05/11/2024
Happy 'til Tuesday, HITSters! We here in the US may have to wait 'til Thursday to get results of a certain election happening now (did you rock your vote? I hope so!), but in the meantime, here's something sooo-pah cool for you. Our very own Misha Sturges, one of the creators of this here Star Hits fan page, was duly deputized by moi to be an official Star Hits Cub Reporter, and she reviewed a recent Crowded House concert! Here 'tis, in all its glory. Thank you Misha, and take it away (Please! Long Intro Ed.!--Editrix Suzan
The first time I saw Crowded House perform, it was in 1993 in support of the Woodface album (a masterpiece!). Since then, I’ve watched the band go through many lineups but Neil Finn and Nick Seymour have been the constants.
When I saw them at Bend Oregon’s Hayden Homes Amphitheater on 9/22, Crowded House had evolved into what I call the “Finn Family Players”. With the inclusion of Elroy Finn on drums, and Liam Finn on vox and guitars, it was really a finn-tastic experience. (Even fun Uncle Nick is family, if you ask me.)
It was a beautiful, still night and their voices rang out in that harmony we all know and love. The set was front-loaded with songs from the new album, Gravity Stairs, which I didn’t mind. Sometimes when I go to see an 80’s act and they play a bunch of new songs, I find myself bored because the spark is just not there any longer. (I’m not going to name any names, though.) These new songs were lovely and I was enchanted all the way through the new songs and into the fan favorites.
With Crowded House, you get two shows for the price of one because the stage patter is right out of a Flight of the Conchords episode. Neil regaled us with the tale of the band going inner tubing on the river that runs through the amphitheater. Apparently, an imaginary otter stole Neil’s expensive shirt somewhere along the way, and a younger Finn got stuck in some reeds “like Moses”.
Between comedy skits, the band soared through old favorites and a few surprises from the Split Enz days. Message to My Girl was a standout for me, personally. During Weather With You, all four lads came up to the front of the stage and did a medley of other bands’ songs as led by Liam - Once in a Lifetime by Talking Heads, and Groove is in the Heart by Dee-Lite were just a couple of examples!
I’m a big fan of Liam’s going back to 2008 when I saw him perform at SXSW. He was basically a one-man-band and did some looping as well as playing the theremin. It was unforgettable. He did play the theremin during Crowded House as well, to my delight. His voice blends so well with Neil’s - it’s just like having Tim Finn back doing harmonies.
Whenever this flock of Finns comes to your town, be sure to catch them!
--Duly Deputized SH Cub Reporter Misha Sturges
