Listening to Regina Spektor is very much like listening to a precocious childincredibly endearing, but also a little annoying. The Soviet-born, New York-bred songstress crams her piano pop melodies with eccentric lyrics and vocal techniques. Her fifth studio album, Far, is no exception. On it, Spektor sings about finding a wallet with as much passion as she does about the power of God. But its when she loosens up that she really shines. The albums stand out track, Dance Anthem of the 80s, is an infectious B-52s-inspired gem on which she chirps, Im walking through the city like a drunk, but not/With my slip showing a little, like a drunk, but not. Its lovely instances like these that save Spektor when she gets too brainy for her own good. ERIKA HOBART
Tue., Nov. 3, 8 p.m., 2009
