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This 2009 release is a fine addition to her catalog, although it isn't an album that goes for immediacy.
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The basic ingredients here--a sexy, intelligent singer and songwriter, a guy who wants to be a guitar god and a drummer who socks the hell out of his kit--come fairly close to defining my notion of perfect music. Together they make a triple-layer torch-song/New Wave/power-pop confection.
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Despite the album’s length, none of the songs feel unnecessary, and each critic seems to be picking a different favorite, illustrating the diverse sounds on Artificial Fire.
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The album's rockers are a serviceable change of pace--especially 'Little Foot,' which channels early, Farfisa-laced Elvis Costello--but it's Mandell's torch songs that ignite.