Conflicting Emotions
Encyclopedia
Conflicting Emotions is a 1983 album by New Zealand New Wave
band Split Enz
. Although considered by some to be their poorest release, the band themselves were more than happy with the result at the time and refused to make any of the changes requested by their Australian and US record companies.
As recording began, Tim Finn
had just released a successful solo album, Escapade
, and was focused on promoting it. As a result, most of the songs on the album are by Neil Finn
.
The album's title was certainly appropriate. The rumored resentment over Tim Finn's successful solo career was made worse by his insistence on including drummer Ricky Fataar
in recording sessions and using a drum machine on most other tracks. Hence, although Noel Crombie
is credited as drummer/percussionist on the album liner notes, he actually contributed very little drumming.
The first single to be lifted from the album was "Strait Old Line
", which peaked at a disappointing #42 on the Australian charts in late 1983. Without a big hit single to promote it, Conflicting Emotions failed to crack the Australian Top 10 – a disastrous commercial blow after three consecutive #1 albums. The band advertised for a new drummer before taking to the road for the Conflicting Emotions tour, hoping that an injection of new blood would revitalize them. Paul Hester
answered the call, joining Split Enz in time to feature in the "Message to My Girl
" video clip.
When released as the album's second single in February 1984, "Message to My Girl" was the big hit the album had needed upon release. It returned the band to the Australian Top 10, reaching #6, and is now one of their most beloved songs. It would prove to be the band's last major hit in Australia.
The b-side to "Message to My Girl", "Kia Kaha", was recorded during these sessions. The same recording was subsequently included on the next album
.
The album cover art was created by former Split Enz frontman Phil Judd
, while the back cover was painted by Noel Crombie.
New Wave music
New Wave is a subgenre of :rock music that emerged in the mid to late 1970s alongside punk rock. The term at first generally was synonymous with punk rock before being considered a genre in its own right that incorporated aspects of electronic and experimental music, mod subculture, disco and 1960s...
band Split Enz
Split Enz
Split Enz were a New Zealand band of the 1970s and early 1980s featuring Phil Judd and brothers Tim Finn and Neil Finn. They achieved chart success in New Zealand, Australia, and Canada during the early 1980s ‒ most notably with the single "I Got You", and built a cult following elsewhere...
. Although considered by some to be their poorest release, the band themselves were more than happy with the result at the time and refused to make any of the changes requested by their Australian and US record companies.
As recording began, Tim Finn
Tim Finn
Brian Timothy "Tim" Finn, OBE is a New Zealand singer and musician. Finn is most known for his music with New Zealand 1970s and 1980s rock group Split Enz, and later for his solo work, a temporary membership in his brother Neil's band Crowded House and his joint efforts with Neil Finn as the Finn...
had just released a successful solo album, Escapade
Escapade (album)
Escapade is the first solo album by Split Enz frontman Tim Finn.-After Time and Tide:After the release of Split Enz 1982 album Time and Tide, Tim Finn decided to give the band a break after 10 years. Younger brother Neil Finn worked on some demos for the upcoming Split Enz album, while...
, and was focused on promoting it. As a result, most of the songs on the album are by Neil Finn
Neil Finn
Neil Mullane Finn, OBE is a New Zealand Pop recording artist. Along with his brother Tim Finn, he was the co-frontman for Split Enz and is now frontman for Crowded House...
.
The album's title was certainly appropriate. The rumored resentment over Tim Finn's successful solo career was made worse by his insistence on including drummer Ricky Fataar
Ricky Fataar
Ricky Fataar is a South African multi-instrumentalist of Malay descent, who has performed as both a drummer, and a guitarist. He gained fame as an actor in the comedic television movie, The Rutles: All You Need Is Cash, a spoof on the actual history of The Beatles, and for his performance as a...
in recording sessions and using a drum machine on most other tracks. Hence, although Noel Crombie
Noel Crombie
Noel Crombie is a New Zealand singer and former member of the band Split Enz. He fulfilled multiple roles including costume and hair designer, percussionist, album cover designer, and music video director...
is credited as drummer/percussionist on the album liner notes, he actually contributed very little drumming.
The first single to be lifted from the album was "Strait Old Line
Strait Old Line
"Strait Old Line" is a 1983 song by New Zealand art rock group Split Enz from their second last studio album Conflicting Emotions. It was written by Neil Finn and released as a single in 1983....
", which peaked at a disappointing #42 on the Australian charts in late 1983. Without a big hit single to promote it, Conflicting Emotions failed to crack the Australian Top 10 – a disastrous commercial blow after three consecutive #1 albums. The band advertised for a new drummer before taking to the road for the Conflicting Emotions tour, hoping that an injection of new blood would revitalize them. Paul Hester
Paul Hester
Paul Newell Hester was an Australian musician and television personality; he was the drummer for the related bands Split Enz and Crowded House.-The early years:...
answered the call, joining Split Enz in time to feature in the "Message to My Girl
Message to My Girl
"Message to My Girl" is a 1983 song by New Zealand art rock group Split Enz from their second last studio album Conflicting Emotions. It was written by Neil Finn and released as a single in 1984, peaking at #6 in Australia, #28 in New Zealand and #13 in the Netherlands, where it was Split Enz'...
" video clip.
When released as the album's second single in February 1984, "Message to My Girl" was the big hit the album had needed upon release. It returned the band to the Australian Top 10, reaching #6, and is now one of their most beloved songs. It would prove to be the band's last major hit in Australia.
The b-side to "Message to My Girl", "Kia Kaha", was recorded during these sessions. The same recording was subsequently included on the next album
See Ya 'Round
See Ya 'Round is the ninth, and final album by New Zealand's premier New Wave band, Split Enz, and was released in 1984, following the departure of founding member Tim Finn, whose solo career had officially taken off the year before...
.
The album cover art was created by former Split Enz frontman Phil Judd
Phil Judd
Philip Judd is a New Zealand singer-songwriter known for being one of the founders of the bands Split Enz and The Swingers.-Split Enz:...
, while the back cover was painted by Noel Crombie.
Track listing
- Songs written by Neil FinnNeil FinnNeil Mullane Finn, OBE is a New Zealand Pop recording artist. Along with his brother Tim Finn, he was the co-frontman for Split Enz and is now frontman for Crowded House...
, except where noted.
- "Strait Old LineStrait Old Line"Strait Old Line" is a 1983 song by New Zealand art rock group Split Enz from their second last studio album Conflicting Emotions. It was written by Neil Finn and released as a single in 1983....
" – 4:03 - "Bullet Brain and Cactus Head" – 3:59
- "Message to My GirlMessage to My Girl"Message to My Girl" is a 1983 song by New Zealand art rock group Split Enz from their second last studio album Conflicting Emotions. It was written by Neil Finn and released as a single in 1984, peaking at #6 in Australia, #28 in New Zealand and #13 in the Netherlands, where it was Split Enz'...
" – 4:04 - "Working Up an Appetite" (Tim FinnTim FinnBrian Timothy "Tim" Finn, OBE is a New Zealand singer and musician. Finn is most known for his music with New Zealand 1970s and 1980s rock group Split Enz, and later for his solo work, a temporary membership in his brother Neil's band Crowded House and his joint efforts with Neil Finn as the Finn...
) – 4:08 - "Our Day" – 4:57
- "No Mischief" – 4:15
- "The Devil You Know" – 3:35
- "I Wake Up Every NightI Wake Up Every Night"I Wake Up Every Night" is the third and final single from New Zealand art rock group Split Enz's 1983 album Conflicting Emotions. It was released only in Australia and did not secure a chart placing...
" (T. Finn) – 4:46 - "Conflicting Emotions" (T. Finn) – 4:30
- "Bon Voyage" (T. Finn) – 4:06
Chart Positions
| Chart (1983/84) | Peak position |
|---|---|
| Australia | #13 |
| New Zealand | #3 |
| USA | #137 |
| Netherlands | #18 |
Personnel
- Neil FinnNeil FinnNeil Mullane Finn, OBE is a New Zealand Pop recording artist. Along with his brother Tim Finn, he was the co-frontman for Split Enz and is now frontman for Crowded House...
– vocals, guitar, piano - Tim FinnTim FinnBrian Timothy "Tim" Finn, OBE is a New Zealand singer and musician. Finn is most known for his music with New Zealand 1970s and 1980s rock group Split Enz, and later for his solo work, a temporary membership in his brother Neil's band Crowded House and his joint efforts with Neil Finn as the Finn...
– vocals, guitar, piano, keyboards - Noel CrombieNoel CrombieNoel Crombie is a New Zealand singer and former member of the band Split Enz. He fulfilled multiple roles including costume and hair designer, percussionist, album cover designer, and music video director...
– vocals, percussion, drums - Nigel GriggsNigel GriggsNigel Griggs is a musician who played bass guitar in Split Enz. He is the brother of Paul Griggs from the 1970s vocal group Guys 'n' Dolls...
– vocals, bass - Eddie RaynerEddie RaynerEddie Rayner , is a New Zealand musician who has played in bands such as Split Enz, Space Waltz, Crowded House, The Makers and 801....
– keyboards and machines - Ricky FataarRicky FataarRicky Fataar is a South African multi-instrumentalist of Malay descent, who has performed as both a drummer, and a guitarist. He gained fame as an actor in the comedic television movie, The Rutles: All You Need Is Cash, a spoof on the actual history of The Beatles, and for his performance as a...
– drums on "Message to My GirlMessage to My Girl"Message to My Girl" is a 1983 song by New Zealand art rock group Split Enz from their second last studio album Conflicting Emotions. It was written by Neil Finn and released as a single in 1984, peaking at #6 in Australia, #28 in New Zealand and #13 in the Netherlands, where it was Split Enz'...
"