Interviews

NZ Herald (Auckland newspaper)
29 September, 2001

CHATTERBOX column

"And the winners almost are..."

Well, the winners aren't announced yet but APRA (the songwriters' and publishers' organisation) has announced a list of the 20 songs just below the top 10 of New Zealand's best songs.

Some months ago APRA, to acknowledge its 75th year, sent out voting forms to its members, plus 100 invited guests, who nominated their top local songs. More than 900 songs were nominated but, in a shakedown of the votes, a clear consensus emerged.

This week APRA announced the list of those from 11 to 30. In a month the top 10 will be revealed. But we are told the song which accrued the most votes is a clear winner. To find out what that song is, and the other top nine, you'll have wait for the announcement at the APRA Silver Scroll function on October 29. Meantime, start speculating.

But here are the songs and their writers ranked 11 to 30 which you can take out of contention, a diverse mix of old and new, big hits and songs which grew in stature over the years:

11. I Got You, Neil Finn (Split Enz, 1980)

12. Whaling, Dave Dobbyn (DD Smash, '84)

13. Not Given Lightly, Chris Knox ('90)

14. Pink Frost, Martin Phillipps (The Chills, '84)

15. Jesus I Was Evil, Darcy Clay ('97)

16. Weather With You, Tim Finn/Neil Finn (Crowded House, '91)

17. Blue Smoke, Ruru Karaitiana (Pixie Williams and the Ruru Karaitiana Quartet, '49)

18. Dance All Around the World, Corben Simpson, Geoff Murphy (Blerta, '72)

19. Lydia, Julia Deans (Fur Patrol, 2000)

20. Blue Lady, Graham Brazier (Hello Sailor, '77)

21. Drive, Bic Runga ('96)

22. Chains, Che Fu/DLT/Angus McNaughton/Kevin Rangihuna ('96)

23. Dominion Road, Don McGlashan (Muttonbirds, '93)

24. Glad I'm Not a Kennedy, Shona Laing ('86)

25. I Hope I Never, Tim Finn (Split Enz, '80)

26. Tears, Fane Flaws/Arthur Baysting (Crocodiles, '80)

27. Be Mine Tonight, Dave Dobbyn/Ian Morris (Th'Dudes, '78)

28. I See Red, Tim Finn (Split Enz, '79)

29. Beside You, Dave Dobbyn ('98)

30. Home Again, Karl Kippenberger/Tom Larkin/Phil Knight/Jon Toogood (Shihad, '97).