Bjork: Volta

Label: Atlantic

Volta is Björk’s most accessible album since Vespertine and overall one of the finest achievements in her storied career. The far-out ingredients on Medulla and the Drawing Restraint soundtrack are poured into song structures with beats underneath. It’s the best of both worlds, really. All musical styles – no, make that all sounds – are fair game, including the electric likembé and homemade percussion of Konono No. 1, the eerie vocals of Antony, pipa by Min Xiao-Fen, kora by Toumani Diabaté, clavichord, and beats by Timbaland, longtime Björk collaborator Mark Bell, Lightning Bolt drummer Brian Chippendale, and more. “Earth Intruders” is as freaky as anything on the new CocoRosie. “Declare Independence,” with distorted electronics, a pounding rhythm, and Björk’s screamed vocals, is harsher and more hard-hitting than anything on the new Nine Inch Nails. Plenty of variety, yet it all coheres into yet another brilliant Björk album. (Steve)