A phenomenal vocalist and a history lesson

Glasser

“This synth siren sounds like a weirder and more credible version of Enya, all ethereal vocals and meandering melodies,” is how “The Guardian” described Glasser. She is rightfully compared to the likes of Joni Mitchell, Fever Ray, and Joanna Newsom. Glasser is the stage name of Los Angeles’ Cameron Mesirow, an singer who also takes over the instrumental duties in her compositions. Cameron comes from a musical family, loves muppets and prog rock, and became a crowd favorite by touring alongside The xx and Jónsi. Her first album, Ring, came out in the fall and is rightfully considered to be one of last year’s best debut records.

 

Igor Boxx

Breslauis among the most important Polish albums released in 2010. Is it Poland’s answer to the soaring musical concept work of Kraftwerk and Lou Reed? No — there’s nothing megalomanic about it. This story about about the dramatic, war-time history of Wrocław, written by Skalpel’s Igor Pudło, stands up to other outstanding records, but similarly demands time and involvement on the part of listeners. The live version is even more involving and addictive.