Nick Bollinger
The Sampler: The Chicks, Keleketla!, The Pretenders
Nick Bollinger reviews a new album from The Chicks - formerly Dixie Chicks - in which the personal is political; a four-continent collaboration under the South African banner Keleketla, and a tough… Audio
The Sampler: J.S. Ondara, Richard Thompson, I Break Horses
Nick Bollinger reviews lockdown sets from Kenyan-born, Minnesota-based troubadour J.S. Ondara and veteran English singer-songwriter Richard Thompson, plus the gothic synth-pop of Swedish duo I Break… Audio
The Sampler: The Beths - Jump Rope Gazers
If anyone was expecting a total sonic overhaul on this second album they are out of luck. Still, no one writes more memorable, heart-melting odes to self-doubt than Liz Stokes. Best of all is the… Audio
Songcrush: Kanye West/ Haim/ Sufjan Stevens
This week the Song Crush team tackle new songs from Kanye West, Sufjan Stevens, Haim and more. Featuring special guests Nick Bollinger and Danielle Street. Audio
The Sampler: The Beths, Larkin Poe, Khruangbin
Nick Bollinger reviews a sophomore album of power pop from The Beths; blues and boogie from North Georgia sisters Larkin Poe; and a surprisingly vocal set from the usually instrumental trio… Audio
The Sampler: 79rs Gang & Tony Allen
Nick Bollinger reviews the latest incarnation of a centuries-old New Orleans carnival tradition from The 79rs Gang, and some of the last recordings by the late African drumming genius Tony Allen Audio
The Sampler: Phoebe Bridgers, Christian Lee Hutson & Neil Young
Nick Bollinger reviews new albums from current LA singer-songwriters Phoebe Bridgers and Christian Lee Hutson, plus a lost 70s set from Neil Young. Audio
The Sampler: Bob Dylan - Rough & Rowdy Ways
Dylan's first album of new material in eight years rambles through blues, jazz, country, ancient folksong and even Tin Pan Alley, while his lyrics, labyrinthine as ever, collage Greek mythology, Roman… Audio
The Sampler Summit: Bob Dylan 's Rough & Rowdy Ways
Nick Bollinger calls a Sampler Summit to discuss the first album of new Bob Dylan songs in eight years. Video, Audio
The Sampler: D.C. Cross, The Phoenix Foundation and Kiwi Animals compilation
Nick Bollinger reviews a genre-challenging collection of lost treasures from 1980s Aotearoa; fretboard explorations from Sydney guitarist D.C. Cross; and the tenth-anniversary reissue of a classic… Audio
The Sampler: Blake Mills, Ruby Solly, Nicole Atkins
Nick Bollinger discusses a solo set from in-demand producer Blake Mills; an instrumental evocation of the capital city from cellist and taonga puoro player Ruby Solly; and a homage to AM radio from… Audio
The Sampler: Moses Sumney - Grae
On his second album, the Ghanian-American singer takes his deconstructed soul music a step further, at times going to some unsettling sonic places, yet it all revolves around his extraordinary voice… Audio
The Sampler: Moses Sumney, Ryan Fisherman, X
Nick Bollinger discusses an exploration of identity from honey-voiced singer Moses Sumney; a melancholy and atmospheric set from Lyttelton all-rounder Ryan Fisherman; and the first album in three… Audio
The Sampler: Perfume Genius - Set My Heart on Fire Immediately
Mike Hadreas elaborates on the theme that has driven the work of this queer-identifying artist for a decade: intimacy and the complexity of feelings that follow. But with rich, diverse arrangements… Audio
The Sampler: Perfume Genius, Damir Imamovic, Shabaka & the Ancestors
Nick Bollinger discusses another concept album about intimacy from Perfume Genius; story-songs with deep Balkan roots from Damir Imamovic; and the Afro-futurist jazz of Shabaka and the Ancestors. Audio
The Sampler: Giantess - Big Woman
Epic in both sound and scope, the songs of Wellington's Kiki Van Newtown telescope from domestic heartbreak to mythic visions. Sonically big, conceptually big, but also big as in grown-up, this is… Audio
The Sampler: Giantess, Andrew Fagan & Amy LaVere
Nick Bollinger discusses the majestic debut of Wellington-based Giantess; the jaded observations of Andrew Fagan; and the Mississippi-soaked soul of Amy LaVere. Audio
Rock'n'roll singer Little Richard dies aged 87
Pioneering rock 'n' roll singer Little Richard - known for his hit song Tutti Frutti - has died at the age of 87.
He influenced The Beatles, Elton John and Elvis Presley, and his mix of blues, R&B… Video, Audio
The Sampler: Lucinda Williams, Rosalía, Danzig
Nick Bollinger discusses the truthful voice of Lucinda Williams; the flamenco pop fusion of Rosalía; and an unexpected love letter from gothic rocker Glenn Danzig. Audio
The Sampler: Reb Fountain - Reb Fountain
It's dark, mysterious music Reb Fountain makes; stark chords framing a voice that can switch from a whisper to a wail and does at various times during this brooding, slow-burner of an album. The songs… Audio