Band of the Day (11.25.09): ANDREW BIRD

Who?

Originally a violinist associated with revival swing bands like the Squirrel Nut Zipper and his own Bowl of Fire, Andrew Bird has since evolved into one of the most captivating folk and indie rock singers of the decade. Employing the lush orchestration that comes with instruments like mandolins, guitars, glockenspiels, violins, and his uncanny whistling ability, Bird's current tunes are achingly beautiful and painstakingly composed.

And I Care Because?

- He's always doing something different. The past decade and change has found Andrew Bird hopping from genre to genre, and he's never content to stay put and give fans what they think they want. With reports that he's working on a film score next, it's already evident that he's not done shape-shifting.

- The guy really knows how to whistle. Normally this isn't such a noteworthy thing, but good God is he incredible at it. While only in a few songs originally, the whistle has come to be a trademark of Bird's last couple albums, and it perfectly accompanies his current dreamy instrumentals.

- The live loopmaster. Bird's live show is notable in that it has a full band sound despite the fact that he's more or less solo on stage. Employing a series of different instrumental loops in real time, Bird's live performances are truly a spectacle.

Stream Noble Beast below, buy his albums, and watch this video of Bird's looping skills in action.