BM

Barbara Morgenstern’s albums are often filed under “electronic” but the German recording artist is basically a 21st-century singer/songwriter using the technology at hand. Since she emerged in the late ‘90s, her work has moved from electronic pop to a highly individual style that possesses elements of indie rock, electronica, and cabaret. The core of her sound is her lovely voice and her acoustic piano, but the tracks are fleshed out at various points with help from drummer Arne Ghosh, guitarist Sven Janetzko, cellist Julia Kent, strings, choir, and subtle electronics. The first track, “Driving My Car,” is a case in point. It begins with Morgenstern’s piano and voice, but slide guitar, electronic keyboard, and drums join in, adding dramatic heft to the music. “Deine Geschichte” starts off with a techno throb only to befriend dissonant piano, chugging strings, and Morgenstern’s delicious singing. Two instrumentals intrigue: “Für Luise” has multi-tracked piano lines that hint at classical music, while “Hustelfuchs” features cello and a variety of “out” string tones that weave a mysterious web. “Camouflage,” a duet with the great British musician Robert Wyatt, is another standout. BM is one of 2008’s best releases.