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A 24-hour recording of RNZ National. The following rundown is sourced from the broadcaster’s website. Note some overseas/copyright restricted items may not appear in the supplied rundown:
30 August 2016
===12:04 AM. | All Night Programme===
=DESCRIPTION=
Including: 12:05 Music after Midnight; 12:30 Tuesday Special (RNZ); 1:05 Te Ahi Kaa (RNZ); 2:05 Hidden Treasures (RNZ) 3:05 The Stove Rake, by Denise Keay, read by Tandi Wright (RNZ); 3:30 An Author's View (RNZ); 5:10 Witness (BBC)
===6:00 AM. | Morning Report===
=DESCRIPTION=
RNZ's three-hour breakfast news show with news and interviews, bulletins on the hour and half-hour, including: 6:16 and 6:50 Business News 6:18 Pacific News 6:26 Rural News 6:48 and 7:45 NZ Newspapers
=AUDIO=
06:00
Top Stories for Tuesday 30 August 2016
BODY:
Police investigate a brawl involving a hundred high school students outside a KFC in Mangere. We ask a criminologist and the police union about the impact will be on fighting other crime if police are forced to go to every single burglary. An Australian aid worker kidnapped in Afghanistan four months ago has been freed after a raid by Afghan special forces.
Topics:
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Tags:
Duration: 31'16"
06:07
Sports News for 30 August 2016
BODY:
An update from the team at RNZ Sport.
Topics:
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Tags:
Duration: 1'47"
06:14
Survey of Unitec staff finds extremely low morale
BODY:
Staff at Auckland's Unitec say a staff survey finding massive dissatisfaction and low morale is no surprise and demand changes to the way the polytechnic is being run.
Topics: education
Regions:
Tags: Unitec, online learning
Duration: 2'21"
06:17
Black Caps improve against South Africa
BODY:
After a disastrous first innings the Black Caps have come back with a strong performance against South Arica overnight.
Topics: sport
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Tags:
Duration: 3'31"
06:20
Early Business News for 30 August 2016
BODY:
A brief update of movements in the financial sector.
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Duration: 2'43"
06:27
Morning Rural News for 30 August 2016
BODY:
News from the rural and farming sectors.
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Duration: 4'44"
06:40
Police union says not enough cops for every burglary
BODY:
Police say they'll now investigate every burglary but there are claims that will lead to other offences not being investigated fully.
Topics: crime
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Tags:
Duration: 2'49"
06:43
Fluoridation big election issue in Canterbury
BODY:
Fluoride is shaping up as a major issue at this year's Canterbury District Health Board elections.
Topics: health
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Tags:
Duration: 3'21"
06:46
Brazil's president defends her record at impeachment
BODY:
Brazil's suspended President Dilma Rousseff has defended her record during her impeachment trial in the Senate.
Topics: politics
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Tags:
Duration: 3'41"
06:50
Auckland Airport sees gowth inline with booming tourism sector
BODY:
Auckland Airport is expecting another strong year with a booming tourism sector driving the number of visitors and international operators to New Zealand.
Topics: business
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Tags: tourism
Duration: 2'08"
06:53
Chorus year profit flat
BODY:
The financial outlook of the telecommunications network operator, Chorus, is expected to remain clouded amid ongoing uncertainty about how much it can charge for its services.
Topics: business
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Tags:
Duration: 1'42"
06:55
Rise in global coal prices is unlikely to last
BODY:
A recent rise in global coal prices is unlikely to last, according to an Australian resouce sector analyst.
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Duration: 53"
06:58
Morning Markets for 30 August 2016
BODY:
A brief update of movements in the financial sector.
Topics:
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Tags:
Duration: 1'53"
07:06
Sports News for 30 August 2016
BODY:
An update from the team at RNZ Sport.
Topics:
Regions:
Tags:
Duration: 1'48"
07:11
Police investigate cause of massive brawl at KFC
BODY:
Police will visit high schools in South Auckland today to find out what led to a massive brawl outside a KFC store in Mangere East yesterday afternoon which involved knives, chairs and pieces of wood.
Topics: crime
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Tags:
Duration: 2'17"
07:14
Criminologist says new burglary policy won't reduce crimes
BODY:
Police say they will now investigate all home burglaries but a senior criminologist says while that might make victims feel better, it will not lead to more burglars being caught.
Topics: crime
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Tags:
Duration: 3'09"
07:17
Stark warning police resources will be stretched
BODY:
Police Association is warning there aren't enough front line police to cope with new police policy to make all burglaries top priority, without compromising in other areas. We speak with the president.
Topics: crime
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Tags:
Duration: 5'09"
07:22
Ministry defends tiny number of fish dumping prosecutions
BODY:
MPI is defending its record on fish prosecutions but admits its data keeping is not comprehensive.
Topics: environment, law
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Tags:
Duration: 5'39"
07:29
Downer pulls out of nationwide fibre contract
BODY:
The major engineering company, Downer, is pulling out of connecting internet users to the fibre network.
Topics: business, technology
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Tags:
Duration: 2'49"
07:35
New political party to focus on immigrants
BODY:
A new political party dedicated to immigrants has launched with the intention of looking after Chinese and Indian voters. Ethnic crime was the big influence in Roshan Nauhria's decision to start the New Zealand People's Party. We speak with Mr Nauhria.
Topics: politics
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Tags:
Duration: 2'48"
07:37
Labour's Andrew Little says Auckland staff move key
BODY:
Labour's leader Andrew Little says his Chief of Staff, Matt McCarten's move to Auckland is important for the party.
Topics: politics
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Duration: 4'40"
07:42
Anthony Weiner caught in second sexting scandal
BODY:
Former United States congressman Anthony Weiner has once again been caught in a sexting scandal.
Topics: politics
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Tags: weiner
Duration: 4'22"
07:48
Kidnapped Australian aid worker rescued after four months
BODY:
An Australian aid worker kidnapped in Afghanistan four months ago has been freed after a raid by Afghan special forces.
Topics: crime, conflict
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Tags:
Duration: 4'06"
07:52
Respected Sydney architect issues dire warning for Melbourne
BODY:
As Auckland looks to build upwards to house a rapidly expanding population, an Australian architecture professor says will be unliveable in a generation if it continues its high rise ways.
Topics: housing, life and society
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Tags:
Duration: 3'28"
07:55
Astronauts get back to earth after Mars simulation
BODY:
Six scientists have just finished a year long simulation of what it would be live on Mars. First meal they ordered - pizza.
Topics: science, technology
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Duration: 4'38"
08:07
Sports News for 30 August 2016
BODY:
An update from the team at RNZ Sport.
Topics:
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Duration: 2'00"
08:11
Latest poll for UN top job underway
BODY:
A make or break poll in Helen Clark's bid for the United Nations's top job is underway. She needs to do better to stay in the running.
Topics:
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Duration: 5'00"
08:16
Unitec chaotic and ruthless, staff say
BODY:
A leaked report shows staff morale at New Zealand's biggest polytechnic, Unitec, is critically low, with some describing the environment as ruthless and chaotic.
Topics: education
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Tags:
Duration: 3'00"
08:19
Amnesty NZ confident police will investigate investments
BODY:
Amnesty NZ still confident of success despite legal experts casting doubt on the group's complaint laid with police over Kiwisaver fund provider investments.
Topics: money, business, law
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Tags:
Duration: 3'09"
08:23
Tensions high in Havelock North ahead of water meeting
BODY:
Havelock North residents and business owners are expected to vent their frustration over continuing problems with their water supply at a public meeting tonight. They're still being told to boil water to be sure of dodging bugs.
Topics: health
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Tags:
Duration: 3'03"
08:28
Serena Williams eyes 23rd Grand Slam title
BODY:
Serena Williams is eyeing her 23rd Grand Slam title heading into the US Open which started today in New York.
Topics: sport
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Tags:
Duration: 3'17"
08:31
Markets Update for 30 August 2016
BODY:
A brief update of movements in the financial sector.
Topics:
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Duration: 55"
08:38
SETI investigate mysterious signal spikes from old star
BODY:
A team of scientists at Califonia's Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence Institute, or SETI, is investigating mysterious signal spikes coming from a 6.3-billion-year-old star in the constellation Hercules - 95 light years away from Earth.
Topics: science
Regions:
Tags: astronomy
Duration: 3'11"
08:39
Helen Clark still in middle of pack after third straw poll
BODY:
The results are in on latest poll in in Helen Clark's bid for the United Nations's top job is underway. She's still in the middle of the pack.
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Duration: 3'10"
08:54
Retirees' remake of Taylor Swift video tops million views
BODY:
The remake of a Taylor Swift music video by residents of a Palmerston North retirement village has topped a million views on Youtube - the pensioners are now planning their next artistic endeavour.
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Duration: 3'03"
08:59
Top Stories for Tuesday 30 August 2016
BODY:
Police investigate cause of massive brawl at KFC; criminologist says new burglary policy won't reduce crimes; stark warning police resources will be stretched; Ministry defends tiny number of fish dumping prosecutions; Downer pulls out of nationwide fibre contract; new political party to focus on immigrants; Labour's Andrew Little says Auckland staff move key; kidnapped Australian aid worker rescued after four months.
Topics:
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Tags:
Duration: 31'18"
=SHOW NOTES=
===9:06 AM. | Nine To Noon===
=DESCRIPTION=
Current affairs and topics of interest, including: 10:45 The Reading: Love as a Stranger by Owen Marshall, read by Katherine McCrae. Sarah sucumbs to a fleeting romantic distraction during a dismal period of life. (Part 2 of 10, RNZ)
=AUDIO=
09:09
The challenges of a near-zero inflation world
BODY:
This year the Reserve Bank has cut interest rates to record low levels, and has indicated that further cuts are possible. Is focusing solely on returning inflation to within the 1 to 3 per cent range, going to fuel house price inflation? Reserve Bank Assistant Governor and head of economics, Dr John McDermott talks to Kathryn Ryan about the challenges of a near-zero inflation world for the Reserve Bank.
Topics: economy
Regions:
Tags:
Duration: 34'38"
09:43
How democratic are local government elections?
BODY:
Elections for the mayoralties, councils and local boards take place in early October, and already questions are being asked about low voter turn-out, low candidate turnout, one-sided races, & uncontested seats. Nine to Noon asks why local government matters and whether Havelock North's drinking water debacle will re-focus voters' minds. Dr Jean Drage from Lincoln University is based in Christchurch and has edited a new book called Local Government in New Zealand, Challenges and Choices. Dr Andy Asquith is from Massey University's School of Management and is based in Auckland. He has also contributed to the new publication.
Topics: politics
Regions:
Tags: local government
Duration: 12'10"
09:55
Race for UN Secretary General
BODY:
It looks as if Helen Clark has remained in seventh place in the third straw poll of the UN Secretary-General race. Lorna Shaddick reports from the UN in New York
Topics: politics
Regions:
Tags: UN, Helen Clark
Duration: 4'24"
10:07
US Correspondent, Susan Milligan
BODY:
Susan Milligan is covering the US presidential campaign and says race has gone from an underlying to right-out-front, deeply divisive issue in the campaign.
Topics: politics
Regions:
Tags: Susan Milligan, US politics, USA
Duration: 9'41"
10:16
Zealandia's new manager Danielle Shanahan
BODY:
Wellington's wildlife centre, Zealandia is a haven for native species with a 225 hectare bush area surrounded by a predator-free fence. Kaka parrots and saddlebacks are thriving while tuatara bask in the sun outside only minutes from downtown Wellington. Danielle Shanahan, the sanctuary's new conservation manager, discusses the extraordinary relationship between humans and nature which makes Zealandia such a unique experience.
EXTENDED BODY:
Wellington's wildlife centre, Zealandia is a haven for native species with a 225 hectare bush area surrounded by a predator-free fence. Kaka parrots and saddlebacks are thriving while tuatara bask in the sun outside only minutes from downtown Wellington.
Danielle Shanahan, the sanctuary's new conservation manager, discusses the extraordinary relationship between humans and nature which makes Zealandia such a unique experience.
"My own research has been looking into a whole suit of benefits that we get all at one time [while in nature]. For example, the impacts on depression, high blood pressure, and also there social benefits when we get out there and we see other people.
"These things can be improved with more biologically diverse environments."
Topics: life and society
Regions:
Tags: Zealandia, Danielle Shanahan
Duration: 23'40"
10:40
Book review - The Underground Railroad
BODY:
'The Underground Railroad' by Colson Whitehead. Reviewed by Jenna Todd.
Topics: books
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Tags:
Duration: 4'27"
11:06
Business commentator Rod Oram
BODY:
Rod Oram discussing the latest company results season, and the rapid growth of international tourism.
Topics: business, economy
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Tags:
Duration: 17'34"
11:24
Growing up Afro Caribbean in Australia
BODY:
On the face of it, writer Maxine Beneba-Clarke had a quintessential Aussie childhood. Growing up in suburban Sydney, riding in the family Ford Falcon, vegemite in the cupboard. She is the author of three poetry collections and an award winning book of short stories, Foreign Soil. Her latest work is a memoir, The Hate Race which touches on some of the racially charged episodes of her life growing up of Afro-Caribbean descent in the Lucky Country.
EXTENDED BODY:
On the face of it, writer Maxine Beneba-Clarke had a quintessential Aussie childhood. Growing up in suburban Sydney, riding in the family Ford Falcon, vegemite in the cupboard. She is the author of three poetry collections and an award winning book of short stories, Foreign Soil. Her latest work is a memoir, The Hate Race which touches on some of the racially charged episodes of her life growing up of Afro-Caribbean descent in the Lucky Country.
Topics: author interview
Regions:
Tags: Maxine Beneba-Clarke, racism, Australia, The Hate Race, poet
Duration: 20'23"
11:44
Media commentator Gavin Ellis
BODY:
Why is the Key Government afraid to confront the need for fundamental changes to media regulation? Is Amy Adams' proposed bill mere tinkering?
Topics: media
Regions:
Tags:
Duration: 14'54"
=SHOW NOTES=
[image:79806:half]
09:05 The challenges of a near-zero inflation world
This year the Reserve Bank has cut interest rates to record low levels, and has indicated that further cuts are possible. Is focusing solely on returning inflation to within the 1 to 3 per cent range, going to fuel house price inflation?
Reserve Bank Assistant Governor and head of economics, Dr John McDermott talks to Kathryn Ryan about the challenges of a near-zero inflation world for the Reserve Bank.
09:20 Race for UN Secretary General
It looks as if Helen Clark has remained in seventh place in the third straw poll of the UN Secretary-General race. Lorna Shaddick reports from the UN in New York
[image:79797:third] no metadata
09:30 How democratic are local government elections?
Elections for the mayoralties, councils and local boards take place in early October, and already questions are being asked about low voter turn-out, low candidate turnout, one-sided races, & uncontested seats. Nine to Noon asks why local government matters and whether Havelock North's drinking water debacle will re-focus voters' minds.
Dr Jean Drage from Lincoln University is based in Christchurch and has edited a new book called Local Government in New Zealand, Challenges and Choices. Dr Andy Asquith is from Massey University's School of Management and is based in Auckland. He has also contributed to the new publication.
09:45 US Correspondent, Susan Milligan
Susan Milligan is covering the US presidential campaign and says race has gone from an underlying to right-out-front, deeply divisive issue in the campaign.
10:05 Zealandia's new manager Danielle Shanahan
Wellington's wildlife centre, Zealandia is a haven for native species with a 225 hectare bush area surrounded by a predator-free fence. Kaka parrots and saddlebacks are thriving while tuatara bask in the sun outside only minutes from downtown Wellington.
Danielle Shanahan, the sanctuary's new conservation manager, discusses the extraordinary relationship between humans and nature which makes Zealandia such a unique experience.
[gallery:2427]
10:35 Book review - The Underground Railroad by Colson Whitehead
Reviewed by Jenna Todd
10:45 The Reading
Love as a Stranger by Owen Marshall read by Katherine McCrae (Part 2 of 10).
[image:76576:third] no metadata
11:05 Business commentator Rod Oram
Rod Oram discussing the latest company results season, and the rapid growth of international tourism.
11:30 Growing up Afro Carribean in Australia
[image:79354:half] no metadata
On the face of it, writer Maxine Beneba-Clarke had a quintessential Aussie childhood. Growing up in suburban Sydney, riding in the family Ford Falcon, vegemite in the cupboard.
She is the author of three poetry collections and an award winning book of short stories, Foreign Soil. Her latest work is a memoir, The Hate Race which touches on some of the racially charged episodes of her life growing up of Afro-Carribean descent in the Lucky Country.
11:45 Media commentator Gavin Ellis
[image:40278:quarter] no metadata
Why is the Key Government afraid to confront the need for fundamental changes to media regulation? Is Amy Adams' proposed bill mere tinkering?
===Noon | Midday Report===
=DESCRIPTION=
RNZ news, followed by updates and reports until 1.00pm, including: 12:16 Business News 12:26 Sport 12:34 Rural News 12:43 Worldwatch
=AUDIO=
12:00
Midday News for 30 August 2016
BODY:
Kim Dotcom wins the right to livestream his extradition appeal. A South Auckland school is investigating its pupils' role in the Mangere KFC brawl.
Topics:
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Duration: 15'33"
12:17
RBNZ asst gov. coy on rates
BODY:
As you may have heard in the news, the Rerserve Bank's Assistant Governor is being coy about how low the bank will push interest rates to get inflation back into the 1 to 3 percent target band.
Topics: business, economy
Regions:
Tags: Rerserve Bank
Duration: 2'25"
12:19
Tenon to sell North American business for US$110
BODY:
The wood products processor, Tenon, is planning to sell its North American business for 110-million US-dollars.
Topics: business
Regions:
Tags: Tenon
Duration: 1'19"
12:21
Company earnings round up
BODY:
There's been a number of companies reporting today.
Topics: business
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Tags:
Duration: 1'15"
12:24
Midday Markets for 30 August 2016
BODY:
For the latest from the markets we're joined by Angus Marks at First NZ Capital.
Topics: business, economy
Regions:
Tags: markets
Duration: 1'15"
12:26
Fuel company, Z Energy
BODY:
Fuel company, Z Energy, says it expects to sell its recently acquired Chevron retail location in central Auckland's Fanshaw Street for more than 20-million dollars.
Topics: business
Regions:
Tags: Z Energy
Duration: 25"
12:26
Midday Sports News for 30 August 2016
BODY:
Even four quick wickets isn't going to help the Black Caps much heading into the 4th day of the second Test against South Africa at Centurion.
Topics: sport
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Tags:
Duration: 2'26"
12:35
Midday Rural News for 30 August 2016
BODY:
News from the rural and farming sectors.
Topics: rural, farming
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Tags:
Duration: 8'00"
=SHOW NOTES=
===1:06 PM. | Jesse Mulligan, 1–4pm===
=DESCRIPTION=
An upbeat mix of the curious and the compelling, ranging from the stories of the day to the great questions of our time (RNZ)
=AUDIO=
13:16
Outrage over EpiPen price hike
BODY:
Allergy New Zealand says it's being inundated by calls from anxious parents and allergy sufferers, fearful the price of potentially life-saving EpiPens will skyrocket like it has in the US. There's been a huge uproar in the US after Mylan Pharmaceuticals pushed up the price of the anaphylaxis treatment yet again. When it first bought the rights to the drug in 2007, it cost Americans $US93 for two injectors - it's now over $US600. In New Zealand, the EpiPens are not funded, so cost people between $NZ120 and $NZ200 per pen, and local allergy sufferers are fearful the price is set to rise even higher here. Mark Dixon is the chief executive of Allergy New Zealand.
EXTENDED BODY:
Allergy New Zealand is being inundated by calls from anxious parents and allergy sufferers, fearful the price of EpiPens will skyrocket like it has in the US, its CEO says.
The devices contain a dose of adrenalin, which is injected into the muscle of the leg through a spring-loaded needle, and are used to treat potentially life threatening allergic reactions.
When Mylan Pharmaceuticals first bought the rights to the anaphylaxis treatment in 2007, it cost Americans $US93 for two injectors - it's now over $US600.
In New Zealand, the EpiPens are not funded, so cost people between $NZ120 and $NZ200 per pen per year, and Allergy New Zealand CEO Mark Dixon said local allergy sufferers had been watching developments in the US with concern.
"We estimate [there are] 12-13,000 users in New Zealand - and it would be a lot higher obviously if the pen was subsidised by Pharmac," he said.
Pharmac did support a cheaper alternative but it involved assembling and correctly using a hypodermic needle, which was challenging for some sufferers and their supporters, he said.
"Currently Pharmac's sitting on its hands with regard to funding or negotiating funding of auto-injectors in New Zealand purely because there's only one supplier.
"That's our worry - that an allergy community who's already bearing the burden and the cost of these pens now sits there anxiously reading these articles from the States with these massive price increases... We're completely exposed here if the price did increase."
No plans to increase prices in NZ
Mylan New Zealand said in a statement that it had no plans to increase the price of the treatment in this country.
“The price that Mylan New Zealand sells EpiPen® Auto-Injector to pharmacies has remained consistent for many years and there are no plans to increase that price in New Zealand.
"Individual pharmacies set the price that they sell EpiPen® Auto-Injector to patients and this is not under the control of Mylan New Zealand."
Mr Dixon said Allergy New Zealand had not been in communication with the company - but he expected they'd have a fight on their hands if prices ever rose as far as they had in the US.
"I would say that we would find the community would mobilise itself very quickly and the noise would get even louder than it is now."
Meanwhile, Mylan Pharmaceuticals was reported to be planning a cheaper generic version of the devices, which would be on the market in "several weeks" for about $US300, in an effort to counter anger over the price rises.
Topics: health
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Tags: Epi Pens
Duration: 8'03"
13:25
Houseplants better than ventilation
BODY:
A new study shows that houseplants may be better than ventilation systems at removing pollutants from inside homes and workplaces.
EXTENDED BODY:
A new study shows that houseplants may be better than ventilation systems at removing pollutants from inside homes and workplaces.
Vadoud Niri, from the State University of New York at Oswego says his research shows that common house plants are very effective at removing volatile organic compounds, or VOC's from the air. VOC's are pollutants that can easily turn into gases at room temperature.
Topics: health, housing
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Tags: houseplants
Duration: 6'59"
13:31
Dan Slevin celebrates the work of Gene Wilder
BODY:
US actor Gene Wilder, remembered by many for his namesake role in Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory, has died at the age of 83. Dan Slevin looks back on his many comedic roles.
EXTENDED BODY:
US actor Gene Wilder, remembered by many for his namesake role in Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory, has died at the age of 83.
Dan Slevin looks back on his many comedic roles.
Topics: movies
Regions:
Tags: Gene Wilder
Duration: 12'18"
13:44
Favourite album
BODY:
'This is Big Audio Dynamite' from BAD. Chosen by Gerard Casey.
Topics: music
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Tags:
Duration: 15'12"
14:06
The world's saddest songs
BODY:
You suggested them, and we compiled them. and then got musicologist Nick Braae to explain why some songs are just so sad.
EXTENDED BODY:
Sad songs, doleful ditties, maudlin melodies – what makes them make you sad? Jesse Mulligan asked for your favourite tear-jerker tunes and got suggestions by the hundred.
Musicologist Nick Braee listened to them and picked a selection for dissection.
Bright Eyes – Art Garfunkel
Nick says this is typical of a song which encapsulates a particular "sad" context; in this case a poignant moment in the film Watership Down.
In the Arms of an Angel - Sarah McLachlan
Sad or sentimental? It all depends on the listener Nick says. So what is the difference? “A sentimentalist is simply one who desires to have the luxury of an emotion without paying for it” according to Oscar Wilde.
Heroes – Amanda Palmer
This is bound up with a very particular context, the death of David Bowie. Palmer’s slight hesitancy of vocal adds poignancy to the song, says Nick.
“In the singing style, it’s as if she is struggling to get through the words.”
Vincent – Don McLean
A classic example of using minimal instrumentation to convey emotional intimacy. Like ‘Heroes’, there is a sense of struggle from the narrator, which possibly comes through in the phrasing.
And the Band Played Waltzing Matilda (trad) - The Pogues
A traditional that evokes the sadness of war, but also the stomp-like percussion and accordion connotes pride and patriotism.
“The folk style conjures a sense of innocence and simplicity, which forms a sharp juxtaposition or contrast with the gruesome lyrical imagery.”
The Blower’s Daughter – Damien Rice
Nick detects melodic references to Sinatra’s ‘My Way’ here and lyrical references of Frankie Valli’s ‘Can’t Take My Eyes Off You’. The mournful deployment of the cello adds sadness.
River - Joni Mitchell
Mitchell’s melancholy masterpiece references ‘Jingle Bells’ It locates the song at Christmas, the melodic lines are tentative; they don't flow like a river.
Why sad? Because we know the narrator isn't going anywhere according to Nick.
The Little Boy That Santa Forgot - Nat King Cole
An interesting example, says Nick, in that the song isn't musically very sad – it uses the juxtaposition of Christmas optimism and family, with absenteeism. Nat King Cole delivers the song in a prosaic, emotionally neutral style.
You Can Let Go - Crystal Shawanda
A country weepie showing the progression of a woman’s relationship with her father; the use of the refrain line adds an obvious lyrical sadness.
Dark Child – Marlon Williams
A “burden-like undercurrent in the lyrics”, and the accompaniment weighs down the song, says Nick.
The two voices in the chorus create a sense of “disembodiment and distance” which reflect how far the parents' message is from the child and how that message has failed to change anything.
Andy – Don McGlashan and The Front Law
A New Zealand classic: a 'mis-en-scène' lyrical opening, parallel lyrical narratives concerning loss and and a climactic build-up leading to the emotional outburst and final realisation that Andy is dead.
"'Andy' is a good example of a song where the sadness becomes fully apparent as more information is revealed," says Nick.
Lucille - Kenny Rogers
Sadness evoked by the contrasting narrative perspectives, and the general misfortune of all of the characters.
Also the use of the country waltz groove has an association with loss of innocence - perhaps in classical music such as Mahler, but then into the 20th century with songs like 'Tennessee Waltz', 'Streets of Laredo', or even 'Edelweiss'.
Diary – Bread
A simple, intimate setting of words; some folk-like harmonies; great example of the narrative being twisted at the end as the "punch-line" and we find out the husband has been tricked.
Topics: music
Regions:
Tags:
Duration: 54'18"
14:54
Tania Wilson sings "Mama"
BODY:
When we asked for sad song suggestions, we got hundreds of suggestions from listeners. one of them was from Tania Wilson, who chose the song "Mama" by Queen Esther Marrow. She told us she performed it for her music degree, so we asked her to perform it for us.
EXTENDED BODY:
When we asked for sad song suggestions, we got hundreds of suggestions from listeners. one of them was from Tania Wilson, who chose the song "Mama" by Queen Esther Marrow.
She told us she performed it for her music degree, so we asked her to perform it for us.
Topics: music
Regions:
Tags:
Duration: 5'44"
15:08
Embracing failure and procrastination
BODY:
There are dreamers who come up with great ideas and there are doers. Originals are people who do both, but not always on time according to Professor Adam Grant who teaches at the University of Pennsylvania's Wharton School.
EXTENDED BODY:
There are dreamers who come up with great ideas and there are doers. Originals are people who do both, but not always on time according to Professor Adam Grant who teaches at the University of Pennsylvania's Wharton School.
He looks at the unexpected habits of original thinkers including embracing failure and procrastination. His new book is called Originals: How Non-Conformists Move the World.
He talks to Jesse about the mythology of success, the habits of original thinkers and how we can all be more creative.
Topics: life and society
Regions:
Tags: original thinkers, Originals
Duration: 21'50"
15:47
One Quick Question for 30 August 2016
BODY:
We find the answers to any queries you can think up.
EXTENDED BODY:
Today's Questions:
Which is the correct please, opposite to or opposite from, or even opposite of?
If it is illegal to invest funds in a company that produces cluster bombs and other dreadful armaments, then why is it not illegal for the companies to make them?
When you get a reply paid freepost envelope in your rates bill, what law - if any - stops you from putting a sticker over the Council's address and using the envelope to send a letter to someone else?
What is it with varying water levels in toilet cisterns worldwide?
Topics:
Regions:
Tags:
Duration: 5'30"
15:52
The Panel pre-show for 30 August 2016
BODY:
Your feedback, and a preview of the guests and topics on The Panel.
Topics:
Regions:
Tags:
Duration: 7'16"
21:06
Fish-friendly city streams
BODY:
Environment Waikato is helping native fish commute up urban streams by providing aids such as ropes running through culverts and pipes.
EXTENDED BODY:
It’s whitebait season, and all around the country tiny fish – the juveniles of five species of Galaxiid fish – are running the gauntlet.
And even assuming they make it past the whitebait nets at the mouth of the river, they’ll face many more obstacles as they swim upstream.
The problem is particularly bad if the stream is in an urban area, where all sorts of artificial barriers get in the way.
Concrete walls, long pipes, and culverts that move water underneath roads – these can all be insurmountable obstacles to small migrating fish.
But in Hamilton, the fish have friends at Environment Waikato, who are doing their best to provide ‘fish passages’ to help the scaly commuters past those blockages.
Fish ladders are an existing technology that works well, but they can be expensive – and they don’t work in all situations.
The challenge in large pipes and culverts is water being channeled down a smooth concrete surface. A simple solution to this is to install baffles; these break up the water flow and provide gentle eddies where the fish can rest.
Bruno David from Environment Waikato says a herringbone pattern of gabion baskets, filled with rocks, is one way to do this.
Learning the ropes
Perched culverts are particularly challenging – these are culverts that hang out into space, creating a sheer waterfall.
But a few years ago, Bruno and fellow fish scientist Kevin Collier, now at Waikato University, had a eureka moment in the field.
“We found a waterfall where roots were coming out of a big pohutukawa tree and growing over a big rock wall, down through the water,” says Bruno.
“When we peeled the roots open we found a whole lot of little eels and banded kokopu inside. We’d seen fish climbing rock walls before but we’d never seen them climbing up roots and we thought this might be a solution to the perched culvert problem, where we could use ropes rather than building expensive engineered structures like fish ladders.”
Bruno says that “some of our fish can climb really well as juveniles.”
“We talk about them having either two-wheel drive or four-wheel-drive. But … some of them almost have six-wheel drive! You have fish like koaro that can scale vertical waterfalls 20 metres high, no problem.”
So, with those pohutukawa roots in mind, Kevin and Bruno came up with the idea of hanging a mussel rope – the kind used on mussel farms – through the perched culvert to provide something for these six-wheel fish to climb up.
First, they tested the idea in the lab – and sure enough, the agile fish easily shimmied up half a metre of furry rope.
Mussel ropes have become a standard way of assisting fish passage in urban streams, and Bruno says there is an unexpected upside to this. Unlike the nimble natives, introduced pest fish aren’t great climbers, so they remain stuck below the perched culvert – it’s a good way of keeping them in their place.
Bruno is all in favour of helping urban native fish as much as possible. In a previous Our Changing World story he introduced us to the idea of kokopu condos and tuna townhouses, which are fish houses built into the side of streams to provide cover.
Earlier in 2016, he gave us a tour of the council’s Carp’N Neutral facility in the Waikato, in which pest koi carp are trapped and turned into a nutrient-rich compost that is being used in native plant restoration projects.
Topics: science, environment
Regions: Waikato
Tags: native fish, whitebait, rivers, streams, culverts
Duration: 10'01"
=SHOW NOTES=
1:15 Outrage over Epi-Pen price hike
[image:79820:full]
Allergy New Zealand says its being inundated by calls from anxious parents and allergy sufferers, fearful the price of life saving Epi Pens will skyrocket like it has in the US. There's been a huge uproar in the states after Mylan Pharmaceuticals pushed up the price of the anaphylaxis treatment yet again. When it first bought the rights to the drug in 2007 it cost americans 93 dollars for two injectors - it's now over 600 US dollars.
In New Zealand the epi-pens are not funded, so cost people between 120 and 200 dollars per pen, and local allergy sufferers are fearful the price is set to rise even higher here.
1:25 Houseplants better than ventilation
A new study shows that houseplants may be better than ventilation systems at removing pollutants from inside homes and workplaces.
Vadoud Niri, from the State University of New York at Oswego says his research shows that common house plants are very effective at removing volatile organic compounds, or VOC's from the air. VOC's are pollutants that can easily turn into gases at room temperature.
[image:79827:full]
1:35 Dan Slevin celebrates the work of Gene Wilder
[image:79811:full]
US actor Gene Wilder, remembered by many for his namesake role in Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory, has died at the age of 83.
Dan Slevin looks back on his many comedic roles.
[embed] https://youtu.be/w1FLZPFI3jc
1:40 Favourite album
2:10 The World's Saddest Songs
You suggested them, we compiled them... and got musicologist Nick Braae along to explain just why some songs are so sad.
[image:79810:full]
THE SONGS
Bright Eyes by Art Garfunkel
Angel by Sarah McLachlan
Heroes by Amanda Palmer
Vincent by Don McLean
And the Band Played Waltzing Matilda by The Pogues
The Blowers Daughter by Damian Rice
River by Joni Mitchell
The Little Boy That Santa Forgot - Nat King Cole
You Can Let Go - Crystal Shawanda
Dark Child - Marlon Williams
Andy - Don McGlashan and The Front Lawn
Lucille - Kenny Rogers
Diary by Bread
3:10 Embracing failure and procrastination
[image:79830:half]
There are dreamers who come up with great ideas and there are doers. Originals are people who do both, but not always on time according to Professor Adam Grant who teaches at the University of Pennsylvania's Wharton School.
He looks at the unexpected habits of original thinkers including embracing failure and procrastination. His new book is called Originals: How Non-Conformists Move the World.
3:30 Science and environment stories
Stories from Our Changing World.
3:45 The Panel Pre-Show
===4:06 PM. | The Panel===
=DESCRIPTION=
An hour of discussion featuring a range of panellists from right along the opinion spectrum (RNZ)
=AUDIO=
15:47
One Quick Question for 30 August 2016
BODY:
We find the answers to any queries you can think up.
EXTENDED BODY:
Today's Questions:
Which is the correct please, opposite to or opposite from, or even opposite of?
If it is illegal to invest funds in a company that produces cluster bombs and other dreadful armaments, then why is it not illegal for the companies to make them?
When you get a reply paid freepost envelope in your rates bill, what law - if any - stops you from putting a sticker over the Council's address and using the envelope to send a letter to someone else?
What is it with varying water levels in toilet cisterns worldwide?
Topics:
Regions:
Tags:
Duration: 5'30"
15:52
The Panel pre-show for 30 August 2016
BODY:
Your feedback, and a preview of the guests and topics on The Panel.
Topics:
Regions:
Tags:
Duration: 7'16"
16:03
The Panel with Ellen Read and Stephen Franks (Part 1)
BODY:
What the Panelists Ellen Read and Stephen Franks have been up to. Two 17 year-olds have been charged after a fight involving high school pupils from a number of schools. New Zealand's Helen Clark is losing ground in the race for UN Secretary-General. Vishal Rishi of the Asian Network talks about Asian communities' fear around crime.
Topics:
Regions:
Tags:
Duration: 23'04"
16:05
The Panel with Ellen Read and Stephen Franks (Part 2)
BODY:
The screaming just got too much. Today in 1966 the fab four called quitrs on their live performances. What the Panelists Ellen Read and Stephen Franks have been thinking about. Students aren't very aware of plagiarism. The Labour Party says there will be a boost in funding for arts and humanities if it gets into power. Marc Wilson of Victoria University talks about what a psychopath really is and should we be labelling Donald Trump as one. The leading businessman Roshan Nauhria has set up the New Zealand People's Party.
Topics:
Regions:
Tags:
Duration: 28'09"
16:07
Panel Intro
BODY:
What the Panelists Ellen Read and Stephen Franks have been up to.
Topics:
Regions:
Tags:
Duration: 3'56"
16:11
KFC school kids brawl
BODY:
Two 17 year-olds have been charged after a fight involving high school pupils from a number of schools.
Topics:
Regions: Auckland Region
Tags: violence
Duration: 3'09"
16:14
Helen Clark losing UN race
BODY:
New Zealand's Helen Clark is losing ground in the race for UN Secretary-General.
Topics: politics
Regions:
Tags: Helen Clark
Duration: 3'20"
16:18
Police to focus on burglaries
BODY:
Vishal Rishi of the Asian Network talks about Asian communities' fear around crime.
Topics: politics
Regions:
Tags: police
Duration: 12'14"
16:32
50 years since The Beatles stopped live performance
BODY:
The screaming just got too much. Today in 1966 the fab four called quitrs on their live performances.
Topics: history
Regions:
Tags: The Beatles
Duration: 3'45"
16:35
Panel Says
BODY:
What the Panelists Ellen Read and Stephen Franks have been thinking about.
Topics:
Regions:
Tags:
Duration: 8'42"
16:44
Plagiarism at university
BODY:
Students aren't very aware of plagiarism.
Topics:
Regions:
Tags:
Duration: 2'46"
16:47
Labour wants growth in the arts at Otago Uni
BODY:
The Labour Party says there will be a boost in funding for arts and humanities if it gets into power.
Topics: education
Regions: Otago
Tags: University of Otago
Duration: 3'33"
16:51
Psycho's bandied around a lot these days
BODY:
Marc Wilson of Victoria University talks about what a psychopath really is and should we be labelling Donald Trump as one.
Topics:
Regions:
Tags:
Duration: 5'19"
16:55
Richie McCaw statue
BODY:
Former All Black Captain Richie McCaw's likeness is to be made into a statue and erected in Kurow.
Topics:
Regions:
Tags:
Duration: 1'53"
16:58
New Zealand People's Party
BODY:
The leading businessman Roshan Nauhria has set up the New Zealand People's Party. w.
Topics: politics
Regions:
Tags:
Duration: 2'00"
=SHOW NOTES=
===5:00 PM. | Checkpoint===
=DESCRIPTION=
RNZ's weekday drive-time news and current affairs programme
=AUDIO=
17:00
RNZ Checkpoint with John Campbell, Tuesday 30th August 2016
BODY:
Watch Tuesday's full show here.
Topics:
Regions:
Tags:
Duration: 00"
17:08
Dotcom livestreaming will set precedent, law prof says
BODY:
The livestreaming of Kim Dotcom's appeal to YouTube will set a precedent for other cases, Auckland University professor of law Bill Hodge says.
Topics: law
Regions:
Tags: Kim Dotcom, livestreaming
Duration: 1'39"
17:10
Dotcom livestreaming 'good for justice' - David Harvey
BODY:
Allowing Kim Dotcom's appeal to be livestreamed is an innovative move which will enable people greater access to how justice is delivered, internet law expert David Harvey says.
Topics: law
Regions:
Tags: Kim Dotcom, livestreaming
Duration: 4'13"
17:15
'Cyber-ransoming' on the rise in NZ
BODY:
Cyber ransoming, where hackers seize files or intellectual property and demand money for their return, appears to be increasing, Minister Responsible for the GCSB Christopher Finlayson says.
Topics: law, technology
Regions:
Tags: cyber ransoming, cyber crime, hacking, information security
Duration: 3'03"
17:17
Pharmac urged to fund Keytruda for other cancers
BODY:
A cancer patient given just two days to live five months ago is calling on Pharmac to publicly fund Keytruda for cancers other than melanoma.
EXTENDED BODY:
A cancer patient given just two days to live five months ago is calling on Pharmac to publicly fund Keytruda for cancers other than melanoma.
Len Pene was diagnosed with asbestos cancer, mesothelioma, late last year.
His father worked at asbestos manufacturer James Hardie as a foreman and died of the same cancer. Mr Pene would often work with his dad during the school holidays.
In April he was given just two days to live after chemotherapy failed to work.
“My specialist said there was nothing they could do for me anymore, but if I’d like to take Keytruda I’m welcome to it, but I’d have to pay for it, so I did. I paid for it.
“I had a scan and everything was failing. They actually gave me two days to live... but before that I actually got the first lot of Keytruda then I came home to actually die.”
After three days at home he started to eat again and started to feel better.
A scan on Anzac Day showed the tumour had shrunk by 61 percent, Mr Pene said.
He’s had seven treatments and has one more to go.
But he’s having to use the money he’s saved all his working life to pay for the treatment, which costs $8500 each time.
Pharmac announced in June it would fund Keytruda for melanoma patients, but that did not apply to other cancer patients.
Melanoma patients welcomed the funding, but said people had died waiting for it.
There were 30 people in New Zealand who were self-funding Keytruda for other cancers, the drug’s manufacturer Merck Sharpe & Dohme said.
Now back at work, Mr Pene had written to ACC and Pharmac requesting the drug be funded, but said he was still waiting for a response.
Pharmac did not respond to Checkpoint’s request for comment.
Topics: health
Regions:
Tags: cancer, Pharmac, Keytruda
Duration: 5'35"
17:23
Public meeting in Havelock North
BODY:
Havelock North locals hope a public meeting in Havelock North tonight will give them the answers they desperately want following the town's water contamination crises. Alex Ashton reports.
Topics:
Regions: Hawkes Bay
Tags: campylobactor, water contamination, Havelock North
Duration: 2'14"
17:26
Father and son fight off masked robbers with table leg and stick
BODY:
A father and son who fought off masked-robbers with a table leg and hockey stick, say they no longer feel safe working alone at night in their Napier dairy.
Topics: crime
Regions: Hawkes Bay
Tags:
Duration: 2'37"
17:28
Eliza McCartney on a high after winning bronze
BODY:
Olympic pole vaulting bronze medalist Eliza McCartney returned to her old school this morning in Auckland's Takapuna. She sat down with John Campbell to talk about her success.
Topics: sport
Regions:
Tags: Pole Vaulting, Eliza McCartney, Rio Olympics 2016
Duration: 5'47"
17:37
Evening business for 30 August 2016
BODY:
News from the business sector, including a market report.
Topics: business, economy
Regions:
Tags: markets
Duration: 1'30"
17:40
Helen Clark vows to stay in the race for UN's top job
BODY:
Helen Clark is vowing to stay in the race for the United Nations top job despite failing to make any headway against her rivals in a third ballot.
Topics: politics
Regions:
Tags: UN, Helen Clark
Duration: 3'02"
17:43
Schools struggling to find space for students
BODY:
Auckland's Clendon Park School has experienced such rapid growth it's had to convert its library and kitchen into classrooms, and it's not the only school having to do so.
Topics: education
Regions: Auckland Region
Tags: overcrowded schools
Duration: 4'16"
17:47
School billeting under threat due to health and safety changes
BODY:
The Kiwi tradition of being billeted out while on school sports and cultural exchanges may soon become a thing of the past due to health and safety regulations.
Topics: education
Regions:
Tags: billeting, school billeting
Duration: 3'42"
17:51
Stealing cows as tricky as stealing crown jewels
BODY:
Questions remain over how it was possible for 500 cows to be stolen, without anyone seeing.
Topics: crime, farming
Regions:
Tags: livestock theft
Duration: 3'28"
17:57
September to feel more like summer than spring
BODY:
September is tipped to feel more like summer than spring, with some areas expected to be five to 10 degrees warmer than average.
Topics: weather, climate
Regions:
Tags:
Duration: 2'04"
18:08
Hundreds attend Havelock North meeting on water crisis
BODY:
Hundreds of people have turned up for a public meeting in Havelock North to discuss the water contamination crisis. Checkpoint reporter Alex Ashton joined us from the meeting.
Topics:
Regions: Hawkes Bay
Tags: Havelock North, water contamination
Duration: 4'09"
18:11
Will water contamination affect the way people vote
BODY:
It's just a month to go until the local body elections. Checkpoint asked Havelock North locals if the water contamination crisis will impact on how they vote.
Topics:
Regions: Hawkes Bay
Tags: Havelock North, water contamination
Duration: 1'39"
18:13
Wells in Chch deemed an unsatisfactory risk
BODY:
Christchurch City Council is considering fast-tracking work to better protect the city's drinking water, which it has been told is a "time bomb".
Topics:
Regions: Canterbury
Tags: water contamination, Christchurch City Council
Duration: 3'43"
18:16
Police deny large KFC brawl could've been stopped earlier
BODY:
Police deny a large brawl between school students outside a KFC in Mangere, Auckland, yesterday could have been prevented.
Topics:
Regions: Auckland Region
Tags: Mangere, KFC brawl
Duration: 3'40"
18:21
Brazilian protesters decry Rousseff impeachment trial
BODY:
Protesters lit fires on the streets of Sao Paulo in support of Brazil's suspended President Dilma Rousseff who is facing an impeachment trial.
Topics:
Regions:
Tags: Brazil, Dilma Rousseff
Duration: 58"
18:22
Eliza McCartney welcomed home by former school
BODY:
Olympic bronze medallist Eliza McCartney arrived home this morning and headed straight to her old school on Auckland's North Shore. Reporter Sarah Robson reports.
Topics: sport
Regions:
Tags: Eliza McCartney, Rio Olympics 2016
Duration: 3'28"
18:25
Women's sevens team get rousing reception at tournament
BODY:
Fans swamped the silver-medal winning women's sevens rugby team when they showed up at a girls under-15 regional rugby tournament in Wellington today.
EXTENDED BODY:
Stars from the silver-medal winning women's sevens rugby team got a rousing reception when they showed up at a girls under-15 regional rugby tournament in Wellington this afternoon.
The players, and their medals, were swamped by fans wanting photos and a chance to talk shop.
It's part of New Zealand Rugby's Seven Cities in Seven Days tour that the team is making around the country this week.
Sevens captain Sarah Gross and winger Portia Woodman spoke to reporter Kate Pereyra Garcia about what it's like to get such a reception everywhere they go following their Olympic success.
Topics: sport
Regions:
Tags: women's sevens rugby team, Rio Olympics 2016
Duration: 3'06"
=SHOW NOTES=
===6:30 PM. | None (National)===
=DESCRIPTION=
Highlighting the RNZ stories you're sharing on-line
===7:06 PM. | Nights===
=DESCRIPTION=
RNZ's weeknight programme of entertainment and information
=AUDIO=
19:12
Our Own Odysseys - Dog Sledding
BODY:
Maria Grace shares her experiences working with sled dogs as a handler in Alaska and Svalbard.
EXTENDED BODY:
Maria Grace shares her experiences working with sled dogs as a handler in Alaska and Svalbard.
Topics: weather, climate
Regions:
Tags: odysseys, Alaska, dogs, Alaskan husky, Estonia, USA, Svalbard, sledding, Norway
Duration: 22'34"
20:12
Nights' Pundit - Right Thinking
BODY:
Eric Crampton, head of research at The New Zealand Initiative, on why he thinks interest free student loans need to go.
EXTENDED BODY:
Eric Crampton, head of research at The New Zealand Initiative, on why he thinks interest free student loans need to go.
Topics: education, economy, politics
Regions:
Tags: student loans
Duration: 18'04"
=SHOW NOTES=
7:12 Our Own Odysseys - Dog Sledding
Maria Grace shares her experiences working with sled dogs as a handler in Alaska and Svalbard.
[gallery:2375]
7:30 The Sampler
Nick Bollinger reviews a veritable tsunami of new music from Frank Ocean; and discusses the timeless pop vocabulary and new perspectives of Angel Olsen, including an interview with the artist.
8:12 Nights' Pundit - Right Thinking
Eric Crampton, head of research at The New Zealand Initiative, on why he thinks interest free student loans need to go.
8:30 Window on the World
In the second part of the series on cruise ships Philip Dodd looks at the impact that mass tourism on cruise liners can have. He talks to the people who benefit from the arrival of the huge new ships, and those who are unhappy about the environmental impact.
9:07 Tuesday Feature
For one day each month, a bleak slice of English fenn-land the size of 40 football fields - hosts the biggest second-hand farm machinery auction in the world. Susie Emmett joins the hoards of buyers from four continents arriving by truck, taxi, or hire car with their tractor shopping lists and hopes.
10:17 Late Edition
A roundup of today's RNZ News and feature interviews as well as Date Line Pacific from RNZ International.
11:07 World Music
Tonight in Episode 9 of WOMAD Taranaki - The World's Festival 2016' we feature a live performance that is arguably the most ambitious project to grace the Bowl Stage at this year's Womad Festival. Acclaimed New Zealand composer John Psarthas and a dedicated crew of cinematographers and audio engineers created No Man's Land, a ground breaking cinematic performance which is projected on stage while being augmented by live musicians, in commemoration of the first World War.
===7:35 PM. | The Sampler===
=DESCRIPTION=
A weekly review and analysis of new CD releases
=AUDIO=
19:30
My Woman by Angel Olsen
BODY:
Nick Bollinger discusses the new release from Angel Olsen.
EXTENDED BODY:
Angel Olsen, who will be touring New Zealand in December, has a smart new album full of indie attitude and classic pop choruses.
Angel Olsen’s new album My Woman, out on 2 September, is full of the smart writing and indie attitude that has characterised her work from the time of her earliest releases around the start of the decade, which were cassette-only.
It also shows an artist who likes and understands pop; who can craft an addictive hook, and use it for her own ends. In ‘Give It Up’ she reworks a classic Nirvana/Pixies-style chord sequence and makes it fresh, but a lot of these songs might be descendants of something even older. ‘Shut Up Kiss Me’ has a classic rock’n’roll chorus, and behind the garage-punk guitars is a song The Chiffons or The Shirelles could have sung. Elsewhere she touches on synth-pop and piano ballads, yet all are linked by the loose theme that runs through the album. If I had to sum it up, that might be: how to stay a romantic when everything tells you that being a cynic would be a safer bet.
But there is humour as well as heartache in these songs, which becomes more apparent when you see her self-directed videos for ‘Shut Up Kiss Me’ and ‘Intern’.
“I like when things have double-entendres” she says. “I like symbolism. I like it when things have a second layer. And for the first time, I can follow through and show people visually – with my face – ‘okay, you could read this and it might seem sad, but just watch my face and watch me sing it now and I promise I’ll make you laugh.’ That’s my favourite kind of film, my favourite kind of music… when there’s comedy, and genuineness within that comedy.”
Angel Olsen will be playing two NZ shows: Tuesday, December 13, San Fran, Wellington
Wednesday; December 14, Kings Arms Tavern, Auckland.
My Woman is available on Jagjaguwar.
Topics: music
Regions:
Tags: music, music review, Angel Olsen
Duration: 13'12"
19:30
Blond by Frank Ocean
BODY:
Nick Bollinger considers the long-awaited return of Frank Ocean.
EXTENDED BODY:
Nick Bollinger considers the long-awaited return of R&B auteur Frank Ocean.
After a four-year silence, this month saw a veritable tsunami of new work from Frank Ocean, with the release of Blond and - almost simultaneously - a personally curated 360-page coffee-table magazine, Boys Don’t Cry, and 45-minute video album with its own soundtrack.
I haven’t seen the mag and I’m not going to spend too much time discussing the video either: essentially a 45-minute metaphor for the creative process in which Ocean builds himself a spiral staircase, then climbs it. But I have been spending some time with what is clearly the main event: the 70-minute, 17-track follow-up to one of the most acclaimed R&B albums of the decade, 2012’s Channel Orange.
Channel Orange was rightly hailed as an important work: an R&B album informed by hip-hop, rather than the other way round, full of unusual yet imperishable melodies and unpredictable, innovative structures. Perhaps most importantly, it heralded a new kind of R&B artist, whose work is revealingly personal, often conflicted, and whose chief subject is self-analysis.
There’s plenty of all that on Blond too, though it is not simply Channel Orange Volume 2. If anything, Ocean’s melodies have grown more seductive, his structures more eccentric.
Though it opens with ‘Nikes’, with its extreme yet weirdly appealing treatment of Ocean’s voice and a compellingly lopsided beat, the bulk of the album has no beats at all. It’s mostly Ocean, accompanying himself either on keyboard or guitar, at times completely solo. It’s a reinvention, in a way, of the 70s soft-rock singer-songwriter, only with the benefit of endless sonic manipulations, which can intensify the sense of solitary contemplation.
So what does Frank Ocean contemplate in his solitude? There may not have been a hip-hop album in the past twelve months that hasn’t referred in some way to the Trayvon Martin killing, or the Black Lives Matter campaign in general, and Ocean checks this box right at the beginning, noting in ‘Nikes’ how he looks at an image of Trayvon and sees himself. But the way he personalises even this subject underlines the way that, for Ocean, the personal is paramount. And for most of the album he’s thinking – if not agonising – about his own relationships, apparently with both women and men, continually shifting between past and present as he recalls old loves, serenades current ones, and considers the temptations and pitfalls of promiscuity.
In ‘Siegfried’ he even allows himself to imagine for a moment settling down with ‘two kids and a swimming pool’, yet in the same verse berates himself for his lack of bravery. He may be self-absorbed, but he’s nothing if not self-critical.
The way Ocean slides in and out of his memories is matched to appropriately woozy musical atmospheres. Among Blond's contributors is Radiohead’s Jonny Greenwood, whose presence can be most felt in the abstract ambience of tracks like ‘Siegfried’, which aren’t a million miles from the Radiohead of A Moon Shaped Pool. Though the arrangements tend to be sparse – almost the opposite of Kanye West’s maximalism – there are moments of genuine sonic experimentation.
There are also elements of spoken collage: a mother (Frank’s own, perhaps?) warning a son about the dangers of drug use; the sad if somewhat first-world problems of a French DJ whose girlfriend drops him over a Facebook misunderstanding.
But Blond would hardly be a contemporary hip-hop album if it didn’t have a few celebrity cameos, and some big names are notably present. There’s Kendrick Lamar and, briefly, Beyonce, who adds some wordless wailing to one cut. But these appearances feel essentially symbolic, as if simply to confirm that Ocean belongs in this esteemed company. Surely the most spectacular guest appearance is the one by OutKast’s Andre 3000. It’s brief, breathlessly impressive.
Andre’s rap stands out partly because it’s an over-the-top moment in an album that favours understatement. And, in spite of such potential scene-stealing, the focus of the album is firmly on the voice – or voices – of Ocean. Though in many ways he follows the singer-songwriter tradition, hip-hop is in his DNA. And while he’s proven he’s more than capable of writing lovely melodies, it’s in his nature to appropriate someone else’s tune when it suits, importing the lyrics along with it.
I don’t think it’s even a sample of The Beatles’ ‘Here There and Everywhere’ that Ocean slips into ‘White Ferrari’; rather, he just ‘becomes’ McCartney for those brief lines, and he does the same thing with the lesser-known – yet notably Beatle-esque – Elliott Smith on ‘Seigfried’.
It’s significant that when Frank Ocean borrows it’s not from old funk or R&B but from wonderful melodists like McCartney and Elliott Smith. You can hear that, in some ways, these are his role models. Yet what Ocean does on Blond is at least as far from The Beatles or Elliott Smith as it is from mainstream R&B or hip-hop. And that’s perhaps the chief reason this album has been so highly anticipated: because Frank Ocean is currently one of the few artists around who can be relied on to make a record that you know really isn’t going to sound like anyone else.
Song featured: Nikes, Solo, Solo Reprise, Ivy, Siegfried, Nights, White Ferrari, Pink and White.
Blond was released on Boys Don't Cry and is currently available exclusively on iTunes.
Topics: music
Regions:
Tags: music, music review, Frank Ocean
Duration: 12'27"
19:30
The Sampler for 30 August
BODY:
In The Sampler this week Nick Bollinger reviews a veritable tsunami of new music from Frank Ocean; and discusses the timeless pop vocabulary and new perspectives of Angel Olsen, including an interview with the artist.
EXTENDED BODY:
In The Sampler this week Nick Bollinger reviews a veritable tsunami of new music from Frank Ocean; and discusses the timeless pop vocabulary and new perspectives of Angel Olsen, including an interview with the artist.
Topics: music
Regions:
Tags: music, music review, Angel Olsen, Frank Ocean
Duration: 25'49"
=SHOW NOTES=
===8:30 PM. | Windows On The World===
=DESCRIPTION=
International public radio features and documentaries
===9:06 PM. | None (National)===
=DESCRIPTION=
Follow That Tractor
Each month in a flat piece of English Fenland a site the size of 40 football pitches hosts the biggest second hand farm machinery auction in the world. It is both uniquely British and international – buyers from four continents arrive by truck, taxi, or hire car with their tractor shopping lists and hopes. Presenter Susie Emmett meets some of the remarkable people in this extraordinary supply chain that deal and distribute these mighty tools and spare parts from field to field. (BBCWS)
===10:00 PM. | Late Edition===
=AUDIO=
Fears of a spike in the cost of serious allergy treatment; studying the humans around a wildlife sanctuary; and in Dateline Pacific why the Nauru government is cancelling dozens of passports.
=DESCRIPTION=
RNZ news, including Dateline Pacific and the day's best interviews from RNZ National
===11:06 PM. | None (National)===
=DESCRIPTION=
Coverage from the world music festival - 47 Soul (RNZ)