Soviet Kitsch

by

Regina Spektor

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The first time I heard Regina Spektor on The Next Big Thing, I was in love with this young, weird singer-songwriter. I downloaded Soviet Kitsch legitimately, then went on to buy the album with DVD and saw Regina play in Philadelphia.

The album is wonderful, and it coheres beautifully. Much of it is content with just Regina playing the piano; the spare sound brings out her beautiful voice and great playing style, and the completely out-there nature of her lyrics. Regina manages to say some very odd things about life and people without coming off as precious or pretentious, which is one of her best achievements.

Probably the most fun song on Soviet Kitsch is "Poor Little Rich Boy." It's the second cut; I often skip over "Ode to Divorce," which is also great, just to hear it. The song, you see, consists of Regina singing while playing the piano with one hand and a chair with the other. It's a fun, energetic number, as is "Your Honor," which has a backing band to it. Other songs are slower, usually ironic - like "Carbon Monoxide" or "Chemo Limo" - demonstrating Regina's candor about death. Her piano work is wonderful in songs like "The Flowers" and "Us," and no track doesn't feature her exquisite, unique voice. Though it lacks a particular theme, Soviet Kitsch works as a whole album, changing and developing themes beautifully.

The fact that Soviet Kitsch seems to be selling and Regina Spektor is getting a fan following gives me hope for music's future. This one belongs on top 5s for the year. Give it a listen; if you like it, you'll fall in love with it.