Sunday Music Spotlight – Andrew Bird

I have no idea what he’s like in the rest of his life, but musically Andrew Bird is a strange dude. This former auxiliary member of Squirrel Nut Zippers is a classically trained violinist and world-class whistler. He’s also a looper, using delay effects to overdub multiple layers of music in a live performance. But what sets him apart from other musicians is the elegant eccentricity he uses to put all of his talents together.

Bird got his start as a solo artist before hooking up with Squirrel Nut Zippers in 1995. He never officially joined the band, but played with them on several albums throughout the late 90s. In 1997 he formed the band Bowl of Fire, recording three albums with the band. Bird returned to his solo career with 2003′s Weather Systems. The Mysterious Production of Eggs followed in 2005.

Andrew Bird - Imitosis

It’s not every day you hear a song that not only uses the word “mitosis” but manages to rhyme it (with “osmosis”). Brilliant! The middle instrumental part reminds me of Yes’ “Owner of a Lonely Heart”. “Imitosis” is the second track on Bird’s latest album, Armchair Apocrypha.

Andrew Bird - Plasticities

This song showcases Bird’s violin, whistling, and his solid vocals. It’s also very catchy, not something you necessarily expect from an artist considered eclectic.

Here’s a video example of Bird’s live looping. This is him performing the song “Why?”:

Links:
Official Site
Buy Armchair Apocrypha at Amazon