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

User Rating:

8.3/10   

Director:

Paul Casserly

Genre:

Music

Plot:

Neil Finn brings together some of his musician friends from around the globe for an awesome series of concerts at the St...

Plot Keywords:

New Zealand | Concert Film | Pop Music | Rock Music | Character Name In Title

Cast

Neil Finn	...	Himself
rest of cast listed alphabetically:
Matt Eccles	...	Himself (Drums)
Liam Finn	...	Himself (as Betchadupa)
Tim Finn	...	Himself
Johnny Marr	...	Himself
Ed O'Brien	...	Himself (Guitar)
Phil Selway	...	Himself (Drums)
Eddie Vedder	...	Himself

Also Known As:

7 Worlds Collide: Neil Finn & Friends Live at the St. James (USA) (video box title)

Runtime:

USA:129 min

Country:

New Zealand

Language:

English

Color:

Color

Sound Mix:

Dolby

Filming Locations:

Auckland, New Zealand

Like coming home again

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....."