![]() the bird and the beeCountry of origin:U.S. Type of music generally:Alternative jazz-influenced indie pop Status:Most recent release, Recreational Love (2015) See also:the bird and the bee's site 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) Comments about live performance:The Bird and the Bee are from the musical Land of Retro and Twee, with loungey Bacharach, Italian disco and girl-group touches to their electronic pop. It's not a place I visit often, but their melodies are catchy and live show a lot of fun, so I was a happy tourist. They're on Blue Note, which isn't inappropriate. Recommended first album:The Bird and the Bee Recordings:
The Bird and the BeeRelease 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) 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) Please Clap Your HandsRelease info:2007—Metro Blue/Blue Note—509995 05959 2 1 Availability:Wide Ecto priority:Highly recommended Group members:Inara George—vocals Guest artists:Joey Waronker—drums (1) 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) One Too Many HeartsRelease info:2009—Blue Note Records Availability:Wide Ecto priority:Highly recommended Group members:Inara George Produced by:Greg Kurstin Comments:This 4-track ep released on Valentine's Day showcases different versions of love and relationships, not just the sugary together-forever kind. Half the songs are in their laidback, lounge style, and half are musically upbeat, in keeping with their poppier side. I love it all. (JoAnn Whetsell) Ray Guns Are Not Just the FutureRelease info:2009—Blue Note—50999 2 34556 2 7 Availability:Wide Ecto priority:Highly recommended Group members:Inara George—vocals (all tracks) Guest artists:Mike Andrews—guitar (4) Produced by:Greg Kurstin Comments:Great fun, catchy pop. More electronic and more like their last two EPs (each supplies one song) than their debut. (JoAnn Whetsell) Interpreting The Masters Vol. 1: A Tribute to Daryl Hall and John OatesRelease info:2010—Blue Note Records—50999-6-26234-21 Availability:Wide Ecto priority:Low Group members:Inara George—vocals Guest artists:Shirley Manson—background vocals on "Maneater" Produced by:Greg Kurstin Comments:I really like the first song, the club/pop "Heard It On the Radio," which is, coincidentally or not, the only original song. Then there's the rest of the album, the 8 Hall and Oates covers. Sigh. I'm not a rabid Hall and Oates fan, upset by the mere idea of someone taking on my idol's work; I'm only familiar with half the songs here. I'm actually a big bird and the bee fan, loathe to criticize, willing to give them the benefit of the doubt, to listen to this album repeatedly in order to find its brilliance. 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. "What Happened to It" appears on the Post Grad soundtrack (2009). "A Christmas Compromise" appears on the compilation Safety Harbor Kids Holiday Collection (2009). Their cover of Herman's Hermits' "I'm Into Something Good" appears on the Valentine's Day soundtrack (2010) and is also available as a digital single. Thanks to JoAnn Whetsell for work on this entry.
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