Advantages: Easily accessible, light, beautiful voice
Disadvantages: Less quirky than her earlier work, too melancholy for some

...Bic (pronounced Bec) Runga is a teeny tiny singer from New Zealand and Birds is her third studio album. You may have heard her song "Sway" (from her first album Drive) on the American Pie soundtrack. The album I have is imported from New Zealand; the UK release is slightly different. This album cover isn't much to look at. You can see from the picture that it doesn't exactly reach out and grab your attention. The booklet itself, though, has some really beautiful black and white pictures of endemic New Zealand birds as well as another portrait of Bic, also in black and white. Other than that it simply has the thanks, contributors and details of booklet production - no lyrics (in case you're a singer-alonger). On the back cover is the track listing: 1) Winning Arrow 2) Say After Me 3) Listen 4) Birds 5) Ruby Nights 6) No Crying... Read review

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Advantages: Spectacular vocals, and totally original!
Disadvantages: a little short and not to all tastes

...I would love to say that I have known about them forever, but like many people, until relatively recently I had no idea that Antony and the Johnsons even existed. I now know the error of my ways and have bought both albums. (I am a bird now and their self titled debut) The songs on this album are beautifully written, and his incredible voice tops them off perfectly. My absolute favourite song on the album is 'Bird gerhl', which is just stunning to listen to. Other particular favourites of mine are 'Fistful of love' and of course 'Hope there's someone' (which is the track that initially sparked my interest in the band), and all are hauntingly beautiful to listen to. The album contains a number of collaborations, and unlike many joint projects they actually add to the albums sense of completeness. I especially like 'you are my sister... Read review

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Advantages: Amazing, haunting, beautifully written songs
Disadvantages: You'll either love it, or hate it

...to a couple of times to get the hang of! Although I like this whole album, I think that it is Antony's voice that I really love, and so prefer the tracks with him, than this one. BIRD GUHL The last track on the album, Antony's voice and piano, but again with haunting strings and great drum track in the background. Again shorter than other tracks but ends the album with the same lyrical and haunting quailty with which it begun. THE CD AND PACKAGING The cd insert is a a piece of card that folds out like a flat pack box (can't think of a better way to describe it, sorry!). On the inside you find the album and photo credits, and thank yous as well as a couple of photos - 1 of Antony. No track lyrics or real band information, but they do have a website with bios, and upcoming events, which I took a look at and was very good! PRICE... Read review

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Advantages: Excellent voice, fusion of different styles
Disadvantages: People who expect it to be all like "I'm like a bird" could be disappointed

...’s voice. “…on the radio (remember the days)” seems to be directed at an ex-boyfriend who had a go at her for “selling out” and signing with a major label. This tune has a hip hop/slow drum and bass feel to it. Baby Girl has a lot more electronic feel to it, though this is combined well with Nelly’s voice. The chorus is amazingly catchy and hints that this could be a single with remixes giving it real crossover potential. Most people are probably already familiar with the very successful “I’m Like a Bird”, this has plodding keyboards, a sweet chorus, and uplifting lyrics. This is not really a true reflection of the album however (Just like “I try” was not really a true reflection of Macy Gray’s album). A more accurate example is her next track and next... Read review

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