Buckley, Tim "Happy Sad" [Elektra 75, Rhino Reserve]

Tim Buckley ranks among the most adventurous singer-songwriters, and 1969's HAPPY SAD shows his talent in full bloom. After two albums working with lyricist Larry Beckett, the Elektra collection is the first of all-Buckley originals, and these six songs reflect a growing fascination with jazz (opener “Strange Feelin'” was inspired by Miles Davis). Predominantly acoustic, the relaxed arrangements include some fine guitar work by Lee Underwood and vibraphone playing by David Friedman, but the most impressive instrument here is Buckley's highly elastic voice. Produced by Zal Yanovsky and Jerry Yester (of Lovin' Spoonful fame), this set was Tim Buckley's highest charting release and is an ideal way to remember the visionary performer, who passed away on this day in 1975. This album has been cut from the original tapes by Chris Bellman at Bernie Grundman Mastering and is pressed locally on 180 gram premium-quality vinyl at Fidelity Record Pressing's plant in Oxnard, California as part of the Rhino Reserve line.