Noble Beast [Slipcase] (CD - 2009)

Personnel: Andrew Bird (vocals, guitar, violin); Jeremy Ylvisaker (guitar); Emil Svanängen (flute, background vocals); Mike Lewis (clarinet); Martin Dosh (keyboards, percussion); Tony Crow (synthesizer); David Lindvall (bass instrument); Todd Sickafoose (double bass); Ben Martin (drums, cardboard); Andreas Werliin (drums); Kelly Hogan (background vocals).

Audio Mixer: Mark Nevers.

A more organic and subdued outing than its predecessor, ARMCHAIR APOCRYPHA, 2009's NOBLE BEAST finds singer/violinist/guitarist Andrew Bird further refining his elegant, erudite brand of indie-pop. From the breezy, lilting opener "Oh No" to the wistful, strings-only "On Ho," the Chicagoan performer wanders purposefully through his own strange musical landscape, stopping off for fascinating moments such as the chiming "Fitz & Dizzyspells" and the percussive "Not a Robot, But a Ghost." Although Bird's lit-major lyrics and dynamic, classically-minded arrangements may scare off listeners looking for more immediate thrills, those who allow BEAST to work its magic will be happily entranced by its considerable charms. minimize