Break It Yourself

I'm not one for writing reviews but I thought I would for this wonderful album. I hesitated in purchasing it myself. Some reviews seemed to suggest that whilst it is a decent enough album it doesn't stand as high as "& The Mysterious Production Of Eggs" or even "Armchair Apochypha". In my personal opinion it is better than either of those (admittedly great) albums. Where some could find disappointment is that it isn't quite so experimental or unusual as some of his previous works, but the tracks on here are really honest and warm and contain some really beautiful melodies. Everything about the sound is wonderful, his voice is really amazing and his violin and whistling are also at their best. The opening track "Desperation Breeds" is utterly beautiful and its followed (after a brief musical interlude) by the very uplifting "Danse Carribe". Other stand out tracks for me are "Lusitania" and "Sifters", but the album as a whole is really amazing and also flows really well from beginning to end. I highly recommend it!

I am new to Andrew Bird. When listening to this album I have an imaginary conversation with my freinds.'Who is this then guys?''Hey, that's David Byrne!''No way man, thats Paul Simon''No no no, that's James Taylor surely!''Hang on, isn't that an early Galaxie 500 track?'I would love to chat to Mr Bird and ask him who his influences are, possibly all of those above. There isn't a duff track on this album, it's fabulous. If like me you enjoy buying music by artists that are new to you, taking a chance in other words, then take a chance with this. My guess is that, like me, you will be hugely impressed.

This is my favourite Andrew Bird Album by far, there isn't a song on it that I don't love. Favourites are the title track Give it Away, Lazy Projector and Lusitania. The album cover is beautiful and it comes with a bonus insert with Bird's fabulous lyrics. The cover is cardboard so it can be a struggle to get the CDs out without damaging it, I would suggest you handle with care.

I guess if you've heard of the album you know what to expect. Beautiful melodies, exquisite playing, layers of instrumentation and that wonderful voice. Some of the songs haven't clicked for me yet and some of the production is a bit abrasive. But it's a great album. Highly recommended.

top bird

Good sounds, worth buying if you like the artist

Super.

What a gorgeous album. I have not been this captivated for a long, long time. Out of fourteen songs, eight are truly sublime (especially the guitar-picking Orpheo Looks Back) but everytime I listen, I find a new favourite. Understated but elegant, the melodies are sweet, the singing warm and heartfelt. I wasn't an Andrew Bird fan but I'm off to find absolutely everything he has done based on this superb album!