Singer Veda Hille’s 2005 release, now out stateside, was put out on XTC singer Andy Patridge’s label. Thus, many would probably assume this record is a rich, highbrow, and solid album. It certainly is, bringing to mind the likes of fellow Canadian singers like Jane Siberry (now known as Issa) and Mary Margaret O’Hara. After the pretty opening “A Fine Start”, Hille nails the organic, magical “Queen of the May”. Simple but quite stunning is the norm for this record, especially on “Bedlam!”, with its terrible sweetness. Fans of Apple Venus would enjoy and revel in this album, especially “Where Am I From?” and the lush, cinematic quality of “Liza Jane”. Musically, this album is extremely adventurous, with Hille coming right back with a bouncy, pop-tinged “Every Morning”. The strength of the work speaks for itself, whether it’s the tender, melancholic “Bad Heart”, the quirky but effective “A Little Pleasure”, or the haunting “Oh, The Endless Fog!”.

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