Following that excellent compilation from The Woods last year, and an essential solo collection not long before that, Linda Smith's work continues to get more attention. This is the attention the Baltimore-based musician's always deserved. Two more reissues from Captured Tracks on March 1 should get even more ears open.
Nothing Else Matters, recorded in 1995 when Smith was commuting from Baltimore to Northern Virginia for a job, has a rootlessness about it that gives the songs spark and energy. "In No Uncertain Terms", for example, churns with a hint of menace, even as the lilting chamber pop of "I"ll Never See You Again" utterly soothes and charms. There's variety here, with Smith trying on styles within the limits of her home recording M.O. That's not meant to be a dismissive comment, but, rather, an acknowledgement of how much Linda was able to accomplish at home, in an era when home recording was not what it is now. "Bright Side", is nearly goth rock, and somehow the stylistic experiment works, as Smith imbues each number here with a sense of exploration as a musician, singer, and composer. The tunes here all reveal a furtive cleverness, one which gives this material so much energy and life, with each track nearly upping the one before it.
I So Liked Spring finds Smith using the poems of Charlotte Mew (English 1869-1928) as the lyrics of her songs. The compositions are varied, with the words causing the melodies to swoop and dive in unexpected directions around and behind them. It's an inventive record to be sure, despite its modest recording process. I think, frankly, Smith accomplishes so much here that a listen or two sort of proves that a clever artist doesn't need millions to make a record. Though I think Smith may disagree given the offer of such funding. Still, "Again" is bright and clever, while the title cut is ruminative, haunting, and precisely paced. "In the Fields", for example, provides evidence that structuring her music to another's words isn't a limitation on Smith's skills, as the ghostly number is positively hypnotic. So much of I So Liked Spring surprises still and it's a marvelously inventive record.
Nothing Else Matters from 1995 and I So Liked Spring from 1996 are getting their first ever vinyl and streaming releases via the Captured Tracks imprint, and I'd urge anyone with even a passing interest in the Baltimore musician to get these immediately. Smith's talents, unique as they are, don't necessarily lend themselves to mass appreciation, but there's hope that with this label doing the lifting, that these two records will see this music reach new audiences.
Nothing Else Matters and I So Liked Spring by Linda Smith are out on March 1 via Captured Tracks.
[Photo: Patrick Lears]