BC Recommends-Grace by Jeff Buckley

Jeff Buckley was the son of well-known 60's artist Tim altough they no relationship as such-sadly he tragically drowned in 1997 aged 31-during his life time he had only one studio release his 1994 album Grace (Columbia 475928 2).
Buckley had an amazing vocal range and this was matched by his wide musical tastes-this album ranges from choral classical via chanson to rock and now is becoming a regular in Top 100 Albums of all time lists.
From an Audio point of view it is an excellent recording (Produced by Andy Wallace and mastered by Howie Weinberg)-featuring both close miked vocals on the quieter tracks and the excellent recorded,multi-layered rock tracks-8 years on it still sounds fresh,despite the dynamics the record is never over produced.
The album is not totally immediate but about 5 listens in you should realise this is a classic.
For the smoother Audiogoners,the brillant vocal interpretation of Lilac Wine (made famous by Nina Simone and Elkie Brooks)is worth the price of the disc alone,similarly he produces the definitive version of Leonard Cohen's Hallelujah-a simply astounding gospel folk version.
He also tackles Benjamin Britten's Corpus Chrsti Carol unlikely as it seems this classical piece fits perfectly on an album that is mainly rock.
The remaining 7 tracks are all originals and feature a lighter,looser Zeppelin-type rock-not unlike the Kashmir sound updated for the 90's (Page & Plant are massive fans of this album)-from the catchy rock of So Real via the intially strange-sounding couplet of openers to the atmospheric finale of Dream Brother it's clear this is an original artist with amazing vision at work.
The two stand outs for me are both originals by Buckley-Last Goodbye and Lover You Should Have Come Over-both track's slightly maudlin lyrics uplifted by driving musical statements brilliantly arranged.
This album was released with minimum fuss but over the years even before his untimely death it was clear it was an unique recording-so much so Bucley himself struggled in it's shadow to follow it up .
A second studio album(a double including demo's etc.,Sketches For My Sweetheart The Drunk) was released after his death,although brilliant in parts it will be Grace that will be seen as Buckleys ultimate testament to his brilliant voice and talent.
His talent was such also that he was taken on his own merits despite the fame of his father.
Arguably the greatest rock/popular music release of the last ten years this record has something for everybody and if you have the patience to let it grow on you and imagination to cope with it's audacious sweep and range you will be richly rewarded.
Buy this record!