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{{otheruses|Internationalist}}
{{otheruses|Internationalist}}
<b><i>Internationalist</i></b> is the third [[studio album]] by [[Music of Australia|Australian]] [[alternative rock|rock]] [[band (music)|band]] [[Powderfinger]], released on [[7 September]] [[1998]]. The album's title refers to the ability for music to assist one in [[escapism]].
'''''Internationalist''''' is the third album by [[Australian]] band [[Powderfinger]] released in [[1998]]. Widely considered as their commercial breakthrough album, ''Internationalist'' earned Powderfinger their first #1 album, as well as widespread critical acclaim and four [[ARIA Awards]], including Best Rock Album and Album Of The Year. The album's title was a reference to [[social division]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ozmusic-central.com.au/powderfinger/faqfile.htm#4p0|title=The Powderfinger FAQ|publisher=Powderfinger Central|accessdate=2007-08-08}}</ref>


<i>Internationalist</i> followed in the success of its predecessor, <i>[[Double Allergic]]</i>, and went platinum in Australia. It was also the receipient of four [[ARIA Awards]], including "Album of the Year". At the same time, the album was Powderfinger's most adventerous work to date, with [[lead singer]] and [[songwriting]] [[Bernard Fanning]] experimenting further in his lyrics than before. The album also contained the band's boldest political and social commentary to date, focused in songs like "[[The Day You Come]]"
[[Australian Recording Industry Association|ARIA]] named ''Internationalist'' the #66 album of [[1998 in music|1998]],<ref>[http://www.aria.com.au/pages/aria-charts-end-of-year-charts-top-100-albums-1998.htm ARIA End of Year Albums chart - 1998]</ref> and the #13 album of [[1999 in music|1999]].<ref>[http://www.aria.com.au/pages/aria-charts-end-of-year-charts-top-100-albums-1999.htm ARIA End of Year Albums chart - 1999]</ref> However, none of the five singles released made it onto the end of year single charts in either year.<ref>[http://www.aria.com.au/pages/aria-charts-end-of-year-charts-top-100-singles-1998.htm ARIA End of Year Singles chart - 1998]</ref><ref>[http://www.aria.com.au/pages/aria-charts-end-of-year-charts-top-100-singles-1999.htm ARIA End of Year Singles chart - 1999]</ref>


Despite its popularity in Australia, <i>Internationalist</i> failed to launch Powderfinger in lucrative [[overseas]] market. It did, however, cement the band's position on the Australian music scene, with highly positive reviews from across the Australian music industry, including [[Molly Meldrum]].
A promotional EP, ''[[The Triple M Acoustic Sessions]]'' was released in 1999 which featured three songs from ''Internationalist'' including the single "[[Already Gone (Powderfinger song)|Already Gone]]".


==Recording and Background==
==Recording and production==
<i>Internationalist</i> was recorded at [[Melbourne]]'s Sing Sing Studios, with Powderfinger accompanied by [[United States of America|American]] [[producer]] [[Nick DiDia]] for the first time. As the band had already prepared "about 30 or 40" songs when they entered the studio, DiDia's task was relatively minor. [[Bass guitar|Bass guitarist]] [[John Collins (Australian musician)|John Collins]] said of DiDia; "Nick was really good...The way Nick based the record was that he wanted to record the band how we were at that particular moment, he didn’t want to play around too much." As a result of this attitude, the band only spent one month in the studio, and the album was mixed by DiDia not long after.<ref name=TakingFlight>{{cite web|url=http://www.ozmusic-central.com.au/powderfinger/text/articl38.htm|title=Taking Flight|publisher=Powderfinger Central|work=[[Juice (magazine)|Juice]]|author=Samantha Clode|date=October 1998|accessdate=2007-11-11}}</ref>
''Internationalist'' was recorded at [[Melbourne|Melbourne's]] Sing Sing studios, the same place where all of Powderfinger's previous albums had been recorded.<ref name=fonp>[http://www.ozmusic-central.com.au/powderfinger/text/articl13.htm "Finger on the pulse" - article by Teresa Bolster], accessed June 17 2007</ref>


Collins and [[lead singer]] [[Bernard Fanning]] described the album as not being "as easy listening as their previous work", and stated that it contained numerous experiements in songwriting that they hadn't put into previous albums.<ref name=TakingFlight /> Fanning later described <i>Internationalist</i> as being "a better record" than <i>[[Double Allergic]]</i>, but acknowledged that it wasn't as easily likeable - it was just an improvement in songwriting.<ref name=Glory /> Collins and Fanning acknowledged that the album's experimental nature could lose them some old fans, but the pair drew parallels with bands such as [[U2]], who had "constantly re-invented themselves, and with success, I think", according to Collins. He said the reinvention was as much for the band's own interest as it was for the "public's perception".<ref name=TakingFlight /> Meanwhile, [[guitarist]] [[Ian Haug]] described the album as a "moderation" between <i>[[Parables for Wooden Ears]]</i> ("the complicated beast") <i>[[Double Allergic]]</i> ("totally simplified"), Powderfinger's two previous albums.<ref name=BeckoningFinger>{{cite web|url=http://www.ozmusic-central.com.au/powderfinger/text/articl37.htm|title=The Beckoning Finger|work=[[Juice (magazine)|Juice]]|author=Benedict Watts|publisher=Powderfinger Central|date=November 1998|accessdate=2007-11-11}}</ref> He also agreed that the album was much more experimental, and described the album as the band's "most successful", as well as the album that best replicated "the sound we have live".<ref name=AI>{{cite web|url=http://www.ozmusic-central.com.au/powderfinger/text/articl21.htm|title=Allergic Internationalists|publisher=Powderfinger Central|work=hEARd online|date=1999|accessdate=2007-11-18}}</ref>
==Reception==

''Internationalist'' debuted at #1 on the Australian albums chart, and went gold in its first week.<ref>[http://www.ozmusic-central.com.au/powderfinger/text/articl37.htm "The Beckoning Finger" - article by Benedict Watts], accessed June 17 2007</ref>
Numerous songs on <i>Internationalist</i> were [[politics|politically]] and socially influenced, although the band denied it being a deliberate [[motif]]. On the subject, Fanning explaining that the band didn't intentionally discuss political issues, saying "we don't try to do anything in particular". Fanning noted, however, that the songs, as his emotional responses to events in the past year, could inevitably be interpreted as being political. Fanning also said it was dangerous for the band to attempt to "over-intellectualise" rock songs, comparing himself and Powderfinger with [[Peter Garrett]] and [[Midnight Oil]]. Fanning said he would never try to "preach", but "would only ever try and suggest things to people as possibilities", because he found it unfair to request that others doing things unless he was to do them himself.<ref name=TPolitics>{{cite web|url=http://www.ozmusic-central.com.au/powderfinger/text/articl12.htm|title=Talkin' Politics?|publisher=Powderfinger Central|work=Beat Magazine|author=Neala Johnson|date=December 1998|accessdate=2007-11-16}}</ref>

<i>Internationalist</i>'s title refers to [[escapism]] - namely, the ability that an "internationalist" has to escape from [[racism|racial]] and [[sociology|social]] [[tension]]. [[Bernard Fanning]] and [[John Collins (Australian musician)|John Collins]] agreed that "music can be a vehicle for that escape".<ref name=TakingFlight /><ref name=NotToPersonal>{{cite web|url=http://www.ozmusic-central.com.au/powderfinger/text/articl17.htm|title=Up Close (And Not Too) Personal|publisher=Powderfinger Central|work=[[The Weekend Australian]] - Orbit|author=Iain Shedden|date=[[10 July|10]]/[[11 July|11]] [[1999]]|accessdate=2007-11-18}}</ref>

==Album and single releases==
<i>Internationalist</i> was released in [[Australia]] on [[7 September]] [[1998]], two years and five days after Powderfinger's [[Double Allergic|previous album]]. Just shared a similar personnel with its predecessor, including producer [[Nick DiDia]], however <i>Internationalist</i> showcased background vocals from [[Tiddas]], whom Powderfinger met at the [[Big Day Out]] in 199x,{{fact}}<ref name=Fish /> for the first time.<ref name=PCDiscog>{{cite web|url=http://www.ozmusic-central.com.au/powderfinger/discog/inter.htm|title=Internationalist|publisher=Powderfinger Central|work=Discography|accessdate=2007-11-11}}</ref>

<!-- Specific date? -->
The first single from the album was "[[The Day You Come]]", a [[politics|politically]] and [[sociology|socially]] influenced song that mused about [[Pauline Hanson]]'s [[One Nation]] party. "The Day You Come" was released as the first single because, according to [[Ian Haug]], the band couldn't decide on what to release, so they "just came back to it."<ref name=BeckoningFinger /> In 2000, two years after its initial release, "The Day You Come" was played an estimated 18,000 times on national radio and television, a testimony to its popularity. [[Bernard Fanning]]'s response to this statistic was to proclaim that "Australia must be pretty sick of that song by now."<ref name=Esky>{{cite web|url=http://www.ozmusic-central.com.au/powderfinger/text/articl28.htm|title=The Odyssey Continues|publisher=Powderfinger Central|work=Esky Magazine|author=Kelsey Munro|date=February 2001|accessdate=2007-11-11}}</ref>

The second single released was the double [[a-side]], "[[Don't Wanna Be Left Out/Good-Day Ray]]", in 1998.<!-- Specific date? --> "Don't Wanna Be Left Out" was about a [[friend]] of Fanning's who had difficulty in social situations, and presented one of the roughest Powderfinger songs to date.<ref name=Feted /> [[Drummer]] [[Jon Coghill]] also described it as the most difficult Powderfinger song to play live at the time, because it was so "fast and offbeat".<ref name=Cogsy>{{cite web|url=http://www.ozmusic-central.com.au/powderfinger/text/articl32.htm|title=Powderfinger (Int. With Jon Coghill)|publisher=Powderfinger Central|work=Australian Musician Magazine|date=[[Spring (season)|Spring]] 1999|author=Christie Eliezer|accessdate=2007-11-18}}</ref> "Good-Day Ray" was dedicated to Australian [[television|television presenter]] [[Ray Martin]], and his public disagreements with [[Stuart Littlemore]], and was described by Coghill as containing "sort of punk lyrics - not that we're a punk band".<ref name=Feted>{{cite web|url=http://www.ozmusic-central.com.au/powderfinger/text/articl15.htm|title=Fingers feted at home|author=Ritchie Yorke|date=[[15 November]] [[1998]]|work=[[The Sunday Mail]]|publisher=Powderfinger Central|accessdate=2007-11-11}}</ref> Coghill also described the [[music video]] for "Good-Day Ray" as being one of the better videos the band had made.<ref name=Cogsy />

<i>Internationalist</i>'s third single was "[[Already Gone (Powderfinger song)|Already Gone]]", also released in 1998.<!-- Specific date? --> The song was a tribute by Powderfinger to [[The Beatles]], and their influences on the band's own music.<ref name=BestOfp10>[[Powderfinger]] (2004). <i>[[Fingerprints: The Best of Powderfinger, 1994-2000]]</i> companion booklet. Page 10.</ref> "Already Gone" did not achieve the same commercial response as other singles from the album, and was played on [[radio]] 4,000 times in 2000, compared to the 18,000 of "The Day You Come", a [[statistic]] [[Bernard Fanning]] jokingly described as "pretty pissweak".<ref name=Esky />

The fourth and final single from the album was "[[Passenger (Powderfinger song)|Passenger]]", released on [[9 August]] [[1999]]. "Passenger" was influenced by [[Elvis Presley]], and included a [[horn (music)|big horn]] section, as well as backing vocals from [[Tiddas]].<ref name=P2K>{{cite web|url=http://www.ozmusic-central.com.au/powderfinger/text/articl22.htm|title=Primed for P2K Tour|author=Carmine Pascuzzi|publisher=Powderfinger Central|accessdate-2007-11-11}}</ref> "Passenger" won the [[ARIA Awards|ARIA Award]] for "Song Of The Year" in [[ARIA Music Awards of 1999|1999]].<ref name=Jackets>{{cite web|url=http://www.ozmusic-central.com.au/powderfinger/text/articl31.htm|title=Trusty Old Jackets|publisher=Powderfinger Central|work=Massive Magazine|author=Rod Yates|date=September 2000|accessdate=2007-11-11}}</ref> The [[music video]] for "Passenger" was one of Powderfinger's more lavish visual works, featuring computer graphics for the first time.<ref name=P2K /><ref name=YouTubePassenger>{{cite web|url=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mwgdN687SU0|title=Passenger - Powderfinger|publisher=[[YouTube]]|format=[[Adobe Flash]]|accessdate=2007-11-02}}</ref>

==Touring and promotion==
Powderfinger went on a nationwide [[concert|tour]] after the release of <i>Internationalist</i>, performing [[United Kingdom|British]] band [[Swervedriver]], and fellow Brisbane band [[Not From There]] in [[capital city|capital cities]] across Australia.<ref name=Fish /><ref name=Feted /> Later, in 1999, the band would tour with [[Something for Kate]] and [[Alex Lloyd]].<ref name=Glory>{{cite web|url=http://www.ozmusic-central.com.au/powderfinger/text/articl20.htm|title=Powder And The Glory|publisher=Powderfinger Central|work=[[Sydney Morning Herald]] - Metro, page 3|author=Craig Mathieson|date=[[23 July]] [[1999]]|accessdate=2007-11-18}}</ref> [[John Collins (Australian musician)|John Collins]] described the process of choosing who the band would play with as a simple matter of choosing whose music the band preferred, stating "we had played with most of the bands...and if you're going on tour with someone you may as well go with someone you get along with and whose music you enjoy".<ref name=Fish /> Despite being fans of Swervedriver, Powderfinger did not attempt to replicate them on stage - Swervedriver were renowned for "their capability to reproduce their album sound perfectly in the live setting", and [[Bernard Fanning]] said that this was something that Powderfinger would never attempt, because he believed live shows to be much more "emotionally powerful" than recordings.<ref name=TPolitics />

With <i>Internationalist</i>, Powderfinger first set their sights overseas, receiving lucrative places at numerous [[music festival]]s in the [[USA]], including [[South By South-West]] in [[Texas]].<ref name=Dream>{{cite web|url=http://www.ozmusic-central.com.au/powderfinger/text/articl16.htm|title=Day Dream Believers|publisher=Powderfinger Central|work=[[The Courier Mail]], Pulse|author=Nicola Six|date=[[19 November]] [[1998]]|accessdate=2007-11-12}}</ref> Whilst in the United States, Powderfinger played several [[showcase]] performances to record label representatives in [[Los Angeles]] and [[New York City]]. In a later interview in Australia, Fanning said these shows were difficult as there were "no homegrown fans there to support you". He also said the band had not been focused on the shows, and thus they did not go as well as planned.<ref name=Pulse>{{cite web|url=http://www.ozmusic-central.com.au/powderfinger/text/articl13.htm|title=Finger On The Pulse|publisher=Powderfinger Central|work=[[HIT (magazine)|HIT]]|author=Teresa Bolster|date=December 1998|accessdate=2007-11-18}}</ref> [[Jon Coghill]], meanwhile, described the showcases as "worthwhile and...fun", as were the performances in [[Austin]].<ref name=P2K /> After performing in the United States, Powderfinger completed a tour of [[Canada]]. Fanning described the band's overseas outlook as a necessity for an Australian based band, as "people (in Australia) are going to get sick of you pretty quickly if you're going to do five tours a year, so that you can sustain yourself financially".<ref name=Dream />

==Response==
<i>Internationalist</i> debuted at #1 on the [[ARIA Charts|Australian albums chart]], and went gold in its first week, selling over 35,000 copies. It then went on to go platinum.{{fact}} At the [[ARIA Music Awards of 1999|1999]] [[ARIA Awards]], the album recieved four awards - "Album of the Year", "Best rock Album", "Record of the Year", and "Best cover Art".<!-- <ref>ARIA (see PF article)</ref> --><ref name=BI>{{cite web|url=http://www.ozmusic-central.com.au/powderfinger/text/articl24.htm|title=Budding Internationalists|publisher=Powderfinger Central|work=[[The Courier Mail]]|author=Noel Mengel|date=[[16 November]] [[1999]]|accessdate=2007-11-18}}</ref>

[[Ian Haug]] said he was amazed with the highly positive critical response the album had recieved, stating "even Molly ([[Molly Meldrum|Meldrum]]) gave it nine out of ten. Because every review has been so good it’s a bit dangerous to believe it, I think. It’s just strange to read endless good reviews - I wish someone would write a really bad one." Haug also said that it was important for the band to develop "credibility" through the album, saying "people will listen with open ears if you’re a credible band. If you’re not, they turn off before they even hear a new song."<ref name=BeckoningFinger /> [[Jon Coghill]] agreed with Haug on the album's popularity, stating "you couldn't ask for much better", and saying he really took notice of the album's positive critical commentary.<ref name=Feted /> [[Bernard Fanning]], agreed, saying that despite [[Polydor]] telling the band the album would be heavily marketed, it was still surprising to see its success.<ref name=Fish>{{cite web|url=http://www.ozmusic-central.com.au/powderfinger/text/articl11.htm|title=Fish Tales|publisher=Powderfinger Central|work=[[Juice (magazine)|Juice]]|author=Samantha Clode|date=December 1998|accessdate=2007-11-16}}</ref>


''[[All Music Guide]]'' did not praise ''Internationalist'' as highly as Powderfinger's previous studio album, ''[[Double Allergic]]'', stating that "much of the album was a mix of styles and ideas that didn't quite sit right as a whole". ''All Music Guide'' also contend that the high point of the album is "The Day You Come", viewing it as "haunting", but believe the rest of the album was not of the same standard as this song.<ref>All Music Guide (2007), [http://wm01.allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll?p=amg&sql=10:hbftxq8jldje Internationalist review], accessed on November 10, 2007.</ref>
''[[All Music Guide]]'' did not praise ''Internationalist'' as highly as Powderfinger's previous studio album, ''[[Double Allergic]]'', stating that "much of the album was a mix of styles and ideas that didn't quite sit right as a whole". ''All Music Guide'' also contend that the high point of the album is "The Day You Come", viewing it as "haunting", but believe the rest of the album was not of the same standard as this song.<ref>All Music Guide (2007), [http://wm01.allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll?p=amg&sql=10:hbftxq8jldje Internationalist review], accessed on November 10, 2007.</ref>
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==Notes==
==See also==
{{portal|Music of Australia}}
⚫
{{reflist}}
⚫
*[[:Category:Powderfinger albums|Powderfinger albums]]
*[[Powderfinger discography|Full discography]]


==External links==
==References==
;<small>The majority of citations in this article are from [http://www.ozmusic-central.com.au/powderfinger Powderfinger Central's] [http://www.ozmusic-central.com.au/powderfinger/article.htm article archive], which [[archive]]d [[newspaper]] [[interview]]s with the band until 2001.</small>
*[http://www.powderfinger.com Powderfinger official site]
⚫
{{reflist|2}}
*[http://www.myspace.com/powderfinger Powderfinger official MySpace]


⚫
[[Category:1998 albums]]
⚫
[[Category:Powderfinger albums]]
{{Powderfinger}}
{{Powderfinger}}

[[Category:Powderfinger albums]]
⚫
[[Category:1998 albums]]

Revision as of 07:49, 18 November 2007

Untitled
For other uses, see Internationalist.

Internationalist is the third studio album by Australian rock band Powderfinger, released on 7 September 1998. The album's title refers to the ability for music to assist one in escapism.

Internationalist followed in the success of its predecessor, Double Allergic, and went platinum in Australia. It was also the receipient of four ARIA Awards, including "Album of the Year". At the same time, the album was Powderfinger's most adventerous work to date, with lead singer and songwriting Bernard Fanning experimenting further in his lyrics than before. The album also contained the band's boldest political and social commentary to date, focused in songs like "The Day You Come"

Despite its popularity in Australia, Internationalist failed to launch Powderfinger in lucrative overseas market. It did, however, cement the band's position on the Australian music scene, with highly positive reviews from across the Australian music industry, including Molly Meldrum.

Recording and production

Internationalist was recorded at Melbourne's Sing Sing Studios, with Powderfinger accompanied by American producer Nick DiDia for the first time. As the band had already prepared "about 30 or 40" songs when they entered the studio, DiDia's task was relatively minor. Bass guitarist John Collins said of DiDia; "Nick was really good...The way Nick based the record was that he wanted to record the band how we were at that particular moment, he didn’t want to play around too much." As a result of this attitude, the band only spent one month in the studio, and the album was mixed by DiDia not long after.[1]

Collins and lead singer Bernard Fanning described the album as not being "as easy listening as their previous work", and stated that it contained numerous experiements in songwriting that they hadn't put into previous albums.[1] Fanning later described Internationalist as being "a better record" than Double Allergic, but acknowledged that it wasn't as easily likeable - it was just an improvement in songwriting.[2] Collins and Fanning acknowledged that the album's experimental nature could lose them some old fans, but the pair drew parallels with bands such as U2, who had "constantly re-invented themselves, and with success, I think", according to Collins. He said the reinvention was as much for the band's own interest as it was for the "public's perception".[1] Meanwhile, guitarist Ian Haug described the album as a "moderation" between Parables for Wooden Ears ("the complicated beast") Double Allergic ("totally simplified"), Powderfinger's two previous albums.[3] He also agreed that the album was much more experimental, and described the album as the band's "most successful", as well as the album that best replicated "the sound we have live".[4]

Numerous songs on Internationalist were politically and socially influenced, although the band denied it being a deliberate motif. On the subject, Fanning explaining that the band didn't intentionally discuss political issues, saying "we don't try to do anything in particular". Fanning noted, however, that the songs, as his emotional responses to events in the past year, could inevitably be interpreted as being political. Fanning also said it was dangerous for the band to attempt to "over-intellectualise" rock songs, comparing himself and Powderfinger with Peter Garrett and Midnight Oil. Fanning said he would never try to "preach", but "would only ever try and suggest things to people as possibilities", because he found it unfair to request that others doing things unless he was to do them himself.[5]

Internationalist's title refers to escapism - namely, the ability that an "internationalist" has to escape from racial and social tension. Bernard Fanning and John Collins agreed that "music can be a vehicle for that escape".[1][6]

Album and single releases

Internationalist was released in Australia on 7 September 1998, two years and five days after Powderfinger's previous album. Just shared a similar personnel with its predecessor, including producer Nick DiDia, however Internationalist showcased background vocals from Tiddas, whom Powderfinger met at the Big Day Out in 199x,[citation needed][7] for the first time.[8]

The first single from the album was "The Day You Come", a politically and socially influenced song that mused about Pauline Hanson's One Nation party. "The Day You Come" was released as the first single because, according to Ian Haug, the band couldn't decide on what to release, so they "just came back to it."[3] In 2000, two years after its initial release, "The Day You Come" was played an estimated 18,000 times on national radio and television, a testimony to its popularity. Bernard Fanning's response to this statistic was to proclaim that "Australia must be pretty sick of that song by now."[9]

The second single released was the double a-side, "Don't Wanna Be Left Out/Good-Day Ray", in 1998. "Don't Wanna Be Left Out" was about a friend of Fanning's who had difficulty in social situations, and presented one of the roughest Powderfinger songs to date.[10] Drummer Jon Coghill also described it as the most difficult Powderfinger song to play live at the time, because it was so "fast and offbeat".[11] "Good-Day Ray" was dedicated to Australian television presenter Ray Martin, and his public disagreements with Stuart Littlemore, and was described by Coghill as containing "sort of punk lyrics - not that we're a punk band".[10] Coghill also described the music video for "Good-Day Ray" as being one of the better videos the band had made.[11]

Internationalist's third single was "Already Gone", also released in 1998. The song was a tribute by Powderfinger to The Beatles, and their influences on the band's own music.[12] "Already Gone" did not achieve the same commercial response as other singles from the album, and was played on radio 4,000 times in 2000, compared to the 18,000 of "The Day You Come", a statistic Bernard Fanning jokingly described as "pretty pissweak".[9]

The fourth and final single from the album was "Passenger", released on 9 August 1999. "Passenger" was influenced by Elvis Presley, and included a big horn section, as well as backing vocals from Tiddas.[13] "Passenger" won the ARIA Award for "Song Of The Year" in 1999.[14] The music video for "Passenger" was one of Powderfinger's more lavish visual works, featuring computer graphics for the first time.[13][15]

Touring and promotion

Powderfinger went on a nationwide tour after the release of Internationalist, performing British band Swervedriver, and fellow Brisbane band Not From There in capital cities across Australia.[7][10] Later, in 1999, the band would tour with Something for Kate and Alex Lloyd.[2] John Collins described the process of choosing who the band would play with as a simple matter of choosing whose music the band preferred, stating "we had played with most of the bands...and if you're going on tour with someone you may as well go with someone you get along with and whose music you enjoy".[7] Despite being fans of Swervedriver, Powderfinger did not attempt to replicate them on stage - Swervedriver were renowned for "their capability to reproduce their album sound perfectly in the live setting", and Bernard Fanning said that this was something that Powderfinger would never attempt, because he believed live shows to be much more "emotionally powerful" than recordings.[5]

With Internationalist, Powderfinger first set their sights overseas, receiving lucrative places at numerous music festivals in the USA, including South By South-West in Texas.[16] Whilst in the United States, Powderfinger played several showcase performances to record label representatives in Los Angeles and New York City. In a later interview in Australia, Fanning said these shows were difficult as there were "no homegrown fans there to support you". He also said the band had not been focused on the shows, and thus they did not go as well as planned.[17] Jon Coghill, meanwhile, described the showcases as "worthwhile and...fun", as were the performances in Austin.[13] After performing in the United States, Powderfinger completed a tour of Canada. Fanning described the band's overseas outlook as a necessity for an Australian based band, as "people (in Australia) are going to get sick of you pretty quickly if you're going to do five tours a year, so that you can sustain yourself financially".[16]

Response

Internationalist debuted at #1 on the Australian albums chart, and went gold in its first week, selling over 35,000 copies. It then went on to go platinum.[citation needed] At the 1999 ARIA Awards, the album recieved four awards - "Album of the Year", "Best rock Album", "Record of the Year", and "Best cover Art".[18]

Ian Haug said he was amazed with the highly positive critical response the album had recieved, stating "even Molly (Meldrum) gave it nine out of ten. Because every review has been so good it’s a bit dangerous to believe it, I think. It’s just strange to read endless good reviews - I wish someone would write a really bad one." Haug also said that it was important for the band to develop "credibility" through the album, saying "people will listen with open ears if you’re a credible band. If you’re not, they turn off before they even hear a new song."[3] Jon Coghill agreed with Haug on the album's popularity, stating "you couldn't ask for much better", and saying he really took notice of the album's positive critical commentary.[10] Bernard Fanning, agreed, saying that despite Polydor telling the band the album would be heavily marketed, it was still surprising to see its success.[7]

All Music Guide did not praise Internationalist as highly as Powderfinger's previous studio album, Double Allergic, stating that "much of the album was a mix of styles and ideas that didn't quite sit right as a whole". All Music Guide also contend that the high point of the album is "The Day You Come", viewing it as "haunting", but believe the rest of the album was not of the same standard as this song.[19]

Sputnikmusic state that Internationalist is a "beautiful, incomparable and truly surprising album", giving the album a perfect 5 out of 5. They state that the album is a "roller-coaster ride from start to finish" and that Powderfinger are "making great music".[20]

Track listing

  1. "Hindley Street" (Fanning/Powderfinger) – 3:41[21]
  2. "Belter" (Fanning/Powderfinger) – 4:13
  3. "The Day You Come" (Fanning/Powderfinger) – 4:00
  4. "Already Gone" (Fanning/Powderfinger) – 3:28
  5. "Passenger" (Fanning/Powderfinger) – 4:20
  6. "Don't Wanna Be Left Out" (Fanning/Middleton/Powderfinger) – 2:12
  7. "Good-Day Ray" (Coghill/Fanning/Powderfinger) – 1:58
  8. "Trading Places" (Fanning/Powderfinger) – 4:27
  9. "Private Man" (Fanning/Powderfinger) – 3:40
  10. "Celebrity Head" (Fanning/Powderfinger) – 2:20
  11. "Over My Head" (Middleton) – 1:36
  12. "Capoicity" (See Powderfinger's Oi Song Trilogy) (Fanning/Powderfinger) – 5:44
  13. "Lemon Sunrise" (Fanning/Middleton/Powderfinger) – 3:34

P2K Bonus Disc

Early pressings of the album included a bonus disc featuring a live recording of Powderfinger's support slot at the Crowded House farewell concert on the steps of the Sydney Opera House.

  1. "Passenger" – 4:42[21]
  2. "Private Man" – 4:01
  3. "Don't Wanna Be Left Out" – 2:55
  4. "Pick You Up" – 5:51
  5. "The Day You Come" – 4:36

Credits

  • Bernard Fanning - vocals, guitars, piano, keyboards
  • Darren Middleton - vocals, guitars, piano, keyboards
  • Ian Haug - guitar, handclaps
  • John Collins - bass and organ pedals, "hey!"s
  • Jon Coghill - drums, handclaps, "hey!"s
  • Tiddas - backing vocals
  • Nick DiDia - production, engineering, mixing
  • Lachlan "Magoo" Goold, Mark McElligott - additional engineering
  • Michael Mucci - artwork
  • Sophie Howarth - photography

ARIA Awards

Main article: List of Powderfinger awards
Year Award Album/Single Result
1999 Album of the Year Internationalist Won
Best Rock Album Internationalist Won
Best Cover Art Internationalist Won
Single of the Year "The Day You Come" Won
Best Group Internationalist Nominated
2000 Single of the Year "Passenger" Nominated
Best Group "Passenger" Nominated
Best Cover Art "Passenger" Nominated

See also

References

The majority of citations in this article are from Powderfinger Central's article archive, which archived newspaper interviews with the band until 2001.
  1. ^ a b c d Samantha Clode (October 1998). "Taking Flight". Juice. Powderfinger Central. Retrieved 2007-11-11.
  2. ^ a b Craig Mathieson (23 July 1999). "Powder And The Glory". Sydney Morning Herald - Metro, page 3. Powderfinger Central. Retrieved 2007-11-18. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  3. ^ a b c Benedict Watts (November 1998). "The Beckoning Finger". Juice. Powderfinger Central. Retrieved 2007-11-11.
  4. ^ "Allergic Internationalists". hEARd online. Powderfinger Central. 1999. Retrieved 2007-11-18.
  5. ^ a b Neala Johnson (December 1998). "Talkin' Politics?". Beat Magazine. Powderfinger Central. Retrieved 2007-11-16.
  6. ^ Iain Shedden (10/11 1999). "Up Close (And Not Too) Personal". The Weekend Australian - Orbit. Powderfinger Central. Retrieved 2007-11-18. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  7. ^ a b c d Samantha Clode (December 1998). "Fish Tales". Juice. Powderfinger Central. Retrieved 2007-11-16.
  8. ^ "Internationalist". Discography. Powderfinger Central. Retrieved 2007-11-11.
  9. ^ a b Kelsey Munro (February 2001). "The Odyssey Continues". Esky Magazine. Powderfinger Central. Retrieved 2007-11-11.
  10. ^ a b c d Ritchie Yorke (15 November 1998). "Fingers feted at home". The Sunday Mail. Powderfinger Central. Retrieved 2007-11-11. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  11. ^ a b Christie Eliezer (Spring 1999). "Powderfinger (Int. With Jon Coghill)". Australian Musician Magazine. Powderfinger Central. Retrieved 2007-11-18. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  12. ^ Powderfinger (2004). Fingerprints: The Best of Powderfinger, 1994-2000 companion booklet. Page 10.
  13. ^ a b c Carmine Pascuzzi. "Primed for P2K Tour". Powderfinger Central. {{cite web}}: Text "accessdate-2007-11-11" ignored (help)
  14. ^ Rod Yates (September 2000). "Trusty Old Jackets". Massive Magazine. Powderfinger Central. Retrieved 2007-11-11.
  15. ^ "Passenger - Powderfinger" (Adobe Flash). YouTube. Retrieved 2007-11-02.
  16. ^ a b Nicola Six (19 November 1998). "Day Dream Believers". The Courier Mail, Pulse. Powderfinger Central. Retrieved 2007-11-12. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  17. ^ Teresa Bolster (December 1998). "Finger On The Pulse". HIT. Powderfinger Central. Retrieved 2007-11-18.
  18. ^ Noel Mengel (16 November 1999). "Budding Internationalists". The Courier Mail. Powderfinger Central. Retrieved 2007-11-18. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  19. ^ All Music Guide (2007), Internationalist review, accessed on November 10, 2007.
  20. ^ Sputnikmusic (2006), Internationalist review, accessed on November 10, 2007.
  21. ^ a b Track Listing on Powdefinger Central
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