Laurie Andersons third studio release, 1989s Strange Angels, is the pinnacle of this artists achievement; its a brilliant, intelligent, and coherent masterwork that shes been unable to equal either before or since. Lyrically, the songs are much more optimistic than previous efforts, many of them reading like Tama Janowitz short stories. Others are firmly rooted in classic literature (Monkeys Paw, The Dream Before and Hiawatha being the most obvious examples). The supporting music is ethereal, almost otherworldly, and works to unify the whole in a beautiful tapestry of sound. Best (and perhaps most surprising) of all, Anderson makes an honest attempt to sing in these tracks, and the effect is absolutely gorgeous. Theres still plenty of wry spoken commentary throughout, but Andersons melodic voice is definitely the focus, and it is a joy to hear. The overall accessibility of Strange Angels, along with its fully-realized vision, makes this the one Laurie Anderson CD every serious music lover should own. Personal Favorites: the hauntingly melodic title track, and the stunning beauty of My Eyes. Representative Lyrics: She said: What is history?/ And he said: History is an angel/ being blown backward into the future (The Dream Before); They say that Heaven is like TV/ A perfect little world/ That doesnt really need you (Strange Angels)