Album: Playlist: The Very Best of Jeff Buckley

Introduction
"Playlist: The Very Best of Jeff Buckley" is a compilation album released posthumously on February 26, 2013, by the acclaimed singer-songwriter and guitar player Jeff Buckley. It includes a thoroughly curated choice of 14 tracks from his unfortunately short profession, drawing from his only full-length studio album, a number of EPs, and a live album. The tracks showcase Buckley's stunning variety as an artist, that includes mentally charged ballads, atmospheric state of mind pieces, and explosive rock tunes.

Background and Release
Jeff Buckley's profession was interrupted due to his unfortunate death in 1997 at the age of 30. Nevertheless, his impressive skill, soulful performances, and renowned voice quickly amassed a cult following, allowing his music to continue resonating with audiences worldwide. "Playlist: The Very Best of Jeff Buckley" becomes part of Sony Music's "Playlist" series, which aims to provide top quality compilations of each artist's best work, with thoughtful sequencing and helpful liner notes.

Track Selection
The album includes a few of Buckley's most popular and well-loved tracks, including "Hallelujah", "Lover, You Should've Come Over", and "Last Goodbye", which originally appeared on his 1994 album "Grace". Notably, "Grace" has actually been often consisted of in lists of the greatest albums of all time, and it stays an indisputable masterpiece in its own right. Nevertheless, this compilation also exceeds "Grace" by including music from Buckley's lesser-known EPs and his posthumous releases.

Tracks such as "Everybody Here Wants You" and "Opened Once" come from the 1998 album "Sketches for My Sweetheart the Drunk", a collection of demonstrations and incomplete recordings that Buckley was working on prior to his death. Live recordings like "Mojo Pin", "Eternal Life", and "Vancouver" originated from his seriously well-known 1993 live EP "Live at Sin-é", while "So Real" is drawn from his 1995 Australian EP of the exact same name.

"Bless the Weather", a cover of the John Martyn tune, comes from an unique live performance featured on the limited edition bonus disc of the "Grace Around the World" DVD bundle. This track is an unusual and valuable addition to the album, showing Buckley's undeniable abilities as a live performer and his exceptional capability to revive songs by other artists.

Art work, Packaging, and Liner Notes
The album cover features a black-and-white picture of Jeff Buckley with his signature Fender Telecaster guitar, reflecting his distinctively charming and enigmatic persona. The CD product packaging includes a fold-out poster with an essay by Jeff's friend and music reporter Bill Flanagan. The essay provides insights into Buckley's life, artistic procedure, and relationship with his fans, adding depth and context to the music featured on the album.

Conclusion
"Playlist: The Very Best of Jeff Buckley" functions as a fitting homage to an immensely talented and influential artist whose music continues to captivate and inspire listeners. While it might not consist of every fan's favorite track or provide an exhaustive introduction of his work, it does achieve its function as a thoughtful, well-sequenced introduction to Buckley's rich and long-lasting musical tradition. For newcomers to his music, this compilation acts as an excellent starting point, while for longtime fans, it provides a fresh viewpoint on the work of one of the most unforgettable voices in modern-day music.