Cut Me Down and Count My Rings

Style: Twee mini-symphonies to God; compare to Danielson, Sufjan Stevens, Le Ton Mite

Top tracks: "Good-Good Path," "Was He Really Doubting," ""Once, Twice, Seven Times a Werewolf"

John Ringhofer pursues a devotional vision as Half-Handed Cloud, crafting tiny, exquisite pop songs like Brian Wilson on a shoestring. HHC's non-album catalog is spread across 7-inch records, EPs, and compilations, and 42 (yes, forty-two) of those songs are collected here. Ringhofer is at his best when he delves deeply into biblical language, like on the handful of songs exploring shepherd/sheep metaphors; he exegetes Scripture while creating an idiosyncratic, personal language for worship. Ringhofer's shambling lo-fi aesthetic may not immediately attract those who prefer polished pop, but then there's his glorious knack for melodic restraint; these songs are too short (ranging from 51 seconds to 2:52) and sweet not to like.

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