Mirah

To some the idea of a remixed indie-rock record makes as much sense as a twelve-inch dance version of a Bach fugue. However, folk-pop singer Mirah seems to have missed the memo that these art forms seem incongruous: After 2004's C'mon Miracle, she released Joyride, a double-disc of remixes done by her fellow K Records artists. But whether skittering drum machines or lo-fi tape fuzz accompany her songs, Mirah's sweet voice and trenchant lyrics find a way of sinking into the listener's heart. This year's (a)spera is her first new solo album in five years — and to celebrate, she recruited a veritable Pacific Northwest wrecking crew of collaborators: noted producer Tucker Martine, Microphones leader Phil Elverum and Decemberists axe-man Chris Funk. The result is a lush, nuanced record that was worth the wait.