Lindi Ortega
Tin Star
(Last Gang)
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
Videos by American Songwriter
Anyone looking to write a biography about spirited Nashville by way of Toronto country singer Lindi Ortega won’t have to do much research. All they have to do is spin “Gypsy Child,” from this her third album, to learn her life story in a brisk two minutes and thirty seconds. “I’ll be singing ‘til my dying day,” she exclaims over a double time, near rockabilly beat with twangy lead guitar and enough attitude to make it clear she’s not kidding. On the other side of the coin is the title track, a sweet, lovely ballad where she compares herself to an old tin star –“all beat up and rusty”– next to all the shining ones in her Nashville base. Perfectly placed strings and piano add to the melancholy vibe and the lyrics make it clear there are still dues to be paid.
The eleven tunes whiz by, alternating between jittery, hopped up rockers such as the two minute mini-bombshell “All These Cats” where she throws a finger in the face of those who dismiss her talents and sad broken hearted laments like “Lived and Died Alone,” dedicated to all those who did what the title says. She’s equally comfortable in both settings, using her distinctive high pitched trilling voice to tell stories that are instantly believable and as real as the title of “Waitin’ On My Luck to Change.” There’s a catch and slight reticence in Ortega’s delivery that makes everything she sings feel lived in and honest. Those familiar with the wonderful Amy LaVere will notice similarities in their vocal styles.
“I’ll still be singing when no one’s around,” she explains on the closing “Songs About” and it’s that commitment to her profession and life’s work that shines through on every one of these eleven terrific tracks. Once you hear any of them, you’ll want more, especially since this compact 32 minute disc ends way too soon. But based on both her talent, dedication and sheer feisty attitude, there’s no question she’ll be around for quite some time.
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