Note: Regina is Moscow-born, Bronx-raised and this is her major label debut (her last album, Soviet Kitsch, was initially self-released and later re-released by Sire).
Sound: Regina chirps out her quirky observations in a freewheeling vocal style somewhat reminiscent of Tori Amos and Joni Mitchell as she guides you through a mix of piano-driven ballads, lightly orchestrated folk/pop and guitar-based indie rock.
Heavy Rotation tracks: “Hotel Song“; “Fidelity“; “That Time“
Medium Rotation tracks: “On the Radio“; “Samson“; “Lady“
Recommended: In the past, her offbeat delivery and astute-but-often-silly lyrics showed promise, but never quite gelled into a caliber above novel-but-brimming-with-potential. On Begin To Hope, her left field talents are put to great use.
Grade: A- (Top 20 Albums of 2006 Candidate)

(As posted 7/10/06 on davepowersmusic.com)
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