Jo Serrapere holds down a full-time job, is a member of a number of Detroit bands and also finds the time to write and record as a solo artist. So it makes perfect sense that her new songs arrive as (essentially) a double album--and that she refuses to repeat herself from one song to the next.

Jo Serrapere The Beautiful Ones Vols. 1 & 2 (self-released)

In addition to channeling the entire americana catalog (folk, blues, rockabilly, jazz, etc.), Serrapere wrangles herself some fuzz rock and more. In her notes, she characterizes these songs as being wholly autobiographical and not written for characters. We all contain multitudes but . . . come on. At some point there must be a place where she ends and the rest of the universe begins.

All of that is simply my way of expressing amazement at her range in writing, playing and singing. At times, her tonal shifts have the feel of a flex, but they're never forced. The arrangements fit the subjects of her songs.

One last note: the dynamic range of this album is wild. That makes sense considering the many styles she appropriates, but such a wide-open production sound really puts the onus on the songs to connect. Time after time (all 22 times, actually), Serrapere does just that. One of the biggest swings (and hits) I've heard this year. Abundantly spectacular.

Jon Worley