Split Enz Albums Ranked From Worst to Best

[@kevtruth]

Today I thought to myself "I need to listen to either Time And Tide or True Colours - it's been a while". Then I saw this post. Wild

[@alclarke]

You guys didn’t look into the background of Time And Tide. Unbelievable record.

[@vandiner5924]

Neil Finn should be on any list of the greatest songwriters of all time (but rarely is). For his amazing contributions to Split Enz, then an impressive output with Crowded House, a number of great solo albums, and also a couple of Finn Brothers albums, he is ridiculously underated. My favourites are the early 80s albums (where Neil was a full member): True Colours 4.5; Conflicting Emotions 4 stars; Waiata/Corroboree 4 stars; Time and Tide 3.5. Thanks for doing this.

[@alclarke]

Very talented is Neil- he knows it too. My muso.

[@alclarke]

I just checked out Neil with Paul Kelly. Nice concert video.

[@gaznathemoon1128]

Mental Notes is a masterpiece in my opinion. Love Tim's vocals, in some spots even "Geddy like" to my ears and icing on the cake. 5 star easy for me:)

[@llewellynGS1]

I’m a kiwi and and was 10 years old when mental notes came out. I really like “maybe” from that album. I’m really pleased to see you Americans taking the time to review the catalog, makes me proud as a kiwi. I am more familiar with their later stuff but here’s my ranking: 1. True colors 2. Time and tide 3. Frenzy 4. Dizrythmia 5. Mental notes 6. Waiata (means celebration in Māori) 7. Second thoughts 8. Conflicting emotions 9. See ya round -

[@johnmavroudis2054]

Right there with you on this list! Your country has produced some AMAZING pop (big fan of THE CHILLS, THE CLEAN, ABLE TASMANS, STRAITJACKET FITS, etc.)

[@martinhayward3406]

The Beths too. Another band with a gift for melody.

[@llewellynGS1]

@@johnmavroudis2054 still got my Clean EPs from 1981.

[@canadianstudmuffin]

Watched this yesterday. Even though I don't have any Split Enz in my collection I've always respected their music, plus they were just as good live as in the studio.

[@matttokley8215]

My favourite TLM video for some time - I was so surprised to see u guys ranking Split Enz. As a long time Crowdie I really must spend some more time investigating the Enz albums - this will be a useful reference tool. Cheers guys!

[@RostyslavLogachov]

9. Frenzy (1979) 2.5/5 8. Waiata (1981) 2.5/5 7. True Colours (1980) 2.5/5 6. Dizrythmia (1977) 3/5 5. Mental Notes (1975) 3/5 4. Conflicting Emotions (1983) 3.5/5 3. Second Thoughts (1976) 3.5/5 2. See Ya 'Round (1984) 3.5/5 1. Time And Tide (1982) 4/5

[@Jimbaud1]

I've been a big Split Enz fan since my teens, having REALLY gotten into them just prior to Crowded House releasing their fantastic debut in '86, so the timing was perfect in terms of Neil Finn's transition between the two bands, and consequently I fell in love with both, as well as Tim's solo stuff, especially his wonderful 1983 debut, Escapade. 1. Time and Tide (1982) - 4.5 stars (9.3) 2. True Colours (1980) - 4.5 stars (9.0) 3. Waiata (1981) - 4 stars (8.4) 4. Frenzy (1979/81) - 4 stars (8.3) - deferring to the '81 version here because it's superior IMO. 5. Dizrythmia (1977) - 4 stars (8.0) 6. Second Thoughts (1976) - 4 stars (7.6) 7. Conflicting Emotions (1983) - 3.5 stars (7.4) 8. Mental Notes (1975) - 3.5 stars (7.2) 9. See Ya Round - (1984) - 3.5 stars (6.7)

[@179rich]

I've always been against the idea of going back and changing an album after it's been released.

[@Jimbaud1]

@@179rich I believe Split Enz's North American distributor, A & M, made the changes by substituting Neil's "Carried Away" and "Holy Smoke", along with Tim's "Semi-Detached" and extracted "The Roughest, Toughest Game in the World", "Famous People" and "Abu Dhabi". It was Frenzy's official release in NA and I imagine A & M wanted to take advantage of the commercial momentum established by True Colours, mainly from Neil's "I Got You", bringing his total of song-writing credits on Frenzy from two to four. And I feel it was the right move because the subbed tunes are better than the ones taken off the album. AND that '81 version is the one I'M most familiar with, having not heard the original version until the early 2000s when I bought it on CD. So, both versions are in my collection.

[@deathfromabove77]

also... i love and respect the slightly new direction the channel's taken ( and i understand you had to manage the heavy workload involved) .... but you guys are so , so good with Artist album/songs /side 3 weeks. That period 2020-22 where you churned these out weekly were absolute gold and made your reputation, in my opinion. Watching this video reminded me of how brilliant you guys are with this format. Just saying . Respect TLM

[@rdumontdebeque]

One of my biggest regrets was not seeing Split Enz when they came to my town in the 80s. I’m a huge fan.

[@3bwana]

Saw the Time & Tide tour at the Hollywood Palladium in ‘82

[@Vanessa.P]

Enjoyable discography, I only knew a couple songs beforehand so I really didn't know what to expect. While I was not blown away by anything I still found it to be a consistently enjoyable discography to listen to. Not a huge amount of separation ratings wise between the top and bottom. 9) See Ya Round - 3 8) Conflicting Emotions - 3 7) Waiata - 3 6) Frenzy - 3.5 5) Dizrythmia - 3.5 4) Time and Tide - 3.5 3) Second Thoughts - 3.5 2) Mental Notes - 4 1) True Colours - 4

[@johnwilliams4658]

Excellent job guys, especially going in cold. The Enz were part of my world from a very early age growing up in Australia in the 70s. That said, I'd have trouble ranking the albums. Waiata (pronounced best by Joe) is a sentimental favourite of the pop era for me. Very happy it's his number one. The easy to find Enzology podcast is well worth a listen, especially for the early years. Very candid and worth your time. The Rootin' Tootin' Luton Tapes is very highly regarded and well worth a listen. Well done guys, made my day.

[@alclarke]

Rooti’ Tootin’ is as good as XTC at their most fun. Such a joy!

[@3bwana]

Been waiting for this one for some time now being as I’ve stated in the past how much the Enz have meant to me over the years. Stoked to see you guys dig into this supremely if not convoluted and somewhat uneven yet very interesting discography…so without further ado here we go with my personal ranking with in depth commentary for each album to come 9.See Ya Round 8.Second Thoughts 7.Conflicting Emotions 6.Dizrythmia 5.Mental Notes 4.Frenzy 3.True Colours 2.Time and Tide 1.Waiata Mental Notes (4 stars) with it’s Genesis leanings straight out the gate on this debut with the original and preferable version of Walking Down The Road to the remake re-recorded for the Second Thoughts Lp. This earlier version is even weirder and more prog, more interesting in a way but a sort of heavily Foxtrot/Selling England Genesis inspired pastiche going on here they’re not even really trying to hide the aping of the Gabriel era stuff. It could very well be the most blatant recorded example of a band doing such and it’s probably why I prefer it to Second Thoughts overall because it’s just straight Prog Rock before they started to shift towards remaking more arty versions of half these songs songs, think Roxy when Manzanera stepped in to streamline the sound a tad more on Second Thoughts to lesser effect. Phil Judd’s otherworldly warbling is truly an acquired taste but an intriguing and important early component nonetheless. He would always be second string from the very start beside the great Tim Finn during his brief early tenure sharing frontman duties. Overall I’ve always preferred the Neil era to the Phil Judd era of the band so the first two records will always be more of a curio when up against the strongest later material. ‘Maybe’ is a strong standout being as it’s the first showings of what would later become the Split Enz sound, more so than any tracks on Second Thoughts. SpellBound is just weird as fuck but I’ve always loved it with Phil Judds theatrical performances of it in old clips of them playing it on early tv appearances on KZbin Second Thoughts (3.5 stars) Heavy Art Rock/Prog leanings abound on this Manzanera produced sophomore effort including half reworked/re-recorded songs from the debut Mental Notes sees the Enzdoing their version Roxy meets Gabriel era Genesis, a dash of early King Crimson with a showboat full of music hall and vaudevillian humor, Eddie Rayner demonstrating his prowess as mvp early on but not as strong overall as the full on Genesis prog Pastiche of the debut Dizrythmia (4 stars) Phil Judd, Mike Chun & Emlyn Crowther are out, Brother Neil, Nigel Griggs & Malcolm are in respectively and BOOM just like that we have the birth of what the majority of people who are even somewhat familiar with the band would recognize as the Split Enz sound finding the group moving further away from their earlier prog/art tendencies into a more accessible pop song format and with album opener ‘Bold as Brass’ and first single ‘My Mistake’ already immediately has younger brother Neil Finn’s impressive pop signature all over it. Neil and his guitar prowess along with Tim’s compositions from this point on begin to mold the Enz into the greatest angular art pop export to ever emerge out of Auckland. The great Geoff Emerick producing doesn’t hurt and the band from this point forward evolve from a Genesis inspired prog rock outfit into one of the great pioneers of the late 70’s international New Wave sound Frenzy (4 stars) finds the band upping the energy into near punk territory on the opening single ‘I See Red’ with one of Eddie Rayner’s all time great piano solos. A great early Neil Finn co-write on ‘Give It a Whirl’ sounding more than every what the Enz would evolve into over the next several records. Semi-Detached finds the band sounding a bit like Magazine and like a precursor to ‘I Hope I Never’ off the follow up ‘True Colours’. The Lp ends much the way it began with an even more aggressive punk number than the opener in Livin’ it Up True Colours (5 stars) Propelled by their first ever U.S. hit with the all time great Neil Finn penned ‘I Got You’ which is probably their most well know hit single besides ‘Dirty Creature’ and ‘History Never Repeats’ the band reaches new heights of quirky pop songcraft and production featuring other ask time Enz classics ‘Poor Boy’ and the moody ballad ‘I Hope I Never’

[@jbellinger99]

Thanks to you guys and your Patreon listeners for discovering a really unusual (but kinda cool) band! Thank YOU!

[@claytonkelley4921]

1. True Colours (1980) 4 stars (8) 2. Second Thoughts (1976) 3.5 stars (7.9) 3. Mental Notes (1975) 3.5 stars (7.8) 4. Frenzy (1979) 3.5 stars (7.7) 5. Dizrythmia (1977) 3.5 stars (7.6) 6. Time and Tide (1982) 3.5 stars (7.2) 7. Waiata (1981) 3 stars (6.7) 8. Conflicting Emotions (1983) 3 stars (6) 9. See Ya Round (1984) 2.5 stars (5.7)

[@foreignparticle1320]

Although I was aware the band had achieved international exposure, TBH I did not think they had done so to the extent they would end up on this channel! Growing up in New Zealand in the 80s & 90s, I knew lots of Split Enz songs from the radio but never owned or listened to an album except 'ENZSO' - a 1996 project of orchestral arrangements of Split Enz songs featuring the Finns, Rayner and a few local artists.

[@kiwiian8051]

Split Enz. Wow. So significant to us Kiwis. Jason is right, "Six Months in a leaky boat" is great and so NZ. "Aotearoa, rugged individual", this is Kiwiana at it's best. Had to say something after 16 minutes, I better watch the rest!

[@ThePhysicalillusion]

1. True Colours - 4 2. Waiata - 3.5 3. Time and Tide - 3.5 4. Frenzy - 3.5 5. Dizrythmia - 3.5 6. Conflicting Emotions - 3.5 7. Mental Notes - 3 8. Second Thoughts - 3 9. See Ya ‘Round - 3

[@deathfromabove77]

fantastic ranking guys. One of my favourite bands. Love the fresh perspective you all give, going in mostly blind to their work. Respect TLM. I have my own ranking which i'll post soon ( filed it somewhere) but basically Truecolours is top, Poor Boy's my number 1 track...but i love your interest in their proggy/art rock 70s pre -Neil work. Nicely done

[@ThatGuy1805]

for being a big enz fan, my scores are gonna be generally high for all of them lol 1. Dizrythmia (5/5) 2. Time and Tide (5/5) 3. Mental Notes (5/5) 4. Waiata (5/5) 5. Second Thoughts (4.5/5) 6. See Ya Round (4/5) 7. True Colours (4/5) 8. Frenzy (3.5) 9. Conflicting Emotions (3.5)

[@edward8597]

Interesting note: Split Enz (and later Crowded House) were a way bigger deal here in Canada than in the USA or UK. "Six Months in a Leaky Boat" was a top ten hit here and didn't even reach the top 100 in the USA. I think that overlap between prog, new wave and pop (à la Supertramp) was a particularly Canadian vibe. In the 80s, Crowded House were on MuchMusic and at Junos so much I assumed they'd taken up residence in Canada.

[@alclarke]

Surprisingly, they were also pretty big in Israel.

[@3bwana]

Anything truly great is generally bigger anywhere overseas than in the U.S. most people here don’t have an f’ng clue and at this point, never will

[@windyhillbomber]

Impressed that the Enz gets a look in. A really innovative post punk era band from NZ but really made their name after moving to Australia. Tim and Neil both highly accomplished song writers.

[@johnmavroudis2054]

Split Enz were fantastic... "TRUE COLORS" and "TIME & TIDE" were their best, IMO.. Both amazing pop masterworks. I consider them an elite-tier band... I'll just give my favorite NEW ZEALAND BANDS (Pop / Rock edition) in order: 1. THE CHILLS (absolutely brilliant pop music by the MARTIN PHILLIPPS-led band. "Submarine Bells" was their best album... but don't sleep on their singles collection "Collideascope World" ) 2. THE CLEAN (along with THE CHILLS, they were the vanguard of New Zealand Indie Pop) 3. ABLE TASMANS (amazing piano-led pop band that could go truly goosebump-inducing soaring tunes... "STORE IN A COOL PLACE" is one of my all-time favorite albums... A NZ Radiohead experience) 4. STRAITJACKET FITS (Three amazing albums so they were like a shooting star... two different lead vocalists / guitarists.. on the first two album with some dark, smoldering tunes mixed in with wonderful pop and blow-the-doors-off rockers) 5. SPLIT ENZ (Major label breakthroughs... much discussed here) 6. THE BATS (Pretty damn good indie pop band... some of the tunes lose me... but pretty solid career.) 7. FLIGHT OF THE CONCHORDS (just the funniest band on Planet Earth.) Other bands worth checking out: TALL DWARVES, Jean Paul Sarte Experience, Bailterspace...

[@walterjanaro42]

I went to see them in concert in Washington DC in the summer of 1982. The opening act was some British band named Duran Duran (three months later Split Enz would've been opening for them).

[@spoteach]

Thank you guys. I'm a big Finn fan, so I love Split Enz. Just like on the Prefab Sprout episode I liked every second of this show. It's great to witness three wise men discover good music and above all recognize it as such. I have one big tip for the the lovers of Frenzy. Try to find the so called Rootin' Tootin' Luton Tapes. It was released as a limited 2CD and contains 28 demo's from the 1978 sessions between Dizrythmia and Frenzy (the moment Split Enz lost their international record deal with Chrysalis and went through a dark period). It contains the entire Frenzy album and a lot of bonus material that was (a) never released before or (b) used as b-sides on some later singles. Frenzy didn't get an international release until A&M decided to rework Frenzy for a 1981 release (after the success of True Colours and Waiata), omitting some of the weaker songs and replacing them with some of the b-sides, demoed on the Luton tapes. And Eddie Rayner would indeed later remix the original Frenzy album because the sound (let's be honest, guys) sucked a bit. Eddie Rayner even reproduced Waiata for the 2005 remaster because Tim Finn thought the vocals on that album were too much in the background. I'm not keen on that 2005 reproduced version of Waiata (Rayner even used different takes of the songs). 1. Time And Time their most mature album both in arrangements and lyrics (and my first Split Enz album) 2. Waiata the darker brother of True Colours (more new wave in my opinion) 3. True Colours you can't deny great hooks, can you 4. Second Thoughts (released internationally as Mental Notes adding the tiny title track from their debut to the tracklist) the best one of their prog years 5. Dizrythmia soft spot for this somewhat underrated album 6. Conflicting Emotions I love this era of Split Enz and the first Tim Finn solo album (drum machines because drummer Green left the band) 7. Frenzy A mixed bag in my opinion with some excellent compositions and some weaker ones 8. Mental Notes the proto Second Thoughts 9. See Ya Round like Jason mentioned and Joe said: no more than a goodbye record (wasn't released outside NZ and AU) and introducing later CH drummer Paul Hester 10. The Living Enz in 1985 Split Enz released a double live album from their farewell concert with Tim Finn on stage In fact Split Enz kept doing live reunion concerts in NZ and AU throughout the decades with their 80's line up. If you want to make me happy again in the future, try these artists: The J. Geils Band, Dead Can Dance, XTC remaster, The Cure ...

[@richardfurness7556]

When I bought Time & Tide in 1982 (on vinyl in the UK) it came with Frenzy as a free insert. If I remember correctly there were 7 tracks on each side, and none of them sounded like demos so I guess they were the 81 versions even though the sleeve advertised the collection as the Rootin' Tootin' Luton Tapes from 78. Side One I'm fairly confident about: I See Red; Give It A Whirl; Master Plan; Betty; Stuff And Nonsense; Frenzy; Marooned. Side Two opened with Hermit McDermitt, but other than Semi-Detached and Mind Over Matter the rest of the album's a blank and KZbin hasn't been much help filling it in. Great value, though!

[@spoteach]

@@richardfurness7556 Looks indeed like the 1981 tracklist. Side 2 contains Hermit McDormitt, Holy Smoke, Semi-Detached, Carried Away, She Got Body, Mind Over Matter and Livin' It Up. Holy Smoke, Semi-Detached and Carried Away are from the Luton Tapes but appeared as b-sides on some of the True Colours en Waiata singles down under. Livin' It Up was from the Luton Tapes. I remember some of the tracks were remixed and some were (re)produced for the 1981 release.

[@michelewiese48]

@@spoteachReally looking forward to the Cure episode (it will happen but when?!) I would LOVE for them to cover Dead Can Dance as well! A favorite band of mine.

[@michelewiese48]

Split Enz albums ranked: 1. Mental Notes (immersive, strange, and atmospheric beauty) 2. Waiata (power pop/new wave hybrid with a lot of standouts) 3. True Colours (only album I was familiar with and easily expected this to be my #1 at the start) 4. Dizrythmia 🎪 🦜 5. See Ya ‘Round (have a soft spot for the 1984 sound of this) 6. Frenzy (fun, even if a little disjointed to my ears) 7. Time And Tide (last 3 songs are my faves) 8. Second Thoughts (some interesting reinterpretations of Mental Notes tracks but sorta unnecessary imo) 9. Conflicting Emotions (don’t care a lot for this one, but the title track is excellent and sums up my listening experience with this band) Split Enz bring to mind so many different artists: The Cars, Pink Floyd, Roxy Music, to name a few. I hear more of a prog rock/art pop band enamored with synths and keyboards as opposed to the more electro/synth pop sound that was being perfected by their contemporaries Depeche Mode, OMD, and New Order, although they sometimes go in that direction. Ultimately, they always sound uniquely like themselves. No small feat for a band that blends numerous styles. Tim Finn truly has some fantastic unhinged and eccentric moments, especially on their debut. Neil’s voice is a bit smoother, and nostalgically familiar from the Crowded House hits I grew up with. They have a creative and quirky energy: personifying circus ringmasters, vagabond thespians, and celibate art students. Sometimes their songs suffer from lack of relatable emotionality and vulnerability. There’s plenty of self-absorption, but where’s the warmth and empathy? Do I fluently speak and understand this band’s language? I’m still not entirely sure. Women (and maybe anyone outside of this band) seem to be the subject of fear, distrust, and confusion in a lot of the lyrical themes. There is an inherent icy aloofness, but a few tender and provocative moments emerge. They’re not a very sexy or suave band, in the obvious sense. They exist in an introverted La-La Land - yet it’s not without its charms. “Am I a real boy?” - Pinocchio asked the Blue Fairy 🧚‍♂️ I’m happy I explored their catalogue and went beyond “I Got You” and I enjoyed much of what I heard, but there’s something missing the bullseye for me. I wanted to love them. Maybe I actually do? Even as I write this, I realize that some of their melodies and lyrical verses have crept into the forefront of my musical mind. Although I’m conflicted and not in full resonance with this band, they’re certainly brilliant in their colors across many mediums: songwriting, album art, and fashion. I probably contradicted myself several times here, but they were worth my exploration, and several of their songs are now stuck in my head.

[@AbbeyRoadkill1]

Waiata is the album that most surprised me with how good it was. Nice list!

[@davidellis5141]

Nice detail Michele 👌 ! Saw Wilco , Slowdive & Cheap Trick in last week ! The National are next up in November. I'm a big fan of The Finn Brothers record from the 90's that's perpetually out of print. Happy Fall 🍂 🍁

[@michelewiese48]

@@AbbeyRoadkill1 Good morning & Thanks! On some days, Waiata could be my #1. It has such a punchy feel to it.

[@michelewiese48]

@@davidellis5141 Hi David, Wow - you’ve had a nice run of live shows! Hope you had a great time at all of them. I enjoy The National’s album: Boxer (Live In Brussels) especially the versions of Fake Empire, Mistaken For Strangers, and Squalor Victoria (really dig that long drum intro and the sound of the crowd together.) Will have to check out The Finn Brothers. Happy Fall to you too! 🍁 🎃

[@bbchronicles736]

Cool! I really like Split Enz. I discovered them way back in like 1975 with the US version of Mental Notes (which I guess is mainly Second thoughts) and followed them for a number of years. However, I have to admit that I have not listened to any Split Enz album in at least 30 years. But this has inspired me to pull some out and re-listen to them.

[@edward8597]

9. Frenzy (★★★), 8. Second Thoughts (★★★), 7. See Ya 'Round (★★★), 6. Mental Notes (★★★½), 5. Dizrythmia (★★★½), 4. Waiata (★★★½), 3. True Colours (★★★½), 2. Time and Tide (★★★★), 1. Conflicting Emotions (★★★★)

[@paulfromperth5713]

They were pretty big in Australia. Was in my teens when they started and still have about 6 songs of theirs, My Mistake being my favourite. 😊

[@johnw706]

An excellent review of their albums . I found it educational from the standpoint that I only ever owned True Colours and Time & Tide , plus a 2 CD 39 song compilation of the rest of their music called Spellbound I. never did get to see them , but shortly after they called it quits , I saw Tim and Neil Finn in Toronto around 1996 , when they toured together as Finn , and they were absolutely great . They played a lot of Split Enz , their own songs as Finn , and threw in some Crowded House tunes as well . I also saw Crowded House at Massey Hall in 1994 , and they were excellent . Anyway , I can't reasonably rank their albums , but will definitely be in on the top 10 songs ( from the 60 or so songs that I know ) . Cheers !!!

[@TimeToGetAlone]

I got an early start on this discography. Overall I lean Neil Finn's followup Crowded House, but there are gems of tracks in here for sure. 1. True Colours - ★★★★ 2. Time and Tide - ★★★½ 3. Waiata - ★★★½ 4. Second Thoughts - ★★★ 5. Frenzy - ★★★ 6. Mental Notes - ★★★ 7. Dizrythmia - ★★★ 8. Conflicting Emotions - ★★★ 9. See Ya 'Round - ★★ ½

[@johnmavroudis2054]

Great ranking!

[@TimeToGetAlone]

Thank you!@@johnmavroudis2054

[@georgemathie8123]

This is one of my favorite bands and yes they do take some multiple listens to get used to my top 6 are time and tide, true colors, corroboree or waita, mental notes, frenzy and conflicting emotions there is definitely no band like split enz

[@brentwillis260]

1. Mental Notes is their masterpiece, Quirky art rock (prog?) that even punks could like (NZ punks did). 2. Second Thoughts. The new songs are great. The rerecorded songs are smoother and less interesting than the originals. 3. True Colours. Their best new wave album. Almost every track a potential hit single. 4. Dizrythmia. The perfect blend of pop and prog. The first two tracks are the best. 5. Waiata. Similar to True Colours but not quite as good. 6. Frenzy. Some great songs like I see Red and Betty, but too much filler, should have trimmed it down a bit. 7. Time and Tide. Dirty Creature is awesome. The rest not so good. Starting to sound a bit MOR in parts. 8. See Ya Round. I walk away is a great song. Some quirkiness returns. 9. Conflicting Emotions. Sounding more MOR than T & T. Straight old line is good. Starting to sound like Croded House. Honourable Mention: The beginning of the Enz. Not a proper album but a compilation of their early singles and some demos. Magic stuff, I'd rank it as their second best.

[@kimberlywalker3970]

I'm glad you guys did Split Enz. A lot of cool bands come from Down Under. The only one, aside from Split Enz, you guys have done is AC/DC. That I know of. I don't know why you haven't done INXS? To me, it's criminal. I'm still pissed about the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame comment but people either love them or love to crap on them, whatever! There's also Crowded House, which you guys mentioned, Midnight Oil, Icehouse, Hunters and Collectors, Cold Chisel, look them up if you haven't already, they're all cool too.

[@Kussinz-b6r]

Paul Kelly also!! It would be amazing to see them do some more Aussie artists, there is so many great and iconic ones!

[@kimberlywalker3970]

@@Kussinz-b6r I hear you. The 80s was called the 2nd British Invasion. I also think it was an Aussie one as well. We expect Britain to have great music, but I think Australia is sorely overlooked. I own at least one Icehouse, Midnight Oil, AC/DC and Crowded House CD. And Saturday Night Fever, I call it a BeeGees CD. And I own almost every CD INXS has ever made so, there's that. We need more people like you and me to speak up so at least one of these other artists might get the love they deserve. Peace ✌✌

[@adamp2029]

Rumor has it that Tim Finn came up with Hard Act to Follow after using that phrase about following Midnight Oil at a show.

[@davidellis5141]

Well ..Gretta Scachi was a hard act to follow but that was later.

[@davidnelson6874]

I can still remember sitting in my car while on break at work and hearing I Got You for the first time in the late Summer of 1980. I was so blown away. I’d never heard anything that seems so perfect to me. I waited until 1988 to buy a greatest hits package. I was surprised to learn of the connection to Crowded House. I think of Split Enz in much the same way as I think of The Go-Betweens. Their best songs rank up there with anybody. It’s truly a shame more people don’t know more of their music. The only problem with both bands is they never put out a five star album. But then again, that’s all a matter of opinion.

[@paulotapadas4648]

Waiting for the Crowded House ranking 😊😊

[@179rich]

09) See Ya 'Round (1984) 3.5/5 08) Conflicting Emotions (1983) 3.5/5 07) Dizrythmia (1977) 3.5/5 06) Waiata (1981) 3.5/5 05) Second Thoughts (1976) 4/5 04) True Colours (1980) 4/5 03) Frenzy (1979) 4/5 02) Mental Notes (1975) 4.5/5 01) Time and Tide (1982) 4.5/5 Ratings Scale: 0 stars - irredeemably terrible/insultingly bad/the worst .5 stars - terrible 1 star - bad 1.5 stars - pretty bad 2 stars - weak/mediocre 2.5 stars - meh 2.75 stars - "It's OK, but quit playing it." 3 stars - OK/decent 3.25 stars - pretty good 3.5 stars - good 3.75 stars - really good 4 stars - very good 4.25 stars - very, very good 4.5 stars - excellent 5 stars - tentacles on the brain Chronological Order: 1975 - 4.50 - Mental Notes 1976 - 4.00 - Second Thoughts 1977 - 3.50 - Dizrythmia 1979 - 4.00 - Frenzy 1980 - 4.00 - True Colours 1981 - 3.50 - Waiata 1982 - 4.50 - Time and Tide 1983 - 3.50 - Conflicting Emotions 1984 - 3.50 - See Ya 'Round Notes: * I had heard almost nothing from this band, despite being a Crowded House fan in high school. I was familiar with "I Got You," I had heard "Six Months in a Leaky Boat" and that's about it. I may have put on a Split Enz album or two on some drunken evening, but I don't recall. And that's a shame because I feel they are well worth getting into. * The band on their debut Mental Notes sounds like it is comprised of excellent musicians. I'm very impressed with the bass, piano, clavinet, etc. This is a good mix of pop sensibilities with prog tendencies. Most of these songs do take you on a journey that has little to do with traditional song structures. The first side is the proggiest and I find it to be significantly better than the second side. The vocalist(s) has a weird affectation that I think some might find cheesy, but it doesn't bother me. They're going for weird here to some degree, and I think they succeed, even if some of the sounds aren't entirely original, like that maniacal laughing on "Stranger than Fiction." * I really dislike this idea of redoing your debut album which is what the band pulls on this second album for the rest of the world outside of Australasia, giving it the same name as the debut and rerecording four songs, one of which sounds like a completely different song altogether. I don't think they significantly improved on those songs, perhaps tightened them up a bit in places, but then losing some of the art in the process. It's never a good idea to rub a song raw - best to move on, which is what some of the band members would have preferred to do. But what's here is really good, especially "Sweet Dreams" with some strong acoustic guitar and a great horn solo. And the title "Second Thoughts" is clever with its double meaning. * The band sometimes incorporate carnivalesque and vaudeville into their music even as they transitioned to more of a New Wave/synthpop band. * True Colours would have rated and ranked higher for me if it wasn't for "Missing Person." I dig the verses, but HATE the chorus. This is the only Split Enz track I rate below 3 stars, so having to sit through this one song that I actively dislike hurts the album's standing considerably. But everything else here is pretty much very good to great. * Time and Tide has a handful of excellent songs, and the rest aren't far behind. At times, it's funky, it rocks, and the songs are among the best and most sophisticated from their New Wave era. * The sound of Conflicting Emotions is perhaps a step toward Muzak, but it's a good album overall with a few gems. * I was expecting their last album See Ya 'Round to be a letdown, but it turned out to be good as well. * I will definitely be revisiting this band, especially Mental Notes and Time and Tide. * Cheers mates!!!!!!!!!!

[@179rich]

That averaged list looks pretty wild. One guy's number one is the next guy's last place. Happened a few times. Tres Interessant.

[@newsles2]

In fact, Second Thoughts was also Mental Notes in Britain, Europe and other places. I think the original was never officially released in those places at the time so essentially Second Thoughts was their 'first' album in those markets.

[@VagueRANT100]

I saw them live twice in 1976....they were more powerful live than on record...also quite theatrical stage presence

[@jasonardler8373]

Well that was fun. I’ve only just discovered your channel and was happily surprised to see a Split Enz ranking. I’m now looking forward to going back through some of your earlier rankings. But the less said about your pronunciation of Corroboree the better 😂

[@EphemeralBalconist]

Ive been looking fwd to this.... I may be back at the end of the video.🙃 Edit: So happy you all got it. They were my brothers favorite band growing up so, in a small house, everyone has to listen.

[@alclarke]

The Better The Devil is beautiful! That bass part alone. Bon Voyage is Eddie Rayner in all his splendour.

[@toquecentralmusic9212]

Starting with True Colours, Split Enz were big in Canada, where I live. We came on board for True Colours (double platinum sales) and stayed for Waiata (platinum) and Time and Tide (platinum) before mostly losing interest. 1. True Colours 2. Time and Tide 3. Waiata 4. Dizzrythmia 5. Second Thoughts 6. Frenzy 7. Mental Notes 8. Conflicting Emotions 9. See Ya Round

[@weirddebbiem1619]

1. Dizrythmia 4.0 2. True Colours 4.0 3. Frenzy 3.5 4. Waiata 3.5 5. See Ya 'Round 3.5 6. Conflicting Emotions 3.5 7. Mental Notes 3.0 8. Time and Tide 3.0 9. Second Thoughts 2.5

[@bengalgangster]

good list , it was a hard band to judge for me💜💜

[@weirddebbiem1619]

​@@bengalgangsterThank you, bengal. Yeah, it was hard to judge at times. 🎶💜💜

[@179rich]

I agree. Some of my ratings fluctuated during the process.

[@weirddebbiem1619]

@@179rich Rich, I wanted to like some of these albums more than I did

[@erickent4248]

There really isn't a right or wrong order for Split Enz, different albums will definitely appeal to different people more, but they are all pretty different from each other, and well written and performed.

[@xvx5872]

word.

[@painless465]

I only know "I Got You "which was very popular when I was in high school, but I guess I will do a dive. I do like the Crowded House debut album, so maybe I will dig this.

[@edward8597]

Bit of a hot take here: as far as effortless talent for a melody goes, Neil Finn is not that far back behind Paul McCartney. They both seem like they can wake up in the morning and knock out an indelible melody before breakfast (well, I guess that's "Yesterday"). His journeyman career has made it tough to recognise this, though.

[@alclarke]

Famous People was written after Tim hung out with Heather McCartney (daughter) after a gig. Paul McCartney was a Split Enz fan and Eddie was his favourite!

[@alclarke]

Although I rate both, I prefer Andy Partridge and others too.

[@bgbe7119]

One of the real pleasures of your channel is seeing a band I used to love but had more or less forgotten about suddenly pop up. Split Enz were a great discovery back in 1977 and I still have my original vinyl copies of Mental Notes, Dizrythmia, Frenzy and True Colours - the order I'd rank them in, top to bottom. Why though are the other albums not available on streaming services? Well, two of the main ones, anyway. Is KZbin the best option for getting to hear them?

[@TastesLikeMusic]

Yeah it’s the only way for a few.

[@bgbe7119]

Thank you. Much appreciated. I shall go explore. @@TastesLikeMusic

[@davidmohr7823]

@@TastesLikeMusic this video is so good I will become a patreon. I will then request Cold Chisel- Australia’s biggest band that never had success abroad

[@ChazeGeyer]

Can’t speak on “Split Ends” but you (3) are my fav critics. Really loved Elton, and new Stones critique. Immensely like JOE for “varied Reasons” 😂

[@JCStorm76]

Just got to this video now. The most entertaining thing about it was Kramzers dog attacking him about half way through Lol. Also the first 3 years of the 80s is my favourite era of music. The complete opposite to Jason.

[@keriford54]

I really enjoyed this ranking and I was impressed that you engaged with them. I'm from New Zealand and they were huge here, when True Colours came out it kept Pink Floyd's The Wall from the number one spot, but I'd liked them from the start. Mental Notes is my favourite and I for me it just captures some essence of this country, we had famous Writers Janet Frame and Ronald Hugh Morrison who were both a bit quirky but also dark and Gothic and Mental Notes captures that perfectly, the recording is a bit murky but that suits it perfectly. True Colours is next - their pop breakthrough, such good songs well produced, but although its pop it just feels right it is what they absolutely needed to do at that point I got You, What's the Matter with You, Shark Attack, I Hope I never all the songs. I saw them live when they were touring this album and they were smoking hot great energy, great songs, one of my favourite concerts ever. Time and Tide - I was a bit disappointed this one didn't get more love. I felt Waiata was too much volume two of True Colours where this one they were doing something different again. Dirty Creature & Giant Heartbeat are great. I liked Tim doing something autobiographical with Haul Away, Six Months in a Leaky Boat is excellent. It works as an album. Dizrythmia & Frenzy I find hard to say which I like better but they're both excellent. Dizrythmia has this great circus vibe maybe it could be tighter, but I love it start to finish. Frenzy just has this rich variety of Songs "Stuff and Nonsense" is a real standout and "Give it a Whirl" was a great introduction to Neil's writing. Hermit McDermitt is fabulous, but it's all good. Waiata - I was always a bit non plussed by this as it was just volume 2 of True Colours, still good songs, maybe after your appraisal I'll give it another spin. Second Thoughts - Mostly they didn't need to do this, but the version of Titus is great. It's a pretty good album. Conflicting Emotions -Like the title I feel mixed about this, I can enjoy it at times. See Ya Round - With no Tim it just doesn't feel right and the songs aren't memorable. There is also "The Beginning of the Enz" a collection of early singles recorded before Mental Notes a lot of the songs that were on Mental Notes and Second Thoughts, but these are as quirky but nowhere near as dark. I love this album. There is also The Rootin Tootin Luton Tapes which were demos they did when they couldn't get anything released, between Dizrythmia and Frenzy. It's pretty cool even if not such a finished product, but that gives it a certain charm. Anyway thanks again, I really enjoyed your discussion.

[@RC-qs3bc]

Really interesting to hear this one. I bet your rankings would change with more listens. A lot of the comments are about the musical style and impact, which is what sticks out on first listen, but as the words and emotions soak in I suspect different songs would come to the fore. Tracks like Stuff n Nonsense, Message to My Girl, Six Months and I Hope I Never are all time classics Down Under. Thanks for exploring this wonderful band.

[@davidfont2513]

As a young adult in the mid 70s in NZ there was always Split Enz on the radio stations. I remember seeing them on TV for the first time playing at a music competition show (in 1972...I think). I had a certain amount of ambivalence towards early Enz, highly competent but not my style, but thoroughly enjoyed True Colours when it was released in 1980....in particularly Poor Boy...this song is still played on classic rock radio to this day in NZ.

[@markmitchell7900]

Interesting and informative ranking. Would be great if you could rank A-ha's ten studio albums!

[@andrewdyke5561]

So i listen to a few of their songs and i like them alot going to dig in deeper after watching this

[@kylewoolsey6635]

Waiata looks to me like an attempt to mirror the Twin-Tone movement to have black and white as part of the cover to represent the coming together of people with good music. Its a good album regardless. As for Time and Tide, I do like Sandy Allen but I Pioneer combined with Six Months in a Leaky Boat is my favorite of all their recordings. Tim Finn's Escapade is pretty good, especially the two singles Through the Years, and Too Much Friction. Good work guys. Enjoyed it thoroughly.

[@179rich]

Excellent description of Mental Notes Jason.

[@alclarke]

I will add, the US version of True Colours starts with I Got You. The original tracklisting has Shark Attack as track One. It works much better with the original.

[@danielmcglynn2547]

Holy Moly I never thought I would see Split Enz here. In fact I never thought I would ever see any New Zealanders here. I have known this band all my life after all they were icons here. I even remember their appearance on a televised talent show where some of the judges refused to believe they were trying to be serious musicians (and their first singles were very eccentric). Love them or hate them they are part of our musical tapestry. I loved their weirdness and also Phil Judds album covers (he was a talented painter) and I quite like their music too. My rankings reflect my love of what they were so the early arty stuff gets my tick 1 - Frenzy - no contest in my mind. Their transitional album was them at their artistic peak. 2 -Dysrhythmia 3 -Mental Note 4 -True colours 5 - Waiata 6 - Second thoughts 7 -Time and tide 8 -Conflicting emotions 9 - See ya round A big shout out to their collection of early singles "Beginning of the Enz" which would be right up there if it was allowed. Thanks for another unexpected surprise.

[@jukeboxcowboy]

🤠 Reckon that quirky element/genre is described by some as "Zolo". Thanks for the Enz.

[@Bradford659]

You guys should do a Crowded House ranking

[@alclarke]

Ranking Yuppy Music

[@tompaine1110]

Waiata did come in multiple cover design variants. Mine is teal and gray and looks pretty cool.

[@matthewashman1406]

Great guys. Waiata by the way means song. It's pronounced "why-a-ta. .1. Waiata 2. True colors 3. Time and time 4 frenzy.

[@179rich]

Yeah, Jason pronounced it correctly.

[@179rich]

Thank the merciful Godz! album ratings at the end! 🥳

[@theobjectivethinker64]

Inspiral Carpets needs someone to review thier albums and best songs. Worth a look at.

[@alclarke]

Watching again. There are tracks on See Ya Round that are bloody rich.

[@andrewthebest623]

Happily surprised to see Split Enz covered! Aside from a few Crowded House charting hits I assumed nobody outside AUSNZ knew of them.

[@joelonie941]

As a kiwi I gotta thank you guys for doing this! Haha would still prefer Prince tho....

[@sarj5256]

Would love to see a genesis remastered with joe!!

[@AbbeyRoadkill1]

1. Waiata (1981) 4 2. True Colors (1980) 4 3. Mental Notes (1975) 4 4. Time and Tide (1982) 3.5 5. Frenzy (1979) 3.5 6. Dizrythmia (1977) 3.5 7. Conflicting Emotions (1983) 2.5 8. See Ya 'Round (1984) 2.5 9. Second Thoughts (1976) 2.5 CHRONOLOGICAL ORDER: 4.0 Mental Notes (1975) 2.5 Second Thoughts (1976) 3.5 Dizrythmia (1977) 3.5 Frenzy (1979) 4.0 True Colors (1980) 4.0 Waiata (1981) 3.5 Time and Tide (1982) 2.5 Conflicting Emotions (1983) 2.5 See Ya 'Round (1984) I've heard Split Enz referred to as "crazy Kiwis" before, but didn't understand why until I saw their music videos and concert clips- outlandish costumes, weird hairdos, thick make-up, surreal settings, underpinned by a spirit of zaniness. I only knew them for their one U.S. hit ("I Got You") and didn't realize they had a pretty lengthy and successful career. Their debut (Mental Floss, 1975) is a bizarre stew of early-1970s styles and sounds. Phil Judd’s unhinged vocals and disturbing lyrics, interspersed with Tim Finn's bittersweet crooning, make the album a unique listen. Highlights include the harrowing "Under the Wheel," the lovely "Titus," and the sprawling "Spellbound." Overall, the album feels a bit like Genesis meets T. Rex, and is very much a one-off in their career. They were never this proggy again. Things get theatrical on Second Thoughts (1976). Some of the songs sound like they could be Broadway show tunes (although not particularly memorable ones). The biggest problem with his album is that it recycles so much music from Mental Notes. It seems like the band themselves regard it as a missed opportunity. Lineup changes preceded 1977's Dizrythmia (Phil Judd exits, Tim Finn's younger brother Neil enters) and Split Enz begin their journey into the world of catchy pop tunes. Most of the memorable stuff is on Side 1 ("My Mistake," "Without a Doubt," "Bold as Brass") but the biggest attraction is "Charlie," the jazzy centerpiece of Side 2. A transitional album, Dizrythmia retains their arty bent, but also piles on the hooks. The manic, synth-driven single "I See Red" (from 1979's Frenzy) announces their entry into the new wave sweepstakes. While the lesser tracks on Frenzy are worse than anything on Dizrythmia, the good stuff compares well to its predecessor LP. Most notable is the gorgeous piano ballad, "Stuff and Nonsense." But earworms like "Betty," "Give It a Whirl," "Marooned," and "Abu Dhabi" don't hurt, either. 1980's True Colours made them stars Down Under on the back of the Australian #1 smash, "I Got You." As great as that song is, I feel like the album's sweet spot is the trio that opens Side 2: "Nobody Takes Me Seriously," "Missing Person," and "Poor Boy." Waiata (1981) continues in the new wave vein, but ups the intensity. Some of the material is among the most hummable in their discography ("One Step Ahead, "History Never Repeats," "Clumsy," "Hard Act to Follow"). Their two best instrumentals can also be found here- "Wail" and "Albert of India." 1982's Time and Tide is more of a straightforward pop album, with lyrics that reference their New Zealand homeland. Tim Finn suffered a nervous breakdown during this period, which shows up on songs like "Dirty Creature" and "Haul Away." The music's not as quirky as previous LPs, but still has moments as tuneful as anything in their songbook ("Take a Walk," "Six Months in a Leaky Boat," "Hello Sandy Allen"). Tim Finn's pursuit of a solo career accelerated in 1983, which led to Conflicting Emotions being comprised mostly of Neil Finn songs. The album's first two singles dominate the proceedings ("Straight Old Line" is a hip-shaker and "Message to My Girl" presages Crowded House, the band Neil Finn formed a few years later). But the album's deep cuts are pretty weak. After Tim Finn quit the band in the spring of 1984, Neil Finn carried on for one more album (See Ya 'Round). It's got respectable moments for sure- "I Walk Away," "One Mouth is Fed," "Voices"- but devolves into borderline dreck on Side 2. No doubt, these guys deserved more international recognition than they got, especially here in America. While I couldn't get beyond 4 stars on any of their albums, I think the majority are 3.5 or better. They wouldn't be a candidate for my all-time top 100, but I'm definitely adding Split Enz to my regular rotation of bands. MY RATING SYSTEM: 5.0 = major classic (consistently great *and* stratospheric highs) 4.5 = minor classic (consistently great *or* stratospheric highs, but not both) 4.0 = great (a clear majority is worth revisiting and it's one of the best things for this artist/style) 3.5 = seriously good (at least half is worth revisiting) 3.0 = nominally good (less than half is worth revisiting) 2.5 = fair (competent but uninspired, not worth revisiting) 2.0 = poor (difficult listen) 1.5 = awful (can't finish it) 1.0 = historically awful (musical apocalypse) ▪︎ "Consistently" does not mean "flawlessly." I allow for a few duds if the rest of the songs are good enough. "Stratospheric highs" refer to albums that feature iconic songs or have an iconic sound. (Albums I consider to be "perfect" can also reach 5 stars, even without containing legendary songs or being highly influential.) ▪︎ I don't go below 1 star because once I'm in the realm of the truly terrible, I don't care to differentiate anymore. ▪︎ Anything I rate 3.5 stars or better is an album I'm enthusiastic about and would likely revisit at some point.

[@179rich]

cheers mate! 🥳

[@bengalgangster]

here goes a enjoyable week , i liked them , maybe not crushing but anyway 9 conflicting emotions 2.5+ 8 waiata 3.0 + 7 see ya around 3.0+ 6 mental notes 3.5- 5 time and tide 3.5 4 second thoughts 3.5+ 3 true colours 4.0 2 dizrethmia 4.0+ 1 frenzy 4.0+ cheers 🐯🐯

[@davidellis5141]

Wilson beat Wilson on Sunday. J E T S !

[@bengalgangster]

@@davidellis5141 it was more like wilson on wilson crime , burrow is back!!!🐯🐯

[@weirddebbiem1619]

Great list, bengal. I liked the Split Enz,too, but not as much as other bands. 🎶💜💜

[@bengalgangster]

@@weirddebbiem1619 thanx deb 💜💜

[@weirddebbiem1619]

@@bengalgangster You're welcome, bengal. 🎶💜💜

[@GlenRunciter-vq8de]

Perceptive to notice the effect the drummer changes had on their sound as they went along

[@179rich]

Parrot Fashion Love made me think "honky tonk."

[@michelewiese48]

Split Enz Album Covers Ranked: 1. Mental Notes 2. True Colours 3. Time And Tide 4. Dizrythmia 5. Waiata (the Spotify cover is a beautiful shade of aqua blue, gray, black, and white) 6. Second Thoughts 7. Conflicting Emotions 8. See Ya ‘Round 9. Frenzy

[@TastesLikeMusic]

Even with the better color variations the design on Waiata is the worst thing I've ever seen.

[@michelewiese48]

@@TastesLikeMusic😂 it’s weird because the simple pattern of geometric shapes on True Colours works very well / if the Waiata I saw didn’t feature many of my fave colors together, it might be last.

[@alclarke]

The Big Steal. Aussie Movie. Some soundtrack! Great movie but damn those songs! Tim and Phil.

[@shyshift]

Apparently you 3 don’t know about the Mental Notes (1976) released in the USA on Chrysalis Records because nobody mentioned it. The opening track is Late Last Night Walking Down A Road Titus Lovey Dovey Sweet Dreams Stranger Than Fiction (my absolute favorite song by them) Time For A Change Matinee Idyll The Woman Who Loves Me Mental Notes So this is what I heard first in 1976 @24 years old. I found out a bit later there was another Mental Notes import only on Mushroom Records with a much different song list. So I bought that one also. Never bought Second Thoughts because I pretty much forgot about it until your reviews. You guys should try the Chrysalis album. It’s a completely different experience. kzbin.info/aero/PLoa0rVBcnn-FzcVewRFt2E3nMVKAQh84U&si=sJMxcZwNC9PPV8Vt

[@179rich]

Second Thoughts is called Mental Notes everywhere outside of Australasia. That's the second album, which begins with "Late Last Night." The first album Mental Notes was only released in Australasia.

[@shyshift]

@@179rich thanks for clearing that up for me. I was always confused about that.

[@TheJcburke68]

Great band! big Neil Finn fan here!

[@jtm7336]

Great band? LOL!

[@TheJcburke68]

@@jtm7336 yes in my opinión

[@jtm7336]

@@TheJcburke68 Sorry but they are not a great band.

[@briancox8518]

Still waiting for a sparks review lads

[@JCStorm76]

I’m still waiting for Devo and The Ramones

[@davidmohr7823]

Thank you for ranking this band. New Zealand's finest ever rock artist.

[@uksoundadvice4362]

Only 3 albums are available in the UK on streaming, Lucky I have the CDs. But a shame. Try Enzo giys

[@davidellis5141]

1981 is my favorite year for music & Waita cracked my Top 20. In 1980 ( Another excellent year ) True Colours also cracked my Top 20. I Got You was the 3rd video ever played on MTV 📺 after The Buggles & Pat Benatar. 🇳🇿

[@shyshift]

The earlier the better for me. Both versions of Mental Notes. 😊

[@Smits2656]

Can y’all please do a Moody Blues album ranking?!?!

[@richardcollins6406]

Yes .... Moody Blues would be great!

[@179rich]

The Moody Blues competed in one of our Patreon polls a while back, but alas, did not win. They will have their day at some point I'm sure.

[@joebloggs396]

@@179rich I thought I heard they finished second twice in polls. It's clear they aren't big fans of them otherwise they would have been covered ages ago. Even if they aren't that understanding it could have entertainment value, and obviously there is a big audience for it on KZbin.

[@jdheryos4910]

Not one of you explored the ironic humour. Not quirkiness, goofiness, eccentricity. What you actually missed was the vicious black irony. The biggest revelation about you lads in North America is that you (Canadians included), don't get Antipadian humor. Split Enz started out as a Kiwi band that crossed the 'Ditch' and eventually made it in Oz aswell. A big factor was that NZ humor and Oz is similar. Oz fans got Split Enz from very early on. Vicious Irony blackness sugar coated with pop rock syrup, seems to have gone completely over your heads. More importantly the panel (you lads) have no frame of reference on the music culture from which bands & artists took thier primary cues from. Overseas influences were only as important or secondary to the development of the music in NZ & Oz. And you were not to know that. So fair enough. Love the show and the lads. Have a grouse day!

[@TastesLikeMusic]

Everybody thinks “their” band is better and more impactful than they really are. - Joe

[@jdheryos4910]

@@TastesLikeMusic not my band. You missed the point. To much is ascribed to outside influences. By the 1'970s the music industry in Oz was producing artists & music styles that prefigured in some cases and or were only Indigenous to Oz & NZ. Case in point: The Saints became the first punk band outside the US to release a record, ahead of the first UK punk releases from the Sex Pistols the Clash and the Damned. The Saints had never heard of these UK groups or punk movement. The internal local socio economic political currents of Oz, though similar where more relevant to music artists than any music trend overseas. The days of the British Invasion wannabes from the sixties 'Easy Beats' & 'Bee Gees' had ended. 'Georgie Girl' had grown up.

[@davidgagen9856]

Agree about the humour. Can't wait to see what they'd do to Canada's The Tragically Hip or a band like that that is so embedded in the land and culture and history.

[@jupitermadcat]

I remember I got you early 80’s

[@forestfc]

Can't wait. Although i hope you'll do Crowded House and Cutting Crew’s listographies

[@xanApfel]

Please do a queens of the Stone Age 😭 with all 3

[@TastesLikeMusic]

Would love to

[@xanApfel]

@@TastesLikeMusic I wanna see the rank so bad I feel the discussion would be perfect Loll. Kramz gotta have a 5/5 in there tho come onnnn lol keep of the amazing work🖤

[@ronbone6330]

Please do The Fall’s discography I’m begging you

[@TastesLikeMusic]

I’d rather die - Joe

[@echosmyron1278]

1. This Nation’s Saving Grace 2. Grotesque (After the Gramme) 3. The Real New Fall LP 4. The Wonderful and Frightening World of The Fall 5. Perverted by Language 6. Hex Enduction Hour 7. Live at the Witch Trials 8. Your Future Our Clutter 9. The Unutterable 10. Fall Heads Roll 11. The Marshall Suite 12. Code: Selfish 13. Dragnet 14. The Infotainment Scan 15. Bend Sinister 16. The Frenz Experiment 17. Levitate 18. Cerebral Caustic 19. Extricate 20. Shift-Work 21. New Facts Emerge 22. The Light User Syndrome 23. I Am Kurious Oranj 24. Sub-Lingual Tablet 25. Middle Class Revolt 26. Re-Mit 27. Ersatz G.B. 28. Room to Live 29. Imperial Wax Solvent 30. Are You Are Missing Winner 31. Reformation Post-TLC

[@ihavenoquarrelwithyou3249]

@@echosmyron1278 I would argue Room To Live is perennially underrated and Live At the Witch Trials overrated. Otherwise a few things I would move around, but a solid ranking.

[@chrisdelisle3954]

Rikki Fataar “of Beach Boys fame???????” Come on, Jason! Dude is a Rutle!!! First and foremost. Even if he was the quiet one.

[@179rich]

BIG AND RICH

[@michelewiese48]

Would love for you guys to cover croontastic NZ artist Jonathan Bree… maybe in 2025 😅😂

[@contayjuslovesonedirection1817]

Time & Tide (82 ❤️💙 💚💛) = 8•1 Frenzy (79 🪩) = 7•6 Waiata (81 🚀) = 7•6 Mental Notes (75🦢) = 7•5 Second Thoughts (76🦀) = 7•4 Dizzyrithmia (77 🤘🗿) = 7•4 Conflicting Emotions (83 🔫) = 7•3 True Colours (80 🎲) = 7•1 See Ya Round ( 84🛞) = 5•9

[@davidskidmore4189]

Do the La's!!

[@Leo-qe3gl]

I listened to some songs but I am not sure if Split Enz deserve a room in the Tower Of Song. They are okay.🤷‍♂️ greetings from Leipzig/ germany.

[@davidellis5141]

Tower Of Song is my favorite Leonard Cohen song 🎵 .." I was born with the gift of a golden voice "

[@Leo-qe3gl]

@@davidellis5141 brilliant song. "Hank Williams hasn't answered yet, but I hear him coughing all night long Oh, a hundred floors above me In the Tower of Song."😌

[@mjames4709]

Second thoughts for me.

[@jtm7336]

Kajagoogoo next, I am pumped!

[@ste.6026]

Split Enz have a fair few great songs but I am not a fan of their albums overall... I would score them all between 3* and 4*, at an absolute push... It's a shame as I am a Neil Finn/Crowded House fan and adore the two Finn Brothers albums 'Finn' (1995) & 'Everyone Is Here (2004)...