Songs to No One [Import]

Gary Lucas, Jeff Buckley | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (December 2, 2003)
• Number of Discs: 1
• Format: Import
• ASIN: B00006L52K
• Also Available in: Audio CD  |  Vinyl  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 3.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (12 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,820,835 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

43 of 46 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Fantastic launch pad, March 8, 2003

By 

Jennifer L. Metcalf (USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Songs to No One 1991-1992 (Audio CD)

It's probably a good bet that the majority of people who buy this CD are doing it because of the name Jeff Buckley. I did. Of course there's no denying the incredible talent that Jeff gave us. But what this album did for me is to spark the fuse into learning more about the music of the extraordinarily versatile, Grammy-nominated Gary Lucas. What few may realize is that without Gary, there is no "Grace" or "Mojo Pin," as he is the creator of those hauntingly sweet musical notes (Jeff wrote the words). Although the song "Grace" from Jeff's solo LP is a beautifully polished studio version, this CD contains not one, but two earlier variants which exude a nascent energy not so evident on Jeff's solo album.

Although the song "Grace" is one of my favorite songs in the world, I actually prefer the two versions on "Songs to No One" because the raw tones of Gary's guitar and Jeff's voice sound much more vulnerable and passionate without such a full, heavy back-up orchestration. On the club Roulette live performance of Grace, Jeff starts out with an innocent little harmonica tune which seems to swiftly end in a minor chord which gently, but firmly captures the ear and immerses the soul into a musical orgy with those infamous first rifts of the song. I'm not particularly fond of the harmonica spotlights later found in the song, but for true lovers of "Grace," it's interesting to hear early launches of the song.

This version of "Mojo Pin," is refreshing because of its simplicity. I never realized how much the heavy bass and drums really weighed down this song on the album, "Grace." Jeff's voice is beautifully showcased, being impelled and kept lightly afloat by Gary's fluid whisperings of guitar. The end of the song is a bit raucous, but it feels like a welcome release of energy.

This album is not for those looking for neatly packaged, polished, bubblegum pop music, which is probably why some of the reviews here are not glowing. This music requires a sophisticated ear with depth to absorb the true musical genius of both musicians, which is sometimes baked underneath a slightly rough exterior caused by these demo and live performances, which, to my understanding, were never intended to be released in album form. Personally, I hope this CD helps propel word of the grotesquely underrated luminary who obviously had a great impact on Jeff's development: Gary Lucas. I've recently discovered his diverse repertoire of rich troves and have unearthed some of the most incredible harmonies I've ever heard in my life. If you're a fan of Jeff Buckley, I'd highly recommend Gary's albums, "Skeleton at the Feast," and "Level the Playing Field," both highly-praised albums by well-respected critics. They're both utterly spectacular.

31 of 32 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Calling all True Fans: Save this true gem for dessert, January 16, 2003

By 

Holly Evans Gray "shadylady" (Deep South, USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Songs to No One 1991-1992 (Audio CD)

Before you read another review calling this album redundant and unenlightening, read a review that should banish all negative reviews to the farthest corners of your brain if the following suggestions are heeded.

First point: Song 2 "How Long Will It Take" alone makes the CD worth having.

With that said, proceed to second point for carefully crafted "listening suggestions." These suggestions are designed for the sole purpose of enhancing your appreciation and love for this and other Buckley albums.

Second point: This album is best left til dessert. It simply can't be written off by anyone who does not have more than passing familiarity with at least 3 of the 4 albums listed below. Listen to it after listening to 1) Grace 2) My Sweetheart the Drunk 3) Live at Sin-e 4) Mystery White Boy, in no particular order except for #1, Grace

Heeding these suggestions will result in a rich appreciation of the diversity and magic of Buckley's early work.

Mojo Pin (track 3)and both versions of Grace (tracks 5 and 11) provide a rare glimpse into both the studio and live evolution of 2 songs which would later become part of Grace, the only album released during Buckley's lifetime and a musical coup de gras of the highest order. This early version of Satisfied Mind, track 6, is also a true gem.

21 of 22 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars there's that voice again., October 20, 2002

By 

T. Cook (louisville, ky United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Songs to No One 1991-1992 (Audio CD)

the saddest day in music for me was the day that jeff buckley died. we'll never know where he was going to take us with that voice. this cd is only able to offer us some more insight into where those places might have been. "hymne a l'amour" alone is worth a trip to the record store and the price of the cd. "harem man" is also a necessary addition to any buckley collection. the man had passion. the man had an incredible gift. this cd proves it once again.