Linda Rich

Linda Rich was a Christian folk singer who recorded three albums: There's More to Living than I Know So Far (1969), Patterns (1970), and Apple Tree (1975).

All three albums are fantastic: melancholy, spiritual, sparse, gentle, rich, and luminous. her voice is somewhat like early Joni Mitchell (1968-71) but more mezzo-soprano, with fewer melissmas. her guitar playing is functional, but delicate. When there are arrangements, the strings are tasteful. On several tracks on both Patterns and Apple Tree there is some fulte work that gets some spacey-echo happening. It's not quite psych, but very close.

Her lyrics are very Christian, but she also ventures into some searching territory, particularly "An Agnostic's Prayer" from Patterns. I particularly appreciate her more atmospheric lyrics:

"Sun streaming through stained glass windows,

coloured shadows in a darkened room,

red on brown,

make colours sound,

and give the peace of knowing You"

"Stained Glass Windows" Apple Tree

You can download all three of these albums here: The Ancient Star Song

I highly recommend these albums to anyone, Christian or not. There are moments of pure sublime beauty on all of these records, and you can hear the questioning and joy of Linda's faith in all her songs. She doesn't package up Christianity into a neat, happy box; rather she asks questions and admits her failings, yet she also expresses her love of Christ in a gentle joyousness that is sincere and real.

Life at present (10)

This is where I am today.

Life at present (9)

This is a photo from the same spot as this time last week. I look at the clock and work out when I can have my next break.

Life at present (8)

This is the infamous library. I will be in there in a minute, researching Arianism and Origen. I may also be listening to Steve Hillage. I may also be depressed and cranky. I may also be snoozing.

Life at present (7)

This is my friend Jody. She is driving us to Cessnock for a clergy conference. What an exciting life we lead.

Life at present (6)

There is a disco ball on the foyer at the bottom of stairs in front of the toilets. I have never seen any dancing there, but I must admit to having been a bit fleet footed on my way there after a day of drinking those green tea drinks.

Life at present (5)

There are positives and negatives about this bridge. On the good side, it means it is very nearly coffee time, or when approaching from the other way, it means library time is over. On the bad side, it means library time is about to start, or when approaching from the other way, it means I start think about how little I achieved while at the library.