Tim Rose
Band members Related acts
- Tim Rose (RIP 2002) -- vocals, guitar
supporting musicians: (1970) - Clem Cattini -- drums, percussion (1970) - Tina Charles -- backing vocals (1970) - Herbie
Flowers -- bass (1970) - Fuzzy Knight -- bass - Russ Knukel (aka Russ Kunkle) -- drums - Pete Seers (aka Pete Sears) -- keyboards - Andy Sommers (aka Andy Summers) -- lead guitar
supporting musicians (1972) - Slo Bender -- backing vocals - Bryson Graham -- drums, percussion - Mick Jones -- guitar - Ach Leggett -- bass - Gary Wright --
keyboards
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- The Big Three (Tim Rose)
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Genre: folk Rating: 2 stars ** Title: Love, A Kind of Hate Story Company: Capitol Catalog: ST
673 Country/State: Washington, D.C. Grade (cover/record): VG+/VG+ Comments: minor ring wear Available: 1 Catalog ID: 5569 Price: $20.00
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Admittedly I didn't know a great deal about Tim Rose when I stumbled across this album. I seemed to recall he was a Dylan-styled folky which made the cover showing Rose holding a telecaster kind of interesting ... That was underscored by the fact Shel Talmy produced the album. Well it was interesting enough for me to shell out a dollar.
Given
those apparent discrepancies I wasn't sure what to expect from 1970's
Too rock oriented for folk fans and too folk for rock fans, his probably isn't the place to start checking out Rose's catalog. Still, the album has it's moments.
For some reason Capitol marketing elected to issue the album's UK release with alternative artwork (Capitol catalog number ST-22673).
"Love,
A Kind of Hate Story" track listing: 1.) I've Gotta Get a Message To You (Barry Gibb - Robin Gibb - Maurice Gibb) - 2:25 rating: * star Things certainly got off to a ragged start with an ill-advised cover of The Bee Gee's 'I've Gotta Get a Message To You'. Adding an overblown horn arrangement that only served to highlight his ragged voice, Rose managed to take a crappy song and make it even worse. Always wondered why Capitol tapped it as a single: - 1970's 'I Gotta Get a Message to You ' b/w 'Jamie Sue' (Capitol catalog number P-3001) 2.) Dim Light A-Burning (Tim Rose) - 3:15 rating: **** stars 'Dim Light A-Burning' was one of the set's highlights. Great rocker and Rose's voice came off well. 3.) Where Do You Go To My Lovely (Peter Sarstead) - 6:20 rating: * star Why would anyone want to cover a fey piece of MOR crud like Peter Sarstead's 'Where Do You Go To My Lovely'? Yech ! 4.) You Can't Stop Yourself (Tim Rose) - 2:48 rating: **** stars The combination of dainty harpsichord and some of Rose's nastiest lyrics (some lady totally ticked him off), made 'You Can't Stop Yourself' fun to hear. 5.) Sad Song (George Clinton) - 4:40 rating: * star A martial paced ballad complete with bleating female back chorus, 'Sad Song' was one for the English majors ... Okay, okay, Rose turned in a nice lead guitar on the song.
(side
2) 'Georgia By Morning' was a nice ballad, but Rose's whining vocal (you were left wondering whether he'd make it through the song) effectively killed it. 2.) Ode To An Old Ball (Tim Rose) - 3:35 rating: **** stars While Rose's labored vocals were often hard to take, on the soul-ish 'Ode To An Old Ball' they were near perfect. Great track !!! 3.) Sympathy (Rare Bird) - 2:40 rating: * star Sounds strange, but 'Sympathy' sounded like a Gary Brooker and Procol Harum outtake. Unfortunately Rose should stay away from fey ballads. 4.) I Know These Two People (Tim Rose) - 3:25 rating: * star Well the harpsichord melody was nice, though I can't think of anything else to say about 'I Know These Two People'. 5.) Jamie Sue (Tim Rose) - 3:52 rating: *** stars The album closed on a positive note with the original 'Jamie Sue' serving as the set's most commercial and mainstream track (thankfully no horns).
In September 2002 Rose underwent surgery for cancer. Only 62, he died from resulting complications.
There are a couple of nice Tim Rose websites:
The official website is located at: http://www.tim-rose.co.uk/
Longtime friend/fan Brian Mathieson also has a nice site at: http://www.bmathieson.freeserve.co.uk/tr/index.html
© Scott R. Blackerby March, 2023
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Genre: rock Rating: 4 stars **** Title: Tim Rose Company: Playboy Catalog: PB-101 Country/State: Washington, D.C. Grade (cover/record): VG+/VG+ Comments: three panel sleeve Available: 1 Catalog ID: 1025 Price: $50.00
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I've always been
interested in learning how Tim Rose came to sign with Playboy's short lived
record label. Similarly, Rose's decision to work with the late Spooky Tooth
singer/keyboardist Gary Wright was an odd pairing, though the liner notes to
their 1972 collaboration briefly explain th Playboy certain spared no expense on the album packaging, releasing it in a three-panel sleeve cover with glitzy photos from Leandro Correa and Rod Dryer. Shame they didn't promote the album or any of the singles with the same vigor. (Small factoid - the back cover photo of a pensive looking Rose was subsequently used as the cover of the 1976 "Unfinished Songs" album (Tiger Lily catalog number TL 14055).
"Tim
Rose" track listing: 1.) It Takes a Little Longer (Christina Uppstrom - Gary Wright) - 2:50 rating: **** stars The liner notes described the song as: "A Gary Wright tune turned into a fantastic tune. We had a lot of fun recording this." Opening with the first of three Gary Wright compositions, 'It Takes a Little Longer' was an unexpected surprise. I never would have suspected Rose's rugged voice would sound this good when paired with a for blues-rocker. Kicked along by Mick Jones' guitar the song had a breezy, Southern-rock flavor and a killer refrain. Unlike Wright's own vocals, Rose sounded totally comfortable, not even straining to get through the performance. Nothing shrill here. (Yes, that was a comparison to Gary Wright's singing style.) The song was released as a promotional single in the US: Shame Playboy didn't have the resources to push the 45 since it could have been a massive radio hit. - 1972's 'It Takes a Little Longer' b/w 'You've Got To Hide Your Love Away' (Playboy catalog number P 50005) 2.) You Can't Keep Me (John Bettis - Tim Rose) - 2:45 rating: ** stars 'You Can't Keep Me' was a stark, rather depressing ballad - just Rose and acoustic guitar. I was surprised at how much I liked Rose's deep, expressive voice, but these weren't the kind of lyrics that were going to endear him to a legion of women. The liner notes describe the song as: "I don't mind if you borrow me for a week or so, but nothing permanent. A song written in my own wonderful, unforgiving fashion. No apology to Germaine and all her funny little libertines. I Never felt women were particularly hated by men anyway." 3.) You've Got to Hide Your Love Away (John Lennon - Paul McCartney) - 5:10 rating: ** stars "What can be said about a Beatles song other than I've never recorded on before." The arrangement dragged the song out slowing it down to a funeral dirge. Gary Wright's church organ fills only underscored the dirge comparison. Rose's vocals recalling the late Joe Cocker. Mick Jones' guitar provided the song highlights.
- 1972's 'Hide Your Love Away' (stereo) b/w 'Hide Your Love Away' (mono) (Playboy catalog number 50005) 4.) Boogie Boogie (Tim Rose) -1:10 rating: ** stars Well the title wasn't inspiring and the lyrics weren't about to win him a Pulitzer Prize, but it was certainly strange to hear Rose trotting out his best Marc Bolan impersonation. Docked a star for being more of a song fragment that a true song. "The Boogie part in front and in back I wrote while playing in sun-struck, sun-filled Orange County, California about one hundred years ago. The rest of the song you'll recognize as being written by another Tim." 5.) If I Were a Carpenter (Tim Hardin) - 2:55 rating: **** stars The Tim Hardin original remains the go-to version, but kicked along by Bryson Graham's tasteful drums and some of Mick Jones' prettiest work Rose's rocked-up 'If I Were a Carpenter' arrangement was darned impressive. I can't get over how good his voice sounded in a rock setting. 6.) Boogie Boogie (Tim Hardin) - 1:00 rating: ** stars A straight ahead instrumental reprise of the earlier track ...
(side
2) With drummer Graham setting the pace and Jones contributing some nice slide guitar moves the rocker 'Cryin' Shame' found Rose trotting out his roughened up voice. Not to sound like a broken record, but he sounded great. Shame the song faded out when the guitar showdown kicked in. "This is the kind of hard rock sing Gary's old group, Spooky Tooth, did so well. I wanted a sing like this on my album. So here it is." Technically Spooky Tooth was still active ... 2.) Darling You Were All That I Had (John Bettis - Kerry Chater) - 4:27 rating: *** stars Co-written by Gary Puckett & the Union Gap keyboardist Kerry Chater, the heavy ballad 'Cryin' Shame' sounded like a mash-up of Joe Cocker and Spooky Tooth. Once again Graham and Jones backing made all the difference, turning an okay song into a much stronger performance. This one would have made a nice single. "A John Bettis lyric and Kerry Chater tune and vice versa. John is one of my oldest friends and a hell of a prolific writer. "Darling" is a beautiful song about putting your eggs in one basket. I once did; John constantly does. Ah! The delights of stocking tops." 3.) Cotton Growin' Man (Gary Wright) - 4:03 rating: **** stars I was familiar with 'Cotton Growin' Man' owning the Spooky Tooth original (it appeared on their 1973 album "You Broke My Heart So...I Busted Your Jaw"). Slathered in Wright keyboards, Graham's thundering drums and Jones' fuzz guitar the original was a tour-de-force with the harmony vocals giving it just a touch of commercialism. The one thing Rose's version had were better vocals. His gravelly delivery gave the song a searing feeling of frustration and reservation. Rose actually reminded me of the late Root Boy Slim on this one. "Being from the South, I cam honestly say I never picked cotton, but I feel for the rotten existence pickers lead. Just drive through there on one of your travels. Incidentally, Gary is from New Jersey." I'm not sure being born in Washington, D.C. qualifies as the South. You certainly won't find much cotton in the area. 4.) Goin' Down in Hollywood (John Bettis - Tim Rose) - 4:42 rating: **** stars Admittedly 'Goin' Down in Hollywood' was one of the darkest songs I've every encountered. Easy to see where so much of Rose's frustrations came from. Regardless, I've always loved this I-hate-Hollywood ditty. The snarling cynicism that came pouring out in the autobiographical tune was simply ferocious. It certainly wasn't fair that such a talented guy would never enjoy the recognition and fame many of his less talented compatriots would. But then life is seldom fair. "About a wonderful town and so full of shit. Someday, if we're all good, Hollywood will be a as farm land."
- 1972's 'Goin' Down in Hollywood' (stereo) b/w 'Goin' Down in Hollywood' (mono) (Playboy catalog number P 50012)
© Scott R. Blackerby December 2024
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Genre: rock Rating: 4 stars **** Title: Unfinished Song Company: Tiger Lily Catalog: TL
14055 Country/State: Washington, D.C. Grade (cover/record): VG+/VG+ Comments: still in shrink wrap (opened) Available: 2 Catalog ID: 1025 Price: $425.00
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Self-produced, musically1976's "Unfinished Song" was a major departure for Tim Rose. Although released in 1976, the album's history is ill defined and confusing. Depending what references you use, the material was recorded in 1970, 1972, or 1975. Judging by the songs and the overall album vibe, I'd go with the 1972 recording date. That's based on the fact that while living in L.A. Rose formed a short-lived group that year. The line-up featured keyboardist bassist Larry "Fuzzy" Knight, Michael 'Papabax' Baxter, drummer Shelly Scott and guitarist Bob Zinner on guitar. I'm guessing the band recorded some material in anticipation of hitting the concert circuit. There are different stories explaining how the material landed in the hands of Morris Levy's Tiger Lily tax scam label. One story I've read has the master tapes being stolen and sold on the cheap to Levy. Another has the studio where the recordings were made going bankrupt at which time the tapes were sold to Levy. Regardless, it's one of the rarer releases in Rose's catalog, and is one of the holy grails in the Tiger Lily catalog. In fact this is the only copy of the LP I've ever seen. Having mentioned I had a copy on an online forum, before I'd even listed it for sale a couple of high end dealers had contacted me about buying it. Reportedly an attempt to expand his repertoire and audience beyond folk by recording a real rock and roll collection, about all you can say is he succeeded with flying colors. Backed by a small group of studio musicians including Fuzzy Knight, keyboardist Russ Kunkle (erroneously listed as Russ Kunkle) and Andy Summers (mis-spelled as Andy Sommers), Rose seemed to be having a blast across these eight tracks. Perhaps because it was little more than a personal experiment that was never intended for broad release, the performances were uniformly upbeat and enthusiastic. On tracks like the opener 'Outrageous Mary', the bossa nova-tinged 'Givin'' and 'The Day I Spent with You', Rose sounded like he was having fun in the studio. Hard to imagine for a folky who trafficked in pain and despair. In fact, I can only think of one negative thing to say about this album - clocking in at less than thirty minutes, it was simply too short. (The album cover photo was lifted from Rose's prior album - 1972's "Tim Rose" (Playboy catalog PB-101).
"Unfinished
Song" track listing: 1.) Outrageous Mary (Tim Rose) - rating: **** stars So
anyone who thinks Rose was nothing more than a run of the mill folky needs
to hear this fuzz guitar powered rocker. The combination of Rose's
blistering voice, Andy Summers fuzz guitar, and the Knight and Kunkle rhythm
section was simply devastating. The track's always reminded me
of a good Stephen Still rocker. For
a moment the acoustic guitar opening gave you the impression 'Givin''
was a return to folk, but it wasn't. Instead the song featured a
surprisingly enjoyable bossa-nova vibe with a touch of Flamenco guitar
thrown in. Unfortunately, the song faded out
prematurely. Opening
up with some squealing Andy Summers (the liner notes list him as Andy
Sommers) lead guitar, 'The Way I Spent with You' was a straightforward
rocker. Seemingly inspired by a one-shot dalliance with a married
woman, about all you can say is she must have been one amazing
woman. My pick for the album's best performances. Another out-and-out fuzz guitar propelled rocker. You were left to wonder why the man didn't do more of this stuff !!!
(side
2) To
be honest, the title track was probably my least favorite performance.
Showcasing Pete Sears on keyboards (the performance credits listed him as
Pete Seers), this one sounded like sub par Spooky Tooth track.
Showcasing
Venetta Fields and Clydie King on backing vocals, 'Mine for a Night' sounded
like a good Spooky Tooth rocker. Probably
the album's prettiest tune, 'Empty People' featured another killer Summers
guitar, while showcasing some interesting facets in Rose's gruff
voice.
With a blazing rock melody, 'Where Is the Good Life?' simply served to underscore how good Rose could sound in a conventional rock setting. One of the album's most FM-friendly tunes.
© Scott R. Blackerby March, 2023
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