Sandra - I would LOVE to meet you sometime. You crack me up, usually when I need a good laugh.
I can see definate Beatle influences in Neil's music. The thing that really strikes me is that Neil, like Paul M. has a happy talent for melody that is sadly lacking from most others. At the same time I can see Lennon's style in Kill Eye, Mansion in the Slums amoung others, but Neil Finn/Crowded House is Neil Finn/Crowded house. They have left their OWN indelable mark on the world. Just like John, Paul, George and Ringo.
I still contend that the Beatles were the most influential band ever.