"Olden" is a compilation album by 16 Horsepower, released on July 8, 2003. It marks the final release by the band before their eventual breakup. The album is structured into three distinct sections, interspersed with short interviews featuring David Eugene Edwards, the band's vocalist and primary musician.
The first section comprises the first seven tracks, recorded during what is known as the "Night Owl Studio sessions" in Denver in 1993. These recordings showcase the early sound and development of 16 Horsepower.
The second section includes six songs recorded at Kerr Macy Studio in Denver in 1994. This segment provides further insight into the band's evolving musical style and craftsmanship during the mid-1990s.
The final section features six live recordings from a session at the Mercury Cafe in Denver in 1994. These live tracks capture the energy and raw intensity of 16 Horsepower's performances, highlighting their stage presence and the dynamic interplay between band members.
"Olden" serves as both a retrospective of the band's career up to that point and a testament to their unique blend of alternative country, folk, and rock influences. It offers listeners a comprehensive journey through 16 Horsepower's early recordings, showcasing their evolution and artistic growth leading up to their disbandment after this release.
