Sticks and Stones

Jeff Buckley was a musician who even after his death enjoys resounding acclaim, not only by myself and Udayan, but music critics and musicians alike. The son of Tim Buckley, a popular folk singer, Jeff released only a single album in his lifetime, Grace (1994) before tragically drowning in 1997 at the age of just 30.

I do not claim to be a music mogul, nor do I claim to be in a position to understand the intricate components which comprise a song. I could certainly never write one despite my (distinctly-amateur) guitarring. However, Buckley’s music was just beautiful. His voice had such an impressive vocal range and sublime sound. His lyrics are pervading, meaningful and timeless. His music is modest and understated. He is quite simply, my only true musical hero.

And it is a shame when you realise that your favourite artist of all time only lived long enough to release one album in his lifetime, and for some sketches and unreleased recordings to be released after his passing. Although I only found his music 8 years after his death, I miss him and wrote this post to share my passion for his work.

If any of you do enjoy Coldplay, Radiohead or Muse perhaps it is worth listening to an individual who influenced all of them yet who is so unknown in comparison. A tragic story indeed; the most talented of musicians who would have had so many great records to offer lovers of great music, whose life cut short when he drowned in the Mississippi on May 29th, 1997. Ten years on, barely thirty songs, and yet his ethereal voice draws legions of new fans every day.