On 95bFM’s Loose Reads, Kiran and Mikey talked about Mars By 1980: The Story of Electronic Music by David Stubbs. A thrilling deep dive into technology and invention, it propels us into sonic space and charts how developments in technology have shaped music over the years. One of the best music books of 2018!
95bFM's Loose Reads
95bFM's Loose Reads: Munmun by Jesse Andrews /
Today we have a special school holiday edition of Loose Reads. Jenna & Eli (13) popped into the 95bFM studio to chat to Mikey about Munmun by Jesse Andrews.
Set in a world where your physical size is based on your wealth, this is a compelling and poignant read for a young generation. This is a book that Eli recommends for readers 12+.
95bFM's Loose Reads: The Only Girl by Robin Green /
Kiran reviewed The Only Girl: My Life and Times on the Masthead of Rolling Stone by Robin Green on 95bFM’s Loose Reads. A juicy, candid memoir from journalist Robin Green who wrote excellent and often damning long-form profiles for iconic magazine Rolling Stone in its 1970s heyday, this is essential reading for lovers of pop and counter culture, West Coast bohemia, political reportage and pacey biographies.
95bFM's Loose Reads: Sabrina by Nick Drnaso /
On this 95bFM book review, Jenna takes a look at the first ever graphic novel to be longlisted for the Man Booker Prize. Sabrina is a quietly intense story of the people left behind after a woman goes missing. It’s a story of this moment - the internet age, the media & truthers and is well worth a read - even if you’re a graphic novel novice!
Listen below:
95bFM's Loose Reads: Messing Up the Paintwork: The Wit and Wisdom of Mark E. Smith /
Kiran nipped into the bFM studio to talk to the wonderful Rach and Tess about Messing Up the Paintwork: The Wit and Wisdom of Mark E. Smith, a book that celebrates the very quotable late Mark E. Smith from iconic group The Fall. A crabby, belligerant codger, Smith was known and loved for his sharp wit, caustic insults and wonderful way with words. You’ll want to read bits of the book out to anyone who’ll listen!
95bFM's Loose Reads: Maori Made Easy by Scotty Morrison /
Te wiki o te reo Māori! Jenna visited the 95bBM studio to kōrero about Maori Made Easy & Maori Made Easy 2 - Scotty Morrison's reo learning series. If you're thinking about making the step to learning, these books are the place to start!
We also gave away a copy of the brand new Gecko Press book, Paraweta. You'll have to listen to find out what that means.
Haere mai koutou ki te Time Out toa pukapuka kia tipu ōu reo. Come to Time Out Bookstore to grow your reo. We've got a great selection in stock.
95bFM's Loose Reads: Dopesick by Beth Macy /
Suri gets serious on today's Loose Reads review. Dopesick is a deeply human investigation into the American opioid epidemic and the greed of corporations with blood on their hands.
A top pick from the current affairs section! Listen below:
95bFM's Loose Reads: This Mortal Boy by Fiona Kidman /
Today's 95bFM review is about Dame Fiona Kidman's This Mortal Boy. This is a novel based on the true story of Albert 'Paddy' Black, the second last man to be hanged in New Zealand.
Masterfully crafted, this is a heartbreaking tale. Jenna found it very engaging, very sad and it captures a strong sense of the time. The facts are there, but they are incredibly human.
Listen to the review below! And if you're in Hamilton this week, Kiran will interviewing Dame Fiona Kidman, Catherine Robertson and Julie Thomas for the ‘Fiction Three Ways’ panel discussion this Friday at Hamilton Book Month. It’s at the The Meteor, 6.30pm. It’s FREE and you even get a glass o’ wine. People of Hamilton, roll up!
95bFM's Loose Reads: Poukahangatus by Tayi Tibble /
In anticipation of this week's NZ Poetry Day and our All Tomorrow's Poets event, Suri visited Mikey and Sarah in the bFM studo to talk about Poukahangatus by Tayi Tibble, published by Victoria University Press.
95bFM's Loose Reads: Paul Simon: The Life by Robert Hillburn /
In preparation for Father's Day, Jenna reviewed the ultimate DAD ROCK biography of Paul Simon. This is the only authorised biography of this notoriously difficult musician's life.
Jenna, Sarah & Mikey discuss poor Art Garfunkel, the muppets and Graceland.
Jenna also mentions this excellent documentary about Graceland, Under African Skies. You can watch it here.
95bFM's Loose Reads: All Gates Open: The Story of Can by Rob Young & Irmin Schmidt /
Kiran talked about All Gates Open: The Story of Can by Rob Young and Irmin Schmidt, a definitive biography of the legendary, important and influential German group Can who were an exciting mix of jazz, improvised music, electronic music, avant garde and classical music. Kiran spent five months reading this hefty book, and highly recommends it!
95bFM's Loose Reads: The Pisces by Melissa Broder /
Today, Jenna reviewed The Pisces...a merman erotica by Melissa Broder, author of @sosadtoday.
This book tells the tale (or tail) of Lucy, an anxious student who moves to Venice Beach for the summer to dog sit for her sister.
She soon meets Theo the merman, with a tail that starts below his bum.
A rather bonkers read, which is funny and well written, as well as a poignant observation of despression. Listen below for more!
95bFM's Loose Reads: Sharp: The Women Who Made An Art of Having An Opinion by Michelle Dean /
On 95bFM's Loose Reads, Kiran reviewed Sharp: The Women Who Made An Art of Having An Opinion by Michelle Dean. It's a fascinating group biography of ten brilliant women writers from Joan Didion to Susan Sontag, who were some of the sharpest thinkers and writers across literature, criticism, philosophy and journalism.
95bFM's Loose Reads: On Michael Jackson by Margo Jefferson /
Provocateur, icon, enigma... who was Michael Jackson, really? Suri reviewed Margo Jefferson's insightful biography On Michael Jackson on Loose Reads this morning.
95bFM's Loose Reads: How to Be Famous by Caitlin Moran /
On 95bFM's Loose Reads, Kiran reviewed Caitlin Moran's new novel How to Be Famous - it's like Pippi Longstocking with whisky, a comic novel about music, music writing, ambition and confidence set when the upswell of Britpop was gathering speed...
95bFM's Loose Reads: I'll be Gone in the Dark by Michelle McNamara /
This year, the Golden State Killer was caught after 45 years on the run. Before this however, Michelle McNamara spent years obsessing about this case and began investigating the crimes herself. I'll be Gone in the Dark, published posthumously, is MIchelle's investigation. It's a gripping read full of both humanity and detail.
Jenna talks to Mikey & Tess about why this is destined to be a true crime classic.
95bFM's Loose Reads: Priestdaddy by Patricia Lockwood /
Jenna reviews the highly acclaimed 2017 memoir Priestdaddy, which has recently come out in paperback! This is a hilarious family tale - the premise of which Mikey does not believe to be possible. Listen here to find out more.
95bFM's Loose Reads: The Story of The Face: The Magazine That Changed Culture by Paul Gorman /
On 95bFM's Loose Reads, Kiran reviewed The Story of The Face: The Magazine That Changed Culture by Paul Gorman. It's a lavish, beautifully produced book which celebrates the history of the iconic British magazine The Face. Essential reading for lovers of magazines, fashion, culture, design and photography.
95bFM's Loose Reads: Listen to This by Alex Ross /
On 95bFM's Loose Reads, Kiran reviewed the new updated edition of Listen to This by Alex Ross, who appeared at the Auckland Writers Festival last week. A wonderfully engaging book about musical culture which explores essential figures in classical music alongside alternative views on pop music.
95bFM's Loose Reads: Hellholes of the World: A Love Story by David G. Brown /
This morning Jenna reviewed Hellholes of the World: A Love Story by David G. Brown. This is a pure, rough and tumble travel memoir. Published posthumously, David tells of travelling to places that are no usually on your bucket list: Israel, Syria, the Congo, Banglasdesh, Sierra Leone and more. This is a classic travel memoir with excellent storytelling and political insight.
Jenna also chats with Jogai about Auckland Writers Festival highlights.