Album: Starsailor

Introduction
"Starsailor" is the 6th studio album of American singer-songwriter Tim Buckley, released in 1970. It is recognized as one of the most speculative and ingenious albums to emerge from the late-1960s and early-1970s music scene. Within its 12 tracks, "Starsailor" showcases a progressive blend of jazz, rock, and folk influences, while likewise incorporating components of electronic music. From Buckley's heavenly vocals to the intricate critical plans and unknown lyrical styles, the album continues to intrigue, motivating generations of musicians and listeners alike.

Background and Recording
"Starsailor" followed the release of Buckley's well-known album, "Happy Sad" (1969), which had marked a considerable shift in the vocalist's profession. While his very first 3 albums had actually primarily included a folk-rock noise, "Happy Sad" showed a more experimental approach, obtaining elements from jazz and psychedelic music. Unsatisfied with the limitations of conventional genres and inspired by progressive artists such as Ornette Coleman and Albert Ayler, Buckley looked for to push the boundaries of modern music even further with "Starsailor".

The album was tape-recorded in Los Angeles at Whitney Recording Studios between late 1969 and early 1970. The sessions were helmed by Herb Cohen, who had produced several of Buckley's previous albums, and distinguished engineer Stan Agol. The record features an excellent cast of musicians, including Buckley's longtime partners Lee Underwood on guitar and David Friedman on vibes, in addition to jazz bassist John Miller and speculative drummer Maury Baker.

Musical Style and Themes
"Starsailor" represents a substantial departure from Buckley's earlier work, identified by its intricate compositions, ingenious plans, and surrealistic lyrics. The album opens with the title track, a haunting and climatic piece that showcases Buckley's flexible singing range, as he effortlessly switches between soaring falsetto and guttural growls. The track sets the tone for the rest of the album, which is marked by a sense of spirituality and abstraction, both musically and thematically.

The album's centerpiece is probably the legendary ten-minute-long track "The Healing Festival", featuring a detailed and continuously moving soundscape that at the same time stimulates the fury of a storm and the delicacy of a lullaby. The lyrics, laden with mysticism and pagan symbolism, mention a ceremonial event in the face of armageddon. This style of welcoming turmoil and darkness is echoed in other tracks such as "Down by the Borderline" and "Moulin Rouge".

Instrumentally, "Starsailor" embodies a free-form technique to music, with fluid and unpredictable structures that veer between melodic appeal and cacophonous discord. The album includes a large range of influences, from free jazz and progressive classical music to eastern mysticism and electronic experimentation. The unconventional use of synthesizers, tape loops, and studio effects contributes to the album's ingenious and unique sound.

Reception and Legacy
Upon its release, "Starsailor" polarized both critics and audiences, with some hailing it as a groundbreaking masterpiece and others dismissing it as self-indulgent and pretentious. Over the years, nevertheless, the album's credibility has slowly grown, and it is now considered a cult classic and a crucial turning point in speculative rock. Its influence can be heard in the works of a diverse series of artists, consisting of Jeff Buckley, Radiohead, and Björk. Despite its challenging nature, "Starsailor" acts as a testament to Tim Buckley's unequaled creativity and courageous artistry, securing his location as one of the most innovative singer-songwriters in the history of music.