In Brief

* * 1/2 Hope Sandoval & the Warm Inventions, “Bavarian Fruit Bread,” Sanctuary. The songs on Sandoval’s first solo album since leaving Mazzy Star are more mood than melody, but fans of the singer’s romantically languorous vocals and plugged-in hippie folk will not be disappointed. Although less dynamic than her previous work, there are a handful of real gems here. The sorrowful temptress remains in full possession of her unique gift, one that can crumble even the stoniest of hearts.

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Albums are rated on a scale of one star (poor), two stars (fair), three stars (good) and four stars (excellent). The albums are already released unless noted.