Neil Finn on the band with “the greatest longevity in music”
Neil Finn has had a successful career, playing in bands such as Split Enz, Crowded House and even Fleetwood Mac. He is considered by many to be one of the most prolific songwriters in pop music, and as such, he has good knowledge about how music will be perceived and whether or not it will stand the test of time.
Finn has written with many different people. He knows the kind of music they make and how they can work with other people. This is important as being a great songwriter does not just mean writing a good song, but it means knowing people can cope under pressure, deliver in the long run and are open to collaboration. All of these aspects influenced his decision-making when he spoke about the band with the greatest longevity.
Previously, members of Radiohead, such as Ed O’Brien, have worked with Neil Finn and praised his ability as a songwriter. In fact, O’Brien once said that Finn was the “most prolific writer of great songs.” It turns out that Finn has just as much respect for the group as when asked to pick some of his favourite albums, he hailed Radiohead for having “the greatest longevity in music”.
“They’ve been very good friends for a long time and have been making extraordinary music for a long time. Really, in terms of bands and longevity, you couldn’t think of a better example,” said Finn.
“They agonise over the music making, and sometimes it’s not easy, as was the case with this album, In Rainbows, which I think was a very difficult album for them to make. But it sounds effortless and is actually – I’ve got favourites amongst all the other albums, favourite songs – but that is my favourite album.”
As someone who has worked with the outfit, his knowledge of Radiohead goes beyond just the music they create. He knows what it’s like to work with them and what kind of commitment they are willing to put into their music. He references this, acknowledging that their finished product sounds effortless despite how complicated the process might be.
This kind of ability as a songwriter and a musical unit is invaluable, and in considering that, as well as the excellent music Radiohead have put out, which is at the forefront of alternative rock, it’s easy to see how Finn has come to his decision. Given how long the band have been performing now and that they are still widely considered one of the most innovative and exciting musical outfits available, he hasn’t been proven wrong yet.
