Split Enz - Split Enz 1980-1984 (1992) 6 CD Box Set [Re-Up]

×

Split Enz - Split Enz 1980-1984 (1992) 6 CD Box Set [Re-Up]

Close

The greatest New Zealand rock band, they evolved from quirky art rockers into a pop powerhouse thanks to the skills of the brothers Finn. This Australian-only box set covers the period of the band's peak in popularity (1980-1984). Beginning with True Colours and ending with their swan song, See Ya Round, it shows the band in perfect pop form. While this is too ambitious for the casual fan, the devoted will find this essential for considerably improved sound and the bonus disc of previously unreleased tracks.

Review by Chris Woodstra, Allmusic.com

×

Split Enz - Split Enz 1980-1984 (1992) 6 CD Box Set [Re-Up]

Close

×

Split Enz - Split Enz 1980-1984 (1992) 6 CD Box Set [Re-Up]

Close

Split Enz found their place in new wave with True Colours, shedding the eccentricities and excesses of their past in favor of bright, highly memorable, Beatlesque pop. The album also marked Neil Finn's emergence as a great songcraftsman – his infectious "I Got You" helped to push the album and the band to international success. Both the single and the album stand as high points of the new wave era. As part of its marketing, the album was released in several different-colored covers with laser-etched vinyl.

Chris Woodstra, Allmusic.com

×

Split Enz - Split Enz 1980-1984 (1992) 6 CD Box Set [Re-Up]

Close

Because of the hurried schedule of newfound international success, the follow-up to True Colours suffered. Waiata follows much of the same formula of its predecessor, though in a slightly darker form that often lacks the punch that made True Colours great. Despite a couple of classic singles – "One Step Ahead" and "History Never Repeats" – and a handful of other inspired tracks, the album marks the band's first lateral move. "Waiata" is the Maori word for "party" (the album was given the aboriginal party title, Corroboree, in Australia). Following in the trend of True Colours, A&M issued three different colored covers for the worldwide release.

Chris Woodstra, Allmusic.com

×

Split Enz - Split Enz 1980-1984 (1992) 6 CD Box Set [Re-Up]

Close

Time and Tide stands as Split Enz's creative peak and most fully realized effort. On previous albums, the band remained distant and removed, only revealing what little they did between the lines; for Time and Tide, Tim and Neil Finn, while still clearly standing as outsiders, opened up, giving a rare glimpse at their feelings and thought processes. Tim exorcised demons and fears in the funky workout of "Dirty Creature," experienced a joyful communion with nature in "Never Ceases to Amaze Me," outlined a global view in "Small World," and explored ancient folk music with "Six Months in a Leaky Boat" and "Haul Away," an autobiographical sea shanty. Neil, on the other hand, gave darkly evocative yet slightly more abstract accounts in "Giant Heartbeat," "Take a Walk," and the claustrophobic "Log Cabin Fever" while still producing an infectious rocker in "Hello Sandy Allen." In addition to the peaks in songwriting, the Enz never sounded tighter as a band, with lean, tasteful arrangements. The result is a timeless, thoroughly consistent album and the high point of the Enz catalog.

Chris Woodstra, Allmusic.com

×

Split Enz - Split Enz 1980-1984 (1992) 6 CD Box Set [Re-Up]

Close

The distraction of a Tim Finn solo project (1983's Escapade) may have robbed Split Enz of the creative momentum produced by Time & Tide; Tim obviously spent much of his energy on that project, leaving him with a minority of songwriting credits for the first time since taking leadership of the band…There's a strong batch of songs from Neil, which includes the achingly beautiful love song "Message to My Girl" and the contemplative "Our Day," which intimates the thoughts of the soon-to-be father…A misguided overreliance on drum machines and generally heavy-handed production ultimately date a solid album. The telling title track, as well as the album closer, "Bon Voyage," hinted at Tim Finn's imminent departure from the band. Initial pressings of the album in New Zealand included a bonus 12" of "Kia Kaha" and "Parasite" – songs unavailable elsewhere until the release of the box sets.

Chris Woodstra, Allmusic.com

×

Split Enz - Split Enz 1980-1984 (1992) 6 CD Box Set [Re-Up]

Close

With Tim Finn departing for a solo career, Neil Finn takes charge of the aging band for their final studio album. While not living up to the band's previous brilliance, songs such as "Years Go By," "One Mouth Is Fed," and an early version of "I Walk Away" are delightful Finn compositions. Side two features songs written by each of the remaining members. Released only in Australia, New Zealand, and Canada.

Chris Woodstra, Allmusic.com

×

Split Enz - Split Enz 1980-1984 (1992) 6 CD Box Set [Re-Up]

Close

Rear Enz is a 1992 album of rarities released by New Zealand rock music group Split Enz, comprising b-sides, demos and a non-album single ranging from 1980 to 1984.