Far

I love this album. OK, I admit it, that isn't the most impartial way to start off a review, but it's the truth. I love everything about it, the interesting, witty lyrics, Regina's gorgeous vocals, the superb songwriting, the way some of the compositions have a powerful emotive message and yet still have the ability to make a smile involuntarily creep across your face. Such is the appeal of "Far", I have literally lost count of the amount of times I have played this album since I've bought it, so not only does this album have an immediate impact on the listener, it has real longevity.There are so many brilliant songs on this collection, I could quite easily go through each track and would probably run out of superlatives, so I'll just stick to my absolute favourites. The bouncy opener, "The Calculation" is infectious and charming. "Eet" is both delicate and then magnificent, reminding me a little of Ben Folds, as does the excellent "Two Birds". The sinister, near-Orwelian, "Machine" is another stand-out, managing to be both chilling and yet undeniably beautiful. I'm reminded of Alanis Morissette at her most poignant best when I hear "Laughing With", a song wryly commenting about the perversion and misuse of religion whilst managing to stay cleverly neutral. "Dance Anthem Of The 80's" is almost annoyingly catchy but most certainly amusing. "Wallet" is a beautiful song, describing the brief insight into someone's life finding their wallet would give you. In fact, every single track on "Far" has something special to offer to the listener.It's a testament to the album's four producers that you can't tell that the songs have different people behind the helm - it's a very cohesive album and they all simply seem to bring the best out of Ms. Spektor. Even the great but often-criticised Jeff Lynne, who isn't renowned for his production subtlety, tailors his sound and the instrumentation to enrich and enhance the performance rather than to leave any trademark stamp on it. In fact, even the keenest ears would have trouble picking out which producer was behind which track. That, I believe, is a huge compliment to all involved in this record. What's more, I've managed to get to the end of a review about a Regina Spektor album without using the word "quirky". Until now. Damn.A wonderful, wonderful album.

Quietly in the distance I thought I heard Robbie Williams' "Rock DJ" intro start on the radio. Then a woman started singing and the song didn't turn into a full on pop song. I suspected it might be Regina Spektor. I was right as it was "The Calculation" from her new album. I had heard a few of her songs in the past and I loathed her. Not merely disliked, but seriously hated her music. So I was very surprised that I liked her new single.For reasons of perverse masochism I decided to buy her album. I was expecting to like two or three songs while hating the rest. I was more than a little surprised that I loved it. It's a monster of an album. By far and away the best new release I've heard so far in 2009. And her voice is not annoying.1. "The Calculation" - 3:13 (4 out of 5 stars)Good, joyful, funny, bouncy, up-beat pop song. It has no similarities to "Rock DJ" now that I've heard it properly.2. "Eet" - 3:54 (4 stars)Good up-tempo track. Of no great merit but nothing wrong with it.3. "Blue Lips" - 3:34 (3 stars)Starts as a slow song but picks up the pace for most of the second half. It's good.4. "Folding Chair" - 3:35 (4 stars)A real nice feel good song. She makes bizarre dolphin sounds but it's not anywhere near as daft or as kooky as it could be - it works as well as can be expected as it fits the song seamlessly.5. "Machine" - 3:51 (3 stars)Loud and fairly heavy. Feels like a minor track but very enjoyable with some interesting lyrics about our place in the past, present and future.6. "Laughing With" - 3:18 (4 stars)I got a tingle up my spine despite the silly lyrics. Her performance sells the words. I like the song maybe more than I should.7. "Human of the Year" - 4:12 (2 stars)This slower, more ponderous track does nothing for me.8. "Two Birds" - 3:23 (4 stars)Sounds like a children's song with bright up-beat music. Borderline brilliant.9. "Dance Anthem of the 80's" - 3:44 (5 stars)Brilliant song about boys and girls watching each other and wanting more. The highlight of the album.10. "Genius Next Door" - 5:10 (3 stars)Lyrics are a bit silly and the music is sadder and slower. I didn't care for it to begin with, but it gets better as it progresses. Nice echo on her voice at some points. Feels like a key album track. The story reminds me of the Disney cartoon version of Winnie The Poo.11. "Wallet" - 2:30 (4 stars)Kooky song about finding a wallet and looking through it to get an idea of who the owner is. Feels like a scene from a quirky indie film such as Me And You And Everyone We Know or Eagle Vs. Shark. Not a great song but very charming and sweet. I can easily imagine some people hating it.12. "One More Time with Feeling" - 4:03 (3 stars)Good song with interesting lyrics.13. "Man of a Thousand Faces" - 3:12 (3 stars)Okay song with a darker, heavier piano sound but slightly weaker than most of what's gone before. Has a bit of a non-ending which is a shame as it's the climax of the whole album.The 47 minute album might be too perky for some but I really, seriously, unapologetically like it. And it's very rare for me to like eccentric kooky music. Her music exists in its own little world much like the two movies I mentioned earlier (and the more male-centric films of Wes Anderson). I guess you either love it or hate it.The CD seems to have been better mastered than most new releases. I'm pretty certain I could hear proper dynamics between the loud and quiet sections which is rare with modern CDs. Oddly the booklet says "Lyrics Reprinted by Permission" but there are no lyrics in the booklet.I like to make EP playlists out of albums on my iPod. Tracks 1, 4, 8 and 9 made the cut.I didn't buy the two disc deluxe edition. I don't regret it as the two extra songs seem very much like off-cuts (I've heard them on Spotify) and I have no interest in her music videos.

Been a fan for a few years now of the outstanding artist that is Regina. We've seen it before but there's something special that she brings to the table that just works.Far, is less commercial than Begin to hope but it's still going to bring her fanbase up in numbers. Shame for me because I've yet to see her at an intimate gig somewhere, which is hopefully where she's at her best.Laughing With and Folding Chair probably my faves at the moment but there are many top, top tracks on here so my preference will change day-to-day.

Been a fan for a few years now of the outstanding artist that is Regina. We've seen it before but there's something special that she brings to the table that just works.Far, is less commercial than Begin to hope but it's still going to bring her fanbase up in numbers. Shame for me because I've yet to see her at an intimate gig somewhere, which is hopefully where she's at her best.Laughing With and Folding Chair probably my faves at the moment but there are many top, top tracks on here so my preference will change day-to-day.

I have to admit that the reason I bought this CD was because I am an Electric Light Orchestra fanatic, and there were several tracks on this album produced by the great Jeff Lynne (one of the best producers of this decade!!).I was however, very impressed and converted to the Regina Spektor experience. On some tracks she sounds like Kate Bush and on others, through the constant use of piano on every track, she reminds me of a female Randy Newman in her songwriting style and approach. If you like something a little left-field and different then this is the album for you.very good indeed. Best track is "Genius Next Door"!

great cd