When I caught wind that Andrew Bird’s latest EP, Fitz and the Dizzyspells, was up for review, I snatched it as fast as possible. Why? Well, Bird’s intoxicating, brandied vocals, vivacious violin and unique whistling talents sold me on the recently released Noble Beast. In fact, this ex-Squirrel Nut Zippers violinist’s (you didn’t think he was always a solo musician, did you?) whistling might just be the distinguishing feature of Mr. Bird’s act.
Yes, I said whistling.
The track, “Fitz and the Dizzyspells” is perhaps the best example of Andrew Bird’s whistling abilities so far. If you’ve never considered such a skill ‘professional enough’ to grace your hardened independent sense of music, you’re going to have to give the Fitz and the Dizzyspells EP your undivided attention. Not only can Bird keep completely in tune with his whistling, but he can also add an extra-fancy vibrato to it. How many artists have you heard of who can do that (and, no Peter, Bjorn and John don’t count)? Aside from Bird’s lip trilling, there is Beatles-esque drumming and clapping against some downright creative strings, along with the adorable accompaniment of either a xylophone or the tinkling of bells. When you add all of that up, it sounds pretty happy-go-lucky, doesn’t it?
The title track then segues right into “Sectionate City,” the longest piece on the Fitz and the Dizzyspells EP, clocking over seven and a half minutes. Additionally, it is just a second cut of “Section 8 City,” a bonus track off of Noble Beast. Despite the obvious similarities regarding song titles, the three aforementioned tracks are actually three separate songs. Once again, expect to fall in love all over again with Bird’s signature whistling, his intoxicating, English-sounding vocals, and that trusty violin on the …Dizzyspells EP version of “Sectionate City.”
“Ten-You-Us,” the third chapter of the EP, has an indubitable folk sound indeed. It’s vaguely reminiscent of Radiohead in its uncomplicated approach though. I wish you lots of luck if you’re trying to skip over this installment of the Fitz and the Dizzyspells EP. Not only would you be doing yourself a sincere disservice, but you would also be missing out on some velvety smooth acoustics. Plus, with Andrew Bird at the reigns, how can you go wrong? While Thom Yorke may sometimes try a bit too hard at being avant-garde, talent comes like second nature to Bird; he’s a master of the soft-spoken vocal style, whimsical whistling, and endearing guitar rhythms that—when combined—will make your heart overflow.
Upon my first listen to “See The Enemy,” I couldn’t help but think that I had heard the song before. Well, as it turns out, “See The Enemy” is an alternative version of “Anonanimal,” a track from Noble Beast. While “Anonanimal” features strings in its beginning progression, “See The Enemy” goes for a different approach. It opens with a string instrument, accompanied by smooth, drums, and reverberating electric guitar variations against a chromatic portrayal of Bird’s vocal talents. The arrangement herein is simply magical.
“The Nightshade Gets In” is the last chapter of Andrew Bird’s latest EP. It’s filled with his vivid violin storytelling, plucky electric guitar rhythms, and whispery vocals, claiming: “We were all fast asleep.” Without a doubt, if you’re even the least bit drowsy, Bird’s talents on “…Gets In” will lull you to sleep -all in excellent taste of course.
Overall, be prepared for nothing short of excellent a-la folk guitar, whistling, and that signature violin in Andrew Bird’s latest work, the Fitz and the Dizzyspells EP. You’ll be in—fitz—before you can learn to whistle the hook to the title track.
Track List
1. Fitz and the Dizzyspells (3:36)
2. Sectionate City (7:43)
3. Ten-You-Us (3:34)
4. See the Enemy (5:16)
5. The Nightshade Gets in It (2:51)
