Fourth studio album from Chicago's Andrew Bird. Armchair Apocrypha was originally recorded in 2007 and saw Bird further developing his idiosyncratic style. He uses elements from previous albums, like his violin artistry and vocal delivery, and his later use of electronic looping and whistling, but here the songs are allowed to breath. The end result is an album that may not be a great leap stylistically, but one that is more cohesive than anything that Bird has previously released. It is the first of his albums to capture his live approach, something that he has garnered much praise for. Includes the songs: "Imitosis," "Heretics," and "Fiery Crash." Eleven tracks in all. Released by Fat Possum Records on 180 gram vinyl housed in a gatefold sleeve.

• 180 gram vinyl pressing
• gatefold sleeve
• music label: Fat Possum Records 2007

reviewed by Smalls Smoke Shack 05/2016