We have been going to more shows than I have been used to, and this has been very enjoyable. The latest was Crowded House at the Spark Arena. I saw Split Enz in the 1980s, on one of their numerous 'final' tours. This was a revelation that made me wish I'd seen them far more often. I had the albums, but live in concert they were next level.
The common thread running through the success of the latter phase of Split Enz's musical journey followed by the phenomenon of Crowded House has to be the genius of Neil Finn. He has the rare knack of combining a poet's touch with lyrics, a subtle chordal and harmonic intelligence, and an ear for a brilliant pop tune.
My excitement was building as we filed into Spark, took our seats, enjoyed the pleasant opening act of Mel Parsons, and then the lights dimmed before the big show. Then it was all on! Crowded House did not disappoint, as the Herald observed; "There’s nothing quite like watching an expert share their craft." They played my two most favourite songs and all the big hits, including a fantastic version of Private Universe, so I was well pleased.
It's the Advent season again, and soon Christmas will be upon us. The concert was like unwrapping a Christmas present and getting exactly what you want, but the deluxe version as a bonus. No doubt the organised among you are already ticking off and wrapping nice presents for family and friends in such a manner, so you know what I mean.
For the faith community, the season of Advent is a time of waiting, waiting for the Son of God to be revealed. We know the story because we've mostly been here before, but my prayer is that this Christmas we will discover a new sense that the good news of salvation in Jesus is better than any gift we have unwrapped, any event we have ever anticipated. Come Lord Jesus.
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