1 comments about 7 Worlds Collide.

1. Neil Finn is one of New Zealand's most talented singer/songwriters. This CD is produced from his live show's 'Neil Finn and Friends' in Auckland earlier this year. Neil's friends include: his brother Tim (another exceptional singer/songwriter); Eddie Vedder; Lisa Germano; Johnny Marr; Sebastian Steinberg and others. Listening to the CD, and being at the concert, made you think that these guys had been playing together for years. A slick professional performance from the whole group. It seemed like second nature to them, like they just belong together.

   'I See Red' has been a favourite of mine since it first came out, and having Eddie Vedder singing it adds another powerful dimension to the song. Particular favourites on the CD include I See Red, Weather With You, Wherever You Are, Don't Dream It's Over and She Will Have Her Way.

   Like the 'Together In Concert' CD from the New Zealand wide concerts of Tim Finn, Dave Dobbyn and Bic Runga, the 7 Worlds Collide is there to bring back wonderful memories for those of us that were fortunate enough to attend, and bring the enjoyment of Neil Finn's music to those that couldn't.

   Listen and enjoy the CD. You won't regret it - it's truly exceptional.

5 comments about Live!.

1. Watch Video Here: http://www.amazon.com/review/R87V3WUK7W9I5 I own more live albums then I will ever bother to count and this set is exactly what I want out of any such set. Rather than being cobbled together from several concerts in a short time frame and then having the instruments and/or vocals overdubbed to sound less "live" (WTF?) as so many bands do, The Police gave us a true live album -blemishes and all- consisting of two very different concerts from two very different eras of the band's career. This highlights the extreme musical growth of the band in a relatively short time and proves that they could harness some serious energy playing live. Anybody unhappy with the sound obviously is not a fan of live music and should stick to studio recordings because this is as good as a genuine live album gets (aside from a slight sound problem during the first verse of "Next to You"). There can be no argument.
   
   The sampling of songs is spot-on on both discs; the first representing the band's early years aspiring to harness the energy of punk rock and reggae, the second showing the band at it's creative peak. Both are wonderful documents of where the band was at musically at the time and both absolutely rock. Sting's voice sounds killer and his typically solid bass-playing is on full display. He works the crowd and occasionally ad-libs during songs, adding some flavor to the proceedings. Andy Summers' guitar playing is the missing link between the firey punk attitude of Mick Jones and The Edge's soundscaping virtuosity; at times allowing his solos to devolve into distorted feedback that would make Greg Ginn (Black Flag) smile and other times letting subtle arpeggios and the ambience of his guitar effects work their magic -sometimes in the same song. It only takes two words to sum up Stewart Copeland: drummer's drummer.
   
   This is easily one of my favorite live albums and if you share my enthusiasm for concert recordings and The Police then this is a no-brainer. All it wants is to be next to you.



2. It is hard to believe that a band can become a Hall of Fame band with just five studio albums to their name, but the Police are such a band. This is an honor that the Police are most worthy of. The Police were sort of an off-shoot of the Punk Rock movement of the late 1970s. The band would eventually encompass other influences - namely Classic Rock, Reggae, Jazz, Dance, and even Folk. For the most part, it is fair to say there was a Punk Rock and Reggae influence on the band for their first two albums" - "Outlandos D'Amour" and "Regatta de Blanc". Both of these albums were terrific efforts - mostly because The Police used applied their unique style to a formula that worked. The Police would soon transform their sound to a more Classic Rock sound. With each successive album ("Zenyatta Mondatta", "Ghost in the Machine", and "Synchronicity"), the Police would continue to grow as a band and incorporate a variety of genres into their sound. When the Police would disband in 1986, they did not have a live album in their portfolio - despite the fact they had emerged as one of the great live bands of all-time. It would be nearly a decade later when the Police would release their first live collection - 1995's "The Police - Live!". Despite some negative criticism, this collection is worthy of the Police's Hall of Fame career as well as prove to be worth the long wait.
   
   "The Police - Live!" is a very unique live collection. It consists of two concerts - one from 1979 and one from 1983. Each concert is on a separate disc. The concerts show a great reflection of the Police's career. The November, 1979 concert, recorded in Boston at the Orpheum Theater and broadcast on WBCN radio showcases the Police's early Punk Rock and Reggae roots. This concert has much more of a "raw" edge, but you can also tell that the Police were performing in a more intimate setting. By 1983, the Police had progressed their sound and had much more of a Rock edge. The November, 1983 concert was recorded at Atlanta's Omni Arena and this concert definitely has more of an Arena Rock feel. The 1983 concert showcases a good amount of material from the "Synchronicity" album (this was the tour in support of that album), while the 1979 concert is drawn from the band's first two albums.
   
   I've heard a lot of people complain about the sound. It is important to remember that a live album will never have the audio standards of a studio album. This CD set was recorded in ADD format - meaning an Analog tape recorder was used during initial recording and a Digital tape recorder used during mixing/editing and for mastering. Overall, I think the album was well mixed and well engineered. Compared to many live albums, I consider this album to be one of the better sound qualities.
   
   Here are eleven things to look for on this collection:
   
   1-The 1979 Boston Concert contains all of the tracks from the Police's debut album with the exception of the instrumental track, "Masoko Tanga". This includes rare performances of "Peanuts", "Born in the 50s", and "Be My Girl/Sally".
   
   2-Despite the fact that "Reggata De Blanc" was the newer album, there is less material played at the Boston concert. "Message in a Bottle", "Walking On the Moon", "Bring on the Night", and "The Bed's Too Big Without You" are the only songs that are represented. The instrumental "Reggata De Blanc" is played as part of "Can't Stand Losing You" - a tradition the Police have done throughout their careers.
   
   3-The Boston concert plays two early singles not found on albums - "Fall Out" and "Landlord".
   
   4-Sting has said he had been battling laryngitis at the time of the Boston concert, but for the most part you can't tell it. The only exception seems to happen during "Peanuts" - where it definitely sounded like he was having some issues with his voice.
   
   5-The 1983 Atlanta Concert contains eight songs from "Synchronicity", including a rare performance of the Andy Summers tune - "O My God". Unfortunately the albums "Zenyatta Mondatta" and "Ghost in the Machine" end up being the big losers in this collection as only three songs total are found on the two CD set.
   
   6-I love the segue from "Synchronicity I" into "Synchronicity II" at the Atlanta concert. The segue seemed almost natural. Both performances showed the Police at the top of their game.
   
   7-The best song on the two disc set is found on the Omni performance with "King of Pain". I've always considered this a great song - and this live version is even better.
   
   8-The Police "wrap-up" the Omni concert with two songs from their first album - the traditional extended jam of "Can't Stand Losing You" (featuring "Regatta De Blanc") followed by "So Lonely".
   
   9-The Omni performance has the Police using outside singers. I had mixed feelings about this because I always liked the fact the Police would make "every sound" on their recordings. Yet, the outside vocalists add a new dimension to the band.
   
   10-One thing that is great about the Police is how they improvise during their live performances as well as create new arrangements of their songs. Both concerts showcase how well the Police has been able to do these things.
   
   11-For the most part, both concerts appear to preserve the order of the songs and give the feeling of being at the 1979 and 1983 performances respectively. It's hard to tell whether these are "complete" shows. Usually with live CDs, some songs are not included when recorded from the show.
   
   Overall this is an outstanding collection. The two concerts really contrast the early days and the latter days of the band - with both performances being outstanding. It is a live album that is truly worthy of a Hall of Fame band.



3. If you listen to this product you'll definetly consider the police a very weak live band. Actually, they are very good musicians, this is their only official live album, as far as I know and in this compilation the first disc, recorded live in 1979 is VERY painful to listen to, the band hurries through the songs, copeland constantly overplays on every song, example: the beds too big without you: it gives the impression that copeland is rearranging the song live to make it more interesting but neither Sting nor Andy seem to be able to catch on, and sting finally comes into the first verse after three attempts, Roxanne seems to fluctuate and flutter all over the place, cant stand losing you loses steam as it goes on. Overall the first record sounds like an unrehearsed police cover band. The second disc is pretty standard though absolutely not exciting, even their big hit every breath you take sounds very weak compared to the studio version. I have never seen the police live, but have heard people commenting on how great they were. I guess if this was them at their worst their best was overrated.
   
   PS: after watching the Stu Copeland movie "everybody stares" about the police, I can finally say that they were really pathetic live. very very bad, thus this album is not a fluke, the police were really this bad.



4. I bought this album after hearing the Police on Live Earth. The first cd is horrible. The band sounds like they are rushing through the concert and would rather be somewhere else. The second cd is much better.



5. This CD was received as described and is a very good deal for the price. Seller was prompt in shipment.

5 comments about Live at the Key Club.

1. Pennywise have always been one of my favorite 90s Punk Bands. And this live cd f*ckin kills. Most of their best tracks on 1 cd
   
   1. Intro
   2. Wouldn't It Be Nice 10/10
   3. Living For Today 9/10
   4. Final Chapters 10/10
   5. Can't Believe It 8/10
   6. Unknown Road 10/10
   7. Homesick 9/10
   8. No Reason Why 20/10
   9. Fight Till You Die 9/10
   10. Peaceful Day 10/10
   11. Society 10/10
   12. Straight Ahead 10/10
   13. Pennywise 9/10
   14. Perfect People 10/10
   15. Minor Threat 10/10 Great Cover
   16. Same Old Story 10/10
   17. Alien 10/10
   18. Bro Hymn 15/10
   
   Get this for an intro to Pennywise or if u want the best live cd/recording ever



2. Wow!..What a live album by an awesome punk band. The energy displayed here by Pennywise is incredible and should not be overlooked by any Pennywise fan. Most of the material played is older songs, but that says nothing. All of them are great in their own way. Their fast and aggressive style is clearly seen on every song.
   
   -A Pennywise Fan
   
   
   Highlight Tracks:
   
   Fight Till You Die
   Perfect People
   Wouldn't It Be Nice
   Same Old Story
   Living For Today
   Bro Hymn



3. "Hello, we're Pennywise from Hermosa Beach, California!"

   Hey, where the hell are you going? Come back here, or I'm gonna catch ya, tie ya up and force ya to listen to this! This is one case where you can't judge a review by its cover.

   So Pennywise are from California, and they are popular with skate and surf kiddies, but if you're expecting watered down Offspring/Green Day type pop-punk, then you're out of luck. This is faster, more intelligent, and dare I say it, heavier ... If you want Good Charlotte or Blink 182, then go and listen to er... Good Charlotte or Blink 182. And Pennywise deliver live, something the pretend punks only wish they could.

   Unlike the modern day pretenders, Pennywise have one foot firmly in the early 80s, and are damned proud of the fact. Check the cover of "Minor Threat", where Jim lists the bands he grew up listening to. Some of their songs here, particularly older tracks like "Final Chapters" and "Unknown Road" sound like Bad Religion or The Descendents with a rocket ... The song "Pennywise" could almost have come from Suicidal Tendencies. There is an old school Hardcore edge to much of the band's material. Something else the casual observer might also miss is a hint of Thrash, particularly in the guitar playing. Don't believe me? Check out "Fight Til You Die" and "Perfect People" for yourself. It beats most of what Megadeth or Helloween produced in the 1980s.

   Even several years after his suicide, original bass player Jason is still an important figure for the band. If he wrote a song, they let everyone know. The set closer "Bro Hymn" is dedicated to his memory, and what a belter of a song to be remembered by. The distinctive bass riff and classic "whoa, whoa" shoutalong refrains get everyone going, for a raucous all-in finale.

   This is by no means a perfect live album. The odd track sounds a little flat, like there was not much atmosphere at the gig. The overly commercial "Alien" in particular sounds out of place. The crowd do not seem terribly enthusiastic at times, as if they are unfamiliar with the band's back catalogue. The playing is near on note perfect though, and is still definitely live, rather than doctored in the studio. For a summer time beer drinking party hard live album, you could do a lot worse than this.




4. a band that sounds good live.good cd if ur not a big fan of pennywise but want something with some of there best work then this cd is a must have



5. This is the latest Pennywise c.d. that I have gotten and it was shocking to hear how amazing a live show put on by Pennywise can be.My only regrets are the lack of good songs from about time and the fact that the song alien which sounds like it was written by a totally different band was on here.
   Also wouldn't it be nice wasn't nearly as godd as how it is on the self titled album.Pennywise manages to pack a-lot of awesome energy into this album with tracks like fight till you die and cant believe it and the touching Bro Hyhm.
   I would reccomend listening to Pennywise before getting this c.d. Get About time or the self titled but I wouldn't reccomend Unkown for new listeners to Pennywise, I thought that almost all of the songs on Unknown road sounded terrible with the exceptions of Homesick and Unkown Road the song and the vocals get really whiny and annoying.
   So if you really become a Pennywise fan I would reccomend that you buy this c.d. it rocks my socks.

5 comments about Live.

1. THIS IS A FANTACTIC LIVE ALBUM !!!! A MUST HAVE FOR ALL ROXY FANS AND A
   GREAT INTRODUCTION FOR NEW FANS. I'VE BEEN A ROXY FAN SINCE 1973 AND HAVE
   MANY OF THE ORIGINAL VINYL ALBUMS. THIS ALBUM JUST "BLOWS ME AWAY" !!!!
   BEST CUT...EXTENDED VERSION OF "SONG FOR EUROPE". TRUST ME YOU'LL LOVE
   THIS LIVE SET !!!!



2. The best thing about this cd is that I am on three of the songs!!!
   A Song For Europe, Love Is The Drug and Editions Of You.
   You can hear me. I am the one clapping and cheering.



3. Roxy's comeback was a triumph - even given the lack of new material, given the great musicianship, the energy to put on a fantastical show, and the cool vibes all around. This disc is from the same tour of the DVD, but the songs are not taken from the same performances and there are songs not on the DVD. A must have for Roxy fans and amongst the very best live albums ever made.



4. Roxy Music confirm that they are an excellent live band. For long-time fans who know that a new studio album is not likely, this is the next best thing.

   The sound quality is not as flawless as it could have been, hence one star removed.

   Could they have made this a three-CD set? Given their calatogue of great material, yes. I'm not sure, though, if they performed more than these songs on the tour.




5. The music of Roxy Music can be separated to 2 eras: the first 5 studio albums (1972-75) that brought us something fresh, new and interesting, and the music from the 80's that is more Brian Ferry solo - shmaltz, elevator music, just choose for yourselves. Lets call it "The Avalon era". In between there was a bad album from 1979 by the name of "Manifesto".
   Last live album of the band, that was also the band's last one, "Heart still beating", from the 80's, took many fans to cardiologists, cause it was so B-A-D (kids, don't try it at home!). So I had many reasons not to expect much. But After reading that most of the material is taken from the 70's, I decided to give it a chance.
   So... "Live" is not "Heart still beating", and also better than a few live albums from the Manifesto tour ("Concerto", "Live concerts"). But it's inferior to the old live album of the band, "Viva!", and to "Valentine" and "Vintage", 2 live albums of the early band, (that were released only lately) that include video clips (with Eno, Eddy Jobson, John Wetton and so). "Live" sounds too syntetic for more than once, by trying to bring us the original studio sound like in Re Make/Re Model, Out of the blue and others (ah, they brought us the motorcycle from "Virginia", but forgot the car from "Love is the drug"!). It's hard to understand it, because during the 70's, the band changed, improvised and improved the studio versions of many songs."Chance meeting" that was mixed together with "Both ends burning" in "Viva!" is a good example. Last part and the most dramatic one, in "If there is something" was done in "Viva!" much better than in the original first album. "Street life" (listen to Jobson's great violin solo!) and "Virginia" were done great in "Vintage" and "Valentine"; "Do the Strand" best version is in "Concerto". Jobson, in his time did not try to copy Eno, and brought us a new sound that for more than once was better than Eno's.
   So why did they try to copy the old solos now?
   Also I'm not satisfied with the sound. Roxy is a band of great individuals, but, sometimes they're lost here among the good technicians (on stage and in studio), that joined the band for the tour. After listening to the BBC 2 broadcasting of the show from Glasgow, I suspect that many mixes, too many, were done in the studio. But don't get me wrong. the album is a good one and if you are Roxy's fan, you'll love it,despite of its weaknesses.

5 comments about 28/6/00 - Naval Museum, Stockholm, Sweden.

1. Disclaimer: Owner of all 72 official PJ bootlegs. When judging the 2000 bootleg series as a whole, things don't get much more average than this gig in Sweden. The performance by the band, except for a few forgivable errors, is competent and enjoyable, but there aren't too many outstanding things happening tonight. For those in the market for a few good examples from the Pearl Jam bootleg series, this one is dependable, but you can do better. Anyway, there are some surprises in the set list, like rocking takes on the relative rarities "Gods' Dice" and "Rival." There are stronger than average takes on "Not For You," "Daughter," and "Jeremy;" and there is a dramatic rendition of the very rare "Garden." Of interest tonight is the presence of Iron Maiden as the opening act. Pearl Jam was very excited to let their metal roots show, as Eddie Vedder gives a shout out to Maiden, and Mike McCready noodles on the riff to "Number of the Beast" at two different spots in the set.



2. Considering I'm still big grunge fan, it makes me sad that that kind of music is not done anymore (heavy, slow, bluesy), or very rare. Music quality is excellent wich some live cds don't have, and for PJs performance that day, nothing less than spectacular will do the justice. I am sure all cds from the tour are top notch, but this has more emotional value to me since I've been there. You can't go wrong with any of 'em. If you wonder about part where Eddie's asking about parents chacking up on us...we had few baloons with ppl fly over our heads. Good thing none of those ppl jumped out. Still devoted fan to PJ, keep it up guys.

   NOTE: I had not have chance before to say my regrets of incident taking place on Roskilde festival, trully sad, may they rest in peace. Now playing Garden for all those unlucky people.

   So long




3. I like to buy live albums. I like the variations made in live albums, and the stories in between. This is a phenominal live album. Great all around. I know there are a lot of live Pearl Jam albums to choose from, (they have more live albums than studio albums) but this has to be my favorite out of the 10 or 11 I've heard.



4. I am not a huge fan of Pearl Jam, but I do collect live music. Having seen them live when they toured for 10, I had a feeling that any of these "OFFICIAL BOOTLEGS" would be worth buying. I bought 3. This one, Verona, and the Manchester show. I picked those three on the strengths of the reviews, and the set lists. I was not disappointed, with any of them. The clarity of the recording is better than most live recordings. And with the no frills packaging, they can afford the sell a double live set for the price of a single studio cd.

   This particular show is much like any of the shows I have heard. But this show has a few specific songs you won't find common on the tour. A great version of Garden(my favorite PJ song), Jeremy(a live rarity), and a rockin' rendition of Rocking in the Free World.

   But this, or another of these live sets, you won't be disappointed. Eddie and the guys are just as good live as they are in the studio.




5. As on all 25 live European releases, the Stockholm, Sweden, performance by Pearl Jam is a blistering set that rolls out old and new tunes at an unstoppable rate. Chit chat from Eddie Vedder is kept at a minimum, but when he does choose to talk to the audience, it's always cool. It seems Pearl Jam crossed paths with the lads from Iron Maiden on this night in Sweden, and Vedder and his band mates go out of their way to show their appreciation. Musically, as I stated, this is a spectacular performance, every song, every note. These guys play and sing with a fierce passion that matches, and sometimes surpasses, their studio renditions. PJ don't mess with fluff, and their ability to go out night after night and play tunes of such magnitude and weight -- and churn them out with such heart -- is commendable.
   
   I like the fact that, unlike most bands, Pearl Jam play their ENTIRE catalog, everything. Like all their live performances, the Stockholm CD has tunes from the whole Pearl Jam era, plus an awesome cover of Neil Young's "Rockin' in the Free World" to end the night.
   
   These guys don't care about money, they care about the musical quality they provide to their fans. If you ever get the chance, don't hesitate to see Vedder and his mates live. This CD is the next best thing.

1 comments about Live at Maxwell's.

1. This is a great introduction to a great band. It's also a great overview for all of us who already know and love Imperial Teen. Their music and live show is sweet in so many ways. It's sweet in the 'great' way. It's also sweet, because the band is so sweet. It was one of the warmest and most melodic shows I've ever seen. So, this CD is a great souvenir of the concert experience.....If you're in the mood for a sexy, poppy, melodic, sweet band, check this out!

4 comments about Live at the Hollywood Bowl.

1. This is a fine and tantalizing sample of Ben Harper's live performance at Hollywood Bowl and as with most great EPs it is much too short! This is definitely a gem to add to any Ben Harper collection. Like other reviewers I liked two of the four songs more than the other two (but not neccessarily the same two), and that's why this EP gets four stars. I'll give a song by song run down:
   
   Brown Eyed Blues: mellow, relaxed and fun. A good version. The only problem is that this is not one of my favorite Harper songs.
   
   With My Own Two Hands: Awesome! The medley with war in the middle is very effective and a bit chilling. There is a very nice guitar / keyboard "duet" between the first Two Hands section and War. Played loud this song rocks! Definitely my favortie version.
   
   Sexual Healing: Another reviewer called this song boring. I wouldn't go that far, since it does have some steam to it. But as was also pointed out, it is redundant. This track was on Live From Mars and this version is no better, worse or different from that one. So it doesn't add a lot to your collection.
   
   Amen Omen: This is the absolute best song on the EP. Here's how good it is: Amen Omen was one of my least favorite songs on Diamonds, but this version is one of my favorite Harper songs of all time! His voice has so much emotion that the words penetrate the soul. And the guitar work, wow! This song alone is worth the price of admission.



2. Ok, I'll start out by telling you that if you have never heard Ben play his music live then you are missing out just as much as someone that has never seen DMB play live. Ok, so why did I give it just 4 stars? Well, I don't really like 2 of the songs on it. I love almost everything that Ben has ever written, but I don't like "With my own two hands" and "Sexual Healing" is not on my top 20 songs of his. Now remember, I DID give 4. Trust all of our online reviews, "Amen Omen" could not have been recorded and performed better. At a point Ben holds a note and the band stops as Ben shows us how talented of a vocalist he is (it's BEAUTIFUL). Last of all, "Brown Eyed Blues" has more soul to it in this recording than could even be imagined (the studio version was good, but this live version could put it in my top 10 list). Very good, well worth you money.



3. very good version of with my own two hands/war. end of amen omen is awesome. sexual healing is boring and redundant with live from mars. brown eyed blues was a dissapointment compared to the album version. wish there was more songs from the concert on the CD.



4. This little EP is the audio version of some of the tracks off of Ben's newest live DVD "Live At The Hollywood Bowl", and is definitely worth checking into if you enjoyed the Live On Mars album.

   What's great about this is that it lets us hear some live performances of songs that come off of Ben's most recent album which came out after the last live offering. It's fun to hear the extended live cuts of the tracks which have a lot more dynamics and life to them than can be found on the album, particularly "Amen Omen" which is absolutely tremendous here and alone is worth your money.

   This is a great little EP, and really makes me hope that there is another live full-length in the works. The only thing holding this back is that I wish there were more tracks on it that we haven't heard a live recording of before, but then again this is just an EP and you can find those tracks on the DVD.

   Definitely worth picking up, and reminds us once again of why we all love Ben so much. He's such an amazing performer.

No comments about Big Ugly Mouth/Short Walk on a Long Pier.

1 comments about Swans Are Dead (Live '95-'97).

1. If you like the Swans, this should be in your collection, without doubt. These live recordings are even more cathartic than what's on record. Some of the arrangements have been drastically changed and the older songs especially become more menacing. The band put forth some ferociously fantastic performances here. Simply put, if you don't have this, go now. Now. What are you waiting for?

5 comments about 7 Worlds Collide - Live At The St. James.

1. Disclaimer: Neil Finn is a brilliant songwriter.
   
   That having been said, I'm a little ambivalent about this album. There are some good performances of some good songs. There's also an execrable performance of a good song. There are several performances of "songs" that should have been locked in a small tin box and dropped in the middle of the South Pacific. A good number of the tracks are in none of the preceding categories. Here it is in a nutshell:
   
   (1) Tracks that will send shivers down your spine: "Edible Flowers" and the deliciously stripped down rendition of "Don't Dream It's Over".
   
   (2) Other reasons why you should buy this album: "Anytime", "The Climber", "My Loose Tongue", "Turn and Run", "She Will Have Her Way".
   
   (3) What should have been left on the mixing room floor: "Paper Doll" (it sounds like she's singing "Paper Towel". Stick to the violin, Lisa), "Stuff and Nonsense" (a little known Tim Finn number from the late seventies that reminds us that good songwriters usually don't start that way), "There is a light that never goes out" (for the cringeworthy lyrics).
   
   (4) What they stuffed up: "Weather With You" (what's with the idiot tinkling on the piano in the background, anyway? Talk about a surefire way to destroy a great song's ambience.)



2. This record is just fantastic. Neil Finn is most likely the best songwriter around. Neil Finn and Paul McCartney, that's pretty much it as `Worlds best songwriters' goes, in my opinion. To hear him play with friends and professionals, even family, like he does on this album is a privilege.
   
   Essentially Neil planned to get together with some musicians he admires (Johnny Marr, Eddie Vedder, Lisa Germano a.o.), rehearse in comfortable surroundings in New Zealand, play a few gigs as a band and disband. In addition he brought his brother Tim Finn and his son Liam with his band Betchadupa along for the gig, and that's pretty much it.
   
   What came out of this is just so good, I almost feel like crying, I'm so upset I couldn't be there to witness it. But the good news is of course this CD and the wonderful concert DVD released at the same time.
   
   There are a couple of mild duds (Johnny Marr on his own is a rather pedestrian affair), but all over this is just a sensory festival. Highpoint of the affair, Eddie Vedder and Tim Finn rocking out alongside the kids in Betchadupa to Uncle Tim's 'I See Red', with a proud Neil watching from the side.
   
   An early version of Edible Flowers (later released on Everyone is here) sends shivers down my spine, showing that the Finn Brothers grasp on a great tune and superior lyrics are as strong as ever.
   
   Buy it, now!



3. Where is the Acoustic version of Fall At Your Feet found on the DVD?! That is probably the most incredible recording of one of Neil's most popular songs? I was gutted to not find it on this album... a crying shame...



4. It was absolutely worth the price of this CD to find out that my favorite Split Enz song of all time, "Take A Walk," is also quite obviously Eddie Vedder's! His live version here does not eclipse Neil Finn's original, but it's very apparent he's thrilled to be singing it (with Finn on harmony vocal). Who knew Vedder had such excellent taste? I thought he was obsessed with Pete Townshend!



5. Upon first listen to this album I was fairly dissapointed. Initially, the vocals on the One All songs seemed weak and I didnt care for the work of Eddie Vedder on several other tracks. However, after a few more listens this album has become a favorite. Neil Finn's voice has an incredible pure resonance live and it shines brighter than any of the other vocalists who are not as strong. Vedder's renditions of Stuff and Nonsense and Parting Ways are surprising gems after a few listens. The Finn standouts are the cover of There is a Light That Never Goes Out (even better than the original), She Will Have Her Way, and Weather With You.

   Recommended.