Indie Icons Pay Tribute to Chris Knox Through His Songs

Chris Knox, the godfather of New Zealand indie music, suffered a debilitating stroke in June at his home in Auckland. His many friends in New Zealand's music scene -- and some from far further afield -- have rallied round by recording a tribute album 'Stroke -- Songs for Chris Knox,' which sees a string of covers of his material and was released in New Zealand on Monday (Nov. 16).

Knox, 57, first found notoriety with his punk band the Enemy in the late 1970s, before forming the anarchic pop outfit Toy Love, and latterly the duo (with Alec Bathgate) the Tall Dwarfs. He's also released a raft of solo records, aswell as being a high-profile writer, presenter and cartoonist in New Zealand. His personal four-track recording machine was used to record most of seminal Kiwi label Flying Nun's early, iconic material, while US artists such as Yo La Tengo, Lambchop, Calexico and Will Oldham have all been vocal about Knox's influence on their own work.

Here, some of those touched by the hand of Knox -- including members of Kiwi contemporaries the Clean and the Verlaines and long-time fans Lambchop -- tell Spinner what Knox and his music mean to them, and why they chose to cover certain songs.

Matt Swanson, bass player, Lambchop
'What Goes Up' was playing on my turntable back in May, a few days before my dad was informed he had terminal lung cancer. One month later I learned Chris had a stroke. Suddenly, '3EPs' was no longer my annual summertime soundtrack, but something much more relevant and poignant. This was, after all, the album that inspired me to write Chris in the months preceding my visit to his home on Guy Fawke's Day, 1994 (pictured). Alec told me the lyrics refer to Chris' dad, which only heightened my appreciation for the subtle beauty of this little tune. The plaintive piano figure informs a strange optimism clamouring just underneath the surface while ambiguous swells of feedback encroach and recede as if Death, the unruly tenant, has been evicted once more.

Chris Knox has an uncommon ability to offer hope in the face of hopelessness. This is a song for all the good dads in this world, like him and my own. The old Otari four-track cooperated that day. Sing to the moon, Chris.

Graeme Downes, the Verlaines
I chose the song 'Driftwood' from the Nothing's 2008 album 'Warm Gun.' It struck me as one of Chris's most profound lyrics and I felt I could personalise it in my own way and inhabit it. I arranged it for rhythm section and string quartet in my best late-Beethoven pastiche. Responded very well I think, I'm quite pleased with it. Chris's influence is inestimable, not just on me but a whole generation. Without his anti-establishment zeal, his four-track and his enthusiasm, so many of us would never have been set on the path we have taken. On a purely musical level, influence tends to recede the older you get (which is as it should be), though I'd have to say the album from which 'Driftwood' came impressed me very much. I'm really looking forward to playing the benefit show this coming Friday and hearing what others have done to his back catalogue. Should be a hoot.

David Kilgour, frontman of the Clean and solo artist
I was asked early on if I'd do a song and off the top of my head I said I'd do 'Nothing Going to Happen.' Of course its a tough ask covering a classic. At the time I quipped it was NZ's 'Like a Rolling Stone'... maybe an odd call but it resonates with me in a similar way to Bobby's classic. Railing against/with the world etc etc. I ended up doing an instrumental version of the track (apart from sung choruses) ... it just seemed right to me and I hope it will make people go listen to the original version.

Along with being a dear, brother-like figure in my life, Chris has always been very encouraging. From the first time I stepped off a stage to just before Chris had his stroke he has always helped push me along, his criticism generally always constructive and insightful. His record collection turned me onto some great music which I still return to. I'm not sure I would've done the things I've done without seeing the Enemy play their first show in Dunedin back in the day. Completely inspiring. I met Chris when I was about 15, pre the rock 'n' roll days, as he was friendly with my brother Hamish. Even then he was kind towards this little shy boy hanging round with the "old" guys. It's like together and alone we carved out a better life for ourselves. I love him dearly.

Robert Scott, the Bats and the Clean
'Just Do It' -- the Tall Dwarfs version starts off sounding like a track from the Velvet Underground's first album, and of course that all changes when Mr K starts singing. I chose this song because it is a groovy straightforward number, I like that in a song, and it's a good feature of Chris's work. I guess he is saying even if you think it is right or wrong, just do it. I didn't want to tackle a real classic, he has made them so much his own, I don't know if we could have done them justice. He has written so many great songs.

I was so shocked when I heard the news, someone who is usually so busy and energetic, so full of ideas. I have lost count of the number of times he has put me up and welcomed me into his house, a nice haven in a crazy world, there have been a lot of fun times with him that I will cherish. One of his best qualities is honesty, he is always quick to point if he doesn't think you are up to your usual standards in song or on stage. Everyone needs a no person as opposed to a yes person. One of a kind.

Don McGlashan, ex-Blam Blam Blam and Mutton Birds, now solo artist and 7 Worlds Collide collaborator
Chris has been a friend for years, and a consistently challenging, inspiring character on the music scene here. When I heard he'd had a stroke it was like someone telling me that One Tree Hill [famous Auckland landmark] had fallen down. I've been seeing a lot of him since then, and he's fighting back well. 'Inside Story' is off the criminally-neglected album 'Polyfoto, Duck-Shaped Pain and Gum,' and it's just a beautiful, scary, heart-felt song about people obsessed with their own ugliness. Intricate, but effortless. Pure Chris.

As well as the benefit album, a concert takes place in Auckland's The King's Arms on Nov. 20, featuring the likes of David Kilgour, Graeme Downes, Don McGlashan and Neil Finn, all raising money to help aid Knox's ongoing recovery.