I'm having trouble breathing just looking at this…

One of the most interesting talents to appear on the scene in the past few years is St. Vincent, the nom de rock of Annie Clark, whose first album, the excellent Marry Me, came out in 2007. It was followed in 2009 by the equally good Actor, and then most recently, in September 2011, by the even more equally good (ha) Strange Mercy. That is to say, she now has three excellent albums to her credit, all worth checking out. She’s like a current-day Kate Bush, minus the sometimes too-precious moments, crossed with a good-sized helping of Alison Goldfrapp and PJ Harvey.

St. Vincent is literate, challenging, edgy yet smooth, and melodic — with an alluring confidence in what she’s doing. She has all the characteristics of an artist who is here to make a lasting impression. If you like Strange Mercy‘s “Cheerleader,” my pick for New Music Monday this week, a powerful song about being objectified and trying to be something you aren’t to satisfy other people, be sure to take a listen to the rest of her stuff — you’ll be very glad you did.

And take a look at this pretty awesome and somewhat creepy Gulliver’s Travels meets Venus de Milo video for the song as well…one of the best recent videos I’ve seen: