Alligator Records - 2006

Though Eric Lindell has been making records for about ten years, his first release on the Alligator label, Change In The Weather, is reaching the ears of listeners everywhere. People are finally standing up and taking notice. Suddenly, a performer has come along with a voice that’s funky, soulful, and full of energy; one whose music is magnetic, infectious, and most of all ‘real’. This only happens once in a great while.

Eric Lindell’s unique sound is all his own; however, it’s amazingly suggestive of past distinction. A Van Morrison style comes to mind, yet he sings with the fiery passion of folk newcomer Ray LaMontagne. He gets into it in a way that totally exposes his personality and feelings. His songs are incredibly melodic, alluring, and extremely uplifting. His passionate voice and soulful lyrics are prominent throughout. It’s all about song melody, rhythm, and verse.

Eric’s guitar playing is as funky and soulful as his vocals, and he strums with an amazing rhythmic quality and flow. He puts forth a unique style of New Orleans swamp pop, blues, and R&B. The music is soulful, energetic and downright enjoyable. Many listeners, myself included, yearn for music this energetic, melodious, and realistic. The richness of it is hard to come by these days. Change In The Weather has it all.

The opening song, ‘Give It Time’, gets right into the soul and R&B groove. The addictive rhythm and melody is instantly captivating. ‘Two Bit Town’ has a distinct reggae pace. The funky rhythm guitars, one with an interesting wah-wah effect, drive this one along nicely. Listening to these two opening tracks, I thought either would make good singles for airplay. Then came ‘Feel Like I Do’, a rocked up, catchy tune. I quickly realized that most of the CD is like that, catchy and easily recalled, and most could easily be used as airplay singles. The other musicians involved, too many to name in their entirety, shine throughout. The songs are full and rich with sound.

Change In The Weather is a musical presentation by an amazing performer as he enters his musical prime. It’s fourteen original songs, all melodic and exciting. They’re the kinds of songs that are easily familiarized, and are recalled with a smile. It’s American roots music, sanguine and bluesy, yet put forth with a touch of reggae and other appealing rhythms. Supposedly, Lindell’s live shows draw as much excitement as his studio material. This is easily believable, as his persona and performance in Change In The Weather is superb. It’s passionate music, and very worthwhile.

Change In The Weather Track Listing
1. Give It Time
2. Two Bit Town
3. Feel Like I Do
4. All Alone
5. Should Have Known
6. Casanova
7. Sere Me Through
8. Sunny Daze
9. It Won’t Be Long
10. Sad But True
11. Let Me Know
12. Uncle John
13. Lady Jane
14. Lazy Days

All songs written by Eric Lindell

Links
Buy Change In The Weather
Eric Lindell
Alligator Records