Search - Neil Finn - Sessions at West 54th on DVD

Neil Finn Sessions at West 54th

Peter Green | Prahran, victoria Australia | 12/18/2000

(4 out of 5 stars)

"The Try Whistling This tour covered a lot of ground over it's 5 months on the road. For many fans this DVD is a chance to wander down memory lane and enjoy Neil Finn and band live in your living room. The bonus features on the dvd -Discography/Biography are up to date- my only train spotter mistake is the lack of mentions of some Split Enz releases that Neil performed on. However for new fans it's a way to mark off Finn related recordings that may be missing from one's collection. The 15 songs performed are the majority of Neil's Try Whistling This solo cd (with only Dream Date absent). Neil's old band mate from the Crowded House days- Mark Hart is special guest and Neil's band departs the stage to allow Hart/Finn to play 2 rousing versions of "Fall at your feet" and the USA mega hit-"Dont dream it's over". My personal favourites are: Twisty Bass, the wonderful Pop moment that is "She will have her way" and a tough as nails version of " "Faster than Light"with Neil's son (Betchadupa front man) Liam on drums. The dvd has dolby digital 5.1 sound and PCM Stereo for that cd quality- nice on all music dvds. It's intro'd by Talking Heads David Byrne and Finn himself still has youth on his side making him New Zealand's answer to Paul McCartney (with songs that McCartney would kill for). If you managed to catch Neil Finn and band on this tour, than you will enjoy this release- if you simply enjoy music with exceptional lyrics Neil Finn is your man. 75 minutes later the fan side of me is content, but eagerly awaiting his next solo outing. This dvd is sure to find it's way into many a Finn fans Xmas stocking this year."

Neil live on DVD finally

Vinzo | Boston, MA United States | 12/20/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This long rumored dvd of Neil Finn's Sessions has finally been released. Having been at the taping, it captures the terrific sound quality of the Sessions studio and the performances perfectly. Long time Finn fans will lap this up. First timers should jump in because he is truly a gifted songwriter, a great live performer and his voice, which remains a thing of beauty, all of which come across clearly and cleanly on this release. The song selection, mostly from "Try Whistling This", does feature an outstanding version of "Don't Dream Its Over", which knocked me over at the taping. His reference to the Everly Brothers' "Dream" shows that Neil Finn appreciates a good tune as he incorporates it seamlessly into his song.. When you see him on stage it is clear that Neil Finn has a place at the top of the class of songwriter/performers/vocalists. Other standouts are "She Will Have Her Way", which should have been a huge hit, and one of his many Split Enz favorites "I Got You". The band stands out as well, including a nice cameo by former Crowded House musician Mark Hart. The picture and sound quality are excellent. Music lovers everywhere should not miss the opportunity to enjoy this treasure."

Five-star Finn.

G. Merritt | Boulder, CO | 04/19/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"These West 54th Sessions capture all the musical genius of a live Neil Finn performance. Drawn mostly from his dark and atmospheric 1998 solo release, TRY WHISTLING THIS, Neil's DVD set list also includes a couple of Crowded House songs ("Don't Dream It's Over;" "Fall at Your Feet") with a guest appearance by former bandmate, Mark Hart, and a Split Enz classic ("I Got You"). Neil's band includes his son, Liam, who gets credit for cowriting "Souvenir." Other standout songs include "She Will Have Her Way," "Truth," "King Tide," "Addicted," and "Faster than Light." This somewhat laid-back, unplugged performance makes an excellent companion to Finn's more jangly and electric, 7 WORLDS COLLIDE DVD performance.G. Merritt"

Intimate and . . .

Ian John Cook | Hong Kong, Hong Kong Hong Kong | 05/13/2002

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Quality intimate 'unplugged' concert from Neils 'Try Whistling This' tour. Some great moments. A lot of instrument swapping between the band. Great to watch Neils son do a sterling job on the guitar, awkward adolescent presence and all. I agree with another reviewers comment about Neils down to earth presence but
my main criticism is the somewhat strained repoire with the audience, who are so annoyingly quiet. He seems a little unrelaxed compared to what I know of him in live concerts with Crowded House. This a good DVD for fans of Neils solo work to have but I would thoroughly recommend however the 'Seven Worlds Collide' DVD -an inspiring concert covering Neils 'One Nil' album and beyond."