08.23.05
Review: The Mysterious Production of Eggs
Several of my favorite musicians have released good albums this year—like Ben Folds, Foo Fighters, Sleater-Kinney, Aimee Mann, and The White Stripes, to name a few—not to mention a shockingly good unofficial online release by Fiona Apple and a compilation of EPs by Belle & Sebastian. But a new (to me) musical discovery may turn out to be my favorite album of the year: Andrew Bird’s majestic and strange The Mysterious Production of Eggs. I’m now happily and confidently recommending this album to every single person I know—it’s that good.
It’s hard to describe Eggs in terms of influences and similar artists, because there just isn’t anyone similar to this. Vocally, Bird comes in somewhere between Rufus Wainwright and Thom Yorke, but with none of the tendency to over-emote (or, on the other end of the spectrum, mumble). Musically, Bird seamlessly mixes the country and swing of his past projects with rock, folk, and classical influences. At times the instrumentation reminds me a bit of late-period Tom Waits (which is good), but mostly he stays a little closer to the pop end of the spectrum while mixing things up enough to keep the listener on his toes.
Bird’s lyrics shine, too—every song could be read as a poem. But along with the music—gorgeous melodies, shimmering harmonies, and Bird’s stellar violin, guitar, and occasional whistling—it’s irresistible. I can’t recommend this album highly enough.
