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Free Music Notes for Songs to No One 1991-1992Free Music Review: Review for songs to no one Hit: 5 Stars
I love this album. I have never heard some of these sorts of songs from Jeff Buckley before. I didn't realize he had this musical experience as far as being in this band with George Lucas. They certainly were a good duo for writing songs. George had the different but awesome licks on the guitar that matched very well with Jeff's singing style. I love the lyric Jeff comes up with he is one of the best lyricists I have ever heard. I can really see he puts a lot of thought into all aspects of the music. This album is really a treat to have if your interested in Buckley's musical development.
Free Music Review: This album is definitely worth your money. Hit: 5 Stars
I didn't even know about this album until I was browsing around at the store, and then I saw it there. I noticed that it had a few songs from Sketches and Grace, but I bought it anyways. Little did I know how incredible it would turn out. The songs on the album showcase beautifully Jeff's voice. Nevermind trying to equalize him with the band. Also, some of the other songs are different than what I was used to hearing. "Harem Man" and "Malign Fiesta" were heavier with the rock and roll, but Jeff's voice still beats it all. I love this album.
Free Music Review: One of the greatest artist to walk the earth.... Hit: 5 Stars
is reincarnated through this album. I'm not saying that this is the best post-mortum release to be added to his name, but it marks a stage in his development as an artist finding his place. The recorded demo of "Grace" shows the trial period along with this phenomenal version of "Satisfied Mind." I know Jeff wouldn't have allowed us to hear these and we probably would've been blessed with much greater, more complete releases. However, this brings light to our famed Mystery White Boy and I am thankful for this.
Free Music Review: Fantastic launch pad Hit: 4 Stars
It's probably a good bet that the majority of people who buy this CD are doing it because of the name Jeff Buckley. I did. Of course there's no denying the incredible talent that Jeff gave us. But what this album did for me is to spark the fuse into learning more about the music of the extraordinarily versatile, Grammy-nominated Gary Lucas. What few may realize is that without Gary, there is no "Grace" or "Mojo Pin," as he is the creator of those hauntingly sweet musical notes (Jeff wrote the words). Although the song "Grace" from Jeff's solo LP is a beautifully polished studio version, this CD contains not one, but two earlier variants which exude a nascent energy not so evident on Jeff's solo album.Although the song "Grace" is one of my favorite songs in the world, I actually prefer the two versions on "Songs to No One" because the raw tones of Gary's guitar and Jeff's voice sound much more vulnerable and passionate without such a full, heavy back-up orchestration. On the club Roulette live performance of Grace, Jeff starts out with an innocent little harmonica tune which seems to swiftly end in a minor chord which gently, but firmly captures the ear and immerses the soul into a musical orgy with those infamous first rifts of the song. I'm not particularly fond of the harmonica spotlights later found in the song, but for true lovers of "Grace," it's interesting to hear early launches of the song. This version of "Mojo Pin," is refreshing because of its simplicity. I never realized how much the heavy bass and drums really weighed down this song on the album, "Grace." Jeff's voice is beautifully showcased, being impelled and kept lightly afloat by Gary's fluid whisperings of guitar. The end of the song is a bit raucous, but it feels like a welcome release of energy. This album is not for those looking for neatly packaged, polished, bubblegum pop music, which is probably why some of the reviews here are not glowing. This music requires a sophisticated ear with depth to absorb the true musical genius of both musicians, which is sometimes baked underneath a slightly rough exterior caused by these demo and live performances, which, to my understanding, were never intended to be released in album form. Personally, I hope this CD helps propel word of the grotesquely underrated luminary who obviously had a great impact on Jeff's development: Gary Lucas. I've recently discovered his diverse repertoire of rich troves and have unearthed some of the most incredible harmonies I've ever heard in my life. If you're a fan of Jeff Buckley, I'd highly recommend Gary's albums, "Skeleton at the Feast," and "Level the Playing Field," both highly-praised albums by well-respected critics. They're both utterly spectacular.
Free Music Review: You Want More? Here it is! Hit: 4 Stars
Jeff Buckley and Gary Lucas met at the Greetings From Tim Buckley tribute concert at St. Ann's Church. The two wanted to play Sefronia, and so they were paired together for the event. A friendship and a musical partnership grew. The following are the recordings done during the union.
This CD is a curiosity, a must for those with the desire to fill their Jeff Buckley collection and a raw, strange musical experiment for others who might be unfamiliar with Buckley's other work.
Fans, do not be discouraged from buying the CD. Jeff's vocals are as amazing as always. Lucas's style is obviously different than Buckley's, but it is also interesting to see how the two worked together and shaped each other's music. However, the vocals and the guitar don't mesh nearly as well as they did when Buckley created his own band with Michael Tighe, Mick Grondahl, and Matt Johnson. Still, we get to hear the beginning stages of several songs Buckley recorded later in his career including Mojo Pin, a really nice variation of Grace both recorded in a studio and performed live, and Satisfied Mind. There are also several new songs. The live Cruel has the feel of a classic rock song mixed with a few modern elements. She is Free stands out too; you'll probably find yourself bobbing your head along to its mellow rhythm.
The CD was not meant to be released to the public; the recordings were used for personal use. We get to hear Buckley playing with his voice, using different and primitive methods to create something that works. All of the imperfections are included here like wrong notes, false starts, feedback from the microphone, and moody humming. However, this is something special to hear, something we only hear in Buckley's live recordings and something cherished by most fans for being spontaneous and real. The CD ends with a very funny but short bit with Buckley acting as if he were a preacher, yet another reminded that he was a truly gifted performer.
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