SPILL ALBUM REVIEW: TIM FINN & PHIL MANZANERA – FINN & MANZANERA

TIM FINN & PHIL MANZANERA
FINN & MANZANERA
BFD/THE ORCHARD

Tim Finn and Phil Manzanera have known each other and worked together for a very long time. Manzanera produced the second Split Enz album, Second Thoughts in 1976, and in return Finn has sung on several Manzanera recordings. It may seem an odd collaboration at first, however they seem to have a connection and understanding of each other’s music. In 2021, the two recorded the brilliant and underrated Caught By The Heart. This was followed in 2022 by the wonderful The Ghost Of Santiago. Both of these albums are spectacular in their own way.

Caught By The Heart opens with “Mambo! Salsa!” and sets the tone for a very Spanish flavored album, a genre that Manzanera has worked with a great deal. Manzanera was born in London but spent much of his childhood in South America with his family. This background comes across in several of his albums, but especially here.  “All That’s Human” and “A Galleon Of Stars” are great examples. Through it all, however, Finn seems very much at home singing in Spanish.

The Ghost Of Santiago is similar but with a bit more experimentation from the duo. The title track is particularly interesting and one of the best songs the two have created. It is a ghost story that allows Finn to lyrically explore Chile.  It is well worth the effort and time. It is the strongest album of the two and listening to it makes one wish the duo had continued to make more like this one. Manzanera uses his guitar to create atmosphere and Finn’s use of his voice and keyboards makes for an incredible listening experience.

Now those albums have been collected into one box set with a bonus EP. Finn & Manzanera allows fans to get all their music in one set. It also allows the music to come together, perhaps as it was always intended, as one body of work. Whatever the reason, it was a brilliant decision and the bonus songs make it all that more essential.

The third disc, Smooth Sailing, seems to be songs left over from the other two albums. “Save You” is a true highlight of the set. It is surprising it did not make it into one of the original albums. Finn sings about “only rock ‘n’ roll can save you” and the joys of touring. Manzanera’s tasteful guitar and Finn’s vocals come together to form the perfect sound. It is a true masterpiece. Other songs on the bonus EP are great as well. One cannot help but wish it had been a complete album, as the songs are brilliant and do not feel like leftovers. The last track, “Dominos”, is another classic Manzanera/Finn collaboration. The two of them produce such sublime music. The piano forms the base of the song, while Manzanera’s guitar plays off the piano. It is a stunning track and Finn singing in Spanish is the perfect vocal for the song.

Finn & Manzanera is a long awaited project from these two friends who share a musical history. It is a collaboration in every sense of the word, and it is wonderful. As mentioned, it does make one crave more music from these two, but we are fortunate to have this set. These three records are outstanding and a welcome addition to both of their growing catalogues.

Tim Finn Links

Phil Manzanera Links