If you were to compile a comprehensive list of severely underrated songwriters, Neil Finn would have to place pretty high. As leader of Crowded House, Finn wrote and sang some of the sweetest and most searing songs of the mid 80s and the early 90s. Unfortunately, only the band’s first single, “Don’t Dream It’s Over,” enjoyed success in the United States. When Crowded House bowed out in 1996, Finn continued as a solo act, releasing 1998’s experimental Try Whistling This to little fanfare in the U.S.
Hopefully, this new live album will vault Neil Finn to the demigod status that he deserves. Recorded live in Finn’s native New Zealand over one week, 7 Worlds Collide: Neil Finn and Friends Live at the St. James runs through the different periods in the singer’s career, from junior member of new wave group Split Enz through his most recent solo work. Listening to Finn’s catalogue in one sitting only confirms his remarkable ability in writing melody-heavy, hook-filled tunes.
In a way, 7 Worlds Collide feels like a plan to convert the non-believers: The album is populated with guest stars like Eddie Vedder, former Smith Johnny Marr and Radiohead’s Phil Selway and Ed O’Brien, all sonically attesting to Finn’s greatness. Also joining Neil is big brother Tim Finn, singer for Split Enz, occasional Crowded House collaborator and solo artist in his own right.
The album begins with the understated “Anytime,” a song from Finn’s forthcoming One All CD (which was released as One Nil in Europe last year). It is typical Neil, as themes of fate and unpredictability hover around the beautiful conclusion that “There’s nothing safe about this life.”
Finn then turns the controls over to Vedder, who performs “Take a Walk,” one of several Spilt Enz songs he sings, along with his own “Parting Ways.” 7 Worlds Collide loses some steam this way, as Finn is perhaps too gracious a host, allowing his guests too much space for their own material while some of Finn’s finest work is absent.
To its credit, 7 Worlds Collide does an excellent job of displaying Finn’s unrecognized solo efforts. “She Will Have Her Way” is a jangly and transcendent as a classic like “Something So Strong,” and while “The Climber” and “Turn and Run,” are not as catchy as some of his earlier work, both are solid products from a master craftsman.
As only two Crowded House songs are included on the disc, it seems as if Finn wants his listeners to appreciate his new direction rather than hear reworkings of old favorites.
And while that may be a noble intent, his new songs are not that much of a departure from his older work.
The diehards will surely want to pick up the DVD of this live event, which includes bonus tracks like “Private Universe” and the haunting “Four Seasons in One Day.” Although the stage show is admittedly lackluster, the opportunity to see so many musical visionaries on one stage should not be missed.
For fans of Finn, 7 Worlds Collide is a success, proving that his songs are still viable, his voice is as visceral as ever and that even the young bucks in Radiohead and Pearl Jam can realize the man’s talent. But those just getting interested in Neil Finn might want to start with Crowded House’s Temple of Low Men and work up to the newer stuff. It will be well worth the effort.
