I have loved Andrew Bird since he was the side show in the Squirel nut zippers. His live show used to be a little long, but the concept of just himself gacing the stage and buiding up each song in front of our eyes part by part was riveting. Now that he tours with a drummer and occasional extras, the songs really come to life, but I miss some of the earnest charm and self-contained aura of creation that used to exude from him.

From humble beginnings as a guest violinist in the retro-jazz outfit the Squirrel Nut Zippers, Bird and his musical compadres the Bowl of Fire, also called the Mysterious Production of Eggs, have made a handfull of the most beautiful and stimulating albums. Anything goes with Bird, Pschedelic freakouts, sweet 20's vintage pop, folk, and spooky jazz. His albums are all beautifully and painstakingly produced and unlike anything else out there. It's not dinner music, but it is excellent listening.