Brilliant Debut Albums #30

Crowded House – Crowded House

I had long been a fan of Split Enz where Neil Finn had joined his older brother Tim and written their big hit ‘I Got You’.  By the 80’s their star had waned, Tim going off to pursue a career in the US.  But in 1986 news begun seeping out that Neil had formed a new band – Crowded House with drummer Paul Hester and bassist Nick Seymour.  What an incredible album; it seemed so new and different, and crammed full of brilliant songs – played and sung with an exuberance and joyfulness; the group actually reminded me of The Beatles.  They made three more superb albums, being joined by brother Tim for one of them.  And then they broke up; Neil going on to a somewhat subdued solo career.  They reformed in 2007, and occasionally release a new record.  I saw them live several times in their heyday, including The Fleadh in Finsbury Park.  This album contains maybe their best-known song ‘Don’t Dream It’s Over’, but every song is wonderful.  A real gem of a debut.