X-Nico

4 unusual facts about Split Enz


Aotearoa

Aotearoa gained some prominence when it was used by New Zealand band Split Enz in the lyrics to their song "Six Months in a Leaky Boat".

Giants of Science

They refer to their music as "nerd-core" and have been influenced by Split Enz Swervedriver, Sparklehorse, Superchunk, Brisbane underground rock legends the KT26ers, and Sonic's Rendezvous Band.

Ninnie Knees Up

"Ninnie Knees Up" is the eleventh and originally the closing track from Split Enz's final studio album, See Ya 'Round.

The Beginning of the Enz

The Beginning of the Enz is a 1979 release from New Zealand rock group Split Enz.


Counting the Beat

The single was performed by The Swingers; the group's frontman Phil Judd was previously a member of Split Enz.

Fall at Your Feet

All the songs available on the various formats were written by Neil Finn, except "Six Months in a Leaky Boat" (written by Tim Finn and Split Enz) and "Something So Strong" (written by Neil Finn and Mitchell Froom).

If I Know You

"If I Know You" is your typical break-up song with a Morrissey-like sexual ambiguity, with a vocal hook that calls to mind the 1980 Split Enz hit “I Hope I Never”.

KKSW

Up through to the mid-1980s, KLZR (sometimes then referred to by on-air disk jockeys as "Lazer Rock") heavily featured a New Wave format, with artists such as Icehouse, Split Enz, Mi-Sex, and The Cure, as well as Elvis Costello, The Tubes, and Joe Jackson.

Michael Gudinski

Gudinski is mostly known for forming the highly successful Australian record company Mushroom Records in 1972 through whom he signed several generations of Australian musicians and performers ranging from MacKenzie Theory, the Skyhooks, The Choirboys, Kylie Minogue, and New Zealand's Split Enz to newer artists such as Eskimo Joe, Evermore and others forging a string of successful releases by local talent.

Sharkbite Sessions

"Six Months in a Leaky Boat" and "Suspect Device" are covers, originally written and performed by Split Enz and Stiff Little Fingers, respectively.

Steve Roche

"The finished project is always an envelope-pushing but accessible blend of pop songwriting instincts within the sprawl of free-improvisational jazz and collage-rock. Early Split Enz and The Mutton Birds spring to mind as obvious touchstones".

Tablewaiters

Several tours and important support spots included playing with Simple Minds, The Psychedelic Furs, Split Enz, INXS, Midnight Oil, Machinations (band), Laughing Clowns, Models (band), Hunters and Collectors, Eurogliders & The Birthday Party (band).

Tell Balgeary, Balgury Is Dead

This styling of "Dirty Old Town" was made famous by The Pogues, while "Ghosts" and "Six Months in a Leaky Boat" were created by The Jam and Split Enz, respectively.

The Narcs

The band worked in both in NZ and Australia, recording a total of four albums and playing alongside such acts as Midnight Oil, Split Enz, Elton John and Queen.


see also

Michael Gudinski

Although they had only moderate success for the first few years, Split Enz scored huge success in 1980 with the release of their album True Colours and the hit single I Got You, which marked the emergence of Neil Finn.

Ninnie Knees Up

It is the only Split Enz song on which percussionist Noel Crombie sings the lead vocal, as well as his only solo composition.

A live version of this song was featured on Split Enz's first live album, The Living Enz.

Rootin Tootin Luton Tapes

In 1978 Split Enz fired their record company, their manager, and co-founder Phil Judd had left for the final time.