Armchair Apocrypha
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Song of the Day: Andrew Bird, "Imitosis (Four Tet Remix)"
As we reflect on the year's best everything, I'm dragging out all of the CDs that are likely to make my best of 2007 list, including Armchair Apocrypha by Andrew Bird. In addition to being the most handsome and sharply dressed multi-instrumentalist of 2007, Bird makes some of the most surprisingly danceable music around, despite the fact that violin is one of his primary instruments.
That fact hasn't gone unnoticed by the electronica wizards behind Four Tet, who remixed Bird's "Imitosis" to very fun effect.
Music Video: Andrew Bird, "Imitosis"
Back in March, I guessed that Andrew Bird's Armchair Apocrypha could end up on my year-end best albums list, and so far, it's holding up quite well. So I was thrilled when Pitchfork tipped me off to the new video for Bird's "Imitosis," one of the tracks from the album that's most likely to be wedged in my head at any given moment.
From his lyrics, Bird has often seemed to have a fascination with science and experiments, and so it didn't surprise me too much that this video takes place in a classroom or laboratory of sorts, with charts and graphs and electrode hook-ups.
CD Review: Andrew Bird, Armchair Apocrypha
In the din of hype surrounding the new albums by Arcade Fire, Modest Mouse, and the forthcoming Wilco and Bright Eyes, you might miss the quiet genius of Andrew Bird's new release, Armchair Apocrypha. But after spending a few weeks with the album, which hits stores today, I'm already willing to say it's likely to end up on my year-end best list.
The hippest thing ever to happen to the pizzicato violin, Andrew Bird is just as adept at crafting string-laden pop songs as he is writing rhymes so sing-song, it takes you a moment to hear the words.
Other Search Results
First Listen: Andrew Bird's Noble Beast
I believe a new Andrew Bird album is always something to celebrate — I even made his upcoming Noble Beast one of my entertainment must haves for the month. So when I heard that NPR was offering a free early listen to the new album, I could scarcely click in fast enough.
Noble Beast is an interesting album for Bird; his record label thinks it's the one that could make him a breakout star.
What's Buzzworthy? Best Albums of '07 So Far
I can't believe it's already May! 2007 is nearly half-over and already I've heard some impressive albums from some amazing artists. Part of what made my recent Andrew Bird concert experience so enjoyable was the fact that his new album, Armchair Apocrypha is totally great.
Concert Review: Andrew Bird and Apostle of Hustle at the Fillmore, 5/1/07
Tuesday night's bill at The Fillmore in San Francisco was a rare treat: two musicians with new albums that I know and love — both of whom happen to be named Andrew. The evening started with the Spanish-flavored indie rock of Andrew Whiteman's Apostle of Hustle, which included two percussionists, one of whom was mostly devoted to playing bongos and maracas.
Whiteman — a skinny white boy with an uncanny ability to sing in Spanish and incorporate Cuban and mariachi influences into his music — was surprisingly charismatic on stage.
What's Buzzworthy: Best Albums of '07 So Far
For this week's Buzzworthy challenge I asked you to tell me about your favorite albums of 2007 so far, and you came back with some awesomely varied picks. I kicked things off with Andrew Bird's Armchair Apocrypha and Amy Winehouse's Back in Black, though I also recently reviewed — and loved! — mallomar's suggestion of Feist's The Reminder.
Rewind: This Week's Buzz
- Johnny Depp is extremely attractive. What do you think of the rest of the Pirates of the Caribbean trailer?
- Newsflash: Nicole Richie to help overweight kids... feel worse about themselves.
- I would give Andrew Bird's new album, Armchair Apocrypha, an "A" for "awesome."
- Have you entered the "L-Word" giveaway?
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