Retro Spins: Split Enz - See Ya 'Round

With both founding members Tim Finn and Phil Judd gone from the band, Finn's brother Neil was left standing at a crossroads. Take Split Enz into the future, or say goodbye. He opted for the latter, uncomfortable with the thought of continuing on without either founder at the helm. He decided that 1984's aptly titled, See Ya 'Round, would be the end of the road for the band.

There was just one problem. Neil didn't have enough material. He only had an EP worth of demos. As such, while many would ultimately make their way to the album, the remaining band members would be leaned on to provide their own experimental contributions.

See Ya 'Round would ultimately not see a release in the USA. The reasoning was that most copies of their prior album, Conflicting Emotions had ended up in bargain bins, and their American label, A&M wasn't willing or interested in investing money into another potential flop.

Despite this, Split Enz would exit on a high note. The album not only received a certified platinum status in New Zealand, but after a popular appearance on Countdown, and a beckoning call for Tim Finn to return for one last time, the group would embark on a proper farewell tour. Truly and enz of an era.

So, how does See Ya 'Round stack up as a final entry in the book of Enz? Was it a noteworthy finally? A disappointing disaster as A&E predicted it would be?

Well, let's break this down. I appreciate the 1975 through 1976 Tim Finn and Phil Judd era of Split Enz. This iteration of the band could be called its original vision. One that was progressive rock, unique, quirky at times, and with a stage presence that was hard to match at the time.

Then you have 1977 through 1982, which was the Tim Finn and Neil Finn age. This was when Split Enz transitioned their sound to new wave, making their breakthrough, and garnering their biggest success. They stumbled accidentally into a radio friendly sound, while also detouring here and there back to the band's progressive rock and quirky roots, though usually in instrumental form.

You then have the final years, 1983 to 1984. Yes, Tim Finn was around for 1983, but was more so interested in his own solo career. This is where Neil stepped up to the front, took leadership of the band, ushering in a very 80's pop sound with it, steering the group more so towards mainstream music.

This is where See Ya 'Round lingers. It wants to produce radio friendly songs, while often missing the mark with actual hits. However, what you do get is a very solidly crafted album with good music. Its not perfect, but it's worthy of listening to. It's Split Enz on the way out, and knowing they're not going to be around after this. They're trying to say goodbye, while at the same time trying to give the audience one more show, so to speak.

Neil Finn and Paul Hester would go on to form the Mullanes with bassist Nick Seymour. By 1985, they would change their name to a band you may have heard of, Crowded House. However, the story was far from over for Split Enz. Over the years they have continued to reunite for tours, with their most resent occurring in 2009. They also continue to have live albums and compilations released. Additionally, after lengthy pressure from their fanclub, Frenz of the Enz, fans also received the long awaited Rootin Tootin' Luton tapes, a two disc set chock full of demos recorded by the band in 1978.

Nothing lasts forever, and all good things must end. So, it is with See Ya 'Round that we bid farewell to Split Enz. If nothing else, they got to take a bow on their own terms, and say goodbye the way they wanted to. They left the crowd wanting more, returned here and there to give it to them, but then gracefully stepped aside again.

Click "HERE" to go back to the home page. For more posts related to this one, please click the labels below. 

Disclaimer: They Toy Box does not endorse or contribute to piracy. Retro Spins posts are intended for educational and entertainment purposes only. None of the music discussed here is available for sale, downloading or distribution.

THIS WEEK ON THE CHARTS
May 22, 1982

 

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.

Click "HERE" to go back to the home page. For more posts related to this one, please click the labels below. 

Disclaimer: They Toy Box does not endorse or contribute to piracy. Retro Spins posts are intended for educational and entertainment purposes only. None of the music discussed here is available for sale, downloading or distribution.

THIS WEEK ON THE CHARTS
May 21, 1983

 

THIS WEEK ON THE CHARTS
May 21, 1988

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!

Click "HERE" to go back to the home page. For more posts related to this one, please click the labels below. 

Disclaimer: They Toy Box does not endorse or contribute to piracy. Retro Spins posts are intended for educational and entertainment purposes only. None of the music discussed here is available for sale, downloading or distribution.

THIS WEEK ON THE CHARTS
May 20, 1989

 

Retro Spins: Split Enz - Waiata (AKA Corroboree)

Last week, we launched into Split Enz with the telling of how I personally came across the band. Now, let's take a step back and review the inception of Split Enz itself.

The group was formed in 1972 by founding members Tim Finn, and Phil Judd, who would both share vocal duties, with Judd also filling the roll as lead guitarist. The original lineup would be completed by Mike Chunn (bass), Miles Golding (violin) and Mike Howard (flute). They would make their first appearance the last month of the year, being joined by drummer Div Vercoe. However, within the early months of the new year, only Finn, Judd, and Chunn would remain. New members Wally Wilkinson (guitar), Eddie Rayner (keyboards), Rob Gillies (saxophone), and brother Geoff Chunn (drums) would be added to fill the gaps. During this time, the band would also adopt their name, Split Enz, with the NZ referring to their native land of New Zealand.

While they would record a few singles, these wouldn't see release until later in the bands career. Additionally, Geoff Chunn, and Rob Gillies would leave the band, being replaced by Emlyn Crowther, and Noel Crombie, respectfully. They would all relocate to Australia, where recording of their 1975 debut album, Mental Notes, would occur. Its release would garner them great success in New Zealand, reaching number 7, and Australia where it reached 35. This was aided by their unique theater style shows which were labeled them as an adventurous, flamboyant art-rock band. Shortly after its release, Wally Wilkinson would leave, and Rob Gillies would rejoin.

The band would move to New England to record their follow-up, Second Thoughts. However, while touring in promotion for it, Emlyn Crowther would leave, and be replaced by Malcolm Green. What's odd about the group's sophomore album is that it would retitled to Mental Notes for its Europe and North America releases. The cover would even be an alternate version of the original Mental notes which replaced Wally Wilkinson with Robert Gillis, and showcased the new shaved sides haircut of Tim Finn, and bald head of Phil Judd. Though once again popular in New Zealand and Australia, the album would not make much waves beyond those borders.

Mental Notes (left) and alternate cover
Mental Notes (AKA Second Thoughts) (right)

We'll detour from the history of Enz, stepping over their remaining 1970's albums, and previous Retro Spin, 1980's True Colours, and jump into their 1982 released Waiata. The album title was derived from its Māori term for song. The idea of the band was that each country would adopt its own album title based on this, thus in Australia, the album was released as Corroboree. However, this concept would be an expensive one, and rather than proceed, the rest of the world was issued the original New Zealand title, Waiata. This unto itself was unique because the album under this title has never been released on CD. The only discs which exist are those released in Australia, and again, that title is Corroboree.

Aided by the moment garnered by True Colours, Waiata would be Split Enz second album to reach number one in both New Zealand and Australia. It would also be their second consecutive platinum certified release.

Listening to it, it stays the course of new wave / pop rock, and though it's enjoyable, it definitely doesn't (for me) pack the punch as their prior album. Though I initially was considering adding many more songs to my shuffle list, truthfully, by the time I got around to it, the songs were forgotten. As such, I deemed them not as good as I originally thought they were. Instead, I focused on adding the two which remained stuck in my head, History Never Repeats Itself and Walking Through The Ruins.

Overall, it was enjoyable, much like the last, though with fewer picking in terms of noteworthy, or I suppose better stated, memorable tunes. It certainly didn't deter me from wanting to hear more, and I did just that diving into their 1982 Time And Tide. However, that's definitely our discussion for next week.

Prior to closing out the year, Split Enz would release their platinum greatest hits album, Enz Of An Era. However, this album would only focus on singles and hits released between 1977 and 1981. There was a reason for this, and that story will come next time as we continue through the history of Enz.

Click "HERE" to go back to the home page. For more posts related to this one, please click the labels below. 

Disclaimer: They Toy Box does not endorse or contribute to piracy. Retro Spins posts are intended for educational and entertainment purposes only. None of the music discussed here is available for sale, downloading or distribution.

THIS WEEK ON THE CHARTS
May 19, 1984

Retro Spins: Split Enz - True Colours

I was in a phase where I was all about recreating the MTV glory days, buying up music video related DVD's, and scouring the internet for what were considered iconic, revolutionary, or simply the best videos from artists and bands. This is where I came across Split Enz. I'd heard about them in passing, and even owned a greatest hits from them, which to date I still haven't listened to, when I came across My Mistake. As I watched the video on Youtube, I was immediately taken in by the look, feel, and sound of it all. This was heavily reminiscent of Oingo Boingo, but years before there was a Boingo. I was intrigued, and after digging through more videos, I was hooked.

I made a list of their albums based on the band's Wiki page, and followed this up by going to Discogs to track them down. Ouch, was my initial reaction. CD's from Split Enz were expensive. I'm talking $30.00 to $60.00 each, and mind you that was in used condition. While I added all the albums to my want list, I immediately put the mission on hold. I simply was not interested at the time in dropping the $300.00 plus it would cost me to get the bands ten studio albums. Further, with original CD's only released in Australia, this meant that a lot of my purchases would have to be made overseas, resulting in excessive shipping costs, or in the rare chance a US seller had them, pay an upcharge for the "convenience".

Fast forward to several months later. I was perusing ebay, and randomly came across a couple CD's from the band that were running at auction in the pressings I wanted. There were no bids, and the opening asking amount was rather low, in comparison to buy it now prices, so I made the minimum bid, and went about my business. Days later, I got a notice staying, "You won, pay for your purchases." Neat! I made the payments, got the albums, and was happy.

Oh, if only that last part were true. What this did was open the flood gates.

Within hours, I was back on ebay and Discogs perusing, nay, frantically searching for the remaining albums. Well, needless to say, October 4, 2024, turned into the day that I bought every studio album from Split Enz, 1975 - 1984. For those who know me, and my tastes for collecting music, you know it is very rare that I want something released before 1980, and after 1989. For me to want these albums from 1975 to 1979 really cemented in my mind just how much I was digging this band from my Youtube views.

Despite this, I'm going to jump right into the middle, skipping everything from the 70's, and launching my Retro Spin with 1980's True Colours. Musically, it was a drastic change in the band's style of progressive rock. Rather, Colours leaned heavy into new wave, and with it, split their fan base. The members themselves admitted to doing so, and saw it reflected in the attendance of their live shows, where the crowds were now filled with teenage girls.

For better or worse to the fans, the changes in style were overall well received, garnering the group their first platinum record, and first, and only, Billboard chart topper, I Got You. Though it would serve as their breakthrough album, the single would only peak at 53.

Initially, the album was launched with four different variations of colors. However, soon thereafter, four more variations would be added, and to date, even more. Below is an example of all the different versions I've been able to identify. Are there more? I don't know.

So many different color varieties available!

Now, I will admit, despite True Colours being my first Retro Spin, it's not the first Split Enz album I listened to from start to finish. That honor goes to Second Thoughts, the groups sophomore release from 1976. Why that one? Well, simple. It's one that I won in my bid off ebay, and the first I recieved.

Firing up True Colours, I hoped that it would be familiar to the progressive rock, weirdish sounding introduction I got from Second Thoughts. However, at the same time, knowing full well it was considered new wave, I didn't set myself up with unrealistic expectations. This turned out to be a good idea.

While it's definitely a new wave album, there are times where it actually has a sixties vibe to it, sounding almost like The Doors. This was particularly noticeable with The Matter With You, AKA track three. However, there was still that sprinkling of quirkiness parallel to Oingo Boingo, and Enz earlier works. This was more so prevalent in the two instrumental tracks, Double Happy, and The Choral Sea.

Though it definitely leans more so into the pop aspect, what it doesn't necessarily do is deliver what we'll call Top Forty Hits. Granted, this didn't deter me from enjoying what I heard. In addition to the noted tracks above, I also ended up grabbing Nobody Takes Me Seriously, and Poor Boy for my shuffle list. Overall, I was pleased, and eager to hear more.

Split Enz would go on to consecutively release one album all the way through 1984. However, by their final album, See Ya 'Round, both original founding members, Tim Finn and Phil Judd had already departed. Brother Neil Finn, who joined after Judd left in 1976, would decide it wasn't desirable to continue in a band that the founders had departed from. Thus, Split Enz met their enz, but, we'll go into that more as we continue our Retro Spins journey through the band.

Click "HERE" to go back to the home page. For more posts related to this one, please click the labels below. 

Disclaimer: They Toy Box does not endorse or contribute to piracy. Retro Spins posts are intended for educational and entertainment purposes only. None of the music discussed here is available for sale, downloading or distribution.

THIS WEEK ON THE CHARTS
May 18, 1985