I’m sure you have all heard of Billy T, it only takes a few seconds for you to recognise that classic Billy T giggle. If any day you are feeling down, listen to that giggle and im sure it will cheer you up. If you admire Billy T, want a piece of New Zealand history or just love a good New Zealand album then Billy T: - Te Soundtrack is for you.

After becoming a household name in the mid-1980s, Billy T is still one of New Zealand’s most loved entertainers. The iconic New Zealand entertainer’s story has recently been told in a movie and now the soundtrack has been released. Billy T: - Te Soundtrack features music from the hit movie and is a collection of songs from the career of one of New Zealand’s best.

From the standards ballads like “When a Child is Born” to Jazz inspired “Lookin Good But Feelin’ Bad” there is something that will bound to ignite a Billy T memory of your own. There is also his own take on “Pokarekare Ana” which is a true New Zealand classic. He can take a very ordinary song and make is sound like it is his own with his exceptional talent and out-going personality. The songs sound like they were recorded in the 70s and 80s but it’s a piece of New Zealand history that i’m sure you will hold close to your heart.

It is a collection of must have songs from the career of one of New Zealand greatest ever entertainers. Billy T may be gone but his music, giggle and personality will still live on to be remembered in the hearts of all New Zealanders. This is a must have for any New Zealand home.

Track listing:

Looking For Trouble
Haere Mai
Billy’s Boogie
Impressions
Will It Ever Be The Same
Radio Times Theme
Looking Good But Feelin Bad
Roll Along Prairie Moon
Mama Don’t Allow
Join The Circus
Good Night Everyone
Movie Cowboy
That Cat Is High
We’re Gonna Have A Goodtime
Out in the Cold
E Ipo
Crying
When The Red Light Is On
Pokarekare Ana / Sailing
When A Child Is Born

Have you ever gone through a breakup? Ever had you heart broken? Then you will be able to relate to Adeles album, 21. After the success of her first album, 19, the 2009 Best New Artist Grammy Award winner has released her follow up album. After a broken relationship, Adele sings from her heart with powerful and heart-wrenching vocals. From the exhilaration at the start of a relationship to the devastation at the end, the album shows the raw reality of heartbreak.

At 19, Adele released her first album with a soulful voice well beyond her age. It shined with innocence about love and life which was intriguing and honest. A few years later, she released another title, 21. With the majority of the songs about the hurt and pain from love, it is an album that listeners can easily relate to. She has power and personality in her voice that sets her apart from other singers. Not only a talented singer, but she also co-wrote each original song on the album.

21’s first single, “Rolling in the Deep” speaks of fire and fury. The clapping from the backup singers adds a nice mix to her voice to create a popular melody. It is full of soul and heart and shifts between love and hate. “Don’t You Remember” is a sad, classically styled ballad, that shows that no matter how angry you are there will always be an element of sadness. It’s about her looking back and trying to remember all the reasons she was actually in love with that person. She is able to show every emotion that she is feeling with this song.

“Set Fire to the Rain” is a personal favourite of mine. It is catchy, with a decent beat. Vocally and lyrically, it is her strongest and most open song. “Someone Like you” is the closing song. It is an astonishingly sad ballad about her coming to terms with the final situation.

21 is simply stunning. The album gives a real sense of who Adele is and the painful journey that she has experienced. She is vulnerable, angry and honest, but won’t take the pain lying down. The album is full of raw and beautiful melodies that highlight her vocal ability. A truly thought-provoking album that will leave you feeling like you can relate to her experiences.

What better CD to buy right now than The Great New Zealand Songbook Volume 2. As we are all proud kiwis supporting the All Blacks, this is a great CD to listen to while having friends over or to get in to the mood for the Rugby World Cup. The Great New Zealand Songbook contains tracks from both the past and present and will be a perfect edition to your CD collection.

After the first songbook went three times platinum, Murray Thom, the man behind this CD, felt that there were more songs that had not been included. People loved the concept and it the CDs suit kiwi music lovers of all ages. The Great New Zealand Songbook Volume 2 includes 68 tracks from iconic New Zealand artists and the songs are bound to ignite some fun childhood or recent memories.

The CDs are split into last century and this century. The first CD starts with Poi E, New Zealand’s only Te Reo number one which was made famous again after the movie, Boy. It was also a huge hit in 1984. New Zealand legends such as Dave Dobbyn and Split Enz are also featured in the first CD. The second CD features some of New Zealand’s new talent. Brooke Fraser, Gin Wigmore and Dane Rumble all feature in this to create a great family holiday album.

The Great New Zealand Songbook Volume 2 caters a wide variety of genres and supports our local talent. It represents the past, present and future of New Zealand. It is the perfect price for a little present to give to a loved one and also a great gift for birthdays for all ages. If you are looking for that perfect CD with a great mix of songs then don’t go past The Great New Zealand Songbook Volume 2.