In 1972 the New Zealand band Split Ends was formed presumably referring to split ends of hairs. It was founded by songwriters Tim Finn and Phil Judd who both did vocals and Phil also played guitar. The other members at this point were: Mike Chunn (bass), Miles Golding (violin) and Mike Howard (flute). First without a drummer but soon a drummer was added named Div Vercoe. But a few months later Goulding, Howard and Vercoe already left. Then a new drummer was then recruited: Chunn's brother Geoff. As well as a guitarist named Wally Wilkinson. The band then appeared on the talent contest TV show "New Faces". Which they didn't win.
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| Split Ends |
Then in 1974 they changed their sound and recruited new members: keyboardist Eddie Rayner and saxophonist Rob Gillies. The name of the band was changed to Split Enz at that time. They released 3 singles: "For You", "The Sweet Talking Spoon Song" and "No Bother to Me" which didn't impress much. Later in 1974 Rob Gillies and Geoff Chunn left the band. They were replaced by Emlyn Crowther and Noel Crombie. They signed a contract with Mushroom Records in Australia. Their first album was "Mental Notes" reaching #7 in New Zealand and #35 in Australia in 1975. Wally Wilkinson left the band after the release en Rob Gilies rejoined. Split Enz supported Roxy Music during their first Australian tour in 1975. Guitarist Phil Manzanera was very impressed by the skills of Split Enz and pursuaded them to come to England to record an album.
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| "Late Last Night" single cover |
They moved to England to record their second album produced by Roxy Music guitarist Phil Manzanera and they signed with Chrysalis Records. To confuse things this was worldwide released in 1976 as "Mental Notes" while in New Zealand and Australia it was released as "Second Thoughts". Emlyn Crowther left the band as was replaced by their first member not originating from New Zealand: Malcolm Green.
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| Split Enz in 1976 |
The album cover of "Mental Notes" was a reworked version of the original first album cover. Where Wally Wilkinson is replaced by Robert Gillies and 2 members were replaced with their latest haircuts: Tim Finn and Phil Judd (now bald). The album had some songs that were also on their officially released first album. Many people consider this album as a redo of the debut album that was released in New Zealand and Australia. They took elements from progressive rock, new wave, art rock, and pop, creating a distinct sonic soundscape that is very difficult to categorize.
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| Original New Zealand/Australia "Mental Notes" album cover |
The single "Late Last Night" was released before the release of the album and is re-recorded and re-recorded songs which were on their first New Zeleand/Australian first album: "Walking Down a Road", "Titus", "Stranger Than Fiction" and "Time for a Change". "Matinee Idyll" had been the B-side of the band's second single "Sweet Talkin' Spoon Song" in 1973 but then named "129" and also re-recorded. The Europe and North America release includes "Mental Notes" as a bonus track. This paved they way for more success worldwide including Tim's brother Neil Finn who would later found Crowded House. This worldwide debut album is one of the best albums they did.
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| "Second Thoughts" orginal album cover |
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| "Mental Notes" original album cover |
Second Thoughts / Mental Notes (1976)
Late Last Night / Walking Down a Road / Titus / Lovey Dovey / Sweet Dreams / Stranger Than Fiction / Time for a Change / Matinee Idyll / The Woman Who Loves You / ---- only on worldwide release: Mental Notes
AUDIO/VIDEO
Late Last night
Time For A Change
Matinee Idyll