Regina Spektor: Soviet Kitsch

I know it's hard to believe, but I heart Regina Spektor.

Regina's last indie release (which was later re-released on her Major Label) is a schizophrenic romp through the musical genius that is Ms. Spektor. It seems to bridge her brave and creative anti-folk beginnings and her pop-rock endeavours of the present and future, as heard on Begin to Hope.

The beautiful Kitsch is heavily piano-driven pop/rock/folk/anti-folk album with a lot of character and spunk, filled with the charm that is Regina Spektor and the staying power of most any Zep album.

Poor Little Rich Boy plays on the starkness of the instruments, with just a quieted piano and two drum sticks banging on a table, exquisite; Us is, perhaps, your top 40 pop track of the album, with an upbeat tune and lyrics; Sailor Song is a favourite simply for the chorus lyrics of "Mary ann's a bitch," and either you get the joke, or you don't; And the album finishes with Somdays, which is beautiful, sad, and yet up-lifting, ending the album on this bittersweet note.

In the end: Many people enjoy this album more than Begin to Hope, and they have every right to. It's more imaginative and inventive. If you enjoyed Hope, you'll most likely love Soviet.

On the Web: The Hype Machine helps people help themselves. If you can find the remix of Us on there, it's worth the download.

Technorati Tagged: Regina Spektor | Anti-Folk | 2001