Finn to hold second 'Seven Worlds Collide' shows

While I love the fact that Crowded House reformed and enjoyed the debut of CH 2.0 quite a bit, I’m glad to see that Neil Finn will continue exploring things outside the sphere of the band. He only managed two albums in the decade the band was away, but they’re full of great songs, so knowing that he’ll still touch on that material and pursue his own music apart from the band is good news.

Even better news: Finn has gathered a passel of friends for another Seven Worlds Collide album. The first, issued in 2002, found his touring band augmented by the likes of Johnny Marr, Eddie Vedder and Radiohead’s Ed O’Brien and Phil Selway, performing Crowded House, Split Enz, Finn solo and cover songs. The set was issued on CD and DVD, and capped a flurry of activity that began with the dissolution Crowded House.

Since, Finn recorded just one other solo album, One Nil (One All stateside) before reuniting Crowded House. Now that the band’s tour for that reunion album, Time on Earth, is over (and before touring for the imminent follow up can commence), Finn will revisit the Seven Worlds Collide idea. Back are the Radiohead boys, Marr and Finn’s onetime bandmates Lisa Germano and Sebastian Steinberg. They’ll be joined by most of Wilco — Jeff Tweedy, John Stirratt, Glenn Kotche and Pat Sansone — KT Tunstall, Don McGlashan, Bic Runga and Finn’s son, Liam.

While the first version was the document of a live show, apparently this one will be a studio project, recorded at his own Roundhead Studios in Auckland, New Zealand. For those in New Zealand, however, there is good news: Three shows that his web site calls “a series of intimate and informal live performances at a nearby club venue.” These will be held Jan. 5-7.

For the rest of us, we must wait for the yet-to-be-determined release date for the album.