published: 22 /
4 /
2007
Label:
Regal/Blue Note
Format: CD
Smooth-sounding indie pop on debut album from LA duo the Bird and the Bee, who have recently toured with Lily Allen
Review
The Bird and the Bee are a two piece group that hail from Los Angeles. They are Inara George and Greg Kurtin. Inara is the daughter of Lowell George from 70’s rockers Little Feat, while Greg is a session player whom wrote a good chunk of the music on Lily Allen's album, ‘Alright, Still’.
The band describe their music as futuristic 60's American film music set in Brazil. They recently escorted Lily Allen on tour in Britain, but this is much superior to her inferior Mockney tales of London.
It kicks off with ‘Again and Again’ which is a charming twee pop number, creating thoughts of summer parks and brightly coloured butterflies.
The title track is a fluffy combination of very early Belle and Sebastian and cool French 60’s elegance in the style of Broadcast,
‘F*cking boyfriend’ is the debut single. Not as angry as its title suggests, it is still twee and bubbly, and has a similar groove to Bjork’s ‘Venus as a Boy ‘
“I'm a Broken Heart’ is as elegant as a cool long iced drink, and recalls Saint Etienne doing their best girl band tribute. ‘La La La’ is another summer park filled party pop number, while ‘My Fair Lady’, which sounds like a combination of St. Etienne and Bjork, has a paisley pop underground element to it.
‘I Hate Camera’ is like a speeded up Broadcast, and has pop elements of Client and Dubstar.
‘Because’ and ‘Preparedness’ are both lo-fi in sound. The former is a soul based R ‘n’ B number, while the latter is gentle with a strong glow to it like an early evening sunset.
‘Spark’ ends the album, and has a soft smoothness to it.
This is a great album to chill out to at the end of the day.
Track Listing:-
1
Again & Again
2
Birds And The Bees
3
F*cking Boyfriend
4
I'm A Broken Heart
5
La La La
6
My Fair Lady
7
I Hate Camera
8
Because
9
Preparedness
10
Spark