TIM BUCKLEY
Once I Was (Fuel 2000)
Reviewed by Eric Steiner

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Once I Was is a collection of BBC sessions from 1968 and 1974 from Tim Buckley, one of America's most talented, sadly lesser known, singer-songwriters. His star shone brightly, but was eclipsed by a heroin overdose in 1975. Few singers have mastered the crooning pop song, brooding love song, or jaunty fantasy tune like Tim Buckley. His forceful, hypnotic "Honey Man" recalls the Lizard King himself, and there's a few others on Once I Was that will take you right back to the Summer of Love. Check out the wistful "Morning Glory" or the East Indian-tinged marathon ."Hallucinations/Troubadour." Once I Was, though, does more than capture one of America's great folk rock troubadours: it documents a musical era built around blues rock jams and far away love songs. For me, the highlight is the never before released recording of "I Don't Need It to Rain," a jazzy, rambling 12 minute live cut from Copenhagen in 1968. Rest in peace, Tim. If we can't hear you again, we're lucky to have Once I Was.

© 2000 - Eric Steiner