Neil Finn is an immensely talented songwriter, but it was with his brother Tim in Split Enz that he really shone. I Got You, Missing Person, One Step Ahead, History Never Repeats, Take A Walk, Message To My Girl, Walk Away and many more.
He has a knack for strong Beatley melodies does Neil Finn and this is gorgeous with an eighties sheen. One of their most beloved tracks, although it's always bittersweet for me. Neil and his brother Tim were playing a scheduled gig (as The Finn Brothers) at the Royal Albert Hall in London in 2005 when news came through that Crowded House drummer Paul Hester had died. Neil played this song on his own on an acoustic guitar without a microphone as a tribute. You could have heard a pin drop. Neil's a Kiwi (New Zealander) and joined his brother Tim's art rock band Split Enz (well worth exploring) in 1980, writing a lot of successful songs for them, taking them in a more commercial direction from the brilliant new wave track 'I Got You' to 'Message to My Girl'. Crowded House were huge first in the US with this song and later in the UK with the big selling 'Woodface' album which includes Tim Finn as an additional band member. Their fourth album ‘Together Alone’ is my favourite. It has a darker, slightly more experimental edge with Youth producing. ‘Distant Sun’ is the standout single from that album, but it’s well worth a listen in its entirety, lots of interesting twists and turns. American guitarist Mark Hart also joined the band for that album. Neil’s first solo album ‘Try Whistling This’ (a tongue-in-cheek challenge) saw him experiment further with samples, etc. Quite different to his poppy Crowded House singles. Since Hester’s death, Neil has reformed Crowded House on several occasions with Seymour and Hart, and recorded a series of eclectic collaborations with other artists including his brother, his wife and sons. Oh, and he was recruited as a replacement for Lindsey Buckingham in Fleetwood Mac a couple of years ago too! As well as singing Buckingham's songs, Fleetwood Mac gave him a solo spot with 'Don't Dream It's Over' - there are clips on TH-cam of Steve Nicks introducing him. A hugely talented songwriter, singer and guitarist. Along with Paul McCartney, Paul Weller and Squeeze, Neil’s the artist I’ve seen most live over the years. PS - They’re generally referred to as a New Zealand / Australian band as bassist Nick Seymour and Hester are Australian.
First time I heard "Bold as Brass" from the 1977 Split Enz album DIZRYTHMIA, I have happily followed the Finn brothers through Split Enz, Crowded House and their solo stuff. They have always simply knocked me out.
If you love pop music - in the best possible sense of the word - where songcraft, gorgeous melodies, and great singing collide, Crowded House are near the top of the list.
They didn’t make a shift as Talk Talk did but Crowded house is just quality pop all over. You’d wish the hitparades and radio stations were full of this level of music. My absolute favorite: Kare Kare. Probably the most melancholic song they made.
It's his voice. He bends the shape of his mouth, with a hint of very fast vibrato, very much like Mark Hollis. They both remind me of Anthony Newley (only far more subtle).
To me,a great song is when you have heard it 1000, 10,000 times, and it still sounds as fresh as on the first hearing. Well I have heard this song way over 1000 times, and to me, its still fresh.
One of the top 5 songs of the 80's. And then, in the 90's, they released "Weather with You", which is arguably one of the best songs of that decade as well.
As others have mentioned below, Neil Finn is one of our greatest songwriters of pop music. Intelligent lyrics, flawless melodies... really beautiful stuff. You should listen to any of these albums, they're really great pieces of music. And maybe not a mind-blowing song, but truly one of the most intelligent and beautiful love songs written.
this is a perfect song - the lush melody, dreamy acoustics, poetic imagery and neil's plaintive vocal. even 35 years later, this still brings me to tears. i think crowded house was a natural evolution of neil finn from split enz. you can hear the beginnings of his fantastic songwriting in "i got you", "six months in a leaky boat", "conflicting emotions" evolving to the sound and character of crowded house ❤
I always have time for an artist that can write nice melodies and Neil Finn has that knack. His song 'Message to My Girl' with Split Enz is another example. It's no wonder that Fleetwood Mac welcomed him on board.
"Message To My Girl" is indeed one of the best Pop songs of the past 40 years. An absolute gem, it is special even in context of all of Neil's other, almost-as-special output.
Neil Finn is such as great songwriter. Other great songs by Crowded House include "Weather With You", "Chocolate Cake", "Now We're Getting Somewhere", "Can't Carry On", "Locked Out", "She Goes On", and "Sister Madly". He was also in Split Enz with his brother, Tim. Check out "I See Red" or "I Got You". As a solo artist, "She Will Have Her Way" is a high point.
One of the best songwriters of his generation, Neil and Nick, the two surviving members of the original trio still record and tour occasionally. Neil is prolific in a number of formats. Fall At Your Feet, Weather With You, Distant Sun, Four Seasons in One Day, Something So Strong all great.
OMG. This song. Timeless. Deliberate lyrics. And that walking bass. 🤤 Updated lyrics In the paper today Tales of war and of waste But you turn right over to the TikTok feed.
Didn't recognize the title, but boy, those first two bars - yeah ingrained into the soundtrack to my early 30s. Haven't heard this in a score of years. Thanks for the flashback
I can't imagine anyone who loves Crowded House not also loving Spirit of Eden or Colour of Spring. Also, interestingly enough, Crowded House were produced by Mitchell Froom, who played organ on many songs but was not actually a band member, while Talk Talk was produced by Tim Friese-Greene, who played organ on many songs but was not actually a band member. This song has a really solid bassline, and their is an incredible amount of attention to the keyboard pads behind the guitar in the verses. This song peaks early, with the opening chords and bass. Nothing else sounds quite like that. Also, Neil Finn is a member of Fleetwood Mac now.
Just gorgeous, dreamy and relaxing even though it makes my heart beat faster to hear it again. So timeless and untainted, a unique song, a stand out song. Love it!
Crowded House's fourth LP, "Together Alone" is definitely worth an album review, just about every song provides chills. It's darker and more experimental than the rest of their catalog. I suppose "In My Command" is the stand-out for me, real John Lennon vibes on that one ("I would love / to trouble you in your time of need").
@@hankamania Mine too. The way it builds from that gently strummed acoustic to the change of tempo in the middle eight, resolving with a heartfelt 'I don't pretend to know what you want / but I offer love'. Chills.
Their album Together Alone is a strong collection, Pineapple Head and the lovely Private Universe. The Finn Brother's album Everyone is Here is wonderful too, Won't Give In, Luckiest Man Alive and the beautiful Edible Flowers. Neil Finn's solo album One - Nil is also well worth a listen!
Love Crowded House. Neil Finn has an incredible voice and is an immensely talented songwriter. I'd recommend "Better Be Home Soon", "Fall at Your Feet" or "Weather With You".
They've created some amazing songs. Distant Sun, Nails In My Feet, I Feel Possessed, Whispers and Moans, and Private Universe are all essential. And like others have said, the Together Alone album deserves a full listen, along with Neil Finn's brilliant first two solo albums.
My favorite band and singer, hand down. Thanks for hitting them. Weather With You, Whispers and Moans, Better Be Home Soon, and Fingers of Love are personal favorites of mine.
There's a short-lived '80s band out of Scotland called Lloyd Cole & the Commotions that I think you would enjoy. I particularly like their debut album, Rattlesnakes, 1984. From that album I suggest trying Perfect Skin, Four Flights Up, Speedboat, and the title track, Rattlesnakes.
Neil Finn has such an amazing way of putting these fantastic melodies and harmonies together...and usually in a very haunting way....whether it's with C.H,. Split Enz or solo. Listen to 'I feel Posessed'....or 'One Step Ahead' from split enz. OR....a song that he cowrote that the Dixie Chicks did called 'Silent House' (listen to the Chicks' version...WOW)....deep stuff
One of the most perfect songs ever written. Neil Finn is up there with Peter Gabriel as my favorite male singer. Woodface is a favorite in which his brother Tim rejoins him post Split Enz days. Also listen to When You Come….
Fantastic 80's song, it was always on my playlist, the keyboard middle section reminds me a lot of the beginning of the Procol Harum classic, "A Whiter Shade of Pale".
The organ solo is an homage to Procol Harum I think. Neil Finn is an amazing pop craftsman. His knack for melodies is up there with Paddy McAloon, Brian Wilson, and even McCartney/Lennon. His work with his previous band is great too (features his brother Tim) -Check out Split Enz.
Playlist. Great pop song. Love it. RIP Paul. He was a character. I just woke up so I’m a bit in my dreams… don’t dream it’s over. The Rembrandt’s kept popping in my head, don’t know why other than more good pop. Wish you hadn’t mentioned Yuk Yuk but good choice today. Been watching Neil at home during the pandemic playing solo some wonderful covers. Sometimes his wife help out. Of course there’s Fleetwood Mac. Peace and prom Music
There's so much great music to discover in Neil Finn's catalog. He began in Split Enz with his brother Tim, and had a few radio hits including I Got You, History Never Repeats, Six Months in a Leaky Boat, and Message to my Girl. He came to LA and started Crowded House. This was a massive hit, as was Fall at Your Feet, Weather with You, and It's Only Natural. His brother Tim joined the band for their third album Woodface (a personal top-ten desert isle disc for me), which includes the lovely and melancholy Four Seasons in One Day. He's also recorded several albums with just his brother as The Finn Brothers. My personal favorites from these are Angel's Heap, Won't Give In - another hit, and Disembodied Voices. He's also got a great live album called 7 Worlds Collide which features performances and collaborations with Eddie Vedder, Johnny Marr (Smiths, Pretenders, etc), Ed O'Brian (Radiohead), and others. He's really one of the best songwriters of our era, and I'm not exaggerating. I've read a few of the comments recommending others tunes - they're all good!
Afternoon, Justin. Dave from London. It's All Over And What Can I Do? (Play it again!) This is how to write a pop song - lovely, weaving melody; articulate lyrics; beautifully played & sung (I've always loved that organ break). The Finn brothers (who are actually from New Zealand) were previously in another art rock band, Split Enz, and I think Neil is now in Fleetwood Mac. Other tracks? Try Four Season In One Day - I have wanted to use that as a song ref but we haven't had crazy enough weather yet; BTW today's song ref is from It's Over by ELO.
Yes! Try Pineapple Head, Four Seasons in One Day, It’s Only Natural, Fall at Your Feet…. One of the few pop bands from that era I still listen to. A perfect blend of interesting obtuse lyrics and catchy melodies. Ps, Time to dust off that purple tuxedo and pick up that carnation thingy.
Perhaps the best musical act to come out of the 80s. Neil Finn and his brother Tim were part of (and main songwriters of) new wave group Split Enz earlier in the decade. Crowded House is a fantastic band with MANY superb songs. Check out the song Into Temptation from their second album, Temple of Low Men. Brings goose bumps and shivers!
I would highly recommend listening to something from either of Neil Finn's first two solo albums, particularly Souvenir and Loose Tongue from Try Whistling This, or Hole In The Ice and Elastic Heart from One Nil.
This always reminds me of being a kid in Australia. BTW the band is a kind of Australian and New Zealand mix that partly evolved from Split Enz. Someone once asked Paul McCartney what it was like being the world's greatest songwriter. His answer was "Ask Neil Finn".
Many great recommendations have already been made; I'd repeat those for Distant Sun and Into Temptation, absolutely sublime songs. And I'd add one I haven't seen mentioned yet, Catherine Wheels, off their best album, Together Alone. It has some of that mystery and darkness you didn't hear in this one.
'Into Temptation' is the song I would have recommended you listen to by Crowded House who were actually from New Zealand originally. Then follow that with 'Fall At Your Feet'. Interesting fact: other Australians who are really New Zealanders include actor Russell Crowe, film director Jane Campion and many others.
Japan, David Sylvian & Crowded House???? My TOP THREE FAVES! CH's first 4 albums: Crowded House, Temple of Low Men, Woodface & Together Alone are all perfection.
Good song but far from being their best in my opinion ! If you want to explore their discography, try the following tracks: "Into Temptation" and "Love This Life" (from the Temple of Low Men album released in 1988), "Whispers and Moans", "Four Seasons in One Day" and "All I Ask" (from the Woodface album released in 1991), but even better ! Listen to all the songs from the album Together Alone released in 1993 which is in my opinion their best album and their most musically varied, with great songs such as "Kare Kare", "Nails in My Feet", "Fingers of Love", "Private Universe", "Walking on the Spot", "Catherine Wheels" and so on ... I think You might like it, Justin !
Great song! By the way since you mentioned that Crowded House reminds you of Talk Talk, in my opinion you should really continue with Talk Talk's album It's My Life!
@@Katehowe3010 Yeah the thing is he made a video on the first song of It's My Life called "Dum Dum Girl", but didn't continue with the album. However I agree with you that he should definitely do Laughing Stock, but I don't have any doubts about him covering that album anyways. I just fear that he wasn't impressed with "Dum Dum Girl" and based on that track he gave up on the album It's My Life. I personally think that he should at least hear tracks like "Such A Shame" and "It's My Life". In which order he does Laughing Stock and It's My Life is not that important to me personally, I just hope that he covers both albums eventually. ^^
In 1991, Paul Young did a cover of this song and it got played a lot so I used to think it was his song at first. Also Miley Cyrus and Ariana Grande did an acoustic cover of this song and it was more for fun than anything but especially Miley did a great job singing her part. I love the song.
You may have heard Six Pence None the Richer's version, which has made its way into the soundtracks of various movies/TV shows. There have been several covers, but Six Pence None the Richer's is probably the most re-used version.
So much that's good about Crowded house and, as others have mentioned, Split Enz. Two Crowded House tracks "Into Temptation" and "Distant Sun" always stick in my brain, but to be honest you'd be hard pushed to find a bad one.
A fantastic band with a true talent as principle songwriter in Neil Finn. This track and perhaps the track "Weather with you" are their most famous songs. My favourite album and probably their peak achievement is the criminally overlooked/forgotten "Together Alone" which was their initial recording swansong while at the absolute height of their powers in 1993; I count it as one of my favourite albums ever and would urge you to listen to it. They were a superb live act as well.
There are many great CH and Neil Finn solo songs. I hope you looked more deeply into this music. Neil's older brother Tim has done some great stuff too. Crowded House: 'Into Temptation', 'Nails in my Feet', 'Whispers and Moans', 'She Goes On', 'Amsterdam'; Neil Finn: 'She Will Have Her Way', 'Truth', 'Recluse'; Tim Finn: 'Not Even Close', 'Persuasion', 'Hit the Ground Running'; Neil and Tim Finn: 'Disembodied Voices' 'Paradise (Wherever You Are)'.
Just JP is at the top of my subscriptions list and is usually the first video, and sometimes the only video, that I watch on TH-cam in a given day. Rick Beato interviewed Sting and published the video overnight. Sorry, JP, but you had to take a backseat today. I’ll make it up to you by listening to you first tomorrow. EDIT - Sorry, but I’m stoked about this. The video has 31,000 likes and ZERO dislikes. Dude, you need to check out some Sting. The worst that could happen is that you won’t like it and crush my spirits. Then… life will go on! 👍
You mean Rick Beato knows there's music outside of America!!!!! The same Rick Beato who did a video of the Top 10 guitar outros and DIDN'T include Mick Ronson's outro on Bowie's Moonage Daydream!
Neil Finn the lead singer is a brilliant song writer. Crowded House is much more than basic pop and has some amazing melody lines and intelligent lyrics. In their prime they were my go to road trip music and hearing the songs now brings forward such a positive vibe. Well worth checking out more of their work.
Yes they have a history, started in New Zealand as Split ENZ, the nz part is obvious, but NZ is a small country compared to Australia, so they moved there and became Crowded House, and of course the journey ballooned from there. I think at the beginning they were more raw and edgy, later on they became more mellow and commercial. The Finn brothers will always be some of my favourite song writers, songs you can relate to. As always loved your take on this.
Hi Justin Yep Crowded House managed to straddle the fine line between artful pop and much more profound material. Paul McCartney once described Neil Finn as the greatest songwriter of the last 30 years high praise indeed! As others have mentioned in the comments other tracks you need to check out IMHO Four Seasons in one Day, Distant Sun, Weather With You, Fall at your Feet, It's Only Natural . Crowded House are/Were a hugely popular band here in the UK & obviously Australia and New Zealand and I'm sure they were quite popular in the States so I'm Surprised you've never heard them before. Love your thoughtful reactions and the fact unlike the other reactors you don't keep stopping the music Thank God Anyway all the best Jim, Surrey, England Cheers Dude
My favorite Crowded House song is called "another piece of chocolate cake". I was a major Split Enz fan in High School and onwards and was very bummed when they disbanded after the "See Ya Round" album. When a buddy told me Crowded House was a thing I was so happy. You may want to check out another Split Enz spin-off called Schnell Fenster, which consisted of three members of Split Enz from various eras of the band. They had a very nice song called "She Talks In Whispers" . Another spin-off is a group called The Swingers, who had a hit in Australia called " Counting The Beat".
I was just thinking Crowded House was a band you should try out and this just popped up in my recommendations. Don't Dream It's Over is their biggest hit, so it is no surprise that it has some familiarity to you. It is a great song, but I have probably heard it a few to many times as it is their money song. Neil Finn is an underrated songwriter. His songs are catchy but I wonder if they have too much depth for the pop audience. I love his songwriting and singing. He is one of my favorites. My favorite Crowded House albums are "Woodface" and "Together Alone". Recommended tracks: "Distant Sun", "Private Universe", "Pineapple Head", "Fingers of Love", "It's Only Natural", "Fall at Your Feet", "Weather with You", "Whispers and Moans", "Four Seasons in One Day".
Yes this was the mature incarnation of the Finn brothers, pure pop perfection which is why I'm surprised you reacted to it. You have a tendency to dismiss pop music for something more angular, I expect you'd enjoy their earlier band Split Enz more which was post-punk/new wave. "True Colours" from 1980 spent a lot of time on my turntable. Give a listen to 'I Got You' or 'What's the Matter with You' or 'I See Red'. Since Neil Finn joined Fleetwood Mac they've played 'I Got You' in concert, there's an audience recording on You Tube. As for Crowded House try 'I Feel Possessed' which has a slightly darker tone. They have more pop hits that you probably won't be impressed with such as 'Better Be Home Soon'.
YOu need to get into Split Enz....that was the first iteration the Finn Brothers rock career! "Six months in a leaky boat", "I see Red", "History never repeats itself" , "Dirty Creature", and the saddest break up song ever "I hope I never". and so many, many more.
Neil Finn and his big brother Tim are from New Zealand (NZ), where Tim co-founded an Art-Rock band in the early 70s, called Split Enz (nz). By the late 70s, personnel changes included hiring little bro Neil, just 19 and barely able to strum a guitar. He soon penned the band's first hit, "I Got You", on one of the best New Wave albums ever, "True Colours". This and "Time + Tide" are masterpieces of Pop=Rock music. The brothers shared writing duties and vocal harmonies that cannot be beaten. Crowded House's second album, "Temple of Low Men" is another masterpiece. Few songwrights know how to build a song to crescendo, like Neil Finn can. Tim briefly joined CH for one album and tour, and the Finn Brothers have released albums as a separate act, in addition to each brother having their own, solo output. Neil's "Try Whistling This" is one of his best, another complete masterpiece. For decades I've been saying that Split Enz is five of the greatest bands ever. A few years ago Paul McCartney himself declared Neil as the world's greatest songwriter. Last year Neil came off a two-year tour as a member of Fleetwood Mac, and every show they played some of Neil's own songs too. Tim Finn's eponymous album is yet another total masterpiece of Pop music, full of hooks, melodies and moods that stay with you. He also wrote, toward the end of the Enz, a fake commercial jingle for a fantastic Australian comedy film called "The Coca Cola Kid", starring Eric Roberts before his sister became famous. You and your wife MUST watch this movie, also starring the wonderful Greta Scacchi. Here's the very brief, very very catchy Coke jingle: th-cam.com/video/OEVhX0EZh9w/w-d-xo.html
Move over Rover. Don't Dream It's Over. Just hand Jimi the guitar and he'll take over! With all the voices in my head, it's a Crowded House but there's still room for company. Just please do not mistake a Kiwi for an Aussie. Unless you welcome misery. Peace.
Hi Justin, this isn't a comment about this song, as good as it is, put a plea to please, please, please, feature 'Walk on By' by The Stranglers. I was listening to it again the other day and thought, Justin must do this one!!
To get rid of unwelcome guests or those who are out-staying their welcome, in England we just get the old alarm clock out and wind it up in front of them! If that doesn't give them the hint, you could always take a minute to visit the bathroom and re-appear wearing your pyjamas!
![[TH] VALORANT Champions Seoul - Lower Bracket Final - LEV vs TH](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/fyYkI80GG4o/mqdefault.jpg)
Neil Finn is an immensely talented songwriter, but it was with his brother Tim in Split Enz that he really shone. I Got You, Missing Person, One Step Ahead, History Never Repeats, Take A Walk, Message To My Girl, Walk Away and many more.
Great songs, I always liked "six months in a leaky boat".
Stranger Than Fiction by Split Enz is very psychedelic compared to this song.
th-cam.com/video/SiTlaetHG9U/w-d-xo.html
Ginormous Split Enz fanatic here. Enough said. 👍🏾😎
@@andrewouellette4998 Six Months In A Leaky Boat is the best. It's about a doomed 6 month relationship.
@@Katehowe3010 I don't know. "I Got You" is about as perfect as pop songs come.
Brings back great memories when I was growing up. Timeless classic!
He has a knack for strong Beatley melodies does Neil Finn and this is gorgeous with an eighties sheen. One of their most beloved tracks, although it's always bittersweet for me. Neil and his brother Tim were playing a scheduled gig (as The Finn Brothers) at the Royal Albert Hall in London in 2005 when news came through that Crowded House drummer Paul Hester had died. Neil played this song on his own on an acoustic guitar without a microphone as a tribute. You could have heard a pin drop. Neil's a Kiwi (New Zealander) and joined his brother Tim's art rock band Split Enz (well worth exploring) in 1980, writing a lot of successful songs for them, taking them in a more commercial direction from the brilliant new wave track 'I Got You' to 'Message to My Girl'.
Crowded House were huge first in the US with this song and later in the UK with the big selling 'Woodface' album which includes Tim Finn as an additional band member. Their fourth album ‘Together Alone’ is my favourite. It has a darker, slightly more experimental edge with Youth producing. ‘Distant Sun’ is the standout single from that album, but it’s well worth a listen in its entirety, lots of interesting twists and turns. American guitarist Mark Hart also joined the band for that album.
Neil’s first solo album ‘Try Whistling This’ (a tongue-in-cheek challenge) saw him experiment further with samples, etc. Quite different to his poppy Crowded House singles.
Since Hester’s death, Neil has reformed Crowded House on several occasions with Seymour and Hart, and recorded a series of eclectic collaborations with other artists including his brother, his wife and sons. Oh, and he was recruited as a replacement for Lindsey Buckingham in Fleetwood Mac a couple of years ago too! As well as singing Buckingham's songs, Fleetwood Mac gave him a solo spot with 'Don't Dream It's Over' - there are clips on TH-cam of Steve Nicks introducing him.
A hugely talented songwriter, singer and guitarist. Along with Paul McCartney, Paul Weller and Squeeze, Neil’s the artist I’ve seen most live over the years.
PS - They’re generally referred to as a New Zealand / Australian band as bassist Nick Seymour and Hester are Australian.
Very astute comment. Especially since Sir Paul himself lists this song as one of his all-time personal favorites.
First time I heard "Bold as Brass" from the 1977 Split Enz album DIZRYTHMIA, I have happily followed the Finn brothers through Split Enz, Crowded House and their solo stuff. They have always simply knocked me out.
If you love pop music - in the best possible sense of the word - where songcraft, gorgeous melodies, and great singing collide, Crowded House are near the top of the list.
And that is the truth.
35 years later, still gives me chills...Reminds me of A Whiter Shade of Pale...Another mid tempo classic featuring organ.
@@Katehowe3010 ❤
As a Talk Talk fan, I agree with your humble comparison : the common point between the 2 might be the classiness of their music.
Classiness is a good descriptor :)
They didn’t make a shift as Talk Talk did but Crowded house is just quality pop all over. You’d wish the hitparades and radio stations were full of this level of music. My absolute favorite: Kare Kare. Probably the most melancholic song they made.
Kare Kare is my pick off the album, great choice
It's his voice. He bends the shape of his mouth, with a hint of very fast vibrato, very much like Mark Hollis. They both remind me of Anthony Newley (only far more subtle).
To me,a great song is when you have heard it 1000, 10,000 times, and it still sounds as fresh as on the first hearing. Well I have heard this song way over 1000 times, and to me, its still fresh.
One of the top 5 songs of the 80's. And then, in the 90's, they released "Weather with You", which is arguably one of the best songs of that decade as well.
As others have mentioned below, Neil Finn is one of our greatest songwriters of pop music. Intelligent lyrics, flawless melodies... really beautiful stuff. You should listen to any of these albums, they're really great pieces of music. And maybe not a mind-blowing song, but truly one of the most intelligent and beautiful love songs written.
this is a perfect song - the lush melody, dreamy acoustics, poetic imagery and neil's plaintive vocal. even 35 years later, this still brings me to tears.
i think crowded house was a natural evolution of neil finn from split enz. you can hear the beginnings of his fantastic songwriting in "i got you", "six months in a leaky boat", "conflicting emotions" evolving to the sound and character of crowded house ❤
I always have time for an artist that can write nice melodies and Neil Finn has that knack. His song 'Message to My Girl' with Split Enz is another example. It's no wonder that Fleetwood Mac welcomed him on board.
He had a solo spotlight on the Mac tour with this song too. There's clips on TH-cam of Stevie introducing him.
"Message To My Girl" is indeed one of the best Pop songs of the past 40 years. An absolute gem, it is special even in context of all of Neil's other, almost-as-special output.
Neil Finn is such as great songwriter. Other great songs by Crowded House include "Weather With You", "Chocolate Cake", "Now We're Getting Somewhere", "Can't Carry On", "Locked Out", "She Goes On", and "Sister Madly". He was also in Split Enz with his brother, Tim. Check out "I See Red" or "I Got You". As a solo artist, "She Will Have Her Way" is a high point.
One of the best songwriters of his generation, Neil and Nick, the two surviving members of the original trio still record and tour occasionally. Neil is prolific in a number of formats. Fall At Your Feet, Weather With You, Distant Sun, Four Seasons in One Day, Something So Strong all great.
OMG. This song. Timeless. Deliberate lyrics. And that walking bass. 🤤
Updated lyrics
In the paper today
Tales of war and of waste
But you turn right over to the TikTok feed.
Didn't recognize the title, but boy, those first two bars - yeah ingrained into the soundtrack to my early 30s. Haven't heard this in a score of years. Thanks for the flashback
I can't imagine anyone who loves Crowded House not also loving Spirit of Eden or Colour of Spring. Also, interestingly enough, Crowded House were produced by Mitchell Froom, who played organ on many songs but was not actually a band member, while Talk Talk was produced by Tim Friese-Greene, who played organ on many songs but was not actually a band member. This song has a really solid bassline, and their is an incredible amount of attention to the keyboard pads behind the guitar in the verses. This song peaks early, with the opening chords and bass. Nothing else sounds quite like that. Also, Neil Finn is a member of Fleetwood Mac now.
Just gorgeous, dreamy and relaxing even though it makes my heart beat faster to hear it again. So timeless and untainted, a unique song, a stand out song. Love it!
Crowded House's fourth LP, "Together Alone" is definitely worth an album review, just about every song provides chills. It's darker and more experimental than the rest of their catalog. I suppose "In My Command" is the stand-out for me, real John Lennon vibes on that one ("I would love / to trouble you in your time of need").
Glad to see that a lot of comments quote the album Together Alone. Indeed, this album deserves a full listening from Justin !
Distant Sun is my favorite on that album. That's probably my all-time CH fave.
@@hankamania Mine too. The way it builds from that gently strummed acoustic to the change of tempo in the middle eight, resolving with a heartfelt 'I don't pretend to know what you want / but I offer love'. Chills.
The best songs of the 80s are not a sound but a feeling
Their album Together Alone is a strong collection, Pineapple Head and the lovely Private Universe. The Finn Brother's album Everyone is Here is wonderful too, Won't Give In, Luckiest Man Alive and the beautiful Edible Flowers. Neil Finn's solo album One - Nil is also well worth a listen!
I agree, Together Alone is probably their very best album in my opinion. It's my favourite of all.
Love Crowded House. Neil Finn has an incredible voice and is an immensely talented songwriter. I'd recommend "Better Be Home Soon", "Fall at Your Feet" or "Weather With You".
They've created some amazing songs. Distant Sun, Nails In My Feet, I Feel Possessed, Whispers and Moans, and Private Universe are all essential. And like others have said, the Together Alone album deserves a full listen, along with Neil Finn's brilliant first two solo albums.
My favorite band and singer, hand down. Thanks for hitting them. Weather With You, Whispers and Moans, Better Be Home Soon, and Fingers of Love are personal favorites of mine.
There's a short-lived '80s band out of Scotland called Lloyd Cole & the Commotions that I think you would enjoy. I particularly like their debut album, Rattlesnakes, 1984. From that album I suggest trying Perfect Skin, Four Flights Up, Speedboat, and the title track, Rattlesnakes.
Neil Finn has such an amazing way of putting these fantastic melodies and harmonies together...and usually in a very haunting way....whether it's with C.H,. Split Enz or solo. Listen to 'I feel Posessed'....or 'One Step Ahead' from split enz. OR....a song that he cowrote that the Dixie Chicks did called 'Silent House' (listen to the Chicks' version...WOW)....deep stuff
Amazing! Kate Bush, David Bowie AND Crowded House reactions, this has got to be the best reaction channel in the world ❤️
Thats very nice of you to say TJ, thank you :)
AND David Sylvian!!!
And Roxy Music
@@philbowles3240 Ohhh, love Avalon 😍
Make no mistake. This IS the best reaction channel in the world!
Wonderful , arguably a "perfect pop song" with a killer hook that just grabs you and for 3 minutes takes you away.
This song had a nice MTV video - it depicts a crowded house. The Hammond B4 organ really makes this song.
Your list of "first listens" IS ABOUT 90% conformant with my music collection! Man, do you have taste! :)
One of the most perfect songs ever written. Neil Finn is up there with Peter Gabriel as my favorite male singer. Woodface is a favorite in which his brother Tim rejoins him post Split Enz days.
Also listen to When You Come….
Fantastic 80's song, it was always on my playlist, the keyboard middle section reminds me a lot of the beginning of the Procol Harum classic, "A Whiter Shade of Pale".
I always liked this song back in the day. Thanks for giving it attention. I like the variety of artists you offer.
Thank you Susan :)
One of the all time greatest songs ever made. Neil Finn and company are pure magic. 🌟❤️
They had another hit with "Fall At Your Feet", perfectly crafted pop song too. Neil and Tim Finn are brilliant singer-songwriters.
"another hit" Gee Whizz, they had more than two!
The organ solo is an homage to Procol Harum I think. Neil Finn is an amazing pop craftsman. His knack for melodies is up there with Paddy McAloon, Brian Wilson, and even McCartney/Lennon. His work with his previous band is great too (features his brother Tim) -Check out Split Enz.
Good comment.
Distant Sun is probably my favorite of Crowded House. It’s such a high point of their show. They are awesome live.
Playlist.
Great pop song. Love it.
RIP Paul. He was a character.
I just woke up so I’m a bit in my dreams… don’t dream it’s over.
The Rembrandt’s kept popping in my head, don’t know why other than more good pop. Wish you hadn’t mentioned Yuk Yuk but good choice today.
Been watching Neil at home during the pandemic playing solo some wonderful covers. Sometimes his wife help out. Of course there’s Fleetwood Mac.
Peace and prom Music
A fantastic song!
There's so much great music to discover in Neil Finn's catalog. He began in Split Enz with his brother Tim, and had a few radio hits including I Got You, History Never Repeats, Six Months in a Leaky Boat, and Message to my Girl.
He came to LA and started Crowded House. This was a massive hit, as was Fall at Your Feet, Weather with You, and It's Only Natural. His brother Tim joined the band for their third album Woodface (a personal top-ten desert isle disc for me), which includes the lovely and melancholy Four Seasons in One Day.
He's also recorded several albums with just his brother as The Finn Brothers. My personal favorites from these are Angel's Heap, Won't Give In - another hit, and Disembodied Voices. He's also got a great live album called 7 Worlds Collide which features performances and collaborations with Eddie Vedder, Johnny Marr (Smiths, Pretenders, etc), Ed O'Brian (Radiohead), and others.
He's really one of the best songwriters of our era, and I'm not exaggerating. I've read a few of the comments recommending others tunes - they're all good!
Afternoon, Justin. Dave from London. It's All Over And What Can I Do? (Play it again!) This is how to write a pop song - lovely, weaving melody; articulate lyrics; beautifully played & sung (I've always loved that organ break). The Finn brothers (who are actually from New Zealand) were previously in another art rock band, Split Enz, and I think Neil is now in Fleetwood Mac. Other tracks? Try Four Season In One Day - I have wanted to use that as a song ref but we haven't had crazy enough weather yet; BTW today's song ref is from It's Over by ELO.
Yes! Try Pineapple Head, Four Seasons in One Day, It’s Only Natural, Fall at Your Feet….
One of the few pop bands from that era I still listen to. A perfect blend of interesting obtuse lyrics and catchy melodies.
Ps, Time to dust off that purple tuxedo and pick up that carnation thingy.
We played this song in our band, so it was nice to hear it again. Thanks JP, nostalgic.
Perhaps the best musical act to come out of the 80s. Neil Finn and his brother Tim were part of (and main songwriters of) new wave group Split Enz earlier in the decade. Crowded House is a fantastic band with MANY superb songs. Check out the song Into Temptation from their second album, Temple of Low Men. Brings goose bumps and shivers!
DEFINITELY the best to come out of the 80s!
That was the favorite band for Lindsay, the late singer of my band Rowen. I still miss you Lindsay, it's been ten years last month, that you passed…
I would highly recommend listening to something from either of Neil Finn's first two solo albums, particularly Souvenir and Loose Tongue from Try Whistling This, or Hole In The Ice and Elastic Heart from One Nil.
Crowded House is a very eclectic band. I would suggest exploring their 1st album. Their first 5 albums are great.
I'd suggest starting with their third album Woodface.
This always reminds me of being a kid in Australia. BTW the band is a kind of Australian and New Zealand mix that partly evolved from Split Enz. Someone once asked Paul McCartney what it was like being the world's greatest songwriter. His answer was "Ask Neil Finn".
Many great recommendations have already been made; I'd repeat those for Distant Sun and Into Temptation, absolutely sublime songs. And I'd add one I haven't seen mentioned yet, Catherine Wheels, off their best album, Together Alone. It has some of that mystery and darkness you didn't hear in this one.
This is a good pop song. Big hit back then.
Weather with you
Something so strong
This is probably one of the small amount of pop rock bands I would listen to. Split endz was a cool band .into temptation is another great song.
Neil Finn is currently in Fleetwood Mac. He and Mike Campbell (Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers guitarist) replaced the fired Buckingham.
Some 80s Pop...nice! I remember this song on the radio a lot back then. It's a nice song but not one that I remember fondly from the 80s.
Incredible band with an interesting history (Split Enz anyone?) Neil Finn is an absolute brilliant songwriter.
I love this song...
One of the greatest pop balads of all time IMO.
'Into Temptation' is the song I would have recommended you listen to by Crowded House who were actually from New Zealand originally. Then follow that with 'Fall At Your Feet'. Interesting fact: other Australians who are really New Zealanders include actor Russell Crowe, film director Jane Campion and many others.
Japan, David Sylvian & Crowded House???? My TOP THREE FAVES! CH's first 4 albums: Crowded House, Temple of Low Men, Woodface & Together Alone are all perfection.
I grew up on split enz songs while I was living in nz as a teenager and crowded house
Good song but far from being their best in my opinion !
If you want to explore their discography, try the following tracks: "Into Temptation" and "Love This Life" (from the Temple of Low Men album released in 1988), "Whispers and Moans", "Four Seasons in One Day" and "All I Ask" (from the Woodface album released in 1991), but even better ! Listen to all the songs from the album Together Alone released in 1993 which is in my opinion their best album and their most musically varied, with great songs such as "Kare Kare", "Nails in My Feet", "Fingers of Love", "Private Universe", "Walking on the Spot", "Catherine Wheels" and so on ... I think You might like it, Justin !
Great song! By the way since you mentioned that Crowded House reminds you of Talk Talk, in my opinion you should really continue with Talk Talk's album It's My Life!
@@Katehowe3010 Yeah the thing is he made a video on the first song of It's My Life called "Dum Dum Girl", but didn't continue with the album. However I agree with you that he should definitely do Laughing Stock, but I don't have any doubts about him covering that album anyways. I just fear that he wasn't impressed with "Dum Dum Girl" and based on that track he gave up on the album It's My Life. I personally think that he should at least hear tracks like "Such A Shame" and "It's My Life". In which order he does Laughing Stock and It's My Life is not that important to me personally, I just hope that he covers both albums eventually. ^^
In 1991, Paul Young did a cover of this song and it got played a lot so I used to think it was his song at first. Also Miley Cyrus and Ariana Grande did an acoustic cover of this song and it was more for fun than anything but especially Miley did a great job singing her part. I love the song.
Another great one is “Distant Sun” from the album Together Alone. Neil Finn can write some really great songs.
You may have heard Six Pence None the Richer's version, which has made its way into the soundtracks of various movies/TV shows. There have been several covers, but Six Pence None the Richer's is probably the most re-used version.
( How do ya rate Kiss Me Keith? I love that SNTR lp too. )
@@HippoYnYGlaw It's excellent as well.
So much that's good about Crowded house and, as others have mentioned, Split Enz. Two Crowded House tracks "Into Temptation" and "Distant Sun" always stick in my brain, but to be honest you'd be hard pushed to find a bad one.
Awww yeah Justin , loving the crowded house , this a proper banger and I love it
👍🏴
Grew up on Split Enz in Australia… my personal favorite is “I Hope I Never” .. outstanding vocal. A must-listen.
A fantastic band with a true talent as principle songwriter in Neil Finn. This track and perhaps the track "Weather with you" are their most famous songs. My favourite album and probably their peak achievement is the criminally overlooked/forgotten "Together Alone" which was their initial recording swansong while at the absolute height of their powers in 1993; I count it as one of my favourite albums ever and would urge you to listen to it. They were a superb live act as well.
You're spot on - great pop song. Neil Finn is a songwriting genius. I'd try the track 'Together Alone' for a deep cut.
I LOVE CROWDED HOUSE! They are Beatlesque, to my ears.Try just about any song from their album Woodface……
There are many great CH and Neil Finn solo songs. I hope you looked more deeply into this music. Neil's older brother Tim has done some great stuff too. Crowded House: 'Into Temptation', 'Nails in my Feet', 'Whispers and Moans', 'She Goes On', 'Amsterdam'; Neil Finn: 'She Will Have Her Way', 'Truth', 'Recluse'; Tim Finn: 'Not Even Close', 'Persuasion', 'Hit the Ground Running'; Neil and Tim Finn: 'Disembodied Voices' 'Paradise (Wherever You Are)'.
There are a lot of NZedders that might take offence at Crowded House being labelled Aussie. :)
I admit it. I am one of the people who have been requesting this. Thank you. I would be happy if you choose to do more. :)
I was thinking that too as a yank.
I also love Fall at your feet and Better be home soon. Perhaps you heard Neil Finn and Stevie Nicks doing Don't dream it's over in recent concerts?
@@theplanetruth Us Aussie's do love us some Crowded House. The concert on the Sydney Opera house steps was epic.
I would say there were more Australians than New Zealanders in the line up
Just JP is at the top of my subscriptions list and is usually the first video, and sometimes the only video, that I watch on TH-cam in a given day. Rick Beato interviewed Sting and published the video overnight. Sorry, JP, but you had to take a backseat today. I’ll make it up to you by listening to you first tomorrow.
EDIT - Sorry, but I’m stoked about this. The video has 31,000 likes and ZERO dislikes. Dude, you need to check out some Sting. The worst that could happen is that you won’t like it and crush my spirits. Then… life will go on! 👍
I'll allow it this one time😅
You mean Rick Beato knows there's music outside of America!!!!! The same Rick Beato who did a video of the Top 10 guitar outros and DIDN'T include Mick Ronson's outro on Bowie's Moonage Daydream!
Nice one! I’m partial to their song “There Goes God”.
Neil Finn the lead singer is a brilliant song writer. Crowded House is much more than basic pop and has some amazing melody lines and intelligent lyrics. In their prime they were my go to road trip music and hearing the songs now brings forward such a positive vibe. Well worth checking out more of their work.
Hey JP
Check out “Weather With You” by Crowded House.
I’ll just say You’re Welcome in advance ;)
“Weather With You” and most all of the Woodface album was terrific … they evolved nicely, for sure.
The Beatles of the 90s.
Yes they have a history, started in New Zealand as Split ENZ, the nz part is obvious, but NZ is a small country compared to Australia, so they moved there and became Crowded House, and of course the journey ballooned from there. I think at the beginning they were more raw and edgy, later on they became more mellow and commercial. The Finn brothers will always be some of my favourite song writers, songs you can relate to. As always loved your take on this.
Hi Justin Yep Crowded House managed to straddle the fine line between artful pop and much more profound material. Paul McCartney once described Neil Finn as the greatest songwriter of the last 30 years high praise indeed! As others have mentioned in the comments other tracks you need to check out IMHO Four Seasons in one Day, Distant Sun, Weather With You, Fall at your Feet, It's Only Natural . Crowded House are/Were a hugely popular band here in the UK & obviously Australia and New Zealand and I'm sure they were quite popular in the States so I'm Surprised you've never heard them before. Love your thoughtful reactions and the fact unlike the other reactors you don't keep stopping the music Thank God Anyway all the best Jim, Surrey, England Cheers Dude
Neil Finn is definitely one of the greatest pop songwriters ever!
This is true.
Huge band !
My favorite Crowded House song is called "another piece of chocolate cake".
I was a major Split Enz fan in High School and onwards and was very bummed when they disbanded after the "See Ya Round" album. When a buddy told me Crowded House was a thing I was so happy.
You may want to check out another Split Enz spin-off called Schnell Fenster, which consisted of three members of Split Enz from various eras of the band. They had a very nice song called "She Talks In Whispers" .
Another spin-off is a group called The Swingers, who had a hit in Australia called " Counting The Beat".
The song is just called 'Chocolate Cake'. For me it's far from their best song.
This song worked so well in The Stand (with Molly Ringwald and Gary Sinise)
...and there are several tracks on Woodface that I enjoy.
I agree. I hear some similarities with Talk Talk as well. Both are excellent, IMHO.
great band.. and so many great songs... also a bit beatles at times..!
I was just thinking Crowded House was a band you should try out and this just popped up in my recommendations. Don't Dream It's Over is their biggest hit, so it is no surprise that it has some familiarity to you. It is a great song, but I have probably heard it a few to many times as it is their money song. Neil Finn is an underrated songwriter. His songs are catchy but I wonder if they have too much depth for the pop audience. I love his songwriting and singing. He is one of my favorites. My favorite Crowded House albums are "Woodface" and "Together Alone". Recommended tracks: "Distant Sun", "Private Universe", "Pineapple Head", "Fingers of Love", "It's Only Natural", "Fall at Your Feet", "Weather with You", "Whispers and Moans", "Four Seasons in One Day".
Yes this was the mature incarnation of the Finn brothers, pure pop perfection which is why I'm surprised you reacted to it. You have a tendency to dismiss pop music for something more angular, I expect you'd enjoy their earlier band Split Enz more which was post-punk/new wave. "True Colours" from 1980 spent a lot of time on my turntable. Give a listen to 'I Got You' or 'What's the Matter with You' or 'I See Red'. Since Neil Finn joined Fleetwood Mac they've played 'I Got You' in concert, there's an audience recording on You Tube.
As for Crowded House try 'I Feel Possessed' which has a slightly darker tone. They have more pop hits that you probably won't be impressed with such as 'Better Be Home Soon'.
YOu need to get into Split Enz....that was the first iteration the Finn Brothers rock career! "Six months in a leaky boat", "I see Red", "History never repeats itself" , "Dirty Creature", and the saddest break up song ever "I hope I never". and so many, many more.
Another epic pop song from the band try Its Only Natural from the album Woodface
Neil currently is one of the replacements for Lindsay Buckingham in Fleetwood Mac!
Neil Finn and his big brother Tim are from New Zealand (NZ), where Tim co-founded an Art-Rock band in the early 70s, called Split Enz (nz). By the late 70s, personnel changes included hiring little bro Neil, just 19 and barely able to strum a guitar. He soon penned the band's first hit, "I Got You", on one of the best New Wave albums ever, "True Colours". This and "Time + Tide" are masterpieces of Pop=Rock music. The brothers shared writing duties and vocal harmonies that cannot be beaten.
Crowded House's second album, "Temple of Low Men" is another masterpiece. Few songwrights know how to build a song to crescendo, like Neil Finn can. Tim briefly joined CH for one album and tour, and the Finn Brothers have released albums as a separate act, in addition to each brother having their own, solo output. Neil's "Try Whistling This" is one of his best, another complete masterpiece.
For decades I've been saying that Split Enz is five of the greatest bands ever. A few years ago Paul McCartney himself declared Neil as the world's greatest songwriter. Last year Neil came off a two-year tour as a member of Fleetwood Mac, and every show they played some of Neil's own songs too.
Tim Finn's eponymous album is yet another total masterpiece of Pop music, full of hooks, melodies and moods that stay with you. He also wrote, toward the end of the Enz, a fake commercial jingle for a fantastic Australian comedy film called "The Coca Cola Kid", starring Eric Roberts before his sister became famous. You and your wife MUST watch this movie, also starring the wonderful Greta Scacchi. Here's the very brief, very very catchy Coke jingle:
th-cam.com/video/OEVhX0EZh9w/w-d-xo.html
(Can I have another piece of) Chocolate Cake. Fun, uptempo song from 1991’s Woodface.
Recently got reminded of a long song candidate; Space Wrangler by Widespread Panic.
Move over Rover. Don't Dream It's Over. Just hand Jimi the guitar and he'll take over! With all the voices in my head, it's a Crowded House but there's still room for company. Just please do not mistake a Kiwi for an Aussie. Unless you welcome misery. Peace.
Beautiful song. The former band was Split Enz... some great songs from them.
I think they're from New Zealand.
Hi Justin, this isn't a comment about this song, as good as it is, put a plea to please, please, please, feature 'Walk on By' by The Stranglers. I was listening to it again the other day and thought, Justin must do this one!!
To get rid of unwelcome guests or those who are out-staying their welcome, in England we just get the old alarm clock out and wind it up in front of them! If that doesn't give them the hint, you could always take a minute to visit the bathroom and re-appear wearing your pyjamas!
LOL! The pajamas ALWAYS work🤣