Sixteen Horsepower comes as close to being a religion as most bands will ever get. I realized this the other day, explaining why I enjoy/love/worship them (see?) to a friend. It is not something you can easily explain. It is like explaining why cold water on a hot day, certain drugs, or a lover is so special. Like all those things, 16HP is an acquired taste. They require thought and the acceptance of the listener, as well as allowing oneself to be drawn into the world of David Eugene Edwards (the band's founder and songwriter).

Olden is a set of 18 tracks dating from '93/'94 and two very brief interviews. For fans, they are a nice addition to your Sixteen Horsepower collection. For those of you not indoctrinated into the 16HP society, it provides a very clear example of why the band is so good (though I would purchase this along with Sackcloth 'n' Ashes- their first and still best album). The first 12 songs are from two demo sessions recorded in Denver. They reveal the band at its earliest and most earnest. The leaner and more vocal-intensive version of “Scrawled in Sap” is worth the price of admission alone. It points out the beauty of Edwards' voice and some of what was lost in the production of Sackcloth 'n' Ashes (the album that broke the band nationwide).

My suggestion is to go right for the live tracks recorded at the Mercury Café in Denver. They reveal the band's strengths and intricacies. The intensity with which the band plays and the depth of their lyrics are astonishing. (Edwards has always mixed a great deal of religious imagery into his music, and though not immediately apparent in their sound, they are one of the more spiritual bands out there.) “Heel on the Shovel” and “Sac of Religion” provide the pure essence of the band-masterful words, concise and passionate playing, and an ability to entrance their audience. Whether you are adding to your collection or starting it, Olden is a good foundation.