Some artists cultivate a sense of mystery about themselves in an attempt to make their music seem more unique. Jeanne Vomit-Terror does the former, but she has no need for help on the latter. No one does what she does.

Jeanne Vomit-Terror Empire Waste (Desperate Spirits)

Experimental electro-pop is a pretty sparse genre to begin with, and JV-T goes further than most. She makes musical jokes, and she turns traditional song construction upside down (these aren't deconstructions so much as spectacular rehab jobs).

So is she French? French-Canadian? Those questions were about the last ones that came to my mind. These songs follow idiosyncratic impulses almost to the point of breaking—and then to a final, almost miraculous resolution. This is pop music, but only in the most extravagantly excessive manner.

No, none of these songs are fit for "The best of the 80s, 90s and today!" The kids will not be chanting the choruses (yes, there are some lovely ones here) in mass delirium. Nope. A few cool people will have their minds blown, and then a few more might glom on. That's cool. Insanity is an acquired taste.

Jon Worley