Retro Spins: Crowded House - Crowded House

If you've been keeping up with the past several Retro Spins, did you see this one coming?

With the disbanding of Split Enz in 1984, Neil Finn and Paul Hester would continue to work together, going on to form the band, The Mullanes, with bassist Nick Seymour in 1985. The name of the group would eventually transition to Crowded House prior to their 1986 self titled debut album releasing. This was a result of their label, Capitol Records rejecting the name, as well as their alternative, Largest Living Things. The name was a result of the very small apartment the band was cramped into when flown to Los Angeles to record the album.

Because of their connection to Split Enz, Crowded House came on the scene with an already established following. However, much like the final album for the Enz, the label failed to see this potential, and under promoted the group. This relegated them to playing small venues at first.

They would achieve major success across the globe, lead by their signature singles, Don't Dream It's Over (peaked at number 2 on Billboard), and Something So Strong (which would peak at number 7). They would also find minor success with the single, World Where You Live (which peaked at 65).

While the initial New Zealand and Australian releases of the record encompassed ten tracks, when released in other countries, it was expanded to eleven, including an altered version I Walk Away. This track was originally featured on Split Enz final album, See Ya 'Round. Additionally, the original track listing was re-ordered, and the song, Can't Carry On removed.

EMI would re-release the debut after the success of the band's second album. However, this time the international releases would include the original track listing, as well as I Walk Away. Though I've looked, I have never found anything to confirm that the ten track listing "original" US version was ever released on CD. Everything I see has the revised eleven.

Though I initially jumped headlong into this album upon finishing my run through of every 80's Split Enz release, I had to turn it off at track three. At that point, it was just too much Neil Finn for my ears. Mind you, I listened to these all in one single day.

After taking a day hiatus, I returned to Crowded House, started it over, and got back to work on this post. The break was a good thing, mainly for my sanity. However, I won't necessarily say it changed my initial opinion.

What I heard from the first few tracks was just okay. Nothing special, nothing memorable, but also not necessarily anything bad. Mediocre, I suppose, is the word I would use, and mediocracy isn't what I need more of on my shuffle list. It's already crammed full of tracks I skip most days.

The hits, Don't Dream Its Over, and Something So Strong, will always be the stand out tracks on the album, and I don't hate it for that. They're amazing songs, and frankly, I'd be happy to have just those two in the end, if that's all I was going to get. We are, after all, talking about a CD that at most will and should cost you a buck. If that's not money well spent for music, I don't know what is.

Ironically, the track initially removed from US pressings of the album, Can't Carry On, was one I did enjoy the most out of everything beyond the hits. I also went ahead and grabbed the reworked I Walk Away. I wouldn't say it's better than the original Enz version, but it resonates as familiar, which gives it the pass to make the cut.

Overall, tmy listening session neither deters nor excites me to hear more from the band. Admittedly, this could possibly be impacted from a little fatigue from my Split Enz marathon.

Acclaimed with a number one record, Crowded House were now tasked with the difficult job of creating a  successful follow up. Did it fare well with critics, the general public, and will it be a hit or miss for me? Well, you'll have to come back next time for that answer. Unless you don't care. In which case, thanks for at least reading up to this point.

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THIS WEEK ON THE CHARTS
May 23, 1981

 

THIS WEEK ON THE CHARTS
May 23, 1987