A GREAT ALBUM
Christopher Dundas | california | 04/29/2007
(5 out of 5 stars)
"The first 6 songs on this album are all fantastic. The fact that the rest of the album is disposable is regrettable, but should not keep you from buying the album. I have most of Split Enz's original vinyl, all of their original cds, and all but 2 of the new remasters, and I'll comment on the remastering in a later review. AllMusic (the website whose reviews are always first on itunes) makes a note of Tim Finn's departure and consequently Neil Finn taking over. I wouldn't have known it from listening.
Worth noting - the extra track on my cd is called "Mr. Catalyst" not "Next Exit," and it, unfortunately belongs to that category of songs you won't listen to often. Also, personally I prefer this version of "I Walk Away" to the version recorded on Crowded House's debut cd, but I'm glad to have multiple versions of this great song. In sum, if you like Split Enz from True Colours forward, you'll like this one."
Final Enz album isn't quite up to the previous releases
Wayne Klein | My Little Blue Window, USA | 04/24/2007
(3 out of 5 stars)
"There's a hole in the river where Tim Finn's contributions used to lie and he's sorely missed on the first and only Enz album without its founding member. While Neil steps admirably to the forefront with 7 strong songs, the album lacks the edge the band had when Tim was a member. It's inconsistent. "Breaking My Back" starts off promising enough although it's mid-80's production touches gives away the era it was recorded in. It's still a solid Neil Finn tune. We get an inferior but interesting early version of "I Walk Away" (that would also be on Neil's superb album debut Crowded House album which follow this one). I don't have the "Rear Enz" release but evidently there are a number of version of "I Walk Away" that Neil and the band attempted before recording this version.
Don't get me wrong, "See Ya Round" is a fine album by the quintet it just isn't as groundbreaking or as consistent as their best albums. Neil does a good job with leading the band and his material is definitely the best on here. The filler by the other members is the main reason why this deserves there stars. On the other hand, the sound is outstanding and the single bonus track excellent.
"Doctor Love" is the type of dark anti-love song that Neil would do well later with Crowded House. "One Mouth Is Fed" has a nice dramatic arrangement and is one of the best songs on the album. "Years Go By" is a nice ballad by Finn and Eddie Rayner. The bulk of the remainder of the album features songs written by each member of the band some quite good and some little more than filler. The prize on this remastered edition is Tim's swan song single with the band "Next Exit"(which oddly is included here vs. on "Conflicting Emotions" which is from the same year). With its delightful music hall piano opening, the song takes off.
We get the original lyrics, photos but no liner notes discussing the band's last studio album and Neil's decision to fold the band after the tour to support this album.
"
See Ya Around Review
Joseph J. Lowry | 02/14/2010
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This was a great swan song for a great band, no offence to Tim Finn. The song "I walk away" is perhaps my all time favorite Split Enz song, followed oh so closely by "Iris" from the Coroboree album which back in vinyl days was known as Waiata(?). I hope I speak for all of the Frenz of the Enz in wishing them continued happiness!
jopa33@earthlink.net"
Track Listings (12) - Disc #1