"Distant Sun" is a song by Australian band Crowded House, released in September 1993 by Capitol Records as the first single from their fourth studio album, Together Alone (1993). The song gave the band another top-20 hit in the United Kingdom, peaking at number 19, but fell shy of the mark in Australia, reaching number 23. It was a top-five hit in Canada and New Zealand, reaching numbers four and five, respectively. In March 1994, a remixed version of "Distant Sun" was released in the United States, reaching number 26 on the Billboard Modern Rock Tracks chart. The regular mix was not released as a single in the US and was only available on the album. The accompanying music video was directed by Canadian director and artist Curtis Wehrfritz.
A live version of "Distant Sun" was included on the single for "Locked Out", another single from Together Alone; this version was recorded at Hammersmith Apollo, England on 12 November 1993. In 2005, a tribute album titled She Will Have Her Way was created featuring a collection of Neil and Tim Finn's songs reinterpreted by female singers; "Distant Sun" was performed by New Zealand singer-songwriter Brooke Fraser. Fraser's version is mostly similar to the original version, but the key was changed to suit her voice, and she omitted the line "Like a Christian fearing vengeance from above".
Critical reception Upon the release, Larry Flick from Billboard magazine wrote, "Ace songwriter Neil Finn works his usual melodic miracles here, combining swoony guitar work with a solid hook. The sparkling result, from band's current Together Alone set, offers PDs an opportunity to fill radio's gaping guitar pop void—and judging from this single's stellar sound, there's no better band than Crowded House for the job."
Track listings As the lead single from Together Alone, "Distant Sun" was released in various versions internationally. All songs, including B-sides, were written by Neil Finn unless otherwise noted.Bailey, Marck; Comprehensive discography of Crowded House including track listings for all albums and singles. Released 28 March 1995. Retrieved 4 July 2007.
Australian CD single "Distant Sun" – 3:50 "Walking on the Spot" (live) – 2:55 "When You Come" (live) – 6:23 "Skin Feeling" – 3:56 "Weather with You" (live) – 5:26 Note: All live tracks were recorded at The Town & Country Club, London on 9 and 10 November 1991.
UK CD single Disc one "Distant Sun" – 3:51 "This Is Massive" – 3:55 (live) "When You Come" – 6:16 (live)
Disc two "Distant Sun" – 3:51 "Walking on the Spot" – 2:54 "Throw Your Arms Around Me" – 3:54 (live) "One Step Ahead" – 3:52 (live) Note: All live tracks were recorded at The Roxy, Los Angeles, 26 February 1987. "Distant Sun" and "Walking on the Spot" are from the Together Alone album.
Dutch CD single "Distant Sun" "Don't Dream It's Over" (live at the King Biscuit Flower Hour, 24 March 1987)
Dutch CD single "Distant Sun" – 3:51 "Walking on the Spot" – 2:54 "Throw Your Arms Around Me" – 3:54 (live) "One Step Ahead" – 3:52 (live) Note: All B-sides recorded live at The Roxy, Los Angeles, 26 February 1987 except "Walking on the Spot" which is the Together Alone album version.
US CD single "Distant Sun" (remix version) – 3:45 "Pineapple Head" – 3:54 (live) "Locked Out" – 3:38 (live) Note: Live tracks were recorded at Munich, Germany, 12 December 1993.
Charts
Weekly charts Chart (1993–1994)PeakpositionEurope (Eurochart Hot 100) 57Europe (European Hit Radio) 17Israel (IBA) Search "Crowded house" for Israeli chart history.19Netherlands (Dutch Top 40 Tipparade) 9UK Airplay (Music Week) 4US Bubbling Under Hot 100 Singles (Billboard) 13US Modern Rock Tracks (Billboard) 26US Cash Box Top 100Cash Box Chart Entries 1990-1996 82
Year-end charts Chart (1994)PositionCanada Top Singles (RPM) 34
Certifications
References