2 LPs on 1 CD: SUITE FOR SUSAN MOORE (1969)/BIRD ON A WIRE (1970).

In terms of commercial success, Tim Hardin's career trajectory was a steep downward slope. Following the classic songwriting and gentle folk-pop of his first two albums, his late-'60s output took an experimental direction with little regard for widespread appeal. The 1969 concept album SUITE FOR SUSAN MOORE AND DAMIAN is a rambling yet compelling paean to Hardin's wife and son. Haunting, sparsely decorated songs share space with spoken word interludes in this exploration into the darker side of love. Hardin's fragile vocals border on free-form jazz, echoing Tim Buckley or even Van Morrison during "Last Sweet Moment."

After the fractured introspection of its predecessor, Hardin's next album returned to more traditional song structures. The inclusion of several cover versions makes this a more rounded work, infused with a mood of redemption. Hardin's voice teeters on the brink of heartbreak throughout. There's a startling array of styles, including gospel, jazz, country, and folk. Ultimately, Hardin's decision to follow his artistic muse meant that these albums slid quietly into obscurity, but aficionados continue to rate them highly.

Mojo (Publisher) (5/00, p.109) - "...The best of his work for Columbia....a sparse study in despair featuring some barely-written songs with a delicate, faintly jazzy feel....A ravaged and personal document. Erm, enjoy!"