I’ve been waiting to review A Fine Frenzy’s newest album,  Bomb in a Birdcage, for about a week now. But let’s face it, you have to be in the mood to listen to her music. If not, what should a fun car ride will turn into a depressing sobfest. Trust me, I’ve learned this the hard way by listening to her first hit “Almost Lover” at the wrong time and sending myself into an ugly crying fit while sitting in traffic on the H-1.

Some musicians rely on fancy effects and instruments to make their music enjoyable, but A Fine Frenzy’s Alison Sudol knows that her best instrument is her voice. When she hits those high notes, there’s an aching in her voice that will make you reach for the tub of Ben&Jerry’s in the fridge and a big frickin’ spoon.

Not everyone will like this kind of music. Like I said, you have to be in the mood for it. This is not the kind of music you pump in the car with your friends on the way to the booty club. This is the kind of music that will hurt a little when you listen to it and you’ll be somewhat relieved it can sound so good.

For an album entitled, Bomb in a Birdcage, the sound is actually quite light. Nothing made me want to cry in a closet like her first hit “Almost Lover” did–thank goodness. While “Almost Lover” holds great personal significance to me, I can’t listen to it all the time and that’s really a shame. A Fine Frenzy definitely has the voice and talent. Thankfully Bomb in a Birdcage definitely has higher replay value.

Sounds like: perfect night driving music.

Here’s a cover she did of “I Will Follow You into the Dark” by Death Cab for Cutie:

Filed under: Music
Posted: September 2nd 2009