Tim Finn - Big Canoe

An Overlooked Gem

There is a surprising "funky" beat to many of the songs on "Big Canoe." While that might sound uninviting on a Tim Finn CD, it really wears its welcome well. Finn is in fine vocal form, and the songs have distinct and interesting melodies. "Spiritual Hunger" starts off the CD with a reverbing "Hear me now, hear me now." The bass playing is strong, and it sounds as if the drum machines are in high gear, but the end result is an almost danceable power tune.

Other selections that are noteworthy are "Don't Bury My Heart," the very funky "So Deep," the spiritual "No Thunder, No Fire, No Rain," and the sweet "Hyacinth." The title track brings a chanting element, which most Finn fans will be happy to hear again. The final track, "Are We One Or Are We Two?" is a pop beauty, utilizing horns and strings to their finest.

"Big Canoe" has been bashed by a number of professional reviewers through the years. I've found it to be extremely satisfying... I think it's Tim Finn's best solo work... and, actually, it is very much on a par with brother Neil's best solo and Crowded House endeavours. Highly recommended. August 3, 2003

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