TOGETHER ALONE (1993)

Together Alone is simply an amazing album. Thirteen diverse songs, most from the pen of master songwriter Neil Finn. Mark Hart appears here for the first time as a band member. His influence becomes clear as you listen through the album. His slide guitar, 12 string guitar, and keyboards add a new sound to Crowded House. But the original qualities of Finn's songwriting remain. Wonderful ballads like 'Distant Sun', 'Private Universe' and 'Nails In My Feet' are still a staple of the Finn songwriting formula. It is a great strength of his songwriting that no two songs on this album sound remotely alike. Each is unique in its own way. The band collaboration on 'Kare Kare' produces a wonderful mood setting song and acts as a soothing prelude to the 12 songs to follow. 'In My Command' is a blaze of guitars, keyboards and wonderful lyrics. Its even better live. 'Nails In My Feet' is a Finn ballad all right but it is unlike his previous ballads. A slinky introduction and soothing melodies unlike any previous Crowded House songs. 'Black And White Boy'- is it about Neil, Paul or just a pet dog. Only Neil knows for sure but this ballad was given a sort of glam rock treatment. Its great. 'Fingers Of Love' is perhaps Finn's greatest ballad since 'Message To My Girl' in his Split Enz days. That's quite a claim, but if you hear this song you'll know what I mean. A wonderful atmospheric piece where Mark Hart's influence can really be heard. 'Pineapple Head' is a sort of joke song Neil wrote but it is quite a catchy little number, with a flute or something playing on it. 'Locked Out' was from the movie 'Reality Bites' and is another ballad played in a rock style, probably for commercial reasons. Not one of their best songs but it has its moments. 'Private Universe' has been described by Neil Finn as his most complete song. From the log drummers, to the haunting harmonies this song is almost perfect. Quite a clever piece of songwriting. 'Walking On The Spot' is a typical Finn ditty. A charming little song which includes a reference to a milkman. A fun little ditty. 'Distant Sun' is a Crowded House classic and very popular. It's a great song, and perfect for radio. A wonderful mix of songwriting genius and commercial thinking. 'Catherine Wheels' is a song written by Finn, with his brother Tim and bassist Nick Seymour. Its really two songs in one. A wonderful acoustic ballad. It seems to have New Zealand written all over it. 'Skin Feeling' is Paul Hester's songwriting peak. Undoubtedly his best song, this has a real U2 Zooropa feel about it. Its become a staple of his new band Largest Living Things. 'Together Alone' is a song crossing cultural boundaries. It includes a Maori choir, log drummers and the lyrics seem to reflect a Polynesian philosophy. Great when you are in the mood. The album really reflects it setting. Recorded at Kare Kare Beach on New Zealand's North Island it features a new producer, British dance producer Youth. The Mitchell Froom influence is missing here. Some of the live feel of previous albums has going missing, replaced by studio slickness. This is my only real criticism of the album. I recommend you race out and buy it, if you can find it. Order Together Alone from CDNOW

Kare Kare In My Command Nails In My Feet Black And White Boy Fingers Of Love Pineapple Head Locked Out Private Universe Walking On The Spot Distant Sun Catherine Wheels Skin Feeling Together Alone