Cunningham Bird

“Cunningham Bird” Andrew Bird and Madison Cunningham
Chamber pop and folk rock from the multi-talented Andrew Bird and exquisite, Grammy-winning singer-songwriter, Madison Cunningham. A full-length cover and reinterpretation of the 1973 album “Buckingham Nicks.” Lindsey Buckingham and Stevie Nicks met while attending Menlo Atherton High School in Menlo Park. It sparked a decades-long creative partnership and brief, tumultuous love affair. The “Buckingham Nicks” album opened the door for the pair to join Fleetwood Mac where they made musical history. The songs on this album are a bit more stripped down than the original guitar-centric tunes — but it all works remarkably well. RIYL: Fleetwood Mac, Andrew Bird, Madison Cunningham, the Decemberists.
— Francis

Recommended: 3, 1, 6, 10, 4. No FCCs detected.

1. (2:35) Crying In The Night — Smart and simple chamber pop rendition of the guitar-centric original. Cunningham’s vocals lead, with Bird’s satisfying harmonizing and expressive violin. ****
2. (2:19) Stephanie — Bird once again shows off his violin virtuosity on this instrumental, with plucked and bowed layers. The only thing missing is his celebrated whistling.
3. (4:13) Without A Leg To Stand On — Lovely, up-tempo folk pop showcasing how beautifully Bird’s and Cunningham’s voices blend together. Swelling strings, fingerpicked guitar and flute or recorder (likely synthesized) providing support. ****
4. (4:43) Crystal — Halting guitar, with Cunningham’s and Bird’s crystalline vocals sounding much like Nicks and Buckingham must have on the original. Gentle and fragile, ending with a reverent trail-out consisting of plucked and bowed strings. ***
5. (3:35) Long Distance Winner — Stately chamber folk. The harmonized vocals capture the tension embedded in the original song, reflecting the complicated relationship between Nicks and Buckingham.
6. (3:23) Don’t Let Me Down Again — A jaunty, up-tempo stomp with confident vocals, catchy rhythm, orchestral backing and fantastic fiddling in the lead break. Very Fleetwood Mac-esque. ****
7. (1:13) Django — Sad and slow instrumental featuring Bird’s violin. Segues directly into Track 8.
8. (3:36) Races Are Run — Pensive and dramatic. Rolling melody. Violin-led with timpani underneath. Features rich harmonized lead vocals.
9. (2:31) Lola (My Love) — Sultry love song led by Cunningham’s emotive vocals, interwoven with Bird’s violin.
10. (4:44) Frozen Love — Another Fleetwood Mac-style track that apparently caused the band to reach out and ask Buckingham and Nicks to join the group. Signature Fleetwood Mac elements, from the persistent thump of the bass drum to the powerful lead vocals covered in fine fashion by Cunningham. ***