Erin McKeown: Joyful, Playful Pop

Erin McKeown's vibrant mix of pop, swing, rock, folk and electronic music makes it difficult, if not foolish, to pigeonhole her within a single musical genre. In a recording career that began while she was still in college, the young singer has already released seven full-length studio albums, a pair of EPs and a studio disc.

McKeown's first album of original songs since 2005's We Will Become Like Birds, Hundreds of Lions comes out next month, though she's also spent the past few years recording vocals, piano, bass and guitar for other artists. Like much of her previous work, the new disc showcases McKeown's bright soprano vocals and remarkable folk-pop arrangements.