He Soars

Andrew Bird is one of the most interesting musicians I've ever had the pleasure of seeing live. He played a show at Loyola Chicago last year opening for (gag) Guster and blew my mind with his live act. Bird layers loops of violin plucking with guitar strumming, whistling, traditional violin playing, and vocals. He put on easily the most fantastic one man show I've yet seen. I was so impressed that I made sure to catch his Friday morning set at Bonnaroo last summer. In the sweltering Tennessee heat Bird delivered another scorchingly original and entertaining set. At 'Roo he was accompanied by a drummer who brought the live set up another impressive notch.

A few days ago Bird's new album Armchair Apocrypha, which is slated to be released on March 20th, leaked. I snatched up the leaked album with full intent to buy one come March. The album is very impressive and surpasses the critically acclaimed Mysterious Production of Eggs by a ton. Electric guitars bring Bird's songs to life more than ever. The vocal harmonies are still perfectly executed. The whistling has only gotten better. I've posted two tracks from the album. "Heretics" is a very catchy affair with its "Thank God it's fatal, thank God it's fatal" chorus sure to cause some singing along at future Andrew Bird shows. "Spare-Ohs" is a more low-key affair which begins with the songs of -- well -- real birds before giving way to some of the most beautiful whistling Andrew has done yet.

Give these a listen and if you like what you hear please buy Armchair Apocrypha at your local record store on March 20th.

Andrew Bird - Heretics

Andrew Bird - Spare-Ohs