Bird York

Country of origin:

U.S.

Type of music generally:

Pop with some ectronica touches

Status:

Most recent release, Have No Fear (EP, 2008)

See also:

Bird York's site

Bird York's Facebook page

Comparisons:

Portishead, Imogen Heap, Fiona Apple

Covers/own material:

Own and co-written

General comments:

The beats and programming aren't the basis of these songs—they're mostly more acoustic-based than that (well, and electric guitar). Vocally Bird York's deep voice is more Fiona Apple than anything, though the style of song is not Fiona Apple's. It's more mainstream pop than that—classic-feeling pop songs. (Neile)

Recommended first album:

Bird

Recordings:

• Bird (1999)
• the velvet hour (2003)
• Wicked Little High (2006)
• Have No Fear (EP, 2008)

Bird

Release info:

1999—Blissed Out Records—73212

Availability:

See website for availability

Ecto priority:

Highly recommended

Group members:

Bird/Kathleen York—vocals, electric guitar, acoustic guitar, keyboards, rhythm guitar

Guest artists:

Jamie Muhoberac—keyboards, bass, programming, sounds
Steve Caton—guitars
Mark Schulman—drums, loops, programming
Scott Gillman—keyboard, electric guitar, saxophone
Phil Parlapiano—accordion
Sasha Krivtsov—bass
John Flannery—guitars
Paul Bushnell—bass, acoustic guitar
Tal Bergman—drums, loops
Lyle Workman—electric guitar
Larry Klein—bass, keyboards
Iki Levy—drum programming
Kevin Austin—snare
Greg Arreguin—electric guitar
Dave Dunn—keyboards
Vivian Campbell—electric guitar
Thom Russo—keyboards, percussion, programming

Produced by:

Kathleen York, Jamie Muhoberac, Marc Schuman, John Flannery, Larry Klein, Thom Russo

Comments:

I've listened to it a few dozen times. I really like it. It's got an edgy, almost-rock quality, interesting songs and a pretty distinct sound. (neal)

I have to say it's the most "ecto" purchase I've bought in a while. I haven't been overly excited by any new artists for a while, but I think Bird York is definitely an artist to watch.
     Amazon compared her to Portishead for her use of trip-hop beats, but to me she's more of a cross between Imogen Heap and Fiona Apple, at least vocally. She has a fairly low voice, that breaks nicely with a slight fragility.
     Her songs are really catchy, and instantly seem familiar, without being too pop. The song "Bought a Gun" is pretty disturbing—but quite catchy. There isn't a bad song on the album. Highly recommend it!
     An amazing debut album—very close to being in my top 10. Interesting songs, great voice. (jjhanson@att.net)

Smooth and trip hoppy but not without edge. Great vocals and catchy songs. A very promising debut. (stjarnell@yahoo.com)

I really love the song "Wide Open", which reminds me so much of what it feels like to be young and wild. (Neile)

the velvet hour

Release info:

2003—Blissed Out Records—82572

Availability:

See website for availability

Ecto priority:

Recommended for pop fans

Group members:

Bird York—vocals, squeeze box

Guest artists:

Michael Becker—keyboards, bass, guitars, strings, programming, piano, drum
Tim Burle—drums
John Flannery—guitars
Paul Bushnell—bass
Tal Bergman—drums, loops
Jamie Muhoberac—keyboards
Rick Mussalam—guitars
Thom Russo—keyboards, drums, programming
Steve Caton—guitars
Larry Klein—keyboards, bass, programming, guitar
Iki Levy—drum programming
Helik Hadar—programming, loops
Peter Fox—sitar, keyboards
Goffrey Moore—guitar

Produced by:

Bird York, Michael Becker, Larry Klein, John Flannery, Thom Russo, Peter Fox

Comments:

This one doesn't quite have the magic for me that Bird does. It even repeats a couple of songs from Bird, and at least for "Wide Open" I prefer the earlier version. The new songs are more pop and just don't have quite the edge as those from the first album. Still, anyone who like the first one will probably like this, and her vocals are still as interesting and powerful. (Neile)

Wicked Little High

Release info:

2006—Blissed Out Records/Narada—09463-54128-2-6

Availability:

Wide

Ecto priority:

Highly recommended

Group members:

Bird York—vocals, gopichand, acoustic and electric guitars, drum programming, squeeze box

Guest artists:

Rick Musallam—guitars, bass
Thom Russo—keyboards, drums, programming, bass
Larry Klein—guitars, bass, keys, programming
Helik Hadar—programming, loops
John Flannery—guitars
Paul Bushnell—bass
Tal Bergman—drums, loops
Jamie Muhoberc—keyboards
Michael Becker—keyboards, bass, guitar, programming, piano, drum
Jeff Bova—keys, programming
Goffrey Moore—electric guitars
Dave Hodge—drum programming
Stan Sargeant—upright bass
Sammy Merendino—drum programming
Steve Caton—guitars
Iki Levy—drum programming
Peter Fox—sitar, keyboards
Tim Curle—drums

Produced by:

Thom Russo, Larry Klein

Comments:

If you like the song "Save Me" on Bird York's debut album, you'll like Wicked Little High on which it reappears. The overall feel of the album is similar to the dark sound of her debut, but smoothed and polished. Some people might find it a little generic, but I personally don't miss the rough edges to her voice and find it a solid, relaxing listen. (JoAnn Whetsell)