Rooms

It's a shame that sharing a label with Suede did absolutely nothing for Goya Dress, because Rooms is every bit as elegant, grand, and enchanting as the glam revivalists' Dog Man Star. The British press totally dropped the ball on this one, and I'm sure that didn't help Goya's inability to land U.S. distribution. One play through this record will leave you shocked that Astrid Williamson isn't nearly as treasured as singer/songwriter faves Sarah McLachlan and Tori Amos. Her voice absolutely soars through these ten songs; check your pulse if the chorus of "Sweet Dreams for You" doesn't send chilled tingles through your spine. The skillful backing of Terry de Castro on bass and Simon Pearson on drums complement Williamson's songs lovingly, and this record couldn't have had a better-suited producer in John Cale. (Williamson also played guitar and piano!) Rooms is also adorned tastefully with strings and horns, adding a very graceful flourish. If the only thing keeping you from obsessing over Tori Amos is her space cadet tendencies, seek out this brilliant record. I dare you to find many equals within the domain of dramatic, non-pretentious pop.