Split [Import]

Editorial Reviews
Album Description
Budget price reissue of 1980 album for the New Zealand based new wave act that spawned the careers of Neil & Tim Finn. 11 tracks. Spectrum. 2002.

Tracks:

Nobody Wants To
Don't Stop Now
She Called Up
Say That Again
Pour Le Monde
Even A Child
Heaven That I'm Making
A Sigh
Silent House
English Trees
Walked Her Way Down
Transit Lounge
You Are The One To Make Me Cry
People Are Like Suns

Amazon.com

Fourteen years, a live CD/DVD, some solo albums, and one tragic suicide after Crowded House's last release comes this highly anticipated reunion. Singer/songwriter Neil Finn and bassist Nick Seymour reunited after the 2005 death of drummer Paul Hester, brought in a new member and two producers (Ethan Johns and Steve Lillywhite) to replace longtime cohort Mitchell Froom, and the impressive result is a logical and overdue addition to the band's previous four albums. Finn's knack for a melodic ballad remains firmly in place as Time on Earth coasts on his dreamy voice and introspective, hook-laden pop choruses. However, this is a more reflective collection that requires a few spins to fully reveal its charms. Finn co-writes "Even a Child" with Smiths guitarist Johnny Marr, and that and the frisky "She Called Up" are the most buoyant tracks on this predominantly pensive disc. Finn has generally shaded towards a darker edge and this hour-long set might have benefited from more of the lighter touch he applies to "Transit Lounge," a song enhanced by Beth Rowley's lovely and startling wordless vocals along with jazzy electric piano and even airport sound effects. Strings, sitar, and intricate production add subtle elements that bolster the timeless musical qualities Finn has always reveled in. The ominous, even brooding "Silent House," a co-write with all three Dixie Chicks, is another highlight that sounds like nothing either has done before as it floats along on fuzz guitar and hurdy-gurdy, both courtesy of Johns. Trimming some weaker cuts would have made this a more focused listen, but Time on Earth is a worthy successor to Crowded House's existing catalog--a high compliment indeed. --Hal Horowitz

Customer Reviews:

Something is missing.......2007-07-26

I say this as one of the biggest Crowdies in the world. I have been a huge fan of every Finn project from the start, but something is missing from this album. To me this is not Crowded House. I will give it 5 stars as an amazing Neil Finn and Friends album, but not CH. I relate my experience listening to this album as I did Warren Zevon's The Wind. The musicianship is still there. Neil's lyrics are as poignant and haunting as ever, but the fun is gone. The magic that was Neil Finn, Nick Seymour, and Paul Hester is sadly missing.

I think this is a fitting tribute to Paul and I understand the reasons for reforming Crowded House, but Paul's absence is palpable. With all that being said, this is a beautiful and haunting album that every CH and Finn fan should own. You won't be disappointed with the album at all. I want to make that clear. You will, however, feel a sense of loss I think. This is as cathartic an album as you will find in some ways. Buy it, enjoy it, love it, but remember the good ol' times in your heart.

I respect your wishes Paul, but we miss you.

Make time for Time On Earth........2007-07-24

Things in the world these days tend to be geared towards providing instant gratification. Pop music these days is disposable - instantly catchy (annoyingly so in most cases), played to death for a few weeks and then forgotten about. It's almost like there is too much music and too many bands around.
So what a delight it is to have Crowded House back together again to give us this album which can be enjoyed at a much more relaxing and rewarding pace. That's the thing about Neil Finn - he writes melodies that don't instantly reveal their true beauty - they take their time to hit home. And this is the case with Time On Earth. On first listen it sounds pleasant and inoffensive and just kind of "pretty good". I'll admit I was left slightly disappointed on the first hearing. But sit with this album and give it a few plays and like a polaroid photograph all it's colours, lights and shades are gradually revealed. I have a new favourite every time I hear the album now and as the songs become more familiar to me I find myself humming and singing them to myself during the day. This is a drawn out pleasure and is all the more rewarding for it. An album that will actually give you something back if you take the time to appreciate it. Who'd have thought it in this day and age!?

All good songs here - not a duffer among them. Early favourites for me were 'Pour Le Monde','Silent House' and 'Nobody Wants To' and then the others arrived at different times. At the moment I'm stuck on 'People Are Like Suns' a stunning emotional closer and it's obvious that the loss of Paul Hester has coloured the writing of the songs on Time On Earth.

Neil Finn is a master of his craft. Great album.

If There is Hell on Earth - There Must Be a Heaven Too.......2007-07-24

I struggled with a 3 or 4 star rating. The disk surely deserves 3.5, but the question was to round up or down. I opted for up.

Unlike the other four Crowded House disks, this one is spotty, and I hate saying that. But 14 years and an incomplete original roster doesn't necessarily make it a 'Crowded House' disk in my book.

There is some great material on here ("Walked Her Way Down"), some really good material ("Nobody Wants To", "Even a Child", "Don't Stop Now", "Heaven that I'm Making" & "Say That Again").

But there is some really bad material too. "She Called Up" starts promising enough - and different too. But then it falls into a 'la la la la' chorus that makes the Carpenters' "Sing" sound like musical genius. I am not a fan of "A Sigh" either.

There is some good, but borderline marginal music here - and that's the hardest part to swallow. I don't like marginal Neil Finn. "Silent House" is ok, but I think the Dixie Chicks covered it better. "Pour Le Monde" sounds like something that didn't make John Lennon's 'Double Fantasy' disk - and the rest of the songs are too bland to comment on. Nothing sticks out - good or bad.

Yes, I stick with my four-star rating, but it is based on that the good material is strong and Neil Finn has a pretty good at-bat record. Had it been a lesser artist, I would have gone to three.

Crowded House returns..........2007-07-24

It's been very interesting watching (hearing) Neil Finn's progression as a songwriter. He's always had what we've called a dark side and that's been refelctive in each CH and solo albums. For me he is the most human songwriter I have ever heard.

I must admit, after a few listens, that in whole this album makes me feel a bit sad and somber. There are some great songs on here, though! "Don't Stop Now" and "Pour Le Monde" are my immediate favorites.

As a whole I find this one closer to Neil's 1st solo CD "Try Whistling This".

Finn with Crowdie Flavor.......2007-07-24

While a huge CH fan, I've always liked Neil's solo and Finn Brothers material better -- a bit more mature and groundbreaking. In fact, I was a bit disappointed to hear that Neil's solo album had morphed into a CH album.

Don't worry either way, though. Neil has always been the front man, and the bottom line is -- the album is amazing. It has the elements of a great Neil solo album, but you can definitely feel the influence of Mark Hart and Nick Seymour, which gives it a more upbeat Crowdie flavor. The songs are smart, Beatlesque with inventive arrangements, moving and haunting lyrics. Definitely more mature (and more melancholy) than most of the Crowdie material from years past. But Neil has a way of doing it without sounding melodramatic or shallow.

The cuts get better with more listens, which is the sign of truly rich material. The album could have stood trimming of 2 or 3 songs, but overall it's a great effort and real tribute to the effect Hester had on the band and Neil over the years. Add it with no regrets.

Average customer rating:

Excellent live album full of energy and killer songs for Crowdies
Beyond great!
A Wonderful "Farewell"
The World Where They Lived
Were they really this good?

Farewell to the World
Crowded House
Manufacturer: Capitol
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

General | Pop | Styles | Music

Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music

Adult Alternative | Pop | Styles | Music

General | Rock | Styles | Music

General | Live Albums | Rock | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

Time on Earth
Crowded House: Farewell to the World Live
Meet the Smithereens!
Imaginary Kingdom
Imaginary Kingdom

ASIN: B000G8NW6K
Release Date: 2007-01-16

Tracks:

Mean To Me
World Where You Live
When You Come
Private Universe
Four Seasons In One Day
Fall At Your Feet
Whispers And Moans
Hole In the River
Better Be Home Soon
Pineapple Head
Distant Sun
Into Temptation
Everything Is Good For You

Tracks:

Locked Out
Something So Strong
Sister Madly
Italian Plastic
Weather With You
It's Only Natural
There Goes God
Fingers Of Love
In My Command
Throw Your Arms Around Me
Don't Dream It's Over

Amazon.com

If there ever was a farewell album could make one long for a reunion, this is it. Crowed House had their own personal hegemony of the airwaves in the '80s and '90s, and their final show on the steps of Sydney's Opera Plaza in 1996 shows you exactly why. This two-CD package overachieves as a live document, capturing both the high emotion of the crowd (120,000 strong) and stoicism of the band members, except for the final two songs, which find Neil Finn with a catch in his throat, fumbling over words. The entire recording is filled with memorable moments, brimming with humanity, heart, and the group's irreverent sense of humor--from dedicating song to the full moon, to inviting former band members onstage. "A Hole in the River," the gothic tune about Finn's aunt's suicide continues to haunt, while "Something So Strong" has grown up to be a self-help anthem. Farwell to the World is engaging, smart, philosophical, and sometimes even prophetic on songs like "Weather with You," when Neil Finn cautions, "You can fight the sleep, but not the dream." --Jaan Uhelszki

From the Label

Crowded House Photos

More from Crowded House

Recurring Dream: The Very Best Of Crowded House
Crowded House
Temple of Low Men

Album Description

Two CD set containing the final live performance by this Australian band fronted by Neil Finn (also of Split Enz and the Finn Brothers) finally released on the 10th anniversary of it's recording. In Novermber of 1996, Crowded House played their final gig in front of 120,000 fans in Sydney, Australia. Farewell To The World is the offically released recording of that bittersweet concert. All the Crowdies hits are here including 'Don't Dream It's Over', 'World Where You Live', 'Weather With You', 'Something So Strong', 'It's Only Natural' and many more. 24 songs total. EMI. 2006.

Album Details

2006 Legitimate Issue of the Most Sought after Concert Recording by the New Zealand Foursome. Previously Available for a Very Short Time Only on Videocassette, this was the Band's Final Performance as the Sydney Opera House. While a Bittersweet Occasion, it was One of the Most Impassioned Performances Ever Delivered by the Group. All the I's were Dotted and the T's Crossed, featuring Final Renditions of all their Hits, Capped off with an Impassioned, "Don't Dream It's Over". While Neil, Nick and Paul Would Later Perform at a Few Charity Concert Appearances, this was the Group's Final Formal Sendoff, Making it all the More Poignant for Fans in the Wake of Paul Hester's Subsequent Passing. One More Time, Relish the Joy that was One of the Great Phenomenons in Modern Pop Music History.

Customer Reviews:

Excellent live album full of energy and killer songs for Crowdies.......2007-07-15

Ok true confessions first--I'm a huge Neil Finn fan and also had this when it was released 10 years ago as part of the Crowded House Fanclub live releases. This release improves on the original in one way--we get two discs instead of one. I really haven't compared this to my fanclub CD (hey, it's the only fanclub I belonged to and I did**honest**for the CDs)but this does seem a bit louder with less dynamic range. Nevertheless, I'm going with the five stars here for the performances.

I can't say I've done a head-to-head of late between this and the previous single disc edition so I don't know if any overdubbing was done. If it was, they did a masterful job of hiding it--the band sounds terrific (and yes, on a great night they sounded this good--heck even on a bad night they outclassed the competition). The only new material here is a cover of the Hunter & Collector's tune "Throw Your Arms Around Me" but it's one of the few places to also get a stunning live version of "Everything Is Good For You" (which appeared on their last release as a band the "Recurring Dream" Best of set). It's also one of the few CDs in print where you can hear live versions (many of them stunning)of the tracks for their albums "Woodface" and "Together Alone". The band DID release a live EP with some of the material here but that's long out of print and probably fetching high prices on Ebay and here as well.

Even my LEAST favorite track the humorous "Italian Plastic" by the late Paul Hester is enjoyable to listen to here. Luckily for fans, the Dream isn't over as the band has since released a new album and is touring the world. Let's hope that they get back in the studio quickly as Neil's indicated that he'd like to put together another album of new material ASAP.

Beyond great!.......2007-05-07

I have been a Crowded House / Finn Brothers fan for a long time, but this live CD is amazing. Neil Finn is such a talented and gracious musician and performer. If you are already a fan, this would be a great addition to your collection. If you are new to them, it is a great represenation of their talent and will make you want more. One of the best music purchases I have made this year.

A Wonderful "Farewell".......2007-03-20

Of course, with the news that Neil Finn, Nick Seymour, and Mark Hart will be touring again with a new drummer, this isn't really a 'farewell' as it were, but for hardcore CH fans, it is, and with the recent death of drummer Paul Hester, this recording attains an added bit of ironic melancholy and increased appreciation.

This is a great double CD, and for even casual fans of the band, it is well worth purchasing. The production is fabulous, and the performances are excellent. One will find so many of the "greatest hits" ("Distant Sun", "Weather With You", "World Where You Live", "Don't Dream It's Over", and my personal favorite, "Fall At Your Feet") done well, especially "Don't Dream", the last song of the show, complete with crowd-sung chorus and deafening applause at the conclusion. But fans will also enjoy other non-single album tracks like "Whispers And Moans", "Fingers of Love", and "When You Come", songs that are terrific but didn't make the Greatest Hits cut. Also included are some elements of the personality of the band, something that separated them from the majority of bands who take themselves way too seriously. Neil adds alternate lyrics in "Into Temptation" when he realizes the crowd in front needs water; during "Sister Madly", Paul does an imitation of Tina Turner, and the songs ends with the line, "Climb every mountian...". The guys are fully enjoying this last show, and you can tell it is not just for the 100,000+ fans there and the MTV Europe audience watching it live, but for themselves as well, and this recording captures that nicely.

I will say this: I bought a VHS copy of this show a few years ago before this CD was officially released, and this recording takes out some of the in-between song banter that made the concert feel even more like a concert. But on the up-side, more songs from the show were included in this 2 CD set than on the original film, especially a few more songs with neil's brother Tim, and the Hester-penned song "Italian Plastic".

I highly recommend this release.

The World Where They Lived.......2007-03-15

This CD has not only brilliant sound quality, but the performances are incredible. Neil's singing is as good as ever, and you definitely feel that you're there with rock and roll's greatest audience listening to what are collectively some of the best songs ever written. The beauty of a live Crowded House show is not only in the world's most beautiful instrument, Neil Finn's voice, but it's just as much in the audience participation in singing along to very cool tunes.

This is an amazing CD that will probably leave most of us wondering, gee, why didn't you make it a four-disc set?

Were they really this good?.......2007-02-23

Yes, the Crowdies were easily the best band to come out of the '80's. I first read about them in a rave review of their 1st album in the pages of Musician magazine (circa '86), bought the c.d., and have followed their brilliant but less than prolific output ever since.

Those who are reading this review are probably somewhat familiar with the band's history (Split Enz, etc.), but one fact bears repeating for U.S. listeners: Only here were they known as one hit wonders; the rest of the world quickly figured out how good they were and the band's star rose accordingly. In fact, the Very Best of Crowded House (from '96) entered the charts at number one in both England and Australia.

This live c.d. is a welcome addition to their catalogue capturing the band in 1996 in front of 100,000+ in a perfect display of the dual professionalism and looseness of their live shows.

I can't help but recommend the DVD too. In fact if you can only plunk down for one, then get the DVD. I recommend both.

Average customer rating:

Hi-Lo Split
Marc Antoine
Manufacturer: Peak Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Jazz | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

Play
This Way
The Phoenix
Born 2 Groove
Ladies' Choice

ASIN: B000R7I37S
Release Date: 2007-07-24

Tracks:

For a Smile
Hi-Lo Split
Spooky
Silk and Steel
Cancun Blue
Groovin' High
Forever
Panacea
Bossalectro
Voodoo Doll
Tomorrow

History Never Repeats: The Best of Split Enz

Average customer rating:

If you're wondering Split Who? Start here.
A Poor Man's Squeeze
best Of The Boston Scene
Beware of "well written" reviews that say NOTHING!
Just awesome...

History Never Repeats: The Best of Split Enz
Split Enz
Manufacturer: A&M
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

New Wave | New Wave & Post-Punk | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

Indie Rock | Indie & Lo-Fi | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

Australia & New Zealand | International | Styles | Music

General | Pop | Styles | Music

Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music

General | Rock | Styles | Music

Progressive Rock | Progressive | Rock | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

Recurring Dream: The Very Best Of Crowded House
True Colours
Squeeze - Greatest Hits
Woodface
Afterglow

ASIN: B000002GCZ
Release Date: 1990-10-25

Tracks:

I Got You
Hard Act To Follow
Six Months In A Leaky Boat
What's The Matter With You
One Step Ahead
I See Red
Message To My Girl
History Never Repeats
I Hope I Never
Dirty Creature
Poor Boy

Customer Reviews:

If you're wondering Split Who? Start here........2007-04-06

What's with all these "new wave" reviews? Split Enz never belonged to any wave. University daze, mid 70's and what do I encounter? The most out there, incredibly hard rocking, deliberately off centre bunch of guys with one of the best songwriter/voice combinations ever. I'm talking about Split Enz, followers of no fad whatsoever (akin to the concept of trend-setter really, long gone by the time everyone gets to wherever they're at) and particularly about Tim Finn.

Split Enz was Tim's band, Neil came along a bit later, added significantly to the band (not that it was lacking without him) and then drifted off into pop-la-la-land as Crowded House. Tim never went down the pop route and Spilt Enz was his early tour de force.

This compilation is a superb introduction to the band, or a good "best of" to have in the car or whatever. As to whether the selected tracks really are the best, who cares? They're a great selection. You get some hard rocking stuff like "I see red", "I Got You" and "Shark Attack", some wonderful melodic pieces "Dirty Creature", "Pioneer/Six Months in a Leaky Boat", "Poor Boy", "Message to my Girl" and Neil's "I walk away" (you can hear Crowded House all through this one, played by the better band).

All in all I cannot recommend this highly enough as a starter/taster of one of the best and least known (outside of AU/NZ) bands around.

After you've listened to this a few times and gone "wow", you better get True Colours and any of the early albums and then you'll really know what you missed out on.

And you'll be thinking ... goddam, why isn't this band around now? Well, it isn't, but Tim and Neil are and their 2004 release "Everyone is Here" is sublime.

A Poor Man's Squeeze.......2006-11-14

As I listened to this compilation, I couldn't help but notice that their pop sound was substantially akin to that of Squeeze. Unlike that band's singles compilation (45's and Under), this isn't hit after hit after hit. It's far too patchy, and moments of pop genius are interlaced with moments of vacous mediocrity.

I reckon that, if you like 80s pop music that's light on the synths, give these blokes a shot. Just be aware that you can get similar (and superior) fare from other bands (i.e., Squeeze).

P.S.

The band's earlier days, which according to the liner notes, were "adorably arty, wilfully experimental, and completely unfathomable to a mainstream audience," aren't covered in this collection. Sad; I might've been able to classify them as a poor man's Roxy Music as well.

best Of The Boston Scene.......2006-07-08

Split Enz may be from down under, but they remind me of the 80's boston scene.
If you are a fan of the boston music scene then check out these amazing albums:
1) Surfer Rosa by The Pixies
2) Lyres Lyres by The Lyres
3) Low Rises by Baby Ray
4) Vs. by Mission Of Burma
5) Fig. 15 by The Human Sexual Response

Beware of "well written" reviews that say NOTHING!.......2006-06-29

This is a fantastic collection and you probably already know that if you're looking to buy this CD. Contrary to what certain spotlight writers might suggest, "I Hope I Never" is an incredibly haunting, beautiful song. Tim Finn writes and sounds very little like Paul McCartney. In fact, I challenge anyone in the F.B.I. with a voice I.D. software program to find sufficient sonic connections between them! Furthermore, melodic songwriting is not the personal domain of The Beatles, who themselves were incredibly "derrivitive" (ie, Dylan, Motown artists, Elvis, Ray Charles, The Beach Boys, Ravi Shankar, British dancehall, etc). As influenced as the Finns might have been by The Beatles (who wasn't?!), Split Enz had their own distinctive sound. "True Colours" is a fine example of some of New Wave's best creative songwriting, innovative sounds and approach. What many often forget is that there was no definable New Wave formula. This left bands free to experiment as they wished under the "something new" category. Yes, this was way before college rock or indie music branded artists with marketable, definable sounds and image. Ah, those were the days my friend... Bands were doing their own thing in a spontaneous way that you just don't hear much of anymore. I got "True Colours" for Christmas that year and none of the other bands of that era sounded quite like them, apart from maybe Sparks or The Undertones. And if you still think Spit Enz were McCartney rip offs, try a comparison test between them and some of McCartney's New Wave efforts, such as "Getting Closer" off Wings Back to the Egg. I think it will be obivous that they aren't really on the same page. Listen for yourself and write your own review!

Just awesome..........2005-10-16

It is really hard not to like Split Enz or Crowded House for that matter. (Even with their saturation on Aussie radio) I always liked Split Enz a bit more than Crowded House because it had more of a New Wave sound to it, and you can see on this compliation the band develop with more raw songs like History Never Repeats and I See Red to the more Crowded House sound with Message To My Girl. The songs are just well done no matter what, you can tell the Finn's were heavily influenced by The Beatles, and the result here is just solid.

Average customer rating:

I grew up on this album
The Ultimate Collection
Pre MTV
Best Pop Album of the 80's
Great Album!

True Colours
Split Enz
Manufacturer: A&M Super Budget
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

New Wave | New Wave & Post-Punk | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

Australia & New Zealand | International | Styles | Music

General | Pop | Styles | Music

Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music

General | Rock | Styles | Music

4-for-3 Alternative Rock | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music

4-for-3 International | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music

4-for-3 Pop | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music

4-for-3 Rock | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music

4-for-3 All Music | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music
Similar Items:

History Never Repeats: The Best of Split Enz
Corroboree
Corroboree
Time and Tide
Crowded House

ASIN: B000002GBQ
Release Date: 1990-10-25

Tracks:

I Got You
Shark Attack
What's The Matter With You
Double Happy
I Wouldn't Dream Of It
I Hope I Never
Nobody Takes Me Seriously
Missing Person
Poor Boy
How Can I Resist Her
The Choral Sea

Customer Reviews:

I grew up on this album.......2007-07-13

This odd blend of Nu Wave and quirkiness made this album, fun, memorable and fun to sing and jerk to. It was one of my favorite 80's albums and to this day, is a great one for me!

The Ultimate Collection.......2007-01-15

I love this album and believe this to be the highpoint of their career- so many good songs on here and each stands alone. The only disappointment is that they didn't recreate the beautiful laser-etched hologram design from the vinyl LP. But oh well, at least this is on cd. Check out the Crowded House catalog for more Finntastic music.

Pre MTV.......2005-11-17

The first time I heard - and saw -- "I Got You" was when I was in the 9th grade before MTV. Every Friday night, PBS would show 30 minutes of music videos on a program that I cant recall the name of. However, Split Enz "I Got You" was shown perhaps 6 Fridays in-a-row and it was awesome. At a time when I was just getting turned on to the likes of Devo, Kraftwerk, Misex, et.al., this song and group was transforming and just plain cool to a 14 year old kid. A lot of fun and so many great memories.

Best Pop Album of the 80's.......2005-09-09

For pure Pop pleasure this album just can't be beat. Everybody knows 'I Got You' but what about the manic fun of 'Shark Attack', the Schoolboy indignity of 'What's the matter with you' the slushy sentimentality of 'I Hope I Never', the hilariously self-pitying 'Nobody Takes me Seriously' the beautifully smooth and melancholy heartbreak of 'Missing Person' & the utterly fantastic instrumental ending of 'The Choral Sea'. Even though I have the best of Split Enz 'Spellbound' on CD I still need to grab this CD soon just for the 5 tracks missing off the greatest hits compilation, that's how good it is. For now I'm relying on my laser etched vinyl copy (ooh! Laser etched!). This album works on its own merits. It's a beautifully cohesive album. Beautifully observed Pop lyrics with wonderful sweeping synths and lovely piano work from Eddie Rayner. I saw them live in London back in 81 & it was one of the top 5 live concerts I ever saw in my life. These guys could deliver and this album is their opus. Time & Tide coming in 2nd I'd say. To end with, if you want to feel good this disc/cd makes a great pick-me-up!

Great Album!.......2003-02-10

Split Enz is certainly a major group that influenced many later artist. True Colours the album was also innovative. The original LP featured a laser etched design which looked cool on the turntable! The music is quite good. Tunes such as Shark Attack, I Got You, Double Happy, are clear progressive new wave, and a look at music, to at least where many thought is was headed in the 1980's. True Colours is a true gem!

Average customer rating:

One of the best Split Enz albums

Time and Tide
Split Enz
Manufacturer: Mushroom Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

New Wave | New Wave & Post-Punk | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

Australia & New Zealand | International | Styles | Music

General | Pop | Styles | Music

Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music

General | Rock | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

Corroboree
True Colours
Frenzy
Conflicting Emotions
Dizrythmia

ASIN: B000M7FOIO
Release Date: 2007-02-12

Tracks:

Dirty Creature
Giant Heartbeat
Hello Sandy Allen
Never Ceases to Amaze Me
Lost for Words
Small World
Take a Walk
Pioneer
Six Months in a Leaky Boat
Haul Away
Log Cabin Fever
Make Sense of It

Customer Reviews:

One of the best Split Enz albums.......2007-04-18

They never truly hit it big in America but Split Enz should have. Perhaps it was the make-up and stage shows or just a matter of timing. Regardless, they left us a series of fun, perplexing, great sounding albums. "Time and Tide" the best of the Finn-Finn era of the Enz sounds even better than before. I've always loved "Six Months in a Leaky Boat" but there are many more gems here from both Tim and Neil beyond that marvelous single.

This remaster (done by former Enz Eddie Rayner)sounds terrific. Unlike a lot of remasters the sound quality isn't sacrificed just to make it sound LOUD. We get the entire album (a pity that there aren't any outtakes, demos or alternate tracks included)in a digipak (for the first edition. Later editions will, reportedly, be in jewel boxes although THIS review is for the digipak version). Lyrics are included but we don't get any notes on the creation of the fine album which is a minor drawback. Nevertheless Enz fans will probably know the circumstances all around its creation.

The CD has been cleverly designed to resemble a vinyl version of the original Aussie-NZ release of the album. The Enz truly never got any better than this and although they would put out two more studio albums (Tim left before their last album "See Ya Around". The next album "Conflicting Emotions" titled after Tim's feelings about leaving the band behind for a solo career would feature Neil's superb "Message for My Girl" and Tim's wistful "Bon Voyage")they could have quit right here and their legacy would be insured.

I'd highly recommend this terrific album and the remaster IS worth picking up for the richer, warmer sound that Rayner has managed to capture on CD.

Average customer rating:

A great indie rock album by Gomez!
Don't give up on this CD!
New and wonderful direction
It takes a few listens
Disappointing

Split the Difference
Gomez
Manufacturer: Virgin Records Us
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

Britpop | British Alternative | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

Indie Rock | Indie & Lo-Fi | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

General | Rock | Styles | Music

Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music

Adult Alternative | Pop | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

In Our Gun
Liquid Skin
Bring It On
Out West
Five Men In A Hut (A's, B's and Rarities 1998-2004)

ASIN: B0001QNO4M
Release Date: 2004-05-18

Tracks:

Do One
These 3 Sins
Silence
Me You And Everybody
Don't Know Where We're Going
Sweet Virginia
Catch Me Up
Where Ya Going
Meet Me In The City
Chicken Out
Extra Special Guy
Nothing Is Wrong
There It Was

Amazon.com

It can't be said enough: Gomez is probably the most unlikely name for a five British kids who worship Tom Waits and the Grateful Dead. But that's nothing compared to their sound, a growling brand of blues-rock that sounds like it originates on the Mississippi rather than the Thames. The group's previous album, 2002's In Our Gun, was all about experimenting in the studio. Split the Difference, then, is Gomez getting back on track. The band makes a decent attempt to revive the homemade feel of its early recordings, turning up at least two winners in "Extra Special" and "Sweet Virginia," but it seems like a compromise. While the three-part harmonies soar, a distinct lack on inspiration suggests the band would rather have another go at pushing buttons and name-checking Kraftwerk. "We Don't Know Where We're Going" seems to say it all. --Aidin Vaziri

Customer Reviews:

A great indie rock album by Gomez!.......2006-01-07

Gomez's "Split The Difference" is a great indie rock album with a lot of catchy and fun tunes. Tom Gray and Ben Ottewell do a very goob job on the vocals, though they're not perfect. One of them (I'm not sure which one is which) has a really good voice, but the other has a rough voice which is a little questionable. This second singer might turn some people off, but I think you'll get used to him over time. Every song here is very good, and there's also a couple hitworthy songs ("Silence" and "Sweet Virginia" are the most notable). The musicianship is pretty interesting and always catchy - you definitely won't get bored listening to this. If you like indie rock then chances are you'll like this album a heck of a lot. Absolutely recommended!

Highlights include:
"Do One"
"These 3 Sins"
"Silence"
"Sweet Virginia"
"Chicken Out"
"Extra Special Guy"

Don't give up on this CD!.......2005-08-02

I had never heard of Gomez, but one day I happen to come across the group on the internet. I'm always looking for new artists to check out. I love all sorts of genres and artists.

I was curious and looked at Vh1.com and Split the Difference happened to be their most recent effort at the time so I clicked on it and listened to it.

At first listen, I only gravitated to a few songs. I immediately took to "Sweet Virginia" and "These 3 Sins", but not much else.

I decided I wasn't giving it a fair try, so I listened to it again...and again. Slowly, I began to love the CD.

My absolute favorite tracks are: "Catch Me Up" (I really, really love this song), "Sweet Virginia", "These 3 Sins", "Silence", and "Extra Special Guy".

Now I'm really interested to check out their previous efforts to see if I like it as much as Split the Difference.

This is a really solid effort, and I love it!! Definately give it a try.

New and wonderful direction.......2005-05-01

After a few spins, the album grew on me (much like Liquid Skin). The sound is diverse and lovely - and they are amazing live!

Standout tracks are "Sweet Virginia," "Extra Special Guy," "There It Was" and "We Don't Know Where We're Going." It's a great CD.

It takes a few listens.......2004-12-31

Dont give up on it. Much like In Our Gun, it took me a few listens to really appreciate it. To be honest, the first couple listens I really didn't like it and was rather disappointed. Now I am a believer. Gomez is one of the best bands around and gets better with age.

Disappointing.......2004-12-12

Gomez has carved out its niche among UK bands by avoiding the retro pop bandwagon (think Badly Drawn Boy), the electronica bandwagon, and the knob-twitching pop bandwagon (think Radiohead)--heck name your bandwagon and they avoid it, which is good. Instead, Gomez goes for progressive hard rock. At their best, Gomez sound annoyingly like Pearl Jam ("Do One," "Where Ya Going?"). At their worst, Gomez regularly serve up stale riffs and a healthy dose of meandering bull----. I dare anyone to make it through the CD's finale without lunging for the remote and punching mute.

Standout Tracks: None, though if a gun were held to my head, I'd choose "Do One."

For more reviews, visit http://unpaidrockcritic.typepad.com

Average customer rating:

Terrific follow up by the Enz to "True Colours" remixed and remastered with bonus track

Corroboree
Split Enz
Manufacturer: WEA International
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

New Wave | New Wave & Post-Punk | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

Australia & New Zealand | International | Styles | Music

General | Pop | Styles | Music

Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

Time and Tide
True Colours
Conflicting Emotions
Frenzy
Dizrythmia

ASIN: B000M7FOIE
Release Date: 2007-02-12

Tracks:

Hard Act to Follow
One Step Ahead
I Don't Wanna Dance
Iris
Wail
Clumsy
History Never Repeats
Walking Through the Ruins
Ships
Ghost Girl
Albert of India
In the Wars [*]

Album Details

2007 Digitally Remastered Reissue of the New Zealand Band Album Classic.

Customer Reviews:

Terrific follow up by the Enz to "True Colours" remixed and remastered with bonus track.......2007-04-20

Corroboree" (or Waiata depending upon whether you bought this and listened to it in Austrlia or New Zealand)finds Split Enz delivering another terrific album. The follow up to "True Colours" brought them close to international success as "I Got You" broke through on radio in the United States. Featuring a number of terrific songs, Neil Finn steps in with some of his most infectious work yet; both "History Never Repeats" and "One Step Ahead" got airplay in the United States (as did "I Don't Wanna Dance")but the sublime "Iris" hints at the delights of the next album's "Message To My Girl". Rayner checks in himself with "Wail" a terrific instrumental and "Albert of India". Tim's "Walking Through The Ruins" and "Ghost Girl" are both terrific tracks as well.

Although generally some fans feel this is a less consistent album than "True Colours", I would disagree. Even if it does have filler (and there are those that would argue that point), the filler is better than most bands best tracks. Both Neil and Tim are in top form contribuing some of their best songs and the instrumentals are always interesting to listen to. We do get a bonus track--"In the War" a very good b-side to the single "History Never Repeats".

We also get complete lyircs (with the exception of the bonus track)but no liner notes discussing the making of the album. Rayner's remix sounds marvelous bringing out details lost with the previous mix and improving the clarity and depth of the recording. Unlike a lot of "modern" remixes, this one sounds extremely close to its original release (at least to my ears)and it doesn't suffer from the heavy compression/reduced dynamic range that is a flaw with most modern CDS (this usually results in a loud CD where there is no difference between the quietest moments and loudest taking much of the dramatic power out of the music).

Eddie Rayner has remixed/remastered this classic album and it has never sounded better. It's a step up in my opinion over the previous CD and captures the vibe of the original vinyl while delivering greater detail. The booklet include all the lyrics for the songs (except the bonus track "In the Wars")but no liner notes on the recording of the album.

"Corroboree" has some tracks that rank among the best that Neil, Tim and Eddie wrote. This, along with "Frenzy", "Mental Notes", "True Colours" and "Time & Tide" is definitely worth picking up.
Frenzyand Mental Notesand True Coloursand Time and Tide

Some memorable albums recorded later include: WoodfaceTry Whistling Thisand Before & After

Average customer rating:

One of Split Enz most impressive outings 4 1/2 stars

True Colours
Split Enz
Manufacturer: Mushroom Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

New Wave | New Wave & Post-Punk | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

Australia & New Zealand | International | Styles | Music

General | Pop | Styles | Music

Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music

General | Rock | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

Corroboree
Time and Tide
Frenzy
Mental Notes
Conflicting Emotions

ASIN: B000M7FOI4
Release Date: 2007-02-12

Tracks:

Shark Attack
I Got You
What's the Matter With You
Double Happy
I Wouldn't Dream of It
I Hope I Never
Nobody Takes Me Seriously
Missing Person
Poor Boy
How Can I Resist Her
Choral Sea
Things [*]
Two of a Kind [*]

Customer Reviews:

One of Split Enz most impressive outings 4 1/2 stars.......2007-04-29

Although the "True Colours" doesn't sound quite as good Corroboree that probably has more to do with the fact that "Corroboree" was remxed and remastered. "True Colours" features Split Enz coming into its own. Remastered by band stalwart Eddie Rayner, "True Colours" extremely good here although I didn't do a head-to-head comparison to the previous U.S. release. The real reason to pick this up are the bonus tracks.

One of the Finn/Finn era's biggest albums in the United States album is among their eccentric and most eclectic releases featuring all the production touches common to the late 70's/early 80's but the song craft is far and away better than what most other bands were doing. Once Tim Finn invited his guitarist/vocalist brother Neil to join the band they produced a series of the band's most melodic and memorable albums. Buoyed by the success of "I Got You" (it actually broke into Billboard's singles charts at #53 only to be outdone with the next album's single also by Neil Finn "History Never Repeats" which charted at #33),"True Colours" came in at #40 on the album charts quite an achievement for a band that had previously been ignored in the United States.

The rest of the album is as impressive even if the album's production dates it a bit. "Shark Attack" is a catchy Tim Finn number and Tim checks in with one of his most effective ballads "I Hope I Never" which showcases his tenor voice. The album is supplemented by a pair of strong b-sides from the band's singles "Things" (by Tim) and "Two of a Kind" (by Neil) which were strong contenders for the album and add to the quality of this release.

The liner notes are nonexistant which is a pity--those who aren't as familair with the band will want to learn a bit about their history and this album's recording history. We do get complete lyrics (except for the bonus tracks). The original release had three different colored colors with the same design (the U.S. domestic version goes with the red and black design)but this CD release goes with the cover that adnorned subsequent releases.

"Corroborree" sounds better in its re-release than this album (primarily because Rayner went back and remixed the album cleaning it up quite a bit)with a less cluttered production, more detail than this album. While it is a comparable follow up with the highlights being better than the best songs here, it's a bit less consistent than "True Colours". If you pick up "Mental Notes", "True Colours", "Corroboree", "Time & Tide" and "Conflicting Emotions" (primarily for the gorgeous "Message to My Girl" and "Bon Voyage") you'll have the best music this underrated band produced. Recommended.

Mental Notesand Corroboree andFrenzyand Time and Tide

Average customer rating:

There really is nobody quite like Lush, and Split is their best.
Lush live up to their name! (and I don't mean in an alcoholic way)
Visual Reactions
Might be good for some
A shoegaze classic - this is beautiful music!

Split
Lush
Manufacturer: Warner Bros / Wea
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | British Alternative | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

Britpop | British Alternative | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

Indie Rock | Indie & Lo-Fi | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

Dream Pop | Indie & Lo-Fi | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

Shoegazing | Indie & Lo-Fi | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

General | Rock | Styles | Music

Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

Spooky
Lovelife
Gala
Ferment
Ciao! Best of Lush

ASIN: B000002MQA
Release Date: 1994-06-14

Tracks:

Light From A Dead Star
Kiss Chase
Blackout
Hypocrite
Lovelife
Desire Lines
The Invisible Man
Undertow
Never-Never
Lit Up
Starlust
When I Die

Amazon.com

While many of their contemporaries have branched out in intriguing new directions since their dream-pop debuts, the members of Lush remained committed to a hazy wall of Cocteau Twins guitar, breathy harmonies by Miki Berenyi and Emma Anderson, and a fairly straightforward dance beat. The English quartet's third album, Split, isn't an improvement or a departure from Gala (1990) or Spooky (1992). Lush continues exploring pleasant but slight sounds on songs such as "Hypocrite" and "Light from a Dead Star," and it's likely that the group will always be remembered as the opening act on Lollapalooza '92. --Jim DeRogatis

Album Description

Out of print in the U.S.! Moody and ethereal guitar-fueled 'shoegazing' band led by Miki Berenyi and Emma Anderson. Originally released in 1993. 4AD.

Customer Reviews:

There really is nobody quite like Lush, and Split is their best........2007-01-31

Split is a classic that just never seems to get old. That is a rare quality in a disc. I almost feel it would cheapen the unique quality of Split to try and compare it to anything else and while others have compared it to the Manchester/Shoe Gazing trend Split is so much more than that. If you have never heard this one before then make sure you listen several times. You may get it after that but if not put it away for a little while and then come back and don't blame me if you never get this gem out of your head.

Lush live up to their name! (and I don't mean in an alcoholic way).......2006-12-10

If you listen to Lush's albums from earliest to latest, they start out very blurry and get clearer with each album. Spooky and Split, their 2nd and 3rd albums (as far as I know anyway) have the best balance between spaceyness and clearness. Split is my favorite album by them. Sad and dreamy with a lot of undertones and effects. I've had this album for about 10 years and gotten into different songs at different times. "Light from a Dead Star" has some beautiful lyrics and something that sounds like a xylophone. I also like the lyrics of "Kiss Chase". "Desire Lines" emphasizes their ethereal voices and harmony and all I can say is this song is very lesbionic to me (and that's not an insult.)"The Invisible Man", the shortest on this album is a dramatic, striking song that I've been into lately. "Undertow" is also one of their best songs, with effects that start in the background and come to the foreground. "When I Die" was an influential song when I was younger, unfortunately it was a suicide song for me so I don't listen as much now. "Never-never" is slow and very depressing and it took me awhile to get into, but it's a beautiful song.
Despite what a lot of people think, this album isn't 100% melancholy. "Lovelife" is a happier song that I've gotten into recently, it makes me feel happy and romantic, especially driving on a sunny day. "Lit Up" is a hopeful song. "Starlust" is hopeful too, and more rocking. "Blackout" may be my least favorite on the album- too much punk style for me. "Hypocrite" is an angry song with lyrics that are so universal.
There have been times when I have felt too melancholy to listen to this album because of its sad, lost feeling. Nowadays I prefer to listen to this kind of music rather than doomy, depressing metal, usually. I recommend Lush a lot, especially if you like music such as Keane.

Visual Reactions.......2006-04-01

I found this album in a thrift store a few months ago, intending to listen to it, but I didn't get around to listening to it until just recently. It really is a good album. Forget the fact that some might say it's shoegazer stuff, and listen to it as an album in it's own right.

To me it reminds me of late period Primitives (UK band fronted by Tracy Tracy), the Cure (around Hanging Garden) and the lyrics are a bit more thoughtful.

My favorite track presently is "When I Die", and I can imagine a whole video based around just this one song. I recommend this album for 2am .

Might be good for some.......2006-03-17

I bought this album on the strength of the single, Hypocrite.

Hypocrite is fantastic. Driving beat, big guitars, fantastic lyrics sung with utter conviction.

The rest of the album is, to me, woeful. Dreary, lacking energy, similar sounding and boring. It's surprising that a song as good as hypocrite shares an album with the rest of it.

I can't accept that this is pure shoegazer, as I like Curve and Swervedriver, who are meant to be 'gazers.

Bottom line: if you like Nirvana, Curve, Jale, Pumpkins, Swervedriver, or anything with loud guitars, then frankly buy it for Hypocrite. If you like softer stuff, then the other reviews are probably more helpful to you ;)

A shoegaze classic - this is beautiful music!.......2005-12-30

"Split" is a classic for one reason: it has a TON of great shoegaze songs. Unfortunately I'm not entirely convinced that it has good crossover appeal if you aren't a shoegaze fan. The songs tend to sound relatively similar to one another, but they all have great hooks and usually some very interesting lyrics that help break up their similarities (and keep things entertaining). You can definitely hear some My Bloody Valentine influence. The singer has an extremely pleasant voice who, I would argue, most people will love - she perfectly fits the style of music. The production here is also very well done for an "old" and independently recorded album. Basically, if you're a fan of the genre then you're doing yourself a great disservice by not obtaining this album (granted, it's hard to find now that it's out of print). Absolutely recommended for music collectors and shoegaze fans if you can find it (it also has great appeal to fans of other genres)!

Highlights include:
"Light From A Dead Star"
"Kiss Chase"
"Blackout"
"Hypocrite"
"Lovelife"
"Undertow"
"Lit Up"
"When I Die"
"Starlust" (parts of)

Music:

Music

music

Music

To Touch the Stars: A Musical Celebration of Space Exploration

Israeli Violin Concertos

Jazz Music: 1950/1951

I've Got a Winner in You

First Flight [EP]

Enamorados

Gainsbourg...Forever [Import]

Full Force Galesburg

From Dusk Till Dawn [Limited Edition] [Soundtrack] [Import]

Essencia Do Brasil

Frank Sinatra [Import]

Geta Haite Konakucha [Import]

Hard Salsa Coast To Coast, Vol. 2

Sibelius: Orchestral Songs

Prometheus: The Discipline of Fire & Demise