Search - Split Enz :: Corroboree (Reis)

Terrific follow up by the Enz to "True Colours" remixed and

Wayne Klein | My Little Blue Window, USA | 04/20/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Corroboree" (or Waiata depending upon whether you bought this and listened to it in Austrlia or New Zealand)finds Split Enz delivering another terrific album. The follow up to "True Colours" brought them close to international success as "I Got You" broke through on radio in the United States. Featuring a number of terrific songs, Neil Finn steps in with some of his most infectious work yet; both "History Never Repeats" and "One Step Ahead" got airplay in the United States (as did "I Don't Wanna Dance")but the sublime "Iris" hints at the delights of the next album's "Message To My Girl". Rayner checks in himself with "Wail" a terrific instrumental and "Albert of India". Tim's "Walking Through The Ruins" and "Ghost Girl" are both terrific tracks as well.



Although generally some fans feel this is a less consistent album than "True Colours", I would disagree. Even if it does have filler (and there are those that would argue that point), the filler is better than most bands best tracks. Both Neil and Tim are in top form contribuing some of their best songs and the instrumentals are always interesting to listen to. We do get a bonus track--"In the War" a very good b-side to the single "History Never Repeats".



We also get complete lyircs (with the exception of the bonus track)but no liner notes discussing the making of the album. Rayner's remix sounds marvelous bringing out details lost with the previous mix and improving the clarity and depth of the recording. Unlike a lot of "modern" remixes, this one sounds extremely close to its original release (at least to my ears)and it doesn't suffer from the heavy compression/reduced dynamic range that is a flaw with most modern CDS (this usually results in a loud CD where there is no difference between the quietest moments and loudest taking much of the dramatic power out of the music).



Eddie Rayner has remixed/remastered this classic album and it has never sounded better. It's a step up in my opinion over the previous CD and captures the vibe of the original vinyl while delivering greater detail. The booklet include all the lyrics for the songs (except the bonus track "In the Wars")but no liner notes on the recording of the album.



"Corroboree" has some tracks that rank among the best that Neil, Tim and Eddie wrote. This, along with "Frenzy", "Mental Notes", "True Colours" and "Time & Tide" is definitely worth picking up.

Frenzyand Mental Notesand True Coloursand Time and Tide



Some memorable albums recorded later include: WoodfaceTry Whistling Thisand Before & After"

Makes me want to dance.

MORTEN AASTAD | Oslo Norway | 11/22/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I won't get into the debth and with of this album, I just have to a write a few lines and say that this, to me, is one of the best albums of its time. I absolutely love Split Enz, the two Finn Brothers and the whole wibe and feel of this band, in it's many incarnations. If you are new to Split Enz, but know of and have heard Crowded House, then this is a very good way to star appreciating Split Enz. The band was going very strong, incorporating more and more the extremly professional pop song sensibility of Neil Finn, merging it with Tim Finn's weary melancholy, and not least both members quirky and at times superbly dark lyrics.



An absolute joy, I can't recommend it enough."