Friday, November 25, 2011

Andrew Bird lends his whistling skills to The Muppets Movie

Today I watched The Muppets Movie and was delighted to discover that the ever so talented and ever so handsome Andrew Bird (whom in my opinion actually looks somewhat like a bird) made an appearance in the film. He is disguised behind the voice of a puppet who realizes he is really a muppet. Let me clarify. Bird whistles in the movie during a particular singing number. That is all and it is grand.






















Bird has mentioned in interviews that he doesn't want to be most known for his whistling skills. Even so, it seems that he does not stray away from it. In fact, in this film it is his only role. The song below has also found its way onto the film's soundtrack.


"The Whistling Caruso" 

It surprises that Bird fears that he will only be known for his whistling as his skills stretch far and wide.






















Andrew Bird got his start as a solo artist but found his commercial success when he was involved with The Squirrel Nut Zippers 1996 to 1998. He appeared on their albums, "Hot", "Sold Out" and "Perennial Favorites". Bird later blazed his own trail as a solo performer.

I was first exposed to Bird's music when he opened for an Ani Difranco concert years ago. He played solo and incorporated use of guitar, glockenspiel, violin and yes, whistling. He used instruments seemingly simutaneously which was a real treat. We as an audience were wowed.

Bird is known for playing a guitar then slinging it behind his back only to pick up a violin. He'll use a glockenspiel and then move over to his mic to do some singing and some whistling.

In 2005 Martin Dosh of Dosh, began playing with Bird so as to add percussion and keyboards. I had been a fan of Dosh prior this collaboration, so it was an exiting addition for me to witness.

I found it appropriate that Bird landed onto The Muppets soundtrack being that he was also featured on the September 2001, The Green Album.




















The Green Album features some of The Muppet's most memorable and favored songs. Bird sings the wildly popular Bein' Green.

To save you the effort of scrambling to find a taste of Mr. Bird's music, I am posting a video for you here. Here is the lovely Andrew Bird with Dosh Martin on drums.


"Nervous Tic Motion of the Head to the Left" - Andrew Bird - Live at Bonnaroo -   June 16, 2006 - Manchester, TN

For more information about Andrew Bird, visit the official website, here.

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