Split Enz - Sweet Dreams (1976)

[achtsieben87]

An under-rated and brilliant band. Love Phil Judds guitar work. Can you imagine a re-union where they play Second Thoughts from start to finish. Sweet dreams !

[nzoz1976]

@achtsieben87 It is a sweet dream, but I very much doubt it'd happen... just read some Phil Judd articles online..

[pizzero1978]

producido por el magnifico manzanera!!!!!

[trysometruth]

The 1976 Split Enz is astonishing. It would be 2, 3, 4 years before a PART of the United States was listening to music that was regarded to be the precursor to this kind of music. It sounds like post post post punk alt new music. This is a crazy imaginative video years before MTV was even someone's pipe dream. In 1976 I was in a crappy disco band wearing an open necked shirt and doing K.C. and the Sunshine Band covers.

[nzoz1976]

@trysometruth sorry man, but the last line really did ear a 'LOL'

[sionxxii]

You would't know me

from a bar of soap

a part of the furniture

an ornament,

a rocking chair

but it's all very well to cry now

sweet dreams evey once in a while.....

[FanciDreama]

this is awesome, but this weird video "sweet dreams" makes my nightmare!!!

[TheNosferatu1969]

These guys were awesome, so many hit songs, "Charlie" is a classic!!

[westsail42]

This song is a prime example of Phil Judd's songwriting genius.

[fishboy1111111]

@westsail42 true, but lets not forget noel crombie the unsung hero, drums/percussion/backing vocals/stage design/album art/promo posters/makeup/costumes, he did so much behind the scenes

[jabberwocky13]

@deviantsband - Neil joined his brother Tim in April of 1977. After they left the band they formed (Finn and Hester) Crowded house. Maybe I should have said that the bands were related instead. I didn't mean the entire band became crowded house.

[joh2]

@jabberwocky13 Crowded House of course was a new band altogether - even though 2/3rds of its initial lineup were ex-Split Enz (Neil made a promise to Hester that he would use his services after Split Enz split), and that Eddie Rayner was a touring muso, and that even Tim Finn joined for a time in the early 1990s.

Then there was Schnell Fenster - Phil Judd trying Neil's approach of using Enz alumni, being Noel Crombie and Nigel Griggs - and yes,Crowded House and Schnell Fenster did tour together

[jabberwocky13]

This band became Crowded House in the 80's.

[deviantsband]

@jabberwocky13 no they didnt... neil finn from split enz and short lived enz drummer, Paul Hester started Crowded House. Neither of whom are in this clip..

[fishboy1111111]

Phil Judd has a great unique voice, kind of reminds me of a young Bowie

[datalal624]

I just never get tired of this song. It's like a great happy drug, with no side effects. <3

[777geeman]

awesome..35 years and still great

[metamaggot]

it looks like the drummer is hitting them on the head at some places lol

[fluffydolly]

split enz.....ahead of the times!!!

[dmbbf5]

the obscurity of this band is criminal, their music was genius, and their performance was spectacle

[CharlotteLsometimes]

i'am 14 i grew up listinging to split enz my mother took me to Australia from seattle wheni was in third grade to see them on tour i can proudly say that i will allways be Enz crazy

[neilfunn]

Beyond perfect.

[fluffydolly]

awesome band....the enz!!!!

[SwordInAir]

Jesus Christ how good is Mike Chunn's bass playing!

[twcox]

@SwordInAir Pretty exceptional moves. I wonder is it real or for the vid. For the uninitiated, Chunn is the small chap who looks like Buddy Holly (or of course the guy playing bass) hmm....

[hohaia01]

wow, that was original. Really good musicianship also. Great stuff.

[marklove77]

Eddie Rayner soo influences my keys today - love these guys !

[Reubajam]

AMAZINGGGG

[trekynz]

timeless....untold good.....

[OmenieSoftware]

Genuinely fabulous. And Eddie is Tronning up a storm!

[CrazyDiamond5321]

Wow, these guys were ahead of their time.

[tomtomastina]

CAN SOMEONE OUT THERE, PLEASE GIVE ME THE 'CHORDS' TO THIS SONG!!!! Been wanting them for YEARS now! Even emailed Phil Judd himself!!! got no reply...........Still takes the occasional tab i hear.

[deviantsband]

@tomtomastina you heard wrong..

[jazze2778]

Bizarre!!! These guys had to be on LSD! I love it

[daxio14]

go Noel and Tim !

[Louiswin]

Good vid and audio quality. Somebody had to patch this up. It's over 30 years old.

[nzoz1976]

@Louiswin

I think it might have been patched up, but only slightly... This clip has been played in Australia since its debut in 1976 and I have never seen a lesser quality; not on any Music program re-run so far...

This clip doesn't shout '1976' the same way ABBA's 'Money Money Money' video or Wings 'Silly Love Songs' video does...

[simfaithguitar1]

For 1976, this was really really bizarre.

[boobiesgirl]

whos this lead singer

[nzoz1976]

@boobiesgirl

Phil Judd, he has made comment on this video .. he later made a # 1 with 'Counting the Beat' with The Swingers.

[MrGziss]

@nzoz1976 what page(out of the 7 at the bottom) is his comments in??

im curious if he talked about this video, im a big Phil fan.. thanks

[nzoz1976]

@MrGziss I've been scrolling but I cannot seem to find it...

however, if you look through 'Lovey Dovey', 'Late Last Night' (my uplaods), it might be there...

[neilfunn]

Perfect. Seriously, everything about this is fucking genius.

[periurban]

Genius.

[mapable]

Yessssss, this is the best Split Enz song!!!

[kdito]

Major LOL at the keyboardist using the Mellotron as a synth, piano, and an organ.

[55sparker]

Absolute genius. Can't believe it's 34 years old... could've been filmed/written/recorded yesterday.

[EveeePeee123]

Amazing memories of the Outlook Club Doncaster.. they played there in the mid 70 s blew me away, we got to know them a little , a crazy night at my friend Kate s cottage in Goole... her Danish Mother with Split Endz all over the place... Good Times... the legend lives on, all be it crowded...

[sgm2005fu]

How the fuck did this band even exist in Muldoon era New Zealand?

God I loved them.

[sherlockjr24]

I should be focusing on Judd, but I just love Noel. The videos wouldn't have been the same without his wonderful vision. I was so grateful for the video compilation I found a long time ago on VHS. Without it, all I'd have known of the Split Enz would have been True Colors. And that would have been a shame.

[lincbond442]

The part halfway throught the video with Tim and Noel tiptoeing has to be me most unique, original, funny, and absurd moment ever captured in the history of music videos!!! That scene should be placed in a 20th century time capsule to be studied by future generations.

[adric137]

unique!

[adric137]

unique!

[adric137]

unique!

[powertrust71]

this song is and will be the best song ever...ok thanks...

[Nigelxman]

Most amazing and unique band ever!

[eugenius101]

Phil Judd !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

(he was framed)

[epicpiefight7]

It's like they're wearing pianos. Black and white can do interesting things.

[powertrust71]

thanks for the upload..great memories going through your collection...

[MightySaturn5]

great song and a very clean recording for 76'

[shotdonkey]

absolutely wonderful, and one of a kind; sounds and feels somewhat like a glam rock flashback, with hints of roxy music and cockney rebel in the mix; but still very original.

love the suits, make up and hair...art rocks!

[fluffydolly]

split enz a band i can't get enough of!!!!

[Mhaza]

what can i do to have a dvd copy from  that legendary band??T-T

[nzoz1976]

Try Ebay or Amazon! I'm sure copies of their DVD 'Split Enz' can still be accessed, somewhere.

[theincredibleiannune]

Who is the lead singer here?

[nzoz1976]

Phil Judd - later known for hit 'Counting The Beat'.

[theincredibleiannune]

Thanks. I like this Song

[terrafirma91]

What genre could anyone put this in? I believe these guys are so intelligent, that they're somewhat "crazy", just a bit. Waaay ahead of their time. I'm inclined to think they persuaded many other groups at this moment in time. 5 Stars!

[nzoz1976]

I put it down to them being New Zealanders. I think Australia was a tad too masculine to produce something like this. We were great when it came to Rock 'n' Roll, Pub Rock and of course the occasional AOR bands like Little River Band and Air Supply.

However, I would like to think this is a product of New Zealand. It was just that special moment in that place and time that made these slightly-mad young men do what they did and thank God for that.

[nzoz1976]

And to the singer Phil Judd - you have contributed greatly to Australasian music and we will forever be grateful for your creation that is Split Enz.

However, the 'silly old man' shtick is in need of professional help. Please get it!

[terrafirma91]

nzoz1976: I think your summation is spot-on. These guys were different,... Very different. They had scant exposure in the States, which shouldn't surprise anyone. Talent, and new artists, are very controlled within the American media. I feel I've been ripped-off. I'm glad NZ produced this band. They're an inspiration.

[nzoz1976]

Nice thing to know is that they did get a lot of exposure in the US around the early 80's. They're video for 'History Never Repeats', 'One Step Ahead' and 'I Hope I Never' were played on MTV on the very first day of its launch.

During my time on youtube, I have watched uploads of Split Enz performing their songs on popular US shows like Solid Gold and Fridays. Apparently, Molly Ringwald was fan and they were mentioned in one of her early movies (pre- 16 Candles).

[nzoz1976]

Their*

[terrafirma91]

nzoz1976: I'm not too certain about MTV in the early 80's. I do remember "I Got You" being played regularly on the FM. I think this was their most popular song in the States at that time, even though they had a few others that rated well, too. Who would have thought NZ would have produced a group like this?

[nzoz1976]

I don't think many in the 70's would have expected NZ to come up with this one and I don't believe they had come up with anything like it since.

However, NZ music is vast and very wide. It's quite difficult to describe. Another major NZ act was Dragon. They scored two number ones in Australia and even got themselves some interest in the US due to the success they were having in Australia.

They spoiled their chances over there though and now half the band are dead.

[nzoz1976]

If interested, you can check out Dragon by typing the following:

Dragon - Still In Love (nzoz1978 - read description about their infamous US tour)

Dragon - Are You Old Enough (nzoz1978 - Aus # 1)

Dragon - April Sun In Cuba (nzoz1977 - Aus # 1)

Dragon - Sunshine (nzoz1977)

Dragon - Rain (nzoz1983)

I think I can safely say that they with Split Enz were one of the most successful Kiwi bands.

If you want to expand on NZ music; check out OMC's 'How Bizzare' - I'm sure you'd know the song.

[terrafirma91]

@nzoz1976: Dragon... I'll search for them. I'm beginning to think we missed out on some very good music from NZ. I've always felt there are many other countries with exceptional talent that hasn't been heard.

[nzoz1976]

There were; many Aussie/Kiwi bands did tour and release their records in the USA - which was actually a fair less prejudice continent than the UK (AC/DC were labelled a downunder punk band and convict rockers during their early publicity run in the UK)....

Most of these Aussie/Kiwi acts were in the 'nearly famous' category, or just plain 'cult' items. Another kiwi named Max Merritt had been running his own band called The Meteors since 1956. However, it was in 1976 that his US changes began.

[nzoz1976]

chances*

His song 'Slippin' Away' got some airplay in the US. It wasn't the hit in the US as it was in Australia (somewhere in the top ten I believe). Max still lives and works in LA - no hits, but a much extended CV.

[nzoz1976]

As for Dragon - they could be compared to Aerosmith in regards to decadant rock 'n' roll living. The band got a chance to tour the US with Johnny Winter, but sadly, the leadsinger Marc Hunter blew it. He told the audience in Texas that they were faggots and posed like he was being crucified whilst the cowboys began shooting at him and band. He thought he put on a wonderful show, but the band and their record company did not agree and chances in the US were blown.

US chance # 2 came in 1984.

[terrafirma91]

nzoz1976: "Slippin' Away"? I recall this song being played rather frequently in the Los Angeles area back in the early 80's. In fact it was a hit. However, I recall the artist as being Dave Edmunds. Good song, too.

[nzoz1976]

Dave Edmunds did a version of 'Slippin' Away'?  Cool.... hope it's as good as Max's.

[terrafirma91]

Nzoz1976: Edmunds' version was well done. Well, it's the only version I've ever heard. He used a baritone guitar in his version.

[terrafirma91]

@nzoz1976: Sounds as if the UK was a bit prejudiced, as you stated. I find the label "convict rockers", somewhat inaccurate and inflammatory. I suppose the UK just can't forget that Australia's 1st white inhabitants were their refuse, which instead prospered very well. The first Aussie band I recall in the States were "Don and the Easybeats". Just prior to this band was an Aussie folk singer, who sang something about "tying Kangaroos down", or something like that.

[nzoz1976]

There has always been an ongoing banter between the Aussies and the English. However, the UK have tough critics and some very fine Australian talent has been dismissed over in the UK..... I could get further into it, but it's sort of tiresome.

I don't know if there was a 'Don' attached to the Easybeats name. The Easybeats are legends in Australia and are the big brother band of AC/DC (Angus and Malcolm are the younger bro's of George Young - EB's guitarist).

Rolf Harris is the folk singer

[terrafirma91]

nzoz1976: They were referred to as Don and the Easybeats in the States. I think their first big hit was "Friday on my mind" ('66-'67?), which was played quite often on FM rock stations. Some of their uploads are here on YT. That's it... Rolf Harris! Now I remember. Thanks for the info.

[nzoz1976]

Terrafirma81: There's two more Split Enz videos on my nzoz1975 account. You should also check out more of their 1975 output by typing Split Enz 1975.

After this, go forward into their career by typing the following:

Split Enz nzoz1980, Split Enz nzoz1981, Split Enz 1982, Split Enz nzoz1983, Split Enz nzoz1984 ('Message To My Girl' is a must see and hear).

I've only seen Split Enz live twice, but both times were worth while!

[terrafirma91]

@nzoz1976: Thanks for the info. I'll have to take a look at "Message to My Girl", as you suggested. There's plenty more this band has done that I haven't heard yet. I'm sure I'll be just as impressed, too.

[nzoz1976]

'Message To My Girl' is probably their best song and is even liked by those who do not like Split Enz. Neil is a pure songwriter - Tim is the pure artist.... and they're both brothers! Amazing!

[veloboy]

wow. first time for me to see this video. speechless. wish i had discovered them anytime in the 70s or 80s--when i was a child.

[apurdam]

Gotta love the 70s!

I'd forgotten how good the new tracks on Second Thoughts were.

[ilovemyfender1]

I usually don't like music videos where all you see is the band perform, but early split enz is definitely an exception.

[ilovemyfender1]

2:24 too...much...drugs lol

[Chribinator]

Definitely! Seems like acid to me.

[JohnMSawyer]

It's hard to communicate how strange it was for me watching Split Enz perform in a small club in San Francisco in the late 1970s. I was sitting right against the front of the stage, with these guys dressed in the multicolored getups shown on the cover of their "Second Thoughts" album, performing like weird robot clowns, sometimes while staring directly at you. Particularly weird was watching them perform "Stranger Than Fiction" from a few feet away.

[bobos01]

times that a billion dollars wouldnt bring back mate! cheers!

was phil judd there?

[schragemusik]

@JohnMSawyer I had a very similar experience in a small club near my home town in Wales (UK). They came on stage looking like a flock of dieaesed parrots and were absolutely magnificent. One of the best bands I ever saw.

[nicky44441]

Totally original, there is no doubt; however (as the song says) 'looking in retrospect', after all these years I can't help but wonder whether hallucinogens were a factor....

[A550RGY]

Greenday wishes they were this cool and groundbreaking.

[MikeJohnstonguitar]

totally in a class of their own...cannot compare them to anyone else anywhere in the world before or since...as well as 'fun' songs like this they wrote and performed some of the most profound songs ever written such as 'Titus' and 'Time for a change'...incomparable genius.

[loumag7]

Great song, great band!You have to be original in this world or else you're just a clone.

[letyoursoulglo]

possibly the best song ever written.

[dudeman1999]

on the right day it may be!

[Babyhowdy233]

Phil Judd is a FIRST-RATE songwriter. no doubt about it(and a damned FINE singer too)!

[Mhaza]

i just nod lol

[wjburkhart]

@letyoursoulglo Good call on that. I've been thinking on that comment of late and I'm now of the opinion that it is the best song ever written.

[plonker00765]

@letyoursoulglo stopped taking drugs yet ?

[darkostrost]

pop music has never become sweeter, funnier, and more intelligent than this. such a great thing to be so touching and so ridiculous at the same time, to play such an incredibly elaborated though catchy pop music while pretending to be just clowns. early time "judd" split enz rule, and i really wish i had ever seen them perform.

[vagu14]

ok, they do sound great. i wish they skipped all that wackyness though

[p717]

Aww.  man. How else do you stand out at the height of glam acts like Bowie, Genesis and all the other eccentrics of the 70's. These guys took it to a whole new level.

[0zmeath]

My all time favourite Enz song. Judd Jgenius.

[kiwiguy15]

i got to see Tim Finn last sammer and it was sooo coool

[bobos01]

hail the enz!!!

[dthevan]

pure class, always out there doing something no other band could do; never underrated by anyone who saw them live

"Shark Attack" and "Bold as brass" are as good as it gets....... enjoy

[frottagemark1]

a great song , do not analyse , just enjoy one of the most under rated bands of all time

[Johnnywr]

At 0:19 secs the singer looks like Peter Gabriel during his Genesis days circa 1973. Kinda same face make-up and shaved hair thing...mmme? Split Enz were a very underrated band. I don`t know about genius? I don`t know about ahead of their time? There was a LOT of musical strangeness going on that was unjustly deemed rubbish by punk. For some reason Stackridge spring to mind. Come 1977 and everybody`s singing `beneath` themselves just to snuggle up to ex-prog loving now punk loving journalists.

[nitramlio]

I never quite understand it when people say Split Enz were 'ahead of their time'.

To me that would imply that after say '76 there would be bands like them but I can't really think of any.

For me S.Enz were totally unique, a complete one off. It's just a very minor quibble I have, nothing to fight about.

BTW I love how Phil's little wiggy is whipped off at 0:25, haha!

[Ocelot1962]

It's not just you, a lot of us feel that way. Split Enz weren't so much ahead of their time as they were way off to the side doing their own unique thing. The critics didn't know what to do with them (like they know anything), and I'll bet the record companies couldn't figure out how to promote them. Whatever the case, this music's a whole lotta fun.

[neilfunn]

Just pure genius,

[mhazaa]

still fresh and new for me T-T  love that album and i still have vinyl version ^_^

[danvalentino]

I have listened to this a few times now and WOW, it is excellent.

The comment below about being ahead it their time was very true.

[percystreet]

pre-commercial Split Enz - magnificent!

[grote8435]

Now one really knows how good they were.

[Padulas]

1:50 lol...it looks like that the drummer,strikes his head with the stick

[asterius909]

Wow these guys were like five years ahead of their time.Great song never heard it before.

[MsMeatscience]

Great song, thanks.

[kidneylou]

What a classic. I don't think I've seen this since 1976!

There's some very careful make-up, costuming and choreography going on. Mr. Crombie I presume?

[GillianSydney]

Phil Judd has such lovely lips... hmmm, very kissable!

[Babyhowdy233]

EVERY PART of Phil Judd is lovely and quite kissable! The ONLY man I've ever seen who could shave all his hair off, paint his eyes black & his face ashen-white and still look GORGEOUS!

[GillianSydney]

There's something about a tortured genius... I know. He was still in his early 20's at this stage. Very impressive! Hmmmm... yum!

[ddtng]

Hey nzoz, this song is actually called Sweet Dreams.

[nzoz1976]

LOL... I didn't even notice the era!

Sorry, that's my typo - what was a thinking when I typed that out?

Split Enz - Sweet Enz (1976) will now be changed to it's proper title!