Andrew Bird's Bowl of Fire
Thrills
(Rykodisc)
Presenting an odd combination of '20's caberet music, New Orleans jazz, and (William S.) Burroughs-eque poetry, Andrew Bird's Bowl of Fire is one of the best of the anachronistic revival acts out there today.  Even the recording quality of the disc itself is unusual, sounding almost as though it was actually recorded during the time period it emulates: all scratchy and fuzzy as if pouring out of the brass cornucopia of a pre-vinyl Victrola. Featuring such talents as Jack Fine and Katherine Whalen (both of Squirrel Nut Zippers), this disc will definitely appeal to anyone with an interest in hearing the authentic sound of the pre-Swing period.
Holly Day