[Fans of Renaissance faires, classical harp, and fairy tales take note.]

Joanna Newsom is so talented that, even if you find her voice annoying and her lyrics unpalatably strange, you can't deny that she is an incredible musician. Her debut album, The Milk-Eyed Mender, was the most innovative album in ages. Its successor, Ys (named after a mythical city of English legend) is just as impressive. But this time it's not just Newsom and her harp. There's an all-star cast of industry characters behind Ys, with orchestral arrangements by Smile collaborator Van Dyke Parks; sound mixing by renowned musician and producer Jim O'Rourke; and Steve Albini, who has done recordings for everyone from Pixies to Cheap Trick. In a word, Newsom's sophomore album is spectacular. Her haunting voice galvanizes the gothic folk lyrics as she sings about everything from meteorites to monkeys to Sisyphus. Those who particularly enjoy Newsom alone with her harp will be fond of "Sawdust & Diamonds," the only track that doesn't have an accompanying orchestral arrangement. Even the album art is superb, presenting her lyrics in a fitting medieval storybook format with illustrations and calligraphic fonts. Ys feels more like an opus than a five-track CD and is enchanting from the first plucked harp string to the last.