Look At What I Have

[5_moves_of_doom]

 

Jeff Buckley -- Grace

 

I know basically nothing about this guy aside from his father and his death, but I read an interesting article the other day on the new deluxe edition release of his one and only album, and said what the hell, I'll pick it up. I'd heard a lot about him and loved "Lilac Wine," but for some reason had never gone deeper into his catalogue.

 

But I must say, this is amazing. I am completely digging this guy now, and it's tragic that he died so early in his career. I'm sad to say that I've got very little to contribute to this topic, but I figured that between all of you guys, I could find out a little more about him and some of your opinions.

 

So, anything Grace related, Jeff Buckley related, or -- hell -- *Tim* Buckley related... discuss. I'm absolutely flabbergasted at how I did not get into him earlier.

[B. Brian Brunzell]

Congratulations on getting into Buckley. For the longest time, Freddie Mercury reigned supreme on my vocalist list--until I heard Buckley. His voice was flawless. he did it all, from singing, to moaning, to even screaming(on live material, anyway). he could go from singing at an almost baritone level to a perfectly controlled falsetto in an instant. There was nothing he couldn't do.

 

My advice to you is to get your grubby mitts on as much Buckley as possible. Live at Sin-e is fucking incredible. It's just Jeff and his guitar for over 150 of the most enjoyable minutes a music fan can experience. Sketches for My Sweetheart...the Drunk is also key. There's some great material on that double disc, most notably "Everybody Here Wants You", "Witches Rave", "Yard of Blonde Girls". "Satisfied Mind", and the coup-de-gras, "Vancouver."

 

You've done yourself a huge favour by purchasing Grace. Most feel that his cover of "Hallelujah" was his finest hour, but I'm more keen to "Lover, You Should've Come Over" and "Last Goodbye." The falsetto in "Chorpus Christi Carol" is unmatched by any man I've ever heard. And the final "ooooh" just gets higher and higher until it reaches the apex and fades into "Eternal Life." Sheer brilliance, and it's a shame that a seemingly harmless swin in 1997 led to his death.

[5_moves_of_doom]

For the longest time, Freddie Mercury reigned supreme on my vocalist list--until I heard Buckley.

That, oddly enough, is the EXACT situation with me. Mercury has been my favorite for my entire life, and he just might have been replaced. Right now I'd say they're about tied on my list, or it's a "depending on the mood" thing, but mainly I'd say that's just because I'm so reluctant to take the top spot away from Freddie.

 

Anyhow, I will definitely pick up a live release. Are the Grace EP's any good, or just a complete waste?

 

Oh, and who is it that wrote "Lilac Wine"? I don't recognize the name at all.

[5_moves_of_doom]

This second-disc on the Grace Deluxe Edition is well worth the extra price. The alternate takes/live takes are great, and "Alligator Wine" is a hoot. Some of the unreleased tracks show a side of Buckley that you just don't see on the actual album, too.

[B. Brian Brunzell]

I don't ahve the EP's, but I'd imagine that they're quality stuff. I believe that most of the B-sides are live tracks from the "Mystery White Boy" tour.

[Your Paragon of Virtue]

Stupid question; is this a Christian album at all? Normally I'd think it's ironic, but with an album title like Grace, and songs like Eternal Life, it points in that direction.

[Edwin MacPhisto]

Nope. You're in the clear.

[Henry Spencer]

This album is overrated as hell.

 

I'll elaborate if anyone wishes to hear my stupid opinion.

[snuffbox]

This album is overrated as hell.

 

I'll elaborate if anyone wishes to hear my stupid opinion.

Please, elaborate further with your stupid opinion...

[Giuseppe Zangara]

I liked Grace a lot better when I was younger, but it got to the point where I couldn't get past Buckley's histrionic vocals. And John Cale does the only good version of "Hallelujah."