Andrew BirdIf Hands Of Glory, Andrew Bird's seventh and latest studio album, was a rustic town from an old Hollywood Western, Bird would be its lonesome cowboy. He faultlessly unravels tales of long ago through rejuvenated covers and reinvented originals, splashing out fiddle-infused nostalgia with artistic swagger. This is a delicate album, made slowly and consciously, and the impressive vintage soundscape is so much stronger for it.
The intimate opener, Three White Horses, is a heartbreakingly beautifully-crafted song. Focused on the goodbyes associated with death, the song is impossibly sad, and Bird subtly and with ease builds up the momentum and emotion to create a soaring, melancholy but ultimately beautiful reflection on death.
Bird flows from originals to covers seamlessly on Hands..., re-embodying tracks including the Handsome Family's bouncing gospel tune, When That Helicopter Comes, and Townes Van Zandt's If I Needed You. Bird's string-picking, harmony-packed rendition of If I Needed You is a more hymn-style cover than the original, and is manipulated as such by Bird perfectly. Hands Of Glory demonstrates the power that comes with great musicianship. The emotion and creativity within the record is largely due to the technique evident in Bird and his band. Lyrically, there are some very poignant moments; however, the emotional flow from soaring highs to deep melancholy is largely due to musical technique.
Bird's faultless style won't be anything new to those who are familiar with his work. This album isn't groundbreaking for Bird as a musician, but does once again demonstrate why so many hold him in such high regard. In a nutshell, Hands Of Glory is a beautiful journey and a great escape to another time.
