Thrills

Andrew Bird | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (April 7, 1998)
• Original Release Date: April 7, 1998
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Rykodisc
• ASIN: B000005Z5S
• In-Print Editions: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (29 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #68,671 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)
  • #63 in Music > Jazz > Swing Jazz > Retro Swing

Track Listings

1. Minor Stab

2. Ides Of Swing

3. Glass Figurine

4. Pathetique

5. Depression-Pasillo

6. 50 Pieces

7. A Woman's Life And Love

8. Swedish Wedding March

9. Eugene

10. Cris-Cris

11. Cock O' The Walk

12. Nuthinduan Waltz

13. Some Of These Days

Editorial Reviews

No Description Available
No Track Information Available
Media Type: CD
Artist: BIRD,ANDREW & HIS BOWL OF FIRE
Title: THRILLS
Street Release Date: 04/07/1998
Domestic
Genre: ROCK/POP

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

13 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Im Gonna Skip This Town and Head on Down to Louisiana, June 26, 2002

By 

timorous me (philadelphia) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Thrills (Audio CD)

Fans of the Squirrel Nut Zippers shouldn't be surprised if they find the music of Andrew Bird and his infamous Bowl of Fire to be particularly pleasing. Bird himself moonlights as a guest violinist for the Zippers, and has snatched away the talent of their female vocalist, Katharine Whalen, for this musical gem. Reader beware, however, that the stylings here are far different than the big band/swing of their squirrely counterparts. They are, perhaps, far more unique. The gypsy-like music sounds authentic, and evokes the idea of folk in a far different way than that which Bob Dylan has popularized. This is folklore, twisting bits of bluegrass, eastern European, jazz, and even, seemingly, Jewish/Israeli folk songs into the mix. The gypsy theme ties everything together, but an errant guitar riff or a stand-up bass throw all predictability out the window. Furthermore, the music is consistently and intentionally tinged with a static that adds to the mystery and that "old time" feel.

Likewise, the lyrics are brilliant. Bird is known for penning intelligent lyrics, and "Thrills" certainly corroborates this affirmation. Whalen's wails are still reminiscent of Billie Holiday, but her croons are sadder, more serious. "That blissful dream of childhood has ended," she laments on the seventh track, "A Woman's Life and Love". Bird's lyrics have changed her tone completely. A favorite lyric comes from the enigmatically named "Eugene": "Studies have shown/That we like sheep are prone/To sure fatal doses/Of malcontent through osmosis/But don't be sympathetic/Just pass the anesthetic/Because sheep are benign/And on the young we will dine". Cynical, perhaps, but assuredly insightful. Unlike many groups, where either the lyrics or the music are "take it or leave it", Andrew Bird's Bowl of Fire weaves the two together so well that it's almost impossible to imagine one without the other.
Certainly, "Thrills" is a one-of-a-kind, unprecedented album. It sweeps the listener into smoky lounges, gypsy campfires, and circle dances ... all at once, somehow. The album reeks of cool; Bird has created perhaps a most unique genre of modern music that, as of yet, no one has been able to match.

9 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Good but not as good as Oh! The Grandeur, December 13, 2001

By 

"sibyllinewitch" (Austin, TX) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Thrills (Audio CD)

This is a good CD though I was wanting something more like his "Oh! The Grandeur" which was more violin. This album is much closer to the Squirrel Nut Zipper sound. Which if you are not burnt out on that sound, is great. Just though I'd let people know what to expect. Enjoy!

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Ultimate HotSwing masterpiece by violin virtuoso Bird & Band, June 8, 1998

By 

[e-mail] (USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Thrills (Audio CD)

Andrew Bird's Bowl of Fire CD entitled THRILLS is a compelling compilation of multicultural, literary music that evolved from the swing band tunes of the 1920's-40's. Bird, who avoids pop music, does not merely ressurrect grand old tunes but he reinvents hot swing numbers reminiscent of this era with incredible intellectual finesse. Like a musical alchemist, His creations combine the eclectic elements of hot jazz, calypso, gypsy, blues & Irish folk into a golden, multicultural genre that could be appropriately named "Hot EURO-Swing."

Bird weilds his bow masterfully like a musical Van Gogh dipping into a pallette full of colorful lyrics, and painting powerful portraits of the characters living in his songs.

Andrew Bird's Bowl of Fire THRILLS CD is undoubtedly the cure for musical enui/ monochromatic music. This music has a levitating effect on listeners that enhances libido (musical ecstacy) & elevates mood similar to hypnosis therapy. Experience the thrill of discovering these immensely talented rising stars of hot swing; i.e. hurry up & buy this CD before it's sold out.