We Will Become Like Birds

Erin McKeown

Product Details

• Audio CD (June 28, 2005)
• Original Release Date: June 28, 2005
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Nettwerk Records
• ASIN: B0009NCPFG
• In-Print Editions: Audio CD  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars See all reviews (30 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #122,317 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com
After the higher polish production values of Grand in 2003, Erin McKeown took to the road with an edgier format. Playing electric guitar, she was usually accompanied by just a drummer. The songs and approach for this album started to take shape during that time. On her fourth album, she moves with ease from reveries about the natural forces all around her to carefully rendered paeans to struggle and perseverance. Tucker Martine's production embraces everything from earthy atmospherics ("The Golden Dream") to irresistible pop hooks ("White City") and from punch-in-the-gut rockers ("Bells and Bombs") to the prayer-like and propulsive ("Aspera"). The settings vary, but the inviting and confident character of McKeown's songs and voice make for a bracing whole. --David Greenberger

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

9 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A Decent Album From a Talented Artist, August 30, 2005

By	Billy Mabray "Smart Goat" (Yukon, OK) - See all my reviews

Overall, this is a good album. Fans of Erin McKeown will notice the sound is closer to Grand than to Distillation - more pop and less funk. If that's your thing then add another half star. I think Distillation was her best work, so I have to deduct a few points from this album's overall score.

But, there is a lot to enjoy here. Erin's voice is pleasant and inspiring - it has that distinctive timber all good storytelling voices have. As always, the lyrics are imaginative and thought-provoking.

As I said, this is a good album but, when compared to Erin's earlier work, not a great album. Still, it's always good to hear from this talented artist.

9 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars High Concept, September 11, 2005

By	lb136 "lb136" (New York, NY USA) - See all my reviews

Erin McKeown's remarkable "We Will Become Like Birds" is a concept album, of sorts. And the concept is flight.

Erin's vibrato-free alto is as superb as it was with the jazzier "Grand" (this one's more pop), and her intelligent lyrics would have won approval from the likes of Cole Porter and Lorenz Hart.

Highlights are the anthemic "Aspera," with its Latin motto, the poppy "To the Stars," the dramatic "White City," and the absolutely to die for "Delicate December."

A must have.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars "it's beautiful, i guess", August 31, 2005

By	Rhianon England (Seattle, WA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I recieved this for my birthday today, and so far i'm having a great time with it! Very upbeat album. Made a great soundtrack, as i ran around the city today. "White city" and "Bells and Bombs" have a great "strut" to them.
I've known of Erin for a long time, and distilation was a great album.... but i'm not dissapointed by this one at all. It still has a good vibe that grows with you every listen.
I could kick myself for not seeing her here in Seattle last week. Her "stylings" are even more impressive live.