This came out in 2000 — or at least that’s when I got it. Here’s what I said about it back then (with some minor editing):
If you’re wondering where singer-songwriter Tim Finn has been for the last while, the answer can be summed up in one word: Nashville.
Don’t worry, though; the founder of Split Enz and erstwhile member of brother Neil’s Crowded House hasn’t traded in his pop sensibilities for a 10-gallon hat and spurs. On the sweet Say It Is So — his first solo album in seven years and first record since the ’95 Finn Brothers album — the New Zealander simply dips his toes into the pedal-steel and acoustic-guitar instrumentation and unadorned melodicism of American roots-rock. When it comes to songwriting, though, his wry wit and ear for a catchy melody haven’t changed a whit. Which makes tracks like Death Of A Popular Song or Some Dumb Reason a wonderful amalgam of styles — kind of like Ray Davies jamming with Wilco, or Elvis Costello duetting with Tom Petty. Welcome back.
