Review: Regina Spektor’s major label debut still delightfully “Kitsch”

 

Regina Spektor's third album “Soviet Kitsch” was released as her major label debut on Aug. 17, 2004. A humbly impactful outing, many songs on “Soviet Kitsch” are driven by piano.


The album's opener is the wistful "Ode to Divorce,” where Spektor narrates one's inability to let go of their broken marriage. The song features sparse instrumentation aside from piano, kick drum and strings, allowing Spektor’s vocals to shine through.


On "Poor Little Rich Boy,” she attempts to expose the titular character to his wrongdoings. The clacking percussion is reminiscent of a ticking clock, which changes in tempo towards the end of the song. This gives it a sense of urgency. "Carbon Monoxide" plays out like a father-daughter argument, wherein the daughter complains that she is unprepared for adulthood. 


"The Flowers" continues track 1’s theme of refusal to let go of a dead relationship, symbolized by items unattended to, like flowers and papers. "Us" condemns the influence of historical Soviet figures on the society of Russia, where Spektor was born. 


"Sailor Song,” both musically and lyrically, gives the vibe of young sailors singing and drinking their problems. This is aided by the additions of percussive instruments like triangle and tambourine. "Your Honor" sees Spektor treating a partner who'd gotten in a fight, whilst Kill Kenada inject the track with punk rock instrumentation. 


"Ghost of Corporate Future" analyzes a businessman who is evidently in need of a simpler and less fearful way of living. "Chemo Limo" finds the sickly narrator recall a lucid dream where she had money to afford to take care of herself and her four kids, before waking up to the reality that her cancer will likely force them to grow up without her. Closing ballad "Somedays" describes the struggle of having bipolar disorder.


Ultimately, “Soviet Kitsch” serves as Regina Spektor's bold introduction to the world, as she tackles many of its problems head on through her music.

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