CROWDED House's entrance and opening trio of songs gives a false
impression of what is to follow -- over-burdened with angst and
seriousness their saving grace is Neil Finn's obvious mastery of his
melodic songwriting craft.
It takes a spiced-up version of the hit, Weather with You, really to
bring the show to life, and if the newer songs which dominate the early
part of the show are more downbeat than some of their predecessors, they
are certainly every bit as subtle in their ex-
ecution.
Black and White Boy is given a special reprise for the member of the
audience who proclaims one of Finn's finest songs ''the worst thing
you've ever recorded'' while There Goes God, It's Only Natural, and a
merciless slagging of Dougall The Roadie, bring a levity and joyousness
that was missing earlier in the proceedings.
In their live show, Crowded House are constantly reinventing the
recorded versions of their songs, showing a sense of adventure and
ability lacking in most of their contemporaries.
New instrumental breaks, ad libs and harmonies are abundant and the
semi-acoustic, almost skiffle version of Sister Madly is an exercise in
self-parody which succeeds along with a stunning Into Temptation in
recalling the under-represented album Temple of Low Men.
Their self-depreciating humour and inability to take themselves too
seriously is truly endearing, and this, the second of two sold-out
nights at the Concert Hall, perfectly captures a band at both its
creative and commercial peak.
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