Rick Clark's Music I Love Blog: Split Enz, Crowded House, and all things Finn
Split Enz
Tim and Neil Finn
I've been a fan of the brothers Neil and Tim Finn and the great music they've created over the last 45 years, with Crowded House, Split Enz, the Finn Brothers, and Tim Finn's solo work. Every time I listen, their music fills me with an expansive feeling and even hopefulness, but there is also longing and self-reflection, sometimes within the same song. Even when I don't truly grasp the lyrics' intended meaning, I still come away with lines and images that resonate with me.
There are fans of these artists who will undoubtedly have their list of songs I should've spotlit, but when you have an embarrassment of great work spanning decades, I can only hope this inspires some to discover their catalog. I've also provided some great live clips, which I hope will satisfy fans.
Neil and Tim Finn first made their mark as part of the theatrical art-pop band Split Enz during the first half of the 1970s. They got more attention for their outlandish outfits than what was on their records. That said, anyone taking the time to check out what was in the grooves was rewarded with some amazingly smart pop-rock. The band was popular in Australia, New Zealand, and for a time, the UK. Stateside, Split Enz was a curiosity. That changed when they streamlined their sound and released the 1980 album True Colours, which produced an international hit "I Got You." Their next album, Waiata, featured excellent tracks like "History Never Repeats," "One Step Ahead," and "Iris." My personal favorite Split Enz album is Time & Tide, thanks to great tracks like "Six Months In A Leaky Boat," "Giant Heartbeat," "Dirty Creature," "Take A Walk," "Hello Sandy Allen," and "Make Sense Of It."
After Split Enz, Tim Finn became a successful solo artist. His self-titled 1990 album on Capitol is loaded with gems. Mitchell Froom also produced this album. I love the whole album, but "Not Even Close" is pure magic for me. I've included the album version as well as a lovely live with strings version. Check both out.
Neil Finn's next band was Crowded House, which became an international success, primarily thanks to several hits, "Don't Dream Its Over," "Something So Strong," "You Better Be Home Soon," and "Take The Weather With You."
Crowded House
The debut album wasn’t an immediate hit thanks to Capitol Records lackluster marketing, but the band’s dogged self-promotion and belief in their music connected to a growing fanbase. In time, “Don’t Dream It’s Over” and “Something So Strong” because huge hits around the globe.
“Weather With You” was another hit, this time from their third album Woodface. The album marked the brief reunion of Neil and Tim Finn in the line-up. This is a fine live performance of “Weather With You.”
The Temple of Low Men, Crowded House’s second album, contained the hit “Better Be Home Soon.” It is a little more low-key of an album, but no less special. “Love This Life” is a particular favorite of mine.
Crowded House - “Better Be Home Soon” from the album: Temple of Low Men
So much of Crowded House's material has held up over years of listening and continues to invite me back for more rewards. One song that has touched me over the years is "People Are Like Suns." It is hard to explain, but I feel so much bittersweet longing and melancholy when I hear this, and it is intoxicating. Like a number of my favorite songs of theirs, I keep returning to it. I've included the version that exists on the original release of Crowded House's 2007 album Time On Earth and the piano version, which is more intimate.
Crowded House live in Sydney, Australia
Below are a couple more performances, one “Distant Sun” from the album Together Alone, and a 2020 pandemic-era home performance of the lovely “Fall At Your Feet.” Hope you’ve enjoyed the journey. Thanks for listening.
Crowded House doing Distant Sun live on The Tonight Show in 1995.