Time on Earth

by

Crowded House

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First up, I'd suggest listening to the samples provided here to see if this terrific Crowded House album is going to be for you. It doesn't sound like anything Neil's done with the band before (although it does recall "Temple of Low Men" and "Together Alone" in terms of its mood). Fans will love this album which builds subtly, over many listens. It is worming its way into my list top albums for this year. Neil is reflective on the changes in his life. Some of the tunes on here are some of the most catchy of his career. He also co-writes a tune with former Smith Johnny Marr (the chiming "Even a Child")and one with The Dixie Chicks. Neil continues to be one of the finest songwriters of his generation and he won't let down fans with this release either.

One thing that Neil Finn never does is make the same album twice. Crowded House fans will find that "Time on Earth" grows on you and isn't as instantly memorable as "Woodface" but is equally as powerful and memorable. In fact, this album reminds me more of the follow up to the band's popular "Woodface" album, "Together Alone"; the melodies are touched with melancholy. You can't help but feel that the death of Paul Hester (the band's original drummer, occasional songwriter and friend of Neil's since the end of Split Enz), middle age and changes in Neil's personal life informed this terrific album. As always, Neil demonstrates a knack for writing memorable melodies and thoughtful, deeply felt lyrics that rank among the best out there. Neil's more experimental solo albums have also impacted this album as well (they departed from the "formula" of Crowded House)and since this was, initially, going to be a solo album it's not a surprise that this album's low key charm and musically adventurous touches are in line with what was on Neil's most recent pair of solo recordings.

Nevertheless, this IS a Crowded House album and brims with all the wit, songwriting skill and hooks that Neil and his band are known for. In fact one of the most interesting aspects of this album is the collison between the "style" that Neil established on his solo albums, the pair he made with his brother Tim and the Crowded House sound. It reinvigorates the album making it a unique and enjoyable follow up to "Together Alone" (the band's last full studio album. I'm not counting "Afterglow" since it was made up of b-sides and tracks that weren't used for the original version of "Woodface").

For those interested there is an import with a DVD of live performances. Also, the first single has two songs not included here plus some live tracks as well. Unfortunately the deluxe edition with the DVD hasn't been released in the United States as of this date.

Worth picking up.

Time on Earth

Don't Stop Now

Together Alone

Woodface

Try Whistling This

One Nil