Album Review: Neil Finn + Paul Kelly 'Goin' Your Way'

Courtesy: Conqueroo

Goin' Your Way is the live album collaboration between Australian singer songwriters and longtime friends Neil Finn (of Crowded House & Splitz Enz) and Paul Kelly (The Dots, The Messengers). The album was recorded at the Sydney Opera House during their 2013 tour and while it was long released (and a hit) in Australia, the album has finally made it’s way to the U.S. where it was released on December 11th. 

The two-disc set, comprised of 29 songs total, contains tracks from their respective careers and if you are familiar with either man’s work (really who doesn’t love Crowded House?), you will be delighted by the selections included here, from “Four Seasons In One Day,” “Don't Dream It's Over” and “She Will Have Her Way” to “Before Too Long” and “For The Ages.” The two men do not just simply sing their songs, they share lovely harmonies and alternate verses on each other's originals, making something magical by putting a unique tilt on each loved song. In addition to sharing vocals, both play guitar and keys, while Kelly also plays percussion.

While the album is indeed a live one, the audience is a listening one, occasionally singing along with a few tunes ("Better Be Home Soon"), but never overpowering the performers, leaving the songs to come across clearly and beautifully. The set concludes with renderings of two covers, “Words of Love (Buddy Holly) and the classic “Moon River” (Henry Mancini/John Mercer) ending a night which comes across as something it undoubtedly was.....special.

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