Songs from the Shaky Isles provides a vivid account of how popular music arose in our far-flung island nation. From early songs that could only be heard in person through to modern hits which spread digitally to all ends of the earth.

It's a fast-paced, big picture account that shows how wider society influenced, and was itself impacted by, the country's musical culture. There's also plenty of room for outrageous anecdotes and insightful analysis. It's a treat for music fans and history buffs alike.

Review: 'Gareth Shute packs a wealth of facts and stories into this swift-moving and timely account of Aotearoa's popular music history, from the earliest sheet music to the latest digital streams. Anyone reading this book will come away with a new appreciation of how deeply music is woven into this country's culture.' - Nick Bollinger, author of Jumping Sundays: The Rise and Fall of the Counterculture in Aotearoa New Zealand