Neil Finn's Lecture at Yale University

Missy · #1 05-22-2018, 10:20 AM

He obviously likes trying new and different things, taking a risk occasionally. That's what can keep an artist creative.

I think the interview in first clip here is interesting too and has a few insights. A few years ago, Neil did some shows with Australian music artist Paul Kelly - another great songwriter. The idea of them performing together was like a dream come true. During the shows they were taking turns on and occasionally finding some interesting new angles in each other's work.

Neil and Paul both have their strengths as songwriters. I don't think Paul is well known overseas, and vocally he's probably along the same lines as Tom Petty and Bob Dylan - distinctive albeit limited range. But he's a very good storyteller, and can also write songs about the some of the most mundane, ordinary, everyday subjects - with vivid and evocative lyrics. (A review noted that Kelly despite his obvious talent 'remains a cult concern outside his native land. This is in no small part because his intimate story-songs have retained a strong identification with, and reflection of, Australian society.' I would probably agree.)

The second video is a medley they did on TV. The first tune is Kelly's, with Neil doing harmony. The second tune is one of my favourites from Neil - 'Four Seasons In One Day'.

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Sugar Mouse · #2 05-22-2018, 11:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Missy

He obviously likes trying new and different things, taking a risk occasionally. That's what can keep an artist creative.

I think the interview in first clip here is interesting too and has a few insights. A few years ago, Neil did some shows with Australian music artist Paul Kelly - another great songwriter. The idea of them performing together was like a dream come true. During the shows they were taking turns on and occasionally finding some interesting new angles in each other's work.

Neil and Paul both have their strengths as songwriters. I don't think Paul is well known overseas, and vocally he's probably along the same lines as Tom Petty and Bob Dylan - distinctive albeit limited range. But he's a very good storyteller, and can also write songs about the some of the most mundane, ordinary, everyday subjects - with vivid and evocative lyrics.

The second video is a medley they did on TV. The first tune is Kelly's, with Neil doing harmony. The second tune is one of my favourites from Neil - 'Four Seasons In One Day'.

Thanks for posting those videos. Neil is such a magnificent songwriter and has so much wisdom and knowledge when it comes to his craft. I'm not sure whether Stevie and Christine have yet figured out just how great a songwriter they have in Neil. Once folks get into Neil's music, they quicly see that the list of great Neil Finn songs is seemingly endless.

And I agree with you about Paul Kelly. Just like Neil, Paul Kelly is an incredible songwriter. The two songs of his that have stuck with me the most are "You Can Put Your Shoes Under My Bed" (see below for Neil's incredible version of it) and "They Thought I Was Asleep" (see below as well) which breaks my heart every single time I hear it. Neil and Paul are songwriting royalty.

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Missy · #3 05-22-2018, 12:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sugar Mouse

Thanks for posting those videos. Neil is such a magnificent songwriter and has so much wisdom and knowledge when it comes to his craft. I'm not sure whether Stevie and Christine have yet figured out just how great a songwriter they have in Neil. Once folks get into Neil's music, they quicly see that the list of great Neil Finn songs is seemingly endless.

And I agree with you about Paul Kelly. Just like Neil, Paul Kelly is an incredible songwriter. The two songs of his that have stuck with me the most are "You Can Put Your Shoes Under My Bed" (see below for Neil's incredible version of it) and "They Thought I Was Asleep" (see below as well) which breaks my heart every single time I hear it. Neil and Paul are songwriting royalty.

Everything that was said in the introduction for Neil's talk was true for any Australian/NZ kid who grew up with that music. It's a cliche! but truly was 'soundtrack for our lives'. With Paul Kelly, it's just song after song bringing back key memories.

If FM get to Australia, hoping they will perform both these songs. As can be seen here, Neil is very capable on keyboards. He won't be doing that on this tour, but am looking forward to hearing Christine perform them and her vocals with Neil.

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Missy · #4 05-23-2018, 04:15 AM

A guide to Neil Finn's 'Infinity Sessions' where he livestreamed the recording of his most recent solo album, to everyone on Internet.

https://thespinoff.co.nz/music/29-08...nity-sessions/

Missy · #5 05-25-2018, 06:10 AM

At that seminar, I was a bit surprised nobody really asked Neil about emotional process of songwriting? Because I'm a great believer - music can be very therapeutic. But he seems to touch on it here, in this 1986 interview with Beat magazine.

http://www.beat.com.au/music/archive...-crowded-house

Interesting interview about making his latest album - love the story about the mixing machine and its history (once used by The Who, Jeff Buckley, R.E.M. etc)

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Sugar Mouse · #6 05-25-2018, 12:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Missy

At that seminar, I was a bit surprised nobody really asked Neil about emotional process of songwriting? Because I'm a great believer - music can be very therapeutic. But he seems to touch on it here, in this 1986 interview with Beat magazine.

http://www.beat.com.au/music/archive...-crowded-house

Interesting interview about making his latest album - love the story about the mixing machine and its history (once used by The Who, Jeff Buckley, R.E.M. etc)

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/3irl1sCnREQ" frameborder="0" allow="autoplay; encrypted-media" allowfullscreen></iframe>

Thanks for posting. Great interview! Really like this Neil album that they're talking about "Out of Silence". Really great songs with beautiful arrangements. I think I mentioned in another thread that there were several songs that didn't make the cut for "Out of Silence" that could end up being Fleetwood Mac songs such as "Serious In Love", "Still Got It", and others.