Like his son Jeff, Tim Buckley was taken from us too soon, dying of a heroin overdose at 28 in 1975. His legacy as a singer-songwriter is captured on this single disc that collects all of the A and B singles form the US and UK. The fact that someone like Buckley who covered genres ranging from folk to rock to jazz and psychedelia, and had “hit singles” on the radio tells you volumes about not only the era that produced this talent, but the talent himself.
Most of the songs are either self penned or collaborations with lyricist Larry Beckett, who also provide information in the copious liner notes. The songs themselves range from selections from his iconic self titled debut album, but there are also some obscurities such as the 1967 “Lady, Give Me Your Key.”
There is a Dylanesque feel to pieces like “Grief In My Soul” and minstrel moods on “Wings’ and”Strange Street Affair Under Blue.” His vocal delivery includes vibrato and warbles, maturing to a raspy feel on “Who Could Deny You.” The sounds themselves range from Byrds-like instrumentation on “Dolphins” to hippy experimentation on “Wanda Lu” to acid rock on “ Honey Man.” The lyrics are always thoughtful and provocative, unlike the trite navel gazing that we get now. People used to sit around and analyze what Buckley point was trying to convey on his songs. When was the last time a song had its fans that involved?
Omnivore Records