'Versatile Heart' by Linda Thompson

Linda Thompson's new album, 'Versatile Heart', was released today. I was pleased to see it in the 'new releases' section of HMV rather being stuck away downstairs in the specialist sections.

I downloaded the track 'Versatile Heart' a few weeks ago from iTunes and love it. It's a simple little ditty that presses all the right buttons for me and the brass band is perfect for the song. I'm also liking 'Katy Cruel', 'Do Your Best For Rock'n'Roll', 'Go Home' and 'Blue And Gold'. Most of the songs feature her son, Teddy, either as co-writer, guitarist or producer. I think her daughter is also involved (I need to read the booklet to check). The album opens and closes with short string pieces without vocals that act as dignified bookends to the tales Linda tells across the songs. It's a late night or Sunday afternoon record when I don't need or want to bounce around the room (not that I do much bouncing).

I've loved Linda's voice since I first heard her in the late '70s. She has an effortlessly powerful and clear voice. One of my favourite non-punk albums of that time is 'First Light' by Richard & Linda Thompson. When I finally got a vinyl-to-digital record player to plug into my laptop that was one of the first records I got out to play again and digitise, clicks and all.

I'll need to play it a few more times to get to know it but I'm pleased I braved Oxford Street on a Tube strike night to get it (along with Siouxsie, of course)! Thank you, Linda.