Tim Finn - Escapade (1983)

European Import

Note: this release was originally purchased as an LP, later replaced by a CD.

I recently had this brief exchange on one of the socials:

I'm not sure exactly what in my memory prompted me to mention this album as a comparison to the Palmer, but I've since been listening to it frequently. Like many, I first heard of Finn in his role as lead singer of Split Enz. This debut solo album was understandably bigger in New Zealand (#1) and Australia (#8) but grossly overlooked in the States. It's an enjoyable, lightweight gem - much poppier than Split Enz, but just as many hooks. Comparisons in the reviews (below) mention McCartney, Elton John, The Police(?), Nick Lowe, Billy Joel, Steve Perry, Gerry Rafferty and to that recipe I'll add a dash of early '80s Daryl Hall & John Oates. While we're needlessly dropping names, a few familiar credits show up in the notes: Richard Tee on piano and Vince Gill on mandolin.

Press of the time:

• Rolling Stone (★★★½): "pop compositions that sparkle with deft, buoyant melodies"
• Trouser Press: "a gorgeous album chock full of classic pop songs Elton John or Paul McCartney would be proud to claim."
• High Fidelity: "he shows a penchant for sunny, sappy pop"
• Billboard: "disciplined, not indulgent."
• CashBox: "a cross between brash Nick Lowe and The Police's rakish reggae."

Peak on the US Billboard Top 200 chart: #161

Tracks: 10 tracks in only 38 minutes, so you can hit play and just kick back. There's at least one catchy hook in every cut, but my favorite cuts today are Fraction Too Much Friction (#2 NZ, #8 Aus), Through The Years, Made My Day, and Growing Pains.

Personal Memory Associated with this CD: I was introduced to this album through its final track, Growing Pains, which was chosen by director John Hughes for inclusion in the school dance scene of Sixteen Candles. For more on the soundtrack, please check out my complete breakdown here over at My Favorite Decade.