Phil Judd: C/D

For creating the first truly original pop music to come out of New Zealand and being the father of all adventurous music that has come out of that land thereafter.

For writing timeless, imaginative songs influenced by Mervyn Peake, Hermann Hesse, etc, that transport the listener to beautiful internal worlds.

For writing the majority of the material for Mental Notes, the best Split Enz album and one of the greatest debut albums in the history of popular music.

For singing in a beautifully strange, exaggerated staccato that apparently left a lasting impression on John Lydon, especially his singing with P.I.L.

For embracing New Zealand's punks in the late 70s and being directly involved with two of the best bands to come out of the scene -- The Suburban Reptiles and The Enemy.

For leaving a lasting impression on Chris Knox, the so-called "godfather of New Zealand's alternative music scene" (Judd has even in recent years been an object of praise in Knox's comics, such as Max Media.).

For convincingly embracing New Wave (which he arguably helped to create) by starting The Swingers and having much more fun with the music than the Split Enz did at that time.

For writing the soundtrack to Nadia Tass's Amy that features an ensemble of ukuleles only.

For co-writing songs for a stage production of C.S. Lewis's The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe.

For being an all-around great and oft-misunderstood genius of modern music.

"i'm guessing it's probably a shame i've only heard one Swingers song?"

YES!!!

isn't it just as though he shunned the spotlight increasingly, first with the make-up and then going underground.. ? no matter that that Swingers' song is one of the most famously produced local songs ever (and something of a coup in Australia).

were Split Enz just too weird for nz with the initial Judd/ Tim Finn partnership ? too truly progressive ? whatever, i wasn't old enough to go to gigs back then. i love the early impressionistic synth use and the completely non rock music essence of all the complexities of the music and the wacko lyrics. I especially love Judd's art work, eg the cover of first album Mental Notes.

i'm not being nz-ist here, but he's always been an enigma in the back yard, the really odd mystery element that gave pre-Neil Split Enz a lot of their no-other-band-like-that charm.

the swingers are unlistenable.

New Song Echoes Past Brilliance!
New Album Potentially Best Thing Judd's Done in Over Twenty Years!

Give a listen here!

http://www.frenzforum.com/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=6;t=000202

I am too fucking excited!

I am sorry I let this thread die.
Thank you so much, George and Poppy,
for your comments and insights.

George, are you Space Dust George?!

Helene

No, he didn't contribute to the "Give It a Whirl" docos, but he will be talking all about the early Enz years in Radio New Zealand's "Enzology" documentary series, which begins on National Radio on January 1st 2005. This will also be streamed online at www.radionz.co.nz a few days later. The series is in ten parts, each 50 minutes long, and covers the years up until 1984. Everyone from Phil Judd, to the Finns to Paul Hester chips in with their memories, as do some of the record producers and managers. Lots of demos, rehearsals, live recordings and studio out-takes.

Jeremy

You can hear a few full songs and some samples on Judd's website and myspace and stream his new video for "No-One's Best Man" as well.

http://www.philjudd.com/
http://www.myspace.com/philjuddmrphudd

It was difficult to guess what Judd's return to the realm of popular music might be like and I must say Novelty Act has exceeded all my expectations. It will easily be my favorite album of this year with Scott Walker's The Drift most likely being a close second.

¡¡¡¿¿¿IT'S NOT FAAAAAAAIIIIIIRRRRRRRR...AAAAAAAAAAAHHH!!!???

and let us not forget the swingers were the backing band in what was my favourite film in high school - "STARSTRUCK" - i'll have to rent that again one of these days

'One Good Reason' is a great track - as obviously was ' Counting the Beat' in it's day

Former rock star Phil Judd admits stalking girls

"I find all u ... girls beautiful and very special. I am not a pervert ... I am an aesthete ... I was a popstar once."

This guy is grrrreat