:: Regina Spektor - Begin To Hope

Regina Spektor

The sugar coated and joyous radio hit Fidelity will lure you in, but don’t be fooled, there is far more nourishing fare on offer on Regina Spektor’s latest album ‘Begin To Hope’. Comparisons with Tori Amos and Fiona Apple point in the right direction, but this New Yorker outdoes them both at their own game and redefines the playing field in the process. Spektor’s somewhat Spartan lyrics are conjured into a whole new realm by her inimitable vocals. Best described as a shape shifter, it is easy to imagine you are listening to several different women sharing the same vocal chords. Some of her lyrics are quirky “Hey remember the time when I found a human tooth down on Delancey”, others are just plain weird “Be afraid of the lame. They'll inherit your legs”. Whatever, just close your eyes and go with it. Standout track Apres Moi: Spektor works a delicious Russian accent into the mix. Oi!