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Various: The Harbour Union

I haven’t done this before and hopefully won’t again. But without reviewing this album I’m going to conclude you should buy it! These poor buggers have been through the ringer since last September, so go buy this album and think of it as free music for donating to the Christchurch earthquake appeal. That said, let’s get onto the music. The Harbour Union is a collaboration of Lyttelton-based artists united by the damage the Christchurch earthquake has done to their lives and their town. Recorded in the four weeks immediately after the big February quake (no doubt with the ground shaking underneath them), it features symbolic packaging, channeling the true blue community spirit of the township. The artists featured are of various repute and notoriety – a line up that includes The Eastern, Lindon Puffin, Al Park, Runaround Sue, The Tiny Lies and The Unfaithful Ways. Recorded by a variety of people in ragtag locations including The Sitting Room, this is a very pleasant collection – a homage to a town and the talent tightly held within it. All the tracks sit somewhere on the country/blues/folk side of the track, and all have an honest heartfelt appeal. There is an audible sincerity and some great musical performances. My picks are The Waterside by Adam McGrath (The Eastern) and North Wind (Jess Shanks). All tracks are performed under The Harbour Union moniker – united they stand. Not only a worthy cause, but also a most worthy and wonderful listen. Go buy it now.

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