It's been ten years since Crowded House put out new music, but in my world, it's closer to thirty, since I find both 2007's "Time On Earth" and 2011's "Intriguer" Crowded House records in name only. Those last two records have some fine material, but lack the spirit and pop sensibilty of the band's now classic first four. I am sure this has something to do with the tragic loss of drummer, singer and showman Paul Hester.
That said, I wasn't looking as forward to "Dreamers Are Waiting" as much as I might have many years ago. I loved Neil Finn's "Dizzy Heights" but since then, his music---one more solo record and one with son Liam---has become atmospheric slogs with nary a hook or chorus in earshot.
I am happy to report, "Dreamers Are Waiting," while not quite the ear candy of classic Split Enz or early Crowded House, is a fine return to something close.
The hooks are back. There are choruses that can be sung. And Neil's voice sounds as good as his heyday.
My one complaint, something I hope I eventually adapt to and mind less than I did on first go around, is the production, which is credited to the band. The record is awash with some of that same atmosphere I mentioned above. Whooshing echo, water rippling, oceans breaking, too much percussion, all of which needs to desperately be turned down. There are good songs here, with some classic CH harmonies and I'd like to hear them. Now, it's not as bad as all that and your mileage may vary. Maybe this had something to do with the limited means of recording during a pandemic. I can't say for sure.
But tracks like "Playing With Fire" and my favorite of the album, "Start Of Something" gave me a jolt of nostalgia, they are that good. And man, if "Sweet Tooth" isn't a lost Wilco tune, I don't know what is.
I am going to feel differently, I am sure, on the next few go arounds of "Dreamers Are Waiting." I am already excited about the next few spins, and that is always a good sign with a new record from a favorite artist.
8 comments:
Have only listened to it once, but am looking forward to a few spins today. Your review is spot on. A fine return to form.
I’m a Crowded House outsiders so my expectations are different than yours but I really love “Playing with Fire.”
"Playing With Fire" is a great tune.
Just had my second go around and it's still doing its magic. There are at least 5 fantastic tracks and really nothing bad. But if you've never heard "Together Alone," I think you should give that a spin and if you dig it, go backwards.
The fact NF appears to be wearing a mate's wife's Highland terrier on his head can't detract from the excellent "Playing With Fire". Good to hear him and the band back in great form after a too long hiatus. Thanks for the post. Cheers!
This exceeds my expectation by a long shot. I will need more listens to see if it will hang around long enough to make my short list for best of the year. Is Real Life Woman about Stevie?
@heartsofstone
from the POV of Lindsey?!
I like it. But it sounds closer to a Liam Finn album than CH. More spins may change my perception.
Finally got a chance to listen to this. I forgot how much I missed this band
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