Jennifer O'Connor wanted something new for her fourth album, so the Brooklyn-based singer- songwriter hired a new producer and whipped out a dozen songs – recorded live – in a record 12 days.

The process, she says now, was exhilarating.

"It was intimidating but also kind of exciting," O'Connor says. "I knew we just had a limited amount of time, and I was a bit nervous about being able to sing and play along with the band at the same time – about being able to deliver the kind of performance that I wanted. In the end, though, it turned out to be a blessing."

O'Connor, who performs Sunday at Harlow's, credits producer John Agnello for the resulting album, "Here With Me."

Agnello, whom O'Connor met through friends, is probably best known for creating densely layered, noise-rich sounds for the likes of Sonic Youth, Dinosaur Jr. and the Hold Steady.

"John really brought out performances that I hadn't tapped into before," O'Connor says. "He brought a real urgency in my music."

It's an urgency that simmers beneath the surface. Save for a handful of upbeat pop songs, the tracks here are quiet and folksy. If anything, O'Connor's last record, the boisterous, aggressive "Over the Mountain, Across the Valley and Back to the Stars," sounds as if it were the disc shot straight from Agnello's studio.

It's true, O'Connor says, laughing.

"We didn't make a particularly aggressive record – which I think is to his credit," O'Connor says. "John could've taken this in a lot of different ways but in the end, (he) just took some songs that were moody and made them sound a little cleaner."

The goal, she says, was to focus on her voice and the lyrics. Many of the stories here, as with the previous record, center on the death of O'Connor's two sisters – one in a car accident, the other to brain cancer.

It's a heavy theme and not one easily shaken off in the course of just one album, O'Connor says.

Although it's been three years since the events that inspired "Mountain," O'Connor says she actually found it more difficult to pen this latest batch of songs.

"In some ways, writing ('Mountain') was easier because it was such an intense period in my life," she says. "This one addresses the same topics but also covers new relationships and new ideas.

"A little more time had passed since those really distressing times when I wrote 'Mountain,' " she says. "(But) much of this (new album) is about still reflecting on everything that happened."

Despite the often- heavy subject matter, however, "Here With Me" brims with idealism. Songs such as "Highway Miles" and "Always in Your Mind," which explore farewells and new journeys, are sweet, thoughtful – hopeful even.

"My life's been so chaotic with so many ups and downs, but this album is definitely more positive," O'Connor says.

"Optimism wins out."

Court and Spark: She's been called a Joni Mitchell for the modern age. One thing's certain: Ingrid Michaelson has forged a 21st century career – from getting songs placed on prominent TV shows such as "Grey's Anatomy" to launching her own label, Cabin 24 Records. Hear the Staten Island-based artist Nov. 8 at Harlow's. Newton Faulkner and David Ford also are on that bill. Tickets ($8) are now on sale through the Beat, Dimple Records, Armadillo Music, Tickets.com outlets (inside select Raley's and Bel Air supermarkets) and online at Tickets.com.

Fun times: If you've yet to visit Luigi's Fun Garden (1050 20th St., Sacramento), here's an excuse to check out the venue adjacent to, you guessed it, Luigi's Fun Slice. On Saturday, drop by to hear locals Dusty Brown and Chelsea Wolfe. The 8 p.m. show is all-ages and only $3. Seriously, what more could you ask for? Oh, and I wholeheartedly recommend the veggie pesto. For more information, (916) 552-0317 or visit www.myspace.com/luigisslice.

JENNIFER O'CONNOR

WHEN: 9 p.m. Sunday

WHERE: Harlow's, 2708 J St., Sacramento

TICKETS: $15 advance, $18 door

INFORMATION: Tickets are available at the Beat, Dimple Records, Armadillo Music, Tickets.com outlets (inside select Raley's and Bel Air supermarkets) and online at Tickets.com.

Call Bee pop music writer Rachel Leibrock, (916) 321-1176.