Sefronia
After the lackluster response to his groundbreaking early '70s albums,Lorca,Blue Afternoon, andStarsailor, Tim Buckley went back to the drawing board. His first attempt at a comeback was the funky, accessible,Greetings from L.A., and his second wasSefronia. This 11-track album did nothing to rescue his critical reputation. It's clear from the outset that Buckley is not in peak form. Apparently suffering from a cold, his voice isn't at his best and this collection of ballads is made even more frustrating by the occasional flashes of inspiration. The tracks, which include an interesting choice of covers (Fred Neil's "Dolphins" andTom Waits's "Martha"), are too deeply submerged in pop producer Denny Randell's slick production. When Buckley's ramshackle muse does hang together (the evocative "Quicksand" and the sweet "I Know I'd Recognize Your Face") we're almost inHappy Sadterritory, but, bar the covers, these songs aren't worthy of that brilliant voice.--Reuben Dessay