Recurring Dream: the Very Best of Crowded House

An easy choice if you just want the obvious hits!

This is a very good "best of" in my books.Let's get some things into perspective. I'm twenty years of age, and an avid fan of popular rock. So you won't be surprised to hear that music that has branded itself on my life includes bands like the Foo Fighters, Coldplay, Oasis and so on.I was familiar with some of Crowded House's work before now, but I only had limited knowledge (I knew they were a popular band and wasn't completely unaware of them while growing up), and as far as this album is concerned I'm honest enough to say I took a fair old stab in the dark with it. I deduced that even though summative compilations aren't always the best, this was probably a safe bet. I was listening to it in the garden this afternoon. It's been a pleasant, sunny day, complimented by some superb music. I stayed out there on my own all afternoon and listened to the album from start to finish; bliss.What struck me as odd was that as I was listening to it, even though it felt like a bit of a memory test (having only listened to several songs once or twice before, and many years ago), I felt the pangs of nostalgia - most peculiar given the circumstances. Almost every track had the feel of a classic to it, and I felt like an old fan of the band who'd lost his cassette player.To the all those die-hard fans of Crowded House: I'm afraid I'm not the one who will give as balanced and considered an opinion as you could, but given the cavernous expanse of time between the album's release and now, I'm sure you've formed your own views on it. To the compilation skeptics amongst you: the quality here is obvious and hard to resist.Excellent.

Crowded House studio albums have always possessed a crystalline quality, both of voices and instruments. The first disc of this double CD is no exception, being a collection of beautifully crafted, performed and engineered songs. The 19 studio tracks fully live up to the "very best" epithet. However, the great pleasure that I have derived from this album over a number of years is due largely to the second CD. This disc features a selection of live performances covering a range of styles and moods, with all songs being delivered with the same outstanding polish and clarity. Particular favourites are the punchy opener, There Goes God and the absolutely haunting Fingers Of Love. Perhaps most impressive, only 4 of the studio tracks are replicated on the live disc. A little audience participation is the prelude to the only quirky inclusion, Sister Madly, which seems a little out of place. It does, however, show the playful side of a band enjoying what they do best - entertaining the hell out of their audience. Either CD would justify the purchase price on its own. I come back to this collection time and again; it never disappoints.

Like many of the reviewers I spent part of my childhood with my mum and step dad playing Crowded House every other hour. At the time I was far to obsessed with keeping my attempted image to want anything to do with what my mum liked. Now over ten years on I noticed this CD for cheap on Amazon and recalled some of the songs in my head which was just enough to tempt me into a purchase. I am glad I did.I can honestly say that of all my music as an overall album this greatest hits has to be one of the best CD's I own. This is one of the few CD's where I can put it on and have the certainty that every song I hear will excel. If you like me ignored this band in the 90's due to being too young to appreciate the music you should definitely look into buying it now, I can promise it will be one of the best musical investments you make. Sit and watch the memories come back to a brilliant soundtrack.

Antipodean pop group Crowded House, led by principal songwriter Neil Finn, were one of the most consistently good chart acts of the late 1980s/1990s as evidenced by this classy collection of 19 tracks. The familiar singles are virtually all there including 'Weather With You', 'Don't Dream It's Over', 'Four Seasons In One Day' and 'It's Only Natural' as well as 'Fall At Your Feet', 'Locked Out', 'Distant Sun' and 'Instinct'. 2 songs that were new to my ears namely 'Into Temptation' and 'Pineapple Head' are also superb; in fact it's fair to say there's not too much to complain about on this compilation album although the strange omission of 1 or 2 singles such as 'Nails In My Feet' is curious.

I was never a really big Crowded House fan but liked the songs I heard, which were very few, on the radio. I purchased this compilation for one of their songs I didn't have. Was surprised at how good the other songs were. It would be a nice CD to listen to while relaxing with a cold beer sitting in front of an open fire. Great collection and I recommend it. You won't be disappointed.

Quick delivery. Perfect condition. And just great music.

Finally have this classis in my collection. It's been played all day