Customer Reviews

True Colours

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Although the "True Colours" doesn't sound quite as good Corroboree that probably has more to do with the fact that "Corroboree" was remxed and remastered. "True Colours" features Split Enz coming into its own. Remastered by band stalwart Eddie Rayner, "True Colours" is loud and brickwalled (i.e., has little to no dynamic range)so someone who wants an audiophile experience may want to steer clear of it. Detail is quite good but there's quite a bit of compression. Still, it sounds better than some other remasters I've heard just not as great as it could. The real reason fans may want to pick this up are the bonus tracks.

One of the Finn/Finn era's biggest albums in the United States album is among their eccentric and most eclectic releases featuring all the production touches common to the late 70's/early 80's but the song craft is far and away better than what most other bands were doing. Once Tim Finn invited his guitarist/vocalist brother Neil to join the band they produced a series of the band's most melodic and memorable albums. Buoyed by the success of "I Got You" (it actually broke into Billboard's singles charts at #53 only to be outdone with the next album's single also by Neil Finn "History Never Repeats" which charted at #33),"True Colours" came in at #40 on the album charts quite an achievement for a band that had previously been ignored in the United States.

The rest of the album is as impressive even if the album's production dates it a bit. "Shark Attack" is a catchy Tim Finn number and Tim checks in with one of his most effective ballads "I Hope I Never" which showcases his tenor voice. The album is supplemented by a pair of strong b-sides from the band's singles "Things" (by Tim) and "Two of a Kind" (by Neil) which were strong contenders for the album and add to the quality of this release.

The liner notes are nonexistant which is a pity--those who aren't as familair with the band will want to learn a bit about their history and this album's recording history. We do get complete lyrics (except for the bonus tracks). The original release had three different colored colors with the same design (the U.S. domestic version goes with the red and black design)but this CD release goes with the cover that adnorned subsequent releases.

"Corroborree" sounds better in its re-release than this album (primarily because Rayner went back and remixed the album cleaning it up quite a bit)with a less cluttered production, more detail than this album. While it is a comparable follow up with the highlights being better than the best songs here, it's a bit less consistent than "True Colours". If you pick up "Mental Notes", "True Colours", "Corroboree", "Time & Tide" and "Conflicting Emotions" (primarily for the gorgeous "Message to My Girl" and "Bon Voyage") you'll have the best music this underrated band produced. Recommended.

Mental Notesand Corroboree andFrenzyand Time and Tide

Split Enz had a reputation for being an extraordinarily quirky band with theatrical shows and color costumes/hair. With their fifth album, 1979's "True Colors," the band took a sudden sharp turn into power pop; it became their first international success. Led by Neil and Tim Finn, the songwriting focused more on melody than ever before.

That made the songs "I Got You" and "I Hope I Never" huge hits and even found them on the ABC show "Fridays," performing both...and a memorable performance by Tim. They were ahead of the New Wave curve, as these singles were more pop than punk. There were still quirks to be unearthed, as the frenetic "Shark Attack" and the instrumental "Double Happy" indicate. The Finn Brothers also had a flair for the sardonic lyric, with "Nobody Takes Me Seriously" taking lead in that department.

Split Enz were at a crossroads here. They were on the brink of jettisoning their quirkiness for good and becoming a straightforward singer-songwriting band (something Neil ultimately perfected in Crowded House). "I Hope I Never" is a beautiful ballad, but the underlying sentiment is sarcasm (and the frilly piano solo accent that); within a few years they'd be singing the beautiful romantic ballad "Message To My Girl."

These lovable talents were the darlings from Down Under, hailing from New Zealand. The songs feature great keys, strong harmonies, and tight playing. These folks were the nucleus of what later became Crowded House. This release was their most successful in the US, featuring the hits "I Got You", and "What's the Matter With You". There is also a funny keyboard romp called "Shark Attack", which is lead by manic synth lines and a speedy beat. Neil Finn is a true talent, who to this day is a great singer/songwriter, as well as talented guitarist. Add this to your collection and you will not be disappointed. The original vinyl came with a hologram burned into the record, so different "True Colours" flashed as it revolved on the turntable, not so with this CD release.

If you like 80's music you'll like this one. The band has become more known in the U.S. now than in the 80's. Some of the songs you'll recognize from contemporary radio like "I Got You". The music is great. If you are overly serious you might beware. Songs like "Shark Attack" may sound silly. Overall the whole album is strong. If you want fun and a bit strange this album is near brilliant.