THE BIRD & THE BEE

Interpreting the Masters, Volume 1: A Tribute to Daryl Hall and John Oates

2010-04-08

Vocalist Inara George (“the bird”) and multi-instrumentalist Greg Kurstin (“the bee”) have released an eclectic mix of music over the last few years, and if one adds Inara's out-of-left-field jazz-related work, what will come out of the studio when these two are in it is anyone's guess. So what is next? Out of right-field comes a set of Hall & Oates hits from the '70s and '80s with Inara handling the Daryl Hall vocals and Greg adding a variety of electronica to the background. It's my guess programmers (and listeners) are either going to like this time-travel experience or avoid it like the plague. I like the unpredictability of this release and enjoy hearing Inara's great vocals on these pop tunes, especially "I Can't Go For That," "Sara Smile," "She's Gone" and "One On One." The opener, "Heard It On the Radio" is the only original of the set, B&B's attempt to "write a '80s pop song," they say. Important, world-changing messaging this ain't; just a homage to pop songwriting, soulful vocals and the three-minute single. Michael J. 04-10 R-Roots (Neo-Soul)

Quick Links:

• The Bird & The Bee homepage
• B&B doing "I Can't Go for That" live