To the Island
Crowded House
I’ve put this incredible song on at least 10 random playlists this year. Even the thought of escaping to an island is healing right now. And the whole record DREAMERS ARE WAITING is a huge achievement. You could say they don’t make ‘em like they used to, except this one came out last year. And, it might even be a top 3 Crowded House album for me. I just love the songs, and the way it sounds — the arrangements and mixes. A lot of credit goes to producer and music legend Mitchell Froom. And of course to Neil, who wrote the song. Those choruses are so damn good with Neil’s call and responses layered in.
Let me move you (the cities covered in smoke)
Come to the island (the whole system's broke)
Where we can save our souls
It's just the right size (for me)
The world is beyond us (let's not get into a fight)
It's too enormous (Irene, goodnight)
But oh, the island is just right
It's the perfect size
Just right
It's the perfect size (for me)
The world is beyond us (the shit just got real)
It's too enormous (fell under the wheel)
But oh, the island is just right
It's the perfect size (for me)
It's the perfect size
And I love the little “hey, ohhh” bridge that begins the song and is revisited throughout. It’s a perfect little piece of vocal arrangement and melody.
After their farewell show at the Sydney Opera House in ‘96 — and then Paul Hester 💔 leaving us — it really did feel like it was the end of Crowded House. Even after TIME ON EARTH and INTRIGUER, as those felt less like a band more like farewell records from Neil.
So when Neil decided to really get the band back together ten years later — how did he pull it off? How do you re-form one of the greatest pop bands years later — without it feeling false or questioning the motive? This actually might be the most graceful “getting the band back together” situations I can recall because this is simply a great Crowded House record. Just play it a few times. After bringing Nick Seymour back of course, and then inviting Mitchell Froom in, Neil just brought in his ridiculously talented sons Liam and Elroy. Who not only grew up on tour with the band, but always sort of dreaming of playing in it. How cool to play with your super talented sons. Or is it…? How cool for Liam and Elroy to back their incredible father. It must be both. ❤️
