The Toy Box

Peter Parker, Decisions - My Commission Artwork Expands

My commission wall has grown slightly.

For those of you keeping up with my posts, you may remember my series entitled, "Peter Parker, Decisions", wherein I ask artists of the comic world to doodle me a picture of Peter holding his two classic costumes, deciding which one to wear.

Though I only have four pieces to date, each one has been a fantastic addition to my personal collection. So far I have a drawing from (in order received)...

Rick Leonardi

Jim Shooter

Jim Salicrup

G.I. Jigsaw

...and my newest addition...

Keith Williams

One of the things that stands out to me is that you kind of get a historic snapshot of Peter Parker depending on what era the artist drawing it favored. For Jim Shooter, we get more of a 70's look, Keith Williams and Jim Salicrup provide an 80's vibe, and Rick Leonardi is 90's all the way. Good stuff!

I'd love to add more of these to my collection, but I have to be selective. Prices are subject to each artist's discretion. As such, it can be quite an expensive endeavour. Further, they require patience. Most artists won't do them on the spot at a show, and I have personally experienced waiting over a year to get one back. Well worth it for a one of a kind collectible piece.

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Comics Corner: Peter Parker, The Spectacular Spider-Man 46

Title: Peter Parker, The Spectacular Spider-Man
Issue Number: 46
Release Date: September 1980

Highlights

We learn that Ryker's Island has had parts of it redesigned specifically to hold "super villains"
Reference is made to The Amazing Spider-Man 71, 207, and Peter Parker, The Spectacular Spider-Man 39, 43, and 44The Spider Signal makes a return

Low Points

The chronological reading order of Spider-Man appears to have a timeline error - This issue makes reference to the events of The Amazing Spider-Man occurring "last night" - However, the prior two issues in the timeline, Spider-Woman 28 and 29, have Peter traveling to Los Angeles, California - It's not physically possible for that event to occur in the timespan between AMS 207 and PPTSS 46

Oddities

Letterer's Day Off - Instead of writing out the word to, they use the number 2

Colorist's Day Off - Cobra's outfit goes from purple to brown, back to purple, all in one page

Rating (based on a 1 through 5 Stans grading system)

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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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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 23, 1981

THIS WEEK ON THE CHARTS
May 23, 1987

Comics Corner: Spider-Woman 29

Title: Spider-Woman
Issue Number: 29
Release Date: August 1980

Highlights

Reference is made to Spider-Woman 27
Spider-Man notes that his web shooters don't shoot far enough when in high altitude, and comments that he'll need to work on that the next time he makes a batch
Ernie Chan is in the bullpen of The Courier, drawing a picture of Spider-Woman - Ernie Chan is also the penciler of this issue of Spider-Woman
Enforcer laughs in Spider-Woman's face and tells her that he never had the antidote he promised her
I actually got intrigued by the cliffhanger ending informing that readers won't believe what happens to Scotty in the next issue - Too bad I won't be reading it

Low Points

Enforcer is bent on getting in Spider-Woman's pants

Oddities

None

Rating (based on a 1 through 5 Stans grading system)

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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.

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THIS WEEK ON THE CHARTS
May 22, 1982

Comics Corner: Spider-Woman 28

Title: Spider-Woman
Issue Number: 28
Release Date: July 1980

Highlights

First appearance of J.R. Van De Kalb , and Savitra
Reference is made to Spider-Woman 19

Low Points

Terrible pun where Enforce states he's Robbin' the boy wonder, and then asks if the person he said it to got the joke
Another bland Spider-Woman issue with the only part Spider-Man is in was a single page all the way at the end

Oddities

Editor's Day Off: Spider-Woman forgets how to use full sentences as she yells at Enforcer, "Give...Now."
Editor's Continued Day Off: In this same panel, Enforcer responds to the above with, "Hey, lighten up! Up!"
Spider-Woman agrees to help enforcer steal ten million dollars, just to get the cure for Scotty McDowell

Rating (based on a 1 through 5 Stans grading system)

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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

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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THIS WEEK ON THE CHARTS
May 20, 1989

The Dirty Dozen - My Top Twelve Albums Of 1984

The wall list is coming along. Well, the contenders anyway for what will ultimately be picked. So far we have Queen's The Game, and Rush's Permanent Waves from 1980, The Smurfs All-Star Show from 1981, Prince's 1999, and Michael Jackson's Thriller from 1982, and Cyndi Lauper's She's So Unusual from 1983.

1984 has my hands down favorite 80's album of all time, but before we get to that, we've got to make our way through some honorable mentions and eleven other contenders.

Starting off with the honorable mentions we have one that almost made the cut, Van Halen's 1984. This one stayed in the top twelve for quite some time, but ultimately kept getting bumped further and further down until it landed here.

It's joined on the list with the soundtrack to Beverly Hills Cop, Alphaville's Forever Young, The Time's Ice Cream Castles, and another soundtrack, Electric Dreams. All of these could have easily been in the top twelve. There were just so many to choose from, and these selections outweighed them all.

Last place goes to Tina Turner for her comeback album, Private Dancer. It has some of my favorite, and most memorable tunes from the year. However, what it lacks, and ultimately kept it so low on the list was perfection from start to finish. The hits are the hits, which are great. However, I couldn't name any other tracks on this record beyond them.

Brian Adams suffers the same fate as Tina, and frankly, they could have easily traded places. In fact, in hindsight, they probably should have. Whereas I frequently skip over Adams when he comes around the shuffle, I'll always listen to Private Dancer, the song. Regardless of retrospective decisions, Reckless features some of Brian's strongest work, Run To You, Summer Of 69', Heaven, Somebody, Kids Wanna Rock, and even the duet with Tina, It's Only Love.

It took me reaching my adult years to fully appreciate the music put forth on Bruce Springsteen's Born In The U.S.A. Mind you, I don't think it's a perfect album from front to back, but it certainly has some deep cuts. It also has an overplayed song I can't stand on it..."Even though I'm just dancin' with Courtney Cox..." Ugh...Hate that song. I suppose even if it were perfect, I still wouldn't select it for the wall. I don't need to be staring at some dude's butt.

Ghostbusters is missing a huge chunk of the score, but it's still an amazing album. Even if it stunk, I mean, come on. It's Ghostbusters. With that said though, I do enjoy all the tracks from this various artist buffet. In fact, another retrospective moment is hitting me, and this one definitely should have been much closer to the number one spot than it is. I'm adding this one to the list of considerations for the wall.

Classic cover and iconic album all in one. The Cars Heartbeat City hits on all fronts between a unique visual, and some of my favorite tunes of the era. It also features my favorite from them, Hello Again. Then on top of that you get, Magic, It's Not The Night, Looking For Love, Drive, You Might Think, and the title track. Good stuff!

Yes, I like Wham, and I'm not ashamed to say it. It's cheesy bubblegum pop at its best. Freedom is probably my all time favorite from the duo, but I'll also take Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go, Everything She Wants, and Careless Whisper.

I feel bad because I really want a Madonna album for my wall. However, when I get down to the heart of it, she's never produced what I'd call a perfect album. The hits are amazing, no joke, but the problem I've always had with her is that the rest feel like filler. They're just not as good, not as tightly produced, and well...Kind of stink. With all that said, Like A Virgin has some slam dunk banger. Material Girl, the title track, Dress You Up, and Angel will always be mainstays on my shuffle.

Man, there were some amazing soundtracks in the 80's, and Footloose is among them. Of the nine tracks on this one, I love eight of them. The only one I tend to pass up is Sammy Hagar's The Girl Gets Around. Its extremely weak as compared to the remaining offerings.

Queen's The Works has the luxury of a bias opinion. I basically think the band can do no wrong, so of course I'm gonna love anything they put out from start to finish. I mean, they could record Freddie on a toilet singing "Aeeiooooo", and I'd buy it...You know, if he were still around that is. The point being, I love The Works.

Who doesn't remember that one and only time all six Jackson brothers came together to record an album. It was a historic music moment, and one that led to a massively successful world tour. Sadly, as I would come to find out much later, the brothers didn't actually work with each other all that much while recording Victory. Instead, they all went to their own respective studios, produced their tracks, and submitted them. Fortunately, the end result was nothing short of spectacular, but still, disappointing to know that they weren't all in the studio together collaborating.

My very first "Weird Al" Yankovic album that I ever heard. My sister and I were sitting in the backyard at my grandfather's house with her stereo and this cassette, and from there, the good times unfolded. Oddly, I went through a phase in my life where I didn't like the guys music. I reached a point where I felt it was lazy, taking someone else's work, and simply changing the lyrics. I'm glad I finally came back around.

My number one album of all time, Prince And The Revolution's Purple Rain. Say what you will about the film itself, the soundtrack, and studio album of the same name is gold. Pure genius on tape. If I was told I could only keep one album in my collection, it would be this one.

Seriously, I could rave all day about Purple Rain, so it's probably best to leave it at that. Instead, let's see where's we're at with the list now that 1984 has been accounted for. There's everything from the first paragraph up for consideration, as well as the Ghostbuster's soundtrack, The Cars' Heartbeat City, The Jackson's Victory, "Weird Al" Yankovic's In 3-D, and of course, Prince And The Revolution's Purple Rain. That's eleven contenders so far. Where will it go with 1985 and beyond? I guess we'll find out.

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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.

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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.

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THIS WEEK ON THE CHARTS
May 18, 1985

Retro Spins: Steel Breeze - Steel Breeze

It would be difficult to tell you about the band Steel Breeze, because frankly there's very little infomration to be found. Though the band was formed with six members in Sacramento, comprising of Ric Jacobs (vocals), Ken Goorabian and Waylin Carpenter (guitars), Rod Toner (keyboards), Vinnie Pantaleoni (bass guitar), and Barry Lowenthal (drums), there have been consistent lineup changes since.

They were discovered by producer Kim Fowley, who found their demo amongst 1,200 other cassettes which were earmarked as trash by a local night club. She and attorney David Chatfield would work with the group to record their first album, and ultimately secure a deal with RCA to release it.

While they were harkened to the likes of Journey, personally, I don't hear the similarities. Instead, I get more of a The Cars vibe.

Among the tracks on the band's demo, and subsequent 19825 self titled debut album, was their chart topper, You Don't Want Me Anymore, which reached number sixteen on the Billboard. It was followed by the single, Dreamin' Is Easy, which reached number thirty, and became their last hit.

As I played through their debut, I was first and foremost greeted by their above noted highest charting hit. It was good, for sure, but was it a one hit wonder? This answer came with track three, where I found myself really getting into it. This is also where I started to note the similarites noted above to the group, The Cars.

Everything I was hearing so far had that catchy 80's rock vibe to it. You'd know it if you heard it, but trust me, that's what was eminent here. Overall, I dug the whole thing. I didn't grab every last track for my shuffle list, but it was certainly enjoyable.

While I considered checking ou their other 80's albums, this thought quickly deminished which I saw the prices. I don't think I can spend $50.00 to $100.00 on albums I know nothing about.

As I mentioned above, lineup changes were a constant for Steel Breeze, and this is probalby the biggest contributing factor to their overall failure. By the time they released their 1983 follow-up, Heart On The Line, they had already lost their orrignal and subsequent replacement lead singer. Releeasing the album on an indipendent label also didn't help matters, and contributed greatly to it relatively going unnoticed, despite guest appearances by Clarence Clemons and Alex Ligertwood.

Steel Breeze would release one final album in the 80's, 1989's Cry Thunder, and two albums in the 90's, all of these, of course, with a different lineup. They never had another Billboard chartter since their debut. Beyond that, there's not much to tell in the limited history that is the band.

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THIS WEEK ON THE CHARTS
May 17, 1980

THIS WEEK ON THE CHARTS
May 17, 1986

Retro Spins: Phoebe Snow - Something Real

Today's Retro Spin continues where we left off. Last time we talked about Phoebe Snow's 1981 album Rock Away, an album which failed to impress me, and today, we go to the opposite spectrum for her only other 80's release, 1989's Something Real.

Lackluster reviews of Snow's prior album caused her to step away from recording albums, and instead focus on commercial jingles to support her and her daughter. It wasn't until the 1988 surprise duet hit with Dreams I Dream with Dave Mason that snow would return to the studio.

However, a lot had changed in the music industry since 1981. Would Snow be able to deliver? Was the world interested in blues rock at this time? Or had we gone through the era of synth pop, and on our way to grunge?

Admittedly, I didn't intend on adding Something Real to my collection. Rather, it ended up there because of a mistake that led me to buying it instead of Rock Away. Still, I wasn't sad. Nothing wrong with adding a random 80's CD to the collection.

Going into it, I wasn't necessarily expecting much, especially based on yesterday's post. However, things quickly tanked out of the starting gate. As I fired it up, I was immediately greeted by a ballad. I've said this before, no album should start with a ballad. Your intro should rocket off the starting line, and from there find a pace, and then pull it back a bit, only to balance out and come back up a bit towards the end. A nice eb and flow.

By song three, I was still listening to ballads, and it felt like the album had already been on for an eternity. It wasn't enjoyable, and there's not much to say beyond that. A fan of Phoebe Snow, I was not. In fact, I was moreso interested in a blurb I read that she sang the jingle for a 1989 SNL skit called Colon Blow, starting the late Phil Hartman, and played that on Youtbue overtop the droning on album.

By song four I was skipping to each track, giving it a couple seconds to impress. Ballad, ballad, ballad, was all I kept hearing. Even when the pace picked up with song eight, this was still a slow tempo adult contemporary sound.

It wasn't until song nine that a truly upbeat song finally came about, a cover of the 1977 Emotions song, Best Of My Love. Then out of nowhere, track ten, Cardiac Arrest hits with a straight up hard rockin' blues sound. Too bad it was the last track on the album, too little, too late. Frankly, it should have kicked everything off, and set the tone for how the rest of the album should have been put together.

Overall, this was a corker. Unenjoyable, disappointing, and one of the rare Retro Spins that I deferred to skipping songs because I simply couldn't take it.

As for Snow, between 1991 and 2008 she would release a mix of studio and live albums. However, throughout her entire career, she was never able to find the same success she had with her gold accredited first and second albums from the 70's.

In her defence, the singer was delt a pretty hard hand throughout her life. Her at the time husband (1975 - 1978), and father of their child, informed her he was gay, leading to their divoce. Meanwhile, said daughter was born with severe brain damage, requiring signifcant care. Her overall personal life contributed to her inability to really focus on a music career, but at the same time, it's comendable that she prioritized rasing and caring for her daughter over success. Rather than chase album charts, she instead devoted her life to ensuing her child wouldn't need to be institutionalized. Her daughter sadly passed away in 2007.

Unfortuantely, it didn't get much better from there. Tragically, Snow would suffer a cerebral hemorrhage in 2010, slip into a coma, and pass away from other medical complications as a result. Man, life just really kicked her in the teeth. I suppose if there's any silver lining, at least her and her daughter are together again.

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THIS WEEK ON THE CHARTS
May 16, 1981

THIS WEEK ON THE CHARTS
May 16, 1987