MusiClack – Crowded House

Michael: The Australian band Crowded House, formed and fronted by New Zealander Neil Finn, has been a favorite of mine for the longest time. I thought them a rather worthy band to talk about on MusiClack … though, I don’t believe you’re too familiar with them, are you Tara?

Tara: Just the really popular stuff that everyone knows; “Something So Strong,” and “Don’t Dream It’s Over,” which, as a disc jockey in the 80’s, were continual ear worms. I think I had to play “Don’t Dream It’s Over” at least every two hours, no joke.

Michael: Well … to get everyone (anyone?) up to speed, why not get things going with their biggest hit? I decided to use one of their farewell performances because the quality is outstanding, the audience is completely and totally into the performance, and it’s one of the final appearances of drummer Paul Hester with the band.

Tara: Okay. I get your reasoning, although the original was voted the best video by MTV in 1987.  See? I’m a Crowded House expert now! You can also still see the official video, if you’d like.

Michael: That you are …

Tara: I finally realized who Justin Bieber ripped his haircut off of.

Michael: Stop it! He did not!

The next video was featured on Australia’s The MAX Sessions, which was hosted by Hester and features brothers Neil and Tim (who was one of the revolving members of Crowded House) with the late drummer backing them up.

Tara: OK, this video and song for me? It’s a feel good song with not much substance. But! I’m finding with Crowded House either Neil gives you really introspective and serious lyrics or he throws you a nice happy tune.

Michael: Indicative of the band. I agree … this one is a completely happy-go-lucky sort of song. And there’s nothing wrong with that. There aren’t enough “feel good” songs out there in the world as far as I’m concerned.

Tara: Yeah, I know. Basically now we get something along the lines of “I Kissed A Girl And I Liked It.” *sigh*

Michael: Crowded House — while at times light and fluffy — is more a thinking man’s band as far as I’m concerned. In the same vein as XTC, Devo (believe it or not) and …

Tara: … I can help you out! Eddie Vedder is still doing some good “thinking man’s” music. As well as a lot of our old favorite stand-by groups.

Michael: True! Speaking of Neil’s song writing going one way or another, I’m curious about your take on the next video from the band’s Together Alone album …

Tara: Hmmm. Again, I’ve never heard it, and I have to say it just got me even more jazzed about Neil Finn … oops, I mean Crowded House. They’ve had a rather long legacy, haven’t they? How did I miss this? I think it’s because so many great acts are overlooked by the American charts.

Michael: Ab. So. Lutely.

Tara: Here’s an example of what I was saying. Awesome lyrics, lovely words. And if I didn’t mention the Beatles influence in the cartoonish images in this video, John Lennon would kill me. But, as for all bands worth their salt since 1980 or so, homage to The Beatles is a must.

Michael: Maybe it’s just me, but with quite a few of the more introspective bands, I hear a lot of Beatles’ influence. And, while there are elements of the moptops in Finn’s lyrics, I don’t hear it overly so in the Crowded House catalog. The guy can craft a wily tune, however.

Crowded House loved performing (still do!), and were notoriously wonderful on David Letterman programs, as is evidenced by one of the many stints on his show below.

Michael: Seeing this and the other videos, it’s difficult picturing Paul Hester having the kind of depression problems he did which led to his tragic suicide. The guy was a firecracker live (I’ve seen Crowded House in concert several times), usually bouncy and jubilant on film, very active in his day, and even played Paul The Cook on The Wiggles children’s program. Also interesting to me is the first album (main image above) depicting Hester as an angel.

Tara: I know! *shiver!* Totally sad, very talented guy. And he chose a really public and scary way to get out of this world. I’m sorry we have to talk about it, but who hangs themselves in a tree where anyone can come across them? He was making a big statement! I just wish we knew what it was. Proves that you don’t have a clue what other people are experiencing at any given moment. S’awful.

Michael: It shocked me to hear about not only his death, but the manner in which it was committed. And you’re right: Public and private lives are two different things, with different experiences and ways of dealing with them.

Tara: At least we have these moments of Paul frozen in time, doing what he obviously loved.  And as you mentioned, there’s more Letterman appearances that are fun to watch.  Dave used to be so great back in the day. And you can plainly see how excited he was to have Crowded House there. The band seems like they had a blast, too.

Michael: Gotta love Dave. And oh … those shoes …