Taite Prize celebrates Kiwi punk classic (+playlist)

Kiwi punk acts from the late 70s are getting their dues - again.

The first award from next week's Taite Music Prize ceremony has been announced, with the Independent Music NZ Classic Record award given to punk compilation AK79.

Released by Ripper Records in December 1979, AK79 compiled songs from Toy Love, The Scavengers, The Terrorways, The Swingers and Proud Scum.

The album is frequently referred to as an iconic Kiwi release, and was included in music critic Nick Bollinger's 2009 book 100 Essential New Zealand Albums; and in Grant Smithies' 2007 book Soundtracks: 118 Great New Zealand Albums. It has been re-released twice: in 1993, and again in 2008 to coincide with a high profile reunion show in Auckland in November of that year which saw many of the bands from the original album reform.

Read more about AK79 on the Audio Culture website here

Read the TimeOut 2004 story about the album's 25th anniversary here

Label boss Bryan Staff called the belated award a fantastic achievement.

"Dylan Taite was a friend whom I respected so this is a great honour," he said in a statement.

The awards, now into their fifth year and held in honour of the late rock journalist they're named after, will be held at Auckland venue Galatos next Wednesday.

They are judged by critics and industry experts.

This year's nominees include albums by Beastwars, Sheep Dog & Wolf, The Phoenix Foundation, David Dallas, @peace, Lorde, Jonathan Bree and Unknown Mortal Orchestra.

The winner receives $10,000 and free studio time at Red Bull Studios. Previous winners include Lawrence Arabia, Ladi6, Unknown Mortal Orchestra and SJD.

The awards are invitation-only, but the full ceremony will be live-streamed on nzherald.co.nz.

Tune in from a computer or your phone next Wednesday to watch the ceremony, plus a 30-minute set from last year's winner, SJD.

Listen to Five tracks that feature on AK79

Warning: Some songs contain explicit language.

- TimeOut