Kate & Anna McGarrigle (1975)

Why not continue on the theme of artists from Montreal? The sisters Kate & Anna McGarrigle were born in Montreal but grew up in the village of Saint Sauveur des Monts, a short distance away. In my world they are well-known, probably thanks to two of their albums that existed in my parents' record collection during my childhood (albums that are now in my record collection). But fact is surprisingly many Montrealers don't know about them. It never stops to surprise me. But perhaps a big city like Montreal offers so many different artists having existed over the years, so it's easy to be forgotten.

The eponymous debut album was released in 1975. At that time the sisters had sung together since the first half of the 60s. The fact is that Kate was studying engineering at McGill University in Montreal in the 60's, where my wife is now working. Oh yes. Anna studied at art school, also in Montreal. They began performing together and sang their own songs, and continued to sing together until Kate's death in 2010.

The sisters sang mostly in English but on their records there are always a few songs in French as well (they've done one album with only French songs). On the debut album the B-side opens with my old favorite Complainte Pour Ste-Catherine which is in French.

The album is generally quite acclaimed, Allmusic gives it for example 5 stars. But the sisters never became particularly commercially successful or got high spots in the charts. Perhaps the folk niche is a little too small. Personally I think it's an OK album, with some highs and some lows. Their most famous song, Heart Like A Wheel, which many other artists have done covers of, is very beautiful and sad. The mentioned Complainte Pour Ste-Catherine is also really groovy, Swimming Song is another favorite, a funny song. But there are some more boring numbers which pass through my ears without wanting to stay. Many skillful and famous musicians play on the album, but the focus is undoubtedly on the sisters' singing.

Finally, a bit of gossip. There is a connection between the artist in my last post, Leonard Cohen, and today's, in addition to both descending from Montreal. Kate McGarrigle is the mother of the artist Rufus Wainwright. Leonard Cohen has a daughter named Lorca Cohen. Lorca and Rufus have a child together. In other words, Leonard Cohen and Kate McGarrigle were related, in a way. Since Rufus is gay this arrangement got a little more attention than normal.

Kate & Anna McGarrigle's debut album can be recommended if you like folk. The sound is fairly basic, and their vocals are not hidden behind any sound walls. Which is good and bad. Don't get me wrong, they sing really well and the harmonies are beautiful, but sometimes I miss a slightly larger soundscape and fuller production. But that's just me.


Tracklist

Side A
1. Kiss And Say Goodbye 2:47
2. My Town 2:57
3. Blues In D 2:43
4. Heart Like A Wheel 3:08
5. You Foolish 3:02
6. (Talk To Me Of) Mendocino 3:08

Side B
1. Complainte Pour Ste-Catherine 2:48
2. Tell My Sister 3:37
3. Swimming Song 2:26
4. Jigsaw Puzzle Of Life 2:29
5. Go Leave 3:19
6. Travellin' On For Jesus 2:42