My Fleeting House

Tim Buckley

Ok, so this one is a gem! Tim Buckley is one of those singer/songwriters who seems to have ‘slipped through the cracks’ in mainstream pop/rock history.. If you can recall the end of the movie Coming Home when Bruce Dern’s character is undressing to take a suicidal dip in the ocean, the haunting song playing during this ending is “If I Were” by Tim Buckley. Or maybe you remember staring at Buckley’s handsome face smiling from under his mop of shaggy hair as you studied any one of a number of his late 60s album covers? Or maybe you have even heard of Tim’s son Jeff, a consummate solo artist in his own right? Either way, after viewing My Fleeting House, you will plainly see what a talented dude Tim Buckley was, and why the man and his songs should be remembered.

With rare footage spanning Buckley’s career from 1967 to 1974, the viewer gets a good insight into what this guy was all about. Billed first as a socially conscience folk artist, moving through Cuban-influenced funk, right into jazz improvisations — Buckley grew through nine short years as a songwriter with depth and complexity (not to mention a totally underrated, yet stellar 12-string guitar technique). Interspersed with interviews from ex-Buckley band mate Lee Underwood and lyricist Larry Beckett, we are treated to rarely scene clips, starting with “Song of The Siren,” from the Monkees television series of all places, to some foggy Dutch TV footage with Buckley and his band (featuring percussionist Cater C.C. Collins and guitarist Underwood). There is even a video of Buckley performing the song “Pleasant Street” as he acts the part of a troubadour in the movie The Christian Licorice Store.

What becomes abundantly clear beyond Buckley’s obvious magnetism and solid songwriting is that he had one of the most unique voices of his time. The songs are fantastic of course — in certain instances actually heart-breaking, beautiful — I’d say Buckley rivals Phil Ochs and even Dylan in that mid- to late-60s period with such meaningful work. What gets me most about Tim Buckley is how his voice cuts through everything with a maturity and other-worldliness; there are just some people, when they open their mouths to sing, you know you are in the presence of something unusual. Oftentimes, it’s not the purity of tone or vocal technique (in many cases, these elements detract more than ad to it) but when you hear a John Lennon for instance, a Chrissie Hynde, or even a Shirley Bassey, one has to stop and listen. Buckley has this kind of a voice. My Fleeting House is is a no frills retrospective, done with candor, class and brevity. With honest, heart-felt observations from creditable sources (not just famous fans weighing in with their insights and opinions), this DVD shows the viewer just what made Tim Buckley so special and why he should be remembered.

~ Ralph Greco, Jr.

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