Vollmundig-süffiges, abgeklärtes Singer-Songwriter-Pop-Werk
von 2006. Unaufdringlich-reif konzentriert der Neuseeländer die schönen
Seiten des Pop in 12 Songs, verbindet handgemachte Ehrlichkeit auf Klavier
und Gitarre mit zurückhaltenden Elektronik-Sanftheiten, vereint britische
Pop-Größe mit amerikanischer Sonne (bis hin zur Byrds-Gitarre)
und seiner eigenen, reichen Pop-Vergangenheit. Gefühlvoll dosierter
Streichereinsatz sorgt für hymnische Hochgefühle, ab und an
geht es mal dezent, mal deutlich Richtung Rock. Tragend
sind und bleiben aber die nahezu mühelos fließenden, zeitlosen
Melodien des Finn-Pop.
(Glitterhouse)
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Best known for his work with Split Enz, Crowded House and the Finn Brothers,
Tim Finn's nearly 25-year solo career has been overshadowed by his band
projects and, to a certain extent, by his brother Neil's international
success. Imaginary Kingdom should change all of that. To say that this
album is magical is an understatement! Imaginary Kingdom is an atmospheric
and joyous collection of beautifully written songs that embrace the listener
with warmth and emotional honesty. Piano moves back to centerstage again
(it was, for the most part, sadly neglected on his two previous solo releases,
Say It Is So and Feeding the Gods) and Finn's vocals are a wonder to behold.
When his voice takes flight, as it often does on this release, it becomes
an instrument of the angels. It's a stunning thing to experience. His
songwriting is stronger and more focused than it's been in years, every
song filled with thought-provoking lyrical images and spine-tingling chord
changes. Imaginary Kingdom's main strength is how well the songs fit together
as a whole. This is not an album to take apart piece by piece, looking
for a hit. This is an album that should be heard as a single piece of
art. That's not to say that there aren't any possible hits here, though.
"Couldn't Be Done," the album's first single and lead track
recalls other great Finn album openers like "Hit the Ground Running"
and "Fraction Too Much Fiction." "Winter Light," originally
released on the soundtrack to The Chronicles of Narnia, is one of the
most hauntingly beautiful ballads that Finn has ever written, and his
emotional performance is stunning. "Astounding Moon" and the
touching "Salt to the Sea" are in a similar musical vein, reaching
out and pulling the listener deeper into the album with each listen. "Still
the Song" celebrates the inspirational healing of music. "Resting
(Your Hands Lightly)," "Midnight Coma" and "Horizon"
are pure Finn pop nuggets with melodies sent down from the heavens. Although
Imaginary Kingdom is fantastic, it does have its flaws. "Dead Flowers"
has a nice Enigma-like groove but the melody doesn't reach out and grab
you like the other tracks do. "Unsinkable" does have a great
melody but the song doesn't really go anywhere before drifting from view.
But honestly, there is no perfect piece of art, and the minor flaws will
always add to its undeniable charm. Imaginary Kingdom should shift the
spotlight back to Tim Finn as one of the most gifted and extraordinary
singer/songwriters of his generation.
(by Stephen SPAZ Schnee, All
Music Guide)
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