Kendra Smith, “Five Ways of Disappearing” (4AD, 2012)
Ms. Smith was the bassist in the legendary, explosive first Dream Syndicate lineup, then formed Opal, which turned into Mazzy Star when Hope Sandoval replaced her. Leaving before excess visibility is her magic trick, and the clue to her enduring mystery and allure (hence the album title). Recorded just before she vanished into her mountain hideout (so far for good), this is handmade psych-pop from a free spirit and a luminous voice, like Nico is she was a hippie survivalist.
Try 1, 9, 13
5/5/12