MOG

Albums I absolutely could not wait for and ended up playing on repeat 14 times in a row: Wincing the Night Away by The Shins Like "Kissing the Lipless" of yesteryear, the song "Australia" has become my sure-fire method of introducing this band and guaranteeing a positive response. Standouts include this track, as well as "Sea Legs", "Sleeping Lessons", "Phantom Limb", and "Turn On Me". Neon Bible by The Arcade Fire Disregarding the hype/promos/general hooplah, this rec... MORE

As soon as I sat down knowing that I intended to write about Andrew Bird, I smiled. The man has the kind of charisma that no one can touch, love or leave him, his type of bravado can only be matched recently by the likes of Stephen Malkmus and/or Rufus Wainwright. You certainly don’t need to have heard Bird’s previous albums to fully appreciate Armchair Apocrypha, but as additions to your library, they’re each assured to help you dance more wildly around your apartment alo... MORE

Chicago native folk-rocker Andrew Bird, an acclaimed multi-instrumentalist released in March Armchair Apocrypha (Fat Possum), Bird's first studio album since the critically acclaimed The Mysterious Production of Eggs (2005) and is now prepared to do the leg work in support of. Continuing his eco-friendly efforts, Bird will hit the road aboard a bio-diesel tour bus for select dates in the US and Canada this fall, including appearances at the Austin City LimitsFestival an... MORE

Wow. I just got home from the performance of Andrew Bird and his band at the Warfield, and let me say it was an amazing, beautiful experience. So lush, so realized, so great. He plays a amazing violin, whistles like his namesake animal, and sounds like Jeff Buckley when he sings. I feel like I went to church, seriously. Couldn't wait to Mog it, I don't even have my jacket off, that good. Anyone else go tonight, or have seen him live before?

Andrew Bird Armchair Apocrypha (Fat Possum)

I was at a Magnetic Fields show a few years ago (when "I" was just out - geez, was it really in 2004? I'm getting old, fast) at Trinity-St. Paul's United Church on Bloor St. It's a charming and lovely place to see a show (I more recently saw Jose Gonzalez there) - charming, lovely and extremely hot. They didn't build churches with AC back in those days, so I guess you had to be prepared to sweat to death for Jesus. Anyway, it was in the sticky, moist heat of that church... MORE

Britta Johnson's new video for Andrew Bird's Imitosis was released just a couple of days ago from Andrew Bird's website. It is a literal translation with some cute moments. Overall, it falls a little towards the flat side (like the recorded song) from the editing and a lack of exploration and personal interpretation.

We're excited to be posting 6 live videos from Andrew Bird's performance at First Avenue in Minneapolis, MN on May 11th, 2007. Songs featured include: Imitosis, Spare Ohs, Why?, Dear Dirty, Plasticities, and Dark Matter. If you haven't heard Andrew Bird before be sure to check it out. This guy can whistle, sing, play guitar AND violin simultaneously! Well, almost. Check them out, you won't be disappointed. http://scheduletwo.com/video/andrew_bird

tho Andrew Bird didn't have a true LA show (no, Coachella doesn't count), he made a pit-stop at Amoeba in Hollywood tonight. thaaaaank goodness! it's not the best place to see him play, but it's still enough. there seemed to be plenty of technical problems for them to get through, but it was pretty cool watching Andrew improvise his way through them. he is one seriously talented guy. as is Martin Dosh (current drummer/rhodes/etc., and collaborator on the album). it was... MORE

Sometimes just a fantastic album cover will make me want to love a record before I even hear it. Much like a music video can make us "see" a song in a completely different way, an album cover can convey a true visual idea of the music contained inside. In the case of Andrew Bird's Armchair Apocrypha, it's subtly electric, ultra-classy, and elegant. The songs are well-crafted, finely-tuned, and gently captivating. Now, Bird isn't trying to hit us over the head with his id... MORE

A weekend like this would wear anyone out, so after a lovely nap today, I give you a rundown of three truly amazing performances. Friday night found a group of us at the Theatre of the Living Arts in Philadelphia to see Andrew Bird, with Joan as Policewoman opening. Joan held the stage alone with only her piano/guitar (depending on the song) and a powerful set of pipes. Her performance was mesmerizing, though there were far too many chatty, inattentive people in the crow... MORE

My iPod, George, is one of the most fabulous birthday gifts I've ever received and yes, I tend to talk about him like he's got a mind of his own. I think this because of his marvelous shuffling capabilites. Sometimes when he shuffles he blesses me with songs from all my favorite bands. Sometimes he pulls out stuff I forgot about giving me a lovely surprise. Sometimes, he pulls out stuff I've recently added and had every intention of listening to but completely ignored,... MORE

Here's Andrew Bird performing "Fiery Crash" at Coachella... and yes, the grainy, shaky camerawork was done by yours truly... many apologies!