Linda Thompson / "Never The Bride" (The Hector Fund)

Linda Thompson, one of the true legends of British folk-rock, has just released a new single and she's giving it away (click here to download the free MP3 "Never The Bride"). If you aren't familiar with Linda's singing and songwriting I'd recommend filling that void in your record collection immediately by tracking down copies of her excellent early career spanning anthology "Dreams Fly Away: A History of Linda Thompson" and "The End of the Rainbow: An Introduction to Richard and Linda Thompson".
"Never the Bride" (Linda Thompson & Teddy Thompson), her most recent recording, is classic Linda Thompson. I don't believe her voice has ever sounded stronger or clearer. If you want more you'll have to wait because "Never" is just a taste and a tease of what to expect on the solo disc Linda plans to record after she raises the money ($50,000) needed to independently produce, manufacture and market her next album. How is she going to do that?
Enter The Hector Fund :
The Hector Fund envisions "changing the way the world finances music by applying the principles of microfinancing to the music industry. The Hector Fund is supporting economic development in music capitals around the globe by developing an Artistfunding Platform that allows music fans to give financial support directly to their favorite artist in exchange for a more fulfilling fan experience".
You decide if and how much you care to contribute : Suggested donations range from Pass The Hat ($10 buys you a download of the disc when it is released) to the tongue-in-cheek $100,000 (you'll have to follow the link to find out what that buys). When Britney, Miley and even Janet Jackson's nipple have recording contracts and Linda Thompson does not, something is not right in the world. You can help make it right. I hope to post a review of my advance copy of Linda's album (Busker Level) on HickoryWind sometime in early 2010!