David Kilgour

Earlier in the year, this prince of New Zealand indie pop (who used to front cult heroes the Clean) released The Far Now, his sixth album of songs about wistful recollection and wry resignation. Backed by atmospheric keyboard fills and sinuous cello hums, Kilgour aims for understated catharsis on The Far Now. The CD's dozen songs evoke everyone from George Harrison (the trippy "Sun of God") and Nick Drake (the gently sardonic "I Cut My Heart Out Once") to the Band ("Too Long From Me," which is fueled by gospel organ and country fiddles). It all culminates in a long, dreamy instrumental called "Out of the Moment" that sounds like Summer of Love-era Grateful Dead and the Velvet Underground getting together for the world's most genial jam session.