Being an old fan of Jeff Buckley I feel obligated to object every time his mother, or whoever holds the rights to his songs, decides to release yet another post mortem album from the legendary singer/songwriter. With every compilation of songs released, the value of his first album “Grace” goes down. I don’t mean dollars and cents, but “Grace” is such a strong album, which shouldn’t have to compete with other releases containing the same songs or material that were not meant for publication in the first place.
On the other hand…
Being an old fan of Jeff Buckley I am thrilled every time another post mortem compilation leaves the press and finds way to the stores. I once read that Mary Guibert, Buckleys mother, didn’t pay attention to people claiming that it was devaluating his sons legacy, to keep releasing compilations and unfinished material. She feels that it his her duty to tell the world of her son and his music, and with that in mind, every single one (it’s around seven or eight at the time of writing) of the compilations and rarities albums released since this great artists death, is justified.
What do you think?
let’s all hope for a buckley / 2pac duet
Comment by Niels Fyrst — May 23, 2007 @ 10:39
Well, I just got “Grace” after countless encouragements from friends and what have you, and it’s a phenomenal record! I just ordered “Sketches for My Sweetheart the Drunk” and seeing as how I always end up buying every single publication from bands/artists I love, I’ll end up owning this one as well :) I think it’s great when you get material from artists who’s no longer around. Just like I’d love for Courtney Love to drop dead from an OD or likewise, so that Mr. Grohl and Mr. Novoselic would be able to publish the vast amounts of unreleased Nirvana-material from the episodes of Kurt’s life where he was supposed to be at his most emotional and creative. Guess loads of the Nirvana fans feel that way…
Summing it all up; It’s priceless to get new material from artists you love and you feel you haven’t had a closure with, such as Nirvana, Jeff Buckley, Rage Against The Machine and so on…
That’s my two cents :)
Comment by Anders — May 23, 2007 @ 11:15
Ambiguity indeed.
As long as the new-old is released as unfinished sketches I feel that it can show a different side to the artists previous work. “Grace” is a unique album, nothing will change that. But some of the stuff comin out is pretty….. unfinished. So its a tough one.
Comment by Ole — May 23, 2007 @ 17:37
It is everyone’s right(and obligation in my opinion) to acknowledge and adore one of our times greatest musicians. So if a new compilation can get Jeff Buckleys wonderful voice out to people that might never had the chance to hear it before – well, then I´m loving it. Buy it as fast as you can. Keep the memory alive.
Comment by BO LYDBLIND — May 24, 2007 @ 20:29
I’ve been through a vast number of albums, with some of them the fascination has been there from the first time I pressed play.. But as it most often happen, the fascination eases off after some time.. “Grace” is one of the only albums in my collection, that I’m still as fascinated and fond of now, as I were years ago when I bought it.. I expected absolutely nothing of it, I bought it because I liked “So Real” (the only song I’d ever heard Jeff Buckley sing).. But lucky me, I got an amazing album, filled with beautiful lyrics and sung by an incredible voice..! “Grace” sticks with me..!
Comment by Trine — May 29, 2007 @ 19:56
I only have “Grace” and “Sketches for my sweetheart the drunk”, the latter beeing unfinished material, but still very very very worthy of beeing released!
I can’t help but be a little intimidated by the “money whoring perspective” of keeping releasing his unfinished stuff when he expressed himself that he would not have wanted it out.
Comment by Asger — June 6, 2007 @ 18:02
I own pretty much everything that has been relased and it might be my collectors gene but with Jeff Buckley it never gets boring or to much mostly because a song might have the same title but its never the same song. He always tried to vary the songs when he played them live.
What good would it do his legacy to store away some of the most mindblowing music that has been made. Also some of the unfinished materials have been recorded for the purpose af being released so I cant see the argument for not releasing it when he unfortunaly is not able to.
Putting aside the money perspective I think the only purpose with his music is for it to be let out to those that love it and let them dream of it. It would be wrong to put it away and not let anyone find joy in it.
Comment by Sidsel — October 16, 2007 @ 18:16