Twist is the third solo album by New Zealand singer-songwriter Dave Dobbyn, his first recorded in New Zealand after almost a decade living overseas. It was produced by Neil Finn and featured Finn and two members of The Mutton Birds on guitars, bass and drums, as well as contributions by Tim Finn, Don McGlashan and US record producer Tchad Blake. The album was released in the United States with a slightly altered track listing, and some tracks replaced by songs from his previous album. First single "Language" reached number four on the New Zealand charts.
Background After the struggle to release his previous album Lament For The Numb, Dobbyn returned to New Zealand. Fellow New Zealand musician Neil Finn had also just returned to the country with the ending of Crowded House and was happy to have the opportunity to work on another artist's album. Dobbyn credits Finn for giving the album much of its sound.
Track listing
The US release featured an altered track list, featuring three songs from Dobbyn's previous album Lament for the Numb (denoted with an asterisk).
Personnel
Dave Dobbyn — vocals, guitars, piano, keyboards Neil Finn — guitars, backing vocals, piano, optigan, keyboards Alan Gregg — bass Ross Burge — drums Tchad Blake — noise Tim Finn — backing vocal, percussion, drums ("Language") Don McGlashan — euphonium ("It Dawned On Me") Emma Paki — backing vocals ("Naked Flame") Robert Issell — violin Christine Bowie — viola Ashley Hopkins — bass clarinet Miguel Fuentes — percussion ("Naked Flame", "I Can't Change My Name") Nathan Haines — tenor sax ("P.C.") Liam Finn — backing vocals ("P.C.") Cameron Lindsay — backing vocals ("P.C.") Lindsay and Elroy Finn — backing vocals ("P.C.")
Critical reception Reception was positive. In 2009, New Zealand rock journalist Graham Reid described Twist as "the album of Dobbyn's career."
References
External links 1994 Nick Bollanger review of 'Twist', NZ Listener 1994 Chris Bourke interview with Dobbyn, NZ Listener Sydney Morning Herald interview