Neil is interviewed about DDIO by a fellow called Professor of Rock, and Neil’s nonprofit So They Can gets a plug.
Maybe not a lot of new information for a lot of us, but an enjoyable watch nonetheless.
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I find it interesting that Neil thinks he sings better now. I don’t agree. I still enjoy his voice but his singing has become fairly polite and wispy, compared to the impassioned earnestness of the early Crowded House albums.
Thank you for this! I enjoyed this a lot, good interview (nothing really new, yes, but a likable interviewer) and a very well-made little piece.
As to the voice issue, I'm divided: I also prefer the original style on DDIO because it sounds so driven, and impassioned as you say; on other songs I feel like Neil made them more evocative in later renditions compared to the sometimes blander original (e.g. Nails, Fingers).
slowpogo posted:I find it interesting that Neil thinks he sings better now. I don’t agree. I still enjoy his voice but his singing has become fairly polite and wispy, compared to the impassioned earnestness of the early Crowded House albums.
Mica posted:Thank you for this! I enjoyed this a lot, good interview (nothing really new, yes, but a likable interviewer) and a very well-made little piece.
As to the voice issue, I'm divided: I also prefer the original style on DDIO because it sounds so driven, and impassioned as you say; on other songs I feel like Neil made them more evocative in later renditions compared to the sometimes blander original (e.g. Nails, Fingers).
I enjoyed it too - thanks, slowpogo.
I can see how Neil would think the original DDIO might be a bit oversung. I have generally preferred Neil’s voice from the time of Woodface onward, but have always chalked up the difference in sound to a maturing voice and never considered it might be a conscious decision on his part in terms of singing style. Maybe it’s a little of both.
I have yet to hear any performance of Nails In My Feet that even comes close to my enjoyment of the original vocal performance on Together Alone.
I don't think the song would've had the same impact on people's consciousness at the time had it not been 'oversung', it has such a classic sound to it. It IS interesting to hear Neil speak about the vocals in that way because his vocals were slightly slowed down for that album for effect.