TEMPLE OF LOW MEN (1988)

This is my favourite Crowded House album, at the moment anyway. It was a further step down Neil Finn's musical journey, following the release of 'Crowded House'. Here the symbiosis between the wonderfully uplifting music and cold, almost harsh lyrics is more evident than ever. Finn has a way of showing you both the joy of life yet the pains of mortality and nowhere is this more evident than on 'Temple Of Low Men'. 'Better Be Home Soon' was the hit single from this album, racing to number 1 in the Australian charts. This was the song that got me hooked on Crowded House way back in 1987! I still love hearing this song everytime I listen to 'Temple Of Low Men'. It so accurately portrays the pain of separation from loved ones. That's my interpretation anyway. Another slew of hits followed, although the critical acclaim fot this album wasn't always as glowing as it should have been. Many who had bought the first album were not convinced to buy this one. Following the first single came 'When You Come', a brilliant song, which has been interpreted to mean everyting from the second coming to just what it sounds like ;-). 'I Feel Possessed', 'Into Temptation' and 'Sister Madly' followed, showing the wide variety in the music of Crowded House. 'Into Temptation' remains a favourite simply because it it so frank. Like many people you have to wonder if Neil Finn is really telling the truth when he says it isn't about himself. I have heard Paul Hester say it reminds him of a personal experience, so that may be the explanation. Never can tell with Hessie though. He could always be pulling your leg. It is the quality of the lesser known tracks on this album that I really appreciate. Songs like 'In The Lowlands', 'Love This Life', and 'Never Be The Same' are better than the singles many bands release and show the real melancholy in Finn's songwriting, but are simultaneously uplifting. Should have sold ten times as many copies as it did. Order Temple Of Low Men from CDNOW

I Feel Possessed Kill Eye Into Temptation Mansion In The Slums When You Come Never Be The Same Love This Life Sister Madly In The Lowlands Better Be Home Soon