38 years later... THEY'VE STILL GOT IT!

[@garrygrasinski]

One of the rare bands that had no filler on their albums. Almost all the songs were stellar and played like a greatest hits album. Consistently awesome.

[@floricavasiliu8811]

This is touching because I'm a kiwi and kiwis are so proud of Neil Finn and all the Finns. They do us proud, they're so talented

[@TheAlistardragon]

There are a few things that are as universally liked as Crowded House.

[@yvonneclaes5208]

"In the paper today, tales of war and of waste, but you turn right over to the TV page." Strong commentary on humanity's indifference to suffering.

[@gizmoitus]

I saw Neil on a solo tour he did many years ago, playing at the House of Blues in Hollywood, which sadly closed down, but was a wonderful live music venue. The "special guests" that played with him that night were "Wendy & Lisa" from Prince's band during his "Purple Rain" period, and Johnny Marr from the Smiths. You could tell how influential and respected Neil was, that these wonderful musicians would choose to show up and play with him. They played his Split Enz hit "I Got You" as the encore, and the roof nearly blew off the place. Not sure how many people realize he had an entire career before the Crowded House records, and made a lot of great music with his brother during and after Crowded House. To be a touring musician as long as Neil has, and to be in his mid 60's yet still able to sing these high tenor songs and sound as good as he does, is really something.

[@123Rockchild]

When you hear the audience singing back the song to the artist, well you know that song is loved. 🎶

[@MostlyBuicks]

And a good way to annoy people who paid tickets to hear the band, not the audience.

[@Mike-x9h5f]

but I did not pay to hear a thousand people sing Out Of Tune I paid to hear one person sing in tune

[@123Rockchild]

But sometimes you just can’t help yourself! 😁

[@thaismatsumoto]

​@@MostlyBuicksyeah, I always felt that way after watching the early Beatles concerts. While it would be great to see them live back then, I also would have liked to have heard them too.

[@Terri_MacKay]

I've been in the crowd for their shows (including the tour for their first album), and you always know that you're experiencing something very special.

[@golfislife9150]

Best part of these videos is when fil recognizes genuine talent…….and smiles 😄

[@zirphie]

Isn't it just 😊

[@chaparra64]

Yes! I love to watch the utter joy on his face. Like a little kid in a candy shop!

[@TheAlistardragon]

I love it because it’s a reflection of how I feel about this song, only he’s a professional and I am a musical numpty. I think that true talent is something you can hear whether you are trained or not!

[@glasswingbutterfly]

So nice to hear the actual artist's voice w all the feels and flaws and all... Wonderful analysis and mad respect to Neil and Crowded House for keeping it real.

[@hiranchbuff]

As a died-in-the-moptop Beatles fan, "Don't Dream It's Over" might be the most perfect pop song ever written.

[@dickschlitz1360]

It’s just a gem of a tune that will never lose its luster…seems to glow brighter with years…so glad these guys have a song for the ages

[@bryanssongalone8483]

One of the most beautiful timeless songs ever written.

[@OohMyHead]

Crowded House invokes such nostalgia for the 80s! Love that they're still making music.

[@MissJensk1]

Well to be fair, current line-up is only Neil & Nick, plus Neil's two sons & Mitchell Froom . The late Paul Hester is sadly missed.

[@AnjektusStudio]

@@MissJensk1 weĺl 2 original members and their sons is better the only a guitar planer as in Yes this days

[@johnpolitis7929]

@@MissJensk1 Crowded What?

[@glamgal7106]

I remember when "Don't Dream it's Over" was a hit. I love(d) the song. Yet even during the 1980s, music artists still had their critics. I remember People magazine featuring this article "Has music gone too far?" meaning songs' lyrics were too risque in their opinion. Personally, I think they were looking for something to complain about. At least the artist truly sang and played their own songs.

[@Kat-I-am3333]

@@johnpolitis7929 Crowded House

[@DavidPrice-t7o]

'My possessions are causing me suspicion but there's no proof'. Maybe my favourite line from any song.

[@EmEm872]

As an Aussie, I adore Crowded House and am lucky to have seen them lots of times when they were still pretty unknown. Every now and again I watch Neil singing this at a performance of theirs not long after Paul Hester had died. Neil looked absolutely shattered while singing and it still brings me to tears.

[@hohaia01]

For sure, Hester is missed. He added another dimension to the band, just by the force of his personality.

[@EmEm872]

@@hohaia01 smiles, yep, he was always so much fun to see on stage

[@Dominolly]

I saw them at The Royal Albert Hall a couple of days after he had died. They placed his hat on the drum kit and there wasn't a dry eye in the house.

[@voulafisentzidis8830]

As a fellow kiwi, love this band. One of our best! When music was truly music. Thanks heaps, Fil.

[@glamgal7106]

I agree--this was when music was truly music.

[@lizmcbride5659]

Agree,as a NZer, didn't particularly like their former band, Split Enz but Crowded House are fantastic, then Neil went on to play with Fleetwood Mac

[@voulafisentzidis8830]

@@lizmcbride5659 Split Enz were talented but the music was too frenetic for my taste.

[@LekkerDops]

They lived in Melbourne for many years when these songs were written, and recorded them in LA with Tim Pierce. There's plenty of Aussie in there too!! But yes NZ origins, but I'd say split Enz more NZ, crowded house, more Australian. Either way, lucky to have them, a good of both our countries. Back in NZ now I believe, now their kids are grown up.

[@Kat-I-am3333]

You have a really nice voice, Fil 🧚🏼

[@johnman559]

"And I'm counting the steps to the door of your heart"...❤... the greatest lyric ever written

[@f3uibeghardt522]

Really?

[@grandadneal8114]

Said without an ounce of hyperbole

[@grandadneal8114]

@@johnman559 yeah we all speak goodly English in our home

[@pibly7784]

YES 👍. ONE of thousands written.

[@johnman559]

@pibly7784 put your money where your mouth is, name a better lyrical line in a song then, we're waiting🤣

[@brendahhstiles9992]

38 years!? Aaaaaa! I was obsessed with this band from the start💜

[@jbs256]

I’m just going to say. Fil smiling ear to ear. A pitch graph that’s bouncing around and touching the lines once in awhile. We’re in for a joyous time! Back to the show! Marvelous! Joe

[@hgoodin1013]

Omg, right!!

[@mholzmann]

Johnny Marr and Elvis Costello listening to Neil at a pre concert sound check. “I was at the Concert For Linda in 1999, watching Neil soundcheck Don’t Dream It’s Over when Elvis Costello leant in and said, ‘Imagine being that good.’ That’s Neil. His songs are so seamless you don’t notice at first how clever they are and he has this God-given gift for melody.”

[@NIGHTFRIGHT2011]

My favourite songwriter of the last 40+ years.

[@aranos6269]

It sounds so refreshingly great these days. Real music, no robots. Great whether it's your favorite band or not. 👍👍👍👍😊

[@caterinasims6154]

The joy on your face is so great to see.

[@FrMaximilianMaryDean]

Writing great songs vs. great playing/singing. That's such an important point you make starting at 6:43. While there are great songwriters who can play/sing and vice versa, they are two distinct gifts. A little story to illustrate this... I know the principal trumpet player for the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra. Besides playing for the orchestra he has professionally recorded a 2 CD set called "Soli Deo Gloria" of him playing J.S. Bach as a trumpet soloist accompanied by organ. Phenomenal virtuoso musician with great expression!!! So a couple of years ago I had written a song that called for a trumpet solo and I called him up to see if he would be interested in playing a solo. He was totally interested, BUT he wanted me to write out the entire solo for him. He said, "The only thing I can improvise is my coffee in the morning." LOL. The point being that with all the technical skill and gift of interpretation and expression that he has, he had no idea how to create a trumpet solo (let alone write a song or piece). In the end I found a jazz trumpet player to lay down a solo who was able to improvise more than his morning coffee and it reminded me to be grateful to God for being able to compose music and write songs. It's a gift no one should take for granted.

[@Nemowhaleoilbeefhooked]

I was always into heavy rock when i was a drummer back in the 80s but crowded house took my blinkers off and made me understand what good songwriting and melody is.

[@vandalsgarage]

Neil was 63 or 64 when that was filmed, and his pitch is just _spot_ _on_ Crazy good

[@rhoydotp]

One of my favourite band ever. Four Seasons In One Day is a masterpiece, imo

[@pdbordelon]

Neil and the Crowded House are so talented! Ive been a huge fan for 40 years!

[@paulelverstone8677]

Such a wonderfully melodic songwriter. I couldn't tell you why I like them so much - it's not my usual music - but I just do. Good music is good music, regardless of genre...

[@SuziQ.]

I agree. I was heavily into Dokken, Queensrÿche, and Racer X at the time this was released, but I’ve always loved this song. I think it’s because I like melodic music, whether it’s CSN, or Megadeth (Dave has written some beautiful melodic metal).

[@franneep]

I just adore this song and this performance is absolutely stellar! Thanks for covering this one! ❤

[@vandalsgarage]

This song is prominently featured on the soundtrack to my life. It is an instant time machine

[@Wintertalent]

That's Liam on guitar, Neil's son. His other son's Elroy on the drums. Crowded House has become a bit of a family affair.

[@tammydoolittle6054]

It's good to hear an analysis on a great band and song that hasn't been auto tuned or pitch corrected! You did an excellent job analyzing this group, and i loved your guitar demonstrations too!

[@rgjerde53]

You know something is sounding good whenever Fil smiles. I love it when he does that, because it tells me it is something I need to pay attention to. I'm a lousy singer, but bet I could be halfway decent if Fil was my teacher.

[@JackFalltrades]

38 years! How time has flown...

[@Spinsjal]

Oh Fil, thanks for this They are a favorite band for years. (I'm still sad about the loss of enthusiastic drummer Paul Hester, also years ago). Crowded House put New Zealand on the musical map!

[@charliebrown9643]

A great classic track, from a very happy, 80s era. When listening to Neil Finn's exquisite, segregated guitar playing, It's hard, NOT to believe, that he was heavily influenced by "The Shadows' " ( Hank Marvin) from back in the 60's/ 70's. Thanks for the great content you cover. Respect from NZ.

[@Kurtiscott]

One of those songs that continues to grow in stature as the years roll on

[@SuziQ.]

This is why I still go to live concerts, though I prefer smaller venues over stadiums. Neil sounds great. I’ve always loved this song. Your smiles here are infectious. Thanks, Fil. Rock! \m/

[@davidkettell6236]

What a song ,they definitely have not lost a beat ,real talent .

[@MostlyBuicks]

Tim and Neil Finn, great songwriters.

[@Maerahn]

Ohhhh, Fil, you have no idea how much this gladdens my little heart! I've been a huge fan of Crowded House for literal decades - got all of their albums, know almost all of their songs by heart. Neil Finn always struck me as being a very real, down-to-earth guy with integrity. It would've broken my heart to find out he was relying on pitch-correction and pre-recorded 'live' vocals - but I'm (very happily) not at all surprised to find out he's STILL the real deal AND absolutely killing it vocally, even 38 years on.

[@billdillon3886]

Neil is one of my favorites over my 60 years of music appreciation. Even Fleetwood Mac invited him to tour...then Covid hit.

[@DavidPrice-t7o]

Saw him play with Mick Fleetwood at his bar on Maui. Brilliant.

[@CraigShifflet]

Was lucky to see Neil a lot. Split Enz, the original Crowdies lineup (RIP Paul) then Peter. I recommend the Farewell to the World DVD. The commentary with Nick and Neil is great. Neil gives Nick grief over a wrong note. The next time around, he does it again. Nick's response, "If you make the same mistake twice, it's jazz."

[@paulc7590]

Wow. You don't miss anything, Fil. I'm impressed. Great analysis.

[@debbier938]

Hi Fil, This was a fabulous fabulous video analysis today. This is a great song and these guys still have what it takes. So refreshing to just have a performance of this iconic 80s song, simple, classic and pure sounding. They play to “Serve the Song”! I love that line… true musicians/ singers just want to be true to the song and do it justice. Thank you for demonstrating on guitar and singing. Love how the crowd was all into it… a real testament to their musicianship. Really GREAT one today Fil. Thank you so much! Debbie☮️ P.S. your hair is looking great…so curly…love it! 😍

[@philgrogan6924]

Crowded House live, still on rotation in my car to this day.Seeing Tim and Neil a couple decades ago now still one of the best live gigs I've ever seen. Such a volume of work to call on between them, they definately played longer than they were supposed to.

[@senryu93]

Proof great songwriting never ages. I love the interaction between the musicians as every life performance is unique, it involves both skill and a labor of love.

[@julzy3]

I love the opening lines: There is freedom within there is freedom without. Try to catch the deluge in a paper cup. Deep stuff. I could tell he was singing live right away. It made me love the band and the song even more. I remember how perfect this song was for Stephen King's The Stand 1994 TV miniseries. 🕯💛🤘

[@kwerk2011]

"Try to catch the deluge in a paper cup" was a nod to John Lennon and Across the Universe.

[@j.p77]

One of my all time favourite bands.

[@TracyN67]

Thank you, Fil!! Beautiful analysis! My favorite musician after The Beatles, Neil Mullane Finn! ♥️ ~ Tracy

[@kwerk2011]

Fun fact, Crowded House was originally called The Mullanes (for a very short period of time).

[@TracyN67]

@@kwerk2011Yes, I know! You obviously know your Crowded House!

[@Formula-602]

@@TracyN67 TIm was a big Beatles fan..so..maybe Neil heard them a bunch also?

[@4magnels494]

I’ve been watching your channel since the beginning. The number one thing that keeps me tuning in, is how much you enjoy watching and listening to performers! You have gotten me to love artists I never really listened to before. Also, your knowledge is amazing! I have learned so much from you. My husband was very impressed with how much I learned from watching you! That is saying something!! Thank you Fil! I look forward to watching you in the future!!

[@lindadescafano3749]

Great song and old school live performance. I enjoyed your guitar demonstrations as well. 😊🎸🎵

[@AdAstraCan]

I rediscovered Crowded House / Neil Finn / The Finn Brothers back in 2012 and became a fanatic. I probably heard most of their songs only once in the 90s but they stuck. Neil's solo work is often fantastic, too. Check out the One Nil album: "Turn and Run", "Wherever you are", "Anytime", "Driving me mad", etc. The Crowded House "Together Alone" and much later "Time on Earth" are my most-listened-to albums. Check out the songs "Together alone", "Pineapple Head" and "Fall at your feet" from their 1996 Farewell to the World Sydney, Australia concert (the whole concert is wonderful). My wife and I saw Neil live in March 2014 (I actually popped the question during the concert) and he was hugely entertaining. The two Finn Brothers albums are rich with material. Check out "Suffer Never", "Only Talking Sense", "Angel's Heap" off their "Finn" album, and the entire "Everyone is here" album, e.g. "Won't give in", "Anything can happen", "Gentle hum".

[@markkinnish1196]

Great update as always Fil such a great group was very sad about the original drummer Paul Newell Hester.

[@sheilabing9588]

OMG this band made us so proud to be a Kiwi. Every time I hear them on the radio I know it’s going to be a great day. 😊 Really enjoyed your video. Thanks ☺️

[@darlenemazurik4451]

"This is Old School live!" OMG! 😂😂😂

[@texastank9413]

This is an absolute fantastic song.

[@pibly7784]

MAY THE “OLD VERSION OF LIVE” BE RESURRECTED AGAIN !

[@MissJensk1]

YESSSSSS, my favourite band! 😊🎶❤️

[@intothesunset3]

Thank you Fil! Great video♥

[@wingsofpegasus]

Thank you!

[@rict1]

Great vid Fil. I've always been a Crowded House fan. Their Farewell To The World concert in front of the Sydney Opera House is amazing!

[@venderstrat]

I'm Aussie, and watched it live on TV in Auckland.

[@AussieDebb]

Live just as it should be. Love this song and the Finn boys 🎉😂❤ Thanks Phil for showing us what live should be - no robots YAY! 🎉😍

[@Alecmonster3]

One weekend my husband and I saw Neil Finn 4 times. He did a meet and greet and signed stuff. Every concert of his I've been to is incredble. He and John Waite are perfection.

[@IrnBruNYC]

Their SECOND album, Temple of Low Men, is low-key one of the best albums of the 1980s. Start to finish, no skips, perfect.

[@Formula-602]

One of my faves EVER…

[@Formula-602]

I used to have a $9k tube stereo …and that lp sounded so good!

[@debonaire_nerd]

Neil Finn is my favourite songwriter, so very glad you are covering him in your content this week. I have had the pleasure of seeing him live with Crowded House, and also with his brother, Tim. In the words of Paul Kelly, "Neil Finn doesn't write songs, he casts spells."

[@DawnLenn]

Awesome song, and they sound great! I love the detail in your analysis - it gives me an even greater appreciation for how good these musicians are.

[@mimi-3212]

They sound fantastic; glad to know they are really playing and singing live. The guitar solo is so beautifully understated. Thanks for analyzing this one and getting out the guitar.

[@corem7572]

I love crowded house! I always sang out loud to their songs

[@dmcarp2807]

Such a thorough screening of this standard in pop rock. Get why the minor miscues/lapses necessary now to indicate an actual live performance.

[@Terri_MacKay]

One of my favourite bands, along with their predecessor Split Enz. I saw them when they toured for their first album. Even that early in their career, everyone in that crowd knew that they were something special (even much younger people in the audience who didn't know about the Finns' older band). Neil's vocals have always been outstanding, and I'm not surprised that such a great band still sound so good 38+ years later. I love that Neil's sons are now in the band, perhaps that connection is what makes them still sound so good.

[@ginnyvogel7754]

So grateful to have you pointing out all the big and little things that make a great song great! And the little bits we might miss in a truly live and natural performance.

[@Ollie_TheWiseman024]

I've seen Neil live 3 times one time was with crowded house can confirm, they're the real deal, really, enjoyed every show recommend seeing them play live or Neil solo if you get the chance.

[@davidau1x]

Neil did an acoustic version by himself, just with his guitar at the time of the Bali bombing in 2002 and it was stunning. 22 years later it's still with me. It's superstar status with it's perfect with just a voice and a guitar, and when it's 110% times better than the recorded version.

[@matthewalker]

In my mind, the definitive performance of this song was their farewell concert at the Sydney Opera House. There was so much emotion, you could tell they were struggling to keep it together

[@ashley-wu3zj]

I never gave this song a lot of attention but I watched this performance several times over when it came out, it's great and instantly made me more appreciative of the song

[@johnf9596]

Fill, this was such a huge hit in the day thank you for analyzing. True music. John

[@beholdmessiah6526]

Big thumbs up Phil from Kenny in New Zealand

[@jodifisher2183]

My favorite part of these reviews is always Fil's smile. ❤

[@christopherdavies3079]

I remember seeing Crowded House back in 2008/9 at Hyde Park supporting Peter Gabriel and they joked that it was raining at Glastonbury as they led into Weather with You , whilst we had sunshine in London Then 20 minutes later the heavens opened up on us and although the band tried to continue to play but they had to give up after just one song because as Neil Finn explained that they were concerned about being electrocuted on stage I’ve never seen so much water on a stage and I was very surprised that Peter Gabriel did come on stage to do his show

[@marktait2371]

mate was in dales 08 9 i think i saw peter hyde on bbc and watched glasto highlights with the heavy rain flooding

[@TorToroPorco]

Neil Finn is such a talented song writer let alone a wonderful singer and musician. I've been a fan ever since the days of Split Enz. The gorgeous guitar fills on the studio recording for this song were performed by uber session guitarist Tim Pierce (there's a video where he goes over the guitar parts). One of the beautiful things about the chorus is how it lends itself to audience participation and how beautiful sounds with all those voices. Definitely one of my favourite ballads of all time.

[@gspianoguitar4369]

They have got it - in heaps. Saw them live in Cardiff 2 years ago and a proper live performance. Everything in the right place and played so well - vocals harmonies instrumental playing - top musicians and of course stellar songwriting from Neil. This is just one of many many fantastic tunes...Right up there with the very best bands

[@alanna8983]

Thanks for playing this one, Fil. I've always loved this song and this group.

[@aussiehardwood6196]

Thanks Fil your did a wonderful job, Crowder House really were just great.

[@DiamondGirl-1234]

A song so full of feelings. Wonderful to hear it natural with all of the emotions shining thru. As I would expect, another great breakdown and analysis of this song and all of the feelings it brings out by Fil. You are a natural teacher and fantastic at allowing us to explore with you the wonders of great music and compositions. Thank you for everything. Your channel is the best at this. IMO. Rock. 🎼🎸🤘💖

[@tnmoppylaura5476]

Thanks for recognizing the groups that do it right!!

[@marksimpson2321]

Great content as ever. You get Fil being respectful of a very wide variety of different music and musicians ! Ty. FYI CH did a fabulous lockdown version of this a few years ago.

[@rmacdougallaliasdogviticus]

Love this song. Thanks for the excellent analysis sir. If you've not heard enough of this yet check out ' Exclusive Crowded House acoustic performance | 60 Minutes Australia ' just Neil and Nick playing acoustic. Great stuff. Cheers.

[@missymurphy9996]

This is absolutely hands down my fave song of all time!

[@caterinasims6154]

Now, this I love! Thank you Fil!!!!

[@tunesarms2586]

Great song & video Fil 👍🏻 Refreshing to hear it actually LIVE !!!

[@AmyCheverette]

Recently I've been hearing this song on the radio a lot lately (80's station) and every time I hear it I like it more and more! It was really interesting getting to learn more about the song through this analysis. 🙂

[@robhamilton5057]

i follow Neil on social media and he regularly posts videos singing live, great talent.

[@juliebarrett1636]

Really enjoyed listening to this song. One of my all time favourites, by a very talented band. Loved your analysis. Thank you Fil. Rock!

[@MissJensk1]

I'm seeing them in Cardiff in June 🙂

[@thebigwool]

It’ll be a good one. They always get great audience participation there. We Welsh like to sing!

[@MissJensk1]

@@thebigwool I know 😊 I'm part Welsh. 🎶 I've seen them in different line-ups 3 times, & Finn Brothers twice. 🎶

[@rolanddunk5054]

Hi Fil,old school performance warts and all…brilliant.

[@daviddonnelly3529]

Brilliant analysis of my favourite song, how about "recurring Dream" by crowded house which has an amazing tempo with a brilliant (hard) riff

[@SuperWayneyb]

The difference between played live and performing live I preferred when they were one and the same.🙏🎼

[@olev01]

Considering they've played it over 1000 times - "like on the record" - I can't blame them doing a different arrangement.

[@deanuehara1728]

Great insights of what works for this song and performance. Thanks Fil. I've always liked this song. This is a fine performance.

[@corilia9529]

One of my favorite songs!

[@candydale8380]

❤❤❤ this song!!! Thank you, Fil!! Sometimes I NEED to hear this song, it's so weird lol🎶🎙🎸

[@billiejulianna670]

Yay! You analyzed this performance -- yay! Thank you, Fil!

[@johnnymoondog]

They were great !