Humming

Duncan Sheik hasn't abandoned the crafted folk-pop sound of his '96 debut; he's added more atmospheric lushness on his new album Humming. On ''A Body Goes Down,'' a poignant tribute to the late Jeff Buckley, Middle Eastern strings keen mournfully. When Sheik sings ''I had a love of such beauty,'' violins shudder with regret. This time, though, the focus is less ''Barely Breathing'' heartbreak, more social critique. Despite some overworked, smarty-pants lyrics, it's a lovely mesh of sense and sonics. B+

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