Regina Spektor -- Mary Ann meets the Gravediggers and other short stories

Both the album title and the artists' name -- (Regina Spektor, methinks that's not her real name) -- suggest something of a Goth record in the offering but NO!

From the first opening piano chords of Oedipus it becomes clear that what we have here is far more Tori Amos -- than say Sisters Of Mercy.

With exceptional pianoforte skills and vocals that are occasionally interrupted with gasped breaths, Spektor is the ghost of Amos.

The current single Us is the real highlight closely followed by Poor Little Rich Boy and Sailor Song but it's all rather brilliant.

In case the music wasn't enough to salivate over there's a DVD included with early pressings, so grab it quick.

Graham Scaife