January 11, 2009

Andrew Bird - Noble Beast & Useless Creatures (2009)

Between Noble Beast and Useless Creatures, Andrew Bird is releasing nearly 2 hours of new music to kick off 2009. Not too surprisingly, Bird delivers excellence again with catchy & easy to listen to string ensambles, mellow vocals and carefree whistling throughout Noble Beast. Nothing crazy or cutting edge here, but consistent creative quality that both soothes and entertains—a stellar follow-up to Bird's captivating 2007 release Armchair Apocrypha. Useless Creatures, the accompanying "bonus EP," is all instrumental strangeness, albeit interesting and surprisingly listenable, that plays like the soundtrack to an artistic indie film. They may not be useless, but they certainly are odd creatures. All in all a must listen for this early year, and another feather in the cap of this extremely talented and creative multi-instrumentalist.

Grab a listen to: "Not a Robot, But a Ghost," "Fitz & Dizzyspells," and "Anonanimal" (especially after the jazzy snare drum interlude).

6 Comments:

Mona said...

Have you (or anyone on here) ever seen his live show? I hear it's pretty ridiculous. I may be offered tickets to his upcoming show and kinda wanted to know if it was worth all the buzz? Anyone??

Nightrain said...

I have never physically been present at one of his shows; however, there is copious amounts of AB's live performance video online, and every aspect of his live act seems impressive. He can play just about every instrument that I can name... that alone seems like it is worth watching. Violin, mandolin, guitarlin, pianolin... glockenspiel.

Good times.

Anonymous said...

I have had the pleasure of seeing Bird play at a small show in Kent, Ohio. If someone offers you tickets DO NOT TURN THEM DOWN. If you do not go you will want to kick yourself the next day when the show reviews are released. Youtube footage does not do him justice.

Mona said...

Wow, maybe I should just get over myself and check this shizzy out. Thanks guys.

Nightrain said...

I smell a concert review.

Mona said...

Haha, sure. If I get my ass to this show, I will definitely do it up. I think he's alright (from what I've listened to), but I hear his live show is better. Reason enough for me.