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Revision as of 19:10, 7 February 2008 by 76.168.243.73 (talk)(diff) ← Previous revision | Latest revision (diff) | Newer revision → (diff)Paul "Biff" Rose is an American comedian and singer-songwriter.
Born in New Orleans, Rose first came to prominence as a banjo-toting standup comedian, profiled in Time magazine in 1965. By 1966 he moved to Hollywood, 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," a melody by Rose and song and lyrics by Paul Williams, on his 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."
Following the release of 1968's The Thorn in Mrs. Rose's Side, Rose appeared regularly on The Tonight Show from 1968 to 1970. . He also performed his songs on The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour, American Bandstand , and Hugh Hefner's Playboy After Dark .
2005 saw a US CD re-released his Tetragrammaton albums and singles, and a UK compilation covered Rose's work from 1968 through 1985.
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 spoken word and rap elements into his songs; some recordings experiment with extended song forms and eccentric instrumentation. He prominently features racial stereotypes. Many of his websites, such as www.Jewmanity.com, feature anti semitic and anti black statements. This has resulted on various online postings criticizing Rose of being antisemitic and racist .
Discography
Full Length Releases
- 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)
- Roast Beef (1978, downpatrecords/Pacific Arts)
- Thee Messiah Album/Live at Gatsby's (1979, downpatrecords/Pacific Arts)
Singles
- What's Gnawing At Me/Molly (1968, Tetragrammaton)
- Buzz the Fuzz/Gentle People (1968, Tetragrammaton)
- Take Care of My Brother/Myrtle's Pies (1969, Tetragrammaton, non-album single)
- I Forgot to Tell You/The Captain (1970, Buddah)
- Rudolph (1971, United Artists)
- Garbage/Lord I Done Bumped Into You (1972, United Artists)
Compilations
- Urban (folk) Renewal: Blue Dog Cellar (1962, Kimberly)
- Put Your Hand in the Hand (mid 1970's, Pickwick)
References
- Promotion for the Water Records Compilation includes very detailed bio of Biff Rose by Thom Moore.
- 2005 Interview in Bay Guardian by Kimberly Chun
- Reviews of Biff's albums 1968-1970
- 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.
- 2004 Paul Williams liner notes compliment 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.