Neil Finn was a latecomer to Split Enz, the quirky new wave band from New Zealand founded by his brother, Tim. After their breakup, Neil soon proved himself a formidable talent with Crowded House. Neil played guitar and wrote and sang the songs, and their 1986 eponymous debut set his propulsive pop tunes ("Something So Strong," "World Where You Live") in relief against songs of aching beauty like "Don't Dream It's Over." The second record, Temple Of Low Men, was darker and less transparent (though Finn has always had a rather cryptic lyric style) but included excellent songs like "Into Temptation," "I Feel Possessed" and "Better Be Home Soon."

Woodface, which featured a significant contribution from Tim Finn, is their best overall album. The loopy "Chocolate Cake" sounds a lot like Split Enz, but the best cuts ("Weather With You," "Four Seasons In One Day," "Fall At Your Feet") benefit from gorgeous, intricate arrangements - the hallmark of Neil Finn. The final, more rock-oriented disc, Together Alone, is no longer available in this country but is worth seeking out as an import.

After the band broke up, The Recurring Dream: The Very Best Of Crowded House was released. It's a well chosen, generous overview including three new cuts. Oddly, it does not contain the title song, an embryonic Crowded House recording from 1985 (available briefly in the States on the otherwise awful Tequila Sunrise soundtrack). The song - one of my favorites - is on Afterglow, though, a collection of rarities.

This Kiwi saga continued in 1998 with Neil Finn's excellent solo debut, Try Whistling This, followed by a live album (2001) and the also-excellent One All (2002).