Rootin’ Tootin’ Luton Tapes: Split Enz

In 1978 Split Enz were stuck in the UK, between albums, managers and recording labels.

For many years, hard core Split Enz fans heard the odd song from this period: Serge (Once in Rome), Next Exit. Semi Detached. Some songs were released as B-sides. Others just made it onto other albums over time.

Fans heard from various sources of the existence of the Rootin’ Tootin’ Luton Tapes. The tapes from a studio sessions. Some said these tapes never existed. Others said that they were lost for ever. Yet others said that they were so bad, they would never see the light of day.

Earlier this year, the Frenz of the Enz fan club announced that Eddie Rayner had found the master tapes, and was re-mastering for release.

I am listening to them now. Wow. You have to be a major Split Enz fan to understand the timing and forgive the rawness. Upon closer listening, I can hear why Frenzy was such a crap album. They just chose the wrong songs.

Rootin’ Tootin’ for sure.