Mark Hart

I've watched a video of a Lightsleeper gig on YouTube and as much as I expected to be put off by the Finn family playing Crowded House songs, I actually quite enjoyed it. Liam brought a sense of youthfulness, humor, and energy to the songs that I haven't seen since the Paul Hester days. I also enjoyed the band's full on performance of "Black & White Boy". They were into rocking out in a way that Crowded House circa 2010 wasn't and I could certainly see myself enjoying more of that if Liam were to join CH. Elroy's drumming was fine too. Only Sharon seemed out of her depth on a song like "Pineapple Head," so I'm glad Nick is still around.

One thought I had was that maybe Mick Fleetwood would play drums on a new CH album and that Elroy might do drums on tour. That's what happened with some of the songs on Lightsleeper already. Not sure, but I think joining Crowded House as a drummer is probably not befitting of the stature of Mick Fleetwood.

Paināporo posted:

I've watched a video of a Lightsleeper gig on YouTube and as much as I expected to be put off by the Finn family playing Crowded House songs, I actually quite enjoyed it. Liam brought a sense of youthfulness, humor, and energy to the songs that I haven't seen since the Paul Hester days. I also enjoyed the band's full on performance of "Black & White Boy". They were into rocking out in a way that Crowded House circa 2010 wasn't and I could certainly see myself enjoying more of that if Liam were to join CH. Elroy's drumming was fine too. Only Sharon seemed out of her depth on a song like "Pineapple Head," so I'm glad Nick is still around.

One thought I had was that maybe Mick Fleetwood would play drums on a new CH album and that Elroy might do drums on tour. That's what happened with some of the songs on Lightsleeper already. Not sure, but I think joining Crowded House as a drummer is probably not befitting of the stature of Mick Fleetwood.

I have no problem with the Finn Family playing Crowded House songs . Saw them in Edinburgh in January , and they did a great job - Sharon included . 

They’re not Crowded House though . 

I would not like Mick Fleetwood to play drums on a “ Crowded House “ album . I think he is a one trick pony and not versatile enough to drum for Crowded House . To be honest the most rudimentary drum machines could have provided what Mick did on Lightsleeper - that’s actually what it sounded like !

Matt has been drummer since 2007 and should continue imo . If for some reason he is no longer deemed suitable like poor Mark ?! Neil should ask Michael Barker . I thought he would have been a good shout to replace Paul and Peter in the first place .

stuartjb posted:

I would not like Mick Fleetwood to play drums on a “ Crowded House “ album . I think he is a one trick pony and not versatile enough to drum for Crowded House . To be honest the most rudimentary drum machines could have provided what Mick did on Lightsleeper - that’s actually what it sounded like !

Agree completely. Fleetwood has earned his place in rock history for sure, but he's not a particularly good drummer. Fleetwood Mac have traveled with an auxiliary percussionist since '97 for a reason.

Auxiliary Percussionist Appreciation!

Fleetwood is a trained monkey at the kit, but that's what he does best. His drumming has the same improvised feels as his introduction to DDIO.

Perhaps a valid comparison to the CH "situation" may be ELO. It has always been Jeff Lynne's band, with him writing and singing all the songs. But he always had a core band of Richard Tandy, Bev Bevan and Kelly Groucutt (sp?) along with a rotating cast of violins/cellos. He first jettisoned the strings, and has since dropped the rest of the band. Now he releases albums as "Jeff Lynne's ELO" (one dropping tomorrow), performing all the instruments himself and hiring a touring band for live performances. The songs still sound good, but somehow, for me, just lacks the "heart" of the original Electric Light Orchestra.

Steve: that's interesting, thanks! Has he ever commented on the reasons behind these changes? 

Mica posted:

Steve: that's interesting, thanks! Has he ever commented on the reasons behind these changes? 

I haven't personally seen an interview where he has addressed this.

For me Jeff Lynne has ELO and his solo career ( used to have the Wilburys ) . Neil has so many projects , that I don’t think he has to mess with Crowded House . If it ain’t broke ...

If he gets Stevie Nicks on tambourine I'll revolt. 

I'm sorry I called Mick a trained monkey. He's solid and reliable, that's a better way to look at his drumming style. And more importantly, he's Neil's friend.

Can you imagine Young Neil in the Wilburys?  He had the talent, and perhaps he'd have skyrocketed from that.