Andrew Bird & the Mysterious Production of Eggs

Amazon.com
His beginnings as a violinist long behind him, Chicago-born Andrew Bird has been sculpting ever more complex and convincing musical worlds since his first album in 1997. On his fifth release, Bird offers up no answers to the mysteries in the world around us, but does take on the thornier elements with poetic verve. The instrumentation is bracingly inventive, but never for mere shenanigans or showmanship. The songs are each a perfectly formed vignette. And he's a world class whistler; not the loud summoning blast, but the supple and nuanced vibrato-laced melodicism of a master. There is no shortage of utterly riveting songs here. They work their magic on their own believable terms, without a hint of cloying nostalgia or riff-fueled seduction. - David Greenberger

Product Description
Andrew Bird is a previously unimaginable combination of songwriter, violinist, guitarist, vocalist and whistler. His unfailingly unique and striking music has been dumbfounding us for years. Bird's first studio album in nearly two years, The Mysterious Production of Eggs, is his second on Righteous Babe Records. The album follows Weather Systems, his critically-acclaimed mini-LP, released in spring 2003.

The recording sessions for Mysterious Production saw Bird scrap the album three times and travel between studios in Chicago, Los Angeles and his own home studio on a farm in Northern Illinois. The album took final shape with the production help of David Boucher, whose credits include Paul Westerberg, Lisa Loeb, and Randy Newman. Bird plays most of the instruments on Mysterious Production, and is joined by a handful of special guests complimenting his already lush sonic palette. The results are magnificent, a powerhouse of a record dealing with nothing less than the mysteries of childhood, creativity and modern science - epic in scope and minute in detail.

Equally impressive is Bird's solo live show at which, with the aid of a sampling pedal, the songwriter takes his often dense, orchestrated recordings and rewrites them anew each night, adding hypnotic layers of instruments to his vocals and other-worldly whistling - you have to see it to believe it.

Andrew Bird & the Mysterious Production of Eggs

Andrew Bird & the Mysterious Production of Eggs,Andrew Bird,Righteous Babe,Adult Alternative Pop/Rock,Pop,Rock,Rock/Pop

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Andrew Bird & the Mysterious Production of Eggs

Average customer rating: polished I wish he would learn to play the freakin' guitar! Not to my taste An Antti Keisala Comment: Tales Of The Mysterious Moon memorable 'apocrypha'

Armchair Apocrypha Andrew Bird Manufacturer: Fat Possum Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Adult Alternative | Pop | Styles | Music Retro Swing | Swing Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music Similar Items: We Were Dead Before the Ship Even Sank Andrew Bird & the Mysterious Production of Eggs The Reminder Sound of Silver Sky Blue Sky ASIN: B000MV9A1C Release Date: 2007-03-20

Tracks:

1. Fiery Crash
2. Imitosis
3. Plasticities
4. Heretics
5. Armchairs
6. Darkmatter
7. Simple X
8. The Supine
9. Cataracts
10. Scythian Empires
11. Spare-Ohs
12. Yawn At The Apocalypse

Amazon.com

Strip away the music of an Andrew Bird song, and you're left with brilliant prose ("across the great chasms and schisms and the sudden aneurysms"), vignettes about mentally fending off plane crashes, infiltrating characters like the kings of Macedonia and Lou Dobbs, and titles such as "Yawny at the Apocalyspe." It's hard to believe that, really, his music reigns, but when Bird adds understated acoustic guitars, Wurlitzer and Rhodes, and his own mesmerizing pizzicato violin, his songs take on a progressive mood all their own. The Chicago Bird's tenth album (and his debut for extraordinary Mississippi blues label Fat Possum) is perhaps his most diverse, expansive, and resourceful yet, catering to a half-dozen genres of music while exploring storylines that are naïve ("Dark Matter"), candid ("Fiery Crash"), and blatantly comical ("Armchairs"). Making no palpable effort to crack the conventional with overflowing melodies and love songs, Bird instead latches up the intellect to create tiny packages of literature that make always leave you thinking--and snapping your fingers at the same time. --Scott Holter

Customer Reviews:

polished.......2007-07-26

You can't find Andrew Bird's uniquely melancholy whimsy easily anywhere else. I'm always pleased by his albums, but they pale compared to his live performances (in small venues). Bird live compared to his albums is like original Van Gogh compared to its poster print.

I wish he would learn to play the freakin' guitar!.......2007-07-20

First of all, let me offer my support of Invisigoth. A very well-balanced and thoughtful review (which maybe didn't match with the 1-star rating).

Secondly, I refuse to join the bandwagon of Andrew Bird worship. Especially around here (the Twin Cities), he gets played very frequently on indie rock stations here (namely, The Current), and the DJs seem to adore him. While I freely admit he's incredibly gifted as a musician, most of his songs seem to boil down to about 2 quite uninteresting chords. And anybody's who's ever plugged in an electric guitar at the music store could sound like his guitar. He seems to have no idea of how to nuance a guitar and amp to really get the richness that is possible. And I'm sorry, but "Fiery Crash" is just plain boring!

He can do better than this, and I hope he does on his next album.

Not to my taste.......2007-07-14

Based on the reviews I read, I was really looking forward to hearing this. The artwork featuring a bird is very eye-catching. I just couldn't get into the music. I've listened to it twice, hoping that it would improve with familiarity. It didn't. The lyrics might be good but, the musicality of Andrew's work escapes me. There's nothing catchy here and most of the songs are downright depressing.

An Antti Keisala Comment: Tales Of The Mysterious Moon.......2007-06-02

Some people go by the charts, but I belong to the other group that has found out that for them the most rewarding process in finding new music is indeed in the search itself. Some of the music I know are recommendations from friends, but quite a bit is based on the same kind of research-like relationship I have with cinema, where IMDb helps quite a bit. An example: you start from a Béla Tarr and end up being introduced to a Polish cameraman or his assistant who had worked with David Lynch on Inland Empire. I can't think of a funnier or more rewarding experience of finding new music and taking it actually into our life.

I am new to Andrew Bird. This I'm ashamed to confess, but better late than never; I only stumbled on him at the time of the release of this album a few months back, then had to get The Mysterious Production of Eggs, Weather Systems and his work with the Bowl of Fire. I came to him pretty straight through the usual companions, Sufjan Stevens and Jeffrey Foucault, and I don't know how I've managed so far without him: he's a part of the new wave of post-indie rock channeled through self-conscious resurgence of American folk music culture. But that's only part of where he's rooted: there's some of The Arcade Fire and some Jeff Buckley, and yet transcending comparison and forming a recognizable entity on his own.

Bird is a great musician and the live recordings, the three Fingerlings, should give some weight to this argument about his sense of using the instruments; he's like the young Warren Ellis of violin. He's also absolutely hilarious; his humour is witty and ironic, and his lyrics and singing completely complement the mood the song sets musically. The album opener "Fiery Crash" opens like a trashy garage rock song and evolves to an immesurably sophisticated pop song, almost echoing a Belle And Sebastian composition; but this is pop music that isn't pop music; it has twists and turns that continuously shape the direction the song and album are going to. Every time my mind grasps a hook and settles onto it for continuity, Bird changes the direction. I've scarcely had so much fun whilst listening.

A gem that's special. Have fun.

With best regards,
AK

memorable 'apocrypha'.......2007-05-21

After seeing Andrew Bird live playing this new material I've really grown to appreciate this new album. He is taking his music in a new direction, and I for one like it a lot. My advice: buy the album, see him live, experience all the wonderful colors and lyrics that he has to offer.

Average customer rating: Playful and rich Such smart music it makes feel lesser. intricate and satisfying Delights at every turn Fantastic

Andrew Bird & the Mysterious Production of Eggs Andrew Bird Manufacturer: Righteous Babe ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Adult Alternative | Pop | Styles | Music Similar Items: Weather Systems Armchair Apocrypha The Swimming Hour Oh! The Grandeur Thrills ASIN: B00070Q7VY Release Date: 2005-02-08

Tracks:

1. untitled
2. Sovay
3. A Nervous Tic Motion of the Head to the Left
4. Fake Palindromes
5. Measuring Cups
6. Banking on a Myth
7. Masterfade
8. Opposite Day
9. Skin Is, My
10. The Naming of Things
11. MX Missiles
12. untitled
13. Tables and Chairs
14. The Happy Birthday Song

Amazon.com

His beginnings as a violinist long behind him, Chicago-born Andrew Bird has been sculpting ever more complex and convincing musical worlds since his first album in 1997. On his fifth release, Bird offers up no answers to the mysteries in the world around us, but does take on the thornier elements with poetic verve. The instrumentation is bracingly inventive, but never for mere shenanigans or showmanship. The songs are each a perfectly formed vignette. And he's a world class whistler; not the loud summoning blast, but the supple and nuanced vibrato-laced melodicism of a master. There is no shortage of utterly riveting songs here. They work their magic on their own believable terms, without a hint of cloying nostalgia or riff-fueled seduction. - David Greenberger

Album Description

Andrew Bird is a previously unimaginable combination of songwriter, violinist, guitarist, vocalist and whistler. His unfailingly unique and striking music has been dumbfounding us for years. Bird's first studio album in nearly two years, The Mysterious Production of Eggs, is his second on Righteous Babe Records. The album follows Weather Systems, his critically-acclaimed mini-LP, released in spring 2003.

The recording sessions for Mysterious Production saw Bird scrap the album three times and travel between studios in Chicago, Los Angeles and his own home studio on a farm in Northern Illinois. The album took final shape with the production help of David Boucher, whose credits include Paul Westerberg, Lisa Loeb, and Randy Newman. Bird plays most of the instruments on Mysterious Production, and is joined by a handful of special guests complimenting his already lush sonic palette. The results are magnificent, a powerhouse of a record dealing with nothing less than the mysteries of childhood, creativity and modern science - epic in scope and minute in detail.

Equally impressive is Bird's solo live show at which, with the aid of a sampling pedal, the songwriter takes his often dense, orchestrated recordings and rewrites them anew each night, adding hypnotic layers of instruments to his vocals and other-worldly whistling - you have to see it to believe it.

Customer Reviews:

Playful and rich.......2007-01-16

This album really comes alive with repeat listens. Look up "Sovay" and you'll find that it refers to "traditional English folk song about a young woman who dresses as a highwayman in order to test her lover" (Wikipedia). Re-listening to the song in that context gives it another layer, but the richness and layers aren't needed to appreciate the gentle vocals, lilting whistling and healthy doses of violin. Track 3 ("A Nervous Tic...") is catchy enough that you'll find yourself whistling along. The rhymes (six rhymes in three lines, all matching "swapping your blood with formaldehyde" in "Fake Palindromes") and metaphor ("so we're taking all our myths to the bank") will keep bringing you back if the lush instrumentation doesn't.

Like this album? Try listening to the Kings of Convenience--they're mellower but worthwhile.

Such smart music it makes feel lesser........2006-12-02

This album holds such diverse music! It varies from the upbeat sound of "Fake Palindromes" to the slower sound of "Master Fade". I randomly ran across this album at Best Buy and bought it based on the album art. It looked interesting enough and I was right. This album has been very good to me over the years.

intricate and satisfying.......2006-11-04

This is an album worth listening to just for the beautiful carefully-orchestrated melodies, and also an album worth just reading for its poetry.

The instrumentation is delicate, layered, modest and surprising. Whistling solos suddenly soar out from the vibes/violin/keyboard/guitar harmonies. Bird playfully juxtaposes folk, orchestrated pop, 60s beat poetry, gypsy rock, jazz.

The lyrics are unexpectedly clever, yet sung gently and offhandedly. Bird's themes tend to be a bit apocalyptic. He gently and gracefully describes how we'll be blown back the 70s (by "the whole board of trustees, all those Don Quixotes") in Sovay, how we destroy ourselves with self-conscious neuroses in Measuring Cups, and what the end of the world will be like in Opposite Day. In Fake Palindromes he gravitates to more of a stream-of-consciousness style, which is brilliantly continued in the interlude at the end of Opposite Day. He throws in a tidbit of gospel in the ending of Masterfade when he sings "when you're lying on the ground / staring up at that inverted compass / I mean Christ who Knows?"

Andrew Bird brings together disparate strands of inspiration from unlikely sources across genres, and the result is uniquely moving. How he is able to so gracefully pull this off is a mystery. One thing we do know though, is that at the end of the world, there will be snacks.

Delights at every turn.......2006-10-08

It's such a pleasure listening to an album unfold, and to an artist gracefully inventing his own idiom. These songs have an unassuming beauty that makes most pop music (including that of artists I genuinely like) seem cliched or overbearing. The musical variety here does not undo the coherence of Bird's sound. A stunning CD. I will make a point to hear him live.

Fantastic .......2006-08-24

My favourite of 2005. Every song is musically complex, layered and interesting - yet so easy on the first listen. The lyrics also appear to be quite simple and whimsical but are actually dense and impenetrable - difficult to fathom without concerted mental effort and a spoonful of intuition. Then you might begin to get some kind of clarity, something may take shape, though still elusive and curious, a puzzle that might not actually have been intended for resolution - perhaps in order to avoid certain classification and inevitable sorting into an appropriately sized shoe-box where it can be neatly stamped "case closed" and pigeon-holed, ah! problem solved!.

Average customer rating: A wonder andrew bird is drunk on words when he's not whistling in the tradition of his surname andrew bird is fantastic Simply Captivating Beautiful Music for the Midwest

Weather Systems Andrew Bird Manufacturer: Righteous Babe ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Adult Alternative | Pop | Styles | Music Similar Items: Andrew Bird & the Mysterious Production of Eggs The Swimming Hour Oh! The Grandeur Armchair Apocrypha Thrills ASIN: B00009IB16 Release Date: 2003-06-10

Tracks:

1. first song
2. I
3. lull
4. action/adventure
5. >
6. skin
7. weather systems
8. don't be scared
9. <
10. [8 minute quicktime film by Robert Trondsen]

Album Description

Critically acclaimed composer, singer and violinist Andrew Bird quietly soars to new heights with his first Righteous Babe release. This lush, gorgeous collection of 7 original songs, his own adaptation of a Galway Kinnell poem, and a Handsome Family cover showcases Bird's gift for conveying subtle emotional states through music. In addition to his signature violin (which he often plays like a guitar), the virtuoso instrumentalist employs glockenspiel, organ, whistling, and tape loops to set the scene for the intimate, haunting stories he tells through his lyrics. Bowl of Fire bandmates Kevin O'Donnell (drums, percussion, glockenspiel) and Nora O'Connor (vocals, guitar) accompany Bird, and producer Mark Nevers (Lambchop, Will Oldham) crafts a stunning, almost orchestral setting for the recording. Also included on the disc is an 8-minute Quicktime film on the making of the record by director Robert Trondson.

Customer Reviews:

A wonder.......2006-03-29

Sparse and fascinating. The lyrics of the aptly named opening song conjures up images of boys, frogs, fiddles, and cornfields under open skies. The album flows seamlessly from track to track until climaxing in the beautiful Handsome Family cover, "Don't Be Scared." This isn't Bowl of Fire, though Kevin O'Donnel and Nora O'Connor lend their talents. Nor is it folk, rock, pop or anything else you've heard before. The etherial blend of violin, whistle, glockenspiel and vocals is otherworldly, baroque (yet distinctly midwestern, to my ear - a musical Fargo). Turn the lights low, the stereo up, and allow yourself to be absorbed into Bird's strange little world.

andrew bird is drunk on words when he's not whistling in the tradition of his surname.......2005-10-04

(DISCLAIMER: I have a serious soft spot for the male voice, for male singer/songwriters who tap their soul in their words and notes.) In the swoon of an Andrew Bird interview on NPR this spring (2005), I helplessly followed my fingers to the keyboard to order "Weather Systems" and "Mysterious Appearance of Eggs". Then to my doorstep came -- omygod -- lyrics so word-drunk, smart and mysterious, crooned & whispered & belted out in a voice soooooo alluring, accompanied by completely out-of-the-box musical arrangements involving whistling and electric violin... The artwork on the liner notes, particularly in the case of Mysterious Appearance of Eggs, ratchets the irresistability of this singer's work up another couple of notches right off the scale.

andrew bird is fantastic.......2005-09-02

though the mysterious production of eggs is my favorite, andrew bird never fails to impress or please. if youre looking for mellow, but also moving, go for it! you wont be dissapointed!

Simply Captivating.......2005-03-16

A while back I was attending a show in Columbia, Missouri, to see Vic Chesnutt and Andrew Bird was the opener. I had never heard anything like the music that Andrew offered the audience that night. In fact, I was so blown away by Andrew's performance, that I hardly paid attention to Vic! I purchased the Weather Systems CD from Andrew that evening and have been in love with it ever since. There is an ethereal quality to the music on this CD that has to be heard to be appreciated, any words that I would use here to describe it would not do it any justice at all. A stand out, for me, is the third track, "Lull." The lyrics combined with the completely enchanting music speak to the soul. I highly recommend this CD, you will not be disappointed in the quality of Andrew Bird's amazing talent.

Beautiful Music for the Midwest.......2005-02-14

I love this album. At first I didn't really did know why I liked it, but now I do. I live in rural Northwest Illinois and thats where Andrew Bird recorded this album. It paints a really beautiful picture of the midwest. Im not saying that somebody from another location wouldn't like this album, because it is really excelent music, but the reason why I love this album so much is because I feel a common bond with Andrew Bird in living in the same environment.

Average customer rating: A perfect album? it really got me This is the one Drivel Iým Gonna Skip This Town and Head on Down to Louisiana

Thrills Andrew Bird's Bowl of Fire Manufacturer: Rykodisc ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Rock | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Retro Swing | Swing Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music Similar Items: Oh! The Grandeur The Swimming Hour Weather Systems Andrew Bird & the Mysterious Production of Eggs Armchair Apocrypha ASIN: B000005Z5S Release Date: 1998-04-07

Tracks:

1. Minor Stab
2. Ides Of Swing
3. Glass Figurine
4. Pathetique
5. Depression-Pasillo
6. 50 Pieces
7. A Woman's Life And Love
8. Swedish Wedding March
9. Eugene
10. Cris-Cris
11. Cock O' The Walk
12. Nuthinduan Waltz
13. Some Of These Days

Customer Reviews:

A perfect album?.......2006-08-26

This is some of the best I've heard. The bluegrasswing mixed with klesmer is perfect with the voice of Andrew Bird. He even put Scandinavian folkstyle in here also. And the female singer Whalen sings very nice, a bit more action in her voice, comparing to when she sings in the Squirrel Nut Zippers.

Very nice job, mr. Bird.

it really got me.......2005-12-02

Many on-line reviewers, in my opinion, get much more (too) enthusiastic about music than books and should always give thier age so you can assess taste and experience. I'm 49, serious, life-long listener and I offer 4.5 stars for my 1st Andrew Bird cd listen. Very good stuff of mixed derivation. Bought another one today. I wasn't overly impressed with The Zippers I heard some years back, maybe I didn't hear the right stuff?

This is the one.......2004-12-18

I found out about Andrew Bird when he played with Squirrel Nut Zippers,if you like music in that style this is the Andrew Bird
C.D. to buy,you won't be dissapointed

Drivel.......2004-06-17

It's beyond my comprehension how this performance can be compared to Django et. al. I found vocals grating, tunes uninspiring, musicianship nothing to write home about and sound quality poor. Maybe I got up on the wrong side of the bed today!

Iým Gonna Skip This Town and Head on Down to Louisiana.......2002-06-27

Fans of the Squirrel Nut Zippers shouldn't be surprised if they find the music of Andrew Bird and his infamous Bowl of Fire to be particularly pleasing. Bird himself moonlights as a guest violinist for the Zippers, and has snatched away the talent of their female vocalist, Katharine Whalen, for this musical gem. Reader beware, however, that the stylings here are far different than the big band/swing of their squirrely counterparts. They are, perhaps, far more unique. The gypsy-like music sounds authentic, and evokes the idea of folk in a far different way than that which Bob Dylan has popularized. This is folklore, twisting bits of bluegrass, eastern European, jazz, and even, seemingly, Jewish/Israeli folk songs into the mix. The gypsy theme ties everything together, but an errant guitar riff or a stand-up bass throw all predictability out the window. Furthermore, the music is consistently and intentionally tinged with a static that adds to the mystery and that "old time" feel.

Likewise, the lyrics are brilliant. Bird is known for penning intelligent lyrics, and "Thrills" certainly corroborates this affirmation. Whalen's wails are still reminiscent of Billie Holiday, but her croons are sadder, more serious. "That blissful dream of childhood has ended," she laments on the seventh track, "A Woman's Life and Love". Bird's lyrics have changed her tone completely. A favorite lyric comes from the enigmatically named "Eugene": "Studies have shown/That we like sheep are prone/To sure fatal doses/Of malcontent through osmosis/But don't be sympathetic/Just pass the anesthetic/Because sheep are benign/And on the young we will dine". Cynical, perhaps, but assuredly insightful. Unlike many groups, where either the lyrics or the music are "take it or leave it", Andrew Bird's Bowl of Fire weaves the two together so well that it's almost impossible to imagine one without the other.
Certainly, "Thrills" is a one-of-a-kind, unprecedented album. It sweeps the listener into smoky lounges, gypsy campfires, and circle dances ... all at once, somehow. The album reeks of cool; Bird has created perhaps a most unique genre of modern music that, as of yet, no one has been able to match.

Average customer rating: Old time is new again Wouldn't buy this one again! uuhhhmmmm loverly!!!!!!!!!!!! A moody, quirky, jazzy oddball! It's own universe!

Oh! The Grandeur Andrew Bird's Bowl of Fire Manufacturer: Rykodisc ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Rock | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Retro Swing | Swing Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music Similar Items: Thrills The Swimming Hour Weather Systems Andrew Bird & the Mysterious Production of Eggs Armchair Apocrypha ASIN: B00000JZ24 Release Date: 1999-08-24

Tracks:

1. Candy Shop
2. Tea And Thorazine
3. Wishing For Contentment
4. Wait
5. The Idiot's Genius
6. Vidalia
7. Beware
8. Dora Goes To Town
9. Feetlips
10. And So...
11. Coney Island Shuffle
12. Respiration
13. (What's Your) Angle?
14. The Confession
15. Beware (Reprise)/A Drinking Song (In The Grande Style)

Amazon.com

Violinist Andrew Bird earned well-deserved acclaim for his 1998 debut CD, Thrills, and its cabaret-meets-hot-jazz energy. Oh! The Grandeur is the much-anticipated follow-up and is every bit as quirky and darkly perfect. It's got Bird's astringent fiddle cutting a wide swath through Colin Bunn's riff-strummed and breezy cool guitar and the clomping rhythms of Josh Hirsch's bass and Kevin O'Donnell's drums. And it's got Bird's round-edged voice rolling over lyrics that are alternately moody and slaphappy. The music is clearly indebted to the hot club jazz that's been built on the duo of Stephane Grappelli and Django Reinhardt, but it also owes props to Kurt Weill and even Bob Wills. Bird might not ever make the morning talk show circuit in the U.S. (unlike his former band, Squirrel Nut Zippers), but he's got a lock on taking a wealth of American traditions and rolling them into an odd, endearing whole. --Andrew Bartlett

Customer Reviews:

Old time is new again.......2006-03-29

Quirky and bizarre as we've come to expect from Bird, but sounding more like Venuti and Lang or the Hot Club of Paris than ever before, Bowl of Fire and their leader managed to not only hit the high standard they set for themselves with "Thrills," they surprassed it in both songwriting and playing.

As usual, the lyrics are often nonsensical and humorous ("Dora Goes to Town", "(What's Your) Angle"), even when the subject isn't ("Tea and Thorazine", about autism). The melodies will stay in your mind for weeks to come ("Wishing for Contentment"). The band is tighter than SNZ ever were, and the solos show a real appreciation for 20s/30s hot music. This band could play circles around some others born in the swing fad of the late 90s, and could probably sit right in with any of the small combos they idolize. "Candy Shop," at last minute addition to the record, shows the band in what must have been a quickly thrown together studio session for an addition to a movie soundtrack but is nonetheless impeccably played.

Gone, however, are the country blues songs that ended "Thrills", but a consistant theme flows through the record, something that felt missing from the first album. The production also manages to hold a retro aspect without becoming muddy or too lo-fi for the casual listener. A few songs from the middle and end drag from lack of energy or creativity, but the good stuff far outweights the bad.

Wouldn't buy this one again!.......2005-01-30

Worst cd that I have ever purchased. I'm tossing it.

uuhhhmmmm.......2004-08-14

i actually have never listened to this cd because i keep focusing on the absolutely amazing cover art courtesy of Chris Ware (Jimmy Corrigan, etc.). so i give it 4 stars for the art.

loverly!!!!!!!!!!!!.......2004-06-03

reccomded for fans of the nut zippers, cowboy junkies, tom waits and all other sweet muisc from all over the place. folksy and brilliant!

A moody, quirky, jazzy oddball! It's own universe!.......2004-01-30

I love this album- Andrew Bird's first two releases are remarkable, but this (his sophomore release) was, I think, an overall step-up from his debut, "Thrills." One of the hardest things I had to do last fall was select which songs from his first two albums would go on a burnt CD mix... There were too many...

I came to Mr. Bird when I discovered that he played violin on SqrlNtZprs albums. I wanted more SNZ, loved the directions they pursued with 'Perennial Favorites' but didn't care at all for 'Bedlam Ballroom.' The production, I felt was all wrong and stood in the way of any judments I could make concerning the album. It sounded slick, polished- and I couldn't stand that. So I tracked down some solo releases by individual members of the Zippers and ended up with the pleasure of Mr. Bird's music. When I first got this CD it didn't leave my CD player for a week and a half, which is rare, as I'm an impatient, moody, feckless, hard to please music aficianado...

Genre-wise this is all over the place, certainly not jazz or swing (not entirely at least, though by grounding himself in the music of a bygone era, Mr. Bird invokes a moody, theatrical vibe that stays with you). All the players know their place and everyone works tightly to maintain the overall ambience of the album. The mood, I feel is equal parts Kurt Weill, Tom Waits and something that is Mr. Bird's own entirely. His voice is on the good side of competent with a (fake?) slight accent and the perfect diction of singers from the 30's. In my head I imagine him looking like the singer from 'The Hudsucker Proxy,' from the scnene where all the women fawn over him (yeah, I know it takes place in the fifties which is the wrong time period, but still...).

The earthy, folk-tinged, gypsy melodies that he conjures from his violin are beautiful to hear and call to mind strange images and memories. His playing is sublime. The lyrics are intelligent, playful, at times macabre and surreal. The CD comes with a tiny notebook of liner notes and lyrics, explanations, etc, done up in a style that seems to be in league with the era that he's channeling.

Some stand out tracks are 'Beware' (very Tom Waits-esque lyrics, a dark and tempestuous little number), 'Feetlips' (sung with an almost Hungarian, Bela Lugosi accent), 'Tea and Thorazine,' (quite eerie), '(What's Your) Angle,' (a rousing, jazzy, upbeat swinging little tune)... Hell, they're all good.

On top of that, "Wait," has to be one of the most beautiful slow-songs I have heard in forever and a day. It's practically BEGGING to have a scene in a romantic movie built around it. The violin is eerie and gorgeous and demonstrates that Mr. Bird isn't all pyrotechnic showman's flash. He can play just as mesmerizingly great when the mood is soft and restrained.

Average customer rating: Very Stylish a depressing change Great Album Discerning the Core From the Rind Only Andrew can rock out with a violin!

The Swimming Hour Andrew Bird's Bowl of Fire Manufacturer: Rykodisc ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Adult Alternative | Pop | Styles | Music Similar Items: Weather Systems Oh! The Grandeur Thrills Andrew Bird & the Mysterious Production of Eggs Armchair Apocrypha ASIN: B00005ARFB Release Date: 2001-04-03

Tracks:

1. Two Way Action
2. Core And Rind
3. Why?
4. 11:11
5. Case In Point
6. Too Long
7. Way Out West
8. Waiting To Talk
9. Fatal Flower Garden
10. Satisfied
11. Headsoak
12. How Indiscreet
13. Dear Old Greenland

Customer Reviews:

Very Stylish.......2007-01-09

This is a great album. I recommend it highly. I will say that on the strength of this album I went back and checked out some of Bird's other albums and was disappointed. Some of his other stuff is...well...weird, and lacks the groove that this one does.

I'd like to see him do more stuff like "Satisfied". That track hits like a hammer.

a depressing change.......2006-06-03

oh how very depressingly bad this cd is! I bought it on pure faith after being thrilled with his previous efforts, only to be very sadly disappointed with it. It lacks the passion and creativity the Oh! The Grandeur and Thrills held. I get shivers of revulsion just thinking of some of the songs. I respect his desire to grow stylistically, but I just don't care for the boring songs he's produced. It honestly does depress me, because his previous combination of modern meets swing was exactly to my liking. People might suggest I turn to Squirrel Nut Zippers, but their poppish shallow jazz is no consolation -- not even worth comparison. I'll look into his other cds, but he's lost my trust.

Great Album.......2005-03-16

I'm admitting up front- This is the only album I have heard from Andrew Bird, (no rhyme intended) but I'm very impressed. Borrowing from many different musical genres- traditional pop, jazz, latin, country, etc, he can be critcized for sounding derivitive/contrived. However, from my perspective he suceeds at borrowing elements, but at the same time introducing something uniquely Andrew Bird in each song. After all music is not created in a vacuum. Its obvious that he is a gifted songwriter, singer, and musician from hearing this, but I noticed that there are a couple 1 star reviews. They read a bit like the pretentious 'he fell off/ sold out after he released his first album.' I can never understand this type of stupidity. Its as if some people want the same album released over and over again. Or maybe its the ol' "I listened to him way back before he was born"

Update- Now that I've listened to his other albums, this one still stands up as very good. Its not the first of his albums that I'd reach for today (that would be Oh! The grandeur), but its the most accessible and is solid throughout. He has changed his approach dramatically from album to album, but the quality remains for all of them. The albums before "Oh! the Grandeur" are weaker than the rest

Discerning the Core From the Rind.......2004-10-18

How could anyone think that Oh! The Grandeur and Thrills are better than this CD? Even Andrew admits on his web site that this is his favorite. I couldn't agree more. This album is far more creative than his previous work and it is much more ambitious - and it succeeds magnificently. His previous work is adept and shows a tremendous amount of musical talent - but it was pretty anachronistic, and didn't really offer anything new or terribly interesting. If you own one SNZ album you really don't need any more CDs like it. Hell, you probably don't even really need one SNZ CD since it's all been done before too. This album, on the other hand is a modern classic. There's nothing shallow about this music. As if music from the jazz era wasn't often shallow and silly. And there's plenty to like here if you like his older music or the SNZ. It doesn't stray completely from that music. I'm sorry some of you think that Andrew didn't make a CD that is appropriate to dance the Charleston to in a coat-tailed tux with a young flapper. It's the 21st century. Get over it. Andrew's moved on. We should too.

On another note, if you ever get a chance to see this man perform live DO IT! It's a life changing experience. MUCH more moving and enjoyable than listening to the CDs. I saw him a couple nights ago here in town. He lives on a farm about an hour from where I live so, I expect that I will have many opportunities to see him in the future and I don' t plan on wasting them. Make sure you visit his website ( http://www.bowloffire.com ) and purchase his two homemade live CDs (Fingerlings, and Fingerlings 2) which include some songs you won't find anywhere else. You'll get a taste of the amazing work he does whistling and singing to his violin, guitar, glockenspiel, and a Line 6 DL4 delay pedal that allows him to perform as a one-man orchestra. It's amazing to see in person.

Only Andrew can rock out with a violin!.......2004-04-18

I love this Cd. I'd listened to "Oh, the Grandeur" nonstop for weeks, so I'd been eagerly awaiting "the Swimming Hour." Initially, I listened to S.H. and was appalled. How could this be the same Andrew Bird I had grown to love!? This was rock and not jazz! And now he has backup singers?!

So I put the CD back in the case and didn't listen to it for a year. DO NOT MAKE MY MISTAKE! (How many hours of pleasure had I denied myself in that year...?) I'd only listened to it once, but eventually I slipped this CD into the player again... and after some listening, I adored it!

At first, it's shocking to hear Andrew play pop/rock, but then it grows on you and it's hard to take the CD player off "repeat one" to hear another song. His use of the violin in modern-sounding (yet unclassifiable) music is ingenious. Andrew has pulled off the impossible and made a violin a rock instrument.

This Cd is perfect for driving down the expressway with the windows rolled down and the car stereo cranked way up. It's fun, beautiful, and thought-provoking (what lyrics!) all at the same time. 11:11- oh! What a song! soothing violin with his signature strumming over the top melts away and is replaced by rhythm guitar accenting some hardcore sawing at the fiddle, in that way that only Andrew can play. Amazing. You need this CD!

This album is *not* a sell-out effort. We are talking about a man who had never listened to anything but classical music until directly before he made this CD. All of his albums are different, and show off how versatile he truly is. I am fond of saying, "Andrew has a CD for every mood!" This is the crazy, hyper album.*

And do yourself a favor and see him play live! I drove 3 1/2 hours to see him and he was absolutely stunning! He is in his element on stage; so if you think this recording is something, you ain't see nothin' until you go to a live show. *swoon*

*A note about his albums: Music of Hair is ethnic, folksy and soothing, Thrills is hot jazz with Euro influence, Oh! the Grandeur is dark, brooding, and unlike anything you've ever heard, this is rock, Weather Systems is floaty, serene New Age and indicates a move back to the more obscure jazz of Grandeur. If you can find Fingerlings or any other live recording of his, you should snatch it right up.

Andrew is beyond amazing and with or without his band Bowl of Fire, he creates some of the most innovative and original music of our time. BUY THIS CD RIGHT NOW! And if you enjoy this, check out his other releases (Kevin O'Donnell's Quality Six is BOF + 2 more musicians). You will not be disappointed.

Average customer rating: Prototype Andrew Lloyd Webber Not Bad For A First Effort Absolutely promising! ANDREW LLOYD WEBBER + TIM RICE = A DELIGHTFUL MUSICAL

The Likes of US Manufacturer: Decca Broadway ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Britain | British Isles | Europe | International | Styles | Music General | Musicals | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music General | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Easy Listening | Pop | Styles | Music General | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music The Decca Records Store | Specialty Stores | Music Similar Items: The Drowsy Chaperone (2006 Original Broadway Cast) The Wedding Singer (2006 Original Broadway Cast) Grey Gardens - A New Musical (2006 Original Broadway Cast) The Color Purple (2005 Original Broadway Cast) See What I Wanna See (2005 Original Off-Broadway Cast) ASIN: B000BSM27K Release Date: 2006-03-28

Tracks:

1. Introduction
2. Overture
3. Twice in Love Every Day
4. I'm a Very Busy Man
5. Love is Here
6. Strange and Lovely Song
7. The Likes of Us
8. How Am I to Know
9. We'll Get Him
10. This is My Time
11. Lion-Hearted Land
12. We'll Get Him reprise
13. Love is Here
14. A Man on His Own

Tracks:

1. Entr'acte
2. You Can Never Make it Alone
3. Hold A March
4. Will This Last Forever
5. You Won't Care About Him anymore
6. Going Going Gone
7. Man of the World
8. Have another Cup of Tea
9. A Strange and Lovely Song reprise
10. The Likes of Us reprise

Amazon.com

At the beginning of this two-disc CD, recorded live at England's Sydmonton Festival, the Narrator (a droll Stephen Fry) welcomes the audience "to the 40th-anniversary performance and yet world premiere" of The Likes of Us. The show was the first collaboration between composer Andrew Lloyd Webber and lyricist Tim Rice, back in 1966, but it was never produced, and the duo went on to Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. Interestingly, The Likes of Us displays embryonic elements of both aspects of Webber's work: the early pop- and rock- tinged offerings ("You Can Never Make It Alone") and the latter neoclassical strains ("How Am I to Know," which can easily be imagined as a Phantom-type aria) with little hints of operetta ("Strange and Lovely Song"). Based on the story of the Victorian philanthropist, Dr. Thomas Barnardo, the show also incorporates a children's chorus, making it all sound at times--quite often, really—-like a slightly haphazard version of Oliver. It's a fascinating piece of juvenilia, but as such is of interest mostly to Webberheads. --Elisabeth Vincentelli

Album Details

2005 Digitally Remastered (At Abbey Road Studios) of the Original London Cast of the Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber Musical. Includes Full Libretto and Deluxe Packaging.

Customer Reviews:

Prototype Andrew Lloyd Webber.......2006-08-31

Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber were once so young that nobody would take them seriously enough to stage their early work.

Undaunted, they cobbled together a first effort, and when nobody was interested quickly pressed on with something completely different. The result - like so many musicals and operas that didn't quite make it - was partially lost - in particular the original "book". All that is left were the songs.

So this is a concert version, with connecting comment from a narrator, rather than either a record of a "real" (staged) performance, or a conventional "original cast recording" with the songs extracted from their context.

It has to be said, even by someone who on the whole admires ALW, that this is well short of being a forgotten "Evita". None the less - we have to be grateful that the songs have at last been recorded. I agree with another reviewer's opinion of the "staying power" of the commentary - which sounds as if it has been more or less ad-libbed and does not improve with repeated hearings - it is indeed a shame it is not on separate tracks so it can be "programmed out".

But yes, if you take your musicals seriously you will obviously want this one for your collection. I doubt if it will ever be on anyone's list as their favourite Andrew Lloyd Webber, but who can tell?

One exercise that will be found amusing by people who know Webber's work is tracing bits of music he later re-cycled in other works. The composer commented on looking at the score again after so many years that he had always felt that he had re-used so much that this alone would have precluded a production - and was surprised to find so little he was aware of reusing.

Not Bad For A First Effort.......2006-05-12

Hello,
I have listened to this a few times now and believe what it is basically a cross between "Oliver" and "Tenderloin", as say Leslie Bricusse might have written it. It is cute, but sounds very derivative and "'60s"
I enjoyed the commentary at first, but by the third listening, found it very annoying. It is too bad that the tracks were not set up so the talking could be skipped. I am thinking seriously of loading the whole thing on my computer and editing out all the talk and applause.
I am glad I bought it, but only as a historic curiosity which makes my Lloyd Webber collection complete. I don't see much future listening.

Absolutely promising!.......2005-12-02

The Likes Of Us is not a great musical. It's narration is awkward, forced and dramaturgically immature. Too many musical numbers are gives to umimportant characters, and the plot too often strays away from anything interresting. The characterisations are weird and underdevelopped.

When that is said, The Likes Of Us contains some of Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber's most tuneful, witty and touching songs. Taken for what it is, a musical experiment by two very young song writers, The Likes Of Us is very promising and absolutely fascinating.

The witty narration added to this performance (unfortunately not separately tracked) clearly points out the show's weaknesses. Which helps the audience appreciate what truly is good by this show. I would without hesitation recommend anyone to buy this recording rather than anything ALW wrote after Song And Dance.

ANDREW LLOYD WEBBER + TIM RICE = A DELIGHTFUL MUSICAL.......2005-11-27

The story of "The likes of us", the first ever musical made by Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice is indeed an old one, dating 40 years in the past. Before the two met, ALW was starting his history studies at Oxford and Rice was a law student. Then in 1965 the two of them made acquaintance and, realizing their potential, began working on a musical called "The likes of us", set in the Victorian London and concerning the life and exploits of one dr. Thomas Barnardo (1845-1905), a British physician and philanthropist who founded many homes for destitute and homeless children of London's East End. Although the musical numbers were completed and a book written, the show never reached the stage. Until, now that is, when in July this year "The Likes of us" had its first and so far only staging at ALW's annual Sydmonton Festival. That live performance was recorded and is now released as this double CD edition.

Due to the fact that the book was never finished and eventually got lost, Tim Rice wrote a new one for this performance. The structure of the show captured on these CDs is rather unique, since the musical numbers are tied together with the brief narrations between them instead of the conventional dialogue. This narration is delivered by the character of The Narrator, played here with enormous gusto and humour, by Stephen Fry, one of the most respected British comedians today. His witty remarks are one of the great assets of this recording.

The score, although written 40 years ago, is pure gold. The melodies, freshly orchestrated, grab you from the very beginning in the best ALW fashion. This is not the classy rock or pop sound of their later joint shows `Superstar' and `Evita', nor the operatic crescendos of `The Phantom', but rather the beautifully arranged pieces of music similar in style to the ones in the musical theatre of that time. The orchestrations are done very well, and the part where the orchestra takes a solo melody within a song helps us to capture the loveliness of the score. The numbers itself comprise of the solo numbers and ensemble ones, mixed with dancing. Only two of the tunes did ALW use in his future work: a bits of `The likes of us' was used in `Variations' and `Love is here' later become `Travel hopefully' in `By Jeeves'.

Of course, one has to make reference to Tim Rice's lyrics. Even though ALW used many good lyricists throughout his career, an undisputed fact remains Tim Rice was the best of the lot. He has a special gift of playing with words, finding perfect synonyms to express a certain action. Also, he is especially noted for his humorous cynicism, which is also evident here. One of the funniest numbers in this piece, called `Going, going, gone', features Tim Rice as an auctioneer handling an auction. This was the first song ever written by ALW and Rice and it is very nice to hear Sir Tim singing this entertaining piece in which his craftsmanship with words is obvious in full extent. The show does not lack humour, as a number called `A lion-hearted land', taking place at the cabinet meeting at 10 Downing Street clearly demonstrates as well.

The cast performing this work is equally good. Some of them we've encountered before, like Hannah Waddingham, who plays here a prostitute called Rose, and can also be heard on the original cast recording of ALW's musical `The beautiful game'. The role of Dr. Bernardo is played in a pleasing tenor voice by Adam Brazier, who currently stars as Walter Hartright in the just opened Broadway production of ALW's newest musical `The woman in white'. The other roles, such as Barnardo's helper Syrie, are also well cast.

The CD comes in a nice package, together with a booklet and a libretto. The booklet contains the informative notes written by ALW, Tim Rice and Stephen Fry. The sound quality is excellent.

Conclusively, "The likes of us', besides being a really good musical, is also a reminder of just how great collaborators ALW and Tim Rice are. The musical itself be it in its present form or with a little bit of reworking, has all the qualities needed for a successful stage run. In the booklet, Tim Rice mentions the pleasure he and Sir Andrew had in working together again. We can only hope this reunion will be enough for them to take a next daring step: that is, their collaboration on an entirely new musical project. In the meantime, the musical theatre buffs will have to enjoy this little gem that Lloyd Webber and Rice duo finally decided to bestow upon the musical devotees.

Average customer rating: breathless Beatles Like I've Never Heard Before Interesting Cover, but Bad CD Beautiful and Relaxing Lovely and powerful

Imagine Manufacturer: RCA ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Easy Listening | Pop | Styles | Music Opera & Vocal | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music Similar Items: Revolution: A Rock Tribute to the Beatles Beatles Vivaldi: Complete Cello Concertos Beatles for Harp Nothing's Gonna Change My World ASIN: B000003G0A Release Date: 1996-03-26

Tracks:

1. Free As A Bird
2. Eleanor Rigby
3. Here, There And Everywhere
4. In My Life
5. And I Love Her
6. When I'm Sixty-Four
7. Michelle
8. Nowhere Man
9. Yesterday
10. Girl
11. Across The Universe
12. Here Comes The Sun
13. Norwegian Wood - For No One
14. She's Leaving Home
15. Lucy In The Sky With Diamonds
16. Octopus's Garden
17. Imagine
18. Hey Jude
19. Golden Slumbers - Carry That Weight - The End

Customer Reviews:

breathless.......2006-05-31

The sound from harnoy;s cello is enough to make me cry. she produces such tone and anyone that doesnt agree is uneducated. what can i say elanor rigby the phrassing outstanding ofra has been and still is one of my favorite cellist.

Beatles Like I've Never Heard Before.......2005-02-10

I borrowed this CD from the library out of curiosity and what a delightful suprise. The interpretation of Beatles music is wonderfully simple - I especially love the different variations done with the same tune in some of the pieces giving them a fresh sound. Harmonies between cello and violin in "Norwegian Wood", "Across the Universe" and "Girl" are mesmerising. Mostly played with a slow tempo, this is great soothing music after a stressful day. This CD is definitely worth purchasing for a twist in popular Lennon-McCartney compositions.

4 stars for song selection, otherwise 5 stars for interpretation.

Interesting Cover, but Bad CD.......2004-06-05

I can not believe that Ofra is even famous. Her playing is so stiff and lacks phrasing. Her tone quality is horrible. The only reason that she makes recordings is because her father is rich and he bought her a several million dollar cello and paid symphony orchestras to let her play solos with them. But, it is interesting to hear a cellist play the Beatles. Only buy this CD if you have boughten every cd on this webstite and have a little money left over.

Beautiful and Relaxing.......2004-05-21

The Beatles and Ofra Harnoy! The best of both worlds! What more could you ask for? A friend gave me this CD, and I have enjoyed listening to this right before bedtime every night. Ms. Harnoy, I applaud you for making some of the finest renditions of my favorite Beatles tunes. If you're a semi-professional classical musician like me and you don't have this in your CD collection, you're missing out--Big Time!!! 5 + stars for a wonderful CD!!!!

Lovely and powerful.......2002-01-01

Before you write this off as another attempt to "muzak" the Beatles, listen to Harnoy's lovely playing on "She's Leaving Home," "Across The Universe" and "Girl" and see if you still feel that way once you've heard them. A great set of interpretations by a most evocative cellist.

Average customer rating: JUST WONDERFUL! AND HIP TOO!!! another great one out of print Sax Choir Arrives yes, oh yes, moondog is the best eccentric and top rate

Sax Pax for a Sax Manufacturer: Atlantic / Wea ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General Modern | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music Avant Garde & Free Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music General | Jazz | Styles | Music General | New Age | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Minimal Techno | Techno | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music Similar Items: The German Years 1977-1999 Viking of Sixth Avenue More Moondog/The Story of Moondog Moondog Moondog 1 & 2 ASIN: B000002JF3 Release Date: 1997-11-18

Tracks:

1. Dog Trot
2. Paris
3. Bird's Lament (In Memory Of Charlie Parker)
4. Sandalwood
5. Tout Suite In F Major: 1. Mov.
6. Tout Suite In F Major: 2. Mov.
7. Tout Suite In F Major: 3. Mov.
8. D For Danny
9. New Amsterdam
10. Sea Horse (Piano)
11. Fiesta (Piano)
12. Novette No.1 In D Flat Major: 1. Mov.
13. Novette No.1 In D Flat Major: 2. Mov.
14. Novette No.1 In D Flat Major: 3. Mov.
15. Single Foot
16. Mother's Whistler
17. Present For The Prez. (In Memory Of Lester Young)
18. Shakespeare City
19. EEC Suite: Golden Fleece
20. EEC Suite: Hymn To Peace
21. EEC Suite: Eec Lied

Amazon.com

The first new music from Moondog, nee Louis Hardin, in more than 20 years, Sax Pax for A Sax is probably the best introduction to the work of this eccentric former street musician. A joyous outburst, Sax Pax touches on influences ranging from Miles Davis' groundbreaking "Birth of the Cool," sessions ("Dog Trot"), medieval motets ("Tout Suite No. 1 in F Major"), and bebop's harmonic innovations ("Bird's Lament" and "Present for the Prez"). There's even a male chorus showing up occasionally, sounding like they stepped out of a Busby Berkely musical as they jauntily sing the praises of Paris, New York, and London. But the music's precise counterpoint and buoyant inventiveness could only be Moondog; listen and be enthralled. --Steven Mirkin

Customer Reviews:

JUST WONDERFUL! AND HIP TOO!!!.......2007-05-03

Great Americana! Hip! Just wonderful!
My one regret is that I didn't have a chance to book this in US before he died. There is a video of this btw.

another great one out of print.......2006-04-14

This is amazing. And no, it's not jazz. This is composed music, and it spits in the face of the academic axiom that concert music has to suck in order to be any good. Truly unique and truly listenable, why isn't this a best-seller?

Sax Choir Arrives.......2005-08-29

I grew up loving Boots Randolph, Ace Cannon, King Curtis, and Johnny and the Hurricanes. I was browsing through the net looking for something on Simon Haram(a well known current European classical Saxophonist) and stumbled on this Album. I have never heard anything like this. Its my music find of the year (I am an iPod addict). This is a Sax dectet (1 Sopranio, 2 Soprano, 2 Altos, 2 Tenors, 2 Baritones and Basses) and then they throw in drums, piano, and bass guitar. My ears feel massaged with sound. I will only quote some review from the net:"The dectet of saxophones plus piano and bass guitar that is London Saxophonic is staggering... sounded like an Arvo Pärt choir jamming with the Bulgarian National Assembly of Throat Singers, yes it was that good." The Independent -- Believe this!!

yes, oh yes, moondog is the best.......2002-08-29

this music was already in my head before I heard it. blocks of chords ascending and exploding in fugal fireworks, plus evocations of an imaginary jungle-jive Paris love affair. unbelievably soulful, funny, charming, surprising. you like moondog! you like moondog! buy moondog!

eccentric and top rate.......2000-01-05

Fun and crisp. "Paris" had us dancing in the living room and "Movts 1, 2, 3" are sweet lullabies. Highly recommended

Average customer rating:

3cd Korea Special Set Andrew Bird Manufacturer: Pastel Music ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Similar Items: Armchair Apocrypha ASIN: B000KIZC2S

Product Description

Korean Exclusive 2 Full Length Album + Bonus Live CD Set. (CD-1/Andrew Bird & the Mysterious Production of Eggs) 01 Untitled 02 Sovay 03 A Nervous Tic Motion of the Head to the Left 04 Fake Palindromes 05 Measuring Cups 06 Banking on a Myth 07 Masterfade 08 Opposite Day 09 Skin Is, My 10 The Naming of Things 11 MX Missiles 12 Untitled 13 Tables and Chairs 14 The Happy Birthday Song 15 First Song (Live) (Bonus Track) 16 Why? (Live) (Bonus Track) 17 Action/Adventure (Live) (Bonus Track) 18 Sovay (Live with My Morning Jacket) (Bonus Track) (CD-2/Weather Systems) 01 First Song 02 I 03 Lull 04 Action/Adventure 05 Untitled 06 Skin 07 Weather Systems 08 Don't Be Scared 09 Untitled (CD-3/Fingerlings 1 & 2 : Live Recordings) 01 Trimmed + Buring 02 Gotholympians 03 Richmond Woman 04 Sweetbreads 05 Headsoak 06 Indiscreet 07 T'n't 08 Skin is, My 09 Masterfade 10 Banking On A Myth 11 MX Missiles 12 Spanish For Monsters 13 Way Out West 14 Depression Pasillo 15 Happy Day

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