On his first full-length album since 2008, John Dufilho has indeed taken a high-minded route. To be released under his new John Singer Sergeant moniker - a reference to 19th Century American painter John Singer Sargent - this latest affair is a collaborative effort; Dufilho, recorded, performed, and mixed the 14-track album's backing music entirely by himself (aside from a few piano parts contributed by Rich Martin) and invited a cast of musician acquaintances and close family friends to replace him on lead vocals.

Guests: Ben Kweller, The Apples' Robert Schneider, Rhett Miller, Death Cab for Cutie's Chris Walla, Centro-matic's Will Johnson, Kool and the Gang's remarkable Sir Earl Toon, and indie chanteuse Sarah Jaffe.