March 2009

Thanks to everyone who bought a copy of Kiwi Speak. I had no idea it would hit such a nerve with New Zealanders, at home and abroad. It is now available on Amazon. And here's the new clip I promised from the streets of Auckland!

 A NEW SONG FOR HOMESICK KIWIS

New Zealand isn't perfect by any means, but overseas ex-pats always seem to come home for the same reason. I decided to put it into song. Speaking of all things Kiwi, a top write up from the brilliant people at Inspire Magazine.

WHAT I'M READING AND WATCHING AT THE MO!

 Born into Brothels is widely regarded as the original Slumdog Millionaire, without the soundtrack or Bollywood extras. It's a 2004 documentary film about the chlidren of prostitutes in Sonagachi, Calcutta's red light district. Zana Briski, the director, gave all the kids cameras and taught them how to take pictures. Unlike Slumdog, there is no happy ending, despite Briski's best efforts. 

Schulz And Peanuts - by David Michaelis is a lengthy read, but worth it. It describes in vivid detail what made Charles Schulz tick. Who knew that Snoopy is a term of endearment in Norwegian? Or that Schulz really was Charlie Brown? Or that the famous cartoonist despised the title, Peanuts? I'm a sucker for Behind the Scenes, but this book is a gem.

David Byrne to me is like David Bowie. An icon, a muso, a web geek, a fashion guru and a bloody great entertainer. I have always been a fan of Talking Heads, especially his stuff with Eno, so quickly downloaded 'Everything that Happens' as soon as it became available. Then I was lucky enough to see him live in Auckland. Wow. Is there a more uplifting sight than watching David Byrne and his band - clad in white tutus - belting out 'Burning down the House!'

 WHO HASN'T LAID ANYONE OFF?

www.wehaventlaidanyoneoff.com is now 'live' and has 30 'Good Guys.' Here I am on TV3 with some illinformed  advice on how to get through this nasty old recession. And here I am on CNN with Richard Quest.

 WE WANT YOU AT EDEN PARK ON AUGUST 11TH!

'Bowling Through India' is set to be released on August 11th. Thanks to Auckland's number one Indian radio station Radio Tarana and Auckland Cricket for their support. The Black Craps (me and four other rubbish cricketers) are playing against some Indian Superstars (aged under 12) on Eden Park Number One at 4pm on August 11th. That's right, Eden Park Number One! What a moment. Entry is free. The game will be over in half an hour but the memories will last forever! (Did I mention we are playing on the Number One Ground?) Join us... 

PS. You can pre-order your copy of the book here!

In other news, Paul Henry got my name wrong for the second time in two weeks on TVNZ's Breakfast, but this time it was on purpose. And a crazy little clip I filmed in a good old Kiwi backyard made it onto CNN. It's definitely not 'news,' but worth a peek.

REALLY IMPORTANT INFO

Slumdog Millionaire is all the critics say it is: brilliant, entertaining, moving. The best advice is to watch it as a work of fiction; it's not real life. Even if such slums do exist in India, it's also worth remembering 400 million Indians have more money than most Westerners could ever dream of.

Revolutionary Road, by Richard Yates, is worth reading before seeing the movie. Masterfully told, it's hard to believe this cult novel from the sixties only sold 12,000 copies. Gritty and dirty - with uncomfortable scenes - Yates' classic work still rings true today. In fact, you could almost bet on it that HBO hit 'Madmen' (particularly Don Draper and his wife's relationship) was based entirely on this dead author's work.

Esau Mwamwaya - okay, so I'm a sucker for African music. But this Malawian's first record, a fusion of reggae and pop and music from his homeland, really hits the mark. His cover of M.I.A's 'Paper Planes' (from Slumdog) is spine-tingling. His proper album isn't out till mid 2009, but you can download his free ep here. Pitchfork Media describe the ep as 'the most flat out and enjoyable record of the year.' I agree. Not bad for a bloke who was discovered fixing pushbikes in London.

OVER AND OUT!

Friday the 13th March was my last show on the wireless. A great but sad morning, only natural when you've done something for ten years. I won't miss the early starts, but I will miss my mates and corridor cricket. And writing stupid songs. And making listeners laugh.

Time for new adventures - and a life where I won't be tired!