Lindi Ortega
Faded Gloryville (Grand Tour Records)
It may not be possible to think of a more appropriate title than Faded Gloryville for a country album. It implies all the dust-covered glamour, broken dreams and long, lonely highways in just two words.
Gloryvilleis the Nashville-based Canadian singer-songwriter Lindi Ortega’s fourth studio album, and one of her most polished to date. Produced in three different sessions by Dave Cobb (Shooter Jennings), Colin Linden (T Bone Burnett), and three songs recorded in Muscle Shoals, Alabama, with Ben Tanner (Alabama Shakes) and John Paul White (Civil Wars). Ortega’s voice is exquisite, prime for the particular blend of country, soul and rock that she’s become known for. On “Ashes” and “Faded Gloryville", she is poised and eloquent, giving us her best Emmylou Harris with her pining timbre and hummingbird vibrato. “I Ain’t The Girl” is filled with upbeat Dolly Parton optimism, and her cover of The Bee Gee’s “To Love Somebody” takes a more relaxed, soulful approach.
In a genre filled with carefully groomed beards and designer straw hats, Ortega is a fresh breeze of authenticity. Perhaps that’s what is so charming about Gloryville. She isn’t singing to herself, but those behind her, choking on her country stardust.
Rating: ★★★1/2
