Crowded House frontman Neil Finn returns to record stores Tuesday with his solo debut, "Try Whistling This." As always, Finn's music deftly combines folk and pop elements on songs like "Last One Standing," and includes a few surprises. The title track is a melancholy challenge, while "Sinner" incorporates hip-hop rhythms. Led Zeppelin influences reflect in "Loose Tongue." On "Whistling" Finn proves himself to be a capable and versatile solo artist.

-- Beth Winegarner

This article was originally published in the San Francisco Chronicle.