Crowded House
Don't Stop Now
release date:
25 Jun 2007 // label:
Parlophone Records Crowded House originally ground to a premature halt in 1996. The split
was forced in part by the bands original drummer, Paul Hester, who left
during the US leg of the band's Together Alone Tour, in order to spend
more time with his family. Following his departure, the New Zealand
born Neil Finn, a gifted song writer and the bands tour de force, kept
the band ticking over for a year or so, before finally calling it a
day. But not before they played a huge farewell gig on the steps of the
Sydney Opera House.
Finn went on to persue a successful solo career, linking up on
a number of occasions with older brother and sparring partner Tim Finn,
who also played a large part on the band's critically acclaimed
'Woodface' album. Nick Seymour, the bands bassist, moved to Ireland and
kept himself busy producing a number of bands, including Bell X1.
Hester never quite found what he was obviously looking for in life, had
a well publicised battle with depression and sadly committed suicide in
2005.
In view of the above, the news that the band were
reforming was a bitter / sweet prospect for a large proportion of the
band's loyal fan base. On hearing the new material, any doubts fans may
have had, were quickly forgotten about.
'Don't Stop Now', is the
first release from the newly reformed Crowded House and is taken from
their eagerly anticipated long player, 'Time On Earth', which is due
for release on 2nd July 2007. The single, a hook filled gem that
genuinely seems to get better with every listen, is reminiscent of many
of Finn's uplifting, Beatlesque compositions. Lead guitar is supplied
by the music industries hired gun of choice Johnny Marr, who adds his
signature guitar playing throughout. The band have also recruited
Beck's drummer Matt Sherrod into the fold, who has stepped nicely into
Hester's shoes, giving the band an extra dynamic and lets hope some
stability.
The single bodes well for the imminent arrival of the
long player and is a definitely going to be one of the feel good hits
of the summer.