Split Enz - One Step Ahead (1980)

Music from Australia & New Zealand in the year 1980:
Split Enz's promo-video for the hit single 'One Step Ahead' (December, 1980) taken from the 1981 album 'Corroboree' (aka 'Waiata').
Trivia: This video is one of the first video clips to be played on the first day MTV was launched in the America.
Band Origin: Auckland, New Zealand
Track: One Step Ahead
Album: Corroboree
Composed By: Neil Finn
Produced By: David Tickle
Label: Mushroom
Chart Position: # 6 (New Zealand) -- # 5 (Australia) -- # 47 (Canada) -- # 104 (United States)
Release Date: November, 1980
Footage Information:
Links:
- en.wikipedia.or...
- www.frenz.com/
- www.myspace.com...
Line-up:
Tim Finn - Vocals, Guitar
[ Split Ends (1972-1974) -- Split Enz (1975-1984) -- solo (1983-present) -- Crowded House (1990-1992) -- Enzo (1966) -- Finn (1996) -- Alt (mid-late 1990s) ]
Neil Finn - Guitar, Vocals
[ Split Enz (1977-1985) -- Crowded House (1985-1996) -- Finn (1996) -- solo (1998-2004) -- Crowded House reformed (2007-present)
Eddie Rayner - Piano, Keyboards
[ Split Enz (1974-1984) -- session (notably Paul McCartney) -- Crowded House tour keyboardist -- The Makers (1990) -- Split Enz reunions ]
Noel Crombie - Percussion, Drums
[ Split Enz (1972-1984) -- Schnell Fenster (1986-1992) -- The Makers (1990) -- Split Enz reunions ]
Nigel Griggs -- Bass
[ Octopus (1968-1970) -- Carmen -- Steve Hillage's Khan -- Split Enz (1977-1984) -- Schnell Fenster (1986-1992) ]
Malcolm Green -- Drums
[ Love Affair -- The Honeycombs -- Octopus -- Split Enz (1976-1981) ]
---------------------------------
NZOZ NZOZ1980 1980 New Zealand Australia Early Eighties 1980's 1980s 80's 80s
Musical Terms: New Wave, Rock, Pop, Kiwi, Old Kiwi-New Zealander Band

[@vking5665]

40 years later & it’s still magically hypnotic.

[@goncalodoria8958]

1980 - Split Enz playing. 2023 - Still listening ! 2100 - New Generation listening ! It's ahead of time - Split Enz Songs

[@Sandie-cr3eu]

❤80’s the best of times

[@christschool]

If you searched for this song, you are a hard core 80's fan.

[@ssfield631]

yeah and those were my teen years

[@ELEcomments]

it's official then. i didn't grow up in the 80s, but i consider myself to be a retro music nerd lol good to know its official i even impress my parents with how much i know about 70s 80s and 90s music lol, i introduced my mom to some bands from her era she never even heard of lol

[@danielmayes8851]

Or a New Zealander!

[@alexanderpatrick4866]

Not just teen years, the best years...

[@alexanderpatrick4866]

You truly are gold david......................:D

[@soloharmonicsrobj8246]

I remember watching Split Enz live on Nickelodeon back in 1982. Their electronic synthesizer sound inspired me to compose and play electronic music.

[@user-uh6lm5wv6n]

The echoey synths that are behind his vocals the moment he says "Stop!" At 1:54 are absolutely marvellous

[@briankrause2359]

Absolutely. The synths in this song are stellar. As others have said... still a GREAT song 44 years later

[@acrovader]

Perfect example of great songwriting. The current generation of artists can learn a thing or two from this.

[@kyachdistent1301]

+acrovader There IS no current generation of artists at all and all the excreta could learn EVERYTHING from the 80s-the only decade which was packed full of the best music makers ever.

[@kyachdistent1301]

+Kittentanknznz Well I'm from the UK and these names mean anything, apart from Ladyhawke and even she has only had modest success. The 80s was untoppable, unstoppable and remains so. And the most important thing is to still support these people when they're still allowed to make records in this shit-for-brains music scene from hell that it's been in sicne the 90s. Aside from the 80s ones that have totally lost their shine and made crap after crap, which some most certainly have.

[@kyachdistent1301]

+Kittentanknznz They were easy to hate-it was like, with 1989 gone, talent disappered overnight and c/rap and rave took over from proper songs and singings, as did plastic boybands and girlbands of no talent. There were a few artists here and there that matered-Tasmin Archer, Ace Of Base, Tina Cousins-but they were coming from an 80s singer/songwriter place. But as soon as the 90s ended-things DID and continue to get EVEN WORSE!

[@fitzfitzchivalry4538]

What!? When 89 ended bands like nirvana, sonic youth and soundgarden etc , took over. What the fuck are you on about? Are you trying (and failing) to sound like you are knowledgeable about music beyond our poor understanding?

[@fitzfitzchivalry4538]

Your statement is so fucking retarded that i have to reply twice. ACE of FUCKING BASE !?! are you fucking serious? You now have no credibility. I now realise you are about 50 or so and are realising your musical tastes are completely redundant and obselete. Hmmm... the 90s ended and we got the White Stripes and Queens of the Stone Age. Fuck you are a ridiculous relic. Piss off.

[@LeeBee-hs6mj]

A barely 20-year-old Neil Finn here already showing his songwriting and performance chops.

[@redfishradical]

Prog rock, art rock, new wave, these Kiwis did their nation proud! Fun, well crafted songs performed by some very good musicians. Just amazing how well their music has held up! Love this just as much as I did first listen back in high school in the early 80s! Thanks for sharing...peace!

[@Shikta-poobah67]

Don’t forget acoustic folk rock! That was their very first incarnation.

[@etoilefilante4529]

Am I the only one who was in my teens in 1980 AND still listen to this great song?

[@gnrsgl]

Yes I was 9

[@nzfalcon8698]

no

[@gastondoumerc7863]

I was 14!

[@Robochop-vz3qm]

No, me too In OZ 🇦🇺👍

[@theselector4733]

I was 12 and remember going out to buy this on a compilation. GREAT SONG!!!!!!!

[@maskof]

I can't listen to this song just once. Gotta listen to it about seven times in a row to get my fill and explore the harmonic and melodic possibilities.

[@moistmike4150]

THIS one comment perfectly sums up the amazingness that this song encompasses.

[@Oliviacaptain]

One step ahead of you stay in motion, keep an open mind Love is a race won by two Your emotion, my solitude If I stop I could lose my head So I'm losing you instead Either way I'm confused You slow me down, what can I do? There's one particular way I have to choose One step ahead of you Always someone makes it hard to move She says, Boy I want you to stay But I save it all for another day If I stop I could lose my head But I'm ready for romance Either way I'm confused I don't know what I'm supposed to do I can only stay One step ahead of you Da, da, da, da, da Da, da, da, da Da, da, da, da Da, da, da, dumb Stop, I confess sometimes I don't know where I'm going Part of me stays with you, I'm slowing down, what can I do It's hard to stay one step ahead of you (Uh huh) One step ahead of you Time is running out Catching up with you One step ahead of you When I hold you close Can I really lose? One step ahead Only one step ahead She's one step ahead of you

[@fielaseanderkind7119]

thank you

[@gitv2987]

It’s really hard to discover new classic 80s, if you don’t read the comment sections.. That’s how I am here..

[@porflepopnecker4376]

This song/video is what got me into Split Enz. Not long after that MTV aired an entire live concert which was awesome.

[@Shikta-poobah67]

I remember that. I think it was filmed in Hamilton Ontario on the Waiata tour. Good stuff.

[@JASFMXL]

They were decades ahead, really...

[@jaredw5059]

i totally agree!

[@memyselfi3792]

unfortunately music today is revolution like all things good , music REAL music is a thing of the past ...its going through revolutional stage...one step ahead ;)

[@jayrobb9]

And sadly the rest of the world STILL hasn't caught up.

[@sexobscura]

I understand what you mean by that meaningless comment

[@spoonfudge1284]

JASFMXL I could not have said it better.

[@garrysmith6734]

When asked about bands in Australia & New Zealand, most people I knew said Kylie minougue, Danni mainougue or Jason Donovan, This is one of my favourite bands and this song alone is very catchy, Such a great rhythm & only just dethroned my favourite 'I got you' which introduced me to the band split enz in the first place.

[@MontrealMan1970]

I would blast it in my dads car in fall of '81, coming from CHOM FM Montreal. i still enjoy the sound of this song, it's never been copied and that's good.

[@Judge-v8s]

The Drum Beat for this Song is Incredible.

[@redfishradical]

From art rock/prog to KILLER wave...LOVED these guys. Criminally under appreciated!

[@Shikta-poobah67]

Yeah, their transition was pretty big. When they were doing the art rock/prog thing they had a *VERY* extreme and bizarre look to go with it, like psychotic Kiwi clowns from outer space. They went from that to (as you put it) KILLER-wave, and ditched the clown look all in one year (1978), after they relocated to the UK and witnessed the punk movement. There’s a pretty stark “before and after” thing with them that takes place between their 3rd and 4th albums.

[@tuxguys]

One pharmaceutically-enhanced night in 1981 (after an evening’s gainful employment in a lounge), I discovered these guys, and the Police, within a few minutes of each other on Casey Kasem’s “America’s Top 10:” All of a sudden, I loved Rock ’n’ Roll again. (I hadn’t been this blown away by the sound of a band’s instruments since “H. P. Lovecraft II,” fifteen years earlier.) A cut from one of my personal “Ten Greatest Rock Band” LP’s.

[@biatch1966]

I’m still to this day obsessed with this song

[@ezekielchariot]

Never thought that 40 years later Id be listening and wanting to go back.

[@Hairmetallurgist]

Watch Eddie Raynor (keyboards---in this video, the xylophone/marimba) at 1:58 do a mean "slow-motion moonwalk"...he's frickin' AMAZING!

[@TimDyck]

He was doing that long befor Michael Jackson did it.

[@bravosierra2447]

& he’s moving FORWARD

[@autumnmatthews3179]

The guy is a legend

[@MusicFan.....]

Nots the Moonwalk that's the Airwalk dance please do research, even if it was the moonwalk it doesnt matter because Michael got it from Jeffrey Daniels.

[@gitv2987]

lol, as he struts to the moon and back..

[@rhubarbpie8709]

One of the best songs I've ever heard, and I listen to a lot of music!

[@ELEcomments]

same!

[@Skyhawkandre]

Still listen to them since the 80's in the same country (Quebec,Canada)

[@coleenkulaw1447]

Loved this song 🎶 in 80s & now in 2023!

[@MrBill2719]

Great, now I'll be listening to Split Enz for the next hour or more. Great.

[@lupashto]

I'm so thankful MTV came out and showed the US this great group!!

[@Shikta-poobah67]

Too bad the radio wasn’t paying attention.

[@TheDriftprincess]

My fave Split Enz tune.... memories! Iconic in NZ ❤️

[@redskies4530]

Hi I recommend an indie rock song called 'Looking Into The Mirror' By Robert Nix

[@paulwinn2142]

I was totally besotted with split enz when I was 15 in 1980 but no one appreciated them at the time? Tim Finn and Neil Finn were definitely a head of their time, the Lennon and McCartney of the Southern Hemisphere. Loved them then and still play their stuff now in 2019 thanks for this video.

[@jamesburnsfisher3304]

Saw them live in Cagary in 80.Only a thousand people about showed but what a great show many missed because they didn't know how good these guys were.We all crowded on the floor in front of the stage and partied,loving every song.The lead singer Finn and his brother the bass player went on to form crowded house and had more big hits !

[@owyman]

Neil Finn is like a dear old friend. I been listening to his music for 40 years. Love the guy. I'm drunk

[@lukebarnett786]

wow, and wow again I can say with absolute certainty that this song is one of the most spellbinding, mysterious, exhilarating, trance like, hypnotic, and mesmerizing songs that I have ever heard. it is so amazingly good, amazingly original, amazingly creatively constructed. It's pure poetry the way the song progresses fancifully and deftly. the different rhythms are so amazingly creative that they are breath taking and powerfully impactful! The lyrics are amazingly deft and creatively inspiring as far as when they were thought up. the mood, or ambiance and dark and heavy theatrics are so profoundly special to me and feel so good to me. I just can't say enough about how good this song is, truly a masterpiece and such a rare song as far as how singularly creative it is. Remarkable song!

[@susietowers7331]

What he said.

[@leslietaylor6362]

lol- SAME!! always been a favorite - loved Neil ever since :)

[@sandraworden6862]

So you like the song then?..

[@scotthamm8548]

yes!

[@80snewromatic]

Wow. I was thinking this as well. Eloquently put!

[@LIZZYRULES]

I was born in the 80s and 2 days ago I heard this for the first time on the radio. I don't know where tf I've been. This song is amazing.

[@MfromFrance]

I always go back to this song among all the SPLIT ENZ songs. Perfect one. I am glad I had the chance to discover this band while living in North America in the 80's. Unfortunately, almost nobody knows them in France. I guess they would have had much more success in the world if they were from UK or US... Australia seemed very far from Europ; internet did not exist... ;-) They really are great songwriters, musicians, very creative, involved in their videos. I am glad I know you (great) guys...

[@gordonwaye4186]

Thank you Newzealand for producing such a wonderful talented band we all love them

[@mariamelchor9658]

The moonwalk in 1980.So Michael was not the first to do this. Such a talented group and beautiful song. Im so happy I found this video. Brings back memories from childhood.

[@the19thcentury81]

This was the best line-up Split Enz had in its existence: T. Finn, N. Finn, Griggs, Crombie, Rayner and Green. Imagine what could have been if the ethos of the successful collaboration with David Tickle on True Colours had been maintained for a few more years...

[@silajeep1]

Another great bass line from their bassist.

[@youngsplitterr]

Nigel Griggs!

[@WesleyP1975]

My mom owned a restaurant in the early 80s that had a jukebox in it. Whenever the guy would change out the 45s, he would give me the old ones that he replaced in the jukebox and this was one of the songs he gave me. I was 5 years old in 1980 and jamming this song over and over. Great song then, even better song now...

[@davidmontalbo2285]

Released Nov 1980 the 28th video played on MTV great earcandy!

[@Carolannsix]

love this.......what a band......streets ahead of their time.....kiwi rock...thanks for this x

[@USMC_GSM]

Just added this one to my playlist in 2021. This group was definitely years ahead of its time 🎶

[@alexanderpatrick4866]

Should have more recognition........this band is damn good!!!!!

[@Leonhavenify]

This should have like ~20 million views....

[@timt9625]

i love the "la da da da" part at 1:35, and the quirky synths. Split Enz are in a league of their own...

[@visualicandy]

And don't forget the triangle!!!

[@janverhave]

It was Eddie all the time…all those years

[@christinadoucette2930]

my best friend and I in 8th grade, sneaking into his sister's room to listen to her Split Enz records. RIP Bruce Secor.

[@elev84u]

Split Enz has the most amazing chord transitions

[@racketman2u]

that's Neil Finn's telltale signature, listen to some Crowded House and you'll hear it too. Joe Jackson is another man with a unique ear for a chord progression.

[@GreenBaldrick]

Neil is absolutely captivating in this clip..! His voice,his look, this beatle-fringe...I never knew he can be such a groovy little tease. ) Although they're all wonderful.

[@MrBullethead63]

Saw these guys open for Tom Petty in 1981...went right out and bought this album...then everything else that they ever did, plus everything by Crowded House, and most of Tim and Neil's solo albums...brilliant!

[@tastemaker_87]

That sounds like an amazing show

[@aatikahcarmenhappy3494]

I loved growing up in 80s watching ready to roll at 12pm with Karen Hayes she rocked

[@Shikta-poobah67]

Tom Petty was very much a fan (and a friend) of the Finn brothers. He recognized their talent and wanted to give them more American exposure, since they weren’t really cracking the U.S. market at the time. TP was great about that kind of thing. He did the same thing with the Replacements on his ‘89 tour, though it wound up being a disaster. The ‘Mats were out of control and falling apart at that particular time, but good on Tom for giving them a shot. He is missed.

[@lb6253]

Oh wow. So jealous. Saw them (as Crowded House then) in 91 or 92 and don't remember who opened for them.

[@dreamon220]

Tim finn, the dark headed brother , the best looking one!

[@jimschmus5195]

MTV introduced me to groups like this. Would never here them on regular radio. Thanks MTV from 1981 to 1996.

[@adamc.sieracki4145]

One of my favorite songs. The plodding bass, gasping vocals, and slowing tempo make me think of shambling, exhausted, to the grave. Call it a mood.

[@Oldbmwr100rs]

41 years ago, and this music is still great. That bass line just drives this song so well. It says a lot about music in that period that a band as amazing as this barley scratched the surface of the music scene. I have to say I still and always will miss the music as well as so much of the late 70's through the early 90's. Sadly I think this world will never see a period like this again.

[@deletebilderberg]

These old videos were so cool. Simple. Brilliant.

[@tell5396]

When growing up you might not get into a particular band/song but as you get older you can't deny it as it was part of the national identity and the soundtrack to growing up. It has nostalgic value and you start to enjoy it for the memories. Split End is one of those bands, growing up as a child in the eighties in Australia.

[@helamana]

What an awesome band they were, and hopefully still are. been gone from NZ since 1984 and havent heard any Split enz songs for that last 28 yrs or so. this is soooooo nostalgic. US havent heard of Split Enz but they were so advanced in their music. New Zelands very own success band, eventhough they did a lot of their work in Australia

[@Shikta-poobah67]

They’ve been broken up since 1984.

[@adkest9914]

There is some weird tension in this piece of music, love it

[@lefkytheshin]

Ain't that love in a nutshell. Or maybe it's more like "Help! I'm stuck in a nutshell! Call a locksmith!"

[@ruasetepovos]

this was their best song and the peak of Spiltz Enz. The mature song, before the end........

[@Schmoople]

It's hard to believe that this song was recorded so long ago; it seems so relevant now. I love this song.

[@ELEcomments]

i know right! it would fit in with todays indie scene for sure! i could see this song being next to artists like franz ferdinland, the black keys, royal blood, arcade fire, goyte, etc etc just a great timeless song

[@Shikta-poobah67]

It’s timeless stuff. Could have just as easily fit with the late 60’s as well as still sounding relevant today. Split Enz had that same thing that the Beatles did, even if they were nowhere near as successful as the Beatles. It’s just classic songwriting that defies age and trends.

[@icetonky]

Thank you Mark N for bringing me here, what an amazing song.

[@paulbrimble8204]

The Finn's sister was my primary school teacher for a year at St Pius X in Glen Innes, Auckland , New Zealand. One day she turned up with a cardboard box full of "One Step Ahead" promo T-shirts for us. She was great. Guess I was 8 at the time.

[@mofatjippyfransisco713]

This sounded SO good on a really good set of speakers , this tablet ain't cutting it...album getting pulled out tomorrow!!!

[@justmadeit2]

Still sounds good in 2016. Quite Beatlish sounding. Hes definetly New Zealands best singer songwriter. He's the John Lennon of New Zealand

[@charlottepriest2409]

Totally agree with you ! :)

[@browsertab]

So true. I think I prefer Enz over Crowded House.

[@TheFykle]

Same

[@kelleym3448]

Beatles were a big influence for them and you can tell, more so in some of their other tracks than this one.

[@jayrobb9]

Quite Beatles-y. This song always reminded me of Here, There, and Everywhere. Not too sure why.

[@reborndaughter445]

I wore this album out. Love love loved it!

[@Shikta-poobah67]

It’s a good album, but I always thought the album that preceded it (True Colours) was their true masterpiece. That album is amazing from start to finish. I don’t skip any of those songs when listening to it. Waiata has some of the same magic, but it’s not as good as True Colours.

[@ELEcomments]

One of the best songs ever written imo right up there with The Beatles. Just pop perfection!

[@markblyn]

Saw Split Enz at Hammersmith Odeon in London in 1980. One of the very best concerts I've ever been too. Along with Difford and Tilbrook of Squeeze this group were just about the best singer/songwriters of that time. Their album 'True Colors' is still the best album to play on a long drive up from London on a cold dark night.

[@LeftIsBest001]

The 80's shall NEVER die!!! 😎🤘

[@Shikta-poobah67]

The 80’s already killed itself, halfway through the decade.

[@johnsouthern3692]

Ah, those great Finn Brothers harmonies! Also, the best Enz video of all!

[@MontrealMan1970]

still great to listen to after 35 yrs

[@kaisorrosa]

after 40 yrs too

[@Shikta-poobah67]

And after 42 years. I’m sure it will probably sound equally fresh after 142 years as well.

[@kurtdeyoung2608]

I love the keyboards really well done. I remember the song. I was like twelve when I came out

[@spinjennies]

One of the most beautiful pop songs ever written.

[@Schmoople]

+Spin Jennies This exactly...I was thinking the exact same thing. It's a brilliant pop song, is this.

[@Shikta-poobah67]

Both beautiful and haunting.

[@grantcraig2699]

brilliantly written just like all of their songs, kiwi bands kicked it in oz in the 80's

[@davidhines68]

I love the fact that the Finn brothers have so many songs on the APRA Top 100 New Zealand Songs of All Time, but I hate that this isn't one of them. Incredible song.

[@pixiepqueen]

what a fabulous group they were

[@LizandChris1]

My first concert. I was 12, and in love with them...well, Neil actually. They really were amazing artists!❤

[@onetruth2014]

This was my number one song as a kid. The good old days.

[@v-town1980]

Great band. Their musicianship is tight as a drum. Unbelievable that more people don't reference them now.

[@Shikta-poobah67]

That’s because they were overshadowed by Crowded House. Ask an American if they know who the Finn brothers are, and CH will immediately be their frame of reference. It’s a different story in New Zealand though.

[@JeffTheNebraskaDJ]

ANOTHER TIMELESS CLASSIC! 80'S MUSIC RULES!! the dj

[@erikalombardo9608]

Fooking Amazing still 35 years on...STELLAR!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@cobboGHS91]

timeless isnt it, almost like time stands still when you listen to it

[@russellfleming6110]

yes time just is there cool

[@billybareblu]

It really defies time. Even the video. They really knew how to work with what they had.

[@MrAitraining]

The Finns were talented bro's

[@miked4377]

love music that was like spit enz...1980...great year!.......horrible now...

[@redskies4530]

Hi I recommend an indie rock song called 'Looking Into The Mirror' By Robert Nix

[@christschool]

Loved this song and would groove to it while mowing the lawn in 1980 with my Sony Walkman cranked up to the maximum volume. I love the Split Enz. America loves you Split Enz. Get back on tour. I'd gladly pay a couple hundred dollars to see you live.

[@PeacefulAntelopes]

I just got a car that only has a tape deck so I asked my dad for some of his old cassettes just for kicks and this band was on one he recorded. I had trouble finding them at first because he spelled it "Split ZNE." I actually really like their sound. :)

[@bambruto6493]

such an awesome band, Finn brothers were more than 1 step ahead with their style and sound.....2016 and still rockin this song

[@benjaminmitchell5345]

Hell how well does this hold up!

[@brendanlg]

40 years ago ...??? wow im still here and still diggin it......life , so very short huh

[@jonjbradley]

Great chord progression! Smooth.

[@danmccarthy4700]

Right? It's like Pachelbel's Canon but quirkier!

[@xero6396]

I know why Neil Finn's songwriting has resonated with me since I was a child. We seem to have the same personality type. So all the lyrics speak to me. I've always liked listening to the lyrics and there is a certain darkness to some of the music. Music allows me to feel that expression. With most music I like, I don't bother listening to the lyrics (especially if they are impossible to hear or understand) but I just enjoy the mood and the actual rythm and melody with those songs. I have been obsessed with Split Enz and Crowded House for so long because they have that exact same variety of quirky + offbeat + slightly dark, intense and moody that appeals to my emotions. Yet it never feels overwhelming or sad and maudlin. Feeling my own stuff through songs other people have written just feels liberating. Sugary stuff is okay for fun and I like things that are boppy and danceable but I really like this kind of thing and it makes me happy that I'm not alone in feeling this way. Plus it's fun and I can also sing along.

[@ryoamora8655]

Split Enz and The Cars, hands down always had the best visual music videos of the early MTV music video era...So much vibrant colors and nice background sets, as well as cool choreography. Bring back the COOL Mtv, not the trash heap it is now.

[@Shikta-poobah67]

I’m not sure MTV was ever “cool”, but it was definitely worth watching in it’s first couple of years of existence, when they would actually show stuff like this in between the horrid Styx and Journey videos. By late ‘83 MTV started becoming the corporate dumpster fire that it’s been ever since. Some people might say “well at least they still played music videos up until the late 90’s”, but that doesn’t mean much when all the really good/great bands couldn’t get the time of day from big brother MTV, or bands had to censor or compromise their own material just to get played on MTV. They have actually sucked for a *LOT* longer than most people realize.

[@GARYAINSWORTH]

This is a song I COMPLETELY forgot about until it popped up on my random 80's playlist. God I miss the 80's music and MTV. I would pay for a monthly streaming service of MTV that literally played the airchecks 24 hours a day from launch day to December 31st, 1999. Those tapes HAVE to be out there somewhere...

[@michaelkay8914]

🌵🎶😻🎶🌵

[@rjh6037]

more like 10 steps ahead of other popular music acts...

[@piscessunpiscesmoon5507]

RJ H and some people, lol... the shifty ones, lol

[@angelhart1111]

Amen to that! If only we had guys like these back .. life would seem a little simpler

[@Dashriprock4]

So great. Such a haunting tune and the whole beatnik 60s vibe to the video. God we were lucky to see this then.

[@TheJonesy1957]

Such a great song! Neil Finn is brilliant. This video is as relevant in 2017 as it was when I first viewed it. Love Crowded House, too.

[@jimbailey5681]

This song was my first exposure to this band. I was 11 or 12, and this video was played between movies on HBO in 1980. As the band was never really as big as they should have been here in America, I forgot about the band until Crowded House jogged my memory 6 years later. After that, I found as many of the split enz albums as I could.

[@haydenwittig8877]

Talent like this cant be taught split enz had this sound that no other band at this time had. this song I think is their sleeper hit captures every element and a bit dark.

[@ivanolsen8596]

The Finn Bros are geniuses.

[@mikewitter1561]

I was 17 when I first heard splitenz I am now 56 and still my favourite tunes nothing close

[@itsallrobbish]

Hayden Wittig Neil Finn is the king of dark!

[@Shikta-poobah67]

Even their more upbeat songs have a certain element of darkness in the lyrics. I remember reading an interview with Tim Finn once, a long time ago, where he mentioned that he has struggled with mental illness, and music has always been been his outlet and therapy. The song “Dirty Creature” from ‘82’s Time And Tide album is all about his then-frequent panic attacks. Often times the best music and art is created out of darkness and mental struggles.

[@michaelcolello2735]

These guys were my fave thing about MTV back in the days.

[@danawigley1018]

Love the last stop when they proceed to stop all together in sync.

[@samuelpage9265]

Visionary music, indeed. Way ahead of us.

[@jenpaulo1497]

When MTV was truly MTV!

[@davidwright4495]

Those were the days

[@keithmoon8838]

This was before MTV.

[@kuluke2002]

@cbonklisse They did! First day.

[@dailmcdavid5883]

@@keithmoon8838 yeah wasn't this A year before MTV came out ? I thought it was Summer of 1981

[@chipdrusano]

DAIL MCDAVID it was summer of 1981

[@trishavoorhees4118]

This song gave us one of the best opening scenes in Wentworth, can't stop listening to it now!