EPs A-Comin’: The Latest From Andrew Bird

Of all the great bands and musicians of whom I’ve become a big-time admirer this year, first-class whistler and multi-instrumentalist Andrew Bird may top the list. Just take one look and listen at his A Nervous Tic Motion of the Head to the Left and tell me that’s not a wonderful example of originality and genius in a sea of raw sewage. I’ve been swimming in raw sewage, and I love it. (Frank Drebin, 1988)

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Pitchfork’s got the scoop on Bird’s new eight-song EP, Soldier On:

Along with a handful of outtakes, alternate mixes, and early versions of Bird classics, the disc sports Andrew’s cover of Bob Dylan’s “Oh Sister”, his contribution to the Janet Reno-curated Songs of America compilation, and a tune from the dance project he cooked up alongside Molly Shanahan/Mad Shak. There’s a new track, too, the somewhat improbably titled “The Water Jet Cilice”. The disc is currently only available at the Birdman’s gigs, but should head into wider availability early next year.

If the combination of a stupendous live show and some new tracks aren’t incentive enough to get you to a show, then you may or may not deserve to be kicked in the junk. Just sayin’.