Neil Finn Albums (3)
What The Critics Say
7 Worlds Collide culls the best live renditions from a series of all-star concerts staged by Neil Finn in Auckland in April 2001. This special lineup includes ex-Smiths guitarist Johnny Marr, Radiohead guitarist Ed O'Brien and drummer Phil Selway, Soul Coughing bassist Sebastian Steinberg, and 4AD songstress Lisa Germano on keys and violin (the last two have become part of Finn's regular touring band). Oh yes, and Pearl Jam's Eddie Vedder (a devout fan of Split Enz) even joins in on the fun. Selections include Finn's then-current material (from One Nil), of course, and these come off well. But the real treats here are those renditions that could only result from such a unique gathering of musicians, such as hearing Neil Finn and Marr cover the Smiths' "There Is a Light That Never Goes Out," and Vedder's heartfelt rendition of an Enz tune, "Stuff and Nonsense" (off Frenzy), followed by Vedder and Tim Finn together on an aggressive "I See Red." Listeners also get to hear the Finn brothers perform "Angel's Heap," a song off of their joint recording (Finn), a few Crowded House tunes, and an original each by Marr, Germano, and Vedder. In all, the collaborations and the resulting alternate versions are exciting to hear, especially for people who are already fans of the songs. ~ Joslyn Layne, All Music Guide
What The Critics Say
In retrospect, Try Whistling This, Neil Finn's solo debut, seems like a conscious effort to distance himself from Crowded House. Filled with studio trickery, distorted microphones, and trendy vague trip-hop beats, the album was a deliberate move to establish himself as a separate, more adventurous entity from Crowded House -- yet one that remained a gifted, melodic songwriter. This is all put into sharp relief by his second solo album, One Nil, a record that finds him returning to solid ground, delivering his most straightforward album since Crowded House's Woodface. Curiously, for an album that plays to his strengths, a good portion is the result of a fruitful collaboration with Wendy & Lisa, plus a production pairing with Tchad Blake and numerous cameo spots, including Sheryl Crow, Lisa Germano, and Mitchell Froom. For all the guests and star power, the record is surprisingly subtle, lacking the knockout punches of Try Whistling This, where the singles leapt out of the grooves. This time around, the songs are gently insinuating, slowly working their way into the subconscious. Even the songs with the biggest hooks, such as the first single "Rest of the Day Off," aren't as immediate as "She Will Have Her Way." Yet, on repeated plays, the record begins to gel, revealing itself as a reliably solid effort from Finn. There may not be any new revelations, yet the little details -- the turns of phrase, the gently persuasive melodies, the slyly detailed productions -- all confirm his status as a gifted craftsman. ~ Stephen Thomas Erlewine, All Music Guide
'Try Whistling This'
Release Date 1/1/1998
Tracks 13
Label Parlophone
See Album Tracklist and Review
What The Critics Say
When Neil Finn closed the doors on Crowded House, all signs seemed to point to a more experimental direction for future solo releases; even the title of his first solo album, Try Whistling This, implies a reaction against his reputation for well-crafted, highly melodic songs. However, from the opening track, the light and breezy "Last One Standing," Finn puts all fears to rest. Try Whistling This does dabble in experimentation -- most notably in the feedback and distorted vocals of the paranoid "Twisty Bass" and the mild trip-hop groove of "Sinner" -- but throughout, he shows restraint, tastefully incorporating more exotic effects while staying true to his high melodic standard and meticulous songcraft. Finn seems clearly freed from the restraints of being in a band, allowing him to try a lot of different ideas, from the sweeping "Souvenir" to the instant pop classic of "She Will Have Her Way," to more delicate atmospheric pieces like the title track, ultimately creating his most complex and diverse set to date. And though many of the songs take time to reveal their treasures, it's worth the effort. Try Whistling This features some of Finn's best work yet, and in a nearly flawless catalog like his, that's quite impressive. ~ Chris Woodstra, All Music Guide
