Split Enz - True Colours (1980)

2002 UK import

I missed this one in 1980 - can you believe none of my disco-loving eighth grade classmates hipped me to this New Wave gem at the time? I eventually came to it; I doubt I can say the same for most of those guys. This one was supposed to break the band big in the US, but even though I Got You was a fantastic single, it was a year or two ahead of its time here and only managed to climb to #53 on the Billboard Hot 100 (#1 in the band's native New Zealand, though). Granted, I've only heard three of the band's nine albums, but of those I've heard, this is my favorite. And I'm not alone in that thinking, apparently.

Press of the time:

• Smash Hits (5 out of 10): "tends to come across as a mite secondhand"
• Roadrunner: "a thoughtful, reflective album"
• High Fidelity: "a thoroughly enjoyable record"
• Stereo Review: "always interesting and sometimes close to excellent"
• CashBox: "delightfully infectious"

Album chart peaks:

• US Billboard 200: #40
• CashBox: #42
• Rolling Stone: #34

Tracks: I Got You is the cream of the crop, but there's nothing here that makes me reach for the skip button. I like a good rock instrumental and there's a couple here to enjoy. Heck, let's just rank the 11 tracks:

1. I Got You
2. What's The Matter With You
3. The Choral Sea (instrumental)
4. Double Happy (instrumental)
5. Missing Person
6. Shark Attack
7. Nobody Takes Me Seriously
8. Poor Boy
9. How Can I Resist Her
10. I Wouldn't Dream Of It
11. I Hope I Never

As evidenced by the above song titles, there's a cynical slant to the lyrics that belies the peppy music. It all would have suited me perfectly as I entered a typical "angry young man" phase in the early '80s. I can only imagine how insufferable I would have been singing lyrics like "what's the matter with you?" "nobody takes me seriously anyway" or "what more can a poor boy do?" to friends and/or (more likely) teachers in high school. So, to that end, it's probably for the best I didn't come across this album when released.

Personal Memory Associated with this CD: None

Previously revisited for the blog:
Corroboree/Waiata (1981)