Regina Spektor- "Begin to Hope" A-

My brother tipped me off to this sophomore outing from eclectic singer-songwriter Regina Spektor. Spektor's woodwind instrument of a voice slides from note-to-note and from quiet to loud with the airiness and reed-iness of a sax. The songs range from synth driven to driving rock n' roll, the majority are jazz-kissed, and the best are bluesy, jazzy piano-driven ballads. While the songs aren't easily pigeon-holed, taken together they form the romantic cycle of a young lady searching for fun, happening on love, broken-hearted, then mourning. Spektor nails exactly the thrilling danger of lust (Samson), the lazy happiness and wreckless optimism of new love (On the Radio), the despair mixed with inevitability of a heart breaking (Lady Sings the Blues So Well), and the abiding, occasional hollow of love lost (Summer in the City). It is the last two song that grab ahold and will not go. Lady is piano and sax blues that would overshadow less perfect lyrics. But what lyrics! Spektor front-ends her songs with lyrics that stun you in their honesty. "Lady sing the blues so well- As if she mean it- As if it's hell down here- In the smoke-filled world- Where the jokes are cold."
Granted, this isn't everyone's cup-of-tea. But if you like honest lyrics and aren't offended by lesbians love songs, then this is a must buy. Downloads: On the Radio, Lady Sings the blues So Well, Summer in the City.