Ane Brun - Songs 2003-2013 (2013)

Norwegian singer Ane Brun has been steadily amassing a catalog of beautifully articulated songs. To celebrate the 10th anniversary of her debut album, Spending Time with Morgan, she’s thrown together this magical retrospective that includes a handful of rare tracks to supplement the familiar songs. Among the rarities are a stunning take of Arcade Fire’s “Neighborhood #1 (Tunnels),” a re-recording of “This Voice” that’s in line with its live arrangement, a cover of Nina Simone’s “Feeling Good,” and an orchestral duet with Peter Gabriel on “Don’t Give Up,” where Brun did the unthinkable and matched (some would say, improved on) Kate Bush’s iconic contribution. Other great tracks—“Humming One of Your Songs,” “Song No. 6” (with Canadian songwriting powerhouse Ron Sexsmith), and live versions of “The Dancer,” “My Star,” “Lift Me” (with Sivert Høyem), and “The Fall”—create an overview that’s complex and satisfying. Brun may not be a household name in the U.S., but that’s largely our fault and not hers.