Tim Buckley - Starsailor

I sought this one out through being a fan of This Mortal Coil's gorgeous interpretation of "Song to the Siren". Irritatingly, "Starsailor" seemed to be the only one which wasn't included in the set of Tim Buckley CD re-issues a few years ago, so it was a pain to get hold of. In the end I was taken aback on first listen, as this album has tentacles. It's quite far-out experimental stuff, typical of the turn of the 70s, with layers of psychedelic and jazzy jamming. The songs wouldn't be so remarkable if it wasn't for Buckley's unique singing. They are held together throughout by Tim's powerful vocal lines soaring over the top, acrobatic but supremely controlled. The dense instrumental jams are broken up by a pretty little cod-French tune "Moulin Rouge", and of course, the beautiful, disturbing lament "Song to the Siren".

May 9, 2004

6 out of 10

see also...

• This Mortal Coil - It'll End In Tears

previous | next