Kim Richey spent the initial portion of her 15-year career chafing at various stylistic restraints, some self-imposed, others foisted upon her by others. Through the second half of the ’90s, the itinerant daughter of a Dayton, Ohio, record-store owner sampled and discarded various guises: new-country misfit (1995’s Nashville-friendly self-titled debut), Lucinda Williams in waiting (1997’s calculated Americana stab Bittersweet) and top-40 hopeful (1999’s super-slick Glimmer). And while those albums had at least two things in common—great songwriting and a soulful, not-in-the-least-bit-showy vocal approach—it wasn’t until more recently that Richey locked into a groove all her own. That in mind, Wreck Your Wheels (Thirty Tigers), her sixth and latest release, finds the artist reveling in a friction-free comfort zone somewhere along the well-read, emotionally honest folk/pop continuum. Richey will be guest-editing magnetmagazine.com all week. Read our Q&A with her.
Richey: Southbank is my default destination when I am in London. Along the south bank of the Thames are some of my most favorite places to spend time. I like to take the tube to Embankment and walk across the bridge. This is a good place to stop and look out over the river and the city. The south bank is home to the BFI Southbank, along with the Tate Modern, the Southbank Centre, the London Eye, the graffiti cove where the skateboarders hang out and many places to eat or have a drink outside in good weather. This is one of the best people-watching spots, and there always seems to be some sort of festival or event—many free—going on. Another great walk is to start on a Friday or Saturday at the London Bridge tube station and hit the famous foodies destination, Borough Market. Make sure and go before midday, though, as it gets rammed with people. After that, wind your way west along the river until you hit the South Bank Centre. In addition to the beautiful river and city view, there are loads of shops and things to look at along the way. This is one of my favorite ways to spend a day.
Video after the jump.
