Seven Worlds Collide: Neil Finn & Friends Live at the St. James (2001 Video) User Reviews

What would have been a night to remember

[maccas81 · 9/10 · 18 January 2006]

Being a fan of Crowded House since I was a wee tucker, to me this is pure gold. Being a fan of Pearl Jam and Radiohead (Phil Selway and Ed O'Brian form apart of the band) for well over 10 years, to me this is pure gold. You may be disappointed if you are expecting songs by either of the latter bands (beside 'Parting Ways' by Pearl Jam) you get all the gusto and stage presence of them.

Hearing old Split Enz songs that I'd never had heard otherwise has made me appreciate what a huge influence they've made on pop music today. Priceless moments are Eddie Vedder and Neil Finn doing 'Take A Walk', Eddie Vedder with Liam Finn's (Neil's son) band Betchadupa covering 'History Never Repeats' and a blistering version of 'I See Red' with Tim Finn also.

Maybe not the best DVD to watch from start to finish but there are a good half dozen tracks that you will watch over and over again. Killer songs, killer band and (what would have been) a killer concert to be at.

Excellent Footage & Sound of Finns, Vedder, Radiohead, Marr

[Steve Johnson · 9/10 · 6 April 2002]

As a long-time fan of Split Enz, Crowded House and assorted Finn projects, I picked this up on DVD last week and have watched it three times already.

The sound is fabulous, and the guest lineup, including Neil's brother Tim, Eddie Vedder of Pearl Jam, Ed O'Brien and Phil Selway of Radiohead, Johnny Marr of the Smiths, and Lisa Germano (don't know where she's from, but what a talent!), is superb.

Particular highlights are Neil and Tim singing their usual harmonies on "Angels Heap", Eddie Vedder rocking with Neil's son's band on "I See Red", and a crowd sing-along on "Fall at Your Feet".

The venue feels very small and intimate, the performances are top-notch, and the concert length (27 songs over 2 hours) make this my favourite live music DVD purchase yet. Highly recommended.

you won't regret it

[djhallie · 10/10 · 19 July 2004]

I've been a Neil Finn/Crowded House/Split Enz fanatic for years now but never got around buying this DVD. When I finally did it totally blew me away. Neil Finn (along with guests incl. his brother Tim, Radiohead's Ed O'Brian, Johnny Marr (The Smiths), Lisa Germano and Eddie Vedder (Pearl Jam)) plays a perfect set of songs from his solo and band work. Having only had a few days of practice they played the St.James theatre in Auckland for five nights from which this DVS was compiled. It's a great watch and the music's quality. So if you never had the chance to see Neil Finn live here's your opportunity, you won't regret it. And if you're new to Neil Finn's work this is a nice way to start listening.

Like coming home again

[Eyes_of_Emerald · 13 July 2002]

I have been transfixed with Split Enz/Neil/Tim Finn ever since the mid-to-late 70's (my high school years). I was lucky enough to see them on tour after True Colours came out and had the distinct pleasure of meeting Neil, Tim and Nigel after the show and Neil and I actually chatted for a few minutes, the context of which has totally slipped my mind but the thrill is still there. I saw them again when Waiata came out but didn't get to meet them afterwards. Neil was a truly sweet and kind fellow and seeing him again in this televised concert reassured me that he's still the same great guy.

I have to say that Neil Finn is probably one of the most overlooked songwriters of our day. His melodies are flawless, beautiful, enchanting, and simply breathtaking. I almost like the fact that he's not "mainstream," as it were, it makes me feel as if I have my own little private wonderful world to listen to. "Paradise" is heart-achingly beautiful, each of his songs has the ability to transform me to another time and place. The band he chose is flawless also, a perfect "backdrop," as it were, for his songs. Lisa Germano, in answer to the above fellow's question, played in John Mellencamp's band for a long time as violinist/fiddler, and here she is perfect, playing keyboards, ukelele, violin, and accompanying Neil beautifully on background vocals.

I love the addition of Eddie Vedder, I had no idea until about 6 months ago that Eddie was a Split Enz fan which kicks my admiration of him up about 100 notches. He sings a lovely version of "Stuff and Nonsense" off the Split Enz album "Frenzy" with accompaniment by Tim Finn, which has always been a favorite of mine, plus the rollicking version of "I See Red" off the same album with Neil's son's band Betchadupa is as kicking as the original. Liam Finn is only nearly 20?? This kid is definitely absorbing his talent from his dad and uncle, if I hadn't been watching the video at the same time I was taping it I would have sworn Split Enz had re-formed with Eddie on vocals. Great job to all.

I would recommend this concert to anyone, even to those who aren't familiar with these Kiwi fellows. Beautiful instrumentation, flawless band-togetherness, it's all here, and best of all, they all seem to be having a wonderful time pleasing the audience, and each other. And isn't that what counts? After 20-odd years Neil's still having fun, and I thank him for it. Thank you Neil, and Tim, for giving my life a soundtrack.

10 out of 10 stars

"And you know that I love you, here and now, not forever.....I can give you the present, I don't know 'bout the future, that's all stuff and nonsense....."