Read: is a combined label sampler/tribute album from the Portland-based imprint Hush. These interpretations are tasteful, almost reverent -- even when the arrangements are modified, there's consideration for that particular "Björkness," that sly detachment her work is usually steeped in. So
Kaitlyn Ni Donovan hesitates over each line in "Hunter" like she's creeping up on her prey.
Ben Gibbard's "Joga" is more conventionally indie, his whisper resting lightly on the plucked acoustic strings.
The Decemberists get all indie with "Human Behavior," too, but there's a sardonic quality in the vocal that ably matches the rhythm track's spot-on slink. Hush's quirky
Noise for Pretend is probably one of the only groups that can handle "It's Oh So Quiet" without getting all excited and hyper and blowing the whole thing.
Noise proves this with a version that wraps understated instrumentation around
Esperanza Spalding's vocal for a truly luminous reinterpretation. Other
Read: highlights include
Corrina Repp's stark "You've Been Flirting Again" and a shuffling turntablist take on "Possibly Maybe" from
Roots of Orchis. ~ Johnny Loftus