In one of the more exciting, and at the same time disappointing, recent tour announcements came in the pairing of St. Vincent and Andrew Bird for a number of dates that started at the beginning of September.  I only say disappointing as there were no tour dates remotely nearby.

Of course, I come across this live session of the two simply jamming playing together in front of a small crowd somewhere in France I imagine.  The video is excellent, especially towards the end as Bird adds his violin skills to a few choice tunes from Annie Clark’s recent record.  This only hammers home how bummed I am to not be able to attend any of their shows together.

Remaining tour dates can be seen after the cut.

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Tags: Andrew Bird, St. Vincent, tour dates, Videos

Sounds like a match made in heaven, doesn’t it? Over on the website for “This American Life”, a couple of links were made available to a few videos from a TAL live event, which includes one called “Quimby the Mouse” from Chris Ware. The episode was recorded and made available last week on the website, and included mainstay contributors Dan Savage, Starlee Kine, and Mike Birbiglia. The soundtrack for the animated video comes courtesy of Andrew Bird’s “Eugene”, and hits the beats of the song perfectly. This just elevates my love for all things “This American Life” at this very moment.

Tags: Andrew Bird, This American Life

I didn’t actually realize that Andrew Bird made an appearance on the Late Show a couple of days ago until late last night.  You can watch him in all of his whistling glory along with the backing of a full band (something i’ve yet to see him with live) performing “Fitz and the Dizzyspells.”  This is exactly the sort of thing that has me absolutely giddy to see him once again when he makes his way to Atlanta next week.

You can get the MP3 for this live version over at Culture Bully.  Here’s the album version below:

MP3: Andrew Bird :: “Fitz and the Dizzyspells”

Tags: Andrew Bird, Late Show with David Letterman

We’re nearly three weeks into 2009, but you could argue that the year (in terms of music) officially begins this week. Lots of big name players have albums out this week and trying to single out just one to purchase wouldn’t be fair. New stuff from A.C. Newman, Animal Collective, Andrew Bird, and Antony and the Johnsons? Just those alone would make it a worthwhile week for most, but that is in fact just from the letter “A.” It’s silly, isn’t it?

With these huge release weeks, i’ve always been curious as to whether having all of these high-profile albums bunched together is even considered a good idea. Are people willing to shell out enough money to buy a handful of albums in a single week? I certainly am not. I would probably be willing to buy two at the most. I guess it doesn’t matter too much, as you could just pick something up at another time. But as far as my buying history goes, albums that I don’t purchase within the first week of release, the need for them diminish over time and/or I tend to forget about them completely. Do any of you have an opinion on this?

Also, just a little something to add in regards to Merriweather Post Pavilion, from someone who’s never particularly understood Animal Collective at all. Considering the massive hype surrounding this album’s release (hello 9.6 Pitchfork review), I was hesitant to listen to this one, and was ready to throw massive amounts of flaming hatred towards my friends who have righteously defended this band. Keeping things short, I am seriously impressed at how aurally and lyrically pleasing this record is. I’ve probably listened to “My Girls” and “Guys Eyes” more than any song so far this year. I think coming from a non-AC fan like myself, I certainly enjoyed listening to this one, and they’ve really turned the corner in terms of accessibility.

The 1900s
Medium High EP
MP3: “Age of Metals”

A.C. Newman
Get Guilty
full album stream
MP3: “Submarines Of Stockholm”

Andrew Bird
Noble Beast
MP3: “Fitz and the Dizzyspells”

Animal Collective
Merriweather Post Pavilion
full album stream
MP3: “My Girls”

Antony and the Johnsons
The Crying Light
full album stream
MP3: “Another World”

Atmosphere
God Loves Ugly (Reissue)
MP3: “God Loves Ugly”

Blackout Beach
Skin of Evil
MP3: “Astoria, Menthol Lite, Hilltop, Wave of Evil, 1982″

Blue Giant
Target Heart EP
MP3: “Target Heart”

Bon Iver
Blood Bank EP
full album stream
MP3: “Blood Bank”

Coconut Records
Davy
full album stream
MP3: “Drummer”

Cut Off Your Hands
You & I
full album stream
MP3: “Turn Cold”
MP3: “Happy As Can Be”

Fiction Family
Fiction Family
full album stream
MP3: “When She’s Near”

J. Tillman
Vacilando Territory Blues
MP3: “Steel on Steel”

Kyle Andrews
Real Blasty
MP3: “Sushi”

Matt & Kim
Grand
full album stream
MP3: “Daylight”

Modern Skirts
All Of Us In Our Night
full album stream
MP3: “Soft Pedals”

Or, The Whale
Light Poles and Pines
MP3: “Call and Response”

Robert Pollard
The Crawling Distance
MP3: “Imaginary Queen Ann”

Roger O’Donnell
Songs From The Silver Box
MP3: “Tiny Pieces of You (feat. Erin Lang)”

Psychic Ills
Mirror Eye
MP3: “Fingernail Tea”

Saeta
Else Another Light Might Go Out
MP3: “When Will You Find Love”

Six Organs of Admittance
RTZ
MP3: “Resurrection”

Titus Andronicus
Airing of Grievances
MP3: “Titus Andronicus”

Tags: A.C. Newman, Andrew Bird, Animal Collective, Antony and the Johnsons, Atmosphere, Blackout Beach, Blue Giant, Bon Iver, Coconut Records, Cut Off Your Hands, Fiction Family, J. Tillman, Kyle Andrews, Matt & Kim, Modern Skirts, Or The Whale, Psychic Ills, Robert Pollard, Roger O'Donnell, Saeta, Six Organs of Admittance, The 1900s, The Daily Graboid, Titus Andronicus

photo: Jeremy Farmer

It’s a cold, late night over here at TYS headquarters, as I fumble around at my desk looking for something occupy my time.  I remember hearing that NPR has been offering an exclusive preview of Andrew Bird’s new album, Noble Beast — due out on January 20th — so I figured this would be the best opportunity to finally listen to this one.

Let’s just be clear, i’m a huge fan of Andrew Bird, as I consider him to be one of the most talented musicians working in music right now.  A virtuoso at nearly every instrument he touches, and one of the most unique and engaging performers i’ve ever had the pleasure of watching in person.  That being said, i’m not sure why I haven’t been itching at the bit to listen to this new album.  I mean, I really liked Armchair Apocrypha, but I felt there was something missing from a lot of the songs — namely, two of his signature talents, his incredible whistling and violin ability.  Sure, it was there in some capacity, but a majority of the songs where these were clearly absent, just felt lifeless to put it simply.

After listening to this entire stream of the new record, I can safely say that these two major components are heavily showcased, and rightfully heard from the very beginning.  It’s kind of odd listening to this as I type since it’s usually one or the other, as I am terrible at multitasking in any way, shape, or form.  Maybe that’s a testament to this album’s strength, as it completely works as perfect background music, while still remaining somewhat engaging.  Songs seem to blend into one another, with little moments of whistling or violin plucking that seamlessly brings your attention back into the album.

I almost want to just open my window and let any person that happens to be walking by to just hear just a small sample of this genius at work.  Can’t wait to finally have this album in my hands.

If you haven’t listened to this full album stream yet, than put aside some time and kick back and enjoy this gorgeous record.

MP3: Andrew Bird :: “Heretics”
MP3: Andrew Bird :: “A Nervous Tic Motion Of The Head To The Left”
MP3: Andrew Bird :: “Imitosis (Four Tet remix)”
MP3: Andrew Bird :: “Skin Is, My (Live in Montreal)”

Tags: Andrew Bird, NPR, stream