Coming Home

Maggie Björklund is a pedal-steel guitarist from Copenhagen who has backed Exene Cervenka and Christy McWilson and has made plenty of friends on the American music scene. Many have come out to support her on her first solo album. No one better than Mark Lanegan, who adds his dark, husky growl to two tracks, including the Blue Velvet-like noir of “Intertwined.” Rachel Flotard of Visqueen and Jon Auer of the Posies each contribute vocals to two tunes. Joey Burns and John Convertino of Calexico act as the backing band. So songs such as “Vildspor,” “Summer Romance” and “The Anchor Song” are immediate attractions with a sympathetic lope alongside the pedal-steel that ranges from atmospheric and cinematic to directly supportive. The instrumentals are equally affecting as the Spaghetti Western “Wasteland,” the freaky and experimental “Falling” and the dynamic “Insekt” bear out. A chilling album from start to finish and a great look at one of the best backing musicians in the business — Björklund is someone who deserves the spotlight.