40 years later & it’s still magically hypnotic.

1980 - Split Enz playing. 2023 - Still listening ! 2100 - New Generation listening ! It's ahead of time - Split Enz Songs

I remember watching Split Enz live on Nickelodeon back in 1982. Their electronic synthesizer sound inspired me to compose and play electronic music.

The echoey synths that are behind his vocals the moment he says "Stop!" At 1:54 are absolutely marvellous

If you searched for this song, you are a hard core 80's fan.

@ssfield631

6 жыл бұрын

yeah and those were my teen years

@ELEcomments

6 жыл бұрын

it's official then. i didn't grow up in the 80s, but i consider myself to be a retro music nerd lol good to know its official i even impress my parents with how much i know about 70s 80s and 90s music lol, i introduced my mom to some bands from her era she never even heard of lol

@danielmayes8851

6 жыл бұрын

Or a New Zealander!

@alexanderpatrick4866

6 жыл бұрын

Not just teen years, the best years...

@alexanderpatrick4866

6 жыл бұрын

You truly are gold david......................:D

I can't listen to this song just once. Gotta listen to it about seven times in a row to get my fill and explore the harmonic and melodic possibilities.

@moistmike4150

Жыл бұрын

THIS one comment perfectly sums up the amazingness that this song encompasses.

Prog rock, art rock, new wave, these Kiwis did their nation proud! Fun, well crafted songs performed by some very good musicians. Just amazing how well their music has held up! Love this just as much as I did first listen back in high school in the early 80s! Thanks for sharing...peace!

@Shikta-poobah67

Жыл бұрын

Don’t forget acoustic folk rock! That was their very first incarnation.

This song/video is what got me into Split Enz. Not long after that MTV aired an entire live concert which was awesome.

@Shikta-poobah67

Жыл бұрын

I remember that. I think it was filmed in Hamilton Ontario on the Waiata tour. Good stuff.

One step ahead of you stay in motion, keep an open mind Love is a race won by two Your emotion, my solitude If I stop I could lose my head So I'm losing you instead Either way I'm confused You slow me down, what can I do? There's one particular way I have to choose One step ahead of you Always someone makes it hard to move She says, Boy I want you to stay But I save it all for another day If I stop I could lose my head But I'm ready for romance Either way I'm confused I don't know what I'm supposed to do I can only stay One step ahead of you Da, da, da, da, da Da, da, da, da Da, da, da, da Da, da, da, dumb Stop, I confess sometimes I don't know where I'm going Part of me stays with you, I'm slowing down, what can I do It's hard to stay one step ahead of you (Uh huh) One step ahead of you Time is running out Catching up with you One step ahead of you When I hold you close Can I really lose? One step ahead Only one step ahead She's one step ahead of you

@fielaseanderkind7119

2 жыл бұрын

thank you

They were decades ahead, really...

@jaredw5059

8 жыл бұрын

i totally agree!

@memyselfi3792

8 жыл бұрын

unfortunately music today is revolution like all things good , music REAL music is a thing of the past ...its going through revolutional stage...one step ahead ;)

@jayrobb9

5 жыл бұрын

And sadly the rest of the world STILL hasn't caught up.

@sexobscura

5 жыл бұрын

I understand what you mean by that meaningless comment

@spoonfudge1284

5 жыл бұрын

JASFMXL I could not have said it better.

When asked about bands in Australia & New Zealand, most people I knew said Kylie minougue, Danni mainougue or Jason Donovan, This is one of my favourite bands and this song alone is very catchy, Such a great rhythm & only just dethroned my favourite 'I got you' which introduced me to the band split enz in the first place.

Am I the only one who was in my teens in 1980 AND still listen to this great song?

@gnrsgl

3 жыл бұрын

Yes I was 9

@nzfalcon8698

3 жыл бұрын

no

@gastondoumerc7863

3 жыл бұрын

I was 14!

@Robochop-vz3qm

3 жыл бұрын

No, me too In OZ 🇦🇺👍

@theselector4733

2 жыл бұрын

I was 12 and remember going out to buy this on a compilation. GREAT SONG!!!!!!!

One of the best songs I've ever heard, and I listen to a lot of music!

@ELEcomments

6 жыл бұрын

same!

I would blast it in my dads car in fall of '81, coming from CHOM FM Montreal. i still enjoy the sound of this song, it's never been copied and that's good.

One pharmaceutically-enhanced night in 1981 (after an evening’s gainful employment in a lounge), I discovered these guys, and the Police, within a few minutes of each other on Casey Kasem’s “America’s Top 10:” All of a sudden, I loved Rock ’n’ Roll again. (I hadn’t been this blown away by the sound of a band’s instruments since “H. P. Lovecraft II,” fifteen years earlier.) A cut from one of my personal “Ten Greatest Rock Band” LP’s.

Perfect example of great songwriting. The current generation of artists can learn a thing or two from this.

@kyachdistent1301

8 жыл бұрын

+acrovader There IS no current generation of artists at all and all the excreta could learn EVERYTHING from the 80s-the only decade which was packed full of the best music makers ever.

@kyachdistent1301

8 жыл бұрын

+Kittentanknznz Well I'm from the UK and these names mean anything, apart from Ladyhawke and even she has only had modest success. The 80s was untoppable, unstoppable and remains so. And the most important thing is to still support these people when they're still allowed to make records in this shit-for-brains music scene from hell that it's been in sicne the 90s. Aside from the 80s ones that have totally lost their shine and made crap after crap, which some most certainly have.

@kyachdistent1301

8 жыл бұрын

+Kittentanknznz They were easy to hate-it was like, with 1989 gone, talent disappered overnight and c/rap and rave took over from proper songs and singings, as did plastic boybands and girlbands of no talent. There were a few artists here and there that matered-Tasmin Archer, Ace Of Base, Tina Cousins-but they were coming from an 80s singer/songwriter place. But as soon as the 90s ended-things DID and continue to get EVEN WORSE!

@fitzfitzchivalry4538

8 жыл бұрын

What!? When 89 ended bands like nirvana, sonic youth and soundgarden etc , took over. What the fuck are you on about? Are you trying (and failing) to sound like you are knowledgeable about music beyond our poor understanding?

@fitzfitzchivalry4538

8 жыл бұрын

Your statement is so fucking retarded that i have to reply twice. ACE of FUCKING BASE !?! are you fucking serious? You now have no credibility. I now realise you are about 50 or so and are realising your musical tastes are completely redundant and obselete. Hmmm... the 90s ended and we got the White Stripes and Queens of the Stone Age. Fuck you are a ridiculous relic. Piss off.

Watch Eddie Raynor (keyboards---in this video, the xylophone/marimba) at 1:58 do a mean "slow-motion moonwalk"...he's frickin' AMAZING!

@TimDyck

3 жыл бұрын

He was doing that long befor Michael Jackson did it.

@bravosierra2447

3 жыл бұрын

& he’s moving FORWARD

@autumnmatthews3179

3 жыл бұрын

The guy is a legend

@MusicFan.....

3 жыл бұрын

Nots the Moonwalk that's the Airwalk dance please do research, even if it was the moonwalk it doesnt matter because Michael got it from Jeffrey Daniels.

@gitv2987

3 жыл бұрын

lol, as he struts to the moon and back..

From art rock/prog to KILLER wave...LOVED these guys. Criminally under appreciated!

@Shikta-poobah67

Жыл бұрын

Yeah, their transition was pretty big. When they were doing the art rock/prog thing they had a *VERY* extreme and bizarre look to go with it, like psychotic Kiwi clowns from outer space. They went from that to (as you put it) KILLER-wave, and ditched the clown look all in one year (1978), after they relocated to the UK and witnessed the punk movement. There’s a pretty stark “before and after” thing with them that takes place between their 3rd and 4th albums.

Great, now I'll be listening to Split Enz for the next hour or more. Great.

i love the "la da da da" part at 1:35, and the quirky synths. Split Enz are in a league of their own...

@visualicandy

4 жыл бұрын

And don't forget the triangle!!!

@janverhave

2 жыл бұрын

It was Eddie all the time…all those years

I’m still to this day obsessed with this song

Saw them live in Cagary in 80.Only a thousand people about showed but what a great show many missed because they didn't know how good these guys were.We all crowded on the floor in front of the stage and partied,loving every song.The lead singer Finn and his brother the bass player went on to form crowded house and had more big hits !

Released Nov 1980 the 28th video played on MTV great earcandy!

This was the best line-up Split Enz had in its existence: T. Finn, N. Finn, Griggs, Crombie, Rayner and Green. Imagine what could have been if the ethos of the successful collaboration with David Tickle on True Colours had been maintained for a few more years...

MTV introduced me to groups like this. Would never here them on regular radio. Thanks MTV from 1981 to 1996.

My fave Split Enz tune.... memories! Iconic in NZ ❤️

@redskies4530

Жыл бұрын

Hi I recommend an indie rock song called 'Looking Into The Mirror' By Robert Nix

It’s really hard to discover new classic 80s, if you don’t read the comment sections.. That’s how I am here..

Neil is absolutely captivating in this clip..! His voice,his look, this beatle-fringe...I never knew he can be such a groovy little tease. ) Although they're all wonderful.

I'm so thankful MTV came out and showed the US this great group!!

@Shikta-poobah67

Жыл бұрын

Too bad the radio wasn’t paying attention.

Never thought that 40 years later Id be listening and wanting to go back.

Another great bass line from their bassist.

@youngsplitterr

3 жыл бұрын

Nigel Griggs!

Tim finn, the dark headed brother , the best looking one!

Saw these guys open for Tom Petty in 1981...went right out and bought this album...then everything else that they ever did, plus everything by Crowded House, and most of Tim and Neil's solo albums...brilliant!

@tastemaker_87

2 жыл бұрын

That sounds like an amazing show

@aatikahcarmenhappy3494

2 жыл бұрын

I loved growing up in 80s watching ready to roll at 12pm with Karen Hayes she rocked

@Shikta-poobah67

Жыл бұрын

Tom Petty was very much a fan (and a friend) of the Finn brothers. He recognized their talent and wanted to give them more American exposure, since they weren’t really cracking the U.S. market at the time. TP was great about that kind of thing. He did the same thing with the Replacements on his ‘89 tour, though it wound up being a disaster. The ‘Mats were out of control and falling apart at that particular time, but good on Tom for giving them a shot. He is missed.

@lb6253

Жыл бұрын

Oh wow. So jealous. Saw them (as Crowded House then) in 91 or 92 and don't remember who opened for them.

I was born in the 80s and 2 days ago I heard this for the first time on the radio. I don't know where tf I've been. This song is amazing.

This sounded SO good on a really good set of speakers , this tablet ain't cutting it...album getting pulled out tomorrow!!!

Still listen to them since the 80's in the same country (Quebec,Canada)

Just added this one to my playlist in 2021. This group was definitely years ahead of its time 🎶

The Finns were talented bro's

My mom owned a restaurant in the early 80s that had a jukebox in it. Whenever the guy would change out the 45s, he would give me the old ones that he replaced in the jukebox and this was one of the songs he gave me. I was 5 years old in 1980 and jamming this song over and over. Great song then, even better song now...

wow, and wow again I can say with absolute certainty that this song is one of the most spellbinding, mysterious, exhilarating, trance like, hypnotic, and mesmerizing songs that I have ever heard. it is so amazingly good, amazingly original, amazingly creatively constructed. It's pure poetry the way the song progresses fancifully and deftly. the different rhythms are so amazingly creative that they are breath taking and powerfully impactful! The lyrics are amazingly deft and creatively inspiring as far as when they were thought up. the mood, or ambiance and dark and heavy theatrics are so profoundly special to me and feel so good to me. I just can't say enough about how good this song is, truly a masterpiece and such a rare song as far as how singularly creative it is. Remarkable song!

@susietowers7331

9 жыл бұрын

What he said.

@leslietaylor6362

5 жыл бұрын

lol- SAME!! always been a favorite - loved Neil ever since :)

@sandraworden6862

5 жыл бұрын

So you like the song then?..

@scotthamm8548

4 жыл бұрын

yes!

@80snewromatic

3 жыл бұрын

Wow. I was thinking this as well. Eloquently put!

Thank you Newzealand for producing such a wonderful talented band we all love them

I just got a car that only has a tape deck so I asked my dad for some of his old cassettes just for kicks and this band was on one he recorded. I had trouble finding them at first because he spelled it "Split ZNE." I actually really like their sound. :)

Should have more recognition........this band is damn good!!!!!

@Leonhavenify

7 жыл бұрын

This should have like ~20 million views....

One of my favorite songs. The plodding bass, gasping vocals, and slowing tempo make me think of shambling, exhausted, to the grave. Call it a mood.

I love the fact that the Finn brothers have so many songs on the APRA Top 100 New Zealand Songs of All Time, but I hate that this isn't one of them. Incredible song.

The moonwalk in 1980.So Michael was not the first to do this. Such a talented group and beautiful song. Im so happy I found this video. Brings back memories from childhood.

I was totally besotted with split enz when I was 15 in 1980 but no one appreciated them at the time? Tim Finn and Neil Finn were definitely a head of their time, the Lennon and McCartney of the Southern Hemisphere. Loved them then and still play their stuff now in 2019 thanks for this video.

Loved this song 🎶 in 80s & now in 2023!

The Finn's sister was my primary school teacher for a year at St Pius X in Glen Innes, Auckland , New Zealand. One day she turned up with a cardboard box full of "One Step Ahead" promo T-shirts for us. She was great. Guess I was 8 at the time.

what a fabulous group they were

Neil Finn is like a dear old friend. I been listening to his music for 40 years. Love the guy. I'm drunk

I love the keyboards really well done. I remember the song. I was like twelve when I came out

I always go back to this song among all the SPLIT ENZ songs. Perfect one. I am glad I had the chance to discover this band while living in North America in the 80's. Unfortunately, almost nobody knows them in France. I guess they would have had much more success in the world if they were from UK or US... Australia seemed very far from Europ; internet did not exist... ;-) They really are great songwriters, musicians, very creative, involved in their videos. I am glad I know you (great) guys...

Still sounds good in 2016. Quite Beatlish sounding. Hes definetly New Zealands best singer songwriter. He's the John Lennon of New Zealand

@charlottepriest2409

7 жыл бұрын

Totally agree with you ! :)

@browsertab

7 жыл бұрын

So true. I think I prefer Enz over Crowded House.

@TheFykle

7 жыл бұрын

Same

@kelleym3448

7 жыл бұрын

Beatles were a big influence for them and you can tell, more so in some of their other tracks than this one.

@jayrobb9

5 жыл бұрын

Quite Beatles-y. This song always reminded me of Here, There, and Everywhere. Not too sure why.

These old videos were so cool. Simple. Brilliant.

41 years ago, and this music is still great. That bass line just drives this song so well. It says a lot about music in that period that a band as amazing as this barley scratched the surface of the music scene. I have to say I still and always will miss the music as well as so much of the late 70's through the early 90's. Sadly I think this world will never see a period like this again.

Split Enz has the most amazing chord transitions

@racketman2u

3 жыл бұрын

that's Neil Finn's telltale signature, listen to some Crowded House and you'll hear it too. Joe Jackson is another man with a unique ear for a chord progression.

When growing up you might not get into a particular band/song but as you get older you can't deny it as it was part of the national identity and the soundtrack to growing up. It has nostalgic value and you start to enjoy it for the memories. Split End is one of those bands, growing up as a child in the eighties in Australia.

my best friend and I in 8th grade, sneaking into his sister's room to listen to her Split Enz records. RIP Bruce Secor.

It's hard to believe that this song was recorded so long ago; it seems so relevant now. I love this song.

@ELEcomments

6 жыл бұрын

i know right! it would fit in with todays indie scene for sure! i could see this song being next to artists like franz ferdinland, the black keys, royal blood, arcade fire, goyte, etc etc just a great timeless song

@Shikta-poobah67

Жыл бұрын

It’s timeless stuff. Could have just as easily fit with the late 60’s as well as still sounding relevant today. Split Enz had that same thing that the Beatles did, even if they were nowhere near as successful as the Beatles. It’s just classic songwriting that defies age and trends.

One of the best songs ever written imo right up there with The Beatles. Just pop perfection!

❤80’s the best of times

A barely 20-year-old Neil Finn here already showing his songwriting and performance chops.

There is some weird tension in this piece of music, love it

@lefkytheshin

2 жыл бұрын

Ain't that love in a nutshell. Or maybe it's more like "Help! I'm stuck in a nutshell! Call a locksmith!"

Great chord progression! Smooth.

@danmccarthy4700

3 жыл бұрын

Right? It's like Pachelbel's Canon but quirkier!

such an awesome band, Finn brothers were more than 1 step ahead with their style and sound.....2016 and still rockin this song

Saw Split Enz at Hammersmith Odeon in London in 1980. One of the very best concerts I've ever been too. Along with Difford and Tilbrook of Squeeze this group were just about the best singer/songwriters of that time. Their album 'True Colors' is still the best album to play on a long drive up from London on a cold dark night.

I wore this album out. Love love loved it!

@Shikta-poobah67

Жыл бұрын

It’s a good album, but I always thought the album that preceded it (True Colours) was their true masterpiece. That album is amazing from start to finish. I don’t skip any of those songs when listening to it. Waiata has some of the same magic, but it’s not as good as True Colours.

Such a great song! Neil Finn is brilliant. This video is as relevant in 2017 as it was when I first viewed it. Love Crowded House, too.

Great band. Their musicianship is tight as a drum. Unbelievable that more people don't reference them now.

@Shikta-poobah67

Жыл бұрын

That’s because they were overshadowed by Crowded House. Ask an American if they know who the Finn brothers are, and CH will immediately be their frame of reference. It’s a different story in New Zealand though.

Thank you Mark N for bringing me here, what an amazing song.

Ah, those great Finn Brothers harmonies! Also, the best Enz video of all!

Very catchy tune - love Neil Finn !!!

still great to listen to after 35 yrs

@kaisorrosa

3 жыл бұрын

after 40 yrs too

@Shikta-poobah67

Жыл бұрын

And after 42 years. I’m sure it will probably sound equally fresh after 142 years as well.

love this.......what a band......streets ahead of their time.....kiwi rock...thanks for this x

What an awesome band they were, and hopefully still are. been gone from NZ since 1984 and havent heard any Split enz songs for that last 28 yrs or so. this is soooooo nostalgic. US havent heard of Split Enz but they were so advanced in their music. New Zelands very own success band, eventhough they did a lot of their work in Australia

@Shikta-poobah67

Жыл бұрын

They’ve been broken up since 1984.

My first concert. I was 12, and in love with them...well, Neil actually. They really were amazing artists!❤

Hell how well does this hold up!

One of the most beautiful pop songs ever written.

@Schmoople

8 жыл бұрын

+Spin Jennies This exactly...I was thinking the exact same thing. It's a brilliant pop song, is this.

@Shikta-poobah67

Жыл бұрын

Both beautiful and haunting.

more like 10 steps ahead of other popular music acts...

@piscessunpiscesmoon5507

4 жыл бұрын

RJ H and some people, lol... the shifty ones, lol

@angelhart1111

2 жыл бұрын

Amen to that! If only we had guys like these back .. life would seem a little simpler

I remember they played at the st ives showground in 84, i was 12 and wasnt allowed to go but could still hear it 2km away from my front yard, which added salt into the wounds lol

Split Enz and The Cars, hands down always had the best visual music videos of the early MTV music video era...So much vibrant colors and nice background sets, as well as cool choreography. Bring back the COOL Mtv, not the trash heap it is now.

@Shikta-poobah67

Жыл бұрын

I’m not sure MTV was ever “cool”, but it was definitely worth watching in it’s first couple of years of existence, when they would actually show stuff like this in between the horrid Styx and Journey videos. By late ‘83 MTV started becoming the corporate dumpster fire that it’s been ever since. Some people might say “well at least they still played music videos up until the late 90’s”, but that doesn’t mean much when all the really good/great bands couldn’t get the time of day from big brother MTV, or bands had to censor or compromise their own material just to get played on MTV. They have actually sucked for a *LOT* longer than most people realize.

brilliantly written just like all of their songs, kiwi bands kicked it in oz in the 80's

The 80's shall NEVER die!!! 😎🤘

@Shikta-poobah67

Жыл бұрын

The 80’s already killed itself, halfway through the decade.

Love the last stop when they proceed to stop all together in sync.

Talent like this cant be taught split enz had this sound that no other band at this time had. this song I think is their sleeper hit captures every element and a bit dark.

@ivanolsen8596

7 жыл бұрын

The Finn Bros are geniuses.

@mikewitter1561

6 жыл бұрын

I was 17 when I first heard splitenz I am now 56 and still my favourite tunes nothing close

@itsallrobbish

5 жыл бұрын

Hayden Wittig Neil Finn is the king of dark!

@Shikta-poobah67

Жыл бұрын

Even their more upbeat songs have a certain element of darkness in the lyrics. I remember reading an interview with Tim Finn once, a long time ago, where he mentioned that he has struggled with mental illness, and music has always been been his outlet and therapy. The song “Dirty Creature” from ‘82’s Time And Tide album is all about his then-frequent panic attacks. Often times the best music and art is created out of darkness and mental struggles.

This song was my first exposure to this band. I was 11 or 12, and this video was played between movies on HBO in 1980. As the band was never really as big as they should have been here in America, I forgot about the band until Crowded House jogged my memory 6 years later. After that, I found as many of the split enz albums as I could.

this was their best song and the peak of Spiltz Enz. The mature song, before the end........

seems like yesterday when the MTV first aired this vid. sure miss the 80's. 35 years already.

@kuluke2002

5 жыл бұрын

@@BettyMareeHOHCountry It was the 28th video but it aired on the first day.

Fooking Amazing still 35 years on...STELLAR!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

@cobboGHS91

8 жыл бұрын

timeless isnt it, almost like time stands still when you listen to it

@russellfleming6110

7 жыл бұрын

yes time just is there cool

@billybareblu

7 жыл бұрын

It really defies time. Even the video. They really knew how to work with what they had.

This song gave us one of the best opening scenes in Wentworth, can't stop listening to it now!

Jesus, these guys are fantastic. Never a dull moment.

Basically, Neil Finn took over his brother's band when he graduated from school. And then it mutated to Crowded House.

Brings me right back to my childhood. Incredible songwriting by Mr. Finn! As always

I know why Neil Finn's songwriting has resonated with me since I was a child. We seem to have the same personality type. So all the lyrics speak to me. I've always liked listening to the lyrics and there is a certain darkness to some of the music. Music allows me to feel that expression. With most music I like, I don't bother listening to the lyrics (especially if they are impossible to hear or understand) but I just enjoy the mood and the actual rythm and melody with those songs. I have been obsessed with Split Enz and Crowded House for so long because they have that exact same variety of quirky + offbeat + slightly dark, intense and moody that appeals to my emotions. Yet it never feels overwhelming or sad and maudlin. Feeling my own stuff through songs other people have written just feels liberating. Sugary stuff is okay for fun and I like things that are boppy and danceable but I really like this kind of thing and it makes me happy that I'm not alone in feeling this way. Plus it's fun and I can also sing along.

Loved this song and would groove to it while mowing the lawn in 1980 with my Sony Walkman cranked up to the maximum volume. I love the Split Enz. America loves you Split Enz. Get back on tour. I'd gladly pay a couple hundred dollars to see you live.

love music that was like spit enz...1980...great year!.......horrible now...

@redskies4530

Жыл бұрын

Hi I recommend an indie rock song called 'Looking Into The Mirror' By Robert Nix

homie is doing a killer moonwalk @ 1:58..whats cool is he's going forward..all other moonwalks I've seen they're going backwards...

@scottkclark

5 жыл бұрын

This even predates MJ's moonwalk by 3 years! There's lots of similar moonwalk moves before this too, but I was surprised to see it in a Split Enz video!

@musterionsurly

5 жыл бұрын

;)

@vickieneve-miller7115

5 жыл бұрын

I definitely love split enz and yes the moonwalk is cool but Dick Van Dyke did it way before Michael Jackson or even in this video many many years ago check it out.

@Coowallsky

3 жыл бұрын

@@vickieneve-miller7115 Nicholas Bros’ moonwalk predates Van Dyke’s by about 20 years.

So great. Such a haunting tune and the whole beatnik 60s vibe to the video. God we were lucky to see this then.

ANOTHER TIMELESS CLASSIC! 80'S MUSIC RULES!! the dj