The surprise here is that Sketches from a Cartoon Graveyard is a collection of sweet and melancholy pop songs instead of the hyperactive Looney Toons one might have expected.

Highlights include versions of Cyndi Lauper's "Time After Time," Aimee Mann's "Save Me" and U2's "October" performed on marimbas, glockenspiel, chimes, vibraphone, voice, and "amplified foot."

Also noteworthy is an unadorned vocal rendition of John Hiatt's "Have a Little Faith" that brings to mind a 1993 recording of the tune by Bill Frisell, Don Byron, Guy Klucevsek, Kermit Driscoll and Joey Baron.

Carole King's "So Far Away" is a perfect set-closer, whether or not you have fond memories of Tapestry, the billion-selling LP on which the song first appeared.