New Zealand Net Radio

New Zealand Net Radio
  • 0.0 (0)
  • Music
  • Updated Semiweekly

Recorded programmes and themed mixes from New Zealand Net Radio.

  1. 1d ago

    Musical Musings: Five of the Best - Al Stewart

    We were pleased to be joined by Sughosh Varadarajan to talk about five of his favourite tracks from Al Stewart. Note unfortunately we have a short audio dropout in the last discussion. Not many songwriters can claim to have invented their own genre — but Al Stewart arguably did exactly that. Born Alastair Ian Stewart in Greenock, Scotland in 1945 and raised in Bournemouth on the English south coast, Stewart came up through the 1960s London folk club scene before carving out a unique niche combining folk-rock with meticulously researched historical storytelling. He called it, simply, his way of writing songs. Everyone else eventually called it historical folk rock. In this episode, guest Sughosh brings his five favourite Al Stewart tracks — and it’s a selection that traces the full arc of Stewart’s classic period, from the austere epic folk of Past, Present and Future in 1973 through to a blazing live performance at the Roxy Theatre in Los Angeles in 1981. It’s a remarkable body of work from an artist who shared a London flat with a young Paul Simon, bought his first guitar from a pre-Police Andy Summers, and took guitar lessons from King Crimson’s Robert Fripp — and who somehow turned all of that eclectic brilliance into music that remains genuinely, enduringly beautiful. Broadcast 22 July 2026

    Musical Musings: Five of the Best - Al Stewart

  2. 3d ago

    In the Mix One Hit Wonders Vol 1 - The 80s

    Everybody thinks they know what a one-hit wonder is. But dig into the fine print and it gets wonderfully strange. Our rule for this episode is simple: one Top 40 single, on at least one side of the Atlantic. That little phrase — "one side" — is where the fun lives, because pop is full of acts who were superstars at home and total strangers across the water. Corey Hart notched nine hits in North America yet cracked the UK Top 40 exactly once. Talk Talk did the reverse, becoming post-rock legends with a string of British hits and just a single American chart entry. And of our thirteen records, only two — Baltimora's "Tarzan Boy" and Nena's "99 Luftballons" — pull off the truly rare feat of one hit on both sides and nothing else, anywhere. What makes these songs so irresistible is that the "wonders" were almost never flukes. This hour is packed with Motown royalty (Rockwell, whose chorus was secretly sung by Michael Jackson), German new-wave pioneers (Nena's accidental-nuclear-war anthem, born from balloons drifting over the Berlin Wall at a Rolling Stones gig), a jazz virtuoso (Patrice Rushen, whose lone pop hit later powered "Men in Black"), and even an Earth, Wind & Fire legend hiding inside a Phil Collins duet. From the last great disco number one — "Funkytown," essentially made by one man in Minneapolis — to a bar band from Atlanta kept off the top spot by Bon Jovi, every track has a story bigger than its chart run. So that's the real theme of the episode: sometimes the one hit is the smallest part of the story. These artists caught lightning once, and we spend the hour appreciating not just the songs but the craft, the accidents, and the strange chart geography that turned them into legends of a very particular kind. Tune in, turn it up, and stick around to the end — because our closer is the one-hit wonder that quietly soundtracked the next twenty years of pop. (One-Hit Wonders, Part 2 — the 90s — coming soon.) Broadcast 20 July 2026

    In the Mix One Hit Wonders Vol 1 - The 80s

  3. Jul 15

    Musical Musings: 2026 Top 10 Albums (so far)

    In this episode, we are pleased to welcome Jarrett McCall. Jarrett brings his keen ear and diverse musical taste to the station, sharing his carefully selected list of the top ten albums that have defined the first half of 2026. This discussion is not just a countdown of favourites; it’s an exploration of emerging trends and an inside look at how these albums, from all corners of the musical spectrum, have impacted a passionate music lover. From the glitch-pop energy of feeble little horse and the soulful sounds of the ES:MO collaboration, to the deeply emotional post-punk of The Twilight Sad, Jarrett provides insightful analysis for each track, offering listeners a profound connection to the artists. He delves into the complex textures of MEMORIALS' folk-drone, the elusive brilliance of SAULT's latest project, and the cinematic atmosphere created by Telenova. Whether you are looking for new underground talent or an excuse to revisit a favorite album with fresh ears, this discussion, featuring essential background facts and critical talking points, is a must-listen for any music lover. Broadcast 15 July 2026

    Musical Musings: 2026 Top 10 Albums (so far)

  4. Jul 13

    Musical Musings: Five Hidden Treasures - Steve Winwood

    In this episode of Musical Musings, we dive deep into the extraordinary, multi-decade career of one of rock and soul’s ultimate chameleons: Steve Winwood. From his early days as a teenage prodigy to his genre-defining work with legendary bands and his massive 1980s solo success, Winwood’s musical footprint is massive. However, instead of spinning the global chart-toppers, we are bypassing the casual hits to unearth the deeper cuts that truly define his genius. Joining the show today is special guest Ken Cheshire, who shares his hand-picked selections and deep musical insights into what makes Winwood’s catalog so enduring. Together, we track Winwood’s sonic evolution through five spectacular, lesser-known gems. Our journey spans the raw, uninhibited supergroup energy of Blind Faith's "Sea Of Joy" and the pastoral, English-folk atmospheres of Traffic's "Rainmaker." We also explore his transition into a solo powerhouse, examining the criminally overlooked, West African-inspired rhythms of "Vacant Chair," the brilliant, entirely self-produced synth-soul of "Spanish Dancer," and the elegant, reflective global grooves of 2008's "Fly." Whether you are a lifelong devotee or a listener discovering his deeper catalog for the first time, this episode offers a rich, analytical look at the hidden treasures of a true musical master. Check out Ken on X @klcheshire or his contributions to the Youtube channel The Music Den @themusicden4696 Broadcast 13 July 2026

    Musical Musings: Five Hidden Treasures - Steve Winwood

  5. Jul 7

    Musical Musings: Five of the Best - Queen

    In this episode, we are joined by special guest Armando Vendetti, host of The Music Den on YouTube — a channel covering everything from Classic Rock and Prog to Jazz Fusion and Pop. Armando brings his passion and deep knowledge of music to New Zealand Net Radio for a special Five of the Best: Queen session, sharing five personally chosen tracks and the stories behind why they matter to him. The selections span the full range of what made Queen so extraordinary — from sprawling progressive epics and intimate ballads to flamenco-tinged surprises and prescient electronic experimentation — proof that even within one band’s catalog, there’s a world to explore. A great listen for any Queen fan. Check out Armando’s channel at youtube.com/@themusicden4696 and subscribe to catch his ongoing music conversations and reviews. Broadcast 7 July 2026

    Musical Musings: Five of the Best - Queen

  6. Jun 29

    In The Mix - 1986 Albums Top 20

    Step inside the sonic time machine as this episode of In the Mix dives headfirst into the spectacular, high-contrast landscape of 1986. Globally, the year was defined by a sense of high-stakes drama and profound transition. The world watched in awe and heartbreak through major historical milestones like the tragic Space Shuttle Challenger disaster and the chilling wake of the Chernobyl nuclear crisis. It was a time of ideological friction, the rise of the digital dawn marked by the birth of Pixar, and a thriving counter-culture movement pushing back against the slick, polished surface of mainstream society. This exact tension bled heavily into the art of the era, creating an underground and overground world that felt simultaneously volatile, romantic, and fiercely experimental. Musically, 1986 was a fascinating crossroads where the glossy, heavily synthesized pop machine of the mid-80s clashed with a raw, brilliant explosion of indie culture and art-rock reinvention. While mainstream charts were ruled by powerhouse icons like Madonna and the stadium-sized synth-rock of a reborn Van Halen, an underground revolution was taking place just under the surface. It was the definitive year college rock, post-punk, and dark wave found their teeth; artists like The Smiths, R.E.M., and Depeche Mode were busy redefining the boundaries of alternative music by injecting pure emotion and sonic grit back into the landscape. From the pastoral studio battles of XTC to the pioneering Latin rock of Soda Stereo, this set celebrates the staggering depth of a year where pop, goth, indie, and arena anthems all shared the dial. Broadcast 29 June 2026

    In The Mix - 1986 Albums Top 20

  7. Jun 15

    Musical Musings - Five of the Best - Ultravox

    In this episode of Five of the Best, we are joined by Ken Cheshire (X: @klcheshire) for a deep dive into the cinematic, electronic, and influential sound of Ultravox. Focusing exclusively on the Midge Ure-fronted era, we explore how this legendary four-piece transformed from post-punk roots into the architects of the 1980s synth-pop explosion. From the "electronic cathedral" grandeur of their George Martin-produced hit "Hymn," to the dark, cinematic mood of Vienna, we break down five standout tracks that define the band’s peak. We discuss the stories behind the music—including their struggle to afford basic stage outfits, the irony of their biggest chart hits, and their surprising final experiment with traditional Irish folk music. Join us as Ken shares his personal selections, revealing why these tracks remain essential listening for any fan of new wave, synth-pop, and atmospheric rock. Whether you are a long-time fan or discovering their "Film Noir" sound for the first time, this episode celebrates the enduring legacy of a band that was never afraid to push musical boundaries. Originally broadcast 15 June 2026

    Musical Musings - Five of the Best - Ultravox

  8. May 29

    In The Mix - 2009 Songs Top 20

    In this episode, we count down a definitive Top 20 tracklist sourced straight from the music curators of the X timeline. We’re spinning everything from the kaleidoscopic, genre-shifting blog-rock of Animal Collective and the haunting, nocturnal synth-pop of Bat for Lashes, to the arena-sized alternative anthems of Kings of Leon and Depeche Mode. Finally, we build all the way down to the minimalist, nocturnal masterpiece from a group of south London teenagers that completely redefined the sound of the decade: The xx. Broadcast 29 March 2026

    In The Mix - 2009 Songs Top 20
See All (17)

About

Recorded programmes and themed mixes from New Zealand Net Radio.

Information

  • Creator
    New Zealand Net Radio
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    17
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 NZNetRadio
  • Show Website
    New Zealand Net Radio