CROWDED HOUSE (1986)

The first musical venture after Split Enz for Neil Finn, Crowded House is a collection of 11 brilliant pop songs, each unique in its own particular way. From the ballad 'Don't Dream It's Over' to the swinging 'Love You 'Til The Day I Die', there is never a range of songs which keeps you hooked. The influence of Mitchell Froom as producer is more obvious on this album than either of the next two which he also produced. This album is the most 80s pop sounding album that Crowded House released, and they will always be judged by most non-fans by this album. The smash hit single 'Don't Dream It's Over' is probably amongst the finest ballads ever written and will be the song they will be eternally remembered for, even if it wasn't their best song, or their most typical. There is really no such thing as a typical Crowded House song but most non-fans will try to tell you otherwise. The other singles releases were also hits including the brilliant 'World Where You Live', the underrated 'Now We're Getting Somewhere", the opening track 'Mean to Me', a live staple now for many Australian pub rock bands, and the organ enhanced 'Something So Strong'. The success of this record set up a loyal following for Crowded House throughout the world, not only in Australia and New Zealand, but through North America, Europe and parts of Asia. This album should be the Holy Grail for aspiring pop stars. It features catchy tunes, combined with Finn's soulful lyrics. An awe-inspiring combination of joy and melancholy. A brilliant debut album, but the best was yet to come... (IMHO anyway :-)) Order Crowded House from CDNOW

Mean To Me World Where You Live Now We're Getting Somewhere Don't Dream It's Over Love You 'Til The Day I Die Something So Strong Hole In The River Tombstone Can't Carry On That's What I Call Love