The most common response I get from people when I ask them about Neil Finn is, "Who?" If you're like these unlucky folks, let me introduce you. Neil Finn was the lead singer/guitarist/songwriter for the critically acclaimed 80s band Crowded House. You're probably familiar with their single, "Don't Dream it's Over." But before you dismiss Neil Finn and his former band as a one-hit wonder, there's some songs you should hear.
With Crowded House, Finn was as good as anyone in the 80s at writing pop tunes with lyrics that would stick with you long after the song was over. Most of the music was in an optimistic, sometimes whimsical vein, yet Finn was always able to draw pictures with his words that few sketchers capture with pencil and paper.
In 1998 Neil Finn finally released a solo album, Try Whistling This, to mixed reviews. This new collection of songs was a bit more brooding and mysterious than the Crowded House material, yet the charm was still intact. Songs like "Loose Tongue" (appearing here on 7 Worlds Collide) and "Sinner" showed an introspective side to Finn's work.
7 Worlds Collide is a live album recorded in New Zealand between April 2nd and 6th of 2001. The seven worlds are Neil Finn, Eddie Vedder (Pearl Jam), Phil Selway and Ed O'Brien (Radiohead), Johnny Marr (The Smiths), Lisa Germano, brother Tim Finn, and son Liam Finn. The collection of songs here runs the gamut from the Crowded House years to Neil Finn's solo material to some unexpected cover tunes.
The album kicks off with "Anytime," a song which deals with the unpredictability of life with an undeniably catchy melody and leaves the listener to ponder. Yet, ponder not long, because this album doesn't give the listener a moment to rest. This album just doesn't let up. Finn covers the classic Smiths' tune "There is a Light that Never Goes Out", Lisa Germano performs her song "Paper Doll," "Angel's Heap" is reminiscent of Meat Loaf's "Paradise by the Dashboard Light" without the dramatic overtones, Eddie Vedder renders a powerful, dark version of "I See Red" which was penned by Tim Finn, and of course "Don't Dream it's Over" is the album closer featuring a wonderful performance by the audience.
This album isn't for everyone. But for fans of thoughtful rock, great live performances, and talented artists, 7 Worlds Collide is a rare gem. This, folks, is Neil Finn. Get to know him.
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Other coverage for this album
The Phantom Tollbooth 2002Reviewed by Andy ArgyrakisBest known for his work in Crowded House, but also a member of the somewhat obscure yet celebrated non-commercial darlings Split Enz, Neil Finn continues to record under his own pretenses, continually evolving and carving out his own niche. The New Zealand born singer/songwriter first went solo for 1998's "Try Whistling This," not really basking in the shadow of either group, a frame of mind he…Similar sounding releases
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