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Revision as of 13:51, 28 April 2007 by Erfbund (talk | contribs)(diff) ← Previous revision | Latest revision (diff) | Newer revision → (diff)Paul "Biff" Rose is an American comedian and singer-songwriter.
Born in New Orleans, Rose is a minor songwriter who first came to light while working as a comedy sketch writer with George Carlin for a host of television variety shows, ultimately working with some regularity on the Mort Sahl show. Eventually, Rose moved back to songwriting.
David Bowie covered the song "Fill Your Heart," written by Paul Williams, with an added melodic hook by Rose, on Bowie's album Hunky Dory (1971). The song was originally released by Tiny Tim as the B-side to his 1968 hit single, "Tiptoe through the Tulips."
Musical Style
Rose's early work consists of unaccompanied piano and vocals as well as more heavily orchestrated numbers. His lyrics have been described as romantic and humorous, while promoting a left-wing hippie philosophy .
Rose's work of the past ten years differs from his early recordings. He has introduced racism, and spoken word and rap elements into his songs; some recordings experiment with extended song forms and eccentric instrumentation. He makes controversial use of racial stereotypes. In his web-based art, Christ and Hitler are referenced often, apparently as icons/personifications of good and evil. Many of his websites, such as www.Jewmanity.com, openly deal with race and religion. This has resulted on various online postings criticizing Rose of being antisemitic and racist . Rose does not deny the charges on his messageboard and many websites.
Discography
- The Thorn in Mrs. Rose's Side (1968, Tetragrammaton, re-released on Buddah)
- Children of Light (1969, Tetragrammaton, re-released on Buddah)
- Biff Rose (1970, Buddah)
- Half Live at the Bitter End (1971, Buddah)
- Uncle Jesus, Aunty Christ (1972, United Artists)
- Hamburger Blues (1974, Sweet Jane Limited
References
- Robert Christgau column, Esquire, Apr. 1969, reviews an early Tonight Show appearance.
- Robert Christgau review of Half Live at the Bitter End comedy album, further commentary on "Tonight Show" appearances, 1971.
- Biff Rose Richie Unterberger's review of 1972 album Uncle Jesus Auntie Christ
- Biff Rose Richie Unterberger's biography on allmusic.com.
- Here and here are references to Bruce Springsteen's Jan-Feb 1973 Max Kansas City shows opening for Biff Rose.
External links
- One Biff Rose official website
- Another Biff Rose official website
- Here's another Biff Rose official website
- Biff Rose's message board Biff Rose's musings.