With reference to the Squeeze/Neil vocal comparisons, the very first CH song to arrest my attention was 'Fame Is', when it was played during a party at a friend's house. I thought it was a Squeeze track and immediately asked about it and got introduced to 'Woodface' as a direct result. Needless to say I was hooked for life. So even thought I never play 'Fame Is' any more, I have a lot to thank it for!
These days I wonder if it's the blend of Difford and Tilbrook that reminded me of Neil. Not that long ago I went to a Tilbrook one-man-band gig at a tiny (100-seat) theatre and while he was fabulous he didn't sound like Neil at all - much higher voice. Another great bloke though - offered to play the gig among us all in the theatre bar, but too many people wanted to keep their comfy seats. Shame.
Sorry, just realised this is pretty much entirely off topic.

Likes: White Stripes (according to an interview on Morning Becomes Eclectic)

Dislikes: Robert Palmer, according to an old video I saw on YouTube a while back (and can't find again for some reason)

Now that you say that, something in my head makes me think that Neil mentioned liking the Raconteurs, Jack White's side project w/ Brendan Besnon, too...

In one interview, I think I can remember Neil did mention REM as an answer to the question on wich bands he thought had been around for far too long. This was shortly after he anounced that he was reforming Crowded House. Very subtle!
Although I quite liked some of their stuff they were getting a bit boring to say the least!

quote:

Originally posted by hermantg:
In one interview, I think I can remember Neil did mention REM as an answer to the question on wich bands he thought had been around for far too long. This was shortly after he anounced that he was reforming Crowded House. Very subtle!
Although I quite liked some of their stuff they were getting a bit boring to say the least!

Until Accelerate, of course!

A great return to form...

Maybe Neil could take a page from "The Baseball Project", Steve Wynn/Scott McCaughey/Peter Buck's new side project about baseball and do a rugby tribute album. He could take a page from Spinal Tap and do "The Black Album".

quote:

Originally posted by Anna21:
RE:Ethan Johns--I think Neil mentioned appreaciting his work with both Ray Montagne and Ryan Adams...

Speaking of Neil's dislikes, I've always been surprised regarding his dislike of the blues and blues riffs. You'd think with rock and roll having its roots in the blues that he'd be more tolerant of it, but I've read a few accounts where he's chastized Mark for playing something too "bluesy."

I've often wondered about Neil's thoughts on Springsteen (as well as if they've ever crossed paths...).

And since this is the CH thread, do we know the likes of either Nick or Mark? In addition to a group-mockery mentality on The Police/Sting, I've also caught the occasional jab at U2 as well(though I know Neil's a big fan of the song "One," so their must be some love as well).

I love "One" - can you tell me where you read that Neil was a fan of this?

I do remember reading that there's a bit of Marvyn Gaye played on the tour bus.

Neil talks about "One" in the book "Once Removed".

I don't recall reading any jabs at U2 from Neil..if he did it was probably just good-natured joshing. I know he and Bono are friends of sorts, or at least familiar with each other and have mutual respect.

[QUOTE]Originally posted by slowpogo:
Neil talks about "One" in the book "Once Removed".

Thanks, it's about time I went back to re-read this, it's been a while.

Are we just talking pop/rock music here or are we moving into other styles/genres? Because I'm pretty sure he doesn't like Andrew Lloyd Webber

Quite a list of stuff here. I seem to recall some interview where he mentions Scott Walker too. I think something like 'Scott's off on his own path' referring to an album he had out at that time.

How about The Kinks? Are they mentioned anywhere?

I'm sure Neil has alot to say (negatively) about Oasis (how whiney those voices are.....especially comparing his glorious voice to those guys....yikes!!!)

Also, I'm sure he absolutely hates bands like Nickelback!! (all sounds the same, no creativity just churn out ..... you know what)

quote:

Originally posted by hermantg:
In one interview, I think I can remember Neil did mention REM as an answer to the question on wich bands he thought had been around for far too long. This was shortly after he anounced that he was reforming Crowded House. Very subtle!

Actually he said this in '96 when CH was breaking up...

quote:

Originally posted by renzo:
I'm sure Neil has alot to say (negatively) about Oasis (how whiney those voices are.....especially comparing his glorious voice to those guys....yikes!!!)

Also, I'm sure he absolutely hates bands like Nickelback!! (all sounds the same, no creativity just churn out ..... you know what)

I agree with the fact that he seems to have a disdain toward generic American rock acts such as Nickelback and Creed.

I think he's pretty neutral when it comes to Oasis. I haven't heard him really discuss them, either in praise or critique, which i'm happy about (as a fan). I do recall reading once that I think Neil and Noel Gallagher had sat next to one another at some awards ceremony in the UK in the 1990's, so I imagine there would have been some conversation. Interestingly, I think Noel Gallagher had praised Neil's songwriting ability.

I remember an article in a music mag where Oasis named Split Enz as the music most likely to clear the tour bus. There was one member who loved them (of course, someone has to play it for the bus to be cleared!) but he was a man alone.

Also, Neil once used an Oasis song as an example of the kind of lyrics he doesn't like. It wasn't the content or sentiment of the lyrics per se, but the way the sound of the syllables lined up awkwardly with the beat/melody.

This makes sense; Neil says he often chooses words purely for how they sound...something to the effect that he'd like people who don't even speak English to still be taken with the sound and shape of the words in his songs.

Just wanted to add another shout out for Guster - they really are an excellent band. Great songwriting, really tight harmonies and some excellent tunes. 'Ramona' is my personal favourite, from the album 'Keep it Together'

quote:

Originally posted by Joel:
I agree with the fact that he seems to have a disdain toward generic American rock acts such as Nickelback and Creed.

Just thought I should point out that Nickelback is actually generic Canadian rock

quote:

Originally posted by dave:

quote:

Originally posted by hermantg:
In one interview, I think I can remember Neil did mention REM as an answer to the question on wich bands he thought had been around for far too long. This was shortly after he anounced that he was reforming Crowded House. Very subtle!
Although I quite liked some of their stuff they were getting a bit boring to say the least!

Until Accelerate, of course!

A great return to form...

Actually, I'm pretty sure Accelerate is one of their most boring albums to date. Aside from the opener and "Supernatural" the rest of the album is just mindless noise. It might keep me awake but not because it's interesting. Around the Sun was epically boring too so I've gotta say that I agree with Neil, it's time for them to throw in the towel. I am a HUGE R.E.M. fan but they seem to have run out of things to say.

Half-Full.....you should have left that one. We don't want to lay claim to that absolutely awful band! (even if they are from your neck of the woods)

Sorry, I have to be firm on this one.

quote:

How about The Kinks? Are they mentioned anywhere?

I know Tim is a big fan (Waterloo Sunset is his favourite song) and Ray Davies was a big influence. Crowded House have played Sunny Afternoon.

Neil has mentioned somewhere that Waterloo Sunset is one of his favorites too. In fact, I think it's one of two songs he used to play every night before going to sleep.