We've been waiting for producer-musician Jon Brion's debut album for years now--after all, he's lent a hand to great albums by Elliot Smith, Fiona Apple, Rufus Wainwright, and Aimee Mann--but who knew that it would come in the form of the orchestral score for the critically acclaimed movie Magnolia? Indeed, you won't find a trace of Aimee Mann's song-filled soundtrack on this disc, nor even a hint of the Beatles (one of Brion's obvious influences). You will hear Philip Glass-inspired moments of counterpoint and repeating instrumental motifs that follow this score from start to finish. It's a brilliant disc, but aside from the manic "WDKK Theme," this is dark stuff. The string section of the 80-piece orchestra is bent on melancholy on "I've Got a Surprise for You Today" and "Stanley/Frank/Linda's Breakdown." That said, this is a gorgeous work that rewards repeated listenings. --Jason Verlinde