The Madcap Adventures of Split Enz
Endearingly eccentric new-wave geniuses Split Enz produced some of the most evocative, elliptical songs during their tenure in the industry, fuelled by Neil Finn's impeccable melodic sensibilities and Tim Finn's ingenuous arrangements. Of course, the Finn brothers would go on to adopt a more conventional pop-rock approach (and greater commercial success) with Crowded House and their own duo-combo career, but their Split Enz tunes are still brilliant pieces of pop brilliance worthy of more than just a passing mention. Here are a few examples of Split Enz's madcap genius:
LATE LAST NIGHT (1976)
Cocktail-lounge horns and Hawaiian guitar strums make for a laid-back tune about love at first sight, supplemented by Tim Finn's suitably woozy warbling.
BOLD AS BRASS (1977)
A herky-jerky showtune-like piece that emphasises a carnival-esque atmosphere. The Enz's cunning take on British music-hall aesthatics.
I SEE RED (1979)
Manic, frenzied guitar riffs battle furiously with strident, trenchant organ lines, racing to an absolute stunner of a shouty climax.
I GOT YOU (1980)
One of the great new-wave pop standards, this punchy, nervy number boasts arguably the most engaging and hummable singalong chorus amongst all of the Enz's singles.
I HOPE I NEVER (1980)
A standard-issue failed-relationship song, albeit one with tongue planted firmly in cheek. Tim Finn sings in an intentionally melodramatic tenor, backed by appropriate lounge-piano chords and a sweeping orchestral backing.
POOR BOY (1980)
Sparkling synth chords lend a sci-fi slant to the Enz's musical make-up, anchoring this whimsical, forbidden-love tale of aliens in love.
SIX MONTHS IN A LEAKY BOAT (1982)
A rollicking sea shanty complete with Uillean pipes and swaying fiddles, this hilarious study of a shipwrecked crew was actually banned by the BBC during the Falklands War for its possible morality-lowering temperament.
MESSAGE TO MY GIRL (1983)
This pure, blissful pop song is a direct precursor to Neil Finn's excellent adult-alternative work with Crowded House. Arguably the most commercially-natured song in the Enz's entire oeuvre.
LATE LAST NIGHT (1976)
Cocktail-lounge horns and Hawaiian guitar strums make for a laid-back tune about love at first sight, supplemented by Tim Finn's suitably woozy warbling.
BOLD AS BRASS (1977)
A herky-jerky showtune-like piece that emphasises a carnival-esque atmosphere. The Enz's cunning take on British music-hall aesthatics.
I SEE RED (1979)
Manic, frenzied guitar riffs battle furiously with strident, trenchant organ lines, racing to an absolute stunner of a shouty climax.
I GOT YOU (1980)
One of the great new-wave pop standards, this punchy, nervy number boasts arguably the most engaging and hummable singalong chorus amongst all of the Enz's singles.
I HOPE I NEVER (1980)
A standard-issue failed-relationship song, albeit one with tongue planted firmly in cheek. Tim Finn sings in an intentionally melodramatic tenor, backed by appropriate lounge-piano chords and a sweeping orchestral backing.
POOR BOY (1980)
Sparkling synth chords lend a sci-fi slant to the Enz's musical make-up, anchoring this whimsical, forbidden-love tale of aliens in love.
SIX MONTHS IN A LEAKY BOAT (1982)
A rollicking sea shanty complete with Uillean pipes and swaying fiddles, this hilarious study of a shipwrecked crew was actually banned by the BBC during the Falklands War for its possible morality-lowering temperament.
MESSAGE TO MY GIRL (1983)
This pure, blissful pop song is a direct precursor to Neil Finn's excellent adult-alternative work with Crowded House. Arguably the most commercially-natured song in the Enz's entire oeuvre.
posted by C.T. Chua at 9:03 AM
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