ALBUM REVIEWS

*** Neil Finn, “Try Whistling This,” the WORK Group. Seamlessly blending a range of modern styles into complex pop tunes, the former Crowded House leader’s solo debut recalls latter-day Paul McCartney in its genteel adventurousness. Mixing flavors of grunge, trip-hop and ‘70s balladry into 13 emotionally nuanced numbers, Finn (who plays Aug. 14 at the Wiltern Theatre) spikes his traditional melodies with dreaminess and discord. Though intricate, the arrangements of conventional, electronic and exotic instruments are airy enough to avoid claustrophobia.

Albums are rated on a scale of one star (poor), two stars (fair), three stars (good) and four stars (excellent).