Love Thy Neighbour: With Guest... Henry Wagons

In our semi-regular feature Love Thy Neighbour we shine a light on acts from across the ditch that have caught our fancy, recent installments have included the likes of D.D. Dumbo, The Friendsters and Gloss. With the impending visit from Australian alt-country act Wagons later this month we asked charismatic frontman Henry Wagons to share five favourite musical picks from his homeland. Here's what Mr Wagons scrambled up for us...

1. X - 'I Don't Wanna Go Out'
Some nights, I prefer to sit in a deep, comfy leather armchair, light a fire, don a velvet robe, pour myself a smokey whiskey and invite a small dog on my lap and stay the hell inside. This song is a theme song for such nights. When Wagons hit Auckland, we will feel the total opposite to the sentiment of this song. Board your windows and hide in the corridor under blankets as we are heading out.

2. Dave Graney and The Coral Snakes - 'Gonna Release Your Soul'
This is a song by Australia's most charming and fancy footed frontman intellect. In the video he manifests letters from his mouth. There is no greater giveaway for a twisted literary genius. An amazing toe-tapper. Dave Graney releasing your soul is one of life's true get out of jail free cards. Take it.

3. Joe Dolce - 'Shattap Ya Face'
In the spirit of many brutal kingdoms, this is a true world conqueror, by this humble US born Australian. It carries a sentiment I often think of when I am in conversation with punishers.

4. The Church - 'Unguarded Moment'
This track is an obtuse, angular 80s ear worm in the best possible way. “Horses for hearts”, “cameras for eyes”!!?? It's the stuff of my nightmares every single night!!

5. Jack Ladder - 'Dumb Love'
A superb sparse tune, that somehow feels very Australian to me. This is a similarly sparse video, but be sure to stay tuned until the chorus hits. Its worth it. Jack Ladder is an amazing, often unheralded Australian songwriter with plenty more tunes to stumble upon.

Wagons is performing on 29th August at The Tuning Fork in Auckland, and 30th August at Leigh Sawmill in Leigh. Head over here for more information.