Retro Spins: Split Enz - Conflicting Emotions

The enz is nigh for our journey through Split Enz 80's era. I know I've certainly been enjoying it, and I hope you've enjoyed hearing about it. Maybe even checked a few albums out yourself.

As recording for their ninth studio album began, 1983's Conflicting Emotions, founding member Tim Finn had just released the successful solo album, Escapade. Listening to the two singles, Fraction Too Much Friction, and Made My Day, I can conclude two things. 1) It sounds like b-side Split Enz material, and 2) it's garbage.

Anyway...The problem with Tim Finn's solo career, or rather, the success coming with it, was that he wasn't too invested in returning to the studio to work on a new Split Enz album. Instead, he was focused on further promoting his solo career. This resulted in his brother Neil taking the helm to pen and sing most of the tracks found on the album.

Additionally, when Tim did contribute, he opted to incorporate drummer Ricky Fataar into recording sessions, and drum machines on most tracks. While drummer Noel Crombie receives credit in the liner notes, the truth was that he was very seldomly used for the recordings. Crombie would instead return to his original role of percussionist.

Keyboardist Eddie Rayner would also utilize a Yamaha DX7 synthesizer, contributing to the very different sounding Split Enz album from what was heard in the past. Before embarking on the tour to promote Conflicting Emotions, new drummer Paul Hester, would join.

As I said above, the changes in roles, as well as the use of new equipment resulted in a very different sounding Split Enz album. However, I like it. It's pop oriented, radio friendly, but also mixes in a blend of uniqueness, reminiscent to Oingo Boing of the times. I won't call it better than prior albums, but I will say its a good transition for the band, but ultimately serves as a testament of what could have been. I suppose it also shows very clearly that Neil was just as qualified as Tim to lead the band.

Conflicting Emotions would once again garner a platinum status in New Zealand, making it the band's forth consecutive. However, with Tim more enthralled with a solo career, he would end up leaving the group. Though Neil Finn would pick up the slack, and assume leadership of the band, he ultimately decided he didn't want to continue on with Split Enz with none of the founding members involved. As a result, it was determined that the band would produce one final album in 1984, aptly titled, See Ya 'Round.

I wish there were more I could say about the album. Mainly because I took so many tracks from it for my shuffle list. However, there's really not much more to contribute here. I liked it a lot, and it could be my new favorite from them. I wish there was more of it. Hopefully, the next and final album from Split Enz delivers just as much. I guess we'll find out tomorrow.

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THIS WEEK ON THE CHARTS
May 21, 1983

 

THIS WEEK ON THE CHARTS
May 21, 1988