Regina Spektor WHAT WE SAW FROM THE CHEAP SEATS. Warner

I remember so well the first (and only) time back in 2005 when I saw this young lady perform live at Manchester’s wonderful Lowry Centre. She captivated both me and the audience with her distinctive solo performance playing charming, melodic, quirky and highly original songs. Her albums up to now have become firm favourites and have stuck pretty much to her proven formula. Spektor’s latest album represents her most adventurous and diverse yet. WHAT WE SAW FROM THE CHEAP SEATS takes a little while to penetrate, but penetrate it surely does with some of her most complex songs covering a  diversity of subjects including love, politics, partying and much more.

‘Small Town Moon’ snaps one right back into the familiar Spektor sound with a song about youth and the past. The song’s pace and vibe change several times - totally unconventional but always compelling. Next track ‘Oh Marcello’ uses the classic ‘Don’t Let Me Be Misunderstood’ very cleverly while taking on an Italian accent and mouthing drum sounds in what is one of my favourites on the album. ‘Don’t Leave Me Now (Ne Me Quitte Pas)’ is a bouncy ditty with some killer lyrics including: “And down on Lexington/They’re wearing new shoes stuck to ageing feet…When they were young and veins were tight…”

Spektor has included a diversity of moods and musical styles and while more adventurous houses that signature artist vibe and feel which marks her out from all other female singer/songwriters. ‘Firewood’, for example, takes on a much darker hue with the piano lending much to the song’s sad vibe, with a melody that is one of the strongest here. The album, unlike previous ones, has few instant kicks, rather, it takes a few listens to fully register. But when it does this album offers musical joy and originality few other female singer/songwriters can match.

4.5/5