TIM BUCKLEY

Debut album by an extremely shy boy that grew up in LA (Orange County) in the shadow of Disneyland, and one rather conventional folk rock album, much in the vein of the singer/songwriter albums that would plague most of the 70's. But freshly (and reluctantly) married Tim was left alone in the studio. Signed up to the LA-based Elektra label that made of folk and folk rock its centre of expertise (but also signing other locals Love and The Doors), This firm had the reputation of nurturing their talent and direct them with an iron hand (where Elektra-legend Joe Boyd in the UK acted mostly the opposite, when needed), so young Tim was directed and had very few things to say about this album, but it's not a typical folk album either, partly because of Tim's voice and compositions.

First, Tim already has in his entourage lyricist Harry Beckett (although he writes half of them alone) and guitarist Lee Underwood, and as guest interestingly enough, Van Dyke Parks on keyboards. Indeed tracks like I Can't See You (most likely a shot towards his forced-upon wife, especially that later on he has a song for lover Jainie) are of a personal nature, but well written enough to be of interest to everyone. Other stand-out tracks are Song Of The Magician, Song Slowly Song (Van Duke shines on this one) and the rockier Understand Your Man (intended for wifie and lover) are already pointing to the next album's more instrumental nature. Other like Wings, Strange Street Affair, Jainie Don't You Know, Grief In My Soul are just boring run-of-the-mill, early country (a dimension that will not be pursued latter on), while a few folk song like She Is, Happens Every Time and Valentine Melody are average folk tracks, just like most early Dylan fans liked them.

In some ways this album will be very quickly forgotten about, Tim never really disavowing it, but just shutting it out of his mind, something that most progheads could easily do, although I hear a frustrated growl from the folk purists.