Borrowed Arms

For anyone with even a bit of adventure in their soul, musically speaking, this is a real find. Carla Kihlstedt is a very special talent and brings completely new perspectives to the pop song format. The arrangements on this album are spare, simple even, without being simple minded or obvious. Surprises abound and one would have to be dead to not find something enjoyable and engaging in this batch of songs. In some ways it is better than her first 2 Foot Yard album but is sufficiently different to make it an apples and oranges kind of thing. If you enjoy Tom Waits, Captain Beefheart, Phillip Glass and Rasputina then you'll find something here as well.

Three talented musicians pull off an impressive feat of acrobatics: each song is grounded in simple, stirring melodies but the instincts of the performers turn them into intricate sonic adventures, miniature jam sessions, often with profound lyrics. The songs get under the skin and stay with you. The core players are Carla Kihlstedt of Sleepytime Gorilla Museum and Tin Hat on vocals and violin, Marika Hughes of Charming Hostess on vocals and cello, and Shahzad Ismaily of Marc Ribot's Ceramic Dog and Secret Chiefs on drums and guitar. Recommended for followers of any of those projects or anyone looking to be shaken out of a musical rut. A gorgeous album.