Beth Orton Comfort Of Strangers. Release Date : February 7, 2006. Label: Astralwerks. Rating: Andy doesn't dig rating stuff. The first thought I have of this new Beth Orton disc right in the startup of the opening track, "Worms," is Fiona Apple. jivey piano and rumbling lyricsthat sounds uncommonly unforced. By the time we hit "Countenance" though, we're back to more the Orton we should be more familiar with. Sweet little folk ballads and a terribly distinctive voice. I feel like bike riding through flowery fields, playing guitar in the kitchen, backyards and shepherd crosses. "Rectify" has a trundling guitar pluck in the background that does in fact remind me of trains.. that bustling, busy, scurrying sound. It's not an exciting album, but I don't think that's the point. To me though even as folk songs they seem a bit lacking in oomph. They are quaint and cute though, and accomplished. Her voice is just so darn neat. A bit squawky, mellow. Lovely strings and other more unusual instruments crop up as the album goes on. Dare I say she gets a bit vicious the more the album goes along! The final track, "Pieces Of Sky," is the simplest song on the disc, but perhaps the strongest for that. Song of choice : "Conceived" is the best - the warbly voice and finally some power. Louder vocals, rich instruments. And heck, even some Greek stuff. What is that instrument called anyhow?? -Andy Scheffler Elsewhere Beth Orton website Published : March, 2006.