Tim Hollier – ’Bird Of Paradise’ taken from the LP on (Liberty Records LP-12433) UK, October 1968; US release 1969

TIM HOLLIER Message To A Harlequin (United Artists (S)ULP 1211) 10/68 • Super production and gentle, meaningful songs on TIM HOLLIER’S first album (United Artists). At first hearing you think “okay” and after three more you realise how very good it is. The production is in fact outstanding, with a clarity and controlled power far too rare on English records. Tim, who’s 21 and has a fine voice, wrote all the music and Rory Fellowes the lyrics. Well worth a — or rather several—careful hearings. It gets better all the time! Nice. ** — Disc & Music Echo, 9/11/68

Hollier is new on record, but this first album is very promising. It includes some very poetic work and although at times he seems pedantic compared to some of his contemporaries, the album has its moments of beauty. Limited sales appeal, however — Record Retailer, 18/12/68

Tim Hollier | Message To A Harlequin | (Imperial Records) 1968

Mr. Hollier has an excellent voice, and this album displays his talents very well. Its nearest relation in the field of music is folk, but with all the violins added, it sounds very pop. I’d like to hear Tim with perhaps one or two guitars accompanying him, or even a flute. Nevertheless, this is a very nice album—Top Pops, 23/8/69

Hollier’s best-known album is a baroque psych / pop concoction that’s too pretentious for its own good. When it works (as on the majestic title track), Hollier’s lack of humour is forgiven. On the lesser material, however, his soulless vocals and hippie-dippie lyrics combine with the overwrought arrangements in a way that makes me long for croaky American folk singers, or the sparse gloom of someone like Leonard Cohen. Extra points go to whoever played bass, though: the basslines keep my interest better than most of the melodies. One inspired idea that works: the dual lead vocals on ‘Hanne’. (AM)