Concrete Playground

Regina Spektor manages to tread the line between indie-quirk and mainstream pop. She does it with sheer songwriting prowess and musicality, her lyrics never obvious, but full of literary and musical references and delivered with a voice that's comfortable being angelic and earnest as well as soaring operatic heights and diving into rambunctious cabaret choruses.

Since signing with Sire Records (a Warner Records imprint) she has settled into a more middle of the road and palatable style for her last two albums, 2009's Far and 2006 breakthrough Begin To Hope, leaving behind the self-referential Jewish quirkiness and neurosis of earlier albums like Soviet Kitsch. She's now found Top 40 chart success around the world, enjoyed major TV appearances and big film placements, and is even scoring an upcoming Broadway musical. We love her here in Aus, Triple J caning her songs and also playing her wonderful rendition of Lennon's Real Love to death. Her live performances are virtuosic but still very human, with her wry wit and affable nature winning crowds over with ease. Both Opera House shows are close to sold out, but seats around the side and behind the stage are still available if you're keen.