the bird and the bee
Country of origin:
U.S.
Type of music generally:
Alternative jazz-influenced indie pop
Status:
Most recent release, Please Clap Your Hands EP (2007)
See also:
the bird and the bee's sitethe bird and the bee's MySpace page
Inara George also records as a solo artist, and collaborates with Rod Jones of Idlewild as George Is Jones.
Greg Kurstin did three albums with Geggy Tah and one as The Kurstins (duo with sister Pamelia Kurstin)
Comparisons:
Astrud Gilberto, Julee Cruise
Covers/own material:
Own, occasional cover
General comments:
As a duo, Inara George (bird) and Greg Kurstin (bee) make eclectic indie pop music with electronic touches and elements of jazz and lounge that they've described as "psychedelic Burt Bacharach." (JoAnn Whetsell)
Recommended first album:
The Bird and the Bee
Recordings:
- Again and Again and Again and Again (ep, 2006)
- The Bird and the Bee (2007)
- Please Clap Your Hands (ep, 2007)
The Bird and the Bee
Release info:
2007—Metro Blue/Blue Note—0946 3 68251 2 0/bte 68251
Availability:
Wide
Ecto priority:
Highly recommended
Group members:
Inara George—vocals; fuzz bass (1)
Greg Kurstin—all instruments except as noted below
Guest artists:
David Ralicke—horns (4)
Produced by:
Greg Kurstin
Comments:
I wasn't crazy about Inara's solo debut, but this album is so eclectic and inspired and her voice is just drop dead gorgeous, reminiscent of Astrud Gilberto in my opinion. The album has the same retro-feel as Camera Obscura, but it's catchier and more playful and there are so many killer tracks you're being spoilt for choice. "Again & Again," "I'm a Broken Heart," "I Hate Camera," and "Fucking Boyfriend" are obvious highlights. Presently they all seem stuck in my head. (christina_skov@hotmail.com)I discovered the bird and the bee on NPR. My reaction is similar to christina_skov's. Never really got into Inara George's debut, but I LOVE this album. (JoAnn Whetsell)
Please Clap Your Hands
Release info:
2007—Metro Blue/Blue Note—509995 05959 2 1
Availability:
Wide
Ecto priority:
Highly recommended
Group members:
Inara George—vocals
Greg Kurstin—all instruments except as noted below
Guest artists:
Joey Waronker—drums (1)
Gus Seyffert—electric guitar (1)
Willow Geer, Megan Geer Alsop, Alex Lilly—background vocals (1)
Sia—background vocals (5)
Produced by:
Greg Kurstin
Comments:
This 20-minute EP is so catchy and fun, I keep playing it over and over and still don't know how to describe it. I don't think the Bee Gees cover is as strong as their original material (though it shows a different mood), but overall this EP is fantastic and another must-have for fans. (JoAnn Whetsell)
Further info:
the bird and the bee's "Carol of the Bells" appears on the Starbucks Stockings by the Fire holiday compilation (2007) and is also available as a digital download at stores like iTunes and Amazon.com.
Thanks to JoAnn Whetsell for work on this entry.
