1. Rochelle Vinson - “I Wanna Swim With Him” (1964)
Rochelle Vinson was Wellington based – and the books all say she had been a student teacher. No mention of what came next – but while at training college she found time to play with bands like the Premiers and the Librettos – and to record eight singles for HMV between 1962 and 1965. (I haven’t managed to hear “My Boyfriend Got A Beatle Haircut” – but hopefully it will come my way one of these days). This is the only track of Rochelle’s that’s easy to find these days.
Original release:
Find it now: Various Artists, “Here Come The Kiwi Girls” (CD) EMI, 2008.

 

2. The Rising Sons - “I'm A Boy” (196?)
Apparently a teenage garage band that included Dennis O'Brien – who went on to a solo career and is the owner of Wellington institution Slowboat Records. This one is a private recording of the Who song which eventually saw the light of day in 1992 on a compilation
Original release: not released
Find It Now? Various Artists, “Get The Picture” (CD) Jayrem

 

3. Blerta - “This Is The Life” (1975)
Three in a row from Wellington – it’s as close as anywhere to an original home for Blerta. This one was the title track of their first album which was recorded in Sydney. Bruno Lawrence had been working with Australian singer Renee Geyer and she contributed vocals to the album – but contractual obligations got in the way and her parts were rerecorded by Beaver back in Wellington.
Original release: Blerta, “This Is The life” (LP) EMI, 1975
Find it now: Blerta, “Return Trip” (CD) EMI, 2005

 

4. Split Enz - “Time For A Change” (1984)
Original version was on their debut album “Mental Notes”. This one is a live recording from the Festival Hall in Melbourne in 1984
Original release: Split Enz, “The Living Enz” (LP) Mushroom, 1984
Find It now:  Split Enz, “The Living Enz” (CD) Mushroom

 

A song which Martin Phillipps had no fewer than five attempts at recording but never to his complete satisfaction. One of the early versions was recorded for tv and can be seen here on YouTube. This was the final attempt.
Original Release: The Chills, “Submarine Bells” (Slash), 1990
Find it now? Still available

 

6. 3Ds - “Beautiful Things” (1993)
They’ve been out and about again this summer – playing at the Laneway Festival in Auckland and then doing a bit of tour. None of their catalogue is currently available. There were hopes of rectifying that situation with the new ownership of Flying Nun in time for Laneway but it came around a bit too quickly. Hopefully at some stage this year…
Original release: 3Ds, “Venus Trail” (CD) Flying Nun, 1993.
Find it now: Out of print

 

7. Phoenix Foundation - “Sally” (2003)
After an interesting Christmas EP they’ve got a new album somewhere not too far away – but this one is from their debut
Original release: Phoenix Foundation, “Horsepower” (CD) Capital recordings, 2003
Find it now? Still available