Don’t be thinking Regina Spektor is another self-consciously wiggy singer-songwriter. There’s something genuinely off-the wall about her blend of folk, punk and classical flourishes. Perhaps it’s down to her background. Born in Russia, her parents emigrated in 1989, when Spektor was 9-years-old. The family resettled in New York, where Spektor would go on to study classical music and eventually make her name on the city’s ‘anti-folk’ scene at the turn of the century. A support slot with The Strokes followed, as did word of mouth success. She’s also a big influence on Kate Nash too.
Current single Better is taken from her fourth album, 2006’s Begin To Hope. Her most successful release to date, it reached the Top 20 in the US and was nominated for the Shortlist Prize, the American equivalent of the Mercury.
Posted by Gareth Grundy at 05:14PM | August 15, 2007
Well I'm very disappointed on all the critics regarding
"Zeitgeist", and Paul Rees review on August issue of Q. I believe this
is a very good album, and it is very well crafted. What if James Iha
and
D'arcy are no longer on the group, Billy Corgan has always been the
main
drive and producer of all Smashing Pumpkins albums. This album sounds
very sonic, and is also very dark. I can't understand how Paul Rees
comments on Corgan being or sounding like a whining teenager, that's
just ridiculous. Did Robert Smith ever stop complaining and asking
questions in his songs, has Ozzy started singing about puppies now???
I'm a fan of music and Billy Corgan is still a great musician and
composer. This album takes off where Mellon Collie and the Infinite
Sadness ended. From the 12 songs on this album I only didn't like
"United States", and I can't say that for a lot of albums from this
year
which got better reviews.
Posted by Carlos Rodz at 05:28PM | August 15, 2007
Too true carlos, there is a real downer about this album within the music press that I feel is totally un-warranted. Every time I read one of these reviews I keep thinking, "has the reviewer actually listened to the album or have they just had a look at what their peers are writing and decided to copy them because they cant be bithered". I cannot understand how any body can listen to "stars" for example, and not have to pick their jaws up from the floor!
All that is left to say is god bless ya Bill & Jim, you've written and released the only interesting album of the last two years.
Posted by james Burton at 09:49AM | August 16, 2007
Wicked stuff...Thank god 4 Regina Spektor and her avid fans...thank u thank u for the inspiration...x
Posted by Bea at 09:52PM | August 19, 2007
Surprised it took you so long to discover her. She's been much covered in the States. She's hyped the "I was born in Russia" schtick to get attention, since we Americans sadly are blown away that anyone can learn to communicate in a second language, let alone sing in one. But that will only work for now, she's going to have to build on her music which I think is just average.
