The first Crowded House albumwas released on the cusp of the LP to CD transition.The surrealist cover was designed and executed by bassist/artiste Nick Seymour. The first time I saw it I said: “Holy Max Ernst, Batman.”
The album itself is one of my favorites. It’s not the Crowdies best album, but it is so full of high spirits and youthful vigor that it sucks me in every time I give it a spin. And Mean To Me is one of the best album openers ever. The whole thing is more fun than a barrel of drunken monkeys even if I miss the late, great Paul Hesterevery time I play it.
Here’s the video for the band’s breakout hit tune:
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DDIO wasn’t the only big hit on the Crowdies biggest selling album in the US and A:
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Originally active from 1985 to 1996, the band have had consistent commercial and critical success in Australia and New Zealand and international chart success in two phases, beginning with their self-titled debut album, which reached number twelve on the US Album Chart in 1987 and provided the Top Ten hits, “Don’t Dream It’s Over” and “Something So Strong”‘.