A Fine Frenzy, 'Bomb in a Birdcage'

Release date: September 8, 2009
Record label: Virgin
Official Web site: http://www.afinefrenzy.com/

The buzz: “One Cell in the Sea,” L.A. singer-songwriter Alison Sudol’s first album as A Fine Frenzy, was a pretty effort that too easily slipped into Starbucks-appropriate background music, undeserving of closer attention. The 24-year-old claims her follow-up reveals a “wild side,” though, so maybe take two will be more striking.
 
The verdict: Here’s to second chances. This is a gorgeous, captivating pop surprise full of lush instrumentation, Sudol’s seductive pipes and melodies that make you welcome the approaching chill in the air. The disc continually takes the boredom out of “Grey’s Anatomy”–approved music, from upbeat first single “Blow Away” to the sweetly simple “Happier.” “Elements” and “Stood Up” have tension that Sudol could have used on her first record, though the fluttering “Bird of the Summer” is a little too cute. While “Birdcage” is sure to support plenty of prime-time TV, this time the background becomes the foreground, and any drama on screen will have to compete with the drama being sung over it. Watch your back, Feist.
 
Did you know? Sudol (@AFineFrenzy) apparently jumped on Twitter long before the rest of the world and now has more than a million followers.