Andrew Bird – Inside Problems

Too often, charming artists shy away from their charm, worried that it’s a crutch which will define them, that they’ll be all surface and no depth. Or they just don’t trust in their charm, can’t believe that people really like them. It is true that an artist needs more than charm to make it, at least to make it far, and if you think you’re charming, that’s the most un-charming thing ever. But thankfully Andrew Bird doesn’t shy away from his natural appeal on Inside Problems.

That all being said, Bird is still clearly an accomplished musician, but there are tons of skillful artists who never made it anywhere (and usually end up teaching guitar to teenagers). That can be seen on Inside, though also can tip itself into extended folk instrumentation that Bird does well, though can also wear out its welcome, like six-plus minute tracks “Underlands” and “Eight”. But the Bird that won you over with a whistle back when comes out on the album, such as the relaxed “The Night Before Your Birthday”, catchy “Make a Picture”, and jaunty “Atomized”. Back-to-back-to-back in the middle of the album, they maybe could have used some separation on the track list, fans having to wait for the charm through opener “Underlands” (which at least does have some Bird whistle).

While probably not his Finest Work Yet (QRO review), Inside Problems nicely combines Andrew Bird’s skill and charm, without hiding either.