NZ On Screen has launched a collection of Chris Knox music videos to support the release of the New Zealand music legend’s tribute album Stroke - the Songs of Chris Knox.

The 32-track double album features covers of Knox songs by local and off-island indie music luminaries and was released Monday (November 16). There will be a benefit gig in Auckland on Friday next week (November 20: see end of release for details). Proceeds will go towards Knox’s rehabilitation from the stroke he suffered in June of this year.

Project Director Brenda Leeuwenberg said NZ On Screen wanted to support the promotion of the album and fundraising efforts, and showcase the incredible contribution Knox has made to NZ screen culture through his music and filmmaking.

The Chris Knox Collection was curated by Flying Nun founder Roger Shepherd: “this is a unique and important collection of work perfectly illustrating what is possible with the barest of resources and a free wheeling imagination.”

The DIY ethos of the “godfather of New Zealand punk” and “low-tech legend” is captured magnificently in the collection. It includes songs from Toy Love, the Tall Dwarfs, and from Knox’s solo career (most with music videos directed by Knox); as well as some classic videos he directed for other Flying Nun artists (including The Clean classic Tally Ho).

NZ On Screen Content Director Irene Gardiner said it had been a true pleasure working on the collection and watching all of Knox’s music videos again.

“Chris has been such a prolific music and video maker, that you almost take his talent for granted. He’s known internationally for his brilliantly simple low-tech approach to music, and his music video directing shares the same energy and cleverness."

“Many of these clips were absolute originals, eclectic, ground-breaking with their use of animation or film scratching ... or whatever form was to hand that could deliver his ideas. Chris always credits the people he was influenced by, in particular Len Lye, but he in turn has been a big influence on countless musicians and video directors.”

As noted US music critic Byron Coley writes, "[Knox's] sense of humor is excellent and if he weren't around New Zealand would be a far duller place".

Roger Shepherd has written a background essay to go with the collection that gets to the crux of Knox’s filmmaking talent: “to marry virtuosity and naivety – with honesty, always, as the glue ...”

Russell Brown has also written a tribute piece, where he breaks down the punk energy of the Knox magic: “this ability to conjure with the most basic palette”.

Fans can contribute their own thoughts about the collection and Knox’s work in NZ On Screen’s ScreenTalk forum, and can leave messages of aroha on Knox’s Stroke website also.

Campbell Live

Chris and Barbara's interview with John Campbell was broadcast in New Zealand on Campbell Live last night.  You can watch the clip on the TV3 website.

Album Launch Gig - Nightline

You can watch footage of the night on the TV3 website.

Don McGlashan interview on Sunrise

Watch an interview with Don on Sunrise.

When musician Chris Knox first heard he was going to be named an Arts Foundation Laureate, he couldn't respond - verbally.

The Aucklander, who helmed legendary punk bands The Enemy, Toy Love and Tall Dwarfs, was told about the $50,000 award just three days after suffering a debilitating stroke, which left him unable to speak.

But his partner, Barbara Ward, who delivered the news to him in hospital, says his eyes spoke volumes.

"The decision to give the laureate was made back in March," she said. "Chris had his stroke in June and we heard shortly after that.

"The foundation made a special compassionate arrangement to communicate this to us earlier and it was profoundly moving to receive that call.

"When you are in that situation, your world has been turned upside down and the future is completely unknown.

"When we told Chris, his eyes just shone. It was a very beautiful and moving moment because in amongst all the uncertainty came this piece of information which was recognising Chris and the work that he'd done."

Knox, 57, attended a media call yesterday with fellow laureates carver Lyonel Grant, musician Richard Nunns, photographer Anne Noble and writer Witi Ihimaera.

Still undergoing residential rehabilitation, he was unable to attend the awards ceremony last night. His honour was received on his behalf by friends Roger Shepherd, founder of Flying Nun records, and music journalist Nick Bollinger.

The Laureate Awards, founded in 2000 by the Arts Foundation, a privately sponsored arts patronage organisation, are given to five established artists each year.

Foundation executive director Simon Bowden said the selection panel chose Knox not only for his work in music, but also for his contributions to film, video and television and for his art work and comic drawings.

"He is loved throughout the music community in New Zealand and he also has an extraordinary international reputation," Mr Bowden said.

"The laureate is also an investment in future work. The Arts Foundation, along with everyone else, is concerned about the tragic circumstances surrounding the stroke.

"However, we have found through experience that artists, especially ones as talented as Chris, carry on giving us great things from whatever capacity they have got."

It's a busy week for Knox. A double tribute album called Stroke, comprising cover versions of his songs recorded by musicians from New Zealand and overseas, was released on Monday.

A Stroke party-benefit gig at the King's Arms is planned for Friday night. Proceeds will go towards the cost of Knox's rehabilitation.

And his much-loved cartoon character Max Media, who has been "resting" since mid-June, makes an appearance in tomorrow's Timeout section in the Herald.

From the New Zealand Herald.

Being unable to speak will not stop Chris Knox singing.

The Kiwi musician, 57, can say only a few words after suffering a stroke at his home in Auckland in June, but has still provided some vocals on a new compilation album.

The Stroke: Songs for Chris Knox album was released yesterday, and features well-known artists, including Boh Runga and Don McGlashan, singing Knox's songs. There are also two new recordings by Knox's bands, The Nothing and Tall Dwarf, featuring Knox himself.

Family friend and Flying Nun record label founder Roger Shepherd said although Knox's speech was limited, his ability to hold a tune remained, and he could make sounds along with music. "His musical faculties seem completely unaffected."

Friend Roy Martyn, a member of The Nothing, spearheaded the two-CD album and said it was a privilege to see Knox back doing what he loved. "Chris doesn't have words but he is still very musical."

The first track with The Nothing was made up as it was recorded, Martyn said. "Chris just joined in and had a great time vocalising along with the band. It made him very happy."

Knox also helped write the Tall Dwarf track and played keys on it.

His stroke was caused by a blood clot in his neck, which travelled to the brain. He was initially left silent and unable to walk.

Since then, he has regained mobility, walking up to 500 metres at a time. His use of his right arm and hand is limited, but he can draw with his left.

He is able to say yes and no, and occasionally some other words, and enjoys the odd beer and chocolate icecream. Mr Shepherd said Knox's inability to communicate was the biggest hurdle. "His speech has been impaired horrifically."

But despite the hardships, his spirits remained remarkably high, and his personality was unchanged. "It's definitely him – the same sense of humour and mischievousness."

It is also tough on his partner, Barbara Ward, and their two adult children, John and Liesha Ward-Knox.

But the album had provided a positive focus, he said.

Mr Martyn said getting people involved in the album was easy. "Chris is a songwriter's songwriter, so lots of the artists were very pleased to be able to show their love of him and his music."

While the road ahead for Knox was long, Mr Martyn was looking forward to continuing to make music with him.

"He's such a great singer and musician, and the knowledge that musical activity aids his recovery is an encouragement for me to do more work with him."

Stroke: Songs for Chris Knox is in stores now. Sales proceeds go toward Knox's recovery.

From The Dominion Post

He's well-connected, not to mention well-respected, that Chris Knox.

When the musician, artist and writer suffered a stroke at his Grey Lynn home in June, everyone wanted to chip in and help - none more so than his music-making mates. A bunch of them from New Zealand and around the world have recorded versions of his songs which make up the double album, Stroke - Songs For Chris Knox, out on November 16.

The songs, including the likes of Ain't It Nice, The Slide, and Not Given Lightly, cover his entire songwriting career - from the Enemy and Toy Love in the late 1970s, through to the Tall Dwarfs, his solo career, and his most recent band the Nothing.

Featuring a cover design by Knox's Tall Dwarfs bandmate Alec Bathgate - in Knox's favourite colours of yellow and black - the 32-track album includes cover versions by local artists like Shayne Carter, Boh Runga and the Finn family, as well as renowned overseas acts Yo La Tengo, Lambchop, and Will Oldham.

Rowdy Tennessee punk musician Jay Reatard kicks off the album with his version of Toy Love's Pull Down the Shades.

Following the release of the album there will be a party-cum-benefit gig at the Kings Arms on November 20 featuring Dimmer, playing cuts from Shayne Carter's back catalogue, Don McGlashan, David Kilgour, The Bellbirds, and Neil Finn's Pyjama Party.

Entry will be $30, which includes a copy of Stroke, with all proceeds contributing to Knox's recovery.

Track-by-track Stroke - Songs For Chris Knox

YELLOW DISC Pull Down The Shades (Toy Love) - Jay Reatard Rebel (Toy Love) - The Checks Ain't It Nice (Toy Love) - The Bleeding Allstars Don't Catch Fire (Toy Love/The Enemy) - Peter Gutteridge Luck Or Loveliness (Tall Dwarfs) - The Chills Nothing's Going to Happen (Tall Dwarfs) - David Kilgour All My Hollowness To You (Tall Dwarfs) - The Crying Wolfs Beauty (Tall Dwarfs) - Stephin Merritt Nostalgia's No Excuse (Chris Knox) - Portastatic Crush (Tall Dwarfs) - The Mint Chicks I've Left Memories Behind (Tall Dwarfs) - Jay & Sam Clarkson Burning Blue (Tall Dwarfs) - Sky Green Leopards The Slide (Tall Dwarfs) - Shayne Carter Grand Mal (Chris Knox) - Pumice Bonus track: Knoxed Out - Hamish Kilgour

BLACK DISC Not Given Lightly (Chris Knox) - Boh Runga Bodies (Tall Dwarfs) - Red & Zeke featuring Bill Doss and Neil Cleary. Lapse (Chris Knox) - Bill Callahan Growth Spurt (Chris Knox) - Genghis Smith Coloured (Chris Knox) - Yo La Tengo Dunno Much About Life But I know How To Breathe (Chris Knox) - AC Newman Glide (Chris Knox) - Alec Bathgate Inside Story (Chris Knox) - Don McGlashan The Outer Skin (Chris Knox) - Sean Donnelly What Goes Up (Tall Dwarfs) - Lambchop Brave (Chris Knox) - The Mountain Goats Round These Walls (Tall Dwarfs) - The Tokey Tones (and friends) Just Do It (Tall Dwarfs) - The Bats My Only Friend (Chris Knox) - Will Oldham It's Love (Chris Knox) - The Finn Family Becoming Something Other (Chris Knox) - Jordan Luck Driftwood (The Nothing) - The Verlaines Song of the Tall Poppy (The Nothing) - Lou Barlow Napping In Lapland (The Nothing) - The Nothing Sunday Song (Tall Dwarfs) - Tall Dwarfs

From the New Zealand Herald

November 9, 2009

On June 11 this year musician, artist, father, writer, film critic & jandal wearer Chris Knox suffered a life-altering stroke at his home in Grey Lynn.

Everyone wanted to do something to help.  So a bunch of his muso mates from NZ and around the world have gotten together to do what they do best to celebrate Chris’ music by recording versions of his songs.

The resulting album is a chance for Chris’ many fans and friends to contribute to his future.

The double CD ‘STROKE – Songs For Chris Knox’ is being released in New Zealand on Monday November 16.

The album features tracks by such artists as Jay Reatard, Shayne Carter, The Mountain Goats, The Verlaines, Boh Runga, David Kilgour, Don McGlashan, Will Oldham and many more – 32 tracks in all.

There is a party & benefit gig for Chris to celebrate the release of this album Friday November 20 at The Kings Arms.

The line-up is Dimmer (featuring Shayne Carter’s back catalogue), Don McGlashan, David Kilgour, The Bellbirds, & The Pyjama Party (featuring Neil Finn). Entry is $30 which includes a copy of the double CD ‘STROKE – Songs For Chris Knox’. Doors open at 8.30pm. No pre-sales.

All proceeds will go to assisting Chris with his recovery.

WHAT: STROKE - Songs For Chris Knox Record Release Party and Benefit Gig
WHEN: November 20, 8.30pm
WHERE: Kings Arms, Auckland
DOOR CHARGE: $30, including a copy of the double CD
WHO: Dimmer, Don McGlashan, David Kilgour, The Bellbirds and The Pyjama Party (featuring Neil Finn).

For further information contact Jackie Dennis
Ph: 021 762 562

November 5, 2009

On June 11 this year musician, artist, father, writer, film critic & jandal wearer Chris Knox suffered a life-altering stroke at his home in Grey Lynn.

Everyone wanted to do something to help.  So a bunch of his muso mates from NZ and around the world have gotten together to do what they do best to celebrate Chris’ music by recording versions of his songs.

The resulting album is a chance for Chris’ many fans and friends to contribute to his future.

The double CD ‘STROKE – Songs For Chris Knox’ is being released in New Zealand on Monday November 16.

The album will be released on Chris’ own label - A Major Label & distributed by Rhythm Method. The stunning cover was designed by Chris’ fellow Tall Dwarf, Alec Bathgate and uses Chris’ favourite colour combination of yellow & black.

Songs are covered from all of Chris’ musical career - The Enemy, Toy Love, Tall Dwarfs, solo, & his most recent band The Nothing.

The album features tracks by such artists as Jay Reatard, Shayne Carter, The Mountain Goats, The Verlaines, Boh Runga, David Kilgour, Don McGlashan, Will Oldham and many more – 32 tracks in all.

Contact:

Jackie Dennis
phone 021 762 562

Full track listing:

‘Stroke - Songs For Chris Knox’ – Album Credits
YELLOW DISC (disc 1)
Track 1 – Pull Down The Shades (Bathgate, A./Knox, C./Dooley, M.) – Jay Reatard

Track 2  - Rebel (Bathgate/Dooley/Kean/Knox/Walker)  - The Checks

Track 3 - Ain’t It Nice (Knox, C./Dooley/Bathgate/Walker/Kean)    - The Bleeding Allstars

Track 4 – Don’t Catch Fire (Bathgate/Dooley/Dawson/Knox/) - Peter Gutteridge

Track 5 - Luck Or Loveliness (Knox, C./ Bathgate, A.) – The Chills

Track 6 - Nothing’s Going to  Happen  (Knox, C./ Bathgate, A.) - David Kilgour

Track 7 - All My Hollowness To You  (Knox, C./ Bathgate A.) - The Crying Wolfs

Track 8 - Beauty (Knox, C./Bathgate, A.) – Stephin Merritt

Track 9 - Nostalgia’s No Excuse  (Chris Knox) - Portastatic 

Track 10 - Crush  (Knox, C./ Bathgate, A.) The Mint Chicks

Track 11 - I’ve Left Memories Behind (Knox, C./ Bathgate, A.) - Jay & Sam Clarkson

Track 12 - Burning Blue  (Knox, C./ Bathgate, A.) - Sky Green Leopards

Track 13 - The Slide  (Knox, C./ Bathgate, A.) - Shayne Carter

Track 14 - Grand Mal (Chris Knox) – Pumice

BONUS TRACK
Track 15  - Knoxed Out (Chris Knox) - Hamish Kilgour


BLACK DISC (disc 2)
Track 1 - Not Given Lightly’  (Chris Knox) – Boh Runga

Track 2 - Bodies (Knox, C./ Bathgate, A) - Red&Zeke featuring Bill Doss and Neil Cleary.

Track 3 - Lapse (Chris Knox) - Bill Callahan

Track 4 – Growth Spurt (Chris Knox) – Genghis Smith

Track 5  - Coloured (Chris Knox) - Yo La Tengo

Track 6 - Dunno Much about Life But I know How To Breathe (Chris Knox) - AC Newman

Track 7 - Glide (Chris Knox) - Alec Bathgate

Track 8 - Inside Story (Chris Knox) - Don McGlashan

Track 9 - The Outer Skin (Chris Knox) – Sean Donnelly

Track 10 - What Goes Up (Knox, C./Bathgate, A.) – Lambchop

Track 11- Brave  (Chris Knox) – The Mountain Goats

Track 12  - Round These Walls (Knox, C./ Bathgate. A.) - The Tokey Tones (and friends)

Track 13 - Just Do It (Knox, C./ Bathgate. A.) - The Bats

Track 14 – My Only Friend (Chris Knox) - Will Oldham

Track 15 - It’s Love (Chris Knox) – The Finn Family

Track 16 - Becoming Something Other (Chris Knox) – Jordan Luck

Track 17- Driftwood (Chris Knox) – The Verlaines

Track 18 Song of the Tall Poppy (Chris Knox) - Lou Barlow

BONUS TRACKS -
Track 19– Napping In Lapland (Knox C., Martyn R., Neville S., Mulholland J.) - The Nothing

Track 20 – Sunday Song (Knox, C./Bathgate, A.) – Tall Dwarfs