Editorial Review
While it shortchanges the impact and progressiveness of father Tim, whose body of late-`60s work far outshined that of son Jeff, this tribute to the Buckleys' tragically short legacies is equally celebrated by folk and indie bands on both sides of the Atlantic. The collection follows no pattern, save for the Tim-Jeff-Tim-Jeff sequencing, and the half-dozen covers of the younger Buckley (who died at 30 in 1997) stick closely to the originals: though in the instances of Stephen Fretwell's brittle "Morning Theft" and King Creosote's accordion-led frolic through the anguished "Grace," Jeff's penchant for grandeur is driven to another rung. Carrying the set are the arrangements of Tim Buckley's compositions--which traversed areas of rock, folk, jazz and psychedelic. The songs sway more from the originals, precisely the experimentation the late singer (who died at 28 in 1975) would have preferred, with underscores going to Sufjan Stevens' rendition of "She Is," which retains the intimacy of the 1966 folk song, and the Earlies' harmony-rich "I Must Have Been Blind" (from Tim's fantastic Blue Afternoon). Though Dream Brother serves as a tuneful primer to the Buckleys, and a dozen bands that drew influence from them, it should not be filed under: LIKE FATHER, LIKE SON. --Scott Holter
Jeff Buckley and his father Tim are now the stuff of rock mythology: masters of the octave-leaping voice, the impossible to categorize blend of music and the intense, sensitive-soul gaze. It's clear that the artists who've contributed to this unique, joint salute love the Buckley's music, but they're happy (not sad) to shake things up a little. Even long-time fans may have trouble recognizing some of their favorite songs here. The Magic Numbers make Tim's "Sing A Song For You" entirely their own. Sufjan Stevens' take on "She Is" fulfills the madrigal potential of the original and in the hands of gineers, "Song To The Siren" is now a sad march to the sea. Interpretations of Jeff's "Mojo Pin" and "Grace" (by King Creosote and Adem respectively) treat the originals like well-worn folk ballads, bringing out unheard nuances. In the way it honors the heritage of the Buckleys while also exploring new ground, Dream Brother is a testament to the unique legacy Tim and Jeff have left in their wake.
The Songs Of Tim & Jeff Buckley features 13 cover versions of well-known tracks by the father & son including 'Sing A Song For You' (The Magic Numbers), 'She Is' (Sufjan Stevens), 'Grace' (King Creosote) & 'Song To The Siren' (Engineers) to name a few. Also includes a picture booklet with exclusive liner notes written by acclaimed author and Entertainment Weekly journalist David Browne. Full Time Hobby. 2005.
Based on the Book, and Including Sleeve Notes from the Author, `dream Brother' Brings Together the Cream of the Crop of the Current Indie/Folk Scene to Cover the Songs of Tim and Jeff Buckley. Includes Contributions from the Magic Numbers, Adem, Matthew Herbert with Dani Siciliano and Stephen Fretwell Amongst Others.
