I think it is. For one thing, it has melodies. It has the wit that TOE was missing. It also has more heartbreak than TOE. The only thing it doesn't have is the power of a record label who can get Judd appearances on Rove.

What do you guys think?

UDDATE: In light of other stuff that is going down, this isn't **** stirring - it's a serious question. And no, no one (phil or close to phil) asked me to post this.

quote:

The only thing it doesn't have is the power of a record label who can get Judd appearances on Rove.

We all know Judd dislikes live performances, but still, it would be great to see him on Rove.

Well, for me it's no contest seeing as how I've been so disappointed by TOE that I'm not buying it or even going to see them when they hit town - an extreme reaction perhaps (especially considering how big a fan I used to be) but the album just highlighted everything that I've had problems with in Neil's music since around One Nil.

Novelty Act on the other hand (IMHO), while not flawless, is one of the best and most consistent post-Enz albums from any of the ex-Enzers - attitude, energy, experimentation, excitement... It hits a lot of buttons for me in what I look for in music these days.

I'm really not enjoying either. I liked Falling Off A Cloud, but then again, I liked it in 1994.

Hmmm, I'm not so sure one way or another to be honest.

I really like both albums, I'd also like to throw Tim's Imaginary Kingdom in with them both seeing as that's his most recent release.

I think that PJ's album is certainly more experimental and varied (as would be expected) and possibly has moments that I prefer than both TOE and IK, but IMO I feel that it also has moments that I don't personally like as much.

So I'd have to sit on the fence with all three albums.

I know that both TF and NF do get plugged much more than PJ, but both do work really hard with regards to touring etc, which PJ prefers not to do. I tend to regard both TF and NF as being 100% singers/songwriters/musicians, whereas PJ splits his time 50-50 with artwork and so consequently tends to not be quite so prolific and probably spends a longer time recording each album (this is not meant to be a criticism, just the way that I see it).

Also, whereas both TF and NF tend to be aiming towards a relatively similar audience to each other (if you like one, the odds are that you'll probably like both, I know that some would disagree). I personally feel that PJ has quite a different audience in the main and that the only reason why they tend to be compared is that they have a common starting ground, which in the case of PJ and TF occurred about 35 years ago.

Highlighting the problems that have occurred recently I don't understand why there should be a rivalry, the differences should be celebrated.

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I'm really not enjoying either. I liked Falling Off A Cloud, but then again, I liked it in 1994.

The Finn's are pretty good at that too Deb. I liked Walking on the Spot in 1985.

I like what I've heard of Novelty Act far more than TOE.

Oh agreed! But I think the version I heard in 1994 is the same one that's on Novelty Act.

I'm not picking on Phil. I like the song! I liked it then and now.

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But I think the version I heard in 1994 is the same one that's on Novelty Act.

It is, maybe with a couple of overdubs. IIRC Phil felt he couldn't better the demo.

All recent events aside, here's an interesting musical thread.

I've only heard a few tracks from Novelty Act - So I can't judge the album completely.

I've heard "No One's Best Man", "Falling Off A Cloud" and "Eyes In The Back of My Head".

I wasn't completely taken with "Eyes In The Back of My Head", although it did remind me a little of "Summer Of '68" from the Mr. Reliable OST.

I really enjoyed "No One's Best Man", and "Falling Off A Cloud", they were musically interesting and really well produced.

I can't compare "Novelty Act" to "Time On Earth" though for two reasons, firstly as aforementioned, I haven't heard all of Novelty Act, and secondly - It's not really comparing apples to apples. Both the records appeal to different sides of my musical taste. I'd be unlikely to listen to them back to back, as they're both different moods.

I really like about 80% of Time On Earth (There's one or two songs that just aren't my thing), and I generally like what I've heard of Novelty Act.

A man of paint and brush
Life please waken this man with a hush
Give him clear courage
Colour his heart

Be gracious - let him see
Peel back those layers of years
Remove the coat of darkness
Banish the fear - bring it to its knees
Lighten his load with respect

Clear his path with trust and compassion
Give him love and understanding
Give this man of paint and brush
Time

You're comparing an apple with an orange! However, I have only listened to both albums no more than twice each if that means anything.

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You're comparing an apple with an orange!

True, and all opinions on music are generally subjective. I personally prefer Novelty Act to Time On Earth.
BTW, love the new avatar Gav

I prefer the Swingers record to both of these records....

I prefer Time On Earth

I've have both cds.

Firstly to those who have only heard the tracks off phils myspace site - do yourself a favour and get the cd before its sold out - it has much better sound and depth - not to mention multiple killer tracks.

Time on Earth - I have only gone back for a couple of listenings. It feels flat and uninspiring. To me, its Neil in a comfort zone. He does what he does well - no doubt about it.

Novetly Act on the other hand has all the compelling aspects that made the early enz so interesting. Nothing taken for granted. Phil breaks tradition including his own. Challenging himself musically and lyrically. Its a breathtaking album - honest, witty and inventive.

It sounds fresh whereas Time on Earth is like last weeks custard.

To be honest, I like Liam's album better than either!

(P.S. Thanks Joe!)

quote:

Originally posted by Incognito:
Novetly Act on the other hand has all the compelling aspects that made the early enz so interesting. Nothing taken for granted. Phil breaks tradition including his own. Challenging himself musically and lyrically. Its a breathtaking album - honest, witty and inventive.

It sounds fresh whereas Time on Earth is like last weeks custard.

Well said!

i have listen to both on repeat over and over
and the phil album is like discovering a long lost friend
I love the music the nastistic little bits hidden in a poppy little tunes
the reason i love the enz
is all in this album

the Crowded house one is nice and sleepy and wont scare your neighbours

Not sure if that was a typo, but I do like the word "nastistic"...

It took me a long time to appreciate Phil Judd and his contribution to Enz. What comes through with Phil's writing is that he just lets it all hang out, he tells it like it is. The layering of all the sounds is fantastic too. And he's not afraid of noise. He offers a different perspective on living life. An eccentricity of artistry?