Songs or Tunes - Crowded House from New Zealand Releases New Album
Several musicians get irritated when asked about their older hit songs during interviews, especially when they're from decades ago. One such band is Crowded House, known for their catchy hits like "Weather With You" (1991) and "Don't Dream It's Over" (1986), which are still popular on classic rock radio stations internationally.
In an interview with "Rolling Stone" in 2021, their frontman, guitarist, and songwriter Neil Finn (66) happily reflected on the enduring popularity of their music: "I'm just grateful that this song has traveled so far. Another thing I'm thankful for is still liking the song myself."
Since their debut album in 1986, Crowded House has always faced comparisons to The Beatles due to their diverse musical style, incorporating folk, pop, and rock elements with poetic lyrics and memorable melodies. This comparison resurfaces on their eighth album "Gravity Stairs," released May 31st.
A beautifully melancholic track with a delicate melody, lush arrangements, and intricate harmonies is "Magic Piano." It bears similarities to their critically acclaimed album "Woodface" (1991).
Finn addressed the subject of aging in their new album, stating that "Gravity Stairs" is a metaphor for the struggles of growing older and the awareness of one's own mortality and physicality. The New Zealander added, "Things are getting more challenging, but the same determination to reach the top is still there." The album contains a lighter, anthemic song called "Oh Hi," serving as a respite in the middle. This uplifting tune was inspired by Finn's work with a charitable organization focused on building schools in remote areas of Kenya and Tanzania.
Finn's sons Liam and Elroy contributed to "Gravity Stairs," as they did in their previous comeback album "Dreamers Are Waiting." They are now official members of the five-piece band.
Finn acknowledged that the album might not have the same immediate radio appeal as some of their previous work but emphasized that it's still a remarkable album, possibly earning the approval of Paul McCartney. The latter's affection for Neil Finn's songwriting skills is no secret, having expressed his admiration publicly on various occasions. Here
This sure does sound apologetic, but there's no need for guilt. After all, every masterpiece may not be a radio hit, but it's one that could captivate even Paul McCartney. could enjoy this brilliant piece of work. Here
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The Beatles' influential musical style is often noted in Crowded House's diverse sound, with folk, pop, and rock elements. Crowded House, originally from New Zealand, has always been compared to The Beatles due to their poetic lyrics and memorable melodies. Neil Finn, the band's frontman, spoke about the enduring popularity of their music in a Rolling Stone interview. The Beatles' influence can be seen in Crowded House's eighth album "Gravity Stairs," released on May 31st. The album's lighter, anthemic song "Oh Hi" was inspired by Finn's work with a charitable organization in Kenya and Tanzania. Crowded House performed in Berlin, Germany, shortly after the album release, and they are scheduled to tour in the USA and Australia.
