Regina Spektor

A New York-based singer-songwriter, Spektor blends rhythmic piano with a distinct, acrobatic voice. She returns to Mountain Stage to perform songs from her latest album, Far.

In 2006, Spektor's critically acclaimed album Begin to Hope helped cement her place as a pop phenomenon. Its success was buoyed by the hit "Fidelity," which is one of several songs Spektor performs on Mountain Stage.

Regina Spektor makes quirky, artfully orchestrated music with hip-hop rhythms, inspired pop melodies and the passion of punk rock. Hear Spektor recorded live in concert from the 9:30 Club in Washington, D.C.

Ever since the success of her hit "Fidelity," singer-songwriter Regina Spektor has attracted widespread attention for her smart, quirky, emotionally engaging music. In a session from WFUV, Spektor talks about growing up in the Bronx and performs some of her new music.

Spektor possesses unmistakable warmth and a pronounced sunny side to go with her impeccable phrasing, which finds her crafting and subtly bending every note, whether she's pining for faded memories or honking like a dolphin. She opts for the former over the latter in the marvelous "Eet."

Spektor tells stories that are provocative, that hang in your thoughts like a good melody. Her new album, Far, feels simple on its surface, but the secrets and the fun lie just underneath. Even with four different producers, it's a cohesive statement. Hear the album in its entirety.

Are you a lyrics person? Do the words matter so much that, if they aren't any good, you'll put down a CD after one listen? Bob Boilen certainly is, and does. The new Regina Spektor CD, Far, is full of beautiful and intriguing words. Also on this episode of All Songs Considered: Wilco returns with a stronger effort; a concept record from Loxsly; Years, an ambient guitar experiment from a Do Make Say Think member; the dreamy pop of Starlight Mints; violinist and singer-songwriter Christina Courtin; and a highlight from the Dark Was the Night concert.

As cathartic piano prodigies, both Ben Folds and Regina Spektor know how to make listeners laugh and weep at the same time. So it should come as no surprise that they discover one other and meet on common ground in the raw, personal "You Don't Know Me."

We asked NPR listeners to tell us their favorite love songs for Valentine's Day. They responded in droves, posting to the All Songs Considered blog. On this edition of All Songs Considered we share some of those songs and the stories behind them. Hear a mix of music to fall in love with, from the Magnetic Fields and Arcade Fire to the Temptations and Sam Cooke.

Find out the number one album of the year as selected by NPR listeners. Count down the top ten CDs with All Songs Considered host Bob Boilen as he chats with reviewers Robert Christgau, Will Hermes, Meredith Ochs and John Richards.

As a fiercely independent and idiosyncratic singer/songwriter who plays the piano, Regina Spektor draws easy comparisons to Tori Amos. But her work feels less remote and more versatile, thanks to a singular songwriting voice that spans genres and personas with grace and apparent ease.

Spektor possesses unmistakable warmth and a pronounced sunny side to go with her impeccable phrasing, which finds her crafting and subtly bending every note, whether she's pining for faded memories or honking like a dolphin. She opts for the former over the latter in the marvelous "Eet."

Spektor tells stories that are provocative, that hang in your thoughts like a good melody. Her new album, Far, feels simple on its surface, but the secrets and the fun lie just underneath. Even with four different producers, it's a cohesive statement. Hear the album in its entirety.

Are you a lyrics person? Do the words matter so much that, if they aren't any good, you'll put down a CD after one listen? Bob Boilen certainly is, and does. The new Regina Spektor CD, Far, is full of beautiful and intriguing words. Also on this episode of All Songs Considered: Wilco returns with a stronger effort; a concept record from Loxsly; Years, an ambient guitar experiment from a Do Make Say Think member; the dreamy pop of Starlight Mints; violinist and singer-songwriter Christina Courtin; and a highlight from the Dark Was the Night concert.

As cathartic piano prodigies, both Ben Folds and Regina Spektor know how to make listeners laugh and weep at the same time. So it should come as no surprise that they discover one other and meet on common ground in the raw, personal "You Don't Know Me."

As a fiercely independent and idiosyncratic singer/songwriter who plays the piano, Regina Spektor draws easy comparisons to Tori Amos. But her work feels less remote and more versatile, thanks to a singular songwriting voice that spans genres and personas with grace and apparent ease.

Song of the Day editor Stephen Thompson listened to thousands of albums in 2006 before settling on these 10 frequently overlooked favorites.