(Click the above link to go to a page with the album for free download.)
Linda Rich's first lp on the Chicago based IVR label from 1969 is an amazingly beautiful set of original xian folk-pop. Outstanding sparse production, excellent songwriting, and Linda's understated, yet confident vocals make this a record that reaches way beyond any kind of novelty factor often used to "handicap" Christian records. In fact, like many of the best Xian records, there are not constant knock-you-over-the-head Jesus saves type lyrics – rather, her songs are very personal and introspective. All tracks are either totally acoustic, or very lightly and tastefully orchestrated in a style somewhat reminiscent of an early Leonard Cohen album. Apparently she has two other lp's on IVR that I'm anxious to hear."
Obscure private press christian folk recording by pro-lifer Barbara Sipple, released on the Lazarus label out of Willingboro, NJ. The majority of the record is pretty deep (and good) folk music, while a few of the tracks are accompanied by a group of kids called the "Lollipop Express Chorus," who join Sipple on some sing-a-long jams. I don't necessarily hate those but it's pretty clear that the tracks where the LEC are out on the playground and not in the studio are a bit more listenable.
"Song for Life" has recently been included on a female folk compilation entitled, "Wayfaring Strangers: Ladies from the Canyon". Fans of Linda Perhacs' Parallelograms LP could probably get with this; sublime acoustic guitar joined by cello a minute or so into the song. "Hold On" will appeal to the folk-funk crowd and is probably my favorite on this record. Oh and I can't forget "Song of the Unborn" which is the most "out there" of the tracks — is that a heart beating?
Sipple is supposedly still active in the music business, however she's retired her xian folk guitar stylings to be an opera singer.
Listen to a few tracks:
Song for Life
Hold On
Song of the Unborn
Here's a message from Barbara (from the back cover):
"This collection of songs is a joyful celebration of every man's most precious possession, life itself. The offering is made as an expression of personal gratitude to my friends of the National Youth Pro-Life Coalition who have helped put my values into perspective through their love."
Barbara — March 1973
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