This is one of the sleeper albums for the label, and is very unique -- perhaps a little ahead of its time for the 'freak folk' movement that's in full swing now; but Tuna Helpers are a band completely in their own universe. "Cruella Deville meets Mary Poppins meets Kate Bush"... we guess that's not too far off. They see it like this: a doll comes to life, singing with a scratchy and agile voice, and teaches the waltz to broken toys, backed up by an orchestra, harpsichords, clavinets and choirs. The production duties here were handled by Trey Spruance of the Secret Chiefs 3, and thus all private mythologies come across vividly from the Tuna Helpers' dream world, right into your speakers. The band visually dazzles audiences with puppet shows and American Sign Language. They weave doctrines of girly power, gross-out contests and strangely sophisticated musicianship into a neo goth tapestry draped over the carcass of your favorite doll. Check it.