1991-July: Crowded House “Woodface”

New Zealander Neil Finn founded the indie rock band Crowded House with Austrailian drummer Paul Hester and Australian bassist Nick Seymour. For their third studio album Woodface, Neil's older brother and Split Enz alumnus Tim Finn would join the band. In fact, much of the material recorded for Woodface was originally intended for a Finn brothers album, and made it onto the this album after Capitol Records passed on many of the new songs that were originally intended for the album.

Neil Finn has always been a strong singer-songwriter through many bands (including Crowded House), and is currently touring with Fleetwood Mac.

Eric Von Haessler from WSB Radio and The Von Haessler Doctrine joins us again on What the Riff to cover this excellent and underrated album.

Chocolate Cake The opening track on the album was an album about the excesses of America and the West. “The excess of fat on your American bones will cushion the impact as you sink like a stone.” It's a bit of a novelty track with a “National Enquirer” feel.

Its Only Natural This beautiful track reflects a long relationship. “It's only natural that I should want to be with you. It's only natural that you should feel the same way too.”

Weather with You This track with an eastern-influenced sound and a vocal duet encourages the listener to not be affected by circumstances, but instead to “take the weather with you.”

4 Seasons in One Day Another “weather related title” brings the lyrics, “Even when you're feeling warm, the temperature can drop away like 4 seasons in one day.” There's a distinct Beatles inspiration from this track, and the lyrics are incredibly deep.

 

ENTERTAINMENT TRACK:

“7 and 7 is - Love” (from the movie, “Point Break”) The movie Point Break was a surfing-themed film, and this track reflects that surfer image.

STAFF PICKS:

"Saving My Heart" by Yes We say, “All roads lead to Yes,” and it is true for Bruce's staff pick. This song is from the album “Union,” which combines the current Yes members with former Yes members John Anderson, Bill Bruford, Rick Wakeman, and Steve Howe.

“Walking in Memphis” by Marc Cohn Brian's staff pick takes us 10 feet off of Beale. The song is somewhat autobiographical, describing Marc Cohn's experience on a trip to Memphis, Tennessee; where he met Muriel in The Hollywood Cafe, and attended a service by the Reverend Al Green.

“Too High” by The Mighty Lemon Drops Wayne brings us a deep and psychedelic cut from the Manchester scene that would eventually become popular with The Stone Roses and Oasis. This is off their fourth studio album “Sound...Goodbye to Your Standards.”

“More Than Words” by Extreme Rob finishes our staff picks with this acoustic ballad from Gary Cherone and Extreme. This is the third single from their album “Pornograffitti.” The band would eventually come to resent the popularity of the song.

INSTRUMENTAL TRACK:

“Kind of Bird” by The Allman Brothers Band An instrumental jam with a Southern flair takes us out on this week's What the Riff.

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