Of it, she says, "I wanted to make something as unfashionable as an album in the classic sense ofthe word - in terms of its composition and the idea of a theme. The theme itself was initially something as simple yet complex as heaven and it led me into a wide and seemingly endless search for a means, a language in which to express myself. During this time I was, even though I mostly didn't realize it, following a certain train of thought - that of love, grief and loss, solace and hope, deepest despair and wildest childish euphoria - the the lows and the highest of heights." El Perro Del Mar is at the Middle East Upstairs Friday May 9. She is playing with a backing quartet, some of whom will be playing with the middle act Lykke Li. Opening is Anna Ternheim. Tickets: $15.

472 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge, 617-864-3278 www.mideastclub.com