Ignored Obscured Restored
In the late ’60s and early ’70s, Tim Buckley emerged as the avatar of daring, adventurous folk music.
His beautifully aching song “Morning Glory,” co-written with Larry Beckett, appeared on his second album Goodbye and Hello (1967) and was later covered by several artists, including Blood, Sweat & Tears. However, the song was ultimately too conventional for Buckley, who felt compelled to keep pushing his music into new, uncharted territory.
By 1969, Buckley was embracing jazz influences, collaborating with vibraphonist David Friedman and conga player C.C. Collins on Happy Sad (1969). His exploration of improvisational structures culminated in what many of his most devoted fans consider his masterpiece: Starsailor (1970).
Buckley understood that this shift in musical direction would likely alienate his core fanbase, but he was determined to follow his artistic instincts. He toured the album in small jazz clubs, often to indifferent or confused audiences.
The standout track from Starsailor is “Song to the Siren,” also co-written with Beckett.
The song draws on Greek mythology, referencing the sirens who lured sailors to their doom. Its poetic lyrics reflect Beckett’s literary sensibilities, offering a stark contrast to Buckley’s more emotionally direct songwriting style.
The arrangement is minimal — anchored by a reverb-drenched guitar that perfectly frames Buckley’s extraordinary five-octave vocal range.
“Song to the Siren” found new life in 1983 through a haunting cover by This Mortal Coil, which has since been featured in numerous film and television soundtracks.
Buckley died 50 years ago of an accidental drug overdose. He was 28. His friend and drug dealer, Richard Keeling, had given him heroin the night he died. On the advice of Keeling’s lawyer, he pleaded guilty to involuntary manslaughter, and served four months in jail. Today, he says he regrets that decision and wishes he had fought the charge.
Enjoy… until next week.