She Will Have Her Way, an album of covers of the songs of Tim and Neil Finn, has just been released by Parlophone, and Split Enz are re-forming for a world tour. A good time, then, for 10 essential moments from the Finns’ most successful incarnation.
1 Private Universe Of all Neil’s songs, this nails his gift for haunting melodies and lyrics imbued with longing and regret.
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2 Don’t Dream It’s Over Arguably the best (and most self-knowing) song written by a man following a row with his wife.
3 Pineapple Head Neil delivers on his threat to “come flying like a spark, to inflame you”.
4 Weather with You Originally intended for a Finn brothers’ album; the highlight from the siblings’ only substantial Crowded House collaboration.
5 I Feel Possessed Another devotional missive from one of pop’s most romantic lyricists.
6 Not the Girl You Think You Are Written for their best-of, Recurring Dream, this Lennon-ish beauty was that rare thing, a great tailor-made song.
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7 Distant Sun A country-rock stunner from 1993.
8 Now We’re Getting Somewhere Nashville meets France on this accordion-flecked barnstormer.
9 Locked Out Another “domestic” begets another great song.
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10 Everything Is Good for You More Beatlesy loveliness, from Recurring Dream.
Download At www.napster.co.uk