Memories of Split Enz | Mental Notes with NZ School Teacher Lachie Holt

How does a primary school teacher in New Zealand turn a classroom art and music project into a real-life, commercially pressed vinyl record? This week, Jamie connects across the globe with inspirational New Zealand educator Lachie Holt to spin the groundbreaking 1975 debut album Mental Notes by art-rock pioneers Split Enz. Lachie shares the incredible story of guiding his Hamilton East students through creating a full vinyl tribute to Mental Notes, his own musical upbringing and the influence of his grandad, and why this eccentric Kiwi masterpiece was the ultimate creative spark. Plus, Lachie and Jamie officially induct Split Enz's classic debut into the Friday Vinyl Club! EPISODE ROADMAP The Classroom Vinyl Project: How an ambitious school project in Hamilton East led to primary school students recording and pressing their own vinyl homage to Split Enz. Grandad's Influence & Kiwi Roots: Lachie's early musical footprint, family record collections, and growing up surrounded by New Zealand's rich musical history. The Genius of Mental Notes: Exploring the theatrical art-rock, wild arrangements, and unique visual style that put Split Enz on the map in 1975. Tim & Neil Finn's Legacy: Tracing the lineage from Split Enz's avant-garde beginnings to Crowded House and beyond. The Friday Spin: Lachie delivers a diverse starter pack of New Zealand dub-reggae, indie-chill, and underground alt-rock. MENTAL NOTES TRACK-BY-TRACK HIGHLIGHTS "Spellbound": A sweeping, theatrical masterpiece that serves as the quintessential showcase of early Split Enz art-rock ambition. "Titus": A darkly poetic, complex track filled with eccentric keyboard textures and dynamic vocal shifts. "Maybe": A stunning, melodic ballad that hints at the pop craftsmanship the Finn brothers would master in later decades. THE FRIDAY SPIN RECOMMENDATIONFor this week's Friday Spin, Lachie shares an incredible selection of modern favorites from New Zealand and beyond: Lachie's Choices: Fat Freddy’s Drop, Mac DeMarco, and Kiwi alt-rock favorites Cowboy Dan. The Vibe: A seamless blend of soulful Pacific dub-reggae grooves, laid-back bedroom indie-pop, and raw, guitar-driven New Zealand rock. CONNECT WITH THE CLUB! Playlist: Listen along to key tracks on our curated Spotify Companion Playlist. Instagram: Say hello and see our latest spins @jamieb1NINE73 Email: Got a music memory or a record story to share? Email us at [email protected] What was the first album that inspired you to create or play music yourself? If you love personal music memories, building your record collection, and dissecting classic album history, hit subscribe and join the club!