Search - Tim Rose :: Tim Rose/Through Rose Colored Glasses

My short review.

skarecreau | San Francisco, CA USA | 03/09/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I don't have as much to say about this album as the other reviewers do -- I'm just putting in my two cents here. This is an excellent folk/rock album. I came across Tim Rose through the works of Nick Cave (who was highly influenced by Tim Rose) and Einstürzende Neubauten. I loved Nick Cave's versions of "Long Time Man" and "Hey Joe" (and, of course, Jimi Hendrix's as well) and Einstürzende Neubauten's version of "Morning Dew", so I decided to track down the originial Tim Rose versions. Fortunately, this disc has all of them. Upon listening to it, I discovered that Tim Rose had a lot more going for him than those songs. Shortly into the first song, I said to myself that this guy sounds like Ray Charles (vocally, and there is also some similar piano licks in it too). Later, when I read the liner notes, I discovered that the Ray Charles comparison had already been made. His voice is strong and melancholy and, at times, angry. If you're a fan of music from the '60s or a fan of Nick Cave (so you can hear his influences), I would recommend this."

LONG TIME MAN

K. H. Orton | New York, NY USA | 06/29/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The late Tim Rose could best be described as as sort of homicidal Joe Cocker. Ominous intent lurks behind many of his songs, especially the likes of "Morning Dew". I first came across him through Nick Cave's cover of "Long Time Man". I loved the song & had to find out who this guy was. All of which led me to hearing Rose's arrangement of "Hey Joe", another classic murder ballad. Though it may not be as famous as Hendrix's, it's not hard to figure out that Tim's earlier cut provided the inspiration.



In terms of love songs, Rose was a belter with a big chip on his shoulder. I suppose his attitude could best be summed up by the title of his follow up, LOVE...A KIND OF HATE STORY. It's a voice that can be cruel, boastful & seemingly devoid of pity--- before suddenly slipping into shy, wounded vulnerbility. "You're Slipping Away From Me" is a prime example.

On "What'cha Gonna Do", he seems to revel in playing the cad only to pull the rug out & reveal the pathetic desperation behind the pose.



Also notable are world-weary numbers like "Come Away, Melinda" & "Eat, Drink & Be Merry". Originals like, "Angela" prove that murder wasn't the only kind of ballad he could write.



Of course, alot of the intrumentation & arrangements are dated in that late 60's way. But Roses' raspy belt punches a hole right through all the Tom Jones style "muscle-horns" & drippy, Neil Sedaka strings.



Though I'm not a fan, one could easily say Rose falls more into Neil Diamond than Bob Dylan territory. But there's just something a little too raw & edgy for him to be so easily pidgeon-holed. Which may account for the fact, that despite his talent as a singer, that big career making hit always seemed to elude him.



For further listening, I'd certainly recommend, LOVE...A KIND OF HATE STORY & SNOWED IN which was released shortly after his death. For the full story on Rose & others like him, check out the book, AMERICAN TROUBADORS by Mark Brand."

Goodbye, Tim....

Charles Wagner | Westbury, NY USA | 12/17/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Tim Rose passed away in London on September 24th at the age of 62.
More info at timrose.com"