Good investment

Crowded House, “the biggest thing from New Zealand until the Lord Of The Rings films shows no sign of flagging”, according to the UK’s News of the World reviewer Dave Freak after the band’s Royal Theatre, Castlebar show in Ireland. “Mixing great tracks from new album Intriguer with old hits like ‘Distant Sun’, songs are interspersed with quirky jams. These range from bleeping electronics and country yelps to amusing snatches of Blondie and Abba. These New Zealanders may have aged, but their energy is undiminished, and their songs remain pop gems. Property prices may have dropped, but this house is worth investing in.” Four stars.