Hmm. Sounds like Regina Spektor. Looks like Regina Spektor. Cites Regina Spektor as an influence. Is this a run-of-the-mill Regina Spektor clone? Well, maybe, but just a little? While the ebullient jangle of "Laugh" may convince you that the Kansas-born Lisa Donnelly is no more than a Spektorian quirk-pop disciple, her debut We Had A Thing is an impressive mix of highly polished pop pieces. Spanning a decent gamut of styles---the Arabesque "Blue", the world-ending folk of "Julian", and the Jenny-Lewisian "Stuck in a Rut"---We Had A Thing is a well-coordinated debut and a fine showcase of Donnelly's talents. Unfortunately, Donnelly doesn't seem to be garnering much attention beyond local venues (see the dearth of listeners on her Last.fm page) and it's a shame that more people are not burning up over her blissful summertime pop. Be a good Squid, and go get her album for the 'blissful' price of $2.80. Aww. Word recycling.

Download "Laugh" (via Fileden)
Buy the album at Amie Street
Visit Lisa Donnelly's MySpace