Recurring Dream - The Very Best Of

For once the ad people have got it spot on. Running a blurb saying "You know more Crowded House songs than you think" was certainly apt for this most understated yet successful of bands.

Just scanning the tracklisting is like reading a playlist from the last decade of commercial radio.

Kicking off with the song that remains the band's signature tune in the UK - 'Weather With You' - was also a wise decision, as it ushers one immediately into the House's blend of quirky but often poignant lyrics and quality musicianship.

The use of the word 'quality' is not meant in a derogatory sense - that's 'quality' as in 'timeless'.

Tracks like 'Fall At Your Feet', the magnificent 'Don't Dream It's Over' and 'Better Be Home Soon' are all imbued with an affecting resonance that keeps them the right side of being cloyingly sentimental.

The upbeat songs like 'Locked Out', 'It's Only Natural' and 'Distant Sun', meanwhile, go about their business with a smile on their faces and some wickedly addictive hooks.

'Instinct', one of three new tracks on the album, shows that the band are certainly splitting up at something near the peak of their powers.

They'll be missed, and by more people than will care to admit it.