EMPrecords
2001
For
About This Album
Maggi, Pierce & E.J. were ardent admirers of Jeff Buckley, the talented singer/songwriter whose accidental death was one of the great rock tragedies of the 1990s. Collecting a batch of songs inspired by Buckley, For is an emotional album that injects their psychedelic folk-pop with a dose of gritty country flavor. They've incorporated this element in smaller doses before, but multi-layered tracks like "Not Hurting" have more of an earnest, homespun feel this time around. Singing from the standpoint of an obsessive fan, Maggi is undoubtedly the highlight here; her delicate voice smoothly weaves in and out of the lush acoustic soundscapes that the band builds, and her evocative lyrics detail her adoration for Buckley, as well as the intense grief and eventual healing that came with his death. "Free" is the most emotionally draining song, as Maggi even recalls Buckley's distinct singing style as she quietly reflects on his influence in her life. Despite the thematic nature of the record, the band's experimental side remains intact. At a little over two minutes, "Behind a Dream" is the shortest psychedelic prog rock opera ever written, while "What the Heck" is a brief, hilarious look at infatuation that bounces along on a country bassline and a twanging jaw harp. Tributes can be heavy-handed affairs, but Maggi, Pierce & E.J. don't merely wallow in sadness or make broad statements about death. Covering everything from the joy of discovering Buckley's music to the claustrophobic experience of being at his concert, For captures the variety of powerful emotions that a favorite musician can evoke with rich detail and a touching honesty. ~ Bradley Torreano, All Music Guide
Track List (try tracks 1,5,6,8 and 15)

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