Something So Strong: Crowded House

Biography & Memoir Australiana Music, Film & Performing Arts

Something So Strong tells the inside story of Crowded House, the Australian rock trio who conquered charts worldwide with bittersweet pop classics like “Don’t Dream It’s Over.” Chris Bourke’s 1997 biography traces the band’s rise from Split Enz offshoot to Grammy-grabbing household name, weaving memories of the Finn brothers, late-night recording sessions and the emotional toll of sudden fame.

Drawing on fresh interviews with bandmates, producers and road crew, this Pan Macmillan paperback captures the humour, heartbreak and creative sparks behind every album. Bourke balances music-geek detail with human drama, charting how anthems born in Melbourne and Sydney studios ended up echoing across arenas from Detroit to Manchester.

The 1997 first edition sits tidy on the shelf: spine smooth, binding tight, pages clean and unmarked save one harmless dog-ear. A faint mark on the lower page edges is the only blemish in an otherwise crisp, smoke-free copy—perfect for fans who want the authentic Australiana rock chronicle without collector-level wear.

Whether you’re revisiting the Crowded House catalogue or discovering their legacy, this accessible biography delivers the backstage anecdotes and cultural context that playlists alone can’t provide.