Neil Finn
7 World Collide-Live At the St. James

LA RECENSIONE

In recent years, we've had very few concert events. But one that truly deserves mention was the one Neil Finn held at the St. James Theatre in none other than Auckland, far away in New Zealand.
From which comes an unmissable album like "7 World Collide." Unmissable for several reasons: first and foremost, the guests (and what guests!!) Eddie Vedder, Phil Selway and Ed O'Brien from Radiohead, Johnny Marr, Sebastian Steinberg from the disbanded Soul Coughing, and Lisa Germano.

When multiple artists come together, a mechanism of mixing sensitivities and tastes occurs that makes everything a bit magical. Warm and engaging sounds, emotions on the surface. Like when Neil sings "There Is A Light That Never Goes Out" by the Smiths with Johnny Marr on guitar. A respectful interpretation of one of the most beautiful songs by the Smiths and Johnny's guitar adding the rest.
And good old Eddie in "I See Red" by Split Enz and he stirs emotions by dueting with Neil in "Parting Ways" by Pearl Jam.

But Neil Finn, together with his brother Tim, was the mind behind Crowded House, one of the freshest and most interesting pop bands of the '80s from which (as good Manuel says) there's no way out alive. And here we find them again in the two most famous tracks of those glorious years: "Weather With You" and "Don't Dream It's Over," which only a blowhard like Venditti could tarnish with his pedantry (remember Alta Marea?).

Another reason is the charitable cause of the album, whose proceeds will be donated to Médecins Sans Frontières for their work in Afghanistan. All that's left is to wish you a good listen.