Customer Reviews

The Thorn In Mrs. Rose's Side/Children Of Light

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Biff Rose is truly a one-of-a-kind artist. I can't think of anyone else that even remotely resembles him. But let me try. For older readers of this review, he's a little like very early Randy Newman. Others may be reminded of folk artist Tom Paxton (if he didn't play guitar). He's sort of a free-spirit hippie "beat" poet. His arrangements and song structures are as off-kilter as sometime collaborator Van Dyke Parks. For younger readers, he's a little like Daniel Johnston. Whimsical and silly - but more clever and witty. In yet other ways, he's like an observational comedian. If George Carlin could sing and play piano...

His songs are frequently funny, but they all have an underlying sadness about them. This melancholy/manic depressive quality is manifest on all his albums. Biff's piano playing is also unusual. It wouldn't be out of place at a carnival, a New Orleans speakeasy, or as silent film accompaniment. A reviewer once compared it to a Beatles song, calling it "clumpy 'Martha, My Dear' piano". He plays in fits and starts, sometimes continuously plunking one note, sometimes no notes at all, and other times executing runs and trills worthy of Jerry Lee Lewis. Some songs are solo piano, while others feature full orchestral string arrangements.

These two albums are his best, particularly "Children of Light". The follow-up "Biff Rose" (1970) is a good one, and I'm especially fond of his 1972 "live" record "Uncle Jesus/Aunty Christ". By the time he released "Roast Beef" (1978), the sadness overwhelmed the humor. Once sharp and satirical, his songwriting had devolved into nonsensical cosmic babble.

Still - back when he was good he was great. If you'd like to try something different, you may want to check this out.

There are some great songs on this CD. Biff Rose's best known song, "Fill Your Heart" is included, of course, but several others are just as good if not better: "What's Gnawing at Me," "Just Like a Man," and "Mama Told Me," to name just a few. The downside for me is that this CD is mastered from vinyl, and not great vinyl at that. There are frequent pops and clicks and occasional loud distortion. I presume this is the best the label could do as the design and packaging are lovingly prepared, but it is still a disappointment.

Biff Rose is one of the most gifted musicians and writers. This cd is fantastic. He can make you laugh, cry, and think. Not many artists can do that.

I first heard Biff Rose while watching the Tonight Show with Johnny Carson. I was probably in the 10th grade, so that would make it 1968 or 1969. This charming entertainer with his Pepsodent striped coat and bushy mustache made me smile and feel good. I immediately went to the record store and bought his record and would listen to Biff's stories late at night. I imagined singing about my own "Molly" and together, we shared tales of love lost and love regained. Before too long I could sing along every song and to this day I "fill my heart with love" and "avoid the game of time."

When I went to college someone broke into my dorm room and stole my whole record collection. I was incensed that they took Biff....I mean really!

This album is not for everyone, but if you're a hopeless romantic (like me) or you enjoy a clever phrasing, a witty lyric, or just a good old corny oddball, (I do) then you should give it a try. You may very well find your next best friend.

I bought this as a Christmas present so I haven't opened it. It arrived in very fast order. I would use them again

At last Biff's first two albums are available to the masses. Some of the most delightful and catchy work to come out of California in the late sixties. It was on the short list for David Bowie and the Manson family. Buy it! Now!