Chris Priestley Tales From Godzone (Songs of NZs Distant Past) [Video]

Chris Priestley and his Unsung Heroes Troupe uncover songs and stories from New Zealand’s distant past.

If all Christ Priestley had done was co-found Real Groovy Records and Java Jive,  that would be plenty to write home about.

But Chris, the folk singer has been documenting New Zealand’s history through song. His Unsung Heroes and Rogue collections precede Tales From Godzone, but this may be his best, most entertaining, most educational and most gripping and most personal work yet.

Yes, today’s headlines are atrocious (and ridiculous) but one listen to songs like The Brunner Mine and Davy Low’ston and you quickly realize that the good old days weren’t that good either.

The 17 folk songs contained here trace the stories of criminals, thieves, heroes  and daredevils and everyday people trying to get on with their lives.

The Brunner Mine is the 1800’s version of Bernie Griffen’s 29 Diamonds, only in 1896, it was 65 who …