‘Happy Sad’ was Tim Buckley’s fourth album, and without a doubt one of his very best ever. It features everything that was so characteristic and loveable about this artist: Long epic songs, low key and slightly jazzy arrangements, free flowing ensemle playing (yes, there’s a band here – not just Tim and his twelve string guitar) and not at least his utterly fantastic singing and songwriting! The album opens with ‘Strange Feelin’, a slow-burner of a song that clocks in at nearly eight minutes and nicely sets up the dense and hypnotic atmosphere of this album. This song is followed by ‘Buzzin’ Fly’, a more up-tempo song, but still with those free flowing melodies and vocalizing that is so distinctly him, and that I find totally irresistable. ‘Love from Room 109 At The Islander (On Pacific Coast Highway)’ is certainly the song with the longest title here, and it has a lengthy playing time too: 10:47 minutes. Not ONE second of it is wasted. And can music get more dreamy than this?? The masterpiece features a simply wonderful atmosphere that is deeply melancholic, but at the same time very comforting. And, as he usually did, he sings about big and serious issues. Both the music and the lyrics are obviously deeply felt. The instrumentation is rather spare, but still highly intriguing. Combined with Buckley’s sheer presence and magical vocal, it surely makes you pay attention. ‘Dream Letter’ is possibly even more melancholic, and almost otherwordly – but at the same time incredibly human. It’s not easy to describe his art – it’s best felt. ‘Gypsy Woman’ is the most epic song here (and that says a lot), clocking in at 12 minutes and 19 seconds. Here, Buckley demonstrated once again what an incredibly powerful singer he was. His voice was a highly versatile instrument, and here you can hear him let loose in the only rocking song on this timeless album. But ‘Happy Sad’ closes with the very modest “Sing A Song For You”, which is another beauty to behold and cherish forever. As you can understand, there isn’t a single negative thing to say about this album. Certainly one of the very best albums from the 60’s for my money. It’s also a very dense album that one can find new interesting details and aspects in even after countless playthroughs. It’s music you can get totally lost in. Essential!
Tim Buckley – Happy Sad (Elektra 1969)
