Be Good Tanyas

Eschewing the cozy porch folk of 2003's Chinatown, Be Good Tanyas return to more traditional structures here. Original numbers like "Song for R" and "Ootischenia" are among the record's best, highlighting the fact that the trio can write, play and harmonize with aplomb. But covers of songs by the likes of Mississippi John Hurt, the Carter Family and Neil Young demonstrate their skill for interpreting the folk canon. Even if their attempt at Prince's "When Doves Cry" feels a little misguided, the majority of the tracks here make for a soothing update to the band's catalogue.