Album/Concert Review: Andrew Bird, Noble Beast

After seeing Andrew Bird perform on Tuesday night at the 9:30 Club, I was slightly disappointed. Almost all of the songs that he played were from his new album and there were annoying request-shouting-fans that I would expect to see at Hannah Montana shows, not AB shows. For about 15 seconds I pulled the classic hipster move and bitched about how I think Andrew Bird is now more focused on pleasing fans and finding mainstream success than making the quirky music that I so love. But that’s just crazy. On second (and third…fourth…37th…) listen, the songs that he played were from an album that is as adventurous as any of his other ones. I do think that the whistling has gotten a bit out of control (likely due to the fact that fans really do eat it up), but this is a solid album that is perfect for any mood. Also, the deluxe version is 100% worth the extra money. The artwork is gorgeous, the extra instrumental album is hypnotic, and the lyric book is worthy of the finest of coffee tables. Andrew, I still love you and think that you can do no wrong. Favorite tracks are: “Not a Robot, but a Ghost,” “Anoanimal,” and “Effigy.”

It’s happening! It’s really happening!

The release of a new Andrew Bird album gets me all in a fluster. In fact, on the day that Armchair Apocrypha was released, I have a clear memory of feeling antsy on the metro, then mauling down tourists on my brisk walk into the office, then literally running to my computer and (finally!) downloading it immediately. True story. And while I don’t expect anyone to be as obsessed as I am, there are quite a few things floating out there right now that I thought everyone should know:

1. Here is a FANTASTIC article from The New York Times on AB.

2. NPR has kindly posted a streaming version of the new album (Noble Beast) before it is officially released on January 20th.

3. iTunes has a deal where if you pre-order the album, you get the single “Oh No” instantly.

4. AB is coming to our very own 9:30 Club on February 3rd. Even if you aren’t crazy about any songs that you’ve heard, his performances are intricate and fascinating.

5. And for the hardcore fans, there is apparently a deluxe edition of the album that has illustrations and another CD of extras. I will, of course, be getting this version!

For more up-to-date Andrew Bird news, check out his site.

Dr. Dog, in the flesh

Winning the prize for “The most decorated stage that I have seen at the 9:30 club” is…Dr. Dog!! Although a never-ending head cold, coupled with a busy December, has prevented me from writing about this 2-week-old show, it definitely deserves a moment in the spotlight. Don’t let the luau theme distract you, Dr. Dog put on a well-rehearsed and thoughtful show. The set list was great—a combination of their newer stuff from Fate with their older stuff from Easy Beat and other albums. And while they had a really tight set, they somehow maintained the vibe of a band that is new/fun and excited to be doing that they are doing. It looks like they have a lineup already planned for 2009—check them out if you can!