Split Enz v Crowded House

[CK]

I know there are some passionate fans of both groups here, with the common threads of Neil Finn and, in the latter days of Split Enz, Paul Hester feeding through both groups (as well as Tim Finn's less successful stint with Crowded House).

Thought I'd open this one up as both a poll and a discussion point - which band do posters feel made, simply, the better music; had a more lasting influence on music and has aged the best of both groups?

I have most of Split Enz's albums, and all of Crowded House's, but feel that, identifying with them a little more, that the latter is my favorite of both groups, but will be interested to hear the thoughts of others here?

[Sky Pilot]

Both bands were very good I thought. Six Months in a Leaky boat was during a defining moment in my life.

[The Sleeping Giant]

Crowded House suck.

Should add Split Enz were great.

[Wedgie]

I loved Split Enz, I hated Crowded House with a passion.

[southee]

Always a hot debate.

For me personally, I have seen both in concert. 1987 - Crowded House and 2006 - Split Enz. Split Enz on the reunion tour which I would rather forget about.....

I always thought Split Enz were ahead of their time with visual things. Like the costumes, make up and songwriting wise...some of their music was really out there in the early days of the band with Phil Judd. I actually think they were writing some very interesting music but it was not for everyone. It was not really until younger brother Neil Finn joined the band (around 1977) that their music became more mainstream and very pop originatated.....Give in a Whirl, I See Red etc.... from there they became bigger with the True Colours album in 1980.

Crowded House really contined what Neil had brought to Split Enz. That really Beatle influenced tunes and songwriting. Many hits.

I still like Tim Finns solo 1983 album , Escapade. Worth a listen.

Personally for me it is Split Enz. Just took risks, were ahead of the times and out there. I like the songs too.

Still love Crowded House as well and Im sure both bands will be played for along time.

[redandblack]

Thanks, CK, what a great topic.

I voted Split Enz. It never ceases to amaze me how good their music is. I have to say that Crowded House are far more consistent, but I find Tim Finn and his influence more interesting. He’s capable of the brilliant, but I do admit he can also put out some very ordinary stuff (and nonsense).

In saying this, Tim Finn’s album, Imaginary Kingdom is, IMO, just about the pick of the solo efforts, which is saying a lot after his first solo album, which contained Fraction too much Friction and several other top tens.

His range is showcased from the quirky, both good and bad, to the likes of I Hope I Never.

I Got You was No 1 for a then record time, but it’s some of the lesser known songs that show their brilliance more, such as Stuff and Nonsense. Of the better known ones, I See Red, That was my Mistake, 6 Months, Poor Boy, Shark Attack and the lovely Message to my Girl (Neil Finn) stand out.

I enjoyed the variety of the quirkier Strait Old Line, etc.

Neil writes lovely stuff. Into Temptation is wonderful, Four Seasons is a classic, Not the Girl I Think You Are is under-rated and there are a string of consistently good songs, although Neil tended to be a bit ‘heavier’, especially in the final days of Split Enz.

What has to be taken into account also is the visual impact at the time of Split Enz. They were way ‘out there’, but combined it with intelligent music and a sense of fun.

If you’re a fan of any of them, my strong suggestion would be to listen to Tim Finn’s relatively recent ‘Imaginary Kingdom’.

Beautiful writing and songs. ‘Winter Light’ featured at the end of the Chronicles of Narnia film.

http://www.silverleafbooking.com/tim-finn.php


PS: Southee, I've been to nearly all of their concerts, from front row at Thebby, to The Lion, to EnzSo, The Office, even a Tim Finn acoustic set at Allans!

PS: Noel Crombie has to be the all-time great spoons player

[Rik E Boy]

I voted Split Enz. I loved Mental Notes that album was pretty funky for it's time. Walking down a road and Under the wheel instant classics.

regards,

REB

[Pag]

Crowded House for me.

Distant Sun is one of the best, and most underrated, songs of all time, IMHO. Message To My Girl nearly in the same bracket, but like someone mentioned earlier, the Beatles influence, it always drew to me Crowded House, even when I was really young.

[Leaping Lindner]

Split Enz for me. Their pre-True Colours stuff is amazing. They changed too much for my liking after True Colours with Neil Finn taking a bigger role in the songwriting. And Crowded House are MOR in my book.
No doubt Neil Finn can write a tune but he's never done it for me. Far too poppy and safe.

[The Dark Knight]

Great bands, love them both but I'll have to say Crowded House just in front of Split Enz for mine.

I love Mean To Me, It's Only Natural and Fall At You Feet by CH, great songs.

[Dutchy]

Early Split Enz was brilliant, never got into Crowded House, in fact can hardly stand their music, boring IMO.

[Rik E Boy]

Split Enz for me. Their pre-True Colours stuff is amazing. They changed too much for my liking after True Colours with Neil Finn taking a bigger role in the songwriting. And Crowded House are MOR in my book.
No doubt Neil Finn can write a tune but he's never done it for me. Far too poppy and safe.

It's finally happened. We agree on something in music.

regards,

REB

[Leaping Lindner]

Split Enz for me. Their pre-True Colours stuff is amazing. They changed too much for my liking after True Colours with Neil Finn taking a bigger role in the songwriting. And Crowded House are MOR in my book.
No doubt Neil Finn can write a tune but he's never done it for me. Far too poppy and safe.

It's finally happened. We agree on something in music.

regards,

REB

That and what gob shite that movie Dazed and Confused is.