Andrew Bird
"Armchair Apocrypha" (Vinyl)

Andrew Bird's fourth solo album was released in 2007.  A slight departure from his earlier solo albums (and their heavy emphasis on the violin) sees a favoring more electric guitars and traditional "combo" feel.

That change, for me, makes this album less magical for me than Bird's earlier work.  Albums like "Weather Systems" or "The Mysterious Production of Eggs" had a quirky, unique flavor that was not easily imitated.  With 'Apocrypha,' some of that magic has waned and more accessible song-writing leaves this collection feeling a little washed-out.

A harsh opinion for a record that is still head-and-shoulders above your regular fare, but when you have a habit of being exceptional...