1212

Barbara Manning is a wolf in singer-songwriter clothing. Too edgy for Lilith, too sophisticated for the sorority of riot grrrls, Manning's recordings consistently simmer with a nervous energy that tends to (alas? thank goodness?) keep her out of the commercial spotlight. On 1997's 1212, Manning continues to refine her somewhat spare, melodic songcraft. Like Yo La Tengo, Manning makes good use of sustained, fluttery distortion and droning keyboards. At the shining center of it all, however, are her well-sculpted vocals. Whether covering Richard Thompson's "End of the Rainbow" or weaving slow-burn ballads like "Isn't Lonely Lovely?" Manning has a way of sneaking up and running off with your heart. --Nick Heil