Blue Plate Special: Crowded House
Crowded House, formed in 1985 in Melbourne, Australia, by New Zealander Neil Finn and Australians Paul Hester and Nick Seymour, quickly rose to prominence as a rock band with a distinctive blend of poignant lyrics and catchy melodies. Neil Finn, the lead vocalist and primary songwriter, along with Hester on drums and Seymour on bass, created a sound that resonated across Australia and New Zealand. Their self-titled debut album gained international acclaim, particularly in the United States, with hits like “Don’t Dream It’s Over” and “Something So Strong,” establishing them as a significant force in the rock music scene. It is an amazing album from beginning to end.
Returning from my first year at university in 1987 and living with my grandparents in Sacramento, I started hanging out with a group of friends who were die-hard fans of two bands: the Blow Monkeys and Crowded House. I became a huge fan of both bands, and in the years since have collected vinyl and CD’s from both. It was also great to make the connection with Finn and Hester’s former band, Split Enz, which was a band I had been familiar with since the late 70’s with their singles ‘I Got You‘ and ‘Dirty Creature.’
Throughout the late 1980s and early 1990s, Crowded House enjoyed consistent success, releasing critically acclaimed albums such as ‘Woodface’ and ‘Together Alone’. These records featured hits like “Weather with You” and “Fall at Your Feet,” which became anthems of their era. The band’s lineup evolved over the years, including contributions from Finn’s brother Tim and later his sons Liam and Elroy, as well as Americans Mark Hart and Matt Sherrod. Despite their evolving lineup, Neil Finn and Nick Seymour remained the consistent core of the band, contributing to the unique and evolving sound that kept them relevant in the music industry.
After disbanding in 1996 and a brief reunion in 2006, Crowded House came together again in 2020 with a fresh lineup that included Mitchell Froom and Finn’s sons. Their recent work, including the 2024 album ‘Gravity Stairs’, showcases their enduring ability to adapt and appeal to new generations of listeners (including a really fun video for the single ‘Oh Hi’). With over 15 million albums sold worldwide and a legacy of influence in the music industry, Crowded House remains a testament to the enduring power of quality songwriting and heartfelt performances.
Here are some of my favorites from their catalog:
Don’t Dream It’s Over – from the album Crowded House (1986)
Locked Out – from the album Together Alone (1993)
Weather With You – from the album Woodface (1991)
Amsterdam – from the album Intriguer (2010)
Distant Sun – from the album Together Alone (1993)
Oh Hi – from the album Gravity Stairs (2024)
World Where We Live – from the album Crowded House (1986)
Into Temptation – from the album Temple of Low Men (1988)
Chocolate Cake – from the album Woodface (1991)
