Anna Hillburg plays . . . music. She writes . . . songs. I say it that was because she eschews genre and keeps things simple. I suppose the dread "singer-songwriter" label would work, but that's even more vague than "alternative" or "americana" (the latter having become so all-encompassing that it is useless as well). Bonus: as Hillburg doesn't really stick to a particular sound, it makes idiots like me work harder to describe what she does.

Anna Hillburg Tired Girls (self-released)

Take elements of twee pop (the Shins, etc.), add in trumpet (one of many instruments Hillburg plays) to build muscle and then keep the songs rolling with an insistent (but not overpowering) rhythm section. The result is something akin to modern attempts to recreate 60s Britpop, with so many additions that it blooms into something else entirely. Something that is entirely Hillburg.

The horns are more prominent on this album than Hillburg's previous albums (which were released five and ten years ago), and they add to the mature feel of these songs. Not mature as in old, but rather assured and confident. An idea that is addressed in the title track and other places.

The final result is a timeless sound that fits just about anywhere. Hillburg's lyrics are wry and incisive, but her musical chops are the star. There are no holes in the sound on this album. Let's hope Hillburg doesn't take five more years for another album. Or maybe that's just how long it takes to create something this breathtaking. Wildly thrilling.

Jon Worley