Retro Spins: Split Enz - Time and Tide

The history of Split Enz continues where we left off last time. The year was 1976, and the band had just released there sophomore album, Second Thoughts, or Mental Notes, as it was released as in Europe and North America. Since its inception, many members had come and gone. However, no departure would have been as unexpected as founding member Phil Judd leaving in 1977. With him also went original member, Mike Chunn. As it usually happens, it all came down to friction and tensions between members.

Work had already begun on the band's third album, Dizrythmia, and upon its final release would include tracks contributed to by Judd and Chunn. However, by then the two had also been replaced by Finn's brother, Neil Finn, and new member, Nigel Griggs. Personally speaking, the album would feature two of my favorites to date from Enz, My Mistake and Bold As Brass. It would also become the band's first gold record. After its release, Robert Gillies would depart, and though a brief reunion with Phil Judd would occur, he'd depart for a second and final time after just one month.

Despite its gold certification, by 1978, Split Enz had no manager, and not recording contract. It was only with a grant of $5,000.00 from The New Zealand Arts Counsel that they group would have the financial means to book studio time. It was during these sessions that they would shift from progressive rock to a more new wave and pop sound. However, only one single would be released, I See Red, which peaked at number fifteen on the New Zealand charts. This recording session would become known to Enz fans as the Rootin Tootin' Luton tapes.

Deciding to take a break, the band returned home for Christmas, but were soon hit by a setback when all of their equipment was destroyed in what was labeled a mysterious fire. They would have to rely on borrowed equipment to perform in the upcoming Nambassa Festival, which would prove to be a pivotal performance in their career.

They would release Frenzy in 1979, their second gold accredited album. This would be followed (that same year) by The Beginning of the Enz, a compilation recording of singles and b-sides recorded between 1973 and 1975.

We then reach the 80's era of Split Enz, which we've talked about already on their prior albums, True Colours, and Waiata (AKA Corrobore). So that takes finally into today Retro Spin, 1982's Time And Tide.

However, before we can dive in, there was something which happened in 1981 which must be noted. That being the departure of Malcom Green from the band, who was fired after arguing with founding member Tim Finn over rejection of his songwriting. Existing member Noel Crombie took over his duties on drums.

Time And Tide, or rather, the single, Six Months In A Leaky Boat, benefited greatly from the early days of MTV, where it saw steady rotation. This helped to push album sales, ensuring Split Enz third consecutive platinum status release. Additionally, it would be ranked the best Australian album at the Countdown Australian Music Awards.

Playing through it, my ears were immediately greeted by Dirty Creatures, which filled me with hope and expectations. Though there were rises and falls throughout, I dare say this was met.

What Tide And Time delivers is a synth pop experience reminiscent of Adam And The Ants with a hint of Duran Duran. Basically, it's definitely pop friendly, but sprinkled with a bit of quirkiness, the latter a signature of Enz, but something which hadn't necessarily been explored since 1977's Dizrythmia.

One of the biggest standouts is the instrumental Pioneer, which serves as a one minute thirty second sequay and intro to Six Months In A Leaky Boat. It's a beautiful piano and synthesizer piece.

I ended up grabbing several songs from the album for my shuffle. These included the aforementioned Dirty Creature, Pioneer, and Six Months In A Leaky Boat. Among them, however, were also Hello Sandy, Lost Words, Haul Away, and Log Cabin Fever. Percentage wise, this may very well be the best song to shuffle ratio of any Split Enz album I've heard so far. In fact, I'm sure it is.

Saying that definitely jazzes me up to dive directly into their next album. How it stands up, I've no clue, but let's get going and find out! See you tomorrow!

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