Easily the most difficult thing I've had to accept all year long was the fact that, after years of denying it, I love Tanya Donelly. (I lead a pretty easy life.) Her Sliding and Diving EP, released in late November of 1996 was her proof that she's as terrific a solo artist as she is the center of attention in a band. So it's not surprising that she takes that point home with Lovesongs.

Donelly still comes off a bit cutesy, which can get somewhat irritating, but her insights and pop songs show the maturity of writers like Leonard Cohen and Elvis Costello. On the musical tip, Tanya has, after about fifteen years worth of releasing records (with Throwing Muses, The Breeders, and Belly respectively) under her tiny belt, so it's no surprise that she's finally mastered the art of the pop song.

Lovesongs for Underdogs has that trademark Tanya bite -- every track is supercharged and ready to sting with lyrics like "He looks at me / Like to set me on fire / Like to burn." She has the skill and musicianship of a true original, but will undoubtedly vanish soon; the final amazing feat of an underrated legend.

-Ryan Schreiber