Tim Finn - Say It Is So

Tim Finn's Say It Is So underscores a perpetually restless creativity that's carried the New Zealander from the New Wave powerhouse Split Enz through Crowded House and other partnerships with younger brother Tim, to ALT (his earthy collaboration with Hothouse Flowers) to a handful of diverse solo efforts. Throwing in with Nashville producer-guitarist Jay Joyce (Patty Griffin, John Hiatt, the Wallflowers), Finn has produced a record bristling with indie spirit and musical playfulness. The dry expressiveness of his vocals often contrast starkly with the moody mix of muscular guitars, looped samples, and spare harmonies that frame them. Finn's pop sensibility won't be denied, be it straightforward (the Enz-ish "Underwater Mountain") or techno-adventurous ("Roadtrip"), but he's typically worked very hard at finding new voices and sounds to express it. If he stumbles a little (the pedantic sludge of "Need to Be Right"), it's just another sign that Finn is a musician brave enough to occasionally reach beyond his grasp. --Jerry McCulley Amazon.com

Nearly There.

Tim Finn, how we missed you. To some he is Neil Finn light, to some just the older not quite as lucky brother. There's Tim Finn, part time Crowded House member (Woodface) and finally Tim Finn, charter member of that 70's and 80's Kiwi export, Split Enz. To me he is mostly the latter. Being 35 years old I remember them from back in the day, and I have grown into a devout fan of the Enz and even more so, of Crowded House and Neil Finn. So, to discover Tim Finn it is esential that you listen to Split Enz (I recommend Time and Tide from 1982, it is very Tim Finn). So, how about Tim Finn the returning solo artist? Well, up until now I personally find it has been a rather dodgy afair. In my ears he seems to do his damndest to sound NOT like Tim Finn through most of his earlier work (like 1993's Before and After). It sounds restrained and not at all very imaginative (And in some cases very outdated by it's 80's sound). You are left with the feeling that he is incapable of unleashing his talent without his younger brother (The exellent first Finn Brother album 'Finn' from 1995 is a good example). But then came Say It Is So. I have to admit I bought it mianly because he was in Split Enz and Crowded House and I was in Sydney Australia at the time. But this time I enjoyed myself, I really did. This is a fine album, this SOUNDS like Tim Finn (Underwater Mountain is a gorgeous song). There are a couple of songs on this album that are a little dull, but everytime you feel a bit let down there's a new song to lift you back up. I don't know the man, just his music, but I feel I can say as much, Tim Finn sounds like he enjoys being Tim Finn, and that makes for a very good time in his company. February 2, 2007

Sonically vast & adventurous. Better than Feeding The Gods.

This album has recieved a lot of negative critcism in the popular media here in Australiasia. Many complained it showcased a weaker Tim Finn voice. Well for the record I think Tim's voice sounds fine. I found this album to be more adventurous and sonically more varied, advanced and experimental than the straight foward album after - the mainly guitar rock driven Feeding The Gods. So yes it is a better album. I love and respect the way the LP closes with a deeply profound philosphical heartfelt ode to the 20th century with Rest...Other lyrical trends through out the album is the Neil Finn similar (to his One Nil/One All song Driving Me Mad) Need To Be Right, which many compared to Neil Young & Crazy Horse's unique guitar sound. I think this album has everything in variety you could want from a Finn album. From the Neil Finn like Recurring Dream guitar riffs of the joyous beach scenery of Currents and Big Wave Rider to the straightfoward pop classicalism of Death Of A Popular Song and Good Together, this album has enough mix and match garden salad variety spice to convert any hardened Neil Finn/Crowded House only fans to Tim's solo camp. May 7, 2003

Better than you think

I am a big fan of Neil Finn, Crowded House and Split Enz (mostly the Neil Finn era enz), I have recently started liking Tim Finn's contribution to these groups, as well as Finn Brothers. I find this to be a consistently satisfying group of songs. His voice may not be Neil's or what it once was, but his songwriting, sense of melody and the ability to know the limitations of his voice are there. Of course, there is nothing as good as persuasion on this one, but then he is not the songwriter Richard Thompson is. Another collaboration with him would be wonderful. If you like Tim Finn, you will love this CD. May 21, 2001

A must have for Finn Fanz

If you like a Finn or have ever heard of a Finn, you will love this cd, eventually. It's a varied lot for sure, but you will be surprised and enjoy it. If you don't, listen to it again. Tim is sneakier than his brother. His aural charms are worth the effort. April 25, 2001

I've Waited 25 Years For This....Thanks Tim....

I was first introduced to Tim's singing when I was 13 years old, living in Canada...way back in 1975....I borrowed a copy of Split Enz's Mental Notes and my musical barriers were blown wide open. Initially I was smitten with the combination of Tim's and Phil Judd's vocals -- I loved how they contrasted each other and how they sounded so 'dangerous' together. I lost that sensation when Phil left the group. Even though Tim remained, I felt that he had somehow painted himself into a corner -- afraid to stray from the vocal style that had made him what he was up to that point. Finally, Tim has taken the complete plunge, and not only as a singer, but also as a songwriter -- he dares to be naked -- and he let's the scars show....and it's all beautiful... ...thanks Tim for an album that I wil cherish forever.... March 19, 2001

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