GOODBYE AND HELLO

"Goodbye and Hello" is the second full-length studio album by US, folk/psychadelic rock artist Tim Buckley. The album was released through Elektra Records in August 1967. It´s the successor to the eponymously titled debut album from October 1966. Lead guitaris Lee Underwood and bassist Jim Fielder remain from the lineup who recorded the predecessor.

Stylistically the material on "Goodbye and Hello" is a developed version of the American folk rock which Buckley introduced on his debut album with some added psychadelic rock leanings. Buckley branches out more on this album and although it´s not an overtly experimental release, "Goodbye and Hello" still features enough interesting and and memorable musical moments to not be your standard fare folk rock release. Buckley´s strong and distinct sounding voice and passionale delivery are the central focus of the music, but the instrumental part of the music isn´t just background muzak. In fact there are some really strong musical performances from all involved.

Compared to the relatively polished and less interesting debut there are a couple of more adventurous tracks on "Goodbye and Hello" like "Carnical Song", "I Never Asked to Be your Mountain, the title track, the psychadelic "Hallucinations", and my personal favorite on the album "Pleasant Street". Tim Buckley´s vocal performance on the latter is nothing less than outstanding.

With seasoned veterans like Jac Holzman and Bruce Botnick producing and turning knobs, it´s no surprise that "Goodbye and Hello" features an organic, detailed, and well sounding production. So upon conclusion "Goodbye and Hello" is a good quality sophomore studio album by Tim Buckley which shows the right amount of development and experimentation while still remaining relatively accessible. A 3.5 star (70%) rating is deserved.