Previously notable for providing the sultry vocals for
Tricky's trip-hop masterpiece
Maxinquaye,
Martina Topley-Bird became an artist in her own right with her 2003 debut, the Mercury Music Prize-nominated
Quixotic. Her second release,
The Blue God, is a slightly more commercial affair than its predecessor, adding a poppier edge to her usual brand of atmospheric soul, two-tone ska, and ambient chillout. Produced by
Gnarls Barkley's
Danger Mouse, the 2008 LP includes the singles "Carnies," "Poison," and "Baby Blue." ~ Jon O'Brien