So spring has well and truly sprung, the All Blacks are looking good for the Cup, the Warriors are in the Grand Final - it's not like you need any more reasons to be cheerful. But seeing as we're in a good mood we thought we'd share these 5 Kiwi songs to make you smile.
The Muttonbirds - Come Around
One of the country's most under-rated songwriters, there's more to Don McGlashan than Bathe In The River - so much more. From Blam Blam Blam to the Bellbirds, From Scratch to Front Lawn, Don's always been able to come up with songs to warm the cockles (and maybe even those sub-cockles - thanks Denis Leary). If there really is no depression in New Zealand, Don's at least partly to thank. And what a cool video - because it has Keeley Hawes in it. Wicked. Also recommended: Right Left of Centre's Don't Go, the Front Lawn's When You Come Back Home, the Muttonbirds' She's Been Talking and Pulled Along By Love, Don McGlashan and the Seven Sisters' Marvellous Year.
Stan Walker - Choose You
It's only two years since he won Australian Idol, but Stan Walker's already up to his third album and umpteenth hairstyle. He may have been born in Melbourne but we're happy to claim him as a Maori lad from Tauranga. Whatever you may think of Idol shows and their contestants, Choose You is an undeniably impressive pop song that'll have you grinning and crooning at the same time. Also recommended: Unbroken and Loud.
Headless Chickens - Untitled
Just try not to smile listening to this song. The Headless Chickens - pre-Fiona - won the Rheineck Rock Award in 1987 and put the money into making the Stunt Clown album. It was innovative for its time and is still one of the country's best albums. For the most part very bleak, dark and industrial - it's stil highly enjoyable and has the odd ray of sunshine, including this untitled track. Also recommended: Soulcatcher.
Six60 - Don't Forget Your Roots
A bunch of Otago Uni students who met at a Kora concert - Six60 are the sound of good times. The sound of summer.
Goldenhorse - Wake Up Brother
The band Bressa Creeting Cake (previously Breast Secreting Cake - and another band guaranteed to put a smile on your dial) formed the core of Goldenhorse, who formed in 2000. Wake Up Brother, from the first album Riverhead, is a fun, upbeat pop track that stands out among the band's singles. Also recommended: Run, Run, Run.