Beginnings
Melbourne, 1985: during the farewell tour of their New Zealand band Split Enz, singer, guitarist and pianist Neil Finn and drummer Paul Hester decide to form a new band. They recruit bassist Nick Seymour, who brings a distinguished musical pedigree – he’s the younger brother of Hunters & Collectors singer-songwriter Mark Seymour. After briefly adopting the name The Mullanes, the trio settle on Crowded House. A legend is born.
Early success
In 1986, Crowded House release their eponymous debut album on Capitol Records. After an initially slow burn, with the band working hard to build their fan base with grassroots live performances, the single Don’t Dream it’s Over changes everything. This hauntingly beautiful song, now a globally revered classic, captures the hearts of radio listeners in the US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and then Europe. It’s a smash hit.
Don’t Dream it’s Over, written and composed by Neil Finn, is awarded Song of the Year and Best Video at the inaugural ARIA Awards in 1987 and remains to this day Crowded House’s most commercially successful song as well as one of the modern era’s most covered songs.
Crowded House’s follow-up single, Something So Strong, is another huge hit, and the success of those first two is matched by World Where you Live. With irresistible melodies and moving lyrics, these Crowded House songs open the ears of the world to Australian rock music.
Posted from: https://www.smh.com.au/culture/music/don-t-dream-it-s-over-crowded-house-s-triumphant-return-20211209-p59g7t.html
