Linda McLean

CD: No Language
(Nettwerk)

Linda McLean - No Language (Bongo Beat)

Biddulph Review, The Chronicle, May 10, 2007

ALBUMS
LINDA McLEAN
“No Language”

Instantly catchy, country tinged and a good voice: and the best is that she plays Biddulph Folk Club tomorrow (Friday).

Linda McLean a Canadian singer/songwriter and her new album is crisp and clear as, er, a crisp and clear morning in Canada. Insert here: your mental images of Canadian views with mountains in the background.

Not knowing much about her, I checked out her website, which says: “We played at the Acoustic Festival of Britain, in the beautiful town of Cheshire in Wales.” Hmm. Could someone tell her when she plays in Biddulph? Not that my knowledge of America would be much better I have to go to South Dakota shortly and couldn’t point to it on a map. (Note to readers: I added that bit in case she actually gets to read this).

Anyway: the music on here is strongly influenced by country but clearly has a lot of folk in it too. They’re personal songs about changes in life, aspiration and ambition, friendship and love. They’re guitar driven and have lots of catchy refrains and it’s all capped off by her voice, which is crisp and clear. It’s highly polished but it also has a homey, folksy feel to it. Well worth a listen: I suppose you’ve got to like country but tht aside it’s a nice ballady pop album with it’s heart on it’s sleeve.

Linda McLean plays Biddulph Hall tomorrow (Friday) at 8pm. Tickets are £8. The headline act is Carrie Rodriguez. Call Eric Cox on 01782 514896 for tickets or turn up at the door and hope they’ve got some left.

review & gig preview (Biddulph) - The Chronicle - May 10th

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