Bicycle Breasts, the fourth studio album by Regina Spektor, was released today with much anticipation from fans and critics alike. It was estimated that the album was purchased and downloaded from the singer's website already 100,000 times, only four hours after it was made available. Critics have been kind on the album, despite many initial concerns that the 'low grunting sounds' and 'bagpipe solos' that infuse every song would alienate listeners. The album certainly marks a departure from Regina Spektor's previous sounds, being more 'experimental' and 'eclectic' in nature.
The leading single, 'I'm lost for words' is based on a melody Ms Spektor discovered when she was whistling to her deaf cat to get it's attention. The climax of the song, 6 minutes in, was achieved by the singer blending an antique music box in a smoothie machine. 'It was largely improvised,' remarked the award-winning singer at the press release this morning. 'I had a lot of demons to get out this time. I found that combining performance art in the recording process was important. You can't always hear what I'm doing, but the effect is there.' Regina is no doubt referring to the track 'I'm removing the boobs completely', in which it is claimed she rode a bicycle into her microphone while intoxicated.
It seems Regina Spektor has taken a leaf or two out of Bjork's book of fucked-up leaves.