SPELLBOUND

This is the definitive best of Split Enz from the quirky, zany early incarnation to the polished production of their last few albums. There is so much to recommend from this band and in a sense it is better to grab their best of compilations as there was so much bedraggled nonsense on the studio releases, particularly their first 3 albums. All the awesome singles are on this release and every track worthy of mentioning from their repertoire.

The Best of the Enz from their discography is deserving of 2 CDs so this is about as good as it gets if you only want to buy one Enz album to include on your catalogue. Quintessential Split Enz included on this release include History Never Repeats, Dirty Creature, Bold as Brass, I See Red, I Got you, Shark Attack, One Step Ahead, Pioneer/ Six Months in a Leaky Boat, Poor Boy, I Hope I Never, Message to My Girl and Semi Detatched.

I mention Semi Detached, even though it is not a well known track by any standards, because it is certainly the most progressive track with its lengthy bizarre, off kilter rhythmic structure and overall sound. It was a surprise as I had not heard this on any other album because it comes from the Luton Tapes that was never released commercially till recently on CD.

Every track on this compilation has something special to offer, even though not every track works on the level of musicality or structure. One can never accuse Split Enz of being non diverse or dull when it comes to their song writing or themes. They cover every topic from man eating female sharks to Interplanetary Romeos (see my review of True Colours CD for lyrics). The music itself is incredible and heavily laden with pop snyth, echoed percussion and string sections with some dollops of clanging guitars added for good measure.

The singing ability of the Finn brothers is a joy to listen to as diverse from one another as one can be but somehow it works. Split Enz were one of the most prolific Oz/NZ acts of the 70s and 80s and still pack in crowds when they get together for special events such as the recent Bushfire Appeal concert. They sound as good as ever and played only tracks featured on this compilation because in essence this is the main bulk of their best tracks.

This double CD had me Spellbound and is highly recommended for all the above mentioned reasons. If you want an example of great Oz/NZ prog related material, look no further.