Well CSS still hasn't arrived, and indeed I am beginning to fear it's got lost on its transatlantic journey, but thanks to the wonders of the modern age, the reviews can continue thanks to me picking up a copy of Regina Spektor's new album.
Some people might be surprised to learn this is her 5th album, although her 4th was a compilation of the first 3, and this of course brings with it some baggage. A numeber of her fans are bemoaning the more commercial sound of this album compared to its predecessors, and they might have a point. But the point is not that Regina has "gone commercial" (and indeed folks, precious few musicians ever make a record in the hope it won't sell well) its that whilst there is a more "radio-friendly" edge to this compared to its predecessors, it's hardly Orson-like rock-lite and it still contains everything that made you love Regina in the first place.
Take the wonderful Apres Moi for instance; it's difficult to imagine any other pop record this year, or any year for that matter, so catchily encompassing classical piano, biblical references and Russian heritage in five minutes of bliss. Or take Hotel Song; given its almost electro pop backing it wouldn't be out of place on a Girls Aloud album on first listen, you don't get many lyrics about dreaming of Orca whales and bags of cocaine on the latest Xenomania smash.
To be fair, the album does start off somewhat more conventionally, Better is the kind of song Daniel Powter wouldn't turn down and On The Radio is another track with a "poppy" backing, and long term fans have to be patience to get to the tracks which are more like the Regina of "old". Newer fans may well have to take a few listens to really fall in love with her but no matter how long you have, or haven't, known of Regina, eventually this album will get you. It's that good.
No comments:
Post a Comment