Extended Play

Last Tuesday, I saw Crowded House do a splendid showcase gig at the intimate Troubadour in West Hollywood. After the ill-fated Coachella performance, where they had to deal with rude Rage Against the Machine fans, it was cool to be among devoted fans. I can’t remember the last time I saw the band in a venue so small.

The guys sounded tight and were in great spirits. Finn’s son Elroy supplemented the group on the occasional acoustic guitar and backing vocal. His dad bantered about a water purification plant built near bassist Nick Seymour’s home in New Zealand after a fan shouted “hydration” (the Troub was sold out and like many places in L.A, not known to crank up the AC when people are packed in like sardines). Oscar-nominated actor Ryan Gosling was apparently in attendance.

There was an impromptu version of Mary Hopkins’ “Those Were the Days (My Friend),” plus some joking about Mark Hart’s ancestry. The 1 hour, 45-minute show kicked off with a rocking “Locked Out” and touched upon each of the old albums. Finn dedicated “Fall at Your Feet” to wife Sharon. Hart was busy moving from guitar to keys to pedal steel.

Half of exquisite new album “Time on Earth” was played. Many of these songs gained new resonance live, especially “Don’t Stop Now,” “Nobody Wants To” and “She Called Up.” One of the newbies was described by Neil as being about the brother of a New Zealand footballer who got lost at sea. A few rarities cropped up – “Throw Your Arms Around Me” (a fan request during the encores) and “Recurring Dream,” which Finn said was the first time they’d played it properly in 15 years.

Later, Neil mentioned the Pomona gig they did prior to Coachella and said those people could do a great sing along. He asked if anyone was the from the city to much laughter and a quip from drummer Matt Sherrod. Overall, a memorable evening. They return to play the Greek Theatre on Aug. 28.

The setlist:

Locked Out
World Where You Live
Heaven That I’m Making
Those Were the Days
Nobody Wants To
Recurring Dream
Fall at Your Feet
Don’t Stop Now
Pour Le Monde
Four Seasons in One Day
You’re the One to Make Me Cry
When You Come
Silent House
Distant Sun
Something So Strong

ENCORE #1
Pineapple Head
She Called Up (Neil on keys)
Weather With You

ENCORE #2
Fingers of Love
Throw Your Arms Around Me (Nick forgets chords; Mark tries to demonstrate)
Don’t Dream It’s Over (full band)