Neil Finn & Friends - 7 Worlds Collide - Live At The St. James
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Free Music Notes for 7 Worlds Collide - Live At The St. James
Free Music Review: Unique Live Album from Neil Finn & Friends
Hit: 5 Stars
I usually dislike live albums - even if they are from my favorite artists. In my opinion, for every song that is given new life when captured live, there are about four or five songs that remain superior in their original studio versions. Other pet peeves about live albums include the fact that they usually just contain the "hits" or songs that have already appeared on other live albums by the artist, or the release itself is a way of biding time between studio albums. _Seven Worlds Collide_, however, should serve as an example of how to make a live album stand comfortably alongside the rest of an artist's catalog.Neil Finn breaks a lot of "live album rules" on _Seven Worlds Collide_. Most notably, nothings sounds "doctored" up. These are fresh and raw performances. In addition, Finn doesn't rely on just putting his "hits" on the album (the Split Enz and Crowded House international hits "I Got You" and "Something So Strong" are no where to be found). Also, Finn doesn't fill half the album with songs from his most recent studio album, _One Nil_. Instead, he gives all the members of his superstar backing band moments to shine. As it's always been with Neil Finn - it's about the music.
Things start off spectacularly with a poignant version of "Anytime" (one of the best tracks on _One Nil_), and the powerful Eddie Vedder-led version of Split Enz's "Take a Walk." Fans of Neil's _Try Whistling This_ get to hear "Loose Tongue" and "She Will Have Her Way" given new life, as well as a beautiful version of "Angel's Heap" with Tim Finn. Johnny Marr takes lead vocal on "Down on the Corner", and Neil delivers a beautiful performance of The Smiths' "There Is a Light That Never Goes Out." The album closes with a soothing "Don't Dream It's Over" and the world is once again reminded of just how important a songwriter Neil Finn is.
I'm hoping that the release of _Seven Worlds Collide_ is just the beginning of Neil Finn's action here in the US for the next few months. With this album and DVD, _One Nil_ being remixed/remastered/rearranged as _One All_, and hopefully a spring/summer tour, the US finally gets to hear more from one of the most underrated musicians of the last 25 years.
Free Music Review: the guy just never disappoints
Hit: 5 Stars
found myself wandering around looking for some new decent interesting music, and stumbled onto this.while i was aware of this live release, but as i own all the crowded house cd's and both of his solo releases; i'd not picked this one up cause i assumed you'll just be buying more of what you already own. as good as it all is.
so after listening to many many recordings in this particlar store trying to get turned on, i kept going back to this.
finally said to myself- forget that you've got the rest of it,
this just sounds damn good, and this neil finn guy is just one of the best, most enjoyable pop rocknrollers to come along in along time. his music just always sounds good and never gets old no matter how often you've listened to it (and what other band can we say that about..try the 4 guys from liverpool).
why the heck isn't neil finn still making new music ?..has he totally retired down in new zealand ?
and of course putting this show on with other favorites of mine (am an old smiths fan.. as well as major pearl jam/eddie vedder, and radio head fan) make it all the better.
as others have said, live recordings often only showcase the hits or the music you always thought sounded good turns out was just over-produced and mixed in the studio, when you hear it live it lets you down.
not with this.
anyway the point is, it's not been taken out of the cd changer in my car for over a week and it's a really nice representative mix of some of the gems neil finn has done over the years.
it just sounds great, and makes me wish i'd either been in new zealand one night when this was going down
or someone would make this guy an offer he can't refuse-
to get on a plane, come to nyc, book a few nights at the beacon theater and gather some of his friends and family together again and make us all smile some more.
without a doubt, one of the most under-rated and under-exposed musicians from the 80's and 90's..in the u.s. anyway.
Free Music Review: Sublime and Inspired
Hit: 5 Stars
I'll make this short: Neil Finn is one of the greatest songwriters of the past 25 years. In fact, he may be the single best writer of the pop song since those guys in the Beatles. He's also a terrific live performer who's not afraid of a little improvising and on this 77 minute disc, he's invited some friends (at least that's what they're called in the cd's title) to help in play a varied set covering nearly 25 years of output. And what a set it is. Details: Eddie Vedder sings lead vocals on four tracks (and plays (I'm not kidding) ukelele on another. These tracks are fairly subdued with the exception of the conclusion of the only raucous track on the album, "I See Red". And all are terrific. Johnny Marr plays guitar on eleven tracks and sings lead vocals on his own "Down on the Corner". Fans of Radiohead may get excited about Phil Selway playing drums on ten tracks and Ed O'brien plays some guitar on thirteen of these seventeen tunes. Neil is also joined by his brother Tim on five tracks, three of feature his delightful piano playing ("Edible Flowers", co-written by Neil and Tim is a standout track as is the version of the Smiths "There is a Light That Never Goes Out" sung wonderfully by Neil and backed up on guitar by Johnny Marr himself). The disc closes with an acoustic "Don't Dream It's Over" preceded by terrific versions (featuring both Neil and Tim) of "Weather With You" (with some slightly annoying piano plunking by the otherwise fine Lisa Germano) and "Paradise (Wherever You Are)".
These are inspired performances by some terrific artists at the peak of their form, playing some terrific pop music. Very Highly Recommended.
Free Music Review: Jam Session Kiwi Style
Hit: 5 Stars
Neil Finn is not your average rocker. He is probably the most underappreciated lyricist and melody writer of our time! His themes are simple, yet far-reaching, and touch the places in the heart that most rock music today does not approach. This live album from Finn records a very personal performance reviewing his career from his days with Split Enz to his most recent solo work, with fellow musicians who just happen to be his friends. Eddie Vedder is having a rocking good time singing "I See Red", but he shifts gears quickly to croon the love ballad "Stuff and Nonsense" (both songs from Split Enz years). Tim Finn joins his brother for two songs from their collaboration FINN. "Angel's Heap" tells a personal story for the brothers, while "Paradise, Wherever You Are" captures the South Pacific spirit of their island home. Contributions come from Lisa Germano on "Turn and Run" and "Paper Doll" and Johnny Marr on "Down on the Corner". Neil himself shines on this album with a passionate, accoustic version of "Don't Dream It's Over" and the darkly romantic "There Is a Light That Never Goes Out" and the musically Dali-esque "The Climber". When listening to this album, don't expect a completely polished performance. That was not Finn's goal. He wants to just have a good jam session with some good friends and family (his eldest son plays guitar on "I See Red"), and he invited a couple thousand of his best fans over for a listen. If you are a fan of Finn himself, Crowded House, or Split Enz, this album is well worth the money.Free Music Review: The Magnificent Seven
Hit: 5 Stars
Rivaling his ability as a songwriter, is the fact that Neil Finn knows how to bring together some of the most talented artists of the day, give them their share of the glory, thus making Seven Worlds Collide a contender for the top live album of the year. Technically the album shines like polished steel, yet the performances bring a close human warmth, allowing the listener to feel part of the live audience. There's something for everyone to like here - early Neil fans to first time listeners will not be disappointed.Most notable among the Magnificent Seven is the amazing, multi-talented Lisa Germano. Instrumentally, she ranges from piano, to her trademark violin, electric guitar and even ukulele. But the real gift here is her voice. Fans of Lisa's albums know her vocals as subdued and whispery, but on 7worlds, she holds nothing back. Blending sibling-like harmony with Neil, her passion and emotion make "Turn and Run" and anthem for the times. And speaking of siblings, brother Tim Finn's collaboration on "Angel's Heap" and "Weather with You" is nothing short of ecstatic. Guitarist Johnny Marr, though somewhat reserved in his playing, offers a fine performance overall, especially with Neil on the Smith's "There is a Light That Never Goes Out". And Eddie Vedder isn't to be counted out either, offering an honest, gritty vocal on "Take a Walk".
It's a shame Neil Finn doesn't garner the same accolades in the US as he does abroad. Here's hoping Seven Worlds Collide and One All, to be released in the States later this year, will change all of that.