Originally from Minneapolis, Karen Haglof moved to New York just as the indie rock freak flag was about to fly. After a variety of musical adventures, she became an oncologist. And then, about 10 years ago, she decided to pick up a guitar again.

Karen Haglof Tobiano (True Morgan Music)

Haglof doesn't have a sound. Her voice is a lovely alto with a bit of a growl, which adapts quite well to whatever sound she acquires for a particular song. There are elements of jangle pop, americana and whatever the hell was really going on in the 80s and 90s.

It takes a lifetime to find yourself. Haglof has clearly found a songwriting groove, and her collaboration with Steve Almaas is amazingly fruitful. The variety of ideas and sounds on this set is almost incalculable. Haglof simply sets sail in whatever direction suits her, and the song follows. This is not recommended for the home audience.

But it works. Haglof has managed to create something that sounds more than a bit like a Mekons album--musically, anyway. The breadth of sound is as impressive as anything I've heard in some time. Haglof doesn't record often, but the 14 songs here show that she's got inspiration to burn. Intoxicating.

Jon Worley