Hand on String (2006)

Mike Andrews, who created the magical score for Donnie Darko, delivers a poetic first solo album that proves he doesn't need another's narrative to produce inspired work. The story he tells is of the precariousness of relationships, illustrating it with diaphanous vocals, off-kilter arrangements, good old-fashioned musicianship (he plays most of the instruments), and charming eccentricity — two Hand on String songs reference citrus (''Hello Lemon,'' ''Orange Meet Lemon''). It takes nerve to step out from behind the scenes, but in this case, the effort was most fruitful.