Search - Split Enz :: True Colours

One of Split Enz most impressive outings 4 1/2 stars

Wayne Klein | My Little Blue Window, USA | 04/29/2007

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Although the "True Colours" doesn't sound quite as good Corroboree that probably has more to do with the fact that "Corroboree" was remxed and remastered. "True Colours" features Split Enz coming into its own. Remastered by band stalwart Eddie Rayner, "True Colours" is loud and brickwalled (i.e., has little to no dynamic range)so someone who wants an audiophile experience may want to steer clear of it. Detail is quite good but there's quite a bit of compression. Still, it sounds better than some other remasters I've heard just not as great as it could. The real reason fans may want to pick this up are the bonus tracks.



One of the Finn/Finn era's biggest albums in the United States album is among their eccentric and most eclectic releases featuring all the production touches common to the late 70's/early 80's but the song craft is far and away better than what most other bands were doing. Once Tim Finn invited his guitarist/vocalist brother Neil to join the band they produced a series of the band's most melodic and memorable albums. Buoyed by the success of "I Got You" (it actually broke into Billboard's singles charts at #53 only to be outdone with the next album's single also by Neil Finn "History Never Repeats" which charted at #33),"True Colours" came in at #40 on the album charts quite an achievement for a band that had previously been ignored in the United States.



The rest of the album is as impressive even if the album's production dates it a bit. "Shark Attack" is a catchy Tim Finn number and Tim checks in with one of his most effective ballads "I Hope I Never" which showcases his tenor voice. The album is supplemented by a pair of strong b-sides from the band's singles "Things" (by Tim) and "Two of a Kind" (by Neil) which were strong contenders for the album and add to the quality of this release.



The liner notes are nonexistant which is a pity--those who aren't as familair with the band will want to learn a bit about their history and this album's recording history. We do get complete lyrics (except for the bonus tracks). The original release had three different colored colors with the same design (the U.S. domestic version goes with the red and black design)but this CD release goes with the cover that adnorned subsequent releases.



"Corroborree" sounds better in its re-release than this album (primarily because Rayner went back and remixed the album cleaning it up quite a bit)with a less cluttered production, more detail than this album. While it is a comparable follow up with the highlights being better than the best songs here, it's a bit less consistent than "True Colours". If you pick up "Mental Notes", "True Colours", "Corroboree", "Time & Tide" and "Conflicting Emotions" (primarily for the gorgeous "Message to My Girl" and "Bon Voyage") you'll have the best music this underrated band produced. Recommended.



Mental Notesand Corroboree andFrenzyand Time and Tide"