Don McGlashan is a demigod

Don McGlashan is the greatest pop artist in New Zealand. A big call, but I think I can back up my hyperbole.


I will not let you down, off his album Warm Hand. For some reason this song in particular always has an effect on me, which is independent of its sterling use in movie soundtracks.

We went to see him a few weeks back, and it was mesmerising. I have seen him before a few times, but this time was way more intimate - just 50 people in a tiny Soho basement dive and him alone on stage. He played all my favourites (while you sleep, envy of angels, thing well made), and the nice thing about these three not being pop anthems was that no one sang along. Pet peeve averted...

his stage presence is incredible. It was just him on stage with a guitar and euphonium, and he was able to recreate songs like envy of angels with just a couple of loop pedals. His voice is in astonishing condition - he is 49 and still has all his high notes in chest voice. The clip below gives an idea of what I am talking about, it shows his musicality (and charismatic humour, which never goes amiss):


So that is his stage presence and general level of musicianship. Next, songwriting. Most of the music on the radio I can transcribe in my head, I-IV-V etc. Not to talk myself up, the majority of pop music chord patterns are not that complex. Not so Don McGlashan, his chords are sexy. (Which means I have outed myself as a complete music nerd, but you knew that already).

Finally, lyrics. From the opening of Thing well made:

She's wearing her don't talk to me face as she makes the kids' lunches
I oblige and quietly close the back door as I leave
I drive into town before the fog lifts
I sell sporting goods - I've got a shop not far from Cathedral Square
I like to open up early so fellas can come in on their way to work
And daydream around the rods and reels
while their breakfast's still warm inside them
Why don't you take a look.
I'm proud of my shop.
Almost everything's from overseas - you won't find a better selection

So there we have it, the holy trinity of stage presence/musicianship, songwriting, and lyrics. I accept that there may be other New Zealand pop artists who do one of these crafts as well as Don McGlashan. But no one else has all three.

Plus,for those who like men, I am told by reliable and multiple sources that Don McGlashan is one of the few examples of a hot male ginger, and that he has become hotter with age. We are not talking Jonas Brothers underage pretty boy looks, this is craggy/weathered man hotness. Apparently.If you're into it.