Denver-based Devotchka delivers another batch of aching, spacious and histrionic tunes on "A Mad and Faithful Telling." Still included are sweeping strings and frontman Nick Urata's dusty, quivering narration, taking the ever-crescendoing melodies through alternating universes of international influence, from mariachi to the Balkans. A good example of this is "Transliterator," a hypnotically circular song that has repeating layers of horns and synths underlying Urata's croon. "Basso Profundo" kicks things off with a Quixotic song and beat construction, while "Comrade Z" is sweet but upbeat, arranged with an obvious amount of care. If you've missed out on Devotchka's own music or its contributions to "Little Miss Sunshine," it's about time you tried to dance—or drink or cry—along to its tunes. —Katie Hasty