Andrew Bird

• The Mysterious Production of Eggs [Righteous Babe, 2005] B
• Armchair Apocrypha [Fat Possum, 2007]
• Noble Beast [Fat Possum, 2009]

Consumer Guide Reviews:

The Mysterious Production of Eggs [Righteous Babe, 2005]
The main reason this record isn't insufferable is that Bird never preens. He shows off discreetly, underplaying his vocal chops and musical command, even his familiarity with scientific arcana--nay, his intelligence itself, which I bet exceeds that of 95 percent of the netcrits his ninth album has had its way with. But discretion exacts a price in identity, clarity, and meaning. The artist may know what these songs signify beyond cunningly arranged wordplay, but anybody else who does ain't talking. Nor does the artist reveal anything about his inner life, specifically including the delight that normally renders the ludic compelling. Certainly there are moments when the music asserts itself--I recommend the chamber-orchestra intro to "Fake Palindromes." But in this prog-rock moment, what half saves Bird's mild, pretty, supersmart album is that it doesn't throw the melody out with the rebop. B

Armchair Apocrypha [Fat Possum, 2007]
"Scythian Empires"

Noble Beast [Fat Possum, 2009]