Of course you've heard Nora O'Connor's voice before. She's sung and played with the Decembrists, Neko Case, the New Pornographers, Robbie Fulks, the Flat Five and more. And in the wayback (1996 and 2004) she released a couple of albums. But you would be excused if you didn't really know what she sounds like.

Nora O'Connor My Heart (self-released)

This set should solve that problem. O'Connor not only sings, she plays just about every instrument in the book. She assembled a group of friends to back her up (one imagines that the number of folks who might record with her approaches infinity), and so her multi-instrumental ability shows itself more in her songwriting. Some songs are built around guitar, others around piano and at least one that sure sounds like it was written from behind a drum set.

In all, this is a lovely, rambling set of songs that reflect her travels. Fans of the artists O'Connor has backed will find it to be a warm seat waiting. A little rock, a little soul, a little folk and a fair amount of dry wit. O'Connor can be earnest--and her music certainly ends toward the mannered end of things—but she has a sly way of undercutting her own self-seriousness.

Most of us come into self-awareness after living a few years. O'Connor won't best mistaken for the hot young thing, and she appears to be totally unworried about that. This set should establish her as a force in her own right. She has more than enough mettle to step out front and take the reins herself. One of the most accomplished and impressive albums I've heard this year.

Jon Worley