oriental Tavern trying to smuggle two $5.00 bottles of McWilliams Port into the gig, a bottle down each arm of the
   trench coat.
6. Gone Daddy Gone - Violent Femmes
   Always reminds me of when my father left us to run off with the Avon lady and we ended up living in a cardboard box. Nah. Joke. A great summer, beach, bbq and too much sun song. The whole album got thrashed to death. Everyone knew every lyric – great. Oh Dad you are forgiven come back please.
7. Dance to the Music - Sly and the Family Stone
8. Alphabet Street - Prince
   Songs 7 and 8 are just that: Californian funk – the big fro and those platform shoes do it for me every time. – oh it makes me so envious. If only white guys could dance.
   
9. Pull Up to the Bumper - Grace Jones
   Wow, Grace. Say no more.
10. Blue Lady - Hello Sailor
    Could easily have been anyone of the great Kiwi artists that we have. It nearly was April sun in Cuba but Blue Lady always reminds me to sedate myself if I am getting too excited.

Toni Collette

Special Guest, Wine Loving DJ, the Stunning and Unique Toni Collette.

Ladies aaanndd Gentlemen! Today, in the Two Paddocks Disco Inferno, one of the really Great Actors of our time!

Not only that, she is herself a musician and singer! More than that she’s married to a great musician, Dave  Galafassi!

It gets worse – she’s now giving birth to little musicians! (Two.) No wonder she loves her music! No choice! And no wonder we love her! Funny, fantastically talented, good company and supremely gorgeous ... yes the perfect Guest TP DJ ... here she is: Lift the Roof People! It’s our very own ... TONI COLLETTE!!

Note – TC has never been one for rules or even guidelines , so here she is flagrantly, fragrently, busting at least two. Oh well , we’ve never been able to say no to Toni...here she is.

From TC -- OK, I am taking you up on listing albums and not just singles. Because the art of album making feels like it is slipping away. There is a story in an album. You can lay down and listen and travel with it. Where as a single is more of a quick f***. Sorry but I prefer the former?! Most of the time ... I have whittled it down but I cannot get it down to 10 faves. I got it down to 13. Very difficult in itself. Here goes (in no particular order):

1. Harvest - Neil Young
2. Grace - Jeff Buckley
3. Alina - Arvo Part
4. Spirit of Eden - Talk Talk
5. Hunky Dory - David Bowie
6. Astral Weeks - Van Morrison
7. Funeral - Arcade Fire
8. O - Damien Rice
9. Wrecking Ball - Emmylou Harris
10. Time (The Revelator) - Gillian Welch
11. Automatic for the People - REM
12. Closing Time - Tom Waits
13. The Bends - Radiohead

---

Flawless. Couldn’t argue with a single thing here ... what impeccable taste. Thanks TC.

Liam Neeson, OBE

Special Guest DJ, Acting Legend and Pinot Dude

Ladies and Gentlemen!  He’s here. Our friend and colleague, all the way from Ballymena via NYC (the long way), and now here, in the  Two Paddocks Disco Inferno: Liam Neeson. Last time we saw him actually dancing with intent (as opposed to by accident) was at Nell’s about 20 years ago, so this is MASSIVE. And here he is, taking to the turntables with all the conviction you’d expect of a true action hero. On your feet boys and girls ... you are in the presence. A big roar of applause of a man who's given more great performances than most of us have had hot breakfasts ... a lovely man and a top DJ ... it’s Liam NEESON

1. Danny Boy - Eva Cassidy
   Love this version and I used to sing it to my kids at bed time. It still makes me tear up whenever I hear it sung.
2. Hyndford Street - Van Morrison
   It evokes a Belfast I remember before The Troubles.
3. Eleanor Rigby - The Beatles
   I remember hearing it for the first time and thinking that The Beatles could do anything!
4. The Wall (any song) - Pink Floyd
   I’m still a Floyd guy. Seeing The Wall at Earls Court, in London in 1981 blew my mind. I was sitting with Helen Mirren. A great concert!
5. Paris, Texas (opening theme) - Ry Cooder
   Haunting music to a haunting film by Wenders. I listen to it regularly.
6. Astral Weeks (any song) - Van Morrison
   One of the great albums and Van was a local boy!
7. Brothers in Arms - Dire Straits
   This song sort of defined the eighties for me. A classic.
8. Greensleeves - Vaughn Williams
   Evokes pastoral England and Shakespeare somehow. Love it.
9. Requiem - Mozart
   How do you begin to describe this incredible piece of music. Every emotion is there and then some. Awe inspiring.
10. The Mission, opening theme - Ennio Morricone (The Mission trailer)
    Great movie music. Wonderful fusion of high religious and native South American. Plus, I was in the movie, ha, ha, so, I’m biased.

---

O Jeez, Liam, wasn't expecting that. I've been tearing up here too. Lot of tracks there with personal meanings. Lotta water under the bridge ... harrumph. Okay, I’m clearing my throat, and I’m off pruning. Thanks Liam, and see you buddy.

Josh Kronfeld

Special RWC2011 Guest DJ All Black Great, and semi-great ballroom dancer.

After a career as an AB who sustained many injuries in the course of his duties, on retirement Josh had to be largely reconstucted. The NZRFU rebuilt him comprehensively and included special and innovative features. Josh now has an iPod implant somewhere near his groin, and his hands conveniently house small speakers. Here he listens to Martha and the Vandellas while Dancing in the Streets.

Ladies and Gentlemen! Today, a special World Cup appearance, spinning the discs -- All Black immortal Josh Kronfeld! Not just one of the greatest flankers of our time, but one of the great AB dancers. Yes, believe it or not, for the first time in the TP disco, someone who can actually do the moves! Ranked third 2009 in Celebrity Come Dancing, Josh is now more than ever the object of envy of NZ Blokes, especially those who've seen Josh play mouth harp! So, here he is, Sportsman, Muso and
NZ’s own Semi-Astaire ... A big House of Pain roar for ... Mr .. .Josh ... KRONFELD!!!

Note from Josh: These are not necessarily my all time top ten but if I was listening to music and or making a play list they would be the some of the first to go on. cheers, jk.

1. I Need a Dollar - Aloe Blac
2. Doncamatic Featuring Daley - Gorillaz
3. Live Wire - AC/DC
4. Bonfire - Live From The Atlantic Studios
5. Daft - Punk Musique
6. Rolling In the Deep - ADELE remix
7. Soul Without Sale - The Have
8. Faith No More - Easy
9. On My Mind (which rolls into
   Down The Road) - Kora
10. Smalltown Boy - Bronski Beat

---

Josh is a veteran of two World Cups, no less. Fairly sure he’ll be out and about a bit later this time, so if you run into him late night, possibly at the Two Paddocks Disco, or the Britomart Country Club where TP is available by the glass, ask him again about the infamous Johannesburg poisoning in 1995, maybe. Nah, forget it, it’s all behind us now. Instead, lets crank up Kora, and rock on! Thanks Josh, great Top 10, my man ...

Nathan Corlett

Two Paddocks’  Viticulture Young Gun, Tractor Expert and Bathroom Singer

Ladies and Gentlemen! Nathan is in the House! Now look, we make no promises here, and we cannot vouchsafe what is to follow.  We DO know that when Nathan arrives at work, the car is cranking doof doof, doof doof, his radio is tuned to unmentionable stations, and it’s playing tunes you hope you will never have to hear again in your life. So here goes, and play at your own risk. Ladies and Gentlemen, HIS greatest hits ... here he is, it’s his hour in the sun,  and he likes what he likes, so we have nothing to say on that ... our own Nate, a great bloke with cloth ears ... it’s none other than .... NATHAN!

1. Wanted Dead or Alive - Bon Jovi
2. Stranger Things Have Happened - Foo Fighters
3. We No Speak Americano - Yolanda Be Cool vs DCUP
4. The Adventures of Rain Dance Maggie - Red Hot Chili Peppers
5. What You Do - Stellar
6. You Spin Me Around - Dead or Alive
7. Ramp! The Logical Song - Scooter
8. Running Down a Dream - Tom Petty and the Heart Breakers
9. Paradise City - Guns n’ Roses
10. Move, Shake, Drop - DJ Laz

---

Thanks Nathan. Mmm ... well I like Tom Petty ... and the Logical Song, bit of a 70s revival there ... and Stellar, that’s our own Bo ... and actually that’s a pretty good Chili Peppers ... Oh alright Nathan, you win.

Clive Weston

GM of Negociants NZ, Two Paddocks splendid NZ Distributor

Ladies and Gentlemen!  In the House, for your Old Time, Anytime’s the Right Time, Big Time Timeless Dancing and Listening Pleasure, The Man himself ... Not just the nicest man in NZ Wine, but easily the tallest! Here he is, striding across the Two Paddocks Disco floor; head, shoulders and torso above the dancing midgets of #nzwine! He’s dug out his scratched old vinyl, and he’s ready to Rave! Give it up please for our Favourite NZ Distrubutor, Party-Boy-Menace, Reckless Dancer, and Two Paddocks Drinker! Here he is ...applause please  for Clive ...WESTON!!

Clive’s all time fab faves:

1. Sunny Afternoon - The Kinks
   An all time favourite, which featured on one of my earliest Brit vinyl purchases “Stars of 68.” Inspiration for many a fun jamming session. Forty years later, my teenage kids are now Kinks devotees.
2. Stand by Me - Oasis
   Forget the “Bad boy” talk, this is enduring anthem material. The crowd, ourselves included, did go wild when Oasis played this at the Logan Campbell centre a decade ago.
3. The Last Time - Rolling Stones
   Huge hit, Jagger’s young voice and the guitar work are toe-tapping, singalong standouts. Heard it recently as an intro to a RWC 011 feature on Radio Sport – sounded sweet as.
4. Venus - The Feelers
   Kiwi band take their anthem, lead by  James Reid’s distinctive vocals from ballad at the start to an all out rock fest by the close. First heard them play live at the late great Tutukaka Tavern before it was destroyed by fire. Memories.
5. Wild Horses - Rolling Stones
   Sits beside Angie as a classic Stones ballad. Remember getting up close and personal on the dance floor on one occasion and strumming it on another – not everyone knows the verses but everyone knows the chorus.
6. Saturday Night’s Alright for Fighting - Elton John
   Couldn’t get through a 70’s/80’s London party without this one popping up.
7. Father and Son - Cat Stevens
   New Year’s Eve, Staffa Bay, Northland, two or three guitars, bonfire, beach, Two Paddocks in cup, in our cups.
8. Someone to Watch Over Me - Gershwin/multiple artists
   Mum’s all time favourite ballad, played or sung to me all life through – enjoy the Ella Fitzgerald version but prefer Mum’s.
9. Whiter Shade of Pale - Procol Harum
   The power of the lyrics, music and mood all add up to legendary status and an automatic top 10 choice 
10. Waterloo Sunset - The Kink
    Thanks to Terry, Julie and the great Ray Davies for giving us nostalgia and the many happy memories of old London town. 

---

Whew, the go go dancers need a break. Think I might need a chilled glass of Riesling to cool my jets. Thanks Clive. Groovy Baby.

Sean Moran

Chef, gardener, restauranter, and Special Guest DJ, exclusive and live from Bondi Beach!

Ladies and Gentlemen! One of the World's Great Chefs, and one of the World's Worst Singers! Sean Moran!

Yes, it's Seany himself from Sean's Panaroma, probably our favourite joint, down at Bondi, Sydney, very cheerful, far from cheap, but worth every razoo and more! Don't ask the Prop to get you a table there ... he wants it for himself! Sean sings as he cooks, the food is heavenly, but ... well, the voice ... s crank it loud, drown the singalong, and get in the Groove ... with SEAN MORAN!

1. I'm Your Man - Leonard Cohen
2. Come In From the Cold - Joni Mitchell
3. Love and Affection - Joan Armitrading
4. Harvest - Neil Young
5. Talkin Bout a Revolution - Tracy Chapman
6. If Not for You - Bob Dylan
7. Nick of Time - Bonnie Raitt
8. Signed, Sealed, Delivered - Stevie Wonder
9. Perfect Day - Lou Reed
10. Young Americans - David Bowie

Whaddyareckon?

P.S I'm a pretty bad singer, but it never stops me.

---

Lots of time tested beauties there, most of which the Prop has heard Sean butcher at one time or another.

As a footnote, another sensible reason to book ahead for Sean's is that you can get Two Paddocks Picnic by the glass with their fantastic fresh and succulent tucker. Try the school prawns if they are on, and the chook -- mmm mmm mmm.

Tim Spall

Thespian. (And retired Two Paddocks ram.)

Ladies and Gentlemen! Two Paddocks proudly presents, here in the Dayglo Disco, on the turntables and occasionally the vibraphone, not just perhaps England’s Finest Actor, but also its most persistent! Star of the Potter flicks, Pierrepoint, The King's Speech, The Damned United, most of Tim Burton's films and many of Mike Leigh's and ... and ... oh stuff it ... pretty much half of all movies made since 1980, in fact! As if that wasn't bad enough, he and Mrs Spall are heroically circling Britain in a barge: "At Sea" - 40 lashes if you haven't been watching it on the Beeb ... So here he is, Captain Pugwash himself, the splendid and completely unique Two Paddocks pal ... TIMOTHY SPALL

Tim’s choices, from Radio Matilda, with
comments from him included.

1. Mary's Prayer - Danny Wilson
   I love the tune and the lyrics and it reminds me of Sunday lunches when the kids were growing up. Lots of food and we all danced.
2. Don't Let Me Down and Down - David Bowie
   No sentimental association with the lyrics, but a beautiful song, beautifully sang, with Bowie's voice at the most resonant.  A criminally underestimated
   album, released at a time when he wasn't particularly in favour.
3. Case of You - Joni Mitchell
   Joni like the wine she sings about is in vintage voice, a ballad about a love lost.
4. What a Fool Believes - The Doobie Brothers
   Michael Mc Donald's voice inhabits another great ballad about lost love and the foolish mistakes that lead to the demise of something that was once great and shared.
5. All the Single Ladies - Beyonce
   Sexy, sassy with an irresistible beat, I defy anyone not to dance when it's played. A song about strong independent women saying men should commit to them if they have balls.
6. Win - David Bowie
   Another Bowie classic, which manages to celebrate in a humble way, the desire to triumph.
7. At The River - Groove Armada
   Makes you think about glorious places, more effective in the pursuit of relaxation than a strong valium.
8. April Showers - Al Jolson
   Jolson after a long gap and ten years in the wilderness, came back to record this, his voice an octave lower, his microphone technic superb, even though sentimental this rendition has never been bettered.
9. Sigh No More - Mumford and Sons
   A wonderfully poignant and simple love song, performed by this new band, a mixture of indie rock and rustic English country music. The lead singer's voice is exquisite.
10. The Dog Days are Over - Florence and the Machine
    A passionately sung song, obviously personal to this new young song writer. A rites of passage, a journey, painfully experienced, but successfully overcome, I defy you not to dance to it!

---

Not just a great song list, but fab notes, and as is the intent of the Disco, we now know more about the protaganist than we did before.

The Proprietor has (what good fortune) seen Capt. Spall dance to more than one of these numbers, and let it be said, the man is light on his feet. If he asks you for a dance, our advice is – seize the day. In the TP Disco!

Jancis Robinson

Oenophile, Critic, Writer, Television Presenter and, surprisingly, Music Maven.

Ladies aaannnddd Gentlemen! Tonight, in the Two Paddocks Disco Den we honour  the world's most celebrated wine writer! Such a star, she only needs one name: Jancis! (Like Meryl. Or Sigourney). As deeply respected at the top table at, say, Chateau Lafitte  as she is among the humble vines at Two Paddocks. Not just erudite, but also funny as a fight. Here she is, approaching the DJ booth, looking sharp indeed in Issey Miyake ... put your hands together and put on your jitterbug shoes! Gentry and Ratbags, with her own vinyl and her very own toons ... the wonderful, the utterly unique, the fabulously glamorous ... JANCIS ROBINSON!

1. That Nina Simone one that starts "donkey, donkey, donkey, donkey, donkey, donkey, don-key" - My Baby Just Cares for Me, is it?
2. Ry Cooder – Why Don’t You Try Me?
3. A rousing Hallelujah chorus from The Messiah
4. Kate & Anna McGarrigle – Dancer with Bruised Knees
5. Amy Winehouse on Rehab
6. Maria Muldaur – Midnight at the Oasis
7. Rufus Wainright – you know, that chocolate/heroin one
8. Overture to Cosi Fan Tutte
9. The Holly and the Ivy (Kings College, Cambridge ideally)
10. Hit Me with your Rhythm Stick -- Ian Dury and the Blockheads

-- Right, now I’ve got to tackle a questionnaire on the first growths…

---

Wild applause for Jancis as she leaves the stage for her next gig -- The 100 Club on Oxford St, I believe. Come back to Otago soon Jancis, we’re always up for a dance at the TP Disco! And what great taste in music! If it wasn't for wine, a career in DJ-ing could have been yours. Like Moby. (Not sure, however, if we will ever take Nina’s into for "My Baby" entirely seriously again).

George Gregan

Wallaby Great, Jazz Beatnik and RWC Special Invitee Two Paddocks DJ

Ladies and Gentlemen in the TP Disco! On your feet please! Tonight We of the Disco honour the Man himself! The most capped player in the
history of the great sport of Rugby Football! 139 internationals for Australia! And countless appearances representing his country in karaoke bars around the world! Yes, as the World Cup
kicks off, here he is, The World’s Greatest Ever #9, Mr Cool himself ...GEORGE GREGAN!

Note – followers of rugby, and indeed of GG’s career will not be surprised that George has taken The Rules perhaps not as seriously as others, and has gone straight to the Ref, having decided he would just plump for ALBUMS rather than songs, as directed by the IRB.

1. Synchronicity - Police
2. Kind of Blue - Miles Davis
3. Back to Black - Amy Winehouse
4. Somethin' Else - Cannonball Adderley
5. Miseducation of Lauryn Hill - Lauryn Hill
6. Under the Munka Moon - Alice Russell (links to Someday, one song on the album)
7. Blue Lines - Massive Attack
8. Hi-score - The Best of Che Fu
9. Big Calm - Morcheeba (links to Fear & Love, one song on the album)
10. Rebirth of Cool - DJ Cam Quartet  

---

A very very cool 10  indeed. George’s stellar career meant that he spent a lot of time on planes and in hotels listening to toons, so he has it well sorted what he likes, and what he doesn’t. We note that he includes one Kiwi (the great Che Fu). This may augur well for the Abs in some fashion , we don’t know. All bets are off after the last two games!

Mike Wing

Two Paddocks Head Viticulturist (and failed Come Dancing Entrant)

Ladies & Gentlemen! He may be in Burgundy as we speak, but he still insists on Classic Rock! Oh Yeah! Charles Aznavour? Don't be stupid! Melanie Laurent? No way, you poofs! Give us
ACCADACCA and shove your continental crap! Lets rock out and dust off the Air Guitars! Crank it UUPPP! Open another one! Get ready to ROCK!
A big Two Paddocks Vineyard roar for Redbank's own! Here he is ... MIKE WING!

1. Dice - Finlay Quaye
2. War Pigs - Black Sabbath
3. Stairway to Heaven - Led Zeppelin
4. Too Drunk - Dead Kennedys
5. Kiss Off - Violent Femmes
6. Refuse Resist - Sepultura
7. Let There Be Rock - AC/DC
8. Cruel World - Ben Harper
9. Angel - Jack Johnson
10. 5 to 1 -  The Doors

---

Note. Mike Wing is a sensitive new age guy really, within reason, so the Prop’s puerile intro is simply unseemly and unnecessary. It’s just that ... well, the inclusion of those  great headbangers ACCDACCA really made it too hard to resist.

The Proprietor (II)

The Prop's Essential Classic R&B

Yes, the Prop is back exercising Droit de Seigneur as today’s DJ. Again. And it’s back to the days when R&B meant what it said. It never got better than this. Truth to tell, some of the following great s may have had one or two better songs, but this is what the Proprietor is playing this week. Because he loves 'em! So tonight ... in the Two Paddocks Disco INFERNO! A little Soul Train action!  Get Up and Get ...Down!

1. Can I get a Witness? - Marvin Gaye
   Look at the flair and sheer elegance  of the great but ultimately doomed Marvin Gaye here. Always loved this song which I first heard (wrong way round) by the Stones. Reminds you of the gospel roots of R&B. The go-go dancers  on this clip are also an hilarious  reminder of how dead-on the Muppets were.
2. Money -  Barrett Strong
   Another fab number I first heard white boys sing – the Beatles – and sing well, too. But this, the original, can't be beat -- Motown’s first ever hit. Love the perverse anti-sentimentality of the lyrics. Contrast this with the kind of stuff the Bobby Vees, etc. were doing about that time. It’s also , curiously,  hard to argue with the Flying Lizards' version.
3.  Respect Yourself - Staple Singers
   They define authenticity. Mavis Staples still going strong. Check her last album.
4. I Believe to My Soul - Donny Hathaway
   Another doomed and unhappy genius -- nobody sang better. Graceful, seemingly effortless vocals.
5.  Love Letters - Ketty Lester
   Timeless. Loved it ever since I heard it on 3ZB in 1964.
6. Heard It Through the Grapevine - Gladys Knight & the Pips
   Many people have covered this (cowritten by the above Barrett Strong)and perhaps Smokey Robinson or Marvin Gaye's versions are the classics. But Gladys is the one for me. And this clip – Fro City! And who exactly dressed The Pips?
7. Your Good Thing (Is About End) - Lou Rawls
   The strangest video imaginable, with a weird joke, and unsurprisingly even the suave Lou Rawls looks mortified. Nevertheless an utterly compelling song and who better to handle it. Great horn arrangement.
8. Spirit in the Dark - Aretha Franklin
   Any number of Aretha’s songs would do me: she is the undisputed Queen of Soul. Dr Feelgood, Spirit in the Dark, Do Right Woman ...
   
9. Use Me Up - Bill Withers
   I never knew what Bill looked like until we dug this clip. It’s almost hypnotic this song, and speaks of obsession. I think so  anyway. I never really take in words in music, a good song for me is a kind of visceral experience and the words hardly ever impinge. This is probably a failing, but that’s how it is.
10. Higher Ground - Stevie  Wonder
    Again, so many great songs, but for me the golden period for Stevie comprises three transcendent albums -- Innervisions, Music of My Mind, and Songs in the Key of Life. Best to try and forget I Just Called to Say I Love You , and don’t even mention Ebony & Ivory.

---

PLUS, a special bonus just in case you thought great soul/R&B was dead ... the fabulous Janelle Monae with Tightrope!
PLUS,  another bonus - a little bedtime story ... the Prop was sitting behind a bloke with cornrows on a plane once who was shaking his head, and rattling his beads, in time with his iPod. The bead rattling had been a tad annoying and went for hours, and the prop wanted to strangle him.

Until he realized it wasn't some random guy pretending to be Stevie Wonder, it WAS Stevie Wonder. At which point he wanted, instead, to kiss the great man's feet.

Hey ... why have you stopped dancing?

As a footnote, it's amazing what you can find on YouTube these days ... all of the above. For instance, there is Ketty Lester on Shindig, black and white, 1964 – it'll make you weep. Was there ever a more beautiful singer?

John Clarke

Writer, comedian, satirist, raconteur, wearer of trousers, special guest DJ

Ladies and Gentlemen! A little hush PLEASE in the Two Paddocks Disco Inferno! Appearing tonight, all the way from Melbourne Australia, such an old TP friend he could be almost described as a Veteran! Simply the funniest man in Australasia! JC is in The House! With videos! On your feet, Party People, a roar of approval please! The dude has impeccable taste in Music! Yes, the Man Himself ... John Clark!

From John: Well-known South Island vintner and promising young actor Sam Neill, has a website on which he presents selections of music chosen by people with whom he has been on the turps. Here is John's list of songs, in no particular order.

Follow the links to YouTube vidoes of each song.

1. She's Not There - The Zombies
   1964. The year I sat School Cert. Beatles up and running. British music going well. Colin Blunstone in fine voice.
2. Why Don't You Try Me - Ry Cooder
   Ryland Peter Cooder is a Latin expression meaning 'made of rhythm.'
3. Arthur McBride - Paul Brady
   Great anti-recruiting song sung by Paul Brady, a key figure in the Irish music revival and in its fusion with other music.
4. We Can Work it Out - Teddy Thompson, Martha Wainwright
   Nice version of the song. Good singing together. Maximum musical pedigree permissible in one youtube clip.
5. The Ship Song - Camille O'Sullivan
   Great version of the song. If you like this, try Camille doing 'Look Mummy, No Hands'.
6. Hey Joe - Tim O'Brien and Jerry Douglas (dobro)
   What a cracker this is. Top flight musicians going for the doctor. Stand well back.
7. Nowhere Man - Natalie Merchant
   Best version of the song I've heard. Natalie sings like Clive Lloyd used to hit sixes; slowly, majestically and with ridiculous ease.
8. The Way it Will Be - Gillian Welch, David Rawlings
   Great writing and beautiful singing, as always. One of the songwriters of the age. 'The Harrow and the Harvest' is the album.
9. Don't Leave Nobody But the Baby - Emmylou Harris, Gillian Welch, Alison Krauss.
   Just three voices. What pleasure.
10. Killing the Blues - Alison Krauss, Robert Plant
    Alison Krauss sings on this album? Thank you. No further questions Your Honour.

---

Killer songlist, John. Is there a better Irish song than “...me and me cousin, one Arthur McBride." We love each and every one of these here at HQ.

Jacqui Murphy

General Manager, Two Paddocks

Ladies and Gentlemen! Raised in Taranaki! Schooled ... somewhere else! Three time Hawera Twist Champion! One time Hullygully Runner-up! She’s Outrageous! Courageous! Give it Uupp! You can't win! Tonight! Welcome to the stage please!...DJ...Jacqui Murphy !

1. Song 2 - Blur
2. These Days - Powderfinger
3. Screamadelica - Primal Scream
4. Can't Always Get What You Want - Rolling Stones
5. Gotta Get Away - Lenny Kravitz
6. Six Months in a Leaky Boat - Split Enz with NZSO
7. Don't Cry for Me Taranaki - Half Full Udders
8. St Germain - Tourist
9. Victoria - Dance Exponents
10. Today - Smashing Pumpkins

---

Thanks DJ, Jacqui, great Top 10, and particularly for The Half Full Udders ... I don’t think they ever toured this far south.

Jorge Garcia

Our famous friend and colleague

Ladies and Gentlemen! By popular demand, direct from Los Angeles, right here in your very own living room!

The iconic! The celebrated! The wildly talented! The really nice guy! The one and only! Yes, he's in the House! Give it up please ... for JORGE GARCIA!

1. Manchester - The Beautiful South
   Never ceases to put a smile on my face. Always makes me wish I had a hat and cane to do a little soft shoe.
2. Stay With Me - Lorraine Ellison
   Did someone say "suffering?" No one else bleeds like this.
3. Someone Like You - Adele
   I'm a fan of great suffering but this track
   goes one louder by adding cover and that makes it truly beautiful. If I were to let my guard down, this song would destroy me.
4. No Nostalgia -  AgesandAges
   The Handclaps. The Tambourine. This song just makes you feel good. Who's up for a
   good old fashioned hippy singalong?
5. And Now - jj
   No matter how many elements they add to this song her voice keeps it sounding simple and sweet.
6. Calgary - Bon Iver
   No matter what you're doing this song will make you pause to listen. It reminds you why it's great to own headphones.
7. My Body - Young The Giant
   Of course they can't all be breezy. Sometimes you want a song that makes you want to push people around. You can feel the movement in this song. It gallops.
8. In The City - Chris Bathgate
   A great song for watching the sun go down.
9. Rill Rill - Sleigh Bells
   This song just make me want to dance in my chair.
10. Too Young to Burn - Sonny and the Sunsets
    An easy breezy garage surf tune that's in no hurry to get to its end.

---

Thanks Jorge – coolest 10 to date. Big fans of Bon Iver and Beautiful South here at HQ! Good work , mon ami ...

Cathy Scott

Webmaster Classical ...which is not extremely high-brow classical, more romantic classical.

Ladies and Gentlemen! Pray silence for a moment in the TP Disco! Ssshhh ... down the back please! Security, please remove the semidressed winemaker! Thank you! NOW ... Just when you were thinking that here at Two Paddocks we were all a bunch of semi-literate, uncultured (if hardworking) oiks, here is our one and only, long serving -- and long suffering -- Webmaster, Cathy. She’s savvy, well read, musical, but is still outrageously devoted to a Good Time!

Here she is, all stand please,  a warm Two Paddocks Welcome to ... our own ... CATHY  SCOTT!

1. Simphonie Fantastique - Hector Berlioz
2. Any Chopin Nocturne
3. Slavonic Dance in C Major - Anton Dvorak
4. In the Hall of the Mountain King - Edvard Grieg
5. Asturias (Leyenda) -- Isaac Albeniz
6. Waltz for The Sleeping Beauty, Act 1 (The Garland Waltz) - Pyotr Il'yich Tchaikovsky
7. Nights in the Gardens of Spain from the Three Cornered Hat - Giulini-De Burgos-Falla
8. Til Eulenspiegel, Op.28 - Richard Strauss
9. Malaguena - Isaac Albeniz
10. Cantata; Iphigenia in Brooklyn - PDQ Bach, Peter Schickele

---

Brava! Brava! Brava! (Cru and Prop wild applause.) Wait...what was that last one?

Webmaster's note: If you haven't discovered the hilarious Peter Schickele, check out this video with Peter and Itzhak Perlman and Boston Pops with John Williams. And Part 2.

Pete Gawron

Special Guest – Chef and Tap Dancer

Ladies and Gentlemen! Long time Two Paddocks ally and co-conspirator Pete Gawron! Famed for his excellent food (and wine list) at Saffron Restaurant in Arrowtown! Famed for his athletic and lithe approach to party-dance! Famed for his immaculate taste in music! Hit the floor, boys and girls! And give it up for ...Pete GAWRON!

1. Batonga - Angelique Kidjo
2. Temptation - Moby
3. Jackass - Beck
4. Sweet As Honey- Honey Root
5. 25th Floor - Patti Smith Group
6. Brother Jake - Neville Brothers
7. A Tribute To Jack Kerouac - Hunter S. Thompson (on the album Kicks Joy Darkness)
8. Raga Patdeep - Ravi Shankar
9. The Butcher Boy - Elvis Costello
10. Born Slippy - Underworld
11. Burning Down the House - Talking Heads

---

Thanks Pete, and could we have a second of the Marmalade Pudding while you’re up please?

Brian Croot

Our special revered guest DJ and TP alumnus

Ladies and Gentlemen! Retired but far from forgotten! So uncool, he’s WAY cool! So unhip, he now has a replacement titanium hip! The one and only! The great! The sublime! Put your hands together, and bow low in humble RESPECT! He's back! And better than ever! Yes it is...it's Brian CROOT!

1. Rock Around the Clock - Bill Hayley
2. The Carnival is Over - Seekers
3. Wind Beneath My Wings - Bette Midler
4. Islands in the Stream - Kenny Rogers/Dolly Parton
5. Mull of Kintyre - Paul McCartney
6. Poems, Prayers and Promises – John Denver
7. Waterloo - Abba
8. Lyin’ Eyes - Eagles
9. My Heart Will Go On - Celine Dion
10. Last Rose of Summer - Andre Rieu and Orchestra

---

If we might say so, only the addition of Susan Boyle, could possibly make this more uncool! Onya Brian! This is what Brian was listening all those years when mowing on the vineyard! And he's still deadset sane! Amazing!

Thanks Brian, and we really admire how you deftly slipped in Macca's daggiest number Mull of Kintyre! Wow!

Anyway, although he retired about 3 years ago, we all miss Brian very much, so it’s a comfort he’s just across the valley, happily ensconced with his beloved Mavora. And here they are, 45 years married, and still in love. We love them too.

And for that reason, we will love their Top 10.

The Proprietor

The Prop grooves in NZ

Ladies and Gentlemen! Because he is an egotistical maniac, who can basically do whatever he wants, because this is his blog, The Proprietor reserves the right to have as many as he wants! So here is the first -- The Prop’s top NZ toons. Well, today, anyway. Love NZ music, and there is so much to love. SO ... get dancing NOW!

---

Top Ten, New Zealand Edition

Why do I love NZ Music? Why not? Why do I love NZ mountains, painters, wine, people, pies, rainy days ... it's what we have, it’s what we hear, it’s who we are, it’s how we sing, it’s the voice we bring.

And because it’s from our place  it always has another dimension – call it pride or ownership or empathy or gratitude or what you will ...

Everybody’s Top 10 will have a different approach, and this one is really more of a sampler than a top 10 perhaps -- a sampler of the kind of NZ music I love. And here are some of the reasons why -- and if they are a bit personal, I make no apology -- there are few things more personal than musical choice. In no order of preference ...

1. Misty Frequencies - Che Fu

   My favourite Che song. Just how beautiful and expressive is his voice in this strangely atmospheric song.  I’ve followed him since his work with Supergroove in the 90s, and when I was asked by National Radio in 1999 to choose a song to be played for New Year’s Eve and the new Millennium, this was the one – I felt it was of the moment, and looked to the future ... our Pacifika future.

   I first met Che at a launch for the Labour Party campaign in 2005 – I normally steer well away from politics, but that year I came out for Helen Clarke because I felt National under Don Brash was intent on steering NZ down a dangerous neo-con Donald Rumsfeld far right track, and so, somewhat uncomfortably, I stood and spoke on the stage in Auckland.

   Brash had also made remarks that many felt were divisive – he was undoubtedly hoping for traction by stirring up latent racism among white New Zealand. If there is one thing I loathe, it’s a politician who seeks to divide us rather than bring us together as a people. So maybe that’s why Che was there singing for Labour, just as I was speaking for them.

   This was familiar to me, I remember the politician-driven hysteria about Polynesian immigrant ‘overstayers’ in the 70’s, the police dawn raids – it was a horrible and I thought shameful time. Very like the absurd current Australian hysteria (again driven and fuelled by politicians) about the tiny trickle of the most unfortunate people on earth – the so called boat people.My view is if people are willing to risk everything, even their very lives, to bring themselves and their families to your country, let ‘em in. You could not ask for better motivated immigrants.

   Immigrants invigorate and enrich a country. Here is a case in point – we are immeasurably enriched by that wave of island immigration in the 70s, and artists like Che and Oscar Kightley are proof positive of that  - a generation or two on.

   Now when I see Che, we kind of beam delightedly at each other, not entirely sure what to talk about, but I love being in his company – he is a man with a great heart. And I feel enormously privileged to say he has sung just for us – at my home and at a Two Paddocks party as well. And he sings so directly  and sweetly from that great heart, that I always tear up.

2. Luckiest Man Alive - Finn Brothers

   Tim and Neil Finn are, it goes without saying, Living National Treasures. We love their solo work and projects, but somehow together I always feel the sum is greater than the parts -- Lennon McCartney, the Everly Brothers -- they are not alone in this.

   Tim is one of my dearest and closest friends. And this song, beautiful in itself, is very personal to Tim (although I have never discussed that with him), and curiously for me as well. And here is why.

   Some years ago we were at dinner in Sydney with a bunch of friends. There was a very attractive and vivacious girl sitting nearby, and I thought she was great. I was pretty sure Tim did too, when we all met backstage a couple of days later after a Finn Brothers show (where my wife had done the hula on stage to “Niwhai”) and I asked him straight up the next day when he came around for coffee if this was so. I was right, he did.

   Now this is not a thing I would normally do, but given Tim’s shy and recalcitrant nature as well as the current adriftness, it was clear a little  shove could be called for.

   I insisted he seize the moment, nothing ventured etc, and call her and ask her out. Tim was abashed and appalled. I found the phone book, and looked up the number – with luck, only one Marie Azcona in Sydney, and she was listed. Tim still dragged his feet. I brought him the phone. Tim was virtually curled in a ball by now. I dialed the number, she answered...and Tim had to speak. He asked her out. And she said yes.

   Fifteen years later, theirs is perhaps the happiest and most successful marriage partnership I know. Two great kids too...

   Luckiest Man indeed.

   I have a thing about the songs that Tim writes on a piano rather than a guitar, and I’m fairly sure this is one of them -- I particularly like them. The chorus of ‘Luckiest ‘ is so great, you just want to sing it another two or three times, and I think the track could last another 3 minutes easily with one more guitar solo from Neil...but it’s not to be. When they toured it 3 or 4 years ago, I’d say to Tim – extend that sucker, but they never did.

   Anyway, a great song about finding love, and not being adrift any more.

3. As Close As  This- Muttonbirds

   No icon discussion would be complete without the amazing Don McGlashan, and from his huge body of work with Front Lawn, Mutton Birds, and his solo self, I think this is my favourite album – Rain, Steam, and Speed. I never fail to find it completely exhilarating. And this particular track I heard him play in a little pub on the west coast, just because I requested it.

   We’ve  worked together on a few things, he also composes for movies, and he did the score for Dean Spanley, directed by our mutual friend, Toa Fraser.

4. Guilty - Annie Crummer

   Annie Crummer, one NZ icon, singing something written by another: Dave Dobbyn ... an irresistible combination.

   Annie is gorgeous, and I love listening to her on a long journey through an empty landscape. And Dave is a lovely fella, who has written more iconic NZ songs than anyone else. ‘Welcome Home’ – a great sentiment and a great song. Dave went to the same school as the Finns. Which probably means nothing more than we live in a small country.

   Like many of us, he’s struggled with one or two things over the years, and I reckon that has only given his work even more depth.

   I last saw Annie as a killer queen in the Queen musical, and she tore the roof off. I also strongly recommend her Dad/s record Songs from a Suitcase, gorgeous strummy south seas stuff, which Will brought with him under his arm in one of those earlier migrations we were talking about, and there is Annie on harmonies, along with the next iconic kiwi.

5. And No More Shall We Part - Bic Runga

   Bic has also sung for/with us on numerous occasions, and I am very fond of her. She is an utterly unique talent.

   And she is one of the most beautiful people I have ever seen. Men have to look away, and catch their breath when she walks in, and I am one of those. She is also an interesting mix of steel and feather gentleness, it seems to me. Like every great artist, she has complete conviction about what she does and her own voice.

   This is actually atypical of her – it is a song written by Nick Cave, and she is backed by the Christchurch Symphony. But once heard, you can’t really get it out of your head.

   At our last party she sang, at my request, Take a Walk on the Wild Side. She smoked it. I have a recording of it. I should bootleg it and make a fortune.

6. Superman You're Crying- SJD

   I know nothing about SJD, and have no idea why, but I play him all the time. I sent him some wine once, but I never heard back, so some courier probably had a party instead.

7. Not the Girl You Think You Are - Crowded House, Neil Finn

   Sometimes Neil writes a song that just takes your breath away; you think, my god, where the hell did that come from, what left field, what strange hitherto unseen cloud did that emerge from? And this is one of those. There is nothing like it.

   Who is he talking to exactly? In that strangely hypnotic 3/4 waltz time?

   I brought it to the attention of Gaylene Preston when  we were rehearsing Perfect Strangers, and we used it in the weird kind of seduction scene in the island batch ... and because it’s such a strong song I still love it despite all the takes, and hearing it again and again.

   Bryan Brown and I now mark each decade with a big party, and at the last two, Neil and Tim have played, so generously. They come from Te Awamutu and were schooled in family sing-a-longs and parties, and wherever they are, out comes a guitar, and you sing. I can manage a decent harmony now and again, and if pressed or pissed, I’ll get out the ukulele. Only play with the best! We all should sing more – it’s good for you.

8. Bathe in the River - Mt Raskil Preservation Society

   Written and produced by Don for Toa's first film Number 2. A sumptuous gospel number that was remarkably moving in the movie, sung by a great choir with Hollie Smith in the lead. Love it. Don is the renaissance man of NZ music.
   

9. Poor Boy - Split Enz

   There is a school of thought that early Split Enz, pre-pop Enz, was the real thing, and somehow they sold out or some such nonsense. Like Pink Floyd were never any good without Syd. Bollocks.

   Split Enz caught fire with True Colours, a helter-skelter screaming stunning rock record that blew away all and sundry, including me.

   Poor Boy is definitively Tim Finn -- neurotic, driven, crazed, inspired, delirious and delightful.
10. On My Mind – Kora

    The sound of Aotearoa right now is undoubtedly Dub, and wherever I am in the world my ears prick up when I hear that NZ sound in a bar or somesuch. I don’t pretend to know much about it, but my reading of it is it started when reggae and cannabis sativa took root in the bush clad hills of the North Island (seeds scattered by Bob Marley in the 70s), later got mixed in someone’s bong with some hip hop and jazz and dance music and mutated into this NZ soundtrack  which has become so distinctive.

    Not at all sure what to pick of it, there is a wealth of talent out there - my godson for instance plays horn in the great Fat Freddie’s Drop - but I like Kora, and this song will get you moving, or nothing will.

    Get up you dancers, and shake that thing!

11. Bonus Track --- Not Your Girl - Fur Patrol

For air-guitar  enthusiasts – best ever thrasher . Turn it up to max.

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Anyway, those are what are in my car this week, and always. What about you?

God Defend New Zealand.

Tim and Marie Finn

Special Members of the TP Team

Ladies & Gentlemen! Tonight in the Two Paddocks Disco Inferno! Our very good Two Paddocks Friends! Live and Raving! In the House! In the Groove! You asked for them! You gott 'em! They’ve been on the Two Paddocks programme for years! She’s pretty! And he’s ...well, not. And here they are! Put them together now! Applause, please!   Tim ... and Marie ... FINN!!!

Top Ten for a Roadtrip:

1. This Time Tomorrow – The Kinks
2. Soul Connection – Diplomats of Solid Sound
3. So Much Love – Dusty Springfield
4. Jimmy Mack – Martha Reeves & the Vandellas
5. Don’t Look Back – Teenage Fanclub
6. The Ballad of El Goodo – Big Star
7. Long Promised Road – Beach Boys
8. Portland Oregon – Loretta Lynn and Jack White (Everyone belting out …"and  a pitcher to go")
9. Sometimes Always – The Jesus and Mary Chain
10. Ooh La La – The Faces

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Very cool. We love it. And a big thanks to Tim Finn, who always plays for Two Paddocks whenever we ask.

Hana Deavoll

Social Media Rocks!

Ladies and Gentlemen! From the Cool Side of Town! She’s Chilled! But She’s Hot! She’s a Mum! She’s Really Brainy! Yep, Really Really Brainy! With the Coolest Sounds Around ... A Big TP Cheer for our Own Media Guru-ette ! Applause Please ...On your Feet ...Lighters in the Air, Now ...for Hana!

1. Drive - Incubus

2. Say It Ain’t So - Weezer

3. One - Shapeshifter

4. Always On My Mind - Tiki Taane

5. Heart of Gold - Neil Young

6. Speechless - Kruder & Dorfmeister

7. Hold You (Major Lazer Remix) - Gyptian

8. Heartbeats - The Knife

9. Use Somebody - Kings of Leon

10. Angel - Jimi Hendrix

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Whew... how utterly ...cool ...

Desiree Bond

Queenstown’s Own Bond Girl Hits the Floor

Ladies and Gentlemen! Today’s DJ -- PA to the Proprietor, Top Equestrian and Veteran Party Animal ... our own Desiree Bond!

The disco ball is on revolve ...the DJ approaches the stage ...the crowd is going off ...Give it UUPPP for – Desiree!

1. My House - Kids of 88
2. Are You Gonna Be My Girl - Jet
3.  F**k You - Lily Allen
4. My Baby Just Cares for Me - Nina Simone
5. Half of My Heart - John Mayer
6. Wild Horses - Rolling Stones
7. Super Massive Black Hole - Muse
8. Phlex - Blindspott
9. Bang Bang - Nancy Sinatra
10. Promiscuous Girl - Nelly Furtado

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Actually, we are not sure what sort of disco this is, Des has covered a lot of bases here. Maybe it’s the Routeburn Falls Hut, you’re snowed in, and someone’s iPod is on very random shuffle...Never mind, get up and DANCE!

Bob McSkimming

Brylcreem Bob Hoppin' and a-Boppin'

Ladies and Gentlemen! Boppin’ Bob takes you back to the halcyon days of Joe Brown’s Dance, Dunedin Town Hall, in the 50’s. (Ballroom dancing upstairs, rock’n’roll down.) Ladies, adjust your corsets, Gents, straighten your ties! Take your Partners for the Lindy Hop! Here he is ... The Man you’ve been waiting for ... Lothario and Legend ... Spooner, Crooner & Vine Pruner ... It’s Brylcreem Bob!

1. Pearly Shells - Burl Ives
2. Jail House Rock - Elvis Presley
3. Move It - Cliff Richard
4. Don’t You Rock Me Daddy-O - Lonnie Donegan
5. I Walk the Line - Johnny Cash
6. Bernadine - Pat Boone
7. He’ll Have to Go - Jim Reeves
8. Who’s Sorry Now? - Connie Francis
9. Red Red Wine - Neil Diamond
10. Hawaiian Cowboy Song - The Howard Morrison Quartet

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Ah, those were the days! Thanks Bob. Say, how about we take the girls for a milk shake in the Octagon on the way home?

Catherine Hamilton

Clubbin’ Catherine’s Croozy Toons

Ladies and Gentlemen! Tonight Only! In your joint! She’s clubbed in Berlin and Bangkok! She's Raved in Rio! Danced in Denver! Partied in Paris! And now she Sets the Style in Alex! She's Born to
be Bad! Ladies and Gentlemen, put your hands together for the Londonderry Air herself ... It's Catherine!

1. Don't Stop the Party - Black Eyed Peas
2. On the Floor - Jennifer Lopez
3. Keep the Faith - Michael Jackson
4. She Ain't You - Chris Brown
5. Only Girl in the World - Rihanna
6. Forget You - Cee Lo Green
7. Ready for the Weekend - Calvin Harris
8. Someone Like You - Adele
9. Pencil Full of Lead - Paolo Nutini
10. Nobody's Perfect - Jessie J

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Yep, that’s One Krazy Kid! Still, it’s good to know one of us is actually is more or less committed to the 21st Century.

Dennis Hearfield

More groovin', more shmoozin' -- the smooth sounds of summer in Wellington.

Ladies and Gentlemen! Today's DJ, our old hipster friend Dennis Hearfield, Two Paddocks Designer, raconteur, bon vivant, drinker, chef, and occasional Ladies' Man!* Friends -- jump up, and get down! He's rockin'! He’s rollin'! It’s Dennis!

1. After the Gold Rush - Linda Ronstadt version
2. Sailin' Shoes - Little Feat
3. The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down -
   The Band
4. Closin' Time - Leonard Cohen
   
5. Across the Universe - Sean Lennon and Rufus Wainwright
6. Good Vibrations - The Beach Boys
7. Irish Heartbeat - Van Morrison
8. Love In Vain - The Rolling Stones
9. The Ballad of Lucy Jordan - Marianne Faithfull
10. Speed of the Sound of Loneliness -
    Nanci Griffith

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Note for Dennis Fans: Oddly enough, our second DJ is also unaccountably single as of now. Just sayin' ... but those of you who like a more ... mature chap, you could do a lot worse than Den. As always, please form an orderly queue.

Simon Gourley

All dancing, all rockin’, all groovin’ Good Times.

First up, the youngest of the bunch -- Simon Gourley! Ladies and Gentlemen! Jump up! And get down! This week's D.J. -- Simon!

1. Voodoo Chile - Jimmy Hendrix
2. Shine on You Crazy Diamond - Pink Floyd
3. Jeremy - Pearl Jam
4. Night Prowler - AC/DC
5. Hurt - Johnny Cash
6. Other Side - Red Hot Chili Peppers
7. Panama - Van Halen
8. Since I Been Loving You - Led Zeppelin
9. Roadhouse Blues - The Doors
10. Hero of the Day - Metallica

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Note for Simon Fans: Quietly there has not been a lot of perceptible movement on the girlfriend front. This may be connected by the decidedly retro nature of Simon’s taste in music, (see above), cars etc. We don’t know, we can only speculate. However, it is entirely possible he has a whole bunch of nice girls up in Christchurch who are into '70s rock and red Capris, and he’s just keeping it quiet, as a gentleman should.