I've been a fan of the work of Crowded House and Neil and Tim Finn for many years now. But Neil and Tim's musical career began with their earlier band Split Enz in the early 1970's. In the UK, apart from a tiny minority of followers plus Crowded House fans who have discovered their work retrospectively, the band is largely forgotten.
They are still perceived as a bit of a one hit wonder, after their single "I Got You" became a hit in 1980, followed by a reasonably successful album "True Colours" in the same year. They had at one time in the mid to late 70's been based in London and ended up on the dole after they were dropped from an expensive record deal after poor album sales.
Originally formed in New Zealand in the early 70's by Tim Finn and fellow college friend and roommate Phil Judd, the band developed a strong theatrical on stage persona, with brightly coloured stage costumes, heavy make-up and bright sets married to melodic songs almost bordering on prog rock in places.
They soon gained attention due to their unique look and sound, gaining popularity in their home country and Australia. While on tour supporting Roxy Music in Australia, Roxy guitarist Phil Manzenera offered to bring them to the UK and produce their next album. They duly flew over recorded their second LP "Second Thoughts" in 1976 and slowly began to gig in the UK, Canada and the USA building up a small following and mainly positive critical acclaim for both the album and live performances. However, Phil Judd eventually left the band, leaving the lead guitarists post vacant. Enter 17 year old Neil Finn, who flew over to London and quickly fitted in with ease.
After the 1977 album Dizrythmia which failed to obtain any new ground in the UK but did start to sell in their homeland, they were dropped from their record deal and left high and dry, on the dole in the UK. They were eventually bailed out by an Australian Arts fund who paid for them enough money to make another LP this time back in Australia, this led to their first major hit single in Australia "I See Red" in 1978 and hit album "Frenzy".
At this time the band started to drastically tone down their image and dropped the heavy make up and unusual hair styles. This change in image matched with more concise poppy tunes led to more mass appeal, with almost a teenybopper audience with hit after hit in Australia and New Zealand. In the UK however it never went beyond one single and one album. The final straw came in 1982 after several flop singles, the classic "Six Months In A Leaky Boat" was issued and instantly banned from UK radio due the ridiculously strict regulations in force because of the Falklands war. After this no more singles were issued in the UK for the rest of the bands career.
They continued until 1984 and decided to disband a year after the departure of Tim Finn for an eventful solo career. Neil Finn went on to form Crowded House with ex Enz drummer Paul Hester. Every once in a while various members of Split Enz reform and tour in New Zealand or Australia and give their fans a treat. It's a shame they won't tour the UK, but they were sadly ignored here so the chances remain slim. I'd recommend anyone to at the very least pick up a compilation album of their best songs. It would be difficult not to be impressed by their imaginative and melodic songs.
Here's some examples of their best bits. Firstly the one and only UK hit "I Got You" from 1980. Young upstart Neil Finn getting ahead of big brother Tim and giving the band a worldwide hit.
Next from the same era (1979) is "Things", a bit of a lost song, a single that never quiet made it. Short and to the point with a simple and catchy tune and fantastic harmony vocals from the Finn's.
Moving back a few years to 1977 is "My Mistake", featuring an early appearance from Neil Finn, having joined the band months before. Notice a more theatrical appearance:
Moving back further to 1975 and the theatrics are pretty much in full flow here. This is "Sweet Dreams" featuring founder member Phil Judd on vocals and a vanishing wig! I think there is no doubt that this image grabbed them a lot of attention for them early in their career and it also put off casual listeners in equal measure.
And just to labour the point a rare surviving TV appearance from around 1974/75 with their unusual stage personalities in full flight. Ignore the poor quality footage the performance more than makes it worthwhile:
Finally, from their later early 80's chart peak is "One Step Ahead" another classic from Neil Finn. First released in 1981:
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