Thrills: Andrew Bowl of Fire Bird: Amazon.ca: Music

1. Minor Stab

2. Ides Of Swing

3. Glass Figurine

4. Pathetique

5. Depression-pasillo

6. 50 Pieces

7. A Woman's Life And Love

8. Swedish Wedding March

9. Eugene

10. Gris-gris

11. Cock O' The Walk

12. Nuthinduan Waltz

13. Some Of These Days

14. "Chinatown, My Chinatown"

Product Description

Bass- Josh Hirsch (tracks: 1 to 11) Drums- Kevin O'Donnell (tracks: 1 to 7, 9, 10) Guitar- James Mathus* (tracks: 1 to 4, 7 to 13) Violin- Andrew Bird Vocals- Andrew Bird (tracks: 1 to 6, 9 to 13), Katharine Whalen (tracks: 4, 7, 12)

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Customer Reviews

24 Reviews

5 star:		(18)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

Average Customer Review

4.6 out of 5 stars (24 customer reviews)

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Most helpful customer reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars Im Gonna Skip This Town and Head on Down to Louisiana, Jun 27 2002

By

timorous me (philadelphia) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Thrills (Audio CD)

Fans of the Squirrel Nut Zippers shouldn't be surprised if they find the music of Andrew Bird and his infamous Bowl of Fire to be particularly pleasing. Bird himself moonlights as a guest violinist for the Zippers, and has snatched away the talent of their female vocalist, Katharine Whalen, for this musical gem. Reader beware, however, that the stylings here are far different than the big band/swing of their squirrely counterparts. They are, perhaps, far more unique. The gypsy-like music sounds authentic, and evokes the idea of folk in a far different way than that which Bob Dylan has popularized. This is folklore, twisting bits of bluegrass, eastern European, jazz, and even, seemingly, Jewish/Israeli folk songs into the mix. The gypsy theme ties everything together, but an errant guitar riff or a stand-up bass throw all predictability out the window. Furthermore, the music is consistently and intentionally tinged with a static that adds to the mystery and that "old time" feel.

Likewise, the lyrics are brilliant. Bird is known for penning intelligent lyrics, and "Thrills" certainly corroborates this affirmation. Whalen's wails are still reminiscent of Billie Holiday, but her croons are sadder, more serious. "That blissful dream of childhood has ended," she laments on the seventh track, "A Woman's Life and Love". Bird's lyrics have changed her tone completely. A favorite lyric comes from the enigmatically named "Eugene": "Studies have shown/That we like sheep are prone/To sure fatal doses/Of malcontent through osmosis/But don't be sympathetic/Just pass the anesthetic/Because sheep are benign/And on the young we will dine". Cynical, perhaps, but assuredly insightful. Unlike many groups, where either the lyrics or the music are "take it or leave it", Andrew Bird's Bowl of Fire weaves the two together so well that it's almost impossible to imagine one without the other.
Certainly, "Thrills" is a one-of-a-kind, unprecedented album. It sweeps the listener into smoky lounges, gypsy campfires, and circle dances ... all at once, somehow. The album reeks of cool; Bird has created perhaps a most unique genre of modern music that, as of yet, no one has been able to match.

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4.0 out of 5 stars Good but not as good as Oh! The Grandeur, Dec 13 2001

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"sibyllinewitch" (Austin, TX) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Thrills (Audio CD)

This is a good CD though I was wanting something more like his "Oh! The Grandeur" which was more violin. This album is much closer to the Squirrel Nut Zipper sound. Which if you are not burnt out on that sound, is great. Just though I'd let people know what to expect. Enjoy!

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5.0 out of 5 stars BUY IT! Seriously, BUY IT!, April 10 2001

By

"blucaso" (St. Louis, MO USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Thrills (Audio CD)

See all those reviews on the page telling you how great this music is? They aren't kidding. Look, you're here, so you must have some inkling that you like this style of music, whether you've heard of Andrew Bird or not. If you really like music, if you really listen for artistry and enjoy swinging fiddle and dark/funny/interesting/nonsensical songwriting.. never mind. Stop reading and JUST BUY IT. Come back later and tell us what you thought!

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Most recent customer reviews

1.0 out of 5 stars Drivel
It's beyond my comprehension how this performance can be compared to Django et. al. I found vocals grating, tunes uninspiring, musicianship nothing to write home about and sound... Read more

Published on Jun 17 2004 by S. Grossman

5.0 out of 5 stars BUY IT! Seriously, BUY IT!
See all those reviews on the page telling you how great this music is? They aren't kidding. Look, you're here, so you must have some inkling that you like this style of music,... Read more

Published on April 10 2001 by blucaso