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|URL = [http://www.crowdedhouse.com/ crowdedhouse.com]
|URL = [http://www.crowdedhouse.com/ crowdedhouse.com]
|Current_members = [[Neil Finn]]<br />[[Nick Seymour]]<br />[[Mark Hart]]<br />[[Matt Sherrod]]
|Current_members = [[Neil Finn]]<br />[[Nick Seymour]]<br />[[Mark Hart]]<br />[[Matt Sherrod]]
|Past_members = [[Paul Hester (Deceased)]]<br />[[Craig Hooper]]<br />[[Eddie Rayner]]<br />[[Tim Finn]]<br />[[Peter Jones (drummer)|Peter Jones]]
|Past_members = [[Paul Hester]]<br />[[Craig Hooper]]<br />[[Eddie Rayner]]<br />[[Tim Finn]]<br />[[Peter Jones (drummer)|Peter Jones]]
}}
}}
'''Crowded House''' (or '''The Crowdies''' to fans) is a [[rock music|rock]] group formed in 1985 in [[Melbourne]], Australia and led by New Zealand [[singer-songwriter]] [[Neil Finn]].<ref name="McF">McFarlane (1999). Encyclopedia entry for 'Crowded House'.</ref><ref name="sss">Bourke (1997).</ref> Finn is widely recognised as the primary songwriter and creative director of the band, having led it through several incarnations, drawing members from New Zealand (his brother, [[Tim Finn]] and [[Eddie Rayner]]), Australia ([[Paul Hester]], [[Nick Seymour]], [[Peter Jones (drummer)|Peter Jones]] and [[Craig Hooper]]) and the United States ([[Mark Hart]], and [[Matt Sherrod]]).<ref name="McF"/><ref name="sss"/><ref name=denton>{{cite web|last=Denton|first=Andrew|work=[[Enough Rope]]|date=16 July 2007|publisher=[[Australian Broadcasting Corporation]] (ABC)|url=http://www.abc.net.au/tv/enoughrope/transcripts/s1979899.htm|title=ENOUGH ROPE with Andrew Denton – Episode 139: Neil Finn and Nick Seymour|accessdate=15 August 2007}}</ref>
'''Crowded House''' (or '''The Crowdies''' to fans) is a [[rock music|rock]] group formed in 1985 in [[Melbourne]], Australia and led by New Zealand [[singer-songwriter]] [[Neil Finn]].<ref name="McF">McFarlane (1999). Encyclopedia entry for 'Crowded House'.</ref><ref name="sss">Bourke (1997).</ref> Finn is widely recognised as the primary songwriter and creative director of the band, having led it through several incarnations, drawing members from New Zealand (his brother, [[Tim Finn]] and [[Eddie Rayner]]), Australia ([[Paul Hester]], [[Nick Seymour]], [[Peter Jones (drummer)|Peter Jones]] and [[Craig Hooper]]) and the United States ([[Mark Hart]], and [[Matt Sherrod]]).<ref name="McF"/><ref name="sss"/><ref name=denton>{{cite web|last=Denton|first=Andrew|work=[[Enough Rope]]|date=16 July 2007|publisher=[[Australian Broadcasting Corporation]] (ABC)|url=http://www.abc.net.au/tv/enoughrope/transcripts/s1979899.htm|title=ENOUGH ROPE with Andrew Denton – Episode 139: Neil Finn and Nick Seymour|accessdate=15 August 2007}}</ref>

Revision as of 00:01, 28 December 2009

This article is about the rock group, Crowded House. For their debut album, see Crowded House (album).
Crowded House

Crowded House (or The Crowdies to fans) is a rock group formed in 1985 in Melbourne, Australia and led by New Zealand singer-songwriter Neil Finn.[1][2] Finn is widely recognised as the primary songwriter and creative director of the band, having led it through several incarnations, drawing members from New Zealand (his brother, Tim Finn and Eddie Rayner), Australia (Paul Hester, Nick Seymour, Peter Jones and Craig Hooper) and the United States (Mark Hart, and Matt Sherrod).[1][2][3]

The band owes its original success to the Australian live music scene, though references to New Zealand people and places are included in several of their songs. ("Kare kare" is written about Karekare Beach, "Mean to Me" refers to Finn's hometown of Te Awamutu). The success of Crowded House and Split Enz (the Finn brothers' former band) resulted in Queen Elizabeth II bestowing the Order of the British Empire on both Tim and Neil Finn, in June 1993, for their contribution to the music of New Zealand.[4]

Originally active during 1985–1996, the band has had consistent commercial and critical success in Australia and New Zealand;[5][6][7] and international chart success in two phases. Their self titled first album, Crowded House, peaked at #12 on the US Billboard 200 in 1987 and provided the Top Ten hits, "Don't Dream It's Over" and "Something So Strong".[8][9][10] The second phase of international success was experienced in the UK and Europe with their third and fourth albums, Woodface and Together Alone and compilation album, Recurring Dream which included the hits "Fall at Your Feet" ,"Weather with You", "Distant Sun", "Locked Out", "Instinct" and "Not the Girl You Think You Are".[2]

Founding drummer, Hester left in May 1994, citing family reasons, but briefly returned for their 1996 final tour prior to disbanding in November.[1] Neil Finn had decided to concentrate on his solo career, and with Tim in Finn Brothers.[1] On 26 March 2005, with a previous history of depression, Hester committed suicide, aged 46, by hanging himself from a tree in a park near his home.[11] In 2006, the group reunited with a new drummer, Sherrod; and released a new album, Time on Earth on 29 June, which reached #1 on Australia's ARIA Album Charts.[6]

History

Formation and beginnings (1984–1986)

Main articles: Split Enz and The Mullanes

The group has important connections in the Australian and New Zealand rock scenes. Neil Finn on vocals, guitars and piano, and Paul Hester (ex-The Cheks, Deckchairs Overboard) on drums were former members of rock band Split Enz, which formed in New Zealand and relocated to Australia.[1] Neil is the younger brother of Split Enz founding member Tim Finn—Tim joined Crowded House in 1990 on vocals, guitars and keyboards.[1] Nick Seymour (ex-Plays with Marionettes, Bang, The Horla) on bass guitar and backing vocals is the younger brother of singer-songwriter and guitarist Mark Seymour,[1] leader of the now defunct Australian rock group Hunters & Collectors.[2]

Neil Finn and Hester decided to form a new band during the Split Enz farewell tour, Enz with a Bang, in November–December 1984.[1] Nick Seymour approached Finn during the after party for the Melbourne show and asked if he could try out for this new band.[2] The Mullanes formed in Melbourne in early 1985 with Finn, Hester, Seymour and guitarist Craig Hooper (ex-The Reels), and they first performed on 11 June.[1] They secured a record contract with Capitol Records, Hooper left the band before the remaining trio moved to Los Angeles.[1][12] At the label's behest, the band's name was changed to Crowded House, which alluded to cramped quarters at their West Hollywood shared apartment during recording of Crowded House, their eponymous debut album.[1][12] Former Split Enz keyboardist Eddie Rayner was asked to join, he produced the track "Can't Carry On" for the album, in 1988 he toured with the band but was unable to become a full member due to family reasons. Crowded House are referred to as The Crowdies by Australian fans.[2]

Early albums (1986–1990)

Main articles: Crowded House (album) and Temple of Low Men

With their Split Enz alumni, the band had an already-established Australasian market.[1] In 1986, Crowded House participated in festival shows in Australia and New Zealand, and released Crowded House in June.[1] Despite the Split Enz fan base, Capitol Records did not see any immediate promise for the band, resulting in a low-profile promotion by their label.[2] Faced with this difficulty, the band played small venues to seek attention.

Three men are standing in front of posters advertising the band. Man at left is wearing sunglasses, smiling and adjusting his dark jacket. Man in middle is staring to his left and wears a similar dark jacket. Third man is also staring to his left and has a dark jacket.
Crowded House in San Francisco, April 1987. From L to R: Paul Hester, Neil Finn, Nick Seymour.

The album's first single, "Mean to Me" peaked into the Australian Kent Music Report Singles Chart top 30 in June.[5] It failed to chart in the US Billboard's Hot 100,[9] but its moderate airplay there introduced listeners to the group's music. In Australia, the second single was "Now We're Getting Somewhere" in October followed by "Don't Dream It's Over" in December 1986, which peaked at #1 on the New Zealand Singles Chart and #8 in Australia.[5][7] It became a massive international hit and remains the group's most commercially successful and most awarded hit. The single's video was autobiographical, showing band houses on their way to the "crowded house" in West Hollywood during album recording.[2] In March 1987, the group were awarded 'Best New Talent', and 'Song of the Year' and 'Best Video' for "Don't Dream It's Over", at the inaugural ARIA Music Awards.[13] In April, "Don't Dream It's Over" reached #2 on the Hot 100,[9] and the video earned the group the MTV Video Music Award for Best New Artist that year,[14] one of many Crowded House awards. The song was covered by Paul Young (1991) and Sixpence None the Richer (2003). "Don't Dream It's Over" was used in the 1994 TV miniseries The Stand, based on Stephen King's The Stand. It was used for a New Zealand Tourism Board advertisement in its "100% Pure New Zealand" worldwide promotion from October 2005.[15] In May 2001, Australasian Performing Rights Association (APRA) celebrated its 75th anniversary by naming the Best Australian Songs of all time, as decided by a 100 person industry panel, "Don't Dream It's Over" was ranked seventh.[16]

In June, a year after its release, Crowded House finally peaked at #1 on the Kent Music Report Album Charts, replacing Whispering Jack by John Farnham.[5] It reached #3 in New Zealand,[7] and #12 on the Billboard 200 albums charts.[10] "Something So Strong" was the next single from the album, and it peaked at #3 in New Zealand,[7] #7 in the US,[9] and #18 in Australia.[5] "World Where You Live" was issued as the fifth single in September 1987, which reached the Australian top 50 and US Hot 100.[5][9] The single, "Now We're Getting Somewhere", achieved moderate chart success when released internationally.[2]

Three men are sitting at a small table. Man at left is holding sunglasses in his right hand, smiling, leaning forward and looking to his right. Man in middle has elbows on a brief case, gesturing with upraised hands, right hand is holding sunglasses, he is looking to his left. Third man has a small cup held to his lips by his right hand.
Crowded House at the Montreux Pop Festival in Switzerland, May 1988. From L to R: Seymour, Finn, Hester.

As primary songwriter, Finn was under pressure to create a second album to match the debut—the band joked that one potential title for the new release was Mediocre Follow-Up.[2] Temple of Low Men was released with a promotion campaign by Capitol Records in July 1988, along with the single "Better Be Home Soon", which reached top 50 on the Hot 100.[9] Other highlights of this album were "Into Temptation" and "Sister Madly", the latter is a fan favourite sing-along in concerts.[2] Although critics were impressed, the album was not as well received commercially in the US as their debut, reaching top 40 on the Billboard 200.[10] The first single "Better Be Home Soon" was an acoustic song which peaked at #2 on both Australian and New Zealand charts,[6][7] though the following four singles had less chart success.[2][6][7] In Australia, the album peaked at #1 on the ARIA Albums Chart,[6] and in New Zealand it reached #2.[7] The label pulled promotion for the album as Crowded House undertook a short tour of Australia and Canada with Rayner on keyboards. Mark Hart, ex-Supertramp, a multi-instrumentalist then accompanied the band from January 1989 as a tour performer, replacing Rayner.

In early 1989, following a short tour to support their second album, Finn fired Seymour.[3] According to music journalist, Ed Nimmervoll, Seymour was temporarily sacked as he was blamed for Finn's writer's block.[12] In July 2007, on Andrew Denton's Enough Rope, Finn said he fired Seymour because of artistic differences.[3] After a month, Seymour said he initiated contact and the two agreed on his return.[3] The group took a break before re-entering the studio for their third album.[2]

The early nineties (1991–1994)

Main articles: Tim Finn, Woodface, and Together Alone

After the 1989 Canadian tour supporting Temple of Low Men, Crowded House took a break, Neil Finn began songwriting with Tim, his brother, for a proposed album titled Finn.[2] The sessions yielded enough songs for an album and they were happy with the result, Neil began songwriting for a third Crowded House album.[2] After recording tracks as Crowded House with Hester and Seymour, the record company rejected most of them, so Neil asked Tim if they could use Finn songs for Crowded House.[2] Tim jokingly agreed on the proviso that he become a member, Neil took this literally and with Tim newly joined, the band returned to the studio.[2]

These recording sessions were combined with songs from the earlier sessions and yielded Woodface, which was released in July 1991 and featured eight tracks co-written by Neil and Tim.[2] These tracks featured the Finns harmonising on lead vocals except the sombre "All I Ask" with Tim on lead, which was later used on AIDS awareness commercials in Australia.[2] Five tracks were Neil's compositions, and two were by Hester, "I'm Still Here" and the exuberant "Italian Plastic", which became a crowd favorite at live concerts.[2] "Chocolate Cake" was released in June as the first single, it was a humorous comment on US excesses but was not taken well by some critics or sections of the public there—it failed to reach the top 200 on Billboard's singles chart—however it did peak at #2 on the component Alternative Songs (formerly Modern Rock Tracks) chart.[9][17] "Chocolate Cake" peaked at #7 in New Zealand and top 20 in Australia.[6][7] The album's second single, "Fall at Your Feet" had less chart success in Australia and New Zealand but had greater mainstream US chart success, peaking in the Hot 100.[2][6][7][9]

The album peaked at #1 in New Zealand and #2 in Australia,[6][7] it reached #6 in the UK[18][19][20] and top 20 in Europe,[21][22][23] in contrast to its limited US success—where it reached top 100 on Billboard 200.[10] The success of Crowded House and Split Enz prompted the New Zealand Government, in June 1993, to recommend to the Queen to bestow an OBE upon Tim and Neil for their contribution to the music of New Zealand.[4] Princess Diana, known for her love of music, reported that Crowded House was her favourite band.[24] The songs "Weather with You" and "Fall at Your Feet" became signature songs for the band. In 2007, Jimmy Buffett covered "Weather with You", for his album Take the Weather with You. Tim was fired from Crowded House during the support tour for Woodface in late 1991, part-way through the UK leg—projected as the final leg but album success dictated more dates to be added.[1] Hart was recalled on keyboards for the remaining tour dates, later he became a permanent band member.[1] Performances of this tour, at the Town and Country Club in London, were recorded live and given a limited release in Australia, while excerpts were released as B-sides for the album's singles in other countries.[25]

For their next album, Together Alone, Crowded House used New Zealand-based producer Martin Glover (aka Youth).[1][12] Recording sessions were at Karekare Beach, New Zealand, which gave its name, to the opening track—a jam session—"Kare kare". After its release in October 1993, it sold well internationally on the strength of lead single "Distant Sun" and followup "Private Universe". "Locked Out" was the album's first US single, receiving airplay on MTV and VH1, due to its inclusion on the 1994 film Reality Bites's soundtrack, it was bundled with The Knack's hit "My Sharona" (from same soundtrack) as a promotional jukebox single.[2]

Saying farewell (1994–1996)

Main articles: Finn (album), Recurring Dream, and Farewell to the World

Crowded House toured Europe and had begun their US tour when Hester left the band on 15 April 1994,[12] he flew back to Melbourne to await the birth of his first child and indicated he required more time with his family.[1][12] Wally Ingram, drummer for support act, Sheryl Crow, temporarily filled in;[12] the tour was finished with session drummer Peter Jones (from Melbourne, ex-Harem Scarem, Vince Jones, Kate Ceberano's Septet).[1] Finn revived the Finn Brothers project and Finn was released in November 1995; he officially proclaimed the disbandment of Crowded House in June 1996 at a press conference, where he announced the release of their greatest hits album—Recurring Dream which has four songs from each album and three new songs intended for the cancelled fifth studio album—and the Farewell to the World Tour.[2]

Two men holding guitars onstage. Man at left is looking downwards, right hand strummings strings, left hand on fret board. Second man is half turned with his left hand high on the fret board.
Crowded House playing live in Cafe De Kroon, Amsterdam, June 1996. Left: Neil Finn, right: Mark Hart

Recurring Dream debuted at #1 in Australia, New Zealand and UK in July.[7][6][20] Early copies included a second CD of live material from performances in Australia, New Zealand, UK and US—comedic banter between songs and the band's spontaneity is displayed. Hester returned on drums for the compilation and he was recorded on the album's three new songs, which were released as singles: the funky "Instinct" (#17 in New Zealand),[7] the Beatlesque "Not the Girl You Think You Are" and the optimistic anthem "Everything Is Good for You" (#10 in Australia),[6] which featured backing vocals from Pearl Jam's Eddie Vedder.

On 24 November 1996, the band performed the final Farewell to the World concert on the footsteps of the Sydney Opera House, raising emergency funds through a charity event for the Sydney Children's Hospital. Earlier band members, including Hester, Tim Finn and Jones, participated. Prior to their performance, Crowded House was supported by Custard, Powderfinger and You Am I. The concert had one of the highest live audiences in Australian history with varying reports of the audience being 120,000–250,000 people.[2][26] Farewell to the World was released on VHS in December, but wasn't initially released in audio format on cassette or CD; in 2007, a double CD and a DVD was issued.[26]

Following farewell and before reunion (1996–2006)

Main articles: Afterglow (Crowded House album), Deadstar, 7 Worlds Collide, and Everyone Is Here

Following the 1996 breakup of Crowded House, the members embarked upon different projects in an array of mediums. Neil Finn initiated a successful solo career, releasing two albums and a soundtrack. Tim Finn resumed his solo career, after leaving the group in 1992, and issued four solo albums, he also supported Crowded House throughout the Woodface Tour. Together as the Finn Brothers, Neil and Tim recorded two albums, Finn in 1995, and Everyone Is Here in 2004, which had greater commercial success.

Jones and Seymour joined Australian group Deadstar for their second album, Milk (1997). Seymour later worked as a record producer in Dublin, including Irish group Bell X1's debut album Neither Am I (2000). Hart rejoined Supertramp in the late 1990s and then toured as a part of Ringo Starr's All Starr band. In 2001, Hart released a solo album, Nada Sonata, on the PSB Records label.[27]

After leaving in 1994, Hester reunited with his friend Anthony Field of The Wiggles to participate in some of their performances as 'Paul the Chef'.[28][29] Following Farewell to the World, Hester became a television and radio personality in Australia with his own ABC show Hessie's Shed from late 1997.[1] He formed his own band, Largest Living Things,[1] a name he had in reserve since 1985 when Capitol Records rejected it in favour of Crowded House.[11] It was on Hessie's Shed that Finn, Hester and Seymour last shared a stage: on an episode filmed as part of Finn's promotion his solo album, Try Whistling This (1998), Finn and Hester performed "Not the Girl You Think You Are" with the Largest Living Things, before being joined by Seymour for "Sister Madly". The last song the three played together was a version of Paul Kelly's "Leaps and Bounds", featuring Kelly on vocals.

In May 1999, the group issued a collection of rare and unreleased recordings, Afterglow, which included promotional radio single, "Anyone Can Tell", live favourite "Recurring Dream", previously available on movie soundtracks, Tequila Sunrise and Rikky and Pete, as well as B-sides.[1] The album sleeve had a short history detailing information about the collection. Some limited release versions included a second CD with songwriting commentary by Finn, its liner notes confirmed that Crowded House were not due to reunite.[1]

In 2001, Neil Finn collaborated with several international acts, for a New Zealand-based live group named, 7 Worlds Collide, from a line on "Distant Sun". The live concerts sold out and performances titled, 7 Worlds Collide, were issued as a double CD and as a DVD in November. The concerts featured songs from Crowded House, Split Enz, Tim and Neil's respective solo careers, Finn Brothers, Betchadupa (with Neil's son, Liam Finn on vocals and guitar) and some pieces written specifically for the performances.

Hester and Seymour were reunited for Melbourne group Tarmac Adam in 2003.[30] In late 2003, Hester hosted Australian channel Music Max series, Music Max's Sessions. On 26 March 2005, with a previous history of depression, Hester committed suicide, aged 46, by hanging himself from a tree in a park near his home.[11]

In November 2006, for the tenth anniversary of Farewell to the World, a double CD and a double DVD set was released. The DVD featured newly recorded audio commentary by Finn, Hart and Seymour; with previously released special features (except a t-shirt) from the 1996 VHS; and a new documentary featuring concert participants and promoters.[26]

Reunion (2006–Current)

Main article: Time on Earth

In 2006, after Hester's death and the tenth anniversary of Farewell to the World, Neil Finn, Hart and Seymour reconnected; Finn asked Seymour to play bass guitar for his proposed third solo album.[12] Seymour agreed and the two joined with producer and drummer Ethan Johns to begin recording.[12] During recording, they decided it would be better as a Crowded House album and called Hart to return on guitar and piano.[12] In January 2007, the group publicly announced their reformation, and on 23 February, after 20 days of auditioning, former Beck drummer Matt Sherrod joined.[12] The band recorded four new songs for the album, Time on Earth, including its lead single "Don't Stop Now", with producer Steve Lillywhite.[12][13]

On 17 March, they played a live gig at their rehearsal studio to about 50 fans which was broadcast online. The two-and-a-half hour set had Crowded House staples and a few new tracks, including "Silent House" co-written by Finn with Dixie Chicks members, Martie Maguire, Natalie Maines and Emily Robison. A concert on The Thekla, a moored ship in Bristol, followed on 19 March. Crowded House played at the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival on 29 April in Indio, California. On 7 July, they performed to thousands at Live Earth in Sydney, Australia.[31] On 8 July, Finn and Seymour were interviewed on Rove Live and the band, with Hart and Sherrod, performed "Don't Stop Now" to promote Time on Earth.[32] "Don't Stop Now" was released as a single in Australia on 16 June and subsequently in UK, the album followed on 30 June in Australia, and in July for UK and US markets.[33] On 6 December 2008 Crowded House played the Homebake festival in Sydney, with warm up gigs in Hobart, Melbourne and Sydney, to relatively small crowds in intimate venues. Finn's younger son, Elroy Finn, played backup guitar, while Don McGlashan played a wide variety of instruments.

On 14 March 2009, Liam Finn performed at the Sound Relief concert in Melbourne, Crowded House made a guest appearance with him and played three songs. Crowded House began recording their follow-up album to Time on Earth in April, at Finn's own Roundhead Studios. While Time on Earth was somewhat of a hybrid between a Neil Finn solo release and a band album, the follow-up is expected to feature the entire official lineup throughout. Jim Scott produced, staying as a holdover from The Sun Came Out by 7 Worlds Collide and Wilco by Wilco, both recently produced at Roundhead. Crowded House often played songs much better on tour than when first recorded, so the band decided to "road-test" several new songs on tours leading prior to recording sessions. Their hope was that the extra familiarity would allow them to better capture their live chemistry in the studio—it is not known how many of these road-tested songs, if any, were actually recorded. In August, Finn traveled to Los Angeles to finish the sixth Crowded House album. He recorded final overdubs at Jim Scott's Los Angeles studio before they commenced mixing the album. Finn also performed at an LA nightclub Largo, both on his own, with Jon Brion, and with members of the 7 Worlds Collide promoting their charity album The Sun Came Out. Finn stated in numerous interviews that the new Crowded House album was due in early 2010, containing an occasional "twist and turn" and a few songs that "sound like nothing we've done before."

Style

Songwriting and musical influences

As the central songwriter for the band, Neil Finn's music has always been the driving force for the band's song catalogue. Finn has often cited artists such as The Beatles, The Rolling Stones and folk rock artists such as John Denver and Joan Baez, as his influences. Finn's mother was a significant musical influence, encouraging him to listen to a variety of musical styles, including Irish folk singers and Māori music. Māori influences can be heard in Together Alone and in Finn Brothers' album Finn.

Finn often writes lyrics in sonnet form with rhymes, similes and metaphors combined with literal descriptions. Some songs have random lines, such as in "Pineapple Head" from Together Alone, based on words murmured by younger son Elroy when he was sick and delirious with a fever as a young child. The story is sometime incorrectly told as though it was elder son Liam who was sick.[2]

Album covers, costumes and set design

Crowded House followed on from Split Enz, known for their flair, style and set design. Crowded House adopted this concept in part, especially in the group's earlier days. Noel Crombie, Split Enz's costume and set designer, did not join Crowded House, so Seymour, an art school graduate and professional artist, filled the role. Seymour designed or co-designed all of the album covers and co-created and designed all interior layouts. He also designed many costumes worn by the group, notably those from the cover of the group's debut album Crowded House.

Seymour collaborated with Finn and Hester on set design for many of their early music videos, such as "Don't Dream It's Over" and "Better Be Home Soon". Since reuniting, Seymour has continued to maintain the visual artistic direction, again designing the album cover and designing the cover for its lead single "Don't Stop Now". His design was carried over to the music video.[3]

Though all the album covers were by Seymour, the majority of the single covers were not. SSome had photographs of the band, such as "It's Only Natural" which had the lineup of the time with the typeset of "Crowded House" as used on the song's album Woodface. The artwork for "Pineapple Head" was created by Mental As Anything founder Reg Mombassa (aka Chris O'Doherty, creator of Mambo Graphics). During Crowded House's initial era, Crombie and Mombassa assisted Seymour in creating artwork and costumes. Set design for the Farewell to the World concerts was solely crafted by Crombie, while Mombassa and Seymour provided all promotional materials and artwork.[34]

Band members

Current members

  
Neil Finn Nick Seymour Mark Hart Matt Sherrod

Finn in 1996
Seymour in 1989
Hart in 2007
Sherrod in 2006
1985–1996 1985–1996 1989, 1992–1996 2007–present
2007–present 2007–present 2007–present

Additional musicians

  
Liam Finn Davey Lane Elroy Finn Don McGlashan

Finn in 2007 		   
McGlashan in 2007
2007–present 2007 2008–present 2008–present
  • guitars
  • piano
  • backing vocals
  • guitars
  • piano
  • backing vocals
  • guitars
  • backing vocals

Past members

Paul Hester Tim Finn Craig Hooper  
Former additional musicians

Hester in 1987
Finn in 2007 		 
1985–1994 1990–1991 "The Mullanes era"
1996 1985
  • drums
  • lead & backing vocals
  • lead vocals
  • keyboards
  • guitars
  • guitars

Discography

Main article: Crowded House discography
CD cover "Crowded House"
CD cover "Temple of Low Men"
CD cover "Woodface"
Studio albums

Awards

Main article: List of awards and nominations received by Crowded House

Crowded House has won several awards both nationally and internationally. In Australia, the group has won eleven ARIA Awards from 26 nominations, including first ever winner of the 'Best New Talent' award in 1987.[13] Notably, the majority of the awards were won in the band's earlier years from their first two albums, Crowded House and Temple of Low Men.[13] The group has also been nominated for eleven APRA Awards, including the New Zealand Silver Scroll for "Don't Stop Now" in 2007, and the group has won eight of the eleven; "Don't Dream It's Over" was named the seventh best Australian song of all time in 2001.[16] In 1987, Crowded House won the American MTV Video Music Award for Best New Artist for their song "Don't Dream It's Over", which was also nominated for three other awards.[14]

In 2009 Crowded House – "Don't Dream It's Over" came in at #50 in Triple J Hottest 100 of all time, voted by the Australian public.[35]

See also

Template:Seealsosection

Further reading

  • Dix, John (2005) [1988]. (Revised ed.). Auckland, NZ: Penguin Books. ISBN 0143019538. {{cite book}}: Missing or empty |title= (help); Text "titleStranded in Paradise: New Zealand Rock and Roll, 1955 to the Modern Era" ignored (help)[36]
  • Doole, Kerry (1996). Crowded House: Private Universe. London, UK: Omnibus Press. ISBN 071194816X. {{cite book}}: Unknown parameter |coauthors= ignored (|author= suggested) (help)[37]

References

General
Specific
  1. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v McFarlane (1999). Encyclopedia entry for 'Crowded House'.
  2. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y Bourke (1997).
  3. ^ a b c d e Denton, Andrew (16 July 2007). "ENOUGH ROPE with Andrew Denton – Episode 139: Neil Finn and Nick Seymour". Enough Rope. Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC). Retrieved 15 August 2007.
  4. ^ a b Hunkin, Joanna (3 May 2007). "Finn 'sick' of PM grabbing music glory". The New Zealand Herald. APN News & Media. Retrieved 11 December 2009.
  5. ^ a b c d e f Kent, David (1993). Australian Chart Book 1970–1992. St Ives, NSW: Australian Chart Book Ltd. ISBN 0646119176. {{cite book}}: |access-date= requires |url= (help) NOTE: Used for Australian Singles and Albums charting from 1974 until ARIA created their own charts in mid-1988. In 1992, Kent back calculated chart positions for 1970–1974.
  6. ^ a b c d e f g h i j "Discography Crowded House". Australian Charts Portal. Hung Medien. Retrieved 12 December 2009.
  7. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l "Discography Crowded House". New Zealand Charts Portal. Hung Medien. Retrieved 12 December 2009.
  8. ^ "Crowded House". Billboard Hot 100. Nielsen Company. Retrieved 12 December 2009.
  9. ^ a b c d e f g h "Crowded House > Charts & Awards > Billboard Singles". Allmusic. Rovi Corporation. Retrieved 12 December 2009.
  10. ^ a b c d "Crowded House > Charts & Awards > Billboard Albums". Allmusic. Rovi Corporation. Retrieved 12 December 2009.
  11. ^ a b c Zuel, Bernard (29 March 2005). "Farewell to the clown prince". The Sydney Morning Herald. Fairfax Media. Retrieved 15 August 2007. {{cite news}}: Unknown parameter |coauthors= ignored (|author= suggested) (help)
  12. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l Nimmervoll, Ed. "Crowded House". Howlspace. White Room Electronic Publishing Pty Ltd. Retrieved 13 December 2009.
  13. ^ a b c d "ARIA Awards 2009 : History: Winners by Artist : Crowded House". Australian Recording Industry Association (ARIA). Retrieved 13 December 2009.
  14. ^ a b "MTV Video Music Awards 1987". MTV Video Music Awards. MTV. Retrieved 3 September 2009. Note: See winners tab. Cite error: The named reference "mtv87" was defined multiple times with different content (see the help page).
  15. ^ "Music used in New Zealand Television Commercials". Retrieved 2007-08-13. Note: Scroll down to Tourism New Zealand
  16. ^ a b Culnane, Paul (28 May 2001). "The final list: APRA's Ten best Australian Songs". Australasian Performing Right Association (APRA). Retrieved 21 December 2009.
  17. ^ "Chocolate Cake Crowded House". Alternative Songs. Nielsen Company. Retrieved 13 December 2009.
  18. ^ "Chart Stats - Crowded House". Chart Stats. Retrieved 14 December 2009.
  19. ^ Roberts, David (2006). British Hit Singles & Albums (19th ed.). London, UK: Guinness World Records Limited. ISBN 1904994105.
  20. ^ a b "UK Top 40 Chart Archive, British Singles & Albums Charts". EveryHit.com. Retrieved 14 December 2009. Note: Requires user to input artist's name e.g. Crowded House.
  21. ^ "Discography Crowded House". Norwegian Charts Portal. Hung Medien. Retrieved 14 December 2009.
  22. ^ "Discography Crowded House". Swedish Charts Portal. Hung Medien. Retrieved 14 December 2009.
  23. ^ "Discographie Crowded House". Swiss Charts Portal. Hung Medien. Retrieved 14 December 2009. Note: Some information in German.
  24. ^ Mark Moxon (18 January 2002). Robert (ed.). "Neil Finn and Crowded House". Edited Guide Entry. BBC. Retrieved 15 December 2009.
  25. ^ Marck Bailey (12 January 1994). "Crowded House Discography v. 2.0". Australian Music Web Site (AMWS).
  26. ^ a b c Hepworth, David (2006). Farewell to the World (Media notes). Parlophone. {{cite AV media notes}}: Cite has empty unknown parameters: |publisherid=, |coauthors=, and |notestitle= (help); Unknown parameter |albumlink= ignored (help); Unknown parameter |bandname= ignored (help)
  27. ^ "Nada Sonata > Overview". Allmusic. Rovi Corporation. Retrieved 4 September 2009.
  28. ^ "The Wiggles – Yummy Yummy". Internet Movie Database (IMDB). Retrieved 4 September 2009.
  29. ^ "IMDB entry - Full cast and Crew". The Wiggles - Yummy Yummy. Internet Movie Database (IMDB). Retrieved 4 September 2009.
  30. ^ Magnus Holmgren (ed.). "Paul Hester". Australian Rock Database. Magnus Holmgren. Retrieved 17 December 2009.
  31. ^ "Live Earth: Highlights from 7/7/07". Retrieved 21 December 2009.
  32. ^ "Episode 813: Crowded House". rovedaily. Roving Enterprises. Retrieved 21 December 2009.
  33. ^ Thompson, Paul (25 April 2007). "Johnny Marr on Crowded House Reunion Album". Pitchfork Media. Archived from the original on 2 August 2008. Retrieved 21 December 2009.
  34. ^ Crowded House, Farewell to the World End Credits. Released December 1996. Retrieved 4 August 2007.
  35. ^ "Countdown | Hottest 100 - Of All Time | triple j". Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC). Retrieved 21 December 2009.
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  37. ^ "Crowded House : private universe / Kerry Doole and Chris Twomey". Catalogue Quick Record View. National Library of New Zealand. Retrieved 17 December 2009.
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