Andrew Bird – The Mysterious Production of Eggs

The first third of this year I played this album non-stop. I don’t listen to it that much anymore, but when I do, it’s always as refreshing and comforting as the first time I found it in my mailbox. I really can’t say for sure that I wouldn’t rank this number one on this list. In fact, this album and the two above it on my best of 2005 list could all be considered my favorite album of the year.

Andrew Bird is an amazing musician, whose present masterpiece is sometimes overshadowed by his involvement with the Squirrel Nut Zippers. If you’ve been holding out on this album for that reason, stop being a fool and pick it up. One of the biggest disappointments I found with Pitchfork’s year end list of best albums for the year is that they left Andrew Bird off of the list.

Not only does Bird transform what he does on his albums, but he goes above and beyond that if you get the chance to see him in a live setting. I was lucky enough to see him twice this year, and each time was simply amazing and awe-inspiring.

Where some albums that I’ve enjoyed this year have had certain songs or things about them that I couldn’t get passed, there isn’t much on this record that I don’t love. Bird’s voice and instrumentation is better than ever, and he’s got some other pretty nice releases that a lot of people haven’t given the time of day either. If you’re looking for a new artist to monopolize your ears for a few months, check out Andrew Bird.
What the critics say:

Stylus Magazine – B+
Coke Machine Glow – 83%
Tiny Mix Tapes – 4/5
Pitchfork – [8.3]

Enter coupon code: muzzle05 for a 10% discount!!!

Madison readers, buy it locally from B-Side Records. If you’re a Milwaukee reader, may I suggest Atomic Records. Please support either store if you live in Madison or Milwaukee.

You can see the rest of my 2005 favorites (so far) by clicking here.