Tim Finn – Escapade (1983)

While still a member of Split Enz, of which he was a founder member and often lead singer, Tim released this album.  Pretty soon after he left the band and for a while seemed to be seduced by America.   Later he joined younger brother Neil in Crowded House for the album Woodface, only to leave after a few live concerts, occasionally joining him for two albums under the Finn Brothers name.  Tim had been the main songwriter for Split Enz and definitely the leader of the group, though he started to be sidelined by the brilliance of Neil’s compositions and singing.  So, this debut was a chance to reclaim the songwriting brilliance he once commanded.  And it didn’t disappoint – in fact it feels like the ‘lost Split-Enz album’ – full of songs that would have sat happily on the band’s earlier records.  Best are ‘Fraction Too Much Friction’, ‘Staring At The Embers’ and ‘Growing Pains’.