Songs

by

Regina Spektor

Edit

This is the one of the most beautiful albums. So much imagery flows through one's mind as one pictures Regina alone with her piano delivering every note, every word.. it's so gorgeous. And humorous. And smooth yet quirky and intelligent yet child-like. All done in one take, without any commercial compromises.

1. Samson - I prefer this version over the redone one in Begin to Hope. It a bit slower, a little more honest, passionate and melodic.

2. Oedipus - Based on a historical character (like Samsom) starts off melodic and speeds up around the chorus then slows and ups once again. The tempo and style changes constantly.

3. Prisoners - Has a wonderful ending, vocal surprises, and that cleverly played piano. Quite edgy.

4. Reading Time With Pickle - Breathtakingly quirky. Haunting. Powerful vocals.

5 Consequence of Sounds - I love the simple instrumentation and her voice demands your attention. The vocal delivery carries this song all the way to the top. It's very hip-hop, very lyrically smart. This song has such an invigorating style.

6. Daniel Cowman - Very eccentric. Done in a narrative manner, her vocal and music style changes constantly. It's remarkable, unlike any other song.

7. Bon Idee - Beautiful song, I love the truth in the lyrics.

8. Aching to Pupate - The most refreshing and charming song I've heard in ages. It's all acapella.

9. Lounge - Jazzier than the rest. Her car impression is awesome. Broo-Broo-Brooommm!

10. Lacrimosa - Edgy. Has a jaunty, jumpy piano and sounds somewhat classical. Very original.

11. Lulliby - Dark and gorgeous. My least favorite, but it's indeed beautiful. Very intimate.

12. Ne Me Quitter Pas - Fun and entertaining. Cheery even, the perfect ending to a wonderfully executed album.

I did not rate the tracks as they're all so different beyond categorization, it felt unfair somehow. Each song is it's own genre and they hold your attention, either by Regina's voice or the only featured instrument - the piano. Magical album. Artsy. Catchy.

This is a review for normal people, not people already interested in Regina Spektor. Maybe an eccentric friend has recommended her to you or perhaps your niece has put an album on her Christmas list.

This is one of the worst albums I have ever heard. Self-indulgent, amateur, vapid. Pointless (and pointlessly maudlin) lyrics accompanied by piano that ranges from cloying to pretentiously spare. Ms. Spektor caterwauls like a child still amazed at her ability to modulate between two unrelated pitches, she shifts timbre and inflection regularly, presumably in the pursuit of some dramatic effect. Anti-folk? more like anti-music.

Purchasing this album, even checking it out of the library, is an utter waste of time and a crime against the human spirit. Just my two cents.