Lionel Richie is a hero. Not the solo Lionel of the late 80’s and 90’s, but the godlike lead man of The Commodores. The guy is a music icon here. Not far behind in the ranks of idolatry is Billy Ocean. I hadn’t heard a Billy Ocean song in eight years before arriving in New Zealand—I’ve heard him every day since. Kiwis are counting the days to his New Zealand arrival. Ocean is doing a show in Rotorua at the end of June. The ad reads, “Don’t miss this rare opportunity to see Billy live in concert performing all his hits, and songs from his new album.” He has a new album?
New Zealand radio is an audio timewarp. They specialize in songs that make you say, “daaamn….” Disc jockeys in this country have somehow compiled a list of all the songs you haven’t heard in a decade but you can still sing along to every word of the chorus and verse. Having the radio on is like accessing the music vaults of your childhood. The Kiwi fascination with 1980’s soft rock is inspirational.
They've got some music of their own too. A new song called, “I’ll Always Be There,” is on heavy rotation in every bar, restaurant, and shop. The singer mentions being in a campervan, so it became an instant classic for us. Also, quit surprisingly, one of my favorite acts from home, The Flight of the Conchords, is popular here. They are a comical Kiwi band, but I had imagined they were marketed specifically for Americans. Not true. New Zealanders find them humorous, as well. As it turns out, Brett, is actually the lead in a band of his own here, called Black Seeds. Apparently it is serious music—looking forward to checking it out.
Case, I hope, with the few things Jeannie packed, she did not forget her "Lionel Richie" shirt! Anyway, your blogs are the best read ever!!!!!!!!!!!!! Your mom and I do the same thing every morning.....grab a coffee and run to our computers to see a new post. You are amazing and I want you to know how much I appreciate knowing how much fun you are both having!
ReplyDeleteLove,
Judes