Yann Tierson

In the U.S., the Frenchman Yann Tiersen is known mostly for his soundtracks, especially the cinematic teddy bear heard in 2001’s Amélie. Yet overseas, Tiersen is a versatile veteran, with albums stretching back to 1995 and recording collaborations featuring both pop royalty (Jane Birkin) and indie underdogs (Shannon Wright). Dust Lane, his new stateside debut, stands unattached to any movie, but it remains very much a soundtrack. It is a work of high drama: gushing choruses, sweeping orchestrations and ominous vocals often spoken in the furtive tone of a thriller.