The great white Russian hope

Terms like "folk," "anti-folk" and "singer-songwriter" often send people running to their bomb shelters because they're usually code words for self indulgent, un-listenable music that only five other people besides the artist truly "get." But do not be afraid of Russian-born-raised-in-the-Bronx Regina Spektor. Though she is a singer-songwriter and pianist who rose out of the coffeehouse circuit, her music is accessible to the masses. If you've never listened to her music, I guarantee it's not what you'd expect.\nHer last album, Soviet Kitsch, gained attention for its emotional swells of piano and sultry vocals, each song like a unique, musical novella. Artists who can sing pretty seem to come cheap these days (Even artists who can barely sing at all find their way into the music scene. I'm looking at you, Ashlee Simpson), but it's Spektor's eccentric lyrics accentuated by the unexpected that make her break free from the folksy mold.\nBut as long as we're talking about molds, Jell-o molds, the mold in your fridge, etc., I feel I should mention that Spektor's newest album, Begin to Hope, breaks even further from the mold of a classically trained singer-songwriter with a sweet voice. It's every fan's worst nightmare when a new album comes out and it becomes clear that the musicians tried to keep things fresh by taking their sound to strange new places. But let's not forget, Regina was already a little "out there" to begin with. Her new album is different, but in a good way.\nRegina keeps it real with the traditional and simplistically beautiful character ballad "Samson" and the goose-bump inducing "Aprés Moi." But fans of her old stuff might be surprised by a more electronic sound that pops up throughout the album. The drum beats and synth sounds in between the piano will keep you guessing upon first listen. But once again, be not afraid. Change is good. The rock sounds of "That Time" and the pop of "Hotel Song" are addicting and Spektor has a voice that can swim the tide from genre to genre.\nBegin to Hope is a well-rounded mix of new and old. Expect drama, smooth melodies, biting notes and even a tiny sprinkle of gangsta flare. It's the album that picks you up as it calms you down.