Apologies about posting this here and the Smile shop, it really should have maximum exposure
Neil Finn is a New Zealander. Neil Finn is a a songwriter. Neil Finn had this said about him by one of the Beatles:
"I wish I could write songs like Neil Finn... For my money, one of the worlds greatest living songwriters"-
Direct Mis-Quote from Sir. Paul McCartneyWell, y'can see right there something that Neil Finn and Brian Wilson share (apart of course from an impecable sense of melody, the ability to literally breathe heart breaking emotion while startling you with new and innovative chord progressions, and harmonies to die for)
Formed by Neil after the breakup of the zany Split Enz (New Zealands finest Neoclassicosmoidalcosmeticmental rock group), The "Crowdies" became one of the most respected bands to spring from the Southern Hemisphere. They scored a worldwide Number 1 hit with "Dont Dream It's Over" (the "Hey Now, Hey Now" song), and many of you may have heard other tunes of theirs, "Weather With You", "Something So Strong", "It's Only Natural", "World Where You Live", "Into Temptation"... the list of amazing tracks is endless.
For those of you into downloading, please acquire "Private Universe", one of the greatest songs ever written (and my favourite Crowdies song) Along with this, "Fall at Your Feet" is another brilliant one with surprising chord changes and heavenly harmonies, "Don't Dream It's Over" from their first album, and "Better Be Home Soon" from their second...
Neil Finn (guitar), Paul Hester (Drums), Nick Seymour (Bass) are one of the finest trio's ever to grace the world of popular music, and we're all the better for it.
If you're up for albums, a copy of "Woodface" or "Together Alone" or their best of (giving a nice career span, though many brilliant tracks are left off) would be your best introduction to the band.
I wouldn't normally say this, but it's best with the Crowdies to start at the end of their career (with Together Alone) and work backward to Woodface, then Temple of Low Men, then the debut... Y'might be scared off by the early 80's productions (Despite the fact that the bands are still great).
I'm no good at selling bands to people, but it is an absolute travesty that Neil is not more widely recognised in the Smiley Smile place. Please, listen... listen... listen.