Hips and Makers

Kristin Hersh’s solo debut grew out of private sessions never intended to be a record, but the jaw-dropping excellence of Hips and Makers almost sounds like it was always meant to be the way it is, with excellent production by Lenny Kaye, refocusing her singular musical and lyrical aesthetic into intimate acoustic guitar-led songs with occasional cello by Jane Scarpantoni. “Your Ghost,” with guest vocals from Michael Stipe, made for a powerful start, but many striking songs as “Me and My Charms,” “A Loon,” “Sundrops” and “The Letter” appeared throughout.