Mental Notes - Split Enz (1975)

Ideated from: albums that have a track called “Stranger Than Fiction”

This was an unexpected find. I knew Split Enz as an 80s new wave / pop band, and the Finn Brothers for moving on to Crowded House afterwards.

I didn’t know they made this first record in the 70s, with a very different lineup (only one Finn) and a whole lot of grandiose, weird, nerdy panache.

There are notes of 70s Pink Floyd, The Who, and Genesis here, with arrangements that jump all over the place, synths and guitars clashing, country and rock and baroque pop mingling and lyrics about non-standard topics for pop songs.

Is “Stranger Than Fiction” a good track?

ummm… I’m glad I worked my way through the album to the midway point where this track sits. I liked the journey here better than this particular track, but it fits in well overall with the album. If I’d skipped straight to it I don’t think I would have enjoyed it as much; but in context it works very well.

Tracks I Liked

Amy (Darling) - a real driver with some of the best guitar work on the record

So Long For Now - a pop gem shines through the off-kilter arrangement

Spellbound - a sprawling rocker