Intriguer [CD+DVD, Deluxe Edition]

Crowded House | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (July 13, 2010)
• Original Release Date: 2010
• Number of Discs: 2
• Format: CD+DVD, Deluxe Edition
• Label: Fantasy
• ASIN: B003K025XM
• In-Print Editions: Audio CD  |  Vinyl  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (41 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #68,134 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Track Listings

Disc: 1

1. Saturday Sun

2. Archer's Arrows

3. Amsterdam

4. Either Side of the World

5. Falling Down

6. Isolation

7. Twice If You're Lucky

8. Inside Out

9. Even If

10. Elephants

Disc: 2

1. Either Side Of The World

2. Amsterdam

3. Saturday Sun

4. Twice If You're Lucky

5. Elephants

6. Falling Dove

7. Isolation

8. Archer's ArrowsLive at the Auckland Townhall

9. Either Side of the World

10. Don't Dream It's OverMusic Video

See all 11 tracks on this disc

Editorial Reviews

Following up on their 2007 release Time On Earth - their first studio recording in 14 years - the internationally acclaimed Crowded House deliver Intriguer. Produced by Jim Scott (Wilco), this all-new recording brings together singer/guitarist and chief songwriter Neil Finn with original Crowded House bassist Nick Seymour and keyboardist/guitarist Mark Hart. Says Finn: "Intriguer is exotic in parts, traditional in origin. It may just be the best thing we've done."

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

24 of 27 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Other than the facial hair and the need for a hair cut, Mr. Finn has still got it going on!!!!, July 13, 2010

By 

Ryan - See all my reviews

This review is from: Intriguer (Audio CD)

Nearly 25 years since the self-titled, Crowded House, Neil Finn has solidly establish himself as a songwriting institution of the South Pacific whose art is enjoyed globally. Frustrating for many in the USA, is that Finn has never received the recognition stateside that he has received overseas. Regardless, if he is making music with family (brother, Tim Finn Anthology: North South East West or more recently son, Liam Finn I'll Be Lightning) or if he is practicing his trade within the beloved Crowded House, he practices the art of songwriting in a nearly unparalleled manner and has garnished the praise of fans around the world and other notable names in popular music (Sheryl Crow, Eddy Vedder, Dixie Chicks, etc.)

The hardest part of providing a critique of Intriguer is considering it on its own merits. Ignoring his great work with Split Enz (20th Century Masters: Millennium Collection (Reis), after five Crowded House albums, two Finn Brother albums (most recently Everyone Is Here and two solo outings, his catalog is so developed that its easy to say that Intriguer does not measure up. It would also be a bit short sided and wrong.

This album, like others penned by Finn, will not likely win over listeners with a single or even a single play. However, it likely will bait you for a second consideration. Intriguer, like earlier albums Temple of Low Menand Woodface, grows on the listener with each play. Yes, I said "album," as in a series of songs sequenced to create an overarching experience for the listener.

Though there is no denying that Crowded House is a vehicle for Neil Finn's music, Time on Earth (2007), while good in its own right, felt more like a Neil Finn album with a Crowded House badge attached to it. Fans and critics didn't really mind because the product was cathartic in light of the suicide of beloved former drummer, Paul Hester.

On the deluxe version of Intriguer, video of Nick Seymour, Mark Hart, and Matt Sherrod reveal that Intriguer is a return to the band format. Other than wardrobe, Seymour is slick as ever on the bass, vocal, and album art Hart proves himself to be an everpresent triple threat on vocal, guitars and keys, And Matt Sherrod plays with a presence and joy that even the mosted devoted Hester fans should appreciate.

Nostalga hounds and Mitchell Froom devotes may be disappointed. However, the material on this album will keep the faithful Crowdies smiling and likely win over a few newbies. After more than 30 years, consistantly cranking out good songs can't be an easy task. Nevertheless, Neil Finn carries on and still seems to be up to the task. The result on Intriguer is worthwhile.

10 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Even if: I Love It, July 14, 2010

By 

Vinzo "[e-mail]" (Boston, MA United States) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Intriguer (Audio CD)

Finally and with little fanfare, "Intriguer" is here. Having seen two of the shows on the recent tour, there is no doubt that CH has gotten better with age. It will be criminal if this music is not heard by all. Many of the songs were previewed by the band in shows in America two years ago. As a collection, the songs are outstanding, well crafted, hooks galore, great vocals and the band sounds great. Neil Finn remains an amazing song writer and his voice, as he ages, has gained such depth and beauty. My only complaints are the length of the album (10 songs) and how many great songs that we heard on the tour, did not make the cut. That being said, Intriguer is outstanding. "Twice if Your Lucky" would have been a hit in the 60's, 70's and 80's but won't cause a blip on the charts today. "Even If" is one of most beautiful and endearing songs that Mr. Finn has ever written, and that is saying something. "Amsterdam" is remarkable in so many ways: in some ways it hints at what the Beatles would sound like today, great chord changes,lilting themes and dramatic vocals. The whole of "Intriguer" leaves the listener wanting more!

On the Deluxe version, the second disc has live recordings of most of "Intriguer" which are beautifully realized songs and some other goodies. Well worth the investment.

CH/NF fans understand the remarkable body of work that he has created. "Intriguer" bolsters Neil Finn's legacy as one of the best song writers and singers of our generation adn Crowded House as at the top of the pop music talent.

"Intriguer is another great album in the CH collection. The songs will endure and grow better with age. Try to catch the current tour for the chance to see a great live band. Do not miss them or Intriguer.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars After a couple of listens....wow, August 31, 2010

By 

amazonaddict - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Intriguer (Audio CD)

Granted I'm a crowded house fan, but Time on Earth didn't do anything for me. I thought this album was on par with the earlier albums and with Neil's solo work (One Nil especially), which I think is absolutely amazing. I just saw them in concert and the songs live were even better, which is not often the case.

If you like CH this is a must buy IMHO.