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(More customer reviews)I have no doubt that Radiohead, Pearl Jam or Soul Coughing fans may be a little surprised by this DVD--what are Eddie Vedder, Sebastien Steinberg, Phil Selway and Ed O'Brien doing in Auckland, New Zealand, playing pop songs with a relatively obscure 40-something songwriter? It should be apparent upon viewing this DVD, however, why Neil Finn, who remains relegated to cult status here in the United States, has quietly become one of the most respected pop songwriters of his time--by critics, his peers and his exceedingly loyal worldwide fan base.
The performances on this DVD were selected from a week's worth of shows shot at the St. James Theatre in Auckland, New Zealand, and also include musicians Lisa Germano (former violinist for John Mellencamp) and Johnny Marr (of Smiths fame), as well as cameos from Tim Finn and Neil Finn's son Liam's band, Betchadupa.
In practical terms, the DVD is quite sparse; there are no special features to speak of. What you do get is a straight-forward concert film with a crisp picture and pristine sound, mixed in Dolby 5.1 surround by Bob Clearmountain. The film opens with a brief voiceover by Finn that explains the conception and execution of the project, with footage of the band arriving and rehearsing at Kare Kare beach. Preceding songs throughout the DVD are brief interludes where the various band members share their thoughts and are warmly introduced by Finn.
Other than that, you get the performance--and it's excellent. There are numerous highlights, including the opening tune "Fall At Your Feet," during which the crowd eagerly sings along with not only the song's familiar chorus but the entire bridge as well; when Finn adds his own harmonies to the audience's singing, the effect is magical. Finn admirably chooses not to make this DVD a "greatist hits" concert, and instead showcases songs from his two most recent albums, "Try Whistling This" and "One Nil"--as well as a few obscure numbers from his days in Split Enz, such as the successful updating of "Take A Walk" with Eddie Vedder singing. A few Crowded House classics are present, including a haunting acoustic rendition of "Private Universe," "Four Seasons In One Day" and "Weather With You."
Though the band only had a few days to prepare 40+ songs, the performances are incredibly loose. In addition to the eclectic selection of Finn songs, Marr, Germano and Vedder offer a few of their own, and Betchadupa give energetic, if not all that original, punk renditions of the Split Enz favorites "I See Red" and "History Never Repeats" with Vedder singing. One of the DVD's finest selections is the atmospheric, sweetly understated version of the Smiths classic "There Is A Light That Never Goes Out," which Marr had reportedly not played for years.
For those unfamiliar with Finn's music, he has given his songwriting style the tongue-in-cheek description of "Leonard/McCartney," meaning the dark themes of Leonard Cohen superimposed upon the classic pop sensibilities of the Beatles. Overall the DVD is a good representation of Neil Finn's remarkable songwriting--we've seen other talented songwriters, but few if any can boast the rock-solid consistency of Finn's catalogue. He's written more than his fair share of sublime pop songs during his 20+ years as a pop artist, and he continues to be at the top of his game.
The DVD ends with a fragile, tender version of Finn's most recognizable song, "Don't Dream It's Over." Hopefully this DVD, with its celebrity cameos, will give Finn some of the attention and exposure he deserves.
Click Here to see more reviews about: 7 Worlds Collide - Live At The St. James - Neil Finn & Friends (2002)
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