Tim Rose, American Son (Mystic Records, 2002)
"I have been living, performing and recording in Europe
most of my life.
When all is said and done, I am still an American Son." Tim Rose
(1940-2002)
Tim Rose was perhaps best known for providing Jimi Hendrix with "Hey
Joe." He was one of those American folk singers who, like David Blue,
Tom Rush, Tim Buckley, Tim Hardin, and Phil Ochs, were declared to be the
"new Dylan" when in fact they were Dylan's contemporaries, and deserving
of being judged and enjoyed on their own merits. Rose passed away in England,
last year, one day after his birthday. He remained, as he declared, an American
Son til the end, and this CD (released by Britain's Mystic Records) proves
the power of his talent and points across the Atlantic to the source of his
muse...even though he recorded it in Norway.
The title song begins the album, and sets the tone. "American Son"
describes a blind street preacher in tie-dye preaching peace, "Hey, Hey,
what did he say? / Did he really say it's gonna get better someday? / Hey,
hey, what did he say?" The simple piano backing and military drum reminds
the listener of the 60s and sets the lyric in context. "Because You're
Rich" tells the story of a man who stays with a woman, through humiliation,
drink, boredom and harassment...for one reason. The title explains! Acoustic
guitar and drums provide sympathetic backing. Rose's vocals have been compared
to Tom Waits or Leonard Cohen...but I hear the warmer more melodic tones of
Guy Clark.
"Ageing Soldier" is a tribute to Viet Nam veterans who returned
to the States only to be abused and harangued for their part in "an unjust
war." This is a moving, albeit plodding tune.
Ageing soldier--you look a lot like me
far less bolder and weaker at the knee
but you once fought while others lived the good life
and they cursed you--but you live it every night!
Maybe he's talking about folksingers. Either way, it is a haunting
song.
The Norwegian musicians who accompany Rose here are sympathetic and competent.
There is little flash, no dramatic solos, but everything fits perfectly. The
sad, thoughtful songs are fleshed out with melancholy, pensive music. "Tigers
in Cages" is a bit of a rant about the US, from the Kennedys through
disco, grunge, country clubs, and a series of questionable politicians. Nasty
but hopeful for the new millenium. (What would Rose make of the war in Iraq?
I think I can guess.) "She Was Born to Fly" like most of the album,
features acoustic guitars, and Rose's emery-cloth voice. The sound is intimate,
the guitars have real presence.
American Son serves as a tribute to Tim Rose's career. It's the first
studio album he made in 24 years and it reflects the longing of an emigre
still feeling the links to his home. It reflects a life of caring and concern
for his homeland, and the professionalism with which he approached his craft.
In a 1999 interview he said, "It's been an interesting life. I can't
complain. I do not walk around going, 'Poor me.' It's been very diverse. There
are not many singers who are coming back from my era and still doing well
out there, who have been a stockbroker, sheet rock fitter, air force navigator...there
really aren't too many...this...has always been what I do best." And
on this CD, he did it well.
