Nina Nastasia & Jim White: You Follow Me

Label: Fat Cat

This collaboration between two shining lights of underground music – dark-folk empress Nina Nastasia and one of the world’s finest percussionists, Jim White (of Dirty Three) – every bit lives up to the potential of such a pairing. Some of the most memorable lyrics and vocal hooks of Nastasia’s career are showcased by Steve Albini’s immaculate production. “White’s nuanced drumming makes a perfect foil for Nastasia’s sturdy voice, and the interaction between the two is entrancing,” says Pitchfork, who gave the album a Recommended rating. The organic tension created as Nastasia’s gorgeous vocal flourishes and White’s percussive drama take multiple turns in each song’s spotlight makes You Follow Me one of the most memorable and rewarding listens of the year. (Jackie)