the 31 best of 2007 – 12: The Bird and The Bee – The Bird and The Bee

In at number 12 on my year end list, is the self titled debut record by The Bird & The Bee.This is one of those records that you listen to, and think, well, isn’t this just a swell record? You get images of Wally and the Beav, and think about picnics in the park on a quaint 60s afternoon… and then you listen to the lyrics. You quickly realize that underneath those airy, sweet, and innocent vocals, Inara Gorge is telling you like it is; and that often includes lyrics about violence, irritations in her life, and of course fucked up boyfriends.

Definitely an indie record, The Bird and The Bee is one of those records that are unique, mainly because they are doing their own thing, and doing it well. I remember checking them out after hearing several people speak highly of them, and now I see why they continually say such great things about this great band. They utilize electro-pop sounds, and traditional elements like tambourines and organ sounds, and the sound they create is both beautiful and mesmerizing. It would be a perfect soundtrack for a little coffee shop, where you would go and listen to poetry readings and enjoy a nice chai tea and maybe a slice of nice carrot cake. This CD is a light-hearted retro experience, but at the same time it’s fresh and new, and it works. It’s almost like a really great dessert; but one that isn’t so sweet that it overwhelms you. Instead, it gives you the sweetness and happiness you desire, leaving you feeling refreshed and full.

With the airy sweetness of Inara’s voice, I am slightly reminded of Imogen Heap’s Frou Frou CD, but I still think that it is unique in and of itself. What hooked me, and keeps me coming back again and again, is that the Bird and The Bee really do have this thing that makes you happy when you listen; it is a really great album. It is quirky, fun, retro, and again, fresh at the same time. The fun lyrical decisions also make this CD a great time from beginning to end; often times, with interesting surprises.

The only thing that I think could have made this CD better, is if they would have included the songs from the fantastic EP that they released recently called Please Clap Your Hands.Those songs compliment the debut album, and really show that they are moving forward with making their own great music; for which I am grateful to have discovered. Specifically, one of the songs on that EP (Polite Dance Song; go see the video of this great song!) epitomizes what I think of when I think of The Bird and The Bee; there is a politeness and properness to them, but just under the surface, they just want to hang out, have a good time, and maybe even get laid like everyone else. The EP, just like the record, is really, really good; and should be considered highly when one considers this record being on my best of list for 2007 (if you follow the amazon links, you will see that you can get both for less than $15; that’s totally the price of one CD!).

This is definitely great listening, from beginning to end; and I have to ask, who doesn’t want an enjoyable, and lighthearted listening experience? Well, I know that I do! I just hope I can see them in concert at some point in the future; I have heard they are just as amazing in person.

Favorite songs from The Bird & The Bee:
I Hate Camera
[audio:http://www.duanemoody.com/audio/thebirdandbee-ihatecamera.mp3]
I’m a Broken Heart
[audio:http://www.duanemoody.com/audio/thebirdandbee-imabrokenheart.mp3]
Fucking Boyfriend
[audio:http://www.duanemoody.com/audio/thebirdandbee-fuckingbf.mp3]
Preparedness, and Spark.

Rating: