Product Details

• Actors: Neil Finn
• Format: Color, Dolby, DVD, Live, NTSC
• Language: English (Dolby Digital 5.1), English (PCM Stereo)
• Region: Region 1 (U.S. and Canada only. Read more about DVD formats.)
  
• Aspect Ratio: 1.33:1
• Number of discs: 1
• Rating: NR (Not Rated)
• Studio: Sony
• DVD Release Date: December 19, 2000
• Run Time: 74 minutes
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (28 customer reviews)
• ASIN: B000054OW4
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #47,396 in Movies & TV (See Bestsellers in Movies & TV)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

Neil Finn is one of the most respected songwriters in the industry, having performed in the past with such artists as Sheryl Crow, Shawn Colvin, Wendy and Lisa's Wendy Melvoin and Midnight Oil's Jim Moginie. This program features music from Neil's first solo album, "Try Whistling This," as well as hits from his previous bands Split Enz and Crowded House, with a guest appearance by Mark Hart (former Crowded House member). This is the complete show recorded for the award-winning "Sessions at West 54th." Songs: Try Whistling This, Addicted, Fall at Your Feet, Don't Dream It's Over, Twisty Bass, King Tide, I Got You, Dream Date, Sinner, I See Red, Astro, Faster Than Light, Loose Tongue, Souvenir, She Will Have Her Way, Truth, Last One Standing.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

33 of 34 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Neil Finn Sessions at West 54th, December 17, 2000

By	Peter Green (Prahran, victoria Australia) - See all my reviews

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.

26 of 26 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Neil live on DVD finally, December 20, 2000

By	Vinzo "[e-mail]" (Boston, MA United States) - See all my reviews

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.

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Five-star Finn., April 19, 2003

By	G. Merritt (Boulder, CO) - See all my reviews (TOP 100 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)    (VINE VOICE)

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