Colin Linden

From The Water

Code: 

Download Link

Simply calling Canadian expat Colin Linden a roots artist is technically true, but, like pigeonholing Emmylou Harris as just another country singer, sells his substantial talents short. The singer/songwriter and guitarist is well known in his home country through a steady stream of solo projects (this is his tenth not counting a compilation) since 1987, as a prolific sideman and producer and for his occasional work as one third of Blackie & the Rodeo Kings, but less so in the States, where he resided in 2009 when this album was released. Like the music of the Band, a group that has strongly influenced his sound, this is a diverse affair. Linden's expressive and homespun voice is also eerily similar to a combination of the Band's Richard Manuel and Rick Danko. Those familiar with Linden's previous discs will find this a more subdued but no less moving set. It's dedicated to his late longtime friend and accompanist, keyboardist Richard Bell, who also co-wrote one of the songs. From the acoustic country-folk of the opening title track to the retro, Presley-styled bluesy swagger of "Trouble Only Comes in 3's" and the '60s slow prom dance of "John Lennon in New Orleans," Linden shifts his approach but maintains a grounded, earthy vibe that glides from hypnotic to entrancing. He brings in the Memphis Horns, who blow sweet on the R&B-infused yet laid-back "Between the Darkness and the Light of Day." Another veteran cohort, John Whynot, is also aboard as engineer, and the often languid groove created by hanging out with old friends gives the session a warm, comfy, inviting vibe. That's true even when he's rocking out on "The Price You Pay," the toughest moment here.

Three of these tunes have already been released in different arrangements on Paul Reddick's Sugarbird album that Linden produced, co-wrote, and considers a companion piece to this. Linden has never shied away from his spiritual leanings, but even on material such as "The Heaven Me," one of a few tributes to Richard Bell, and "I Have Seen a Miracle," his lyrics are never overbearing and the accompanying music throbs with soulful bluesy power. Even on the cautionary "Later Than You Think" and closing gospel-folk of "God Will Always Remember Your Prayer," Linden's most directly spiritual composition, his rustic voice and immaculate picking keep the track lively and grounded. Beautifully produced (by Linden) and recorded, From the Water is another in a series of Colin Linden albums that show he's as talented an artist in his own right as he is a producer and sideman for dozens of others. Existing fans will be delighted with this classy and emotionally affecting collection and newcomers can start here before working their way back through his thick and impressive catalog. ~Hal Horowitz


TrackList:

(4:52) 1. From The Water
(4:19) 2. Mon Couer Est Dans Tes Mains
(2:43) 3. Built Right On The Ground
(4:26) 4. Smoke 'Em All
(4:27) 5. Trouble Only Comes In 3's
(3:36) 6. Between The Darkness And The Light Of Day
(3:43) 7. I Have Seen A Miracle
(3:10) 8. Devilment
(3:45) 9. John Lennon In New Orleans
(3:59) 10. Later Than You Think
(4:24) 11. The Price You Pay
(4:10) 12. Sinking Down Slow
(5:26) 13. The Heaven Me
(3:35) 14. God Will Always Remember Your Prayers



Download:

Code: 

Download Link

Colin Linden - Big Mouth

Code: 

Download Link

This disc from Canadian Colin Linden returns to the more acoustic feel of his earlier recordings. It is still plugged in and he uses many of the same players from his last two discs, yet it is still a subtler disc that maintains the fiery intensity for which he is known. His songwriting remains strong here, and he either wrote or co-wrote 14 of the 15 songs presented here. He is more than ably backed here by his longtime substantial band of Gary Craig, John Dymond, and Richard Bell. Their work is highlighted by special guests/friends Bruce Cockburn, Keb' Mo', Lee Roy Parnell, and Lucinda Williams. It is just a sheer delight to hear Linden and Lucinda Williams play off each other on this unadulterated romp, "Don't Tell Me." On this disc he displays his full range of influences in a total synthesis, from the electric and acoustic blues work across and through the highways of the Continent to the Nashville twang that is infiltrating his sound. Make no mistake, this is a substantial, honest disc that is sustained and heightened by Linden's voice and guitars, with the wonderful collaboration of John Whynot. ~Bob Gottlieb


TrackList:

01. Big Mouth [5:31]
02. Without The One You Love [3:20]
03. Don't Tell Me (with Lucinda Williams) [2:56]
04. Skeleton Key [2:05]
05. The Last Thought [5:02]
06. Wasn't That Enough (with Keb' Mo') [3:29]
07. Wrong Side Of The Bed [3:53]
08. Just Believe (with Jonell Mosser) [3:41]
09. Blind River Bound (with Bruce Cockburn) [4:29]
10. Away Way Too Long (with Lee Roy Parnell) [3:21]
11. Back In Town [3:41]
12. Spirit Of The Golden Tone [3:33]
13. Power On [3:19]
14. Before The Dawn [4:55]
15. Hard Time Killing Floor Blues (Bonus Track) [3:38]




Download:

Code: 

Download Link