Butterfly Days by Gina MacLeod: A Hidden Gem from 2008
If you’re into music that feels like a warm hug on a rainy day, Butterfly Days by Gina MacLeod is worth a spin. Released in 2008 under the UK’s “Not On Label,” this album blends Singer/Songwriter vibes with Folk, World, and Country flavors. It's got layers of heart and soul stitched together by some killer musicians—including Alan Jordan, who wears about ten hats here (producer, backing vocals, percussion… seriously, what CAN’T he do?). And let’s not forget Gina herself, whose voice floats through these tracks like sunlight breaking through clouds.
Two songs really stuck with me after giving the album a few listens. First up, there’s "Who Knows Where The Time Goes." I mean, come on—it’s one of those timeless tunes that makes you stop whatever you're doing and just listen. Gavin Marwick’s fiddle adds this haunting, bittersweet edge to it, while Gina’s delivery is pure emotion without overdoing it. You can tell she means every word. It’s the kind of song that sneaks up on you when you least expect it, maybe during a quiet moment at home or even while staring out a train window.
Then there’s "Bombay Churchgate," which feels totally different but just as memorable. The mix of Stuart Duncan’s keyboards and Owen Nicholson’s pedal steel guitar gives it this dreamy, almost cinematic vibe. By the time Ali Ferguson’s electric guitar kicks in, you’re fully transported somewhere else—maybe an old movie scene where the hero walks off into the sunset? It’s hard to explain, but the track has this way of sticking in your head long after it ends.
One thing I love about Butterfly Days is how real it feels. There’s no flashy production trying too hard; instead, it’s all about the music and the stories behind it. You can hear the care put into each track, especially with Stuart Duncan pulling double duty as both engineer and mastering wizard. Even the photos by Joe Spaghetti and John Evans add to the whole package—it’s clear everyone involved poured their hearts into this project.
What surprised me most? How much I ended up connecting with Gina’s lyrics. Songs like "Mirrorbook" and "Unloved" hit close to home in ways I didn’t see coming. They’re raw and honest, yet still gentle enough to keep you coming back for more. And honestly, isn’t that what great music should do? Make you feel something?
So yeah, if you’re looking for an album that doesn’t scream for attention but quietly earns it, check out Butterfly Days. Just don’t blame me if you find yourself humming "Who Knows Where The Time Goes" for days afterward. Oh, and fun fact: turns out Alan Jordan wrote most of the tracks too. Dude’s basically a musical Swiss Army knife. Respect.
