Not So Distant Sun
It’s hitting the Australian papers that what was previously thought to be a Neil Finn solo record is now going to be an official Crowded House project, with a 12-month world tour to go with it.
Word on the official frenz.com message board is that Mark Hart is involved with the project, and since I think he helped lift the material on Together, Alone to be the strongest album that Neil Finn’s ever been involved with, I gotta say I’m already waiting to buy my tickets.
About Dave Thomer
Born and raised in Philadelphia. Studied philosophy at Fordham University in the Bronx, where I made many great friends and met my wonderful wife. We moved back to Philadelphia, where I studied philosophy some more and became a teacher. Online and off, I'm looking for ways that we can be better citizens and build stronger communities.
Sunday, January 21st 2007 at 4:16 am |
I love this news, but still hate what it took to get all these guys back into the same room.
That said, I’m not one of these people who’s saying that there shouldn’t be Crowded House without Paul. Someone else has already warmed the drum seat in that group, and at the time, there was no reason to believe that Paul would be returning.
And for the love of God, I hope “Help Is Coming” gets a proper recording.
Sunday, January 21st 2007 at 9:13 pm |
As a grizzled veteran of Darnit My Favorite Band Lost Its Drummer, I tend to agree with you. Although I do think Neil has made some comments to the effect that it can’t be Crowded House without Paul, so I can see how some people might have an issue with it.
I’m also not sure if Mark Hart actually contributed to the album, or if he’s just going to be part of the tour. If the latter, then there better be a Hello to the World live CD.
Tuesday, January 23rd 2007 at 2:29 am |
I got the impression from one of Peter Green’s (no relation) Frenz.com postings that Hart was in on the album. I certainly hope so; I think the smart money’s on trying to pick up from Together Alone rather than trying to recreate the early Crowdies albums.
But hey, let’s face it, Neil is on board, I’ll just follow and listen where he leads.
Tuesday, January 23rd 2007 at 9:33 pm |
I think Green was deliberately vague there, just saying that Hart is part of the band. But obviously at least one part of the band that will go on tour did not play on the album – whoever they pick as the drummer. And there’s a billboard story that says that Hart will join the band for the live dates.
The thing that gives me pause is that this album, from all appearances, started out as a Neil Finn solo album and is becoming a Crowded House album after the fact. So I don’t really think they will be picking up from Together Alone or the Help is Coming sessions at all. More’s the pity.